tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.comments2019-11-14T15:56:02.871-05:00Conventional Wisdom InstituteRebecca Staton-Reinsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08812811069867890203noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-23626914709727574812014-06-24T15:04:50.183-04:002014-06-24T15:04:50.183-04:00The idea of the "mission mindset" is cri...The idea of the "mission mindset" is critically important. Employees often seem clueless as to what their mission is, let alone the company's. No organization can succeed unless there is absolute clarity as to their goal and purpose.<br /><br />What an honor for you to have been present at the D-Day commemoration. There is no example of commitment to mission than those who serve in our armed forces. When the mission is clear and worthy, people are willing to die for it. What a great lesson. Thank you for your article.Macehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06678621215332184627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-6682546994967255082014-04-11T16:29:54.415-04:002014-04-11T16:29:54.415-04:00During a very tough divorce a top employee in my b...During a very tough divorce a top employee in my business was over reacting to lots of things. When visiting her home she thought I didn't handle myself well at a restaurant with the slowest service in America. As a result she locked me out of her house and I had to drive home---a multi hour trip in the middle of the night. OUCH! But, I decided to be kind and not flip out---and I was flipped out. Now, she is long retired and we are still firm friends. Kindness is so important---it makes us human as well as strong. Pat Gill Webberhttp://www.drpatgillwebber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-92193408674044899512012-09-23T18:54:28.970-04:002012-09-23T18:54:28.970-04:00Aaah, the power of objectivity rather than animosi...Aaah, the power of objectivity rather than animosity. Great example of "make a decision and make it right." From my view, they got it right. Today, our politicians need to "do it right."Gary Greenfieldhttp://blog.garygreenfield.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-13195068587354056092012-06-22T15:30:52.361-04:002012-06-22T15:30:52.361-04:00Thanks,Ken. Your insight is right on target. I hop...Thanks,Ken. Your insight is right on target. I hope the electorate agrees with you.Rebecca Staton-Reinsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812811069867890203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-23309801551662703012012-06-20T16:13:58.395-04:002012-06-20T16:13:58.395-04:00Great post Rebecca. It seems the desire for elect...Great post Rebecca. It seems the desire for election manipulation or sneakiness is not limited to one century. Democracy must be earned and then maintained by a vigilant citizenship.Ken Okelhttp://www.kenokel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-27270690866596613692012-03-26T10:25:40.907-04:002012-03-26T10:25:40.907-04:00Silver Rose, thanks for your comments. You asked a...Silver Rose, thanks for your comments. You asked about Evelyn and in fact I did run into a couple of years later. She was back working in the field where her true talent lay and said she was enjoying her work. As I said, the real amends were changing my own actions and outlook.Rebecca Staton-Reinsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812811069867890203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-19118677327043039302012-03-23T15:47:11.013-04:002012-03-23T15:47:11.013-04:00Today's leaders will stand their ground only o...Today's leaders will stand their ground only once they know it's popular. Under those circumstances the term "leader" is an oxymoron isn't it?<br /><br />A very sad event, made even sadder by the delayed actions.Mace Horoffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-2562853114851468222012-03-22T19:47:53.500-04:002012-03-22T19:47:53.500-04:00I think this resonates because it's not theore...I think this resonates because it's not theoretical, it's reporting "from the front." The fact that you are outlining what you did wrong is compelling. And finally, if you've managed anyone (even someone in your family), you've made one or al of these mistakes. It's so much easier to see it in another person than ourselves. <br /><br />Thanks for being a willing mirror and presenting your story in a memorable way so we can think of you and Evelyn and stop before we make the same mistakes. <br /><br />On a side note, I hope you make an effort to find "Evelyn" and make your amends in person. You both deserve it.Silver Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11209262309483506136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-26480176361017916142012-03-16T20:35:07.284-04:002012-03-16T20:35:07.284-04:00AmyDawn, thanks for your story too. I think if I r...AmyDawn, thanks for your story too. I think if I rework this as an article I might also add a 10th point about "blaming" Evelyn for way too long. I agree about the message from Good To Great. ThanksRebecca Staton-Reinsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812811069867890203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-47966067953788235072012-03-14T18:04:37.634-04:002012-03-14T18:04:37.634-04:00Well stated Rebecca.
I had an Evelyn once and it w...Well stated Rebecca.<br />I had an Evelyn once and it was about half way through I realized I was not motivating her, coaching her, etc. I hired her too so the buck stopped with me. <br /><br />The book, Good to Great, was an eye-opener to me as well. I have finally realized that some employees, though good, are not great because they are in the wrong position. My goal going forward for others and myself is to always make sure the person is truly a fit talent wise. If a person is teachable, skills can always be taught and are not near as important as talent. <br /><br />The school of hard knocks can be expensive, can't it? But, we are all are human and must always strive to grow and do better.<br /><br />Good for you for learning at Evelyn and your expense and not repeating the same mistake twice. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing Rebecca.amydawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07141509317731707315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-53275885330321234402012-03-14T17:49:41.028-04:002012-03-14T17:49:41.028-04:00Thank you for sharing your story - and helping us ...Thank you for sharing your story - and helping us all learn. As I read it, I could relate - both as "Evelyn" and as you. I've also had my own process of maturing.<br /><br />I checked your set of Management Power Tools at the link you provided. They seem like they would be very useful.Jolene Hartnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-77825794854634555282012-03-14T14:58:51.774-04:002012-03-14T14:58:51.774-04:00Rebecca, As usual your post is insightful and touc...Rebecca, As usual your post is insightful and touches a nerve. I think every corporate leader today can relate to your experience with Evelyn. I know I can and like you, I still remember those occasions where a hiring decision was not a good fit. It doesn't matter that you had many more great hires; the ones that didn't work out always stand out in our mind.<br /><br /><br />I agree with some of the thoughts that others have left on your post. It's our failures that make us better leaders but the trick is to acknowledge it and learn from it. To me, that's what separates great leaders from the mediocre ones. Thank you for sharing Evelyn's story with us and I look forward to more great insights from you!Alicia Blainhttp://www.aliciablain.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-37606261277645137082012-03-13T12:05:18.163-04:002012-03-13T12:05:18.163-04:00Ken, Mace, and Joachim, thanks for your comments a...Ken, Mace, and Joachim, thanks for your comments and additional insights. <br />Ken, your points are so true and I loved the "selective amnesia" observation.<br />Mace, I did run into Evelyn a few years later - she was working as a contractor in the company where I was working. She was friendly and said she loved what she was doing a lot better...so maybe not such an unhappy ending after all.<br />Joachim, it's true...we all have to remember to ask "What did I learn out of this to improve" instead of beating ourselves up. <br />Thanks to all of you.Rebecca Staton-Reinsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12841449998112709162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-10645211179825758062012-03-13T10:09:35.744-04:002012-03-13T10:09:35.744-04:00This is a great article about hiring, motivating a...This is a great article about hiring, motivating and coaching under performing employees. Rebecca, you have provided a road map for managers to follow in order to increase an employees performance. You have also demonstrated how every is an experience and something good can come out of it. By the way, how can I meet Evelyn? LOLAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03338846368402333890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-38374743009365126692012-03-12T19:42:15.078-04:002012-03-12T19:42:15.078-04:00It's tough being human...making mistakes and h...It's tough being human...making mistakes and having to live with them. If we learn from them, as it seems you did, then maybe we find some redemption. I would like to hear Evelyn's story!Macehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06678621215332184627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-11805334166839337262012-03-11T21:21:20.072-04:002012-03-11T21:21:20.072-04:00People's talents and abilities come in all sha...People's talents and abilities come in all shapes and sizes and it can be hard to get them to all fit together. Rebecca, your situation is not uncommon.<br /><br />A failure of one person should be seen as a failure of an entire organization. It's too easy to label someone as a "bad hire" when only some of the blame has been "earned" by that person. <br /><br />You've obviously learned from what happened and hopefully Evelyn has as well. Staffing challenges should not be opportunities for selective amnesia. These situations can present correctable problems in employees and supervisors. But you must first be willing to evaluate all involved.Ken Okelhttp://www.kenokel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-18229569023565316342012-03-01T09:21:46.924-05:002012-03-01T09:21:46.924-05:00I find it deplorable that so many folk will cite s...I find it deplorable that so many folk will cite something, usually out of context, as a reason for or against whatever viewpoint they are arguing. Politiial types, professional and "activists" are no exception. Would that people screaming about the US Constitution actually read the document, and the ORIGINAL arguments around it. <br /><br />Alas, I fear there are too many people who demand that we not confuse them with facts for their minds are already made up.<br /><br />Regards -Pete Walenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10651704389491850533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-55492724117430054902011-12-20T21:41:23.318-05:002011-12-20T21:41:23.318-05:00Dr. Gaby, thanks for the great additon to the &quo...Dr. Gaby, thanks for the great additon to the "Shadow." I agree, taking the furlough and then putting in the work kicks it up a notch.Rebecca Staton-Reinsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812811069867890203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-49839592912121944452011-12-20T18:58:42.621-05:002011-12-20T18:58:42.621-05:00An interesting point of view, Dr. Rebecca. I train...An interesting point of view, Dr. Rebecca. I trained "old school" and this may not be as popular. I would take the furlough - day off without pay - but would go to work to contribute to getting us going and ahead of the game. I have done this in the past during training in the government system. We were furloughed and I went to work to continue to help out. There is a lot to do and we need to start thinking about our jobs - even if they are government jobs - as if we were running our own company. If this were the case, we would not take a salary but would work hard to keep it afloat.Dr. Gaby Corahttp://www.drgabycora.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-58859043821443366342011-10-14T21:24:02.504-04:002011-10-14T21:24:02.504-04:00You are so right about the need to remove ourselve...You are so right about the need to remove ourselves from a daily routine in order to recharge. <br /><br />Too often we think that working harder will produce better results. Instead, honoring yourself with some downtime will boost productivity. It's also a lot more fun.Ken Okelhttp://www.kenokel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-80596364384231245542011-10-14T18:11:00.462-04:002011-10-14T18:11:00.462-04:00Thanks for reminding me to consciously loaf! I oft...Thanks for reminding me to consciously loaf! I often feel guilty for sitting and doing nothing but contemplating whatever comes to mind at some moment. You have reaffirmed that it is needed, necessary and beneficial. "Seinfeld" was a show about "nothing," and it was a big hit. Nothing, or loafing, works. I commit to spending some time each day doing "nothing" but "loafing." We should teach this!Macehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06678621215332184627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-91444283023549896722011-10-14T13:17:05.144-04:002011-10-14T13:17:05.144-04:00Rebecca. What a great post. Thank you for sharin...Rebecca. What a great post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This came at a perfect time for me and has reminded me that I have not been loafing at all for quite some months. I need to start again so that I can kick start my creative juices. Here's to loafing and connecting with your soul... AliciaAlicia Blainhttp://www.themillenniallab.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-84326379565780914992011-08-29T13:47:16.095-04:002011-08-29T13:47:16.095-04:00Pay attention...no multi-tasking!
I put the Conven...Pay attention...no multi-tasking!<br />I put the Conventional Wisdom Institute's advice right to work - during a webinar the next day.<br />It worked...I got a lot more out of the webinar!<br />Honest...I didn't surf, send an email or snack!Nancy Nortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05276752417721091327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-76699504407575456502011-08-19T19:11:07.490-04:002011-08-19T19:11:07.490-04:00Very interesting about the multitasking that chall...Very interesting about the multitasking that challenged the Founding Fathers. Perhaps it's hubris to think that today's problems are new ones!<br /><br />I've always thought of attention as something you give, like a gift to someone. Give the gift of your attention.Ken Okelhttp://www.kenokel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369586799255670904.post-92149334900758442372011-08-19T18:54:44.463-04:002011-08-19T18:54:44.463-04:00Excellent blog Rebecca. I was not at all distracte...Excellent blog Rebecca. I was not at all distracted while reading itDrHelenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08606451830585156512noreply@blogger.com