Every major discipline thinks they have a unique way of approaching problems. Research scientists have one way, engineers have another way, doctors have yet another way, economists even have their own approach.

And, of course, lawyers think they are unique. Continue reading Make Your Case by Thinking Like a Lawyer →

Despite the popularity of blogs, most of our communication involves speaking.

That speaking is important. It is how we interact with others in real-time. And researchers have found how you sound is the largest determinate of status in the United States. It’s not money. It’s not how well you “dress for success.” It’s not about who your father was. It’s not about who you can brag about knowing. Continue reading 8 Tips to Becoming a Speaking Expert →

Leadership is not just about having a vision. Leadership is about intentionally communicating that vision to others so that they change their behavior.

That is how you achieve that vision.

Here is a video that I am sure will become a classic. Joseph Grenny, of Vital Smarts, explains how people, all of us, are massively influenced by really small things. It’s 42 minutes long, but worth every second.

He uses a matrix of six sources of influence:

Leaders influence the frame.

• Connect principles to their values. Ask them what is important to them.
• Help people frame specific daily decisions to the principles.
• Start with improving ability and removing barriers. Then work on motivation. Provide hands-on practice under realistic, real-world conditions.
• Surround them with friends and coaches. Give them colleagues who have the same interests and goals.
• Use data, cues, tools, and incentives to make good choices easier and obvious and to make bad choices harder and conscious.

Watch the video. It’s fun and the advice is great. Then check out his book.