Your thought starter (No 31): Valuing Innovation, I Hope

“...And What Else?”

Newsletter and Thought Starter

Issue No. 31

Success begins by asking the right questions. So why not a newsletter that asks a powerful question: “…and what else?”

Hope these insights pierce through the clutter and create a moment to reflect on your purpose.

First Thoughts

We “Value” Innovation

The new guy had an idea that might improve results. Yet it was declared “unworkable” and “a waste of time” by the expert and thus the idea died.

Ironically, one of the organization’s values is innovation.

Honestly, the idea would not work and the expert knew why. Too bad the new guy wasn’t supported to explore and question his idea and learn on his own that it wouldn’t work. But that won’t be a problem in the future because the new guy won’t ever offer up anything new again.

I Hope

Hope. The word is frequently thrown about with little thought, most often in circumstances with a tinge of powerlessness; situations that are “out of our control.” I hope it doesn’t rain. Or I hope the Detroit Red Wings make the playoffs this year. In both of those cases, we have no influence on the outcome (unless you’re a defenseman for the Red Wings, which, if that is the case, why are you reading this? Get to practice!)

Accountability Community Session: Self-Coaching

FREE SESSION**

April 11, 2024: Virtual (noon to 1 p.m. EST)

I’m thrilled to share an update on the Accountability Community series. Beginning with the April 11, 2024 session, each Accountability Community will feature a special topic focus.

The topic for the April 11 session: Self-Coaching.

We’ll divide each session into parts: the first half of the session I’ll share insights on the special topic; the second half we’ll discuss application of the topic as well as share progress on purpose and goals—seeking input and support from others. Stay as long or as little as you like!

Session is free with this promo code: Accountability**. Session is $42 without code. Proceeds donated to Passion for Life.

Register Here

Teaching is Learning

Question #58: What will you teach someone today?

Did you know that teaching improves your own skill? Try it. What are you good at? Teach it and you’ll become even better.

Say What?

I’m sorry, what did you say? Listening is hard work, isn’t it? The good news? There are plenty of opportunities every day to practice the key active listening elements: focus, empathy, non-verbal communication, and summarization.

Listening is a gift. Give it the attention it deserves and it (they) will return the favor.

Final Thoughts

The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.

Michael Gervais, The First Rule of Mastery

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Thanks for reading!

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