React or respond?

Consultants and managers often fall into reactive mode, dealing with what’s thrown at them and doing what they’re asked. “Oh, yeah, I can do that.” Nothing wrong with that; safe hands are always in demand, they’re solid and they deliver.

But the game is being responsive. Where the action is in ideas and making things happen, taking the initiative, instigating, adding value, turning it up to eleven. “How about if we do this? We’d get …”

Volunteering ideas takes a little more effort than waiting to be asked but those people with their hands in the air, they’re the ones who stand out from the crowd. I’ll pick them.

Skippy Strategy: Next time you’re asked to deliver something, don’t just “Yes ma’am.” Look for ways to say, “Yes AND …”

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Category:
Managing