FieldNotes
Our daily Field Notes email is just the kind of jumpstart you need. A fast read. Maybe less than a minute. Because sometimes it just takes one insight to change the trajectory of the day.
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Talent Retention in a World of Fast Movers
Leaders and team members no longer stay in the same seats for very long. They change jobs or roles on average every four years or so. For teams that depend on stability, that’s a lot of movement. When most of those changes are a function of promotion or increased responsibility, organizations thrive. But when leaders…
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Generating More Referrals
Performers of every kind know they are valued when those they perform for refer them and their work to others. The highest endorsement any performer can receive is to have an audience share the competence they’ve witnessed firsthand with those who trust them. Many businesses and enterprises rely on referrals to grow and expand. For…
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The Relentless Pursuit of a Personal Mission
Setting personal long-term goals and pursuing a personal mission are worlds apart. Whereas goals are specific, measurable, and outcome-focused, a mission defines the core purpose that remains unchanging and always present. Think of a mission as the reason for existence and goals as targets to achieve.
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Is Your Organization Scrappy?
We reserve the word “scrappy” for people, teams, and organizations that operate effectively with limited resources. Because they don’t enjoy abundant assets, scrappy leaders and organizations must generate creative solutions to solve problems that others throw people and money at. Scrappy organizations make the most of what they have. It’s a hands-on and DIY (Do It Yourself)
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What Leaders Should Never Pay For
A workplace environment where leaders and peers commonly celebrate and acknowledge team member achievements and contributions can best be described as a “culture of recognition.” Such a culture emphasizes high performance and values individual and team success, which thereby boosts morale, motivation, and engagement.
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The Ingredients of a Culture of Recognition
A workplace environment where leaders and peers commonly celebrate and acknowledge team member achievements and contributions can best be described as a “culture of recognition.” Such a culture emphasizes high performance and values individual and team success, which thereby boosts morale, motivation, and engagement.
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No Competitor is as Dangerous as an Uncommitted Team Member
The true enemy may be within the walls of the organization. Ask team members to anonymously rate how many of their colleagues are fully engaged and committed to the short and long-range goals of the organization or team, and you are likely to be surprised at the estimate.
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Taking Away the Excuse for Inaction
People who want to avoid acting or executing often ask to “study” the problem or issues. By engaging in serious inquiry about a problem or decision, they create a delay that inhibits action. Whenever people are feeling uncertain, uncomfortable, or less expert, it is not uncommon for them to suggest that studying or thinking more…
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“Guard Against” Advice
Good leaders anticipate the challenges and issues faced by team members and move to prevent them from becoming problems. They provide invaluable advice when they offer a caution or warning about a potential quagmire. When given in a caring and positive way, these “guard against” messages can avert an unfolding issue or thwart an unseen…
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Helping Reticent Team Members Find the Courage to Speak Up
The reasons people have for doing what they do reveal a great deal about their character, values, fears, and needs. This is especially true when we examine why people speak up and register their views with others.