No More Big Ideas

January 6th, 2009

By Renn Vara

During my catch up reading over the holidays, I came across a number of articles saying this is a time for execution vs. big ideas.  Tough times call for doers vs. thinkers I’m afraid.  But that’s only half the story.  Real execution requires a consistency of behavior, processes and metrics for gauging results.  Not as much fun as big ideas but it works.

In his latest book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell makes the same point about successful people.  According to Gladwell, studies show that the 10,000 hour rule really works.  This is the idea that it takes 10,000 hours to master any instrument.  Well, I guess it’s even more important than that.  It seems it makes the difference between someone becoming a professional paid musician vs. a high school music teacher.  Talent doesn’t even come into play.  It’s all about the fundamentals of practice, practice, practice.

So what does this have to do with our current predicament?  Well it seems consistency trumps talent or a brilliant idea.  The old adage of muscle memory is true.  The more you do something, the better you become at that task or function. (more…)

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Transparency

January 5th, 2009

By Maureen Taylor

Based on what we’re all going through these days, this has to be THE theme for corporate leaders in 2009. Great leaders know they need to tell the truth to their customers, employees, partners and investors. It’s good business. And it’s really good business right now with all the fear and trepidation.

So here are a few suggestions for corporate leaders in 2009:

1. Don’t let your handlers script you. Sure, they can help, but make sure you figure out your message.

2. Understand what your constituency needs to know. Keep your finger on the pulse of what they are thinking and feeling. You need to trust your audience for this truth…and it usually doesn’t come from your direct reports. There is a lot of skirt blowing when people are afraid.

3. Candor, truth, even hard truths, is what your stakeholders desperately need. Give it to them.

4. And finally, realize that this conversation has to be consistent and clear.

Communication for today’s leaders is a hands on role. Now more than ever. It’s the key to true transparency. Take it back.

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