Open to Change

We are in the middle of a 5-session project management training program and watching the participants embrace this new content has caused me to develop a profound respect for them.  Let's be clear, not everyone is embracing the content the same way, but enough are.

I can see it, in their focus and determination, and in their questions.  They are listening to new content and a new subject and they are being open.  They are looking at how they can take this new knowledge and apply it to their business.

It isn't "Well, the way we do it works fine so we don't need to change," it's "How can we be better?"  "How can we take these new ideas and make ourselves stronger?"

How this applies to the rest of us... Just ask yourself, when you come across new knowledge (from a peer, a book, a course, etc.) what do you do with it?  Do you assume its different than what you are doing and not worth looking at?  Do you assume that because someone else said it, it must be good?  Or, do you just go in with an open mind and willing heart; ready to take the best bits of everything you come in contact with to make you and your organization better.

Think about it, and next time, be open.

-Alexander C. Cook MEng, MBA, PEng, PMP

Why Communication is Important for Building Trust

Our standard Check Ride assessment focuses on two critical aspects of leadership: Building Trust, and Building Confidence.  Without these two things, you can manage a team, but you will have immense difficulty leading a team.

The first criteria we look at in Building Trust is to "Communicate openly, transparently, and clearly with focus and conviction."  So, why is this important?

I would be shocked if at this exact moment you didn't have a number of reasons why this is important popping up in your head but let's look at a few anyway.  

In my experience, I have found it very difficult to trust someone I couldn't see through.  What I mean by that, is that if I cannot see your role in the team, your motivations, and your actions that back those up, I begin to wonder, what hidden agenda are you pushing?  That isn't me trusting you, that is just the opposite.

In line with that, it isn't just that communication is open and transparent, it needs to be clear, comprehensive, and confident.  Leaders know where they are going, and demonstrating to your followers not only that you have a clear vision, but that you believe in it, boosts that trust.

What other reasons have you seen that demonstrate why communication is important for building trust?

-Alexander Cook MEng, MBA, PEng, PMP

Image Source: https://www.xremo.com/blogs/7