Category Archives: Triple III
TRIPLE III TIME: Make The Call
This week I had a pretty good plan surrounding the TRIPLE III TIME message I would share. Then I received information regarding a wonderful work colleague who was making a very important life change. My first thought was to send her a fun, thoughtful, supportive email that she could re-read if she wanted to. I could “word-smith” the message so I captured as many important issues that were significant to both of us during the many years we worked together. Then I realized that is NOT what I really wanted to do. And for many, many reasons I decided to…and did Make The Call!
Unfortunately in this age of over-communication via social media…I believe the simple act of making phone calls to hold a real conversation has become “old fashioned”. People believe that texts and emails save valuable time in your work/life day. I understand that they may…but can anyone defend the conversation quality of those types of communications. And yes there are many other forms of social media communication that are high tech, fast and continuous…but do they contain the best elements of sincerity and friendship?
My life/work action recommendation is that when in doubt…Make The Call. Sentences become more than words on paper, smiles develop from hearing the details, memories become legacy building blocks, and the value of a promise of staying in touch becomes real. Making calls does not have to be a “monopolizer” of your time…rather a reinforcement mechanism for maintaining your life/work career-long network of true colleagues.
Thanks to JB and SB for helping create this message and thanks to TR for reminding me what’s important.
TRIPLE III TIME: Who’s In The Room?
Isn’t it always a challenge to try and maximize attendance at training sessions, staff meetings, recruitment events and/or other assemblies that you often spend a whole lot of time, energy and money planning? Then even as the activity is underway, isn’t it natural to spend extra time reviewing Who’s In The Room? And guess what…isn’t it also likely that after the session is over and the presenter was absolutely excellent…that more time is utilized discussing the fact that the room was only half full instead of feeling good about the quality of the event!!
Well let me first admit that I have fallen into the Who’s In The Room? evaluation mode too many times. My assessment of an event has been driven more by attendance expectations…rather than the excellent learning that was achieved by those participating. Simply put I focused more on those NOT in the room…rather than those who were!
The goal of this TRIPLE III TIME message is to encourage EVERYONE to always dedicate the majority of your leadership/management attention to who IS in the room for critical trainings, meetings and events. Think about this issue in terms of time management. Consider:
- Time wasted while trying to understand/rationalize poor attendance
- Understanding that you CAN NOT positively impact people who didn’t attend.
- Realizing the extra special product/service quality improvement impacts that were shared with those that DID attend.
- The importance of measuring more than attendance.
- The opportunity to have more personal/individual time with attendees that may turn out to be “priceless!”.
In closing let me say that I no longer allow myself to over-focus on event attendance. Instead I emphasize appreciation to those who honor their commitments and responsibilities…and make sure they receive the best opportunities and support I can offer.
TRIPLE III TIME: Talking “Dress Code”
Now that the major “working from home” phenomenon has eased and face-to-face customer service has been prioritized…has anyone given much thought about the pandemic effect on tomorrow’s “dress code”? Do you think that our recent health scare and distancing from people would/should be a reason or rationale for softening what should be professionally worn to work…no matter your occupation?
Strangely I have received interesting comments from both sides of this issue. Some say that the pandemic and work-from-home experience will lessen the importance of appropriate work attire…and heightens the focus on one’s work capabilities. On the flip side I have heard several individuals indicate that they believe workers will make efforts to improve their workplace image with “a better look” than they had maintained in the past!
Well first I have to admit that I don’t recall ever Talking “Dress Code” in any of my nearly eight (8) years of TRIPLE III TIME blogging! Second with my position on this issue I may show my age…and emphasize the value of tradition. Regardless I do feel it is prime time to give yourself a cool fresh start.
I believe “looking like you mean business”…means a lot. Looking your best displays pride in what you do and who you represent. This does not mean looking better just on Monday’s or boss visitation days. Looking like you mean business should be an every work day priority. This Talking “Dress Code” work ethic came from my Ma and Dad. Despite their farming world-of-work, they understood the value of looking professional EVERYTIME the opportunity or responsibility required it.
Bottomline: Look like you mean business in your world of work. The quiet respect and attentiveness you will receive will be worth the effort.
TRIPLE III TIME: Creativity “Fertilizer”
Have you ever heard or thought about the priceless value of spreading Creativity “Fertilizer” in your home…workplace…community? This notion may sound odd and a little bit “out-there”…but consider the progressive impacts this type of activity can produce.
First think about the fact that most people really like becoming engaged with creative people. Whether it’s the positive energy, thinking beyond the norm, and/or just the “dream-ability” that results from an open, blended discussion.
But what do I mean by spreading Creativity “Fertilizer”? Here are a few examples:
Writing down a fun single word on the breakroom board and asking for cool thoughts from co-workers.- Setting 15 minutes aside every other day to just visit with a co-worker about “what-else” your group could initiate.
- Having an IDEA DROP-BOX in your workplace…for everyone.
- Including a Creativity & Innovation time on every meeting agenda.
- Sending out a monthly message to friends and colleagues asking for them “sprinkle” a little Creativity “Fertilizer” in their workplaces.
- Occasionally bringing in a professional person…not connected to your workplace and asking them to share thoughts about creativity in their world.
I believe it is critical for everyone to spread a little Creativity “Fertilizer” from time-to-time. It is a solid professional development habit and it makes innovative thoughts and actions contagious!
LEARNING MOMENTS Podcast: 21st Century Work Ethic Skills
Every once in a while, I find myself going back to my job training administer career roots. However even though with this podcast title it feels like I am just talking history… the importance of understanding and teaching work ethic skills will forever be a true leadership responsibility.
This month’s Inspiring Innovations LEARNING MOMENTS Podcast: 21st Century Work Ethic Skills is all about minimum new age employee workplace expectations. My observational research has helped me identify five (5) that I felt were high value. I hope my podcast work ethic skill discussion offers a little insight for their application in your workplace.
TRIPLE III TIME: Inaction As A Strategy
Think about leaders you have worked for, collaborated with, admired, disliked or just plainly didn’t understand. More specifically consider the different strategies they used to make important decisions, create partnerships, turn down an opportunity or motivate employees to move forward to a greater service level. Can you recall any leader using Inaction As A Strategy?
Inaction As A Strategy is a very simple course of action. If there is a problem, conflict issue or progressive decision that needs to be made…and the leader is not ready to address it, inaction is often an accepted strategy. But is Inaction As A Strategy a good one? How about if we toss out a TOP 10 list of evaluation questions that measure it?
- Is choosing to do nothing sending a progressive message?
- As a leader will people understand your position if inaction is your plan?
- Are you automatically falling behind as an organization if you stand still and be inactive?
- What about customers…do they benefit from inaction?
- If the New York Times was doing an article on your use of Inaction As A Strategy would the article be a positive one?
- If now is not a good action time…what would make a later time better?
- Can you give examples of using Inaction As A Strategy that were beneficial?
- If your Board used Inaction As A Strategy for any issue…would you be happy?
- Do all the changes in technology make Inaction As A Strategy more or less appropriate?
- Finally, would the leaders you admire most be proud or sad if you used an inactive strategy on a critical issue?
Yes…yes I can hear all the voices reminding me that no two issues are the same and maybe waiting to make a decision/take an action would be most appropriate.
Regardless, my TRIPLE III TIME advice: Re-read the TOP 10!
TRIPLE III TIME: Job Descriptions: Setting Limits or Setting Priorities?
This week we are “analyzing” job descriptions. Have you looked at yours…or anyone’s job description lately? When you read through it…do you feel it provides you with work limitations…or does it serve as a guide for setting priorities for solidly performing your day job? Finally does a review of your job description leave you with a feeling of empowerment…or an ability to proclaim in so many areas: “Hey that’s NOT my job!”?
Too many times in too many workplace situations the wording contained in a job description drives down creativity and innovation. Think about it. Do people really look at their job description to measure WHAT ELSE they could be
doing…or determining the limits of what they have to do? And even when you see that little sentence that says: “All other duties as assigned by leadership…isn’t it sad to believe that you have to be told to do a little extra?!
This weeks TRIPLE III TIME message: Job Descriptions: Setting Limits or Setting Priorities is intended to impact both employers and employees. First don’t use job descriptions as “its not my job” hiding places. There truly isn’t a more continuing improvement defeating phrase. Second, leadership should not construct job descriptions that contain words which lead to employment limiting interpretations. Instead use terms that encourage assuming additional assignments and suggesting professional improvement.
I understand job descriptions have a valuable purpose. My questions is: Do your job descriptions limit employee potential or provide priority guidance for growth and opportunity?
TRIPLE III TIME: Motivate With Challenges
How are you best motivated? And/or as a leader…how do you motivate people/groups to be better? Do you use bribery…money, time off or maybe even a promotion? Or do you go the other route and try intimidation…threats or demotion/dismissal from the job??!!
I believe to be effective…really effective on the job and/or as a leader, you must know your own personal motivation “ignitors” and your style of motivating those you are responsible for.
Looking back my Dad utilized a Motivate With Challenges technique for getting my brothers and I to take on more responsibilities on the farm. It would start with words like:
- “Kids your age aren’t ready to drive a tractor this big!”
- “Your cousins take care of more calves than 10…but you guys aren’t ready.”
- “Ma thinks it will take you 3 days to finish hoeing this field of beans…I said 2…but she is probably right.”
Over these early years the Motivate With Challenges occurrences were many and I can testify that we exceeded every expectation…every time!
Without a doubt during my career I have utilized the Motivate With Challenges approach personally and professionally…most of the time with a great deal of success. Quiet, subtle but steady…this style of motivation is uniquely contagious. It does not drive motivation via rewards or threats…rather the motivation comes more from within each person/persons being motivated.
Self-assess your motivation priorities and maybe start with your “roots”.
LEARNING MOMENTS Podcast: Setting GOALS
There could never be a better time than right NOW to strategize about Setting GOALS for yourself. Short-term and long-term… personal and professional… it is time to get out those legal pads (or maybe dial up an Excel spreadsheet) and begin the process of mapping out some important goals for yourself for the upcoming year(s)!
This month’s “Setting GOALS” Inspiring Innovations LEARNING MOMENTS podcast discusses my TOP 10 ideas for getting started with your plan. Remember to have fun with Setting (YOUR) GOALS! Enjoy the podcast.
TRIPLE III TIME: 2025 Public Administration Retreat Agenda
One of my promises to the American Society For Pubic Administration (ASPA) publication group was that INNOVATION would always be my principle area of focus for my quarterly article. Well as you read the 2025 Public Administration Retreat Agenda piece, I hope you are able to place yourself in a public sector leadership role and maybe dream a little bit about priority topics and related potential discussion.
Progressively dreaming forward into the year 2025 should NOT be a “stretch” … rather just a natural step forward. So don’t simply read the article… participate in it.
Inspiring Innovations, Inc. 