vision
The Secret Life of Hummingbirds
August 18, 2014
Do you get all worked up over things that, in the long run, are just not that important? The secret life of hummingbirds can shed some light on having a broader perspective.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Goodbye Coldwater Creek
June 16, 2014
What happened to Coldwater Creek? According to the company web site, "On April 11, 2014, Coldwater Creek filed for bankruptcy in order to facilitate an orderly wind-down of our operations." The move was required because "the Company and its advisors were unable to find a potential buyer for the Company or a source of capital to provide adequate liquidity to fund the Company's ongoing strategic turnaround initiatives."
What happened to the company? In this video blog, Martin Ramsay considers some of the possible reasons for Coldwater Creek's untimely demise. A clue came from a 70 year old clerk who has worked for Coldwater Creek for ten years. Watch this blog to learn what she said. Then judge for yourself whether or not she is on to something ... and what it might mean for your organization.
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Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
What happened to the company? In this video blog, Martin Ramsay considers some of the possible reasons for Coldwater Creek's untimely demise. A clue came from a 70 year old clerk who has worked for Coldwater Creek for ten years. Watch this blog to learn what she said. Then judge for yourself whether or not she is on to something ... and what it might mean for your organization.
post a comment (powered by Disqus)
Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Enjoying Your Work
May 26, 2014
Do you enjoy your work? Surprisingly, many people say that they do not. Why is that? Is work supposed to be onerous and miserable? Or can it be meaningful and fulfilling?
Not all work is perfect all the time of course. But shouldn't our work be something we enjoy, at least the majority of the time?
This video blog uses a woman working in the florist department of a big box grocery store as an example of how we can enjoy our work. At least most of the time!
Be sure and check out other blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Not all work is perfect all the time of course. But shouldn't our work be something we enjoy, at least the majority of the time?
This video blog uses a woman working in the florist department of a big box grocery store as an example of how we can enjoy our work. At least most of the time!
Be sure and check out other blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Force Field Analysis
May 19, 2014
The Force Field Analysis tool is a simple yet powerful technique for analyzing the forces for and against a change. When beginning any change journey, it is wise to look at all the forces that will help you implement the change, and all those forces that are arrayed agains it. In this blog, Martin Ramsay shows us how to construct a Force Field Analysis and discusses some of the ways to use the analysis for making change.
Other video blogs that discuss change and the tools for change include Do People Resist Change?, The Merlin Technique, and The Factory on a Desk-Top™.
Be sure and check out other blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Other video blogs that discuss change and the tools for change include Do People Resist Change?, The Merlin Technique, and The Factory on a Desk-Top™.
Be sure and check out other blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Newark Experience
March 31, 2014
A recent experience in the Newark airport causes Martin Ramsay to reflect on what NOT to do when it comes to process effectiveness. This video blog focuses on four key points for making sure that processes are as good as they can be.
Don't give your customers, your colleagues, or your company the "Newark Experience!"
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Don't give your customers, your colleagues, or your company the "Newark Experience!"
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
March 24, 2014
This is the second of a two-part series about processes. In this video blog, Martin Ramsay ask whether efficiency is the same a effectiveness in a process. The answer is "no" -- the two are not the same. Martin explains why, which leads to a discussion again about the importance of purpose and knowing where your processes are going.
This video blog is part two of two parts. Review Video Blog 20 for a discussion of processes in general and the components that go into making a process.
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
This video blog is part two of two parts. Review Video Blog 20 for a discussion of processes in general and the components that go into making a process.
Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Is Your Mission Your North Star?
March 10, 2014
In this video blog, Martin Ramsay asks a fundamental question: is your mission your north star? In other words, does your mission statement guide your organization in times of crisis, or when an important strategic decision needs to be made?
If the answer is, "Not really," or even, "I'm not sure," then maybe it is time to take a hard look at your mission statement. If your mission statement doesn't guide you through the rough waters of organizational change, then perhaps it isn't providing a mission for you at all.
If your organization's culture is not to use your mission statement to guide you in making the tough calls, then either you need a new mission statement, or you need to get back to what really matters for your organization. You need to find your organization's "Catfish Principle."
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
If the answer is, "Not really," or even, "I'm not sure," then maybe it is time to take a hard look at your mission statement. If your mission statement doesn't guide you through the rough waters of organizational change, then perhaps it isn't providing a mission for you at all.
If your organization's culture is not to use your mission statement to guide you in making the tough calls, then either you need a new mission statement, or you need to get back to what really matters for your organization. You need to find your organization's "Catfish Principle."
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Catfish Principle
March 03, 2014
The "catfish principle" is being very clear about your organization's purpose.
In earlier blogs, Martin Ramsay has discussed the importance of knowing where you're going, of having a vision for the future, of being clear about your organizational mission. While traveling on business in central Florida, Martin and his wife, the fabulous redhead, stumbled across a locally owned restaurant that demonstrates this concept clearly. The Catfish Place in Kissimmee, Florida is very clear about its purpose, and states that purpose right on its menu.
Watch this video blog to see the "catfish principle" in action.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
In earlier blogs, Martin Ramsay has discussed the importance of knowing where you're going, of having a vision for the future, of being clear about your organizational mission. While traveling on business in central Florida, Martin and his wife, the fabulous redhead, stumbled across a locally owned restaurant that demonstrates this concept clearly. The Catfish Place in Kissimmee, Florida is very clear about its purpose, and states that purpose right on its menu.
Watch this video blog to see the "catfish principle" in action.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Unchanging Principles
February 17, 2014
In a world where change seems to be the only constant, are there things that do not change? We often say that the only things we can know for certain will happen are death and taxes. But surely there is more to it than that, isn't there?
In this video blog, Martin Ramsay uses a winter snow storm as an object lesson for thinking about change -- and things that don't change. He challenges us to consider if there are things that are unchanging and immutable in the face of a world where change is a constant reality.
Discovering principles that are non-negotiable, unchanging constants is an important life skill for everyone to develop. This video blog challenges us to go on that voyage of discovery.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
In this video blog, Martin Ramsay uses a winter snow storm as an object lesson for thinking about change -- and things that don't change. He challenges us to consider if there are things that are unchanging and immutable in the face of a world where change is a constant reality.
Discovering principles that are non-negotiable, unchanging constants is an important life skill for everyone to develop. This video blog challenges us to go on that voyage of discovery.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Merlin Technique
February 10, 2014
Which is harder: to imagine the future you hope to create, or to figure out the path to get there?
You'll have to watch this video blog to find out, but here's a hint: the Merlin Technique is a clever way to help yourself and others figure out the path to a desired future. Along the way, you might even find yourself being motivated to get started on moving toward that vision of the future right now. Martin Ramsay discusses how to use the Merlin Technique as a way to describe that winding path that leads to where you want to go.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
You'll have to watch this video blog to find out, but here's a hint: the Merlin Technique is a clever way to help yourself and others figure out the path to a desired future. Along the way, you might even find yourself being motivated to get started on moving toward that vision of the future right now. Martin Ramsay discusses how to use the Merlin Technique as a way to describe that winding path that leads to where you want to go.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Mind Mapping
February 03, 2014
This week's video blog focuses in on a specific tool: mind mapping.
As Martin Ramsay noted in earlier video blogs, helping get people to be explicit about their own mental models is a vital skill. People often have mental models about a given situation, process or goal, and these may even be mental models of which they are mostly unaware. When there are significant differences between mental models, conflict can arise. And people may not even understand the source of those conflicts because they are unaware of the underlying mental models — both in their own heads and in the heads of others.
Martin Ramsay discusses using a tool called mind mapping to draw those mental models out of people's heads and into the light where everyone can see and understand them. He demonstrates how to use the mind mapping tool and give one example application from his consulting work at CEATH Company.
What seems a bit out of line, over the top, or not quite right at your organization? What do your consulting instincts tell you about finding out more. Perhaps you'll discover the key that unlocks a new level of productivity and effectiveness for your team!
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
As Martin Ramsay noted in earlier video blogs, helping get people to be explicit about their own mental models is a vital skill. People often have mental models about a given situation, process or goal, and these may even be mental models of which they are mostly unaware. When there are significant differences between mental models, conflict can arise. And people may not even understand the source of those conflicts because they are unaware of the underlying mental models — both in their own heads and in the heads of others.
Martin Ramsay discusses using a tool called mind mapping to draw those mental models out of people's heads and into the light where everyone can see and understand them. He demonstrates how to use the mind mapping tool and give one example application from his consulting work at CEATH Company.
What seems a bit out of line, over the top, or not quite right at your organization? What do your consulting instincts tell you about finding out more. Perhaps you'll discover the key that unlocks a new level of productivity and effectiveness for your team!
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Developing Your Consulting Instinct
January 27, 2014
Martin Ramsay suggests that everyone, regardless of their job title, should think of themselves as a consultant. A consultant's job is to look at an organization, its vision, systems and people, and to figure out ways to improve them. Consultants should always be about making things better.
In this video, Martin uses the common advertisements for flu vaccines as an example of how consultants might develop their consulting instincts. When something seems a bit out of line or over the top, a consultant's instincts will say, "Find out more. Look deeper. Find out what's behind the scenes." The ubiquity of flu vaccine advertising suggests there's more to this than just an opportunity to get vaccinated against the flu.
What seems a bit out of line, over the top, or not quite right at your organization? What do your consulting instincts tell you about finding out more. Perhaps you'll discover the key that unlocks a new level of productivity and effectiveness for your team!
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
In this video, Martin uses the common advertisements for flu vaccines as an example of how consultants might develop their consulting instincts. When something seems a bit out of line or over the top, a consultant's instincts will say, "Find out more. Look deeper. Find out what's behind the scenes." The ubiquity of flu vaccine advertising suggests there's more to this than just an opportunity to get vaccinated against the flu.
What seems a bit out of line, over the top, or not quite right at your organization? What do your consulting instincts tell you about finding out more. Perhaps you'll discover the key that unlocks a new level of productivity and effectiveness for your team!
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Mental Models
January 20, 2014
Martin Ramsay discusses the importance of "mental models." Mental models are the models, the ways of thinking about things, that people carry around inside their heads. The way they view reality, through the filter of their mental model, greatly affects behavior and the way people are able to interact and get work done. Working hard to understand people's mental models is an important thing to do. People are often not aware of their own mental models and often end up talking past each other as a result. The role of a consultant, either internal or external, it to work to bring these mental models out into the open to increase understanding.
This video blog focuses on the use of mental models in organizational change and the importance of describing a mental model for the future, for where the organization is going. The result is often called a mission statement or a vision statement; at their heart, mission and vision statements are mental models made public.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
This video blog focuses on the use of mental models in organizational change and the importance of describing a mental model for the future, for where the organization is going. The result is often called a mission statement or a vision statement; at their heart, mission and vision statements are mental models made public.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
The Change Journey
January 06, 2014
Martin Ramsay continues the important theme of "change" begun in Blog 7. He emphasizes that knowing where you're going and having a vision for the future are vital if change is to be positive and successful. Today's blog talks about the change journey with focus on the end goal.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Do People Resist Change?
December 16, 2013
Do people resist change? We often say they do.
Yet politicians often campaign simply on the idea of change. How do we reconcile that politicians can appeal to our desire for change, while simultaneously resisting change?
Martin Ramsay probes deeper, exploring what people really do resist, why simply calling for change isn't good enough, what how change can be used to move organizations forward.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Yet politicians often campaign simply on the idea of change. How do we reconcile that politicians can appeal to our desire for change, while simultaneously resisting change?
Martin Ramsay probes deeper, exploring what people really do resist, why simply calling for change isn't good enough, what how change can be used to move organizations forward.
Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Visions, Systems and People
December 02, 2013
In this Blog, Martin Ramsay lays out CEATH Company's undergirding operating philosophy about organizational change. To improve an organization, to make it more effective, one must focus on three things at the same time: vision, systems and people.
Organizational change requires a vision. Without a vision, any activity will suffice since any action will produce some kind of result. Just not the ones we want. To move toward that vision, there must be integrity between the organizational systems and processes work. Finally, it is critical that people are skilled, have congruent motivation, and are able to help move the organization forward toward the vision.
Without simultaneously working on all three, and without all three being in alignment, organizational improvement is unlikely to be successful.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
Organizational change requires a vision. Without a vision, any activity will suffice since any action will produce some kind of result. Just not the ones we want. To move toward that vision, there must be integrity between the organizational systems and processes work. Finally, it is critical that people are skilled, have congruent motivation, and are able to help move the organization forward toward the vision.
Without simultaneously working on all three, and without all three being in alignment, organizational improvement is unlikely to be successful.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
When You Lose Your Job
November 05, 2013
What happens when someone looses their job? How do they cope?
It happened to me twenty years ago today. This first blog posting begins the saga of what happened to Martin Ramsay, how CEATH Company was formed, and how we grew our business to encompass clients in 13 countries on four continents.
Perhaps some of the ideas presented here will help you on your journey.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.
It happened to me twenty years ago today. This first blog posting begins the saga of what happened to Martin Ramsay, how CEATH Company was formed, and how we grew our business to encompass clients in 13 countries on four continents.
Perhaps some of the ideas presented here will help you on your journey.
Sponsored by CEATH Company.