Brainstroming for profit

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This little beauty of a slide show is available at Slideshare.net.  I couldn't say it better - so I leave it to you to check it out.

6 Thinking Hats & Instructional Design

One of the great tools that we as managers can use when analysing different situations and scenarios.  This method was designed and created by Dr Edward de Bono.

If you look through the slides you will see how it worls and the general headings for the various methods of thinking.

Here's my recommendation - make small reminder cards.  Take these with you in your wallet or in your briefcase and then whip them out the next time you are sitting in a meeting or working on a project and things aren't progressing.

Try it out with your team too.  Try working on a project or problem area and use the six hats thinking to create new ideas and ways of moving forward.

Interestingly my daughter is also studying these different thinking strategies at the age of 9 years old.  So if she is able to harness these thinking patterns at a young age she will be well equipped in later life to look at problems in a different way than others do.

(Thanks to @tabitharoder for sourcing the powerpoint too).

3 Ways to Become a Thought Leader

Everyone has a personal brand these days. But if you want to move ahead you need to be more than the "finance guy who understands the business." Distinguish yourself as someone with a truly unique perspective respected inside and outside the organization. Here are three ways to do that:

1. Build your online presence. The internet is a perfect place to start showcasing your knowledge. Post comments on blogs, write your own posts, and connect with other bloggers to create a network.
2. Win some awards. Identify awards that matter in your industry and don't be afraid to nominate yourself, or convince colleagues to do it for you.
3. Flaunt well thought-of affiliations. Your associations aren't always in your control but if you have a degree from a top school or testimonials from important people, display them prominently. Credibility by proxy is valuable.

via: Harvard Business Review (Management Tip of the Day - December 21st, 2010)

Brain Storming

One TV program my kids watch that has an tool for business is - "The Imagination Movers".  It is a light and fun program that introduces  a number of different key concepts and problem solving skills and practices for kids (and adults as well!).

The show in brief - a person comes to the Movers with an issue or a problem.  The Movers are then engaged to help find a solution to the particular problem. 

How do they do it?  The Movers employ the 'Brain Storming' process.  They even have a song about it.  They think about all the possible solutions and avenues that a possible answer could come from and then they start experimenting. 

So what can we learn from these guys?

1. Finding solutions for problem situations can be fun.
2. There are no wrong ideas when searching for a solution.
3. It takes a lot of trial and error before you will find the solution that fits.
4. Teamwork creates more ideas and reduces the time for implementation.

Here's a clip from the show that highlights the Brainstorming emphasis.



Or for a more serious option check out Mindtols.com - http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html or try this website from the UK - http://www.brainstorming.co.uk/

Quote of the Week

"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death”  Albert Einstein.

(Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/imran/103740700)

Making The Right Choice

What is the right choice to make in any given situation?  How do you know if the choice you are making is right or wrong?

I have been working through exactly this kind of situation.  It is a 'what should I do' situation.  So where should we start when it comes to making choices?

I go back to my annual resolutions, goals and objectives that I set for myself in December of last year.  Those goals are - 1.  Compliance, 2. Excellence and 3.  Teamwork.

So the situation arose where I had to pick between a good option that was mainly for my benefit or an option whereby I would forfeit personal gain in order to be involved with and develop my team.

Okay - so it doesn't sound that bad - but - giving up a financial reward for little effort isn't as easy as it may sound.  I was pretty keen on ensuring I got the best personal reward.  Until I started reflecting on where I am at and what is important to me in 2010.

So I chose to go with the team option.  Giving up a bit of money in the short term I decided was a poor way to get ahead when compared to the benefits and rewards of working with the team to grow the financial benefits and rewards for everyone.

Guess what - after I made the decision to stay true to my goals I had a pair of breakthrough moments.  One - the conflicting appointment was shifted so I can still make a personal gain, and two - I may have a chance to do something I have always dreamed of and may now be able to do.

Moral of the story - stay true to yourself, act and think with integrity and the rewards will come your way.

(Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/will-lion/3122985108/)

Dilbert - Classic!

There are two stories being told in the above -

1. The way you see yourself is powerful. If you let negativity to cloud your thinking your actions will follow in a negative way as well. Think positively and see yourself in the same way and you can change your life! See 'The Winners Bible' for some great ideas to get you started.
2. The way you see a task is powerful. You can choose to get better and follow a line of constant improvement or you can stay stuck.

"I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it ... I know fear is an obstace for some people, but's an illusion to me." Michael Jordan.