Category: culture

All the difference

FabrizioLeave a comment

Discussing a plan, an idea, a project, a strategy with somebody who’s on a different agenda is challenging.

To push it through, you might be tempted to do one or more of the following.

Make it about the lack of alternatives – i.e. if we don’t do this, we will do nothing.

Make it about the very reason why the group exists – i.e. if we don’t do this, we will disappear.

Make it about something that is happening right here, right now – i.e. if we don’t do this, we will lose the opportunity.

Make it about the will of somebody in power – i.e. if we don’t do this, they will be disappointed.

These are shortcuts. Their main effect is to plant the seed of resistance in those listening. Depending on the circumstance, you might get the desired outcome (the plan, the idea, the project, the strategy will be executed). Yet eventually it will be a bare minimum outcome, something you yourself will be unwilling to put forward.

An alternative approach would be the following: here is what we want to achieve, how do we go about it? When you give people a problem instead of a thing to do, you’ll unlock their creativity and expertise. And they will be committed to delivering their best work, something you yourself will be proud to put forward.

It makes all the difference.

Authority and people

FabrizioLeave a comment

Why do people keep going out and gather in groups when they are told to stay in and avoid in person contacts?

Because it is very difficult for each one of us to picture what could be, what could happen, the damage (or good) we might be bringing about. Until that is finally here and now, close.

And of course, because asking people to change habits, to let go of freedom, to do something that is not on their agenda, can only be effective if your communication is clear, straightforward, honest and transparent.

That’s what authority is based on today.

Both these points, by the way, are good reminders for all those working in marketing and seeking to make a change.

Two speeds

FabrizioLeave a comment

Our world has been moving at two speeds for a long time now.

The virus that is spreading in so many countries today is an example of what has already been happening for decades. Somewhere, something ignites, and by the time the fire is everywhere, old and local institutions are still arguing to figure out whose fault it was and how they can drop the ball onto someone else.

The lack of global leadership makes it impossible for countries to act in time and with a common strategy, and inaction is the fertile ground on which so many of the problems our society is facing can soar undisturbed.

The first one

FabrizioLeave a comment

In a moment of crisis, we need leaders that act responsibly.

Not in the sense that they need to come to us and tell that it’s their fault, or that they have made a decision and here is what we all have to do to comply. Responsibility is being accountable for your own actions, and so leading responsibly means that you are going to show us what to do, to live the restrictions, to take your own public steps towards what is necessary.

Giving orders and enforcing them is not the essence of leadership.

Be (the first) one of us, and we will follow.

Global threat

FabrizioLeave a comment

A global threat should not be a reason to point fingers, to upsell, to market, to do brand awareness, to interrupt attention, to retract within our ideologies.

It should be an opportunity to come together and together bring the situation back to normality.

Can we do it?