One of the classic negotiating mistakes is failing to account for changing circumstances. By default, when trying to work out way through a negotiation, especially a conflict, we want to go back to where we were ‘before we got into this mess’ (status quo ante bellum, for those of us who like to use the […]
Business Practices
On Recruiting: Skills v Attributes
Which is easier: learning a skill or learning a behavior? Anyone with kids can tell you how difficult is it to teach someone to be diligent, honest, friendly, attentive to detail, ambitious, or any of a host of traits we hope to instill. Ever notice how some people seem to always be positive and willing […]
Conflict Management — An Organizational Challenge
I was asked to write an article on Conflict Resolution within organizations for the American Chamber of Commerce’s magazine here in the Dominican Republic. Here’s the link, I’m on page 15. A few caveats and observations: The article is in Spanish. If that makes it somewhat difficult to read, bear with me: it was difficult […]
Square peg, round paradigm Part II
In my most recent blog, I talked about the error of trying to squeeze a new paradigm into an established mould. It’s been brought to my attention that I may have been a little harsh. A little negative. It was even suggested that I was not *gasp!* my usual cheery self! Perhaps I’m being a […]
Square peg, round paradigm
Innovation isn’t a buffet table. This to say that you can’t take what you want, load your plate, and leave the rest. I was reminded of this in a recent article, ironically enough, on cnn.com In a nutshell, someone over at News International in Britain woke up one day and realized that they might want […]