Posts Tagged With ‘ Creating Clarity ’

Diverse group of four business partners or entrepreneurs holding their thumbs up in approval or to like something in their office ” data-medium-file=”https://dougthorpe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/65604777_m-650×434.webp” data-large-file=”https://dougthorpe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/65604777_m-1024×683.webp” /> We’ve all heard various ideas about managing our lives. When you break it all down, things can get lumped into these three categories. And we’ve all heard the saying: “Live for today.” But what about yesterday and tomorrow? Life isn’t... Continue Reading

  In learning how to fly an airplane, one of the first lessons has to do with understanding winds. Winds come in basically three types; Head winds – those hit you right in the face Tail winds – those from behind Cross winds – those at angles from the side I believe the challenges we face in life and in business model these three types of wind as well. If we consider all the forms of challenge we face, we can boil it down into these three categories. However, it might be interesting to compare the pilot’s concern with each of these winds as we think about our daily responses to life’s... Continue Reading

A few years ago I wrote a piece contrasting the “cool breeze” and the “fog machine”, whimsically (at least my attempt at whimsy) to illustrate extreme possibilities in the way a leader can show up at work. I think It’s time to delve deeper into that idea (minus the whimsy part). While the “Cool Breeze” and “Fog Machine” personalities capture a fundamental aspect of workplace dynamics, the reality presents a more nuanced spectrum. Let’s dive deeper and explore the shades in between: The Gentle Breeze: Similar to the “Cool Breeze,” these individuals are positive and solution-oriented.... Continue Reading

The Wizard of Oz may have been pulling levers and projecting smoke and mirrors, but that wouldn’t make him a very effective leader. In today’s dynamic world, the “man behind the curtain” approach simply doesn’t work. True leaders understand that inspiration stems from visibility, trust from approachability, and connection from relatability. Just like Dorothy needed to see the Wizard face-to-face to gain courage, your team needs to experience you as a real, accessible human to truly follow and be motivated. So, how do you shed the illusion and step out from the shadows? Here are 5 ways... Continue Reading

In the grand theatre of leadership, there’s a delicate dance playing out on the main stage: the display of expertise. On one hand, we have the confident captains, radiating knowledge like beacons, guiding their teams through uncharted waters. On the other, lurk the know-it-alls, tripping over their own pronouncements, leaving trails of deflated egos and resentful whispers in their wake. The key, then, lies not in shunning expertise, but in mastering a crucial art form: leading with humility. Humility in leadership isn’t about shrinking your brilliance or dimming your light. It’s about harnessing... Continue Reading

The new year stretches before us, a blank canvas full of possibilities. As a business owner, you’re likely brimming with plans and goals, but are you tapping into the full potential of your team? Setting objectives is crucial, but it’s only the first brushstroke. To unleash the masterpiece, we need to delve deeper, fostering personal commitment and unwavering loyalty to the company’s vision, mission, and values. This e-book delves into 12 critical questions designed to ignite individual ownership and propel your team to new heights. These questions are not mere checkboxes; they’re conversation... Continue Reading

We, the captains of our professional and community ships, spend our days steering, navigating, and occasionally throwing out life preservers. We’re problem solvers, decision-makers, and cheerleaders, fueled by the noble ambition to make things better. But in the pursuit of progress, one crucial truth can get swallowed by the waves: you can’t fix what you won’t face. It’s tempting, isn’t it? To tiptoe around the storm clouds, hoping they’ll dissipate on their own. To smooth over cracks in the hull with a fresh coat of paint, ignoring the ominous groans from below. We fear the chaos,... Continue Reading

When it comes to being a great Leader, power of words can tip the scales between proactive dynamism and knee-jerk reactivity. A leader’s directives, those crucial pronouncements that guide and motivate, hold the potential to ignite transformative action or trigger a defensive scramble. Understanding the difference between these two outcomes is fundamental to fostering a team that thrives on initiative and ownership. Action-oriented directives are like lighthouses in a fog, illuminating the path forward and empowering immediate movement. They are characterized by: Clarity and focus: Precise... Continue Reading

Overcoming Challenges as Your Business Scales As any entrepreneur knows, building momentum is exhilarating! But riding that wave of success isn’t without its challenges. Here are some of the biggest hurdles you might face and how to navigate them: 1. Scaling Without Sacrificing Quality: Stumbling block: Expanding too quickly can lead to operational inefficiencies, product/service inconsistencies, and compromised customer experience. Maximize opportunity: Implement robust systems and processes to manage growth. Invest in training and talent development to maintain quality standards. Prioritize... Continue Reading

For anyone who is now working in their first-ever management role, you know things can be tough. No doubt you have already made a few mistakes (at least YOU think they are). Well if you haven’t done these 5 things, your management career is well on its way to a successful run. 1. Dropping the Ball –  Every business unit is organized for a reason. Granted some reasons may be better than others,  but there is a reason in there somewhere. Think of this as “The Ball”. When you become a first time manager you never want to drop the Ball. Learn what the reason may be for your team to exist.... Continue Reading