In 100 Words: Sharpen Your Resilience Thinking – The Why

August 1st, 2022 by Troy Schrock

Leaders have had a two-year crash course on a resilience mindset vs a mindset of maximizing efficiencies.  The global system which allowed for decades of squeezing ever greater profits out of systems, networks and supply chains has unraveled.  The pandemic and Ukraine war are simply two recent accelerators of a decade plus trend away from global inter-connectedness and toward nationalism (e.g., China policies, U.K. Brexit, and U.S. populist movement).

While change was always a norm, greater change will be the new norm so continue building the resilience mindset.  Think flexible systems.  Build sufficient financial and talent resources to weather turbulence.

Resilience is “The capacity of a system to absorb disturbance and still retain its basic function and structure.”  Brian Walker and David Salt in Resilience Thinking

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In 100 Words: The Accountability Weakness

June 15th, 2022 by Troy Schrock

Pat Lencioni calls accountability “the universal challenge” of teams.  In The Advantage he notes global data from their Five Dysfunctions of a Team Assessment show 65% of assessments are “red” for accountability (vs. green or yellow).

Surprising?  Maybe.  Consider how much accountability stings.  Do I want my attitude, behavior, or work to be scrutinized more closely?  Not likely.  Yet calling out others invites others to call me out.

Are you willing to lead by example?  If so, accountability can become a strength.  While there will be times you require help or forgiveness, you will also experience delivering on more commitments.

“Courage is the main quality of leadership, in my opinion, no matter where it is exercised.”  Walt Disney

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In 100 Words: Two Traits of Effective CEOs

May 2nd, 2022 by Troy Schrock

An aspiring senior leader recently asked me what I thought was the most important trait of an effective CEO.  Two traits came to mind:

  1. They sincerely care about the people on their team and in their organization.
  2. They make decisions.  This involves making both tough and timely decisions.  A clear decision gets resources focused.  You can always adjust if the decision was wrong.

I don’t consider these two traits leadership “laws” or “rules.”  I have simply observed these characteristics in effective CEOs.  How do these two traits resonate with your experience of effective CEOs (or leaders in general)?

“Leadership is not being in charge, it is about taking care of people in your charge.”   Simon Sinek

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In 100 Words: Breaking Inertia

March 15th, 2022 by Troy Schrock

Inertia – resistance to change in speed or direction – is a powerful force.  Significant energy is required to break inertia which can be good or bad for leaders.  Inertia works in a leader’s favor when it is built around valuable routines, habits, and attitudes.  The more momentum you build in the right direction the easier it is to maintain.

Conversely, inertia works against you when built around negative routines, habits, and attitudes.  It takes committed effort to break the cycle and restart momentum in a positive direction.

How can you spin your positive inertia flywheels?  Where should you break negative inertia? 

“Leaders must wake people out of inertia.  They must get people excited about something they’ve never seen before, something that does not yet exist.”   Rosabeth Moss Kanter

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In 100 Words: X-Factor for Organizational Success

January 31st, 2022 by Troy Schrock

You have likely heard three commonly claimed factors, in various priority, at which you must excel if you want to succeed – strategy, execution and culture.  These are all important, but what if the X-Factor is a strong, effective leadership team? 

Let’s assume this is true…   Do you:

  • fret over having the right, best people possible on the team?
  • consciously work to increase team cohesion?
  • identify ways to improve capacity, speed of decision-making, setting priorities and follow-up on commitments?

Operating as if your leadership team is the X-Factor should cause you to shift work time and still accelerate the other factors.

“It’s the little details that are vital.  Little things make big things happen.”   John Wooden

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In 100 Words: Pausing Along the Path

December 15th, 2021 by Troy Schrock

Now is a perfect time to reflect on what you and your team have accomplished throughout the year. Leaders naturally look ahead to the future – it’s their job. However, a common refrain is “we don’t take enough time to acknowledge and appreciate what has been accomplished or learned.”

Summarizing the annual highlights won’t take much time and pausing typically leads to a sense of both satisfaction and gratitude. Note the significant accomplishments. Be real about unplanned events which factored into the outcome. Consider top lessons learned. Who was involved in the achievement? How do I thank them?

Enjoy the pause!

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens

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