tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.comments2017-10-06T11:24:01.467-04:00Managing and Leading at Work and at HomeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07012220883578833655noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-32465052115925928772014-06-05T12:13:40.488-04:002014-06-05T12:13:40.488-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07012220883578833655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-89828864116026754662014-06-04T21:15:44.455-04:002014-06-04T21:15:44.455-04:00I am a Finance Manager and also a blue belt at jiu...I am a Finance Manager and also a blue belt at jiu jitsu. In the jiu jitsu community, this quote means that no matter how technical a fighter is, sometimes "heart" can beat technique. "Heart" in jiu jitsu means never surrendering, no matter how bad things go. It means leaving it all in the mat, it means fighting for the honor of the art, your academy and your jiu jitsu lineage. <br /><br />Taking this into a management context. You can lead by example, but you cannot teach "heart". The commitment must grow within each individual and their own purposes. Of course you can inspire your team, you can recognize progress, reward good performance, coach your bottom performers, develop your top performers and in the process generate commitment. <br /><br />But there are no lessons to teach "heart". You can inspire and lead people to greatness. But "heart" grows within each individual, some might have it and some won't. It's not like teaching math to kids were eventually everyone will understand that 2+2=4. <br /><br />You can do all the right things, but some direct reports might still will go to other companies when offered a slightly higher salary.<br /><br />Great blog though!<br /><br />04/10/2020https://www.blogger.com/profile/00029795903759984535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-36940847053394352062013-11-04T19:34:48.147-05:002013-11-04T19:34:48.147-05:00"While I believe we cannot motivate another p..."While I believe we cannot motivate another person -- that the other person has to be self-motivated"- you just said it, you can't teach heart! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-30000323409621085392012-01-05T14:04:14.341-05:002012-01-05T14:04:14.341-05:00Very insightful Illysa, beautiful post. As social ...Very insightful Illysa, beautiful post. As social values diminish, the concept of merit evaporates.Ayman Nassarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380153517319452000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-9651683301252077672011-12-15T02:12:21.588-05:002011-12-15T02:12:21.588-05:00Eliminating time wasting activities is a good way ...Eliminating time wasting activities is a good way to focus more on work and be productive. Social media are some examples that can distract you while working. I've encounter this problems before and instead of working I'm addicted with playing games. At first it is really hard totally deny this distraction because I enjoy a lot in playing and I tend to forget my priorities and it makes me unproductive. At the end of the day I don't even finish any of my tasks then I realize that when it continues it would be bad for me. What I do is discipline myself not to play games until I'm done with my task but there are times that I can't avoid it. One thing that also helps me totally controls time wasting is with the use of <a title="online tools" href="http://www.timedoctor.com/blog/2010/07/25/how-is-time-doctor-different-than-rescue-time" rel="nofollow">online tools</a> that helps me manage my time and accurately tracks task. Using this tool I list my entire task on it and set an amount of time to do each task that I always follow. This time I can manage effectively time wasting activities.jakenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-62299828913583569672011-12-05T19:47:06.879-05:002011-12-05T19:47:06.879-05:00I agree, hear can be taught, when people have a pu...I agree, hear can be taught, when people have a purpose, they develop a passion and that is when they can be committed and dedicated.Ayman Nassarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09862031426165857265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-83526634430745465222011-10-12T12:01:42.383-04:002011-10-12T12:01:42.383-04:00Yes, they may not change their behavior (because t...Yes, they may not change their behavior (because they can't or don't want to) but I've never seen it worsen as a result of being told of its impact.<br /><br />Thanks for this great input, Beth!Illysa Izenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01758575489395998710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-20932490827057533782011-10-12T10:07:04.546-04:002011-10-12T10:07:04.546-04:00As you stated, we have control over our own emotio...As you stated, we have control over our own emotions and how much we let a person’s negativity affect us. By not letting them know, you are not giving them the opportunity to modify their interactions with you. I think you should give people some benefit of the doubt. Once I’ve told people how their actions were affecting me, I’ve never had their behavior become more negative. However, I do always feel some anxiety and nervousness, because it is opening you up to possibly being more hurt.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06719195540656385996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-31713625771161818952011-10-12T09:50:08.451-04:002011-10-12T09:50:08.451-04:00Good idea, it is very easy to get caught up and lo...Good idea, it is very easy to get caught up and lose focus with all the distractions available!!Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06719195540656385996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-38901015639980777862011-09-30T08:55:20.844-04:002011-09-30T08:55:20.844-04:00Hi, yes it is very hard to focus on our own measur...Hi, yes it is very hard to focus on our own measures of success when everywhere we turn there are messages that other measures are the "right" measures.<br /><br />I appreciate that you've determined your own measures. We all should make a list of success factors for ourselves and put it somewhere we can see it frequently so that we don't get swayed by others' ideas. <br /><br />I also appreciate your positive attitude, Rekha. I will try to follow your example.<br /><br />Thanks for the post!Illysa Izenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01758575489395998710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-3939763122203488142011-09-29T21:52:01.679-04:002011-09-29T21:52:01.679-04:00Great post.
I feel most of the times, we use &quo...Great post. <br />I feel most of the times, we use "No-win model" to arrive at a choice for such situations where we assess them based on what we gain or what we lose if we do this or that. I read a book ("Feel the Fear and Do it anyway" authored by Susan Jeffers) sometime back which talked about the internal chatterbox which takes control. Under its influence we start predicting the results of both the choices.So even if we make one choice and move forward with it, our internal chatterbox throws another question that what if the situation reverses ...so this whole process becomes crazy and actually even if we don't fail...we do fail in the process by making it so agonizing.<br /><br />An alternative approach is to try and follow the No-Lose Model as you suggested: thinking there are goodies on both the ways despite the outcome. Of course the goodies (opportunities) can be different. <br /><br />I will give you my own example:<br />I took path A and did my bachelor's in Alternative Medicines, became a practicing physician. I felt something is missing and I need to pursue something more focused on core research of diseases. <br />I took path B and did my Masters in Biotech with Management Courses. I thought I will go into research but it did not work out. <br />So both the paths I did not achieve any positive outcome(=failed?) so what, I took path C and used my knowledge (=goodies)gained on these paths A and B and made a career for myself which I like which is Quality and Regulatory Field (as we all know that its a huge plus to have both clinical knowledge and management experience for these kind of jobs). <br /><br />So I guess what needs to change is the way you look at these goodies. Most of the times we relate goodies in life to money,status fun, some visible signs of success or entertainment that's why it gets difficult to adapt the No-Lose Model. One thing which inspired me was this line that "we will not succeed in everything we do and that's the only thing which is guaranteed". But look at how rich life gets with experiences (of how to do things in a better way or what not to do again ), knowledge, a less stressed life where you don't continuously juggle predicting the future of unknown circumstances. So you win or lose..you are actually winning in the process.Rekha Anandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-7302075687794379192011-05-19T13:09:09.875-04:002011-05-19T13:09:09.875-04:00Interesting Ayman -- you are right: many projects ...Interesting Ayman -- you are right: many projects should come from the customer.<br /><br />I haven't heard about non-technical organizations using the systems approach. Other readers?Illysa Izenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01758575489395998710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-71258192444973670442011-05-19T13:04:31.444-04:002011-05-19T13:04:31.444-04:00Hi Illysa
Communication is definitely needed on p...Hi Illysa<br /><br />Communication is definitely needed on projects, however the main driver for project goals should be coming from the customer (end user) and the sponsor (whoever is paying for the work). The implementer might determine that requirements are unrealistic and push back, management might support the customer's view, hence as you stated communication comes into play. Specifically technical facilitation, a process I have used on many complex projects which involve many stakeholders (a couple dozen implementation teams) and half a dozen or so business process groups, on top of that you might have a couple of sponsors, and each one of these groups has there own interests and priorities. The communication challenge can get very complicated and tedious hence the need for a facilitator who can assist in reaching an optimum solution, which serves everyone's needs. Engineers focus on optimum solutions, not perfect ones, hence systems engineers are usually the most suited to play this role on a project. I would be interested in knowing if you or any of your readers have come across systems engineers who play this role in non-technology or non-engineering environments?Ayman Nassarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380153517319452000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-82885425671572733842011-03-31T16:01:13.308-04:002011-03-31T16:01:13.308-04:00For me, there is no failure if you learn something...For me, there is no failure if you learn something and/or become a more well developed person. We learn primarily through life experience. If you think about it, learning depends on failing (think of a child learning to walk). Think of Edison saying (my own version of the quote): "I didn't fail at making a lightbulb 1000 times. I learned 1000 ways NOT to make a lightbulb." As adults, we tend to care more about failing than children because we have egos we want to protect--that's the main reason. <br /><br />On the other hand, part of the learning process is being able to make life affirming choices and evaluate, "is this opportunity/goal worth the necessary investment of my time and energy?" I think my positive energy is the most valuable resource I have. My health, my relationships, my work must be resourced from my energy. As I get older, I care more and more about WHY I'm doing something and less and less about the outcome. I can never control or predict the outcome (may or may not look like conventional success), but if I choose out of my sense of purpose and my values, is it really possible to fail?<br /><br />In terms of working with direct reports, I think we must be willing to make "failing" less of a big deal and learning more of a big deal. When the penalty for failing is high, people won't take risks and the important work won't be attempted.Chris Morrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-4192475017900716362011-03-31T11:31:14.601-04:002011-03-31T11:31:14.601-04:00Interesting Alphageek, thanks for commenting. Do o...Interesting Alphageek, thanks for commenting. Do others think that this has to do with a focus on instant gratification: if I don't succeed quickly I haven't succeeded?<br /><br />If so, how can we help our direct reports who may have grown up with this focus as well as our kids living in this culture learn to live with the ambiguity of working toward something that may, far in the future, succeed or may (gasp!) fail?<br /><br />I look forward to hearing your thoughts.<br />--IllysaIllysa Izenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01758575489395998710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-5002426298988476002011-03-31T11:25:37.033-04:002011-03-31T11:25:37.033-04:00great post and great questions--Not sure what woul...great post and great questions--Not sure what would be the best response here--Seems "instant gratification" is equted to success/passing by many nowdays and traditional learn and pass model is indeed getting weaker....Would like to know myself best way to reenergize and show courage to fail as stepping stone to success to many!!!alphageek@gmail.comhttp://www.alphageek.co.innoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-63093103218609424792011-03-23T07:29:44.386-04:002011-03-23T07:29:44.386-04:00Thanks for your comments, Scott. I also teach eng...Thanks for your comments, Scott. I also teach engineers and I see many students working to "get through" the program rather than fully experience the program, and I see many instructors facilitating that by failing to demonstrate enthusiasm for their topic. I'm glad there are some EE teachers out there (as I assume you are) who see this as a challenge to overcome.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />IllysaIllysa Izenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01758575489395998710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-89968174668772344752011-03-22T20:59:41.142-04:002011-03-22T20:59:41.142-04:00Though I don't have any children of my own, I ...Though I don't have any children of my own, I totally understand where you are coming from. Yet, to be honest, I think that the "standard path" is nothing more than a societal norm that is based in tradition. It is certainly beneficial to show that you can demonstrate that you were willing to learn and took the necessary measures to do so, but at the same time it's important to have a passion and understanding for the learning that you have done.<br /><br />A hiring company will put emphasis on what you've done in the past and what you can show simply because they cannot judge your ability and character in a short amount of time. But every single person on this planet is completely different. I would guess that 80% of the people who enter higher education programs just go through the motions to get the degree and don't completely grasp the concepts. Does that mean that they should be more qualified than someone who decided that academia isn't their cup of tea and decided to learn on their own? Even if they are more qualified to speak on the topics? I've found that people in my line of education (EE) basically do just that because the material is too difficult to stuff into a semester, or a 4-year program, and often isn't taught well or even pertinent nor timely.<br /><br />I suppose the bottom line here is that individuals learn differently, and teachers teach differently, and that most of the time they are not matched well. So what is the solution?<br /><br />If your son is passionate about learning despite what he is being taught that is a good thing. Grades be damned!odhinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01273509084458883853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-84756001599335612212011-02-09T19:34:02.382-05:002011-02-09T19:34:02.382-05:00Nice title which says alot. You are so right in s...Nice title which says alot. You are so right in saying we need to look at the best examples who have shown what is possible.<br /><br />Human "resources" are at times limited by what is imposed on them. Individuals are sold short all of the time. One of my nephews is so bright he gets bored in class and would misbehave. His teacher advised to prescribe medicine for his condition. With better discipline at home and more challenging courses he is getting A's without medication and he won the school spelling bee.<br /><br />How many valuable contributions are made by specific individuals on a spiritual, moral, and sacrificial level which can never be measured? Mothers, fathers, and educators contribute in this way much of the time...John V.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-36585384557258720232011-01-12T20:24:06.608-05:002011-01-12T20:24:06.608-05:00What an interesting question! Is it possible to b...What an interesting question! Is it possible to be an excellent leader at home and work?? I am the mother of two and over the last ten years, I have stayed home fulltime, worked part-time, and now am working fulltime in a professional level position in Higher Ed. <br /><br />There is definitely a gender dimension to Illysa's question. I don't know that most men worry so much about being excellent at work conflicting with being excellent at home. My husband, for example, views working hard in his career as a way that he provides and cares for his family. As a woman, I more often frame the situation as choosing between investing my energy at work versus investing my energy at home. (In other words, working is somehow "taking away" from my kids.) When my children were little and I was working part-time, I remember having a hard time ever feeling really good about either role (work or home). <br /><br />Now that my oldest child is 13, I have started viewing my work/home life more holistically. I have to find the balance that maximizes my positive energy and values, and I choose to approve of my choices. (It's a fast track to misery to need others to validate our choices.) I see commitment, authentic engagement, and enthusiasm as attractive in leaders at home and work, but I would not say that "guilt" (fear based) is very useful. Draining, yes. Useful, no.Chris Morrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-65698176354576714602010-09-17T00:13:28.550-04:002010-09-17T00:13:28.550-04:00I'm working in an environment where at least 9...I'm working in an environment where at least 90% of everything that is said is meant as a joke. What qualities do I need to have to be a successful leader in such an environment?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06492295705398593172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-88092404968402540892010-09-13T23:45:35.603-04:002010-09-13T23:45:35.603-04:00I'm voting for the third option.
Profitable c...I'm voting for the third option.<br /><br />Profitable companies have more money that they can spend on employees to make them happy.<br />And that in turn makes people want to work there.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06492295705398593172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-21123200218842359822009-12-06T10:53:47.739-05:002009-12-06T10:53:47.739-05:00I will admit that when it comes to family, I do ha...I will admit that when it comes to family, I do have preconcieved notions of what everyone's agendas are, and assume that everyone is generally static over the years. While I don't necessarily believe that actions define a person in entirety, they reflect a large portion of character. The difference becomes the "why?" If I feel I am unfairly judging someone, I will ask myself what is it about their character that generates the action? Sometimes I find these actions come as a pre-condition response, and may not have much weight to them. Yet, even in doing this, it is difficult to proceed without making some assumption on the part of observer.<br /><br />Perhaps the best approach is to change your own reaction. The other person is doing much of the same judgment of you as you are of them. So, if your reaction or response is different from what they expect of you, then the dynamic changes.odhinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01273509084458883853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-83268595205397336332009-12-01T04:00:30.540-05:002009-12-01T04:00:30.540-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1453571018825820841.post-54480021482160724552009-11-29T21:03:15.038-05:002009-11-29T21:03:15.038-05:00I lasted about 3 of the 5 days before I began to j...I lasted about 3 of the 5 days before I began to judge people as I judge them rather than as they'd like to be seen. I must continue to work on this. While I'd like to believe that my assessment is far more clear-eyed than others', I know that is not true. In reality, people are a mix of their beliefs about themselves and the self they project to the world and their true selves which are evidenced by their actions. It's the assessment of the actions where I seem to get stuck.Illysa Izenberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01758575489395998710noreply@blogger.com