Disconnecting Productivity from Paranoia
It has been three years now. Three years ago we started this rethinking where we work, and how productivity is beyond a single shared space. We are still adapting, and many of us struggling with not seeing colleagues, missing ad hoc conversations that were both bonding and learning opportunities, and general feelings of loneliness [...]
Change Champions
Here we are, once again, talking about change. Not the quarters and dimes in your (virtual) pockets, but the very real and necessary progression for internal processes, performance, and people. We look for early adopters to help catapult the rest of our folks forward, and I wonder if we rely on the same people [...]
Finding Happiness
In 1998 the psychology world began exploring what it would mean to have a fulfilling life after many years of focus on unhappiness and mental unwell-being. By the year 2000 more than 400 articles had been published on happiness, and how to achieve it. Most of those were focused on what to do to have the [...]
Meeting Mania
According to Harvard Business Review the average workday increased about 8% in the pandemic, or about 50 minutes per day. Emails were up about 5% per day and people had about 13% more meetings each day (although each meeting shortened by 12%). I enjoy exploring our world of work through the data we gather about our [...]
The Economics of Time
"Time is what we want most, but what we use worst." - William Penn I was part of a practice group retreat recently where the topic of conversation was about how we relate to time. I have talked about how we try to compete on time, which is finite and offers no competition because the [...]
Controversy or Courage?
Malcolm Gladwell recently slammed the work-from-home concept, and he has taken a lot of heat as a result. I have read a few of the articles that rendered him out of touch and elitist in his comments, and wonder if there is more than the polarized approach of adopting his perspective or repelling it. The [...]
Perfect Imperfections
A stroll through my kitchen for a refill of my water led me to overhear a meeting between my wife and a colleague. The question they were discussing was this: “Are you comfortable with imperfect movement on this project?” The response was, “let’s talk about that”. I went back to my office and pondered the [...]
Training Wheels
I don't remember how I learned to ride a bike. I do remember, ever so clearly, the day I decided I didn't need training wheels. It was right foot on the bumper of my dad's truck, left foot on the bumper of my mom's car, and a push off both. Bike went forward, Judy went [...]
Olympic Sized Fatigue
Did you watch the last 18 days of winter sports called the Olympics? Did you see the amazing endurance of the cross country skiing and biathlon? Or the artistry and focus of ice dancing and skating? The strategy of the mass speed skating race? I could go on and on, I enjoy the Olympics so [...]
Gratatouille
I love the Ratatouille movie. It’s the story of food, following your dreams, and enjoying the adventures. Remy, the star (and a rat) of the movie, pursues his dream of being a chef, which you might imagine is rough for a rodent. Have you felt that bumpy path to success? It’s US Thanksgiving week, [...]