Wondering how strong a significant relationship at home or work really is? Here’s a quick gauge: How comfortable are you saying difficult things? If you shy or run away from difficult conversations, it’s probably because intuitively you know the relationship cannot weather the turbulence. Significant relationships that cannot withstand the turbulence caused by honest and transparent communication are weak. If you find yourself in this situation, how you can invest in the relationship so the thought of saying the hard things doesn’t make you queasy?
I have a lot of conversations about tools that I or others find useful, whether products, books, videos, sites or services. In an effort to condense and consolidate the recommendations I collect, I maintain a Toolkit page. The recommendations span the core topics I discuss on this blog including leadership, productivity and technology. Please take a moment to look around and comment if you find something useful or believe a must have is missing!
What separates mediocre service from service worth telling others about? Isn’t it doing whatever you can for your customers v. doing what you must? A “must” perspective is inherently limiting and restrictive. It’s rooted in rules, checklists and contracts. A “can” perspective is inherently expansive and freeing. It’s rooted in permission, opportunities and the spirit of the agreement. I believe a “must” customer orientation develops out of a culture that manages their people that way. Employees follow rules, are policed with checklists and are routinely told to consult the handbook. I believe a “can” customer orientation develops out of a culture that gives its people permission to exercise good judgement, that pushes its people to take initiative and to act with the overall intent in mind. You agree?


