by Brooks Mendell | Oct 25, 2020 | Thinking/Analysis
This post introduces a recent essay on the dangers of multitasking and the importance of deliberately choosing priorities and focusing attention. The world seems determined to manipulate our attention and encourage us to click, buy, like, forward or watch. These...
by Brooks Mendell | Sep 28, 2020 | Leading/Managing
This post introduces a recent essay on four imperatives for living and leading by example. When we smile, others smile back. When someone enters an elevator, we move to make room. When audience members stand to applaud at an event, we often join them (even if...
by Brooks Mendell | Aug 25, 2020 | Forestry, Thinking/Analysis
This post introduces a recent essay on the danger of using averages for making decisions or evaluating performance. Mathematically, the average tells us the arithmetic mean; it gives a sense for where the middle lies within a group or between extremes. But...
by Brooks Mendell | Jul 31, 2020 | Communication Skills, Leading/Managing
This post introduces a recent essay on mobilizing teams and making decisions during difficult times. When faced with ambiguity and uncertainty, we seek solid ground for making decisions. For novel and contentious issues, following our “gut” or simple frameworks may...
by Brooks Mendell | Jun 14, 2020 | Communication Skills, Leading/Managing, Thinking/Analysis
In my roles as a business advisor and as a team leader, I have the opportunity to continually discuss and test ideas on managing and making decisions, especially in turbulent times. The intensity and urgency of these conversations increased with the arrival in 2020 of...
