Etiqueta: development

Networks: the strength of weak ties

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After looking at the strong pieces, we will explore the weak ties, how powerful they are, what we need to do in order to have an excellent network.

Definition: invisible bonds that provide people with access to information and resources beyond those available in their own social circles. They provide the bridges where innovation cross boundaries.

Also identifiable as: that people we met at events, in a meeting that gathered together many people with similar interests. We keep in touch.

Relationship between nodes: acquaintances. That’s why their creation and maintainance require time.

Likely to find in them: High level of new information, possibilities or new opportunities.

If we go one step beyond our personal circles and we look at the organizational networks, we will find that if we want to stay in the current status quo we will stay close to our strong ties. They will reinforce our believes, but we won’t have the opportunity to discover what’s new out there, there will be little room for change. Organizations will work under a silos structure. Instead of that, weak ties, helps organizations to spread knowledge as they help in creating cooperation and coordination. They will break down silos.

So, if they are so benefitial, why we don’t use them more? They push ourselves out of our comfort zones. Firstly, because it’s required to meet new people so to start building them. Secondly, they require time but also mind openness to listen and interiorize different ways of doing or thinking. Finally because we have to overcome the convenience of our strong ties in case of urgency.

Now, do you frequently  find yourself complaining about things not changing? How willing are you to meet new people? Are you ready to keep the effort of avoiding our strong ties in case of help? To jump to ask an acquaitance instead of your close friends?

 

We have been out for a week. This time out was worthy. Battery full for what’s to come.

 

 

New times for construction kits

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Imagine a construction kit of 100 pieces, 1 set of instructions for 5 predefined figures and one single player, yourself. Pretty sure that mostly all of us has had one of this during his life. If you think about it, I am sure you find different behaviors when you observe kids nowadays sharing this toy.

There could be that kind of kid that played alone many times, followed the instructions that came with the toy and and perfectioned the figures to build.  But also, there is that one that didn’t even look at the instructions and just started building.

What happens when we add another player? A younger brother, a neighbour, another friend? Will they still follow the paper piece, will the owner of the game tell the others what to build next and how? Or will they just add more imagination to the game and assemble something different and amazing? Will they decide at the beginning what to build and discuss from time to time, what would happen if they did it that way? Giving the best of each?

When they will grow up, they’ll find a world constantly changing (faster than before), where usually the construction pieces do not come with instructions. And, they will have to get together with other kids who had their own toys and friends.

What do you want them to decide? Play by themselves, play with other kids (expanding their horizons)?

Will you wnat them to follow the instructions, always, as you did? Or will you want themto think out of the box and create something cool?

Will you want them to follow the owner’ orders (well, instructions) or will you prefer to see that each kid gives his best? That there is a debate of how to reach the common goal set before the game started?

The rules have changed, and in this case, what applies to kids applies to us. If you were the one who played alone, gave the orders or follow the instructions, it will be kind of difficult to change and adapt. To take risks. There are new «no rules». Adapt or …. live in the «always have been like that».

The art of plunging into the water

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Summer time, hot weather, … Guided by locals we reached a super nice spot, a natural pool. You are considered one of them (locals) when you jump into the cold water, no questions asked. Only the «locals» are brave enough…

Did I try? Of course I did. I dived into the river once, twice… it was really fun. Not two times the same way, but for the first dive I did it my own way. After that, and in between jumps I took some time to watch the «in-the-water-for-first-time» style of the rest of the people around. I don’t recall two people asking the same question or diving into the same way.

Any questions before we start? Some just asked one question, if it was deep enough to jump, to dive headfirst, from the platform of rocks, and others didn’t ask at all.

How will you do it? I saw who progressively got into the water, who did not get wet above the wrist, conservative at first, risking more at each essay…

Time to action? 0, no questions. Seconds after asking. Minutes, eternity (never went into the water).

Any Support team with you? No, I want to try alone. But also who wanted or needed to jump off hand-in-hand, who asked their colleagues which was the best way to do it, a group of friends just jumping (Fear out!) after seeing the first one diving in…

Style? Any support material with you? There were who just waited until they thought no one was looking (they didn’t like being observed), others that appreciate and liked being cheered up, also who looked for the approval for the «go! it’s safe» from the friend who just jumped in before and was looking from the other side of the river.

Most of us, when we are challenged by something new, we tend to approach it from the closest position to our comfort zone. After that, when we feel more and more safe we are able to try differently. It is ok when there is someone to ask, someone to rely on. It can be scary when we do not know if water will be too cold, too deep or dangerous. So listen to your guts, what do they tell you?

Hey all! We are back. Thanks for visiting!!!!!!

The «mojo» issue

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Photo by Anna Sullivan on Unsplash

«Mojo», Slang word to define Magical charm, enthusiasm, talent based on personal appeal, influence, confidence, style, … From time to time, issues arise. We, then, loose our «mojo» and we face the lack of interest, problems to focus, we are less attractive, finishing tasks on time is very complicated.

We as individuals, we radiate «magic» when feeling special, balanced, happy. We perform extraordinarily when enjoying what we do. All of a sudden, pop! It’s gone. Someone stole your «mojo». As a matter of fact, this is something that can not be stolen. We simply lose it. Because we let criticism get to us, we change the way of doing things just to please others or just for fear. Then it’s when slowly, very slowly, we loose interest for what we do, we stop learning, we no longer have fun.

Companies will go through exactly the same phases. They can lose their essence, without realizing, just following a trend or to ensure success by just producing their top sales, no innovation on the horizon. So, the same company gets bored, just the same day after day. And, all of the sudden, competitors are ahead of them!

You need to refocus, rediscover what made you vibrate. Why did you start all this adventure? Is still the same thing that makes the ball roll in? Or you have changed? New us, with old manners (even if it’s as an individual or a company).

Regain your charm, surround yourself by that magic generators again. And everything will be ok, back on track.

 

Bumps, reactions and responses

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Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

When we face bumps in the road, we have different reactions (was it my fault?, why the h*** did he/she do this? and we chose responses (what is the constructive way to solve this?).

Our success will depend on the «magnitude» of our reaction and the time until response:

(1) Something negative happened to us. It feels good to stay in this mode for a short time. But the more time we spend wondering, regreting about what? and Why? the less we will  be able to figure out how to move on. Allow yourself for a very short time complaining. Then, stop moaning, plan, act: solve it and get going. Leave negativity behind.

(2) Someone acted in a way (made, said, wrote….)  we didn’t like. The less time between reaction and response, the lower the probability of success. So, wait, do not send that email yet, do not make that phone call inmediately or do not explode during the meeting. Calm down, act being constructive and get going. Leave the negative feelings behind.

(3) We were requested to deliver something but we have no clue what is the approach  or we have not come up with any brilliant idea yet. Well, here procrastination might help (if we are not under a tight schedule). When we stop worrying, focusing too much and direct our effort and attention to different topics, all in the sudden THAT brilliant idea emerges from «nowhere». This is when it’s time to use all that «finally-I-came-up-with-something» positive energy in responding by creating something amazing.

We do not control everything that occurs to us, but (as we have said many times before) we are responsible for the way we respond.

Would you be able to translate these 3 modes into a formula?

Building community

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Photo by Josh Sorenson from Pexels

Definition of community: the condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.

It doesn’t appear by magic. You create a community around something when you believe in it and focus on it with effort, consistency, dedication.

In Bruce Springsteen’s memoir we find an interesting fragment. After recording Born to Run, the E Street Band is about to give their first concert in London, abroad, first step out of their USA comfort zone. Here is what he says, his thoughts at that time:

«It’s Showtime. The audience seems reticent, the room feels uneasy. That’s my responsibility. You’ve got to let the audience feel that they’re coolly within your hands. That’s how you help them feel safe and free to let themselves go, to find whatever they’ve come looking for…». «Right now, I can feel myself caring too much, thinking too much about…»

That was the beginning of everything, of what he is today, what he has built along years. This is how he created a kind of community around music.

Recipe for a successful «sense of community:

Ingredients:

  • Care
  • Preparation
  • Caution
  • Respect
  • Confidence
  • Values

Instructions:

  1. Select the audience you feel your talents deserve
  2. Get ready, learn, be prepared for the next show
  3. Perspire, transmit with every action what you have learned, what matters to you (Values) and what you are able to do
  4. Don’t rush. Be confident. Be wary
  5. Go on, even more when you feel the stinch of fear
  6. Build that space where people will feel free to share, express their concerns

Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and follow the instructions over and over again. Do not skip any step. The product is awesome, you will have built your community, where people will be eager to progress, move one step away from their comfort zone.

It is a slightly different formula for The Boss, but it works the same way. There is a special bond between him and some of the cities he visits. Able to create a special atmosphere at his concerts, where the public is part of a unique event.

Believe, work hard and you put your soul in what you do. You will succeed, eventually.

Weaving your network. Weaving your web.

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When we talk about » our network», we usually think about it from a professional perspective only. But it is far more than that, it is a personal web formed with family, friends and occasional contacts not directly related with our profession or daily activity.

The network we have created is part of a greater thing, part of a Web, a “personal spider web”.

Built during years through different phases, in the earlier steps of creation, the family ties. Then, kinder garden, school, college friends. And finally those who we meet during our professional life. There is an invisible line that connects us with each of them.

 Our webs can be classified into two types:

  • Concentrated:

Tight&Strong links with and between the different constituents. We care about each of them (of course in different ways…). Its configured by those who inspire us, who teach us, … We dedicate to them time, to connect, to listen, we then, strengthen the link. Being at the center of this cobweb means that if we jump we will gain momentum, in case of troubles we will find help. As per its structure our web can do the same for others.

  • Dispersed:

 Widespread web, weak tights. We can care but we can’t dedicate enough time or just care about the number of constituents, no matter what. If we do not take care of each thread, if we don’t check out and fix when a problem arises, the quality declines. And finally, it can break.

 A concentrated web is more effective, from a professional and personal perspective. We should pay attention to what matters, and take care of it. Ensure that the invisible line is strong. By that, any time that the other’s web grows ours will do so.

 Every time we meet someone, we have the opportunity to include him in our network.

Stuck in a moment, but you can get out of it

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Did you find yourself banging your head against a wall for a while? That you are spinning around? That, you are stuck in a moment (like the song says), and you can’t get out of it? I have prepared 5 tips  for you that can be helpful.

 

1. Spare time: allow yourself have a blank morning, or an hour. Work hard, play hard. Sometimes we think we are so busy that there is not any room for fun. We need more space for peace of mind. More space for surprise. Let yourself think out of the box. Let your team do the same.

2. Trust. Towards others do not start a conversation with someone you have just met by judging. Expect the best from them, even more if you do not know them yet. They could be that difference you need. Build trust towards you, stay true to your standards.

3. Acknowledgement. Let others know when they did a good job done, when you liked it, honestly. Celebrate success, even more than when it is yours. Be proud, do not hide of what you believe in, or you do. Be thankful if someone makes a compliment.

4. Confidence. You could be that type of people who is an explorer, who does not stand by standards. If others think differently from you does not mean you are wrong. If you are not an explorer but a follower, do not tell the others they are wrong when they prefer to plunge into the jungle. Some of their bright ideas could bring you out of dark!

5. Listen. Always and mostly to who does not see the world as you do. You can always get the best advice from those who know you and might think alike. But open your mind. Could it happen that they show you something new? Or make you realize that there is a better approach for your project? Or that you just need to let it go and start from scratch?

You can never find alternative paths following the same road.

The transformer power of language. Use it for the best version of you.

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Your future you

Language helps us to express feelings, desires, expectations, … so many things as we have been reading. The way we use verb tenses conditions a lot how do we face challenges in life. It also exposes our attitude towards difficulties and changes (do we let it just happen? do we act? do we have fear?).

 

I should…: You are aware that something needs to be done, action taken,… but you are postponing the action.

I want to… : Implies desire, the initiative to start a change, to become something different.

I will…: Shows a clear intention. It implies that we have defined a target.

I have planned to: You already have something in mind, there is plan and an execution on its way.

I am -ing…: Already on the move, towards a final destination.

When the time to look back finally arrives, you should say, I made it: You walked all the way and you succeed. You arrived after all the efforts and sacrifices.

And you should not have to say, I should have…: You regret a decision or a non-decision making. At some point, there was something you didn’t risk trying. This should not happen.Time flies.

Any decision you make needs to be thoughtful. When you are in doubt, choosing between two roads you will discuss a lot with yourself. Eventually you will go for one and you will get, learn, earn some things yet leaving other things.

You can not spend your life stuck, complaining, letting things happening around you, to you, and doing nothing (I should, I could…).  In the end, by allowing yourself to be unhappy an bored days may seem to pass really slow but it is the other way around. Move, try, progress (start using I will, I am…).

If you are on the I should, I would… move to I want to, I will, I am. Transform your language, transform your attitude.

What helps to build a brand can destroy it

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Brand development

It can take years to build a brand, a name, a reputation and only a few actions to take it down.

Companies want to sell products, an image, an experience. They then decide what do they want to be recognized for, start they brand. They put a lot of effort in marketing for their products, slogans, on how to sell better their products. There is a lot of investment on employees so they internalize and potentiate what makes the company (in case it’s a service company) or the product unique. Like this, they can focus on what is key, focus on achieving the expected results.

We, as individuals, do also want to sell something. We have to figure out what do we want to be recognized for. Is it because you are a hard worker? do you keep your word? Are you an expert on something? You decide, this will be your presentation card, and brick by brick construct it.

But Companies and individuals have two sides. The one we have described is the commercial, professional one. We sell THIS IS WHAT WE ARE GOOD AT. You can rely on us.

The other one is the behavioral side, HOW DO WE ACT. What does define ourselves, our values. In a Company, it’s written down and shared by all employees. Would I want someone working with us if they didn’t share our vision of customers, products and services? Will they bring the same passion? Are they able to help us build the image we want to project? In the case of individuals it becomes a bit more tricky. Because we can be loyal to ourselves and apply our principles to everyday actions or we can decide we want to be recognized for something we are not. Then, we need to double our effort, as we will be playing a role.

In any case, to build a reputation can take years, it’s the result of the sum of many actions. When what we sell differs from what we do, a crack appears. When it happens more than once, what helped to build what we are known for disappears. Trust, which is the basis of any brand disappears. And it doesn’t matter if it’s personal, digital, … it doesn’t matter. It is always the «do the talk» thing. In any possible interaction you have.

That is why is so important to keep as honest and simple as possible what you are and what you sell. Then, we can focus on what we are good at, besides on what we would like to be without effort.