My kids and I enjoy reading together. This year we have been working our way through the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. While my kids are mainly interested in the adventures and experiences described by the pioneer girl, I have been struck by the lessons we can learn about innovation and productivity. 1. Making do with what they had: The pioneers … [Read more...]
Stop Trying to Reinvent the Wheel
Doing something new can be a daunting endeavor. Whether we are taking on a new project, developing a fledgling idea, or simply learning to do a task we haven’t done before, trying something new can leave us feeling a bit overwhelmed. This is especially true if we are starting from scratch, trying to reinvent the wheel, as the saying goes. Although new things often require a … [Read more...]
Cultivating your Calling
When my oldest daughter was 18-months-old, she had defined abdominal muscles. It was not because of anything we did; she simply loved to move and stayed very active. The day my son was born I took one look at his long fingers as he waved them in the air and knew he must play the cello. My second daughter often reminds me that she was “born to dance.” And my youngest son is our … [Read more...]
Five Benefits of a Progressive Corporate Culture (Part 2)
Each organization has its own unique culture. From the way executives handle expansion to the conversation around the water cooler, the organization’s culture permeates the way work happens. New hiring practices have begun looking at culture and personality as two facets for finding the right people to fit the company. For example, some employers have candidates take a … [Read more...]