I tied my shoes three times this morning…
…and each time, my puppy untied them.
Why did I think that the next time would be different? I didn’t change my location or my behavior, yet I was annoyed when I got the same result. Admonishing my puppy did nothing either, since to her it was a fun game.
The next time you are frustrated by metaphorical shoe untying, remember that you are the one in control. It’s much easier to change your behavior than to expect someone else to change theirs.
With the midterm elections fast approaching, many organizations are engaged in get-out-the-vote efforts or campaigning for candidates. Much of the work is behind-the-scenes grunt work, but to make it more palatable, people often do the tasks in groups.
Signs of Justice encourages volunteers to host a party and invite several friends to write postcards during the gathering. They sent supporters an email with party tips and even included a Spotify playlist of inspirational music to enhance the festivities.
Whether you are involved in political action or doing a routine task elsewhere, consider involving a group in the effort. A pizza and a playlist can make a dull job much more enjoyable.
leadership dots by dr. beth triplettleadershipdotsEdit Profile
Think of the many ways there are to express your personality — through fashion and accessories, smartphone screen savers, avatars, tattoos, water bottle decals, phone cases, license plates, and bumper stickers, just to name a few. Whether we’re conscious of it or not, our choices communicate messages about ourselves to the world.
Boat names also reflect their owners. I knew the guy I was following loved fishing had a sense of humor when he named his craft “Tellin Lies!” It made me smile.
I hope you can express your personality and enjoy your favorite recreational activity this Labor Day Weekend.
Shonda Rhimes is one of the most successful television show producers, creating for ABC a lineup of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. She earned them billions with her shows.
Rhimes’ contract included free Disneyland tickets for her family. When her sister wanted to take Rhimes’ daughter to the park, Shonda called ABC and asked for an additional pass. Allegedly, she was told, “Don’t you have enough already?” After the insult, Rhimes ended her contract with ABC and moved to Netflix, where she produced Bridgerton, another wildly successful series that earned millions.
The short-sightedness of an ABC executive cost the network (b?)millions, whereas a free pass to Disneyland (worth only $150) would have cost them nothing. It was a really dumb move.
Stars have options, and the confidence to exercise them. Don’t penny-pinch with your best customers or employees. Happily giving them the ticket is the best investment you can make.
Thanks, Meg!
Source: The Real Oshow
A school district community task force has been meeting for several months, and most meetings are held in a different school building. We build a brief tour into the agenda, allowing people to see the facilities and hear from the principals. We did this even in a non-air-conditioned building (in July!) to experience the difference climate control makes for the learning environment.
Long after the task force concludes its work, I think our rotating meeting schedule will help community members carry with them a better understanding of the district facilities and their needs.
I am a big believer in rotating meeting locations. When I worked at a college, each of my senior staff meetings was held in a different spot on campus. People whose organization has multiple buildings can utilize that variety to meet other colleagues and stimulate creativity. Even those who have limited office space can meet outside or at a neighboring organization.
Get outside the conference room and experience something firsthand.
The home improvement store Menards is known for its frequent “11% Rebate on Everything.” It’s a good gimmick that seems to get people into the stores.
It works well for Menards — but think about it from the consumer perspective. They make people save their receipts and postal mail them in with a rebate form. This creates a double barrier that undoubtedly reduces the number of rebates they provide. The next barrier: the rebate now comes “disguised” as junk mail. If I hadn’t seen a warning about this online, I would have tossed it, thinking it was nothing but a sales flyer. And finally, people need to save the paper rebate they inconveniently cut out of the oversized flyer, remember to bring it, and use it in the store, likely making even more purchases — so the cycle continues.
Menards could just reduce its prices by 11%. They could offer a cash rebate instead of a merchandise credit. They could allow for electronic submission of receipts/rebate forms. They could provide the rebate electronically or as a card, making it more portable and likely to be used, or at least mail the rebate clearly marked as such. But Menards has designed a system that accomplishes exactly what it is designed to do — increase sales and reduce redeemed rebates.
Any time you see something that isn’t working, look at the system and consider who benefits from it as is. More than likely, it means the system was intentionally created that way.
