Vivid Epiphany

Creating an Inspired Workplace: Putting Everyone on the In-Team

Feb 2

Carolann Jacobs on February 2nd, 2010

Ever had that experience in which you brought up a really good idea and the group or leader ignored it, only to have someone else bring up that exact same idea and the group met it with excitement?
Turns out, new research has shown that the brain hears things differently based on whether the person saying [...]

Managewhich Tip: Getting in Front of Change Through Leadership

Jan 26

Carolann Jacobs on January 26th, 2010

“The enemy to real change is lip service” ~Peter Block
This is never more true than in a low trust organization. How many times have you been in meetings where heads nod in agreement only to have nothing done? It’s insidious because we think the group is on board when they aren’t.
We can work with opposition [...]

Managewhich Tip: Process-Focus Ain’t a Bad Thing

Jan 19

Carolann Jacobs on January 19th, 2010

We hear a lot about being results-focused and results-driven. Results are important, and somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of the importance of the journey.
Case and point. In 1959, Cuba had an illiteracy rate of 23%. Post Castro revolution, in 1961, it was reduced to 4%. Let’s just say, this wasn’t the kindest of [...]

So How are Those Resolutions Going?

Jan 14

Carolann Jacobs on January 14th, 2010

So, we’re about halfway through January, and even though I suggested that resolutions are a waste of time, I bet some of you made them anyway. How’s it going?
For those of you who are on track, congratulations!
For those of you who’ve already broken down, how about trying something different this year.
My fabulous mentor coach, Ken Abrams, reminded [...]

Managewhich Tip: New Rule for Productivity?

Jan 12

Carolann Jacobs on January 12th, 2010

What if, like gasoline, your brain power and attention were a limited resource? And that once your attention tank was empty, your thinking ran on fumes?
Turns out, the latest brain studies indicate that this is indeed the case. Our attention is in limited supply, and we work in ways that squander it.
In his new book, Your [...]

Managewhich Tips: What is “Too Busy” Saying About You?

Jan 5

Carolann Jacobs on January 5th, 2010

We’re all busy. And, being busy in our culture can be a badge of honor. Busy = Important.
“Busy” is also where Managewhiches get tripped up.
Case Study 1:
Jennifer was on the receiving end of some “unpleasant” news. Her company was cutting back on hours for its hourly employees and reorganizing some of its [...]

Managewhich’s Guide to the Annual Review

Dec 17

Carolann Jacobs on December 17th, 2009

For many middle managers, it’s that time of year again. Fiscal year’s over and review time is upon us. I’m guessing that this is an unpleasant task for most of you, which is a shame.
Corporate America has taken one of it’s better opportunities for engagement and celebration and turned it into a administrivia-laden stress-inducing B.S.-laden [...]

Putting Some Meat in the Managewhich!

Dec 9

Carolann Jacobs on December 9th, 2009

No one wakes up in the morning and asks to themselves, “How can I screw my job up today?” And yet, sometimes we feel that way in our management roles, yes?
I’ve gotta tell you, when I look back over the course of my corporate career, there were a lot of things I would do differently, [...]

What Got You Here May Not Get You There

Dec 3

Carolann Jacobs on December 3rd, 2009

When met with what seems to be a familiar situation, humans behave based on habit. The brain is designed to operate based on patterns and filters, so it’s very quick to assess “Woah! something’s going on here” vs. “Oh, OK” and respond accordingly.
By the way, it’s also the same mechanism that makes Bob’s name easier [...]

Managewhich Question: Who the “mans” the Role of Policy Police?

Dec 1

Carolann Jacobs on December 1st, 2009

“The rules make it fair for everyone,” a quote from one Managewhich who’s struggling with influencing and managing her peers.
The Managewhich was describing how other groups are rewarded for complaining (as opposed to problem-solving), how other managers were giving undocumented vacation days in exchange for excessive for overtime, and other “rule-breaking” perks. Her point of [...]

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