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In 100 Words: Universal Sign of Goodwill

Monday, December 16th, 2019 by Troy Schrock

Leaders have a strong desire to positively impact people in their sphere of influence – our big objective is to make a difference. So, we get busy tackling a list of actions we believe will move the needle. As we kick into “get things done” gear it is easy to forget a simple action that can help us accomplish our big objective – simply smile!

Yes, a genuine smile is a universal sign of goodwill that brings the human factor into any situation. It invites other people to engage with us in our big objective of making the world a better place.

“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” Mother Teresa

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In 100 Words: Energy Multiplier Effect

Friday, November 1st, 2019 by Troy Schrock

Do you notice how some organizations are so charged with positive energy you want to bottle it to take with you? Those environments are created by leaders who are energy providers. They have learned energy has a multiplier effect – it unleashes pent up productive and creative capacities in people around them.

We likely over-value coaching on technical mechanics and under-value providing encouragement and excitement. Can it be that simple? If so, it’s worth knowing what refreshes, excites and charges you up as a leader. Schedule time for those activities so you can power up and bring positive energy.

“If a leader doesn’t convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they’ll start to fall down and get depressed.” Colin Powell

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In 100 Words: Iterate without Lurching

Monday, September 16th, 2019 by Troy Schrock

How do you rate a leadership team’s strategic ability? One thought – look at the team’s ability to iterate strategically without lurching wildly in different directions. Can the team adapt the organization’s strategy to produce more than one economically successful business model over time? Time, in this case, is a decade plus. Success for that duration typically involves at least one business model shift when you consider changing customer preferences, technological advancements and competitive forces.

On this course, teams will need to master two key elements:

• strategy thinking – both the creative and analytical aspects, and
• execution – consistent, disciplined action over time.

“There is another old poet whose name I do not now remember who said, ‘Truth is the daughter of Time.’” Abraham Lincoln

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In 100 Words: Road of Routines

Thursday, August 1st, 2019 by Troy Schrock

Operational success runs down the Road of Routines. Leaders strive for consistent execution while avoiding two ditches.

The Ditch of Boredom – the numb, drained feeling from efforts to keep staff working good disciplines consistently. Leaders may pursue new ideas simply as an escape. The organization careens from one new idea to another.

The Ditch of Process Lock – the pull to become too comfortable and never change processes. People may begin idolizing the process itself. The organization slides into complexity and bureaucracy.

Staying out of the ditches allows leaders to enjoy both the journey and destination on the Road of Routines.

“For every mile of road there are two miles of ditches.” Irish Proverb

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In 100 Words: The Value of Humility

Friday, June 14th, 2019 by Troy Schrock

Humility is not required to be successful. There are plenty of conceited, boastful people who enjoy career and financial success. Conversely, people with humility sometimes struggle. The idea that humility has benefits over pride is an axiomatic truth (more probable) rather than an absolute law (like gravity). Arrogance increases the chances a leader:

• makes a blunder by ignoring key decision factors or sound advice,
• experiences resistance to their plans, or
• develops a closed mindset.

Humility usually makes it is easier for a leader to keep an open, receptive mindset – toward people, ideas, and opportunities. Consider the value this could yield.

“Humility will open more doors than arrogance ever will.” Zig Ziglar

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In 100 Words: Swarm Your Priorities

Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 by Troy Schrock

Visualize a swarm of insects or birds in nature moving en masse then descending on and devouring a food source with shocking speed. They completely overwhelm the present condition.

This is the mental picture for how your team should tackle top priorities. Swarm – fully activate and intensely concentrate people and resources to overwhelm the obstacles to accomplishing the objective. Such singular passion and effort will create enough energy to break the inertia of the present condition. Conversely, chipping away at the priority with too few resources applied too late will leave you short. Swarm early and descend on the priority.

“It is not always what we know or analyzed before we make a decision that makes it a great decision. It is what we do after we make the decision to implement and execute it that makes it a good decision.” William Pollard

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