Tag Archives: Higher performance

How the simple checklist can make a big difference

I had to have a blood test recently and on the wall was a checklist for the nurse. It outlined in a step by step way what the health practitioner should and should not do. As a patient I also liked seeing the checklist because I knew what to expect. It was a win – win. It was a form of quality control and productivity check all rolled into one. Who have have thought the simple checklist could prove so invaluable for process type work. A checklist is a powerful example of a small ... Read more

What are the 3 key higher performance areas?

The aim of the small wins way is to provide a mechanism for leaders and their teams to drive higher performance. The key word here is higher not high. With higher there is no ceiling. It is a continuous journey of reaching a higher performance level that you are at the moment. Then pausing and stretching to achieve a new level. And so on. Even if this new performance level is an increase by 1%. What I like about this approach is that it is accessible to all leaders and teams. And can ... Read more

A case study in the power of the 1 percent change

John Longmire is the current coach of the Sydney Swans. The Swans are one of the best teams of a unique game called Australian Rules football. After they won the competition he gave a speech where he reflected on why the Swans became premiers. Here are his key points: 1. Its a continuous journey. I quote. It’s crucial to raise the bar every year and even raise it from week to week. 2. The way to do this is via the ‘one percenters’ The “one percenters’’ are the actions that ... Read more

How you can achieve big goals

We all have big goals. Our group and team also have collective big goals. For example — it could be to reach a certain stage on our career by a certain age or to earn a certain income or develop a better work – life balance. Or it could be to lose weight or run an event on a certain date. It doesn’t matter what the goal is. We sometimes also have big ideas and maybe were guided by an even bigger vision. But the challenge is to make these a reality. One way is to break down ... Read more

What is a small wins mindset?

We all like the big idea or a bold dramatic action. Or the big decision or speech. These are often amazing to experience. But they are infrequent and often limited to a few leaders. There is another path to long-term, systematic and sustainable success. It’s called small wins. But it needs a shift in mindset. Fortunately a small wins mindset can be learned and developed. A small wins mindset believes: – It is better to make a start than continue to plan or over-think. In short ... Read more

Is disruptive innovation the only game in town?

I was recently invited to attend a conference on creativity and innovation. I applaud the people behind this conference because we need more not less innovation. But the opening spiel troubled me. I quote from their web site: Innovate or die? Disrupt yourself or pay the price! The challenge of this century is to transform our organisations to adapt flexibly and rapidly to the ever-changing and volatile environments we face. Giant disruption always heralds huge opportunities. To be sure, ... Read more

8 ways to overcome a fear of failure

No-one really wants to fail*. But the fear of failure can be paralysing. Here are 8 practical ways to overcome this fear. 1. Separate the failure from the person Part of the problem with failure is the personal stigma. If you fail, you worry that you will be branded a ‘failure’. Yet this is certainly not the case. Most entrepreneurs, for example, (in the US anyway) view a failed business venture as a badge of honour. Separating failure as an activity from the person might encourage ... Read more

Why every leader should have an ideas buddy

Leadership can be a lonely role. But to create and innovate I believe every leader should seek and maintain someone who they can bounce ideas off (and you can help them as well). Lets call this person an ideas buddy. A person who they trust and can make your idea better. But also five you some critical feedback as well. I was reminded of this dynamic with a recent interview in the New Yorker with Jonathon Ives (by Ian Parker) when he (Ives) was talking about his relation with Steve Jobs. ... Read more

When to think big – when to think small

There are time when you need to think big and other times when it is better to think small. These 2 different types of thinking complement one another. This is similar to Daniel Kahneman’s idea of thinking fast and slow. Here are some examples when you might want to think big: – You are feeling in the flow – Feel inspired – When you do your best thinking (I do mine first things and late at night) – In a planning or strategy session – Trying to create a ... Read more

What is the small wins way?

When managers, leaders and business owners ask me about small wins they often start with: Can small wins be applied to …………….(fill in the blank). It could be innovation, leadership, change, productivity, engagement etc. The answer? Yes it can. I believe there is a small wins way. It’s a way of thinking and behaving. It’s a way of creating and innovating. It’s a way of improving, changing and growing. It’s a way of starting and ... Read more