Running a big project, trying to get something done or just trying to get through the day; it can feel like people are throwing up obstacles everywhere. But a simple aphorism can help the Specialist-Generalist keep the optimism up... obstacles are the path. The telling point is: if it involves people, money or your time … Continue reading Obstacles
HBR – Craft Your Job to Make It More Satisfying
By John Worne It is in the nature of a Specialist-Generalist's job, that at least some of what you do you're not great at; and actually don't enjoy. That's the price we pay for variety - which is after all the 'spice of life'. But some weeks the mix of what you enjoy and what … Continue reading HBR – Craft Your Job to Make It More Satisfying
Down on the farm
All organisations moan about their planning rounds. Some say they want a clear process, some say they want a simple target; everyone wants more resources - and there's the rub. As I often say, the truth is: human beings go to war for resources. So not surprising then that anyone battling the annual planning round, … Continue reading Down on the farm
HBR – Aceing interviews
By John Worne Like many top tips from HBR, given the varied contexts for Specialist-Generalists; they're maybe not to be taken too literally. But there's often something in them... For example, when it comes to interviews it pays to 'get into character', face up to your weak spots and think hard how you're going to … Continue reading HBR – Aceing interviews
Oceans and Icebergs
By John WorneInternal or external - everyone has a view on Comms. But when it comes to a Specialist-Generalist organising it, the mistake is to try to boil the whole ocean.Management cascade is always messy - you can 'send' as much as you like, but the recipient decides what they want to receive.So a top … Continue reading Oceans and Icebergs
Drivers
By John WorneAs an excellent former colleague of mine pointed out this week, where a team is difficult to get aligned: "If you know what drives people you can address their concerns and get to trust and then motivation."She points out there are seven DRIVERS: D - direction, what's our purpose?R - relative position or … Continue reading Drivers
HBR – Find Purpose in Even Your Most Mundane Tasks at Work
The definition of the Specialist-Generalist is turning your hand to many things - but always remembering the purpose. Some days that's easier than others though. As Valerie Keller and Caroline Webb put it on HBR.org: "How are we supposed to feel a higher sense of purpose amid the daily scrum, as we wade through tedious … Continue reading HBR – Find Purpose in Even Your Most Mundane Tasks at Work
HBR – Don’t Let Pressure Turn into Stress
Pressure and stress are not the same thing. But the former is converted into the latter when you add one ingredient: rumination, the tendency to keep thinking about past or future events in a negative way. When you start ruminating (you’ll notice that your attention gets caught in an unproductive loop, like a hamster on … Continue reading HBR – Don’t Let Pressure Turn into Stress
HR Problem? Always Listen First
Wherever you're tackling an HR problem, the best place to start is by listening - and most of all to the main protagonist. Invite someone to tell their story and nine times out of ten - if you can be patient, encourage them to keep talking and don't interrupt - they'll identify and acknowledge the … Continue reading HR Problem? Always Listen First
Priceless – the ‘Economy of Help’
By John Worne A different way to think of organisations is as an 'economy of help' - help given and help received. And every Specialist-Generalist needs help. Looked at this way, we can all constantly accumulate and add to our positive balance of 'help given' in big and small ways - in almost every interaction. … Continue reading Priceless – the ‘Economy of Help’
The Specialist-Generalist 