Talk less…

Do More

because when it comes to talking – griping – letting off steam in conversations, meetings and/or strategy…

 Stepping off my soapbox now!

We all have our own distinct opinions. We often argue for these opinions. You see it happen at your place of business. Between customers and sales people. Between various departments and employees. Each area is often so entrenched in their own feeling of what is correct that “they” or “you” forget that other ideas could actually trump, prove incorrect, or increase the effectiveness of those arguments.

The Collision of Ideas

I am a believer in the “collision” of ideas. An understanding that our own development and success could be enhanced by our ideas and opinions colliding with those of others. It may not matter whether the ideas are similar. It only matters that the two separate and possibly opposing but similar ideas collide. This collision could lead to better ideas or the building from one truth to an even better truth.

Yet so many people, organizations and working departments often never actively create opportunities to talk to each other.

That lack of discussion or coming together could be diminished because the parties in question believe it to be a waste time, that the other person may try to sabotage or put down the idea. It could also be due to the simple battle between sales and administration, between the glass ceiling  and the front line, or even the annoying but popular argument of HR versus Business. It’s as if the dissension is more comfortable than the prospect of success?

Regardless, the collision of ideas is needed in order for innovation to occur. It is needed in order for processes to be improved, for business to be profitable. But the most important reason for ideas to collide is to allow people to come together and understand the common purpose toward achieving the common goal!

In the video below Neil Degrasse Tyson, American astrophysicist and Director of the Hayden Planetarium, and popularizer of science speaks shortly on what he believes causes the ineffectiveness of government politics and eludes to the essential need for the cross-function within teams!

Originally Posted on 10/26/09. One of my very first post.

My son is 17 months old and simply amazing. Within these past months, he has come far. From being completely dependent on his parents; getting his food and diaper changed (sorry to be so grotesque) to his transport and changing of clothes; to now being more independent. Walking on his own. Pulling his hand away when I try to guide him in a different direction, wanting to do things on his own. He is gaining a sense of his surroundings. While he is not a fully functional individual, he is well on his way.

Like many of us, he is still trying to run before he walks. Wanting to swallow his entire meal whole, versus taking the time to chew with the limited number of teeth he has. From climbing on top of things, to being a stair step climber and exploring what hidden treasures each room in the house has to offer. He is learning. Every day it is something new and while there are times when he does things that he has no business doing at his age, I do not scold him. Because unlike my years of experience – knowing the right from the wrong, the good from the bad – I have to check myself and realize that he is new to all this.

Many times, we can forget that when we assign task to a team, have a first time review with an employee, or deliver a presentation to a group of individuals, that they are on our page. That what we, as the leader state, will be understood by everyone involved.  We begin to set our agenda and present from our own perspective. However, many times it is just the opposite. People have their own perspective and translate what we say and do in a completely different manner then what we intend. Since this is the case, we must take our time and realize that people are learning, just like my son. They are learning how to deal with you as an individual and in different situations. Communication can often be an issue. Although we cannot guarantee that everyone will be on the same page, we can commit ourselves to improving our own awareness and making improvements little by little. Remember to take the time to set expectations and come to an agreement on what is expected.

I am learning too. Through my son’s eyes, I see so many things in a different way. He helps me to remember that while I may have all the experience, I also have all the pre-conceived notions and prejudices of that experience. He has time to change my perspective!