Gwyn Teatro

Gwyn Teatro

26p

22 comments posted · 1 followers · following 0

11 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - Are You An Original Le... · 2 replies · +1 points

Hi Tanveer,

You have said something here that needs to be said more often. In particular I loved how you have made the distinction between copying and learning. There is a huge difference between them.

To me, copying is the easy, lazy person’s way out, at least initially. Learning asks us to invest something of ourselves into the mix and that is much harder, much more rewarding and eminently more honest. Thank you for putting it in print for all to see.

11 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - An Inspiring Example O... · 2 replies · +1 points

Tanveer ~ this is a powerful message and one that all young girls would benefit from reading. I rather wish I had had an Alya around when I was very young. She is a shining example of the kind of spirit, heart, compassion and empathy needed to make the world a better place. Kudos to her. And, kudos to you and your wife for providing your daughters with such important guidance and encouragement.

I would stand in line for a copy of Alya’s book to give to my granddaughter who is, herself, a very special and thoughtful little girl.

Thank you for this, Alya and Tanveer. It serves as a reminder to everyone that words, and how we use them, require respect and attention just like the people we share them with.

11 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - Are You Ready For The ... · 2 replies · +1 points

To me, the notion of just-in-time information gives rise to the possibility that Internet access (via smart phone or other devices) might be used as a tool for deeper learning. For example, when I was in high school (about a century ago) I spent my time learning things by rote. If I was lucky, I managed to retain the information I crammed into my head long enough to write and pass an exam. There was little deep discussion about the application, or implication, of what I was learning and so I quickly forgot much of it.

In light of our more immediate access to information, perhaps there is also opportunity to spend less time memorizing and more time putting things into context; challenging current assumptions and; experimenting with new ideas.
I think the same can be said of people in workplaces.

I too worry a little about losing the face-to-face interaction between people. I’m concerned about losing our ability to speak in whole sentences and converse with others in a way that doesn’t involve an LOL or LMAO somewhere in the text. That said, the world is evolving and we need to find ways to incorporate different communication styles and learning styles into our lives. It begins with our young people. If we are going to build 21st century schools and workplaces, we need to be listening to them.

Thanks for another great post, Tanveer. As always, you manage to press my ‘thinking’ button.

12 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - How To Catch And Solve... · 3 replies · +1 points

Hi Tom ~ Of all the points you mention here, I think the first is the most important. Much time is wasted when we spend it working on the wrong problem or not going deep enough to get at the root problem.
Great post. Thank you.

12 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - It's Not You, It's Me ... · 2 replies · +1 points

Yes, perhaps what we need to do is change the mythology associated with “good” leadership. Getting back to the safety issue, our heroes tend to make us feel that way, safe. The mythology of the hero is that he (& the mythical hero is usually male) is bigger, stronger and more resilient than the rest. When someone creates that impression then I think we tend to feel better about following that lead regardless of what is accomplished. Maybe the question is: what will it take for us to give up our affair with the ‘heroic’ leader and embrace a more collaborative model that includes shared leadership and shared accountability? Don’t know the answer. Perhaps I’d be a hero if I did. ☺

12 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - It's Not You, It's Me ... · 2 replies · +1 points

Tanveer, this is a really thought provoking post. I’m quite intrigued by the results of the first study, in particular the finding that although the groups with narcissistic leaders failed to produce a good result, they were recognized as being stronger leaders than those who took a more collaborative and inclusive approach to the task. It’s a puzzling thing to me but I have a hunch about it.
I’m thinking that in spite of the poor effect these leaders had on results, a compensating factor for the rest is that they can quickly disengage themselves from those results having had little opportunity for input in the first place. In other words, a poor result from a group led by a more collaborative leader is a poor result for everyone but a poor result for a narcissistic leader can easily be interpreted as a failure belonging to the leader alone. That can have some attraction for some people.

12 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - Leadership Biz Cafe Po... · 2 replies · +3 points

Tanveer, Loved the podcast AND the notion of enchantment being a higher goal than influence. I must admit that, in my mind anyway, influence was not as manipulative or coercive as Guy suggested, but I can see where it could easily get that way. That's why making a distinction by introducing the word "enchantment" is very smart.
Thank you for providing this learning opportunity. It is professional, informative and fun.

12 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - Bringing Water-Cooler ... · 2 replies · +2 points

Thank you for this thought-provoking post, Steven and to you Tanveer for hosting it.

I couldn’t agree more that straight talk and the ability to share it, and trust it, is an invaluable tool in any organization.

When I was part of corporate life, what got in the way of straight talk was the fear of being punished in some way. There was always a “hammer” waiting in the wings for those who dared to address the elephant directly. And so, as is so clearly pointed out in this post, people found other venues to vent their more genuine feelings and opinions. Unfortunately, in my experience anyway, conversations around the water cooler quickly become unfocused, full of inaccurate observations, and obscure complaints… and then descend into gossip. I believe it’s because, around the water cooler, there is no structure that allows for inquiry or exploration and nothing to safeguard the conversation from becoming distorted and eventually losing its real value.

Creating an environment where candid talk is valued also includes building a safe system that invites the examination and criticism of ideas, not people. It isn’t enough to bring the water cooler into the room. The rules of engagement must be clear and the leader must demonstrate a willingness to respect them especially at times when his or her thoughts and opinions are being challenged.

While I really like the idea of creating a “politic-free culture”, my feeling is that politics will always be with us and rather than spend time trying to eradicate something that seems to be part of human nature, we should encourage its use in ways that build alliances for the achievement of organizational goals as opposed to individual gratification.

12 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - Learning To Appreciate... · 2 replies · +1 points

Tanveer, I love the notion of the blank wall here and the message it sends. And for all the reasons you outline, I see the need for white spaces too. When we fill up every nook and cranny of our lives, there is no room for “flow” and, to me, that feels claustrophobic.
With respect to your blank wall, I’d be tempted to purchase a picture frame, just the frame, and hang it on the wall, just to remind me to take the time to appreciate the “white spaces” in my life.

13 years ago @ TanveerNaseer.com - Do You Lead Others Thr... · 2 replies · +1 points

Tanveer, I love how you have so clearly made the distinction between flattery and praise. I have heard people use those two words synonymously… and quite innocently too.
Apart from the differences you so adeptly point out, to me, a difference between them is that praise takes more thought and more work Its main ingredient is sincerity. Flattery, on the other hand is like a veneer. It wears thin after a while.
Thanks for another thought provoking post.