transforming idea

Can You Resolve to Rethink About How You Think About Change?

question of the week / By / December 28, 2022

Many of my colleagues are busy creating resolutions, in preparation for the new year. They think those resolutions will help them create better lives. Maybe, although I’ve never succeeded with resolutions. Instead of resolutions, I’ve suggested before that we create watchwords for ourselves. Those watchwords create some guidance for our actions. But this year, I …

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Do You Plan to Vote for the Short or the Long Term?

question of the week / By / November 2, 2022

The US is voting next week, for what we call the “midterms.” We don’t change the entire government every four years—we stagger terms for each representative, senator, and governor. Much of the time, the voters want change. That means the President’s party tends to lose seats in the midterms. I also want change. But I’m …

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How Can We Reconcile a Difference of Philosophy with Respect for People?

question of the week / By / September 14, 2022

The news in the US is all about Queen Elizabeth’s death last week. I have many feelings all at the same time: Glad that I know because I like to know about world events. Sympathy and empathy for her children and grandchildren. Very few deaths are easy or good for the remaining family. Empathy with …

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What’s Your Context for Your Success In Solving This Problem?

question of the week / By / August 18, 2022

You want to change something—maybe a personal change or an organizational change. You’ve seen the headlines: “proven ways to lose weight!” or, in my context, “proven agile transformation success!” These people claim they have the One Right Way to succeed at something. They probably have succeeded—maybe even several times. They can explain the journey, from …

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When Do You Choose Personal Stability Over Professional Change?

question of the week / By / August 9, 2022

I recently met two engineering managers: Joe and Mary. Both 55. Both are bored with their jobs. And taking totally different approaches to their boredom problems. Joe decided to hang out in his current position—for the next 12 years, until he meets the retirement age of 67. He’s choosing personal stability. Mary is gathering her …

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How Do We Balance the Power to Make Decisions with Who Feels the Outcomes?

question of the week / By / July 28, 2022

When you were a child, your parents made all the decisions for how you lived. I distinctly remember thinking it was “so unfair” that I had to go to bed and not read more. Yes, I was one of those kids who read under the covers with a flashlight. Even as adults, we live in …

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How Do You Manage Your Energy?

newsletter / By / January 12, 2022

How Do You Manage Your Energy? Do you ever slog through the days, feeling as if you can’t get going? That happened to me last month. I wasn’t sick or depressed—I didn’t have my normal get-up-and-go. That’s when I realized I was “out of spoons.” The spoons represent our energy—and, at least for me—our resilience. …

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Can You Use the Principle of Least Regret to Choose Where to Spend Your Time?

question of the week / By / October 20, 2021

Do you ever feel pulled in a gazillion directions? I’m having one of those months. All kinds of problems and events are pulling me away from my regular work. As a result, I don’t feel as if I’m creative or productive—or effective. At all. I looked at where I’m spending my time: With family members …

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