Get Better Ideas Faster with Brainwriting
If you really want to generate the best idea or solution write first, talk second. When you separate idea generation from discussion you not only generate more ideas, but you will generate more original ideas. I frequently facilitate team meetings where idea generation is critical to identify a strategy, solution, decision or new innovation and […]
The Lightness of Being
The moment we try to be still, we discover just how restless our mind can be. The harder we force it to be calm, the worse it gets. With practice we can come into a space of observance or mindfulness and over time we can calm the mind. Mindfulness is the awareness that arises by […]
Firstmark Gets Creative
\n\nFirstmark Credit Union a member owned and locally controlled financial cooperative in San Antonio, Texas gathered executives, branch managers and company leaders for Wild Idea Club training with Linda Krall and Janine McDonald. \n \n They strive to be their members’ first choice for innovative and convenient financial services delivered by friendly, dynamic employees who consistently strive […]
Creativity, Connection and Collaboration at CoCalo
Ready to launch a number of new products, CoCalo gathered their sales team from across the country for a two day retreat in California and invited Janine McDonald and Linda Krall to facilitate a session on creative thinking. Facing numerous challenges brought on by the weak economy participants stretched their thinking to identify ways to […]
Are you asking the right questions?
It’s been said that training isn’t telling. Well either is coaching. People often expect that a coach will tell them what to do – fix their problem. In reality, coaching is about asking questions and probing to get at the unspoken thoughts and feelings that often prevent people from addressing the toughest […]
Flex Your Muscle
In a recent keynote speech I asked a room full of over 100 people, how many of you worked out today? How many hands do you think went up? One! Only one person made it to the gym. Similarly, very few people actively exercise the right side of their brain. People get stuck in their […]
Taste of a turn
All the sunshine in Southern California is making people smile, and now an article by Jonathon Lansner featured in the OC Register points to positive economic signs for the county as well giving people even more reason to smile. This includes Mari Kurtz president of OC Metals and Cal Pac Sheet Metal who is featured […]
The Truth about Motivation
As a consultant I’ve been asked by many leaders, “How do I motivate my people?” Last week I had the opportunity to hear author, Daniel Pink speak on the topic of his latest book, “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.” His research validated what I have experienced working with people for the past […]