G.R.O.W. Your Capacity to Deliver Results

John Whitmore's GROW framework enables us to focus on what we are trying to accomplish and the context within which we are operating before determining a solution or strategy.

It helps mitigate common leadership traps such as:

• Trying to control outcomes or people
• Solving the wrong problem
• Going for decision speed over understanding
• Discussing being perceived as agreement
• Explaining, blaming or justifying low performance
• Ignoring, complying or protecting the emotional state of stakeholders
• Defaulting to limited solutions
• Focusing on the future without consideration of the past or present
• Wasting time second guessing decisions

Slow down to go fast and focus on what you can influence by clarifying 4 things:

G-Goal Seek clarity and alignment on the what and why

R-Reality Discuss and name context or what is going on (vs. what is wrong) including constraints, barriers, perceptions, experiences, environment, marketplace, what is working, what is not, etc. 

Do not go to O until you are clear and aligned on G and the stakes are lowered or acknowledged regarding the R. You may need to change the G.

O-Options Explore alternatives or the how based on G&R

W-Way Forward Identify the who, when, where and support needed

The more time you spend on G&R the better and faster the O&W. Try it to find out!

Thank you Amy for the resource.

Delight in Diversity

We have a bias to explore what we have in common with others. We tend to seek out those we can relate to. People who have similar life experiences, styles, interests and ways of thinking attract our attention. This is helpful and unifying but we miss something essential in the process.

High performing teams value diversity. They actually revel in difference. A strong team is a variety pack where all can share, contribute and express in their own unique way in service to a common purpose.

As we honor and appreciate our differences it is surprising what we can learn and how much fun we can have. Start by moving toward what repels you (with curiosity and respect) and notice what happens.

Craftsmanship on Teams

If you strive for excellence on your team consider the craftsmanship of Sushi Shokunin, Sukiyabashi Jiro. A Shokunin is a master of a profession-an artisan.

In the docu-movie, Jiro Dreams of Sushi you’ll note a care, commitment, focus and passion for the art of making Sushi. There is a grace, beauty, elegance and taste to Jiro’s work that generates buzz and a month’s wait to dine at his Sushi restaurant in Tokyo.

All Jiro, wants to do is “make better Sushi.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2L5IrkQTV0

To instill more craftsmanship on your team, apply Jiro’s insights by answering the following questions with your team:

·      Where is the artistry in your team’s work?

·      How do you inspire and deliver originality?

·      Where would a consistent practice, process or focus optimize results?

·      How do you define and monitor quality?

·      What motivates you?

·      What do you make better?

20 Seconds of Courage

Check out this brief clip called "20 Seconds of Courage" from the movie We Bought a Zoo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmMFIganRQY

We all can relate to teenage angst but how can you apply this axiom in your work today? Where and with whom would 20 seconds of courage make a huge difference?

Where is potential embarrassment holding you up? Where is fear keeping you from what is best for all? Can you psych yourself up for 20 seconds to:

• Ask for a raise?
• Hold a colleague accountable to a team agreement?
• Follow your intuition?
• Have that difficult conversation?
• Say what is unsaid?
• Make a request?

"I promise you something great will come of it."