Category Archives: Triple III
TRIPLE III TIME: Workplace Communication
As a professional development consultant… it is necessary to look around and make sure the issues you cover with your client-customers are relevant and current. So as I was doing some research on Workplace Communication… I came across an article prepared by a group known as Compassionate Navigation that identified 5 “patterns” that are a major concern in our worlds-of-work.
Here they are:
“1. Important conversations are waiting too long. Concerns are often recognized, but conversations are delayed-sometimes for weeks or months.
2. Encouraging employees to speak up isn’t the hard part. Responding consistently is. The most common breakdown occurred after someone raised a concern.
3. This isn’t a healthcare problem. Or an education problem. The same communication challenges appeared across healthcare, education, government, nonprofit and business.
4. Most communication problems become expensive long before anyone notices them. Concerns develop and escalate quietly, creating operational, cultural, and financial costs.
5. Organizations believe earlier conversations would change outcomes. Leaders and professionals overwhelmingly believe earlier intervention would have made a difference.”
So ask yourself… do one or all of these concern areas exist/operate in your workplace? Are issues like trust, collaboration, culture, turnover, burnout and lost productivity a potential natural outcome of the communication challenges identified by the Compassionate Navigation organization?
GREAT Workplace Communication is EVERYONE’S responsibility. No matter one’s job title or area of productivity within the organization… healthy dialogue and better listening need to become and remain a major priority! The end result is that innovation and quality organization performance often become two of the best outcomes when people communicate better.
My thanks to Compassionate Navigation for re-emphasizing the high value of professional Workplace Communication within their publications and making this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message timeless in it’s progressive business application.
TRIPLE III TIME: Everyday Is A Classroom
Guess what? This week I have already begun basically “prepping” for my American Government & Politics class this fall! And as we think about all of the daily events, quotes, policies and wars being debated across the nation and world… I totally realized that I really don’t’ have to do a whole lot of in depth research! However in an unusual kind of way… I started thinking about my style of teaching and what would I say is my teaching philosophy today… and what could I change to be better in the future?
Well my answer to this question creatively generated this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message: Everyday Is A Classroom!
What do I mean?
First think about the two-way learning that occurs when you go to a hardware store to get “stuff” to help you build something. The customer service rep is the teacher about what products you need and how to proceed. You are first the student getting necessary information… but you are also teaching the customer service rep about the uniqueness of the special table you are constructing.
Everyday Is A Classroom
Next think about working/volunteering in a human service capacity. Every time a different person comes through the door… their situation/problems are totally different and you are the listening student. But then again the roles become reversed as you instruct the person on self-sufficiency and steps to improve their personal issues.
Everyday Is A Classroom
Finally, think about children. Do you stop talking and apply the best listening skills you have to clearly hear THEIR concerns/ideas/simplicity views? Do you allow yourself to absorb their non-inhibited points-of-view and appreciate the fact that they feel safe to talk with you? And then as you take on the teaching job…do you help them understand that they/we have so much to learn growing up? Do you explain that YOU still like to keep on learning from them and others?
Everyday Is A Classroom
Bottomline: I don’t know if I have a simple teaching philosophy I could easily explain… except that I follow an: Everyday Is A Classroom two-way learning style. I believe it keeps me engaged and aware. And it helps me tell each class: “No one is going to cheat us out of having a good time.”
TRIPLE III TIME: Worlds-of-Work Trends
Everyone that knows me even a little bit knows that JOBS and all factors related to them are forever part of my professional make-up. So it is not surprising that from time-to-time… someone asks my thoughts about: Worlds-of-Work Trends!
Well, first typically I indicate that I am NOT a researcher on the topic of jobs… and most of my clues on trends comes from observations and conversations. Next, I indicate that never has the “speed-of-change” impacted the worlds-of-work more than at our current times. And lastly, I try to point out that (although very obvious for some time) globalization of all jobs has made trend determination a very tough task. Do these responses appear to be dodging the questions… yes. But given the fact that most individuals still want my opinion and perception on Worlds-of-Work Trends… I am ultimately “cornered” for an answer or two!
So here are a few Trends thoughts that I have shared:
- There is currently an unusual balance between job availability and job seekers. “Job jumping” by individuals is not as prevalent and increased knowledge about candidates via techno-services… seems to make personnel selections more effective for employers.
- Upgrading of current employees appears to be at a slow pace. Why? I believe that due to fast technological transitions… employers are more hesitant to invest in any type of new training.
- “What can you do for my company? (i.e. job competency)” seems to carry greater employer interest impact than what degree(s) or credentials you hold.
- In-person versus virtual training battles continue via one’s personal opinion on the PROS and CONS of each. Tradition versus economics versus hands-on experience versus 24/7 availability versus performance effectiveness… are regular debate issues.
- Finally the desire for “customized” learning continues to grow. Product and service diversity and specialization are what keeps certain industries in business. Will enough new era trainers be available?
I would have to believe that these 5 trends really display a lot of common sense and state-of-the-times observations. How accurate are they and would other professionals agree with me? Only time will tell!
TRIPLE III TIME: An IDEAS “Scorecard”
This weekend on Saturday, June 20th, many partners and I will be facilitating the first ever: IMAGINE ME Youth Entrepreneurship FEST! It will be all about helping very young people: (1) have an exclusive marketplace for their products and services, (2) network with regional entrepreneurs who have been innovative and successful, and (3) finally but just as inspiring will be six (6) Ready-Set-Grow sessions that will offer simple learnings on multiple business-building topics.
It would be very insightful and satisfying to go into all the very cool experiences that have nurtured the creation of the FEST!… but today I want to talk about one special part of the event. The very first Ready-Set-Grow session is entitled: Just Ideas. And during its 30 minutes of leadership and engagement… concepts about and idea generation actions will be the prime areas of focus. But for this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message… I want to have everyone consider what might be discussed if the session introduced: An IDEAS “Scorecard”!
Think about it??
Maybe it might look like this:
Bottomline: In the most creative way… I think An IDEAS “Scorecard” score for someone’s entrepreneurial concept could prove invaluable going forward. And no I did not think about An IDEAS “Scorecard” during my early innovation days but it would be fun to know how many of my ideas would have scored!
TRIPLE III TIME: Don’t Decide For Someone
One of the toughest challenges for someone in a leadership position is having to decide who could do a job or perform a task best?! his challenge even shows up when you have to consider different organizations or businesses that would perform the best given a new project or contract… because the right decision is never totally about money or convenience. Interviews could be good or bad… input from others may be a benefit…but ultimately you have to choose?!
Oh yeah there is also one more concern: Don’t Decide For Someone.
What do I mean?
Unfortunately in my career there have been times when I DECDIED that a certain person or group wouldn’t be interested in the initiative I was trying to get going. And only later did I learn that a great candidate really was interested…and was professionally hurt because I did not give them any kind of chance to discuss the opportunity. The result was often a “not-so-ready” person was given the new assignment and did an OK job… but didn’t last. And the individual that cared a lot about our Agency’s progress and performance… no longer was available to restart my innovation.
Therefore, please make a note that one of the leadership lessons learned that I believe is critical to make progress happen… is: Don’t Decide For Someone. And here are a few ideas to consider:
- Look in all… even non-traditional areas for potential candidates.
- Don’t allow yourself to decide: “they really wouldn’t be interested in this.”
- Don’t place people in a specific category that limits their potential.
- ASK THEM about their interest and input.
- Finally, make your special assignment decisions only after you have completed a professionally comfortable, progressive review of available options.
Wishes for instant progress sometimes causes occupational blindness when trying to make the right decisions. Therefore, it is standardly appropriate to apply the: Don’t Decide For Someone professional approach… every time… EVERY TIME!
IMAGINE ME! Youth Entrepreneurship FEST
Saturday, June 20th, Inspiring Innovations, Inc. and Kids Rule Now Inc. will host our Youth Entrepreneurship Fest at Alpena Community College – Oscoda Campus! This one-day experience is designed to help young entrepreneurs ages 10-17 bring their business ideas to life. Click the link below for more information on donations and supporting the innovative youth in our community.
Support the IMAGINE ME! Youth Entrepreneurship Fest
IMAGINE ME Youth Vendor Registration (free!)
TRIPLE III TIME: You Can’t Command Innovation
Innovation has and always will be my favorite professional development priority everyday… EVERYDAY. Those who I have worked with and those who I have worked for in any professional capacity… know that I will encourage innovative activity be part of every employee and business/organization’s operational mentality… because it is a growth-necessary progress component.
Also during my work experiences one important related factor that I have learned over time is that: You Can’t Command Innovation. What am I saying?
I guess the point that I am making is that even if mandated by a single person most in charge… innovation… true/great innovation will not flourish via mandate. Likewise, if a single leader requires complete control on how… when and what innovation actions must occur… the growth will be minimal and disappointing.
Instead, if one were to introduce an engaged inter-active plan to include innovative ideals and thereby build a workforce with rigor and competence… a complete win-win situation would arise. And with this plan in mind… how about a special INNOVATION FOR TOMORROW…TOP 10 concepts to consider:
- Take the innovation responsibility personally and be an example.
- Allow and try newness in the workplace as a common practice.
- Encourage support for innovation ideas both in written words and verbal statements.
- Be sure to recognize simple innovations as well as major ones.
- Remind everyone that failure happens… so don’t be afraid.
- Promote standard sharing of research about other innovation actions.
- Don’t wait for a “perfect” innovation time.
- Understand that creating a new partnership is innovation often not noticed.
- Don’t innovate for show… innovate for progress.
- Finally use a commitment to innovation as a commitment to LEARN TO KEEP ON LEARNING! (Thomas L. Friedman)
I could keep on writing…but there is a lot of “messaging” in this TOP 10.
TRIPLE III TIME: Creating A “Next-Step” COMMUNITY
“Don’t select which seed to plant… instead make sure the “soil” is developmentally ready so any seed can grow!”
I wish I knew the author of this quote. Why…because I sure would like to pick their brain for additional thoughts and insights into its prep and sharing! There are so many progressive points that can be taken from this very “back-to-basics” collection of terms. However, for this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message…we are going to use this quote to focus on Creating A “Next-Step” COMMUNITY!
Many times, the best source of genuine next step creativity comes from your heritage. As a farm boy from rural Michigan, I had the privilege of watching and learning the farm craft from a strong group of growth-minded community members. “No one goes it alone”…would have been a true theme of purpose for the group. And as the introductory quote says: “making sure the soil is developmentally ready” was the common core mission of every farmer in the community. Progress was then achieved and observed through regular crop rotation and diversity allowed no matter what type of seed was planted! So why is this old-time memory important??
Bottomline: Today I believe everyone plays a role in Creating A “Next-Step” COMMUNITY. Whether it is:
- Shopping closer to home
- Helping your community area remain clean
- Speaking proudly of where you live
- Volunteering to help at the school
- Continuing to advance yourself, your family and your workplace
Just like my hometown farm “heroes”… initiating and maintaining a process of regular community next-step progress is really everyone’s job. So don’t allow your area of growth be determined by someone else. Rather… “Don’t select which seed to plant…instead make sure the (YOUR) “soil” (community) is developmentally ready so any seed (Next-Step) can grow!”
LEARNING MOMENTS: “The Road To Better”
Sometimes deciding on the “best way forward” can be confusing and often too full of reasonable choices. Taking a slow, cautious approach ay at times seem like the right path to take instead of a “quick and easy” option. Likewise, the costs involved in progress and growth may be difficult to accept… however selecting a low-cost opportunity may result in the “you only get what you pay for” reality.
This month’s Inspiring Innovations LEARNING MOMENT: “The Road To Better” podcast recommends taking a “refresh yourself” time in determining the best way forward. Whether The Road To Better action is about your world of work or on your homefront, selecting a simple and specific path and journey most times is the best approach.
The podcast contains numerous helpful hints and recommendations to make smooth The Road To Better for you.
Enjoy the listen.
TRIPLE III TIME: 3 “C’s” Board Growth Chart
The timing for a special message about building and more importantly developing a public/non-profit sector Board is really long overdue! Given my career history that required me to work with and for these types of community groups… plus the consultant information requests that have been part of my service mix… this week’s TRIPLE III TIME topic will focus on a: 3 “C’s” Board Growth Chart action plan.
Private non-profit and public sector organizational Boards are traditionally created based on Federal/State/Regional/County policies and thereby built on a special assembly of knowledgeable, caring citizens. Their typical assignment is to oversee the expenditures and performance of public dollars for a specific service/product. The criteria for Board membership is routinely flexible and open in an attempt to recruit and retain the best candidates available in a prescribed geographic region. However, it is noticeable that most Board formation regulations do NOT contain instructions nor a methodology specifying the need and processes for ensuring public sector Boards have a plan for continuous improvement. Boards may participate in strategic planning sessions for the entity they oversee, however the resulting progress issues they discuss do NOT apply to them. Hence in an effort to “share” the responsibility for comprehensive organizational continuous improvement, public sector Boards need to make appropriate changes in this area.
In an effort to fill the continuous improvement action void currently experienced by most public sector Boards, this TRIPLE III TIME proposes the introduction of a 3 “C’s” Board Growth Chart initiative. The 3 “C’s” referenced in the III title stands for creating continuous improvement plans around: Comprehension/Commitment/Challenges. Specifically, these responsibility areas would be components of each Board‘s annual learning Growth Chart.
Proposed implementation components of the 3 “C’s” Board Growth Chart may include, but not be limited to the following:
Comprehension
- Legal understanding of total organizational mission and target service audience.
- Full awareness of all fund sources and allowable cost costs.
- Knowledge of funding and oversight organizations.
- Awareness of fiscal and program reporting requirements and related timing.
Commitment
- Full knowledge of Board attendance responsibilities.
- Understanding of the value Board members provide as a representative of a specific business/community sector.
- Accepts the role/responsibility for supporting the organization’s priorities and public service activities.
- Supports the opportunity for Board members to be quasi-ambassadors for the organization.
Challenges
- Awareness of continuous political, fiscal, performance, and public service challenges.
- Understanding of potential conflict due to legal requirements of different programs.
- Difficult administrative decision regarding personnel levels, program expectations and/or results of monitoring/audit issues.
- Possible deviations from service delivery/operational processes practiced in other regions.
The goal for implementing an annual 3 “C’s” Board Growth Chart would be to expand the overall expertise, intellect and judgment skills with regard to Board responsibilities. Additionally, the progressive outcomes for engaging in an annual 3 “C’s” Board Growth Chart initiative are self-evident:
- Stronger/informed Board
- Greater advocacy
- Increased Board interaction
- Solid regional leadership example
- Avenue for idea–generation
Bottomline: Standardly continuous improvement is an expected requirement of all organization staff… therefore, the Board should also be a “teaming” example.
Inspiring Innovations, Inc. 