Lessons

Hack the Scoreboard: We treat metrics like they're sacred, as if they've been handed down from on high like the Ten Commandments or the laws of physics. But they weren't. Somebody like you or me invented them — probably because the metrics served their interests at the time. And now, years later, the metrics have gained so much traction that they've become incontrovertible. Keep reading…

Aim Unreasonably High: The experts tell us we're more likely to succeed when we set reasonable goals. That's how, they say, we lose weight, learn a new language, or build a new habit. After all, we can't go from sedentary to climbing K2, right? But there are a few problems with reasonable goals. Keep reading…

Be the Congressman: Some years ago, there was a story going around — a true story, as it turns out — about me and a lunch I had with a candidate for Congress. He had run two years before but lost really badly and he was seeking my advice as he prepared to run again. Keep reading…

Don't Inspire the World: I was asked by a client today what I think about mission and vision statements. As this is something I'm asked a few times a year, here's what I think. First of all, ask yourself why your organization needs mission and vision statements. Keep reading…

Follow the Plot: The movie director Jason Reitman tells a story about his dad, the more famous director Ivan Reitman. His dad calls him one day all excited about the show 24 — the one with Keifer Sutherland as Jack Bauer — and invites him over to watch it. After watching three episodes together, the younger Reitman asks his father what makes 24 so good when there are so many other shows about terrorism. Keep reading…

Yes Means Yes: Stop the War! End Racism! Solid sentiments and memorable slogans. But there's a big problem with ideas and messages like this. Let me explain it this way. If you've ever been a parent or the babysitter for a toddler, you know there are many days the kid won't stop talking. Keep reading…

Dig Somewhere Different: You can't reason your way to a breakthrough. You might imagine you can systematically think your way there. Scan the environment, identify gaps, and voila! A big disruptive idea. A to B to C to breakthrough. Except it almost never works that way. Keep reading…

Just Start Running: There's a phenomenon called the Bannister Effect. It's named after the first guy who ran a mile in under four minutes. Before he did it in 1954, nobody could do it. After he did it, runners all over the world could do it. So what changed? It wasn't their shoes, their diets, or their training. Keep reading…