 |
 |
||||
|
Armstrong Results
Perhaps it is because it is autumn and there is a sense of ‘getting down to business’ but it occurs to me that our newsletter is all about focusing; about letting go of what no longer works and discerning what really will improve performance. Often organizations are concentrating on what to bring into their organization; a new strategy, the latest piece of software or leading edge technology, a management tool or leadership technique. Rarely are they looking for what to give up! Organizations have difficulty letting go of something that isn’t working. The tendency is to stick with things for far too long. What a waste of energy, resources and time! Merck is tackling this issue by rewarding their research scientists with stock options for abandoning experimental drugs that aren’t working. “An inability to admit failure leads to inefficiencies. A scientist may spend months and tens of thousands of dollars studying a compound, hoping for a result he or she knows likely won’t come. ‘You can’t change the truth. You can only delay how long it takes to find it out,’ Kim (Head of R&D) says (emphasis ours). ‘If you’re a good scientist, you want to spend your time and the company’s money on something that’s going to lead to success.’”1 Consider for yourself what ideas or practices you are holding on to that no longer serve your people and your organization. Practice giving it up for success! Enjoy!
1 Business Week, July 30, 2007, pp 70. |
||||
|
Puh-leese: Save Me from Consensus!
|
||||
 |
Get In the MessGet real alignment; not consensus. Alignment has power, whereas consensus is built on the lowest common denominator. It takes an act of courage to lead conversations that create alignment in an organization. Sometimes it isn’t “nice” and it’s almost always messy. That’s what real communication takes – mucking around in the mess of disagreements, differing opinions and strongly held views until the truth is revealed…until something emerges that resonates with everyone. Something that people can wholeheartedly sign up for with no reservations. Do you have enough of that in your organization? If you’re interested in leadership as an act of courage and service; and communication that makes a real difference, give us a call. |
||||
 |
Armstrong Results ForumMost organizations aren’t serious about improving performance. They say they “don’t have time”. Actually, that’s not quite true. They do have time for one more initiative that promises great results for very little effort. And they are so busy with that, they miss the real opportunity right under their nose. What they say they don’t have time for is reviewing each project or initiative to determine both the capability that was developed by the project and the next level of capability to be developed. Pretty simple and tremendously powerful. Find 10% incremental effectiveness each year and before the decade is out you have doubled your capability. Are you willing to take the time to double your capacity or are you too busy with the next big thing? If you have any questions or issues you would like us to discuss in upcoming newsletters, please let us know.
|
||||
Areas of Focus
|
mm | About UsArmstrong Consulting Group works with senior leaders and teams to develop people and build performance in their organization. Please give us a call if you are interested in...
Check out our new Reading List on our website, under Resources. If you have a book to suggest, please let us know. We hope you have enjoyed this issue of our newsletter. Sincerely,
email: kris@armstrongresults.com |
m |
