Creative Innovation (Pt 15): Prototypes as Obstacles
“Once he gets an idea in his head, there’s no changing it!” As common as this comment is, it’s true for us... Read More
Correlation: Muscular Men & Self-interest
The book The Geography Behind History by W. Gordon East, which discusses the influence of geography on countries’ cultures led me a... Read More
Predictability as Hell: A Problem-solving Perspective
Posted on10 Jan 2013
Tagspredictability, assessments, control, emotions, Influence, perspective, problem solving, standardization, The Atlantic, Predictability as Hell Analogy, Walter Kirn, The Twilight Zone, heaven, hell
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Businesses strive for predictability. Standardization helps them achieve that. Still, many employees like their jobs for their variability, “It’s something different every... Read More
Wildfires, Computer Models and Sophisticated GIGO
Posted on03 Jan 2013
Tagsanchoring, computer simulations, computers, confession, experience, history, Influence, quantify, The Atlantic, Velten Mood Induction Procedure, Michael Behar, wildfires
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Early on, I learned about GIGO, Garbage In Garbage Out. Translated, if you don’t input good data into the computer don’t expect... Read More
Mobile Workforce: Less “Face Time,” Less Advancement
One day long ago, I was working late for an employer when the President walked into the department and commented, “You’re working... Read More
Placebo Management (Pt 4): Tiger, Golfers, Superstitions & Performance
Posted on29 Nov 2012
Tagsemotions, golf, Harvard Business Review, Influence, management, motivation, Performance, phraseology, placebo, Placebo Management Series, Sally Linkenauger
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In business, we tend to discount – even ridicule – people’s superstitions. What’s the tangible connection between crossing your fingers and making... Read More
Memorable Pictures: Unconscious Attractions
Allison Bond’s article, “Haunting Scenes” (Scientific American Mind, November/December 2011 edition), discusses the research of Phillip Isola (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) as... Read More
Clausewitz’s Friction: Difference between Plans and Reality
Posted on15 Nov 2012
Tagsdecisions, phone, friction, On War, Clausewitz, uncertainty, planning, people, management by walking around, Management by objective, management, information, Influence, follow up, employees, change management, business planning
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Carl von Clausewitz’s book, On War, greatly influenced my business ideas especially his short chapter on “Friction in War.” Essentially, there is... Read More
Word Power: “Money” vs. “Time”
Posted on08 Nov 2012
Tagssubconscious, conscious, organizational culture, feelings, goal setting, happiness, Harvard Business Review, Influence, money, politics, power, anchoring, success, thinking process, time, Velten Mood Induction Procedure, Wharton, word choice, words, Cassie Mogilner, staying on message, achievement
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When we think about the power of words, we often focus on the ideas they consciously express. However, their power extends unconsciously... Read More
Leadership Lesson from Wobbly Furniture
Posted on15 Oct 2012
TagsUniversity of Waterloo, emotions, Influence, Joanne Wood, leadership, people, relationships, smells, social skills, storytelling, The Economist, David Kille, Velten Mood Induction Procedure, women, Amanda Forest, consumer, content
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The relentless advance of technology and research methodologies is accelerating our understanding of ourselves and constricting the domain of free will (more).... Read More
