This post is part of the series on starting a small business.
So far we have talked about getting some ideas together for starting a small business, and about what to do in your first meeting. Now that you have some idea of what you want to do, it’s important to figure out how you are [...]
Using “Yes, and…” during brainstorming
One of the cardinal rules of Improv is that you should never say “No” to another performer. “No” is a stop sign. “No” means rejection of an idea or a person. “No” inhibits creativity and innovation, which often rely on comfort and an open mind. While brainstorming, it is vital that [...]
Though most people probably think of using negotiation tactics during formal negotiations, the following strategies can be used in any situation where there is a disagreement.
1. Reduce tension with time
If discussions are getting heated, considering separating the parties for a while so that tempers can cool. When both parties return, make sure each party is [...]
The following poor decision-making practices were identified by the authors of Hard Facts, Dangerous Half-Truths, and Total Nonsense.
Casual Benchmarking
Often companies will benchmark against practices at their competitors, and will imitate the activities that seem successful at another corporation. However, before imitating other’s practices, or comparing one’s own company to another, management should ask if [...]
As mobility and seamless communications become part of our every day work lives, we will begin to notice that there are a lot of empty cubes and offices in our office buildings. While I was working at Accenture many years ago, they implemented a system by which we would simply reserve space for those days [...]
From the Blackberry to seamless and intelligent communications
One specific change that will affect the information worker of the future, and which was alluded to in my last IWF post about mobility, is the rise in seamless, and increasingly intelligent, communications. Most of us who are constantly “plugged in” are familiar with the short buzz or [...]
Conflict can be used to get all the ideas out on the table
Make sure everyone’s opinions get expressed
Good results come from a good process
Use conflict to explore all options
While some may think that conflict in a group setting is counterproductive, research has shown that a little bit of conflict, whether intrinsic or manufactured, can [...]
A while ago, I was asked what the workplace of the future would look like. How would the way we work change? How would we use new tools to increase efficiency, and potentially mobility.
One major area of change - and we are just starting to see how some of these technological advances are changing the [...]