Techniques for FIT

• If you're unsure which way to go, pick a direction. Movement brings focus.
• You've heard me say advice is worthless without direction. Remember that when you are about to say, "You know what you should do. . ."
• Don't assume people are damaged. That applies to generations too. Talking about millennials is harder when you start from fix it mode.
  
• This week reminded me that face-to-face communication > video > phone > email > texting 

Being Human - Motivation

What motivates?

When you're thinking about what motivates an employee, what comes to mind? In your highest performing people, you'll recognize this pattern:

Applied talent: they are able to use self-identified strengths to get results. 
Their contribution is recognized: you're probably giving regular feedback, good, bad or indifferent.
They have independence: They act autonomously, and you treat them as competent
Empowered: You have given them the ability to make decisions to reach the outcomes they are responsible for. 

Under that pattern is trust, which comes from promises kept. They've "earned the right," haven't they? 

If not, help them get there. 

Random Stuff

Sea Salt and Cardboard



Leaving the room at the hotel, I noticed the uneaten breakfast bars in the corner. The event is long over and I am paying for this uneaten food, so I grab them. I look at one of them as I pile them into my briefcase. I can imagine a giant silver machine extruding a long line of nuts and berries along a conveyor belt. People in white lab coats and hair nets pulling out bits and pieces before the big knives chop, and the clear cellophane wrapper is applied. That mental image is part of the reason why I don't eat them myself, but the rest of the family does and maybe they'll appreciate the extra space snacks to gnaw on. 

At the house, my youngest grabs one and makes a face. "What did you get there? Is that flavor gross?" I ask. He shrugs and puts it down, presumably for me to either finish or toss.

Later, my daughter comes by, grabs one from the pile, takes a bite, makes a face, wraps it back up, and says, "Cleaning out the cupboard?"

"No," I say, "why?"

"I think they're expired."

How would you know?