I still remember it. In early 1985, shortly after I began what would turn out to be 16 years at Micro Motion, the president of the company read the book, Out Of The Crisis by W. Edwards Deming. This reading profoundly changed him and would change the way the company was led more than any of us realized at the time. Deming argued that improving quality improves productivity which, in turn, reduces costs making the … [Read more...]
It’s Your Fault
Addressing A Common Cultural Characteristic In Many Organizations
I recently re-read a booklet entitled Culture Shift by Dr. Price Pritchett. One chapter was right to the point, in my view, concerning a common cultural characteristic in many organizations. Still, it is especially prevalent in those where rapid change is the norm ... like a growing church. The chapter is entitled, Taking Personal Responsibility for Fixing Things. CCV's culture is certainly one of rapid growth and … [Read more...]
Complacency
Don't Create "False Urgency" When Trying To Address Complacency
I recently reread the book A Sense of Urgency by John Kotter. Good read! I'm a frustrated reader most of the time. I pick up a book with a good title or maybe by an author I like, only to find out after I've invested some time that it's the same old stuff written differently by someone different. Not the case this time. I like how Kotter addresses the issue of "false urgency." When a leader is frustrated or … [Read more...]
Are You A Hector Or A Corey?
Excellent Leadership Insight From Another Great Leadership Book
From Good Boss, Bad Boss, are you a "Hector" or a "Corey?" Hector ... Hector spent hardly any time talking to his people and showed little interest in their work or careers. Hector ignored his team for long stretches and then—at seemingly random intervals—rushed in and demanded that everyone work on some urgent project. To paraphrase one SPaM member, “Every now and then, he would ride in on his white horse, … [Read more...]