Can Skipping A Meeting Make You A Better Leade

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Its not easy being a great leader. One of the marks of good leadership is the ability to look
at problems in new ways, find creative solutions, and think outside-of-the-box in order to
inspire others to greatness. Leadership isnt all about you, after all...its about how you
communicate and motivate others.
Unfortunately, many of todays current leaders are falling down on the job. Were in the
middle of something close to an employee engagement crisis, with Gallup finding 70
percent of the American workforce checked out on the job. This probably explains why
CareerBuilder discovered 77 percent of employed workers are actively searching or open
to new career opportunities. Without effective leadership, employees eventually start eying
the door.
Sometimes effective leadership means throwing conventional wisdom out the window. After
all, the traditional way things are done might have you stuck in a rut. Its time to break free
and embrace some left-of-center techniques to grow your leadership skills or reconnect
with your team.
Here are four ways to grow your leadership without following the pack:
Refuse Earl y Meeti ngs
You get up in the morning psyched about powering through your to-do list. You spend your
commute getting ready for the work day. You know exactly what you need to get
accomplished and as you walk in the door, youre ready to start crossing items off your list.
Theres only one problem: you have an early morning meeting and your momentum
immediately screeches to a standstill.
I spoke recently to project management expert Tony Wong about his experiences working
with video game company Riot Games. When Riot came to Tony, they had a great culture
of communication, but it was actually getting in the way of their overall productivity. Wong
suggested the company take the first hour of the day and throw it out the window--for
meetings, at least. By refusing early meetings, leaders and workers could spend time
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Ilya Pozin
Founder of Pluto.TV, Open Me, and Ciplex. Writer for Forbes and Inc.
Can Skipping a Meeting Make You a Better Leader?
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productivity improves. If youre not in a leadership position, go to your manager and
suggest moving meetings to later in the day. You might be amazed at how much you can
accomplish when you free your mornings to prioritize and plan.
Look For a Devi l s Advocate
Having a workplace debate can make even the most steely leader reconsider their stance
on certain issues and their belief in certain projects -- yet many leaders and workers avoid
debate and discussion at all costs. As a leader, you cant surround yourself with yes men
if you want your company to succeed, grow, and thrive.
Leaders need to start a culture where its not only acceptable to question everything, but its
required. Create a designated time in every meeting or at the start of every major project
where everyone involved can play devils advocate. Defending a position or hashing out
potential problems can help you understand the importance of your work and discover what
areas might need to be improved upon.
If youre not a leader, go to your superiors and discuss how employee input can become a
more essential part of the process. Explain you dont want to be adversarial, you just want
the company to be the best it can be and that, by embracing discussion and debate,
companies empower the whole team to contribute, no matter their position in the corporate
hierarchy.
Learn From Someone Outsi de Your Ni che
Once you choose a career path or industry, you can get calcified in certain ways of
thinking. After years of doing things the same way, it can become harder and harder to
thinking outside of the box and creatively problem solve. Whats the solution? How about
taking a page from the playbook of New York J ets general manager and executive vice
president Mike Tannenbaum?
Tannenbaum implemented a professional improvement day, where employees follow and
learn from someone in a different walk of life. This could mean following around a police
officer, an accountant, or even Howard Stern.
After breaking free from their jobs for a day, J ets employees return for a barbeque lunch to
share the knowledge theyve acquired. Its all too easy to get so stuck in your niche you
actually cut down on your skill set. For both leaders and employees, looking at the world
from another perspective can actually open up new experiences and add new wisdom.
Vol unteer Your Ti me
If you feel like youre always being passed over for leadership opportunities at work, stop
scrolling job boards and feeling sorry for yourself. The problem might not be your company
or your project manager, it might just be your leadership skills. A great way to gain useful
on-the-ground leadership techniques is to volunteer your time and efforts in your local
community.
As a leader, honing these skills in a volunteer setting can keep them sharp. Plus, leading a
project, coordinating an event, or even spearheading a fundraiser can help you develop
new talents.
Once youve gain confidence in your newfound abilities to lead and inspire, this confidence
will be more noticeable to the movers and shakers in your office. And if it isnt, you now
have concrete examples of your leadership abilities to show youre up to the task when
negotiating with management for an opportunity to lead.
Great leadership abilities dont happen overnight and they certainly dont develop by
following the same well-worn paths as everyone else. Sometimes you have to take a few
steps down a different road in order to become a better, and more skilled, leader.
What do you think? What outside-of-the-box leadership techniques do you use? Share
in the comments!
Image courtesy of opensource.com; Flickr
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Tam Tran Tam Tran
eDocument specialist at Advantech Europe BV eDocument specialist at Advantech Europe BV
Don't find any relationship between a meeting and a leader. Good leader has a good team Don't find any relationship between a meeting and a leader. Good leader has a good team
because his/her good judgement to select right man on the bus. Good leader delegates well because his/her good judgement to select right man on the bus. Good leader delegates well
so that the team can work by their own as well as together. Good leader motivates team so that the team can work by their own as well as together. Good leader motivates team
members by empower them to take their responsibility and ownership take risks and deal with members by empower them to take their responsibility and ownership take risks and deal with
consequences (learn from failure and improve). Meeting is for team members, leader walk the consequences (learn from failure and improve). Meeting is for team members, leader walk the
talk, share vision and direction, clear the path. Leader goes to the gamba to discuss with team talk, share vision and direction, clear the path. Leader goes to the gamba to discuss with team
then share knowledge, gives advice & support. then share knowledge, gives advice & support.
Like Like(20) (20) Reply Reply(4) (4) 2 days ago 2 days ago
Ivan Butcher II Ivan Butcher II, , J ay(J aykrishna) Patel J ay(J aykrishna) Patel, , Goldameir Marobe Goldameir Marobe, +17 , +17
44 Replies Replies
Tam Tran Tam Tran
eDocument specialist at Advantech Europe BV eDocument specialist at Advantech Europe BV
Could be sometime we land in a gray area, however it is is about meeting not Could be sometime we land in a gray area, however it is is about meeting not
visiting and discuss concerns and perhaps encouraging; a sense of always be visiting and discuss concerns and perhaps encouraging; a sense of always be
there supporting but not necessary solving a problem for the team which needs there supporting but not necessary solving a problem for the team which needs
sometime meeting after meeting to find solution. sometime meeting after meeting to find solution.
Like Like 1 day ago 1 day ago
Alejandro Moreno Saldarriaga Alejandro Moreno Saldarriaga
Leadership Team - Marketing Associat e, at Venture Greenhouse 2.0 Leadership Team - Marketing Associat e, at Venture Greenhouse 2.0
I believe you contradict yourself. First you say there is no relationship between a I believe you contradict yourself. First you say there is no relationship between a
meeting and a leader, but then you say a leader walks the talk, shares the vision meeting and a leader, but then you say a leader walks the talk, shares the vision
and direction. Walking the talk, sharing the vision and direction must take place at and direction. Walking the talk, sharing the vision and direction must take place at
a meeting. So there is a relationship. a meeting. So there is a relationship.
Like Like(2) (2) 1 day ago 1 day ago
Aliya Mhd Zahir Aliya Mhd Zahir and and Salvador Velasco Tllez Salvador Velasco Tllez
Advanced
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3 of 9 6/13/2014 8:37 PM
Richard Polk Richard Polk
COO at Ret ired COO at Ret ired
Too often the reaction to a mini-crisis has been to schedule a recurring meeting (daily, weekly) Too often the reaction to a mini-crisis has been to schedule a recurring meeting (daily, weekly)
to overcompensate for the lack of oversight in the first place. If the crisis was major, then the to overcompensate for the lack of oversight in the first place. If the crisis was major, then the
meeting is scheduled for first thing in the morning to emphasize that importance. This meeting is scheduled for first thing in the morning to emphasize that importance. This
permanent solution to a temporary problem soon morphs into a gathering to discuss all topics permanent solution to a temporary problem soon morphs into a gathering to discuss all topics
except the one originally targeted, further inhibiting the control and review functions of except the one originally targeted, further inhibiting the control and review functions of
management. Alternatively, these meetings are routinely cancelled as other crises develop, management. Alternatively, these meetings are routinely cancelled as other crises develop,
since the original management failure was never truly addressed. since the original management failure was never truly addressed.
Elena Tsanko Elena Tsanko, , Debbie Barfield Debbie Barfield, , Genevieve Liang Genevieve Liang, +23 , +23
11 Reply Reply
Michael Garlick Michael Garlick
Lab Coordinat or Delt a & Prof. Chem. SVSU,| Discovery Channel Show ~ Lab Coordinat or Delt a & Prof. Chem. SVSU,| Discovery Channel Show ~
Timewarp | Emailme@doctorslime.com | Dr.Slime Timewarp | Emailme@doctorslime.com | Dr.Slime
You Are spot on with this point Richard... It's often very hard for mgmt to admit You Are spot on with this point Richard... It's often very hard for mgmt to admit
where the leadership failure occurred, and exhibit true leadership by owning their where the leadership failure occurred, and exhibit true leadership by owning their
mistake before moving forward, this failure, and the resultant meeting punishment mistake before moving forward, this failure, and the resultant meeting punishment
only makes the problem worse. Outside vision and fresh opinion is often the only only makes the problem worse. Outside vision and fresh opinion is often the only
solution, and lists of the ten things don't do anything to fix the original problem, solution, and lists of the ten things don't do anything to fix the original problem,
lack of leadership and owning ones own problems does by setting the proper lack of leadership and owning ones own problems does by setting the proper
leadership example, and moving forward. The best meeting I ever went to started, leadership example, and moving forward. The best meeting I ever went to started,
with our leader stating, " I've failed, here's the problem we have now, tell me how with our leader stating, " I've failed, here's the problem we have now, tell me how
we can fix it,". It got to the point, the leader admitted their failure, and then asked we can fix it,". It got to the point, the leader admitted their failure, and then asked
us how we could clear the mess up. Several of us felt empowered now to point us how we could clear the mess up. Several of us felt empowered now to point
out our own mistakes, and make suggestions to provide better overlapping team out our own mistakes, and make suggestions to provide better overlapping team
cover for this issue, we couldn't have done that without true leadership. cover for this issue, we couldn't have done that without true leadership.
Sujith Katt athara Bhaskaran Sujith Katt athara Bhaskaran
Experienced Program Manager with strong Cross-cultural International IT Project Experienced Program Manager with strong Cross-cultural International IT Project
Management background Management background
Hi Ilya Hi Ilya
I took the title of your post literally - Does a good Leader sometimes deliberately miss a I took the title of your post literally - Does a good Leader sometimes deliberately miss a
meeting? My take is: Definitely yes. meeting? My take is: Definitely yes.
I don't know if this aspect was meant to be included in the scope of your post, but I will go I don't know if this aspect was meant to be included in the scope of your post, but I will go
ahead anyway. ahead anyway.
If the team is low in confidence/ if the leader is very forceful, sometimes simple comments If the team is low in confidence/ if the leader is very forceful, sometimes simple comments
from the leader can be seen as directions. In such situations, the true objective of the meeting from the leader can be seen as directions. In such situations, the true objective of the meeting
may not be achieved. While the Leader has to definitely work on increasing the confidence may not be achieved. While the Leader has to definitely work on increasing the confidence
levels of the team, in the immediate term the Leader may be better off stating his/ her levels of the team, in the immediate term the Leader may be better off stating his/ her
expectations of results to the team, and then leave the meeting for some specific duration expectations of results to the team, and then leave the meeting for some specific duration
while the team brainstorms & then comes up with a set of recommendations that the Leader while the team brainstorms & then comes up with a set of recommendations that the Leader
can consider in his decision-making. can consider in his decision-making.
Thoughts Thoughts
Best Best
Sujith Kattathara. Sujith Kattathara.
Stacey Strickland Stacey Strickland, , Brian Barlows Brian Barlows, , Marija Santos Marija Santos, +9 , +9
22 Replies Replies
Pat ricia Ross Pat ricia Ross
Chief Administrative Of ficer Chief Administrative Of ficer
Wow I thought you were going to say a good leader should skip a meeting to Wow I thought you were going to say a good leader should skip a meeting to
allow the follows to step into a leadership position every once in awhile which will allow the follows to step into a leadership position every once in awhile which will
empower the team and result in more creative ideas. Shocking to hear refuse an empower the team and result in more creative ideas. Shocking to hear refuse an
early morning meeting early morning meeting
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4 of 9 6/13/2014 8:37 PM
Raymond Cornelissen Raymond Cornelissen
Subject Adviser at WCED Subject Adviser at WCED
Hi Sujith Hi Sujith
Your recommendation in the last paragraph makes a whole lot of sense. It could definitely help Your recommendation in the last paragraph makes a whole lot of sense. It could definitely help
to grow the confidence of the whole team. Planned absence could then become a very to grow the confidence of the whole team. Planned absence could then become a very
effective way of building a team. effective way of building a team.
Like Like(5) (5) 2 days ago 2 days ago
Crystal Malchose Crystal Malchose, , Meira Ovadia Meira Ovadia, , Mark Ortiz Mark Ortiz, +2 , +2
Tom Bijl Tom Bijl
Freelancer at 3DVizzion Freelancer at 3DVizzion
Only have a meeting when it's meaningful. I see to often in companies that the manager or Only have a meeting when it's meaningful. I see to often in companies that the manager or
director even CEO just have meetings without a true purpose or meaning to the meeting just director even CEO just have meetings without a true purpose or meaning to the meeting just
for the name and maybe just feel important. The fact is that a meeting should be scheduled if for the name and maybe just feel important. The fact is that a meeting should be scheduled if
things are not going the way expected, or targets are not being achieved or there is a new things are not going the way expected, or targets are not being achieved or there is a new
project or a new rule. But scheduling meetings because we decided that every Thursday we project or a new rule. But scheduling meetings because we decided that every Thursday we
have meeting more often only the same will be repeated over and over again. A waste of time have meeting more often only the same will be repeated over and over again. A waste of time
for everybody and mostly truly demoralizing for a team or company staff. A great leadership is for everybody and mostly truly demoralizing for a team or company staff. A great leadership is
one that inspires to do great and it is not with meetings that you inspire people but by doing it one that inspires to do great and it is not with meetings that you inspire people but by doing it
on the work-floor by being present, involved and give directions to your team or staff. A leader on the work-floor by being present, involved and give directions to your team or staff. A leader
that nose around talk to staff are mostly far more effective than a leader that just sits behind that nose around talk to staff are mostly far more effective than a leader that just sits behind
his desk and wait for the meeting or graphs made by managers or staff to reveal the problems his desk and wait for the meeting or graphs made by managers or staff to reveal the problems
that needs attention. Mostly the staff will skip troublesome problems that can hurt the that needs attention. Mostly the staff will skip troublesome problems that can hurt the
company in fear of their job in meetings or statistics, they will even temper with it to make sure company in fear of their job in meetings or statistics, they will even temper with it to make sure
you will not find out. If you nose and talk actively around such trouble will be found and dealt you will not find out. If you nose and talk actively around such trouble will be found and dealt
with more quickly. That is called proactive leadership. with more quickly. That is called proactive leadership.
Like Like(11) (11) Reply Reply 2 days ago 2 days ago
Mike Murphy Mike Murphy, , Kiro Cvetkov Kiro Cvetkov, , Carolyn Holt Carolyn Holt, +8 , +8
St eve Plat ia St eve Plat ia
Direct or of Project s Direct or of Project s
I sometimes skip meetings if I know the organizer is just including me for informational I sometimes skip meetings if I know the organizer is just including me for informational
purposes, or out of respect for position. I try to be very protective of my calendar. We also purposes, or out of respect for position. I try to be very protective of my calendar. We also
debate and have open discussion all the time, which I think is good as long as in the end debate and have open discussion all the time, which I think is good as long as in the end
everyone is on board to implement the decision. everyone is on board to implement the decision.
Mike Murphy Mike Murphy, , Narayani Gopalakrishnan, P.Eng, PMP Narayani Gopalakrishnan, P.Eng, PMP, , Alma Williams, PMP Alma Williams, PMP, +5 , +5
Oleg Met saev, MBA Oleg Met saev, MBA
Financial Services Representat ive at Met Lif e Financial Services Representat ive at Met Lif e
Great view on early meetings! Less meetings more work. Great view on early meetings! Less meetings more work.
Naomi Kalani (Wiki) Naomi Kalani (Wiki), , Shauntania J ohnson Shauntania J ohnson, , Mark Hammitt Mark Hammitt, +2 , +2
11 Reply Reply
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5 of 9 6/13/2014 8:37 PM
I agree! I may be new to the professional world, but there seems to be such a focus on having I agree! I may be new to the professional world, but there seems to be such a focus on having
numerous meetings throughout the day. If companies actually gave their employees or numerous meetings throughout the day. If companies actually gave their employees or
managers time to work, they would find that more could be accomplished in shorter amounts of managers time to work, they would find that more could be accomplished in shorter amounts of
time! Richard Polk mentioned above that the original event that sparked the meeting eventually time! Richard Polk mentioned above that the original event that sparked the meeting eventually
gets lost amongst a number of unrelated tangents. This is a problem that requires an infusion of gets lost amongst a number of unrelated tangents. This is a problem that requires an infusion of
ideas (come on people, lets think outside the box!) "The most dangerous phrase in the english ideas (come on people, lets think outside the box!) "The most dangerous phrase in the english
language is: we've always done it this way" - Grace Hopper language is: we've always done it this way" - Grace Hopper
Theresia Est ee Theresia Est ee
Sales Rep Ent erprise FSI & Telco - Net App Indonesia Sales Rep Ent erprise FSI & Telco - Net App Indonesia
I really love this part " Leadership isnt all about you, after all...its about how you communicate I really love this part " Leadership isnt all about you, after all...its about how you communicate
and motivate others. and motivate others.
Unfortunately, many of todays current leaders are falling down on the job. Were in the middle Unfortunately, many of todays current leaders are falling down on the job. Were in the middle
of something close to an employee engagement crisis" of something close to an employee engagement crisis"
so true.. so true..
Mike Saraswat Mike Saraswat, , Marija Santos Marija Santos, , J acqui Bolenbaugh J acqui Bolenbaugh, +2 , +2
Tony Wilson, COR, MBA, BsTM USAF Ret . Tony Wilson, COR, MBA, BsTM USAF Ret .
Direct or, Int ernational Sourcing & Contracts Direct or, Int ernational Sourcing & Contracts
Thanks Ilya. I can't tell you how deeply your article resonates with me. I left an agency and Thanks Ilya. I can't tell you how deeply your article resonates with me. I left an agency and
began my own company because quite frankly I was becoming an ineffective leader due to the began my own company because quite frankly I was becoming an ineffective leader due to the
number of meetings requested of me. Granted I was in executive leadership but even execs number of meetings requested of me. Granted I was in executive leadership but even execs
want to take the time to connect with employees. I do not see chains as stagnant but want to take the time to connect with employees. I do not see chains as stagnant but
interlocking layers within an organization that simply are in place to describe duties. I use interlocking layers within an organization that simply are in place to describe duties. I use
terms in describing employees such as "someone that works WITH me rather than works terms in describing employees such as "someone that works WITH me rather than works
FOR me". I am going to plaster this article everywhere I can because its so true. We have FOR me". I am going to plaster this article everywhere I can because its so true. We have
become a "meeting force" rather than a workforce. How truly sad. become a "meeting force" rather than a workforce. How truly sad.
Patti Walbridge Patti Walbridge, , Marija Santos Marija Santos, , Oladayo Ogunlana Oladayo Ogunlana, +2 , +2
John Bulmer John Bulmer
Celebrating my colors. Celebrating my colors.
Yaaay - meetings. The soul and life sucking force that haunts all those that work in or near an Yaaay - meetings. The soul and life sucking force that haunts all those that work in or near an
office. I believe even the CAO needs to spend time doing 'work' and not simply be engaged in office. I believe even the CAO needs to spend time doing 'work' and not simply be engaged in
meetings from 7 - 7. meetings from 7 - 7.
Is the need to attend each and every meeting simply a demonstation of that individual's Is the need to attend each and every meeting simply a demonstation of that individual's
controlling mindset? controlling mindset?
Patti Walbridge Patti Walbridge, , Scott Lucado Scott Lucado, , Mark Hammitt Mark Hammitt, +2 , +2
John Laity John Laity
Co-Founder Flying for Freedom & The British Ant arct ic Microlight Expedition Co-Founder Flying for Freedom & The British Ant arct ic Microlight Expedition
Never attend any meeting where you are or are expected to be a "Victorian Child" - Seen, but Never attend any meeting where you are or are expected to be a "Victorian Child" - Seen, but
not heard. If you attend any meeting for "information" then you are wasting everybodies time. not heard. If you attend any meeting for "information" then you are wasting everybodies time.
Briefings and Presentations are for listening, meetings are for participation and taking actions. Briefings and Presentations are for listening, meetings are for participation and taking actions.
If you are in any doubt; Victorian Children tended to get stuffed up chimneys or down coal If you are in any doubt; Victorian Children tended to get stuffed up chimneys or down coal
mines to open doors for ponies. mines to open doors for ponies.
Like Like(4) (4) Reply Reply 1 day ago 1 day ago
Carolyn Holt Carolyn Holt, , Kyle McKeown Young Kyle McKeown Young, , Scott Lucado Scott Lucado, +1 , +1
David Albrecht David Albrecht
Independent Sales Represetat ives Independent Sales Represetat ives
Advanced
93 2
6 of 9 6/13/2014 8:37 PM
"moves along"! "moves along"!
Patti Walbridge Patti Walbridge, , J ohn Krigger J ohn Krigger, , Beth Carlson Beth Carlson, +1 , +1
Magesh Gangadharan Magesh Gangadharan
Direct or of Soft ware ( Seeking New Opport unit ies) Direct or of Soft ware ( Seeking New Opport unit ies)
This is an awesome post. I want to share an experience that emphasizes the importance of This is an awesome post. I want to share an experience that emphasizes the importance of
anticipating problems that are likely to appear in the future in our work and implementing anticipating problems that are likely to appear in the future in our work and implementing
preventive measures. preventive measures.
In one of the organizations I worked for, once, we started three critical product development In one of the organizations I worked for, once, we started three critical product development
programs in succession. Each of these programs had an aggressive schedule and involved programs in succession. Each of these programs had an aggressive schedule and involved
several major software deliverables associated with them. The development and test teams several major software deliverables associated with them. The development and test teams
were formed and the schedule was laid out for all three programs. These programs required were formed and the schedule was laid out for all three programs. These programs required
us to hire many contractors for testing as the products were being developed. us to hire many contractors for testing as the products were being developed.
We had a plan and the people. On the surface, everything looked alright. When we thought We had a plan and the people. On the surface, everything looked alright. When we thought
more carefully about what could derail this initiative, we saw two issues more carefully about what could derail this initiative, we saw two issues
Product Quality: We had hired a lot of contractors to test our products. There was a lot of Product Quality: We had hired a lot of contractors to test our products. There was a lot of
tribal knowledge about the products we were making and hence it typically took a while for a tribal knowledge about the products we were making and hence it typically took a while for a
person new to the company to understand them. This raised a concern about product quality. person new to the company to understand them. This raised a concern about product quality.
Delay: If the deliverables were to suffer from poor quality, the time spent on testing and fixing Delay: If the deliverables were to suffer from poor quality, the time spent on testing and fixing
the bugs would increase. Since the three development programs were linked to each other, the bugs would increase. Since the three development programs were linked to each other,
the quality issues could easily delay the output of every development program. This would cost the quality issues could easily delay the output of every development program. This would cost
the organization in the end product being shipped out late. the organization in the end product being shipped out late.
Having anticipated these issues, the members of the development team proposed an Having anticipated these issues, the members of the development team proposed an
innovative solution. We agreed that every day each developer will test another developers innovative solution. We agreed that every day each developer will test another developers
code/module for 15 to 30 minutes. Every day, the person who tests will identify the code/module for 15 to 30 minutes. Every day, the person who tests will identify the
code/module that the developer had developed and test the functionality the same day. We code/module that the developer had developed and test the functionality the same day. We
called this process "Peer Testing" called this process "Peer Testing"
Peer testing was implemented in these programs. It was a huge success. The results were Peer testing was implemented in these programs. It was a huge success. The results were
positive with nearly 80%-90% reduction in the overall bugs reported. Though the idea was positive with nearly 80%-90% reduction in the overall bugs reported. Though the idea was
implemented with the goal of ensuring product quality, it benefited the team in drastically implemented with the goal of ensuring product quality, it benefited the team in drastically
improving the communication within the team. The interest shown by a fellow developer in improving the communication within the team. The interest shown by a fellow developer in
testing the code was reciprocated by his teammate. This resulted in the members of the testing the code was reciprocated by his teammate. This resulted in the members of the
development team bonding better. Click here to know more about the benefits we saw with development team bonding better. Click here to know more about the benefits we saw with
"Peer Testing". All the software deliverable's associated with those three programs were "Peer Testing". All the software deliverable's associated with those three programs were
delivered on time and with high quality. delivered on time and with high quality.
Problems pertaining to product quality and slipping deadlines are common in product Problems pertaining to product quality and slipping deadlines are common in product
development programs but, the context varies. By anticipating it and developing an out of the development programs but, the context varies. By anticipating it and developing an out of the
box solution, we prevented those problems and reaped benefits. box solution, we prevented those problems and reaped benefits.
Marvin Todd, MBA, FACHE, PMP Marvin Todd, MBA, FACHE, PMP, , Michele Linck Michele Linck, and , and Richard L. Reder Richard L. Reder
John J. Kacinas John J. Kacinas
Direct or of Government Educat ion Aff airs Direct or of Government Educat ion Aff airs
What drives me crazy is having meetings before hand to prepare, and then having meetings What drives me crazy is having meetings before hand to prepare, and then having meetings
afterwards to discuss the meetings. Rrrrrrrr afterwards to discuss the meetings. Rrrrrrrr
Edgar White Edgar White, , Chuck Bartok Chuck Bartok, and , and Scott Lucado Scott Lucado
Gabe Zubizarreta Gabe Zubizarreta
CEO, Financial Eff ectiveness & Transf ormation Team Leader CEO, Financial Eff ectiveness & Transf ormation Team Leader
"Outside the box" must consider the context of the box. There are many unconventional "Outside the box" must consider the context of the box. There are many unconventional
techniques but they require the ability to pick and choose which ones will be effective. The art techniques but they require the ability to pick and choose which ones will be effective. The art
of blending the "tried and true" with the unconventional is the challenge. of blending the "tried and true" with the unconventional is the challenge.
Shaista Amjad Shaista Amjad and and Ales Suchanek Ales Suchanek
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Management | Media Relations | Engagement Management | Media Relations | Engagement
Thanks, Ilya. This is excellent advice for leaders and aspiring leaders. Thanks, Ilya. This is excellent advice for leaders and aspiring leaders.
Shaista Amjad Shaista Amjad and and Renee Setters Renee Setters
If t ekhar Ajazi If t ekhar Ajazi
Direct or & CMO, BigKube, Toront o, Canada Direct or & CMO, BigKube, Toront o, Canada
A good leader is always a great motivator. And successful leaders must always be thinking of A good leader is always a great motivator. And successful leaders must always be thinking of
out of the box to stay creative and focus on resolving difficult issues without feeling the out of the box to stay creative and focus on resolving difficult issues without feeling the
pressure. pressure.
Evangelos Kalogeratos Evangelos Kalogeratos and and Connie Parsons Connie Parsons
Emily Farmer Emily Farmer
Events & Market ing Intern at DeKalb Chamber Part nership Events & Market ing Intern at DeKalb Chamber Part nership
This is a good read! Another problem is when leaders get pulled into too many meetings. How This is a good read! Another problem is when leaders get pulled into too many meetings. How
can we expect a leader to actually lead when they are expected to follow so many meetings? can we expect a leader to actually lead when they are expected to follow so many meetings?
Scott Lucado Scott Lucado and and Abdul Butt Abdul Butt
Sharon Ebert Sharon Ebert
Owner, Designer and manuf acturer at Aromatherapy f or the Mind, Body and Soul Owner, Designer and manuf acturer at Aromatherapy f or the Mind, Body and Soul
If 77 percent of the workforce are searching for new employment opportunities, or possibly If 77 percent of the workforce are searching for new employment opportunities, or possibly
using some of your companies ideas to start their own business. They are bored with the using some of your companies ideas to start their own business. They are bored with the
same old job. Are you using your "gut instinct" or your intuition to open up doors to "think same old job. Are you using your "gut instinct" or your intuition to open up doors to "think
outside of the box"? Do you take for granted those individuals who think outside of the box, outside of the box"? Do you take for granted those individuals who think outside of the box,
who are not afraid to speak up? If you realize that all things and people are gifts in your life, who are not afraid to speak up? If you realize that all things and people are gifts in your life,
then you would treat your employees, the same way. Their acquired knowledge allows them then you would treat your employees, the same way. Their acquired knowledge allows them
to feel empowered, which proves the point: Knowledge is power. The only true wealth is to feel empowered, which proves the point: Knowledge is power. The only true wealth is
knowledge. knowledge.
Like Like(2) (2) Reply Reply(1) (1) 1 day ago 1 day ago
Scott Lucado Scott Lucado and and Abdul Butt Abdul Butt
11 Reply Reply
Abdul But t Abdul But t
Marketing Direct or at Ariadnas Fantasy Marketing Direct or at Ariadnas Fantasy
Can't agree more! Can't agree more!
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strat egies strat egies
Thanks for a great article Thanks for a great article Ilya Ilya. Meetings can waste so much valuable time at work (time we . Meetings can waste so much valuable time at work (time we
often don't have) so I am a huge advocate of removing or cutting down as many of those often don't have) so I am a huge advocate of removing or cutting down as many of those
unnecessary catch ups as possible. If you have to do them, try walking meetings as they also unnecessary catch ups as possible. If you have to do them, try walking meetings as they also
help to stimulate brain activity and mix up your day. help to stimulate brain activity and mix up your day.
To your point on learning from someone outside your niche - an external mentor can be To your point on learning from someone outside your niche - an external mentor can be
incredibly valuable as part of this. Further than this, go beyond just one person and if you can, incredibly valuable as part of this. Further than this, go beyond just one person and if you can,
set up a kind of external "life advisory board" where you can gather multiple viewpoints. The set up a kind of external "life advisory board" where you can gather multiple viewpoints. The
people you meet not only help you grow through the wider knowledge they have but they also people you meet not only help you grow through the wider knowledge they have but they also
help you to put what you're doing in perspective. That alone can be one of the most valuable help you to put what you're doing in perspective. That alone can be one of the most valuable
lessons that help us grow from both a professional and personal standpoint. And maybe you lessons that help us grow from both a professional and personal standpoint. And maybe you
can give them something to learn from in return... can give them something to learn from in return...
Kari Kendle Kari Kendle and and Nagaraja Venkanna Nagaraja Venkanna
Marc Rot h Marc Rot h
Founder at The Learning Shelter Founder at The Learning Shelter
Meetings to start the day are the best for Sales Teams and the worst for Developers. I'm sure Meetings to start the day are the best for Sales Teams and the worst for Developers. I'm sure
there are a lot of types in the middle that I have never been, but also meetings of two peers there are a lot of types in the middle that I have never been, but also meetings of two peers
are great for technicians as they plan out the day ahead and review the unfinished business are great for technicians as they plan out the day ahead and review the unfinished business
from the day before. That is usually for adjudication of tasks assigned by someone else and from the day before. That is usually for adjudication of tasks assigned by someone else and
may not relate to a lot of the people reading this. J ust be sure you're defining what a meeting may not relate to a lot of the people reading this. J ust be sure you're defining what a meeting
is and how it affects the rest of the day before you blanketly run off and kill your perfect is and how it affects the rest of the day before you blanketly run off and kill your perfect
huddle strategy. huddle strategy.
Like Like(2) (2) Reply Reply(1) (1) 1 day ago 1 day ago
Garry Elmer Garry Elmer and and Gilberto Velasquez Gilberto Velasquez
11 Reply Reply
Gilberto Velasquez Gilberto Velasquez
Experienced and Award-Winning Marketing, Brand, and Advert ising Experienced and Award-Winning Marketing, Brand, and Advert ising
Professional Professional
Agreed. Having implemented numerous best marketing practices at automotive Agreed. Having implemented numerous best marketing practices at automotive
dealerships, I can tell you that early sales meetings in such environs are critical for dealerships, I can tell you that early sales meetings in such environs are critical for
the well being of the organisation. At minimum for B2B I always say an early the well being of the organisation. At minimum for B2B I always say an early
morning top-of week meeting is critical to go over the funnel, etc. morning top-of week meeting is critical to go over the funnel, etc.
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