Lizard Brains at Work
Why does it seem like we go brain dead in a crisis? We plan and prepare assiduously, locking procedures into our minds and increasing our muscle memory with regular exercises. Then when ‘the big one’ hits, we seem to forget everything we’ve learned. Even if we don’t, it seems like everyone else has. Everything seems […]
The Compassion Challenge
Why don’t people care any more? It’s a decades-old puzzle: Human beings are noted for incredible acts of heroism, kindness and generosity, yet we’re also known for selfish, self-centered actions and the capability to seemingly ignore evil as it occurs around us. Sociologists debate the answer, ethicists explain the issue and we just accept it […]
Don’t Fight the Last War
Don’t look in the wrong direction! Responders easily look in the wrong direction for planning. They tend to focus on past responses and ask past-tense questions: What happened last time? What could we have done better? As a result, Command strategy is built on best practices, policy and process – but all from past experiences. […]
Relationships from fast-food to Facebook
Managing relationships more effectively No management degree should be offered without requiring a stint of managing a fast-food restaurant. These workplaces present unique management challenges as they combine low wages, high turnover, part time loyalty and portability. Fast food employees are starting their work career, hoping to move on and up to better work at […]
When did I become the bad guy?
I thought we were the good guys Today’s asymmetrical reputational risk environment can be baffling to non-communicators. We all expect that justice and truth prevail, that if we do the right thing everything will be all right. Corporations try to be good public citizens. Doctors try to save lives. Airlines try to keep to their […]