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 [...]
A big mistake business partners can make during their first meeting is trying to accomplish too much in what is just the first of many planning meetings. So what should you try to get done in your first meeting?
Discuss what each of the business partners has to offer, what unique skills or experience do they [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]