I frequently use the jazz combo as a metaphor for teams in the business world, and not just because I love listening to and playing jazz. In this video, Herbie Hancock describes how Miles Davis dealt with a big mistake. Work would be easier if we could all apply this lesson!
I've been focused on learning how to ask more – and better – questions of others. These are some great questions to ask one's self! And answer them!!!
The skies around here can be spectacular, if only for a moment. Don't blink or you can miss it!
… football-style!
Once upon a time, things weren’t going so well at work. I can’t remember what we were arguing about, but I left my boss’s office, walked back to mine, and kind of sort of slammed the door. I sat behind my desk – in the dark – pissed!
After a while, one of my colleagues came in and said, “Bill you’re obviously having a bad day. Why don’t you just go home?”
I thought, “you mean I could do that?” While it hadn’t occurred to me, it was great advice!
I grabbed my coat and briefcase, told my assistant I was leaving for the day and started for home.
I walked across Central Park South. When I got to Lexington Avenue, the proverbial lightbulb went on.
I ambled into Bloomingdales and took the escalator up to the seventh floor. I went to the American Express Travel counter where a young woman asked how she could help me.
“Send me away,” I said.
“Where would you like to go?”
“I have no idea, but I obviously need a vacation.”
I walked out having booked a trip to Barbados. I think the hotel we selected was undergoing renovations, so my wife and I ended up going to Jamaica.
Sometimes we need a little advice. It helps to be open to it when it comes. Maybe it’ll get you out of yourself, out of a jam, and relaxing for five days on a beach in Montego Bay.
And make it easier for others to deal with you when you return.
It certainly worked for me!
Early last year, I wrote an article (To Be an Effective Leader - Don’t Just Give Feedback. Ask for It!), that described some experiences I've had soliciting feedback from my team. I've continued to use and build on the ideas and, of course, have learned some new things along the way.
There are officially five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Everyone knows that, right? Well, I wasn't sure if it was five. Or seven. And as a joke, I started talking about the 17 stages of grief. Then, still joking, of course, I multiplied 17 times 1,000 and came up with 17,000 stages.
Read More#howImfeelingrightnow!
Every once in awhile, I pack up my office and go to the library. I spread everything out and go through literally all of it. I read. I recycle. I file. I write. I reboot.
I call it #LibraryDay!
I also Imagine. Dream. Scheme. Strategize. Seek clarity. Roll my eyes. Think about the future. And listen to music.
I tried (and failed) to spend a day at the library yesteday. As it turns out, great idea (backed by science - h/t Travis). I'll schedule another "library day" soon.
Every morning, I start my journal entries with the title of a song that's in my head. This morning the song was "Amsterdam" by Bänz Oester & the Rainmakers.
Their album, "Ukuzinikela," is my favorite new recording of the last several years. And this song? Oh. My. God.
This YouTube video documents the performance that appears on the album.
There's a special moment during the piano solo (about 7:40 or so) that produces so much energy. It's amazing! And it reminds me of what it must have been like to listen to see John Coltrane perform with his Quartet.
And it's also #howImfeelingrightnow!!!
Happy New Year!