Facing big challenges? Anxious you might not seize an opportunity, or that people and personalities might get in the way? There are some things in working life you can’t fix or tackle until the right moment comes; so rather than worrying, sometimes it’s best to save your energy and trust yourself to perform ‘in the … Continue reading Curling
Silence is Golden
Some years ago I was told that the single most influential thing a person can do is listen. Listening is the Specialist-Generalist's best friend - you learn, people help you and best of all they feel heard. Silence is golden... Managers, Know When to Stop Talking and Start Listening As a manager, you probably have … Continue reading Silence is Golden
Perspectives
A nice piece in the HBR today on exploring different perspectives and the inherent tensions between some (indeed many) roles in the modern organisation. I've used Susan Scott's description from 'Fierce Conversations' of the organisational 'beach ball' a few times recently - if you're finance the world is one colour, if you're operations another and … Continue reading Perspectives
HBR – Choose to be kind
By John Worne There is no better advice for any Specialist-Generalist than choosing to be kind... Whatever the provocation, you reap what you sow; whenever you shove someone they'll always shove you back - usually harder. HBR can be a bit schmaltzy at times, but there's something in re-wiring your head and 'leaning in' with … Continue reading HBR – Choose to be kind
Burnout
A lot to like, as so often, in HBR's top tips. We've all been there - overtired, overstretched and overwrought. Different people do different things; but when you're tired and low there are only three which really work: changing your perspective, small pleasures and rest. To Fight Your Burnout, Take Control of It When you’re … Continue reading Burnout
Small Fish
"Governing a large country is like frying small fish. Too much poking spoils the meat." Laozi 531 BCE As a Specialist-Generalist, some days you can feel you have 'bigger fish to fry' than what's on your plate; but Laozi advocates taking care with the small ones too... According to traditional accounts, Laozi was a scholar who … Continue reading Small Fish
Anger
There is no better advice for any Specialist-Generalist than this - know when to step away. When you're cross, tired, stressed or rattled you're not helping anyone. That last sharp word, that 'in your face' exchange, that cutting edge in your voice - watch it; it never helps. Thomas Aquinas spoke in favour of 'righteous … Continue reading Anger
The ‘why’ and ‘how’ of Emotional Intelligence
With thanks to Eric Barker, everyone benefits from a Specialist-Generalist working on their 'emotional intelligence'. So what is it really? It's a concept that John Mayer of the University of New Hampshire and Yale professor Peter Salovey came up with in the early 90's that was subsequently studied and popularized by Daniel Goleman. Here's Mayer's definition. From … Continue reading The ‘why’ and ‘how’ of Emotional Intelligence
Trust
As a Specialist-Generalist you often have to take a punt on people - how do you decide who you should trust? Twice US Secretary of War; Henry Stimson (1867 - 1950) gives good advice: start with everybody. Stimson had his hands full during WWII. As Wikipedia notes: Stimson took charge of raising and training 13 million … Continue reading Trust
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
The Specialist-Generalist 