This article introduces you to critical thinking that can be is used with great effect in decision-making. Critical thinking. The phrase has the word ‘critical’ in it. This could mean vitally important. Or it could mean being suspicious. In critical, thinking, it is about being suspicious of information, data, observations , assumptions that are used […]
Decision Making for Middle Managers Part Two
In this article we will look at our thinking when considering a decision. We have wonderful and sometimes scary conversations with ourselves. when considering a decision. Usually, the ‘scary conversation’ starts with ‘what if. ….?’ followed by scenarios of what could go wrong. They can keep us stuck and unable to make a decision. ‘Wonderful […]
Decision Making for Middle Managers – Part 1 of 3
Stuck between Senior Management and Frontline employees, middle managers have many decisions to make. Decisions have to be made as they translate corporate strategy and policies into workable implementation plans. Decisions have to be made about resources such as budgets, people and time. Decisions have to be made about addressing problems, of which there are […]
My Takeaways from Elon Musk Biography
We both went to school in Pretoria in South Africa. I went to Christian Brothers College. He went to Pretoria Boys High School. I was Head Prefect of my school and he wasn’t of his school. He is the richest man in the world. I am not. I do not want to work with him. […]
Making Cadence Meetings hum!
The word ‘cadence’ describes a rhythmic sequence of music or words. Popularized for business by the Agile process, it has since become commonplace for managers to have and attend cadence meetings (usually daily or weekly). Cadence meetings are rhythmic in that they happen at the same time and day each period and their purpose is […]
Don’t be a Problem Magnet!!
No miracle occurs when you become a manager. You do not suddenly acquire amazing problem solving powers! And yet, it is tempting , as a manger, to see yourself as the problem-solver-in-chief. As a Middle Manager you will always be aware of problems that need to be resolved. In fact, you are accountable for dealing […]
Leading to a different future
In a previous article https://triumphantman.com/am-i-a-leader-or-a-manager/ I described the role of a MM as ‘manaleader’, meaning that you are both a manager and a leader. I drew the distinction between the two. In this article I want to share with you the process for leading. Remember all work is a process https://triumphantman.com/all-work-is-a-process-dont-like-the-results-change-the-process/. The leader imagines a […]
Presentations that rock
I am sharing four ideas that do not appear in all the many blogs on presenting. I believe that these ideas, added to the advice on slide typeface size, number of words, use of pictures and visuals, 3 minutes per slide, knowing your audience and keep it simple, are really helpful. These elements can be found […]
You have Mail – piles and piles of emails
Outside of multiple meetings, email inboxes are a challenge for MMs who receive a hundred or more a day. I want to share some ideas to tame that avalanche. Principles These following principles form a base for thinking about handling emails: 1. Only touch an email once 2. Stop acknowledging that you received an email. […]
Don’t just cut costs, Increase Productivity
If you are a Middle Manager you will, probably, more than once, be called on to cut costs from your budget. During the last few years times have been turbulent and cost cutting has become more prolific. Being asked to cut costs is always difficult and stressful. There is the spectre of laying off people […]