So Proud of My Dad

CGA Ontario published in May's "Statement Magazine" the list of those that qualified as LPA's this year.  This is a new thing for CGA Ontario (2nd year) and my dad studied his face off to get it.

It was a massive accomplishment for our firm, and a huge accomplishment for him personally!

Way to go Dad!

Why Execution Trumps Innovation

It's a real trendy word these days: Innovation.  It definately sounds cool.  Much better than other hot words right now like "Uber" or "Holistic."  The trouble with innovation (and creativity in general) is that it often STOPS at the development stage. 

"Here's a great idea..."

It's difficult to execute.  Delivering on the final product requires stuff that creative hate...logistics, costing, etc.  Unfortuantely, the execution of an innovative idea or concept IS what in fact makes it innovative.  I develop theoretically how flying skateboards would revolutionize children's play patterns...but if I can't make it, sell it and ship it...my idea is irrelevant.

This is all very basic, and most people understand it..however, what many miss is the importance of WELL executed ideas and products.

The ability to execute poorly is not difficult, but the discipline to deliver quality execution to an innovative idea drives success.

Last week I played golf at GreyStone Golf Club and encountered (for the first time) the 9th Tee Call Box.  We pre-ordered sandwiches to be ready as we turned the corner onto Hole 10.  Sounds like an innovative idea, and obviously, with it right there (see picture) innovation has gone to market.  Unfortuantely, due to garbbled voices and a broken talk button...it didn't really work.  Very disappointing, as upon discovering the innovation, my expectations raised and I became excited to order my food.

This is a classic example of failed execution.  The real question is this: Would GreyStone had been better to NOT innovate by foregoing placing a CallBox that wasn't 100% working...OR have one that was not functioning correctly.  When we went into the ClubHouse afterwards, it was explained that the CallBox had some glitches and they weren't sure what was wrong.

Execution trumps innovation because if innovation is not paired with excellent execution...the innovation would be better off dead.

Own it & Fix it!

It's an all to common scenario.  We meet in our respective teams, and discuss how we can improve.  A healthy exercise for sure, but unfortunately, the outcome often does not align with the initial goals defined at the outset.  Despite a commitment to "where did WE win and lose" it moves to "were did YOU win and lose."

If we took a break from the madness of blame-game and all took ownership of every issue under personal control...wouldn't everything be on the table and ready for correction.  Rather than pointing at where members of the team went wrong, and volunteering how you could've fixed or helped...the ship would with no doubt right-size and the team could move on.  Instead, we try to solve issues by picking of micro-concerns 1-by-1 and shooting team members like they were playing Duck Hunt.

When meeting with your team, prepare with a list of the areas that you let others and the team down, with a plan on how you can improve.  Most will follow, and the team will benefit.

Own it...Fix it!

Discernment is Decisive

It's more than just knowing what to do and when to do it...discernment is the ability to judge well.  I find that my capacity to judge is rarely impaired, but the ability to judge WELL is in fact a gift and skill that needs to continuously be refined and developed.

The trouble with discernment is that it is decisive...but we are not.  When I say "trouble" what I really mean is..real discernment pushes us to call a spade, take action and stand firm.  I know lots of people that are extremely discerning, unfortunately, I know more people that are not...at all.  So rather than offer some characteristics of discernment, here are some to look for when discernment may be lacking;

1. Impulsive - It's often said: "First out best out" or "Go with your Gut."  While these are true in the right contexts, they are not characteristics to rely on when looking for discerning people.  It's critical to differentiate being decisive with acting with unnecessary haste.  When someone is decisive, they take in the context, variables and make a tactical and calculated decision without delay...this does not mean that decisiveness is reactionary or implusive, but rather is timely and firm in the decision...confident that all angles (or at least most) have been examined and flushed out.

2. Self-Seeking - Everyone is self-seeking at times.  It's when our decision-making and advice is driven by motives that are self-seeking.  It's easy to recommend a solution to someone that pays you their dollar or allows you to take a step up the ladder...but what about when what's best for the person or situation involves some self-sacrifice?  Discernment is honest, self-examining and conscience of its surroundings.  If you tell the truth all the time, you never need to remember what you said.

3. Scattered and/or Unclear - Be concise.  As I reflect on situations and people that I've interacted with that lack discernment, this is a pervasive truth.  Hectic and rash actions that drive vain and implusive decisions.  Discernment is calm, collected and orderly.  The person that panics and loses control rarely makes the best decision.  Self-control and clarity of thought propel discernment and act as a guard rail down the path of decision-making.

Discernment at its core is more about wisdom than anything else.  By surrounding yourself with trustworthy and competent individuals, you create an environment for discernment to develop.

Techno Treats - The iPad Keyboard

I'm always on the look out for great products that allow me to work with greater efficiency.  I love my iPad.  I know there are lots of people that mock them, but whether its reading on the Kindle App, cycling through PDF's and documents at a board meeting or just email and word processing...it's been fantastic for me! 

Recently I discovered a case for the iPad that doubles as a keyboard.  The colleague that showed it to me has had nothing but positive things to say about so I had to get one, and it's been great!  You can buy one on Amazon (cheaper than Best Buy).  Definitely worth the money if you plan on taking notes or using your iPad for more than just browsing.  Check it out HERE.