Archive for 2025

In 100 Words: Embrace Subtraction

Friday, October 31st, 2025 by AdvisorCatalyst

This is a corollary to the last posting – Why is Subtraction so Difficult?

It is easy stopping initiatives which aren’t working.  The difficult “subtraction decisions” are on projects and efforts producing some positive results.  We often fail to consider, though, the results we could achieve with those same resources invested into fewer existing projects.

Consider the following questions:

  • How can we simplify employees’ work and lives? 
  • What’s embedded in our approach to work which would free up energy and resources if it was ended?
  • How could we channel more resources into satisfying our customers in our core business?
  • Where and how could (should) we invest the time we redirect from things we stop?

“Less is more.”   Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

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In 100 Words: Why is Subtraction so Difficult?

Monday, September 15th, 2025 by AdvisorCatalyst

In our efforts to make decisions about what to begin (add) and what to end (subtract), addition is the hands-down winner.  It’s not even close.  We are terrible at clearly, definitively stopping existing initiatives.

Why?  Possibly:

  • An existing project is experiencing some (modest) success.  Why stop something which is working?
  • We fear running out of market runway in our existing core market positions.
  • It’s easier to point to something we started than something we ended.

Excuses, excuses!  All these miss the real opportunity to realize gains from resources focused on the few best initiatives.  Wise subtraction can add to profitability.

“We struggle with the complexities and avoid the simplicities.”   Norman Vincent Peale

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In 100 Words: Beware of Evergreen Urgency (Crisis in Balance – Part 2)

Friday, September 12th, 2025 by AdvisorCatalyst

Wise leaders know how to use times of crisis to build urgency into a strong crescendo and achieve startling outcomes.  They also realize people cannot maintain a triple forte effort for sustained periods.  Military leaders realize intensity and vigilance are an expendable resource.  They only maintain high alert when absolutely critical. 

Some leaders unwisely drive people to perform at urgent levels week in and week out.  Possibly with a relentless cycle of thematic and target goals.  Possibly with constant expectation for long hours due to under-staffing.  This level of intensity is unhealthy for people and better reserved for true crisis.

“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”   Abraham Lincoln

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In 100 Words: Prepare for the Routine (Crisis in Balance – Pt 1)

Monday, June 16th, 2025 by AdvisorCatalyst

We spend significant time preparing for a crisis and deploying resources when one hits.  People rise to the challenge and exert tremendous effort in these situations.

What if we prepared for the “routine” and approached our work and life with the same purpose and energy.   Creating intensity in our task list counteracts the natural tendency to unconsciously drift.

The point is not to create constant crisis (note: some leaders overplay this card).  Rather, find ways to approach normal work with intentionality.  Plan for how to make the most of each routine meeting, project, and interaction.  Engage in doing routine well!

“It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?”  Henry David Thoreau

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In 100 Words: “In Process” Communication

Thursday, May 1st, 2025 by AdvisorCatalyst

Leaders generally like all loose ends buttoned up before announcing a direction change in response to events.  We are torn.  Do we communicate quickly or hold off until we’ve addressed all angles?

People see and understand we live in dynamic environments.  A lack of communication can be more difficult for them.  They may wonder if leaders are paying attention.

Be willing to communicate key decisions without all the finer details nailed down.  When you communicate with care and humility “we are in process – here is our first step” you gain trust with the people you lead.  They appreciate the authenticity.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”  George Bernard Shaw

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In 100 Words: Hindsight is Skewed in Your Favor

Friday, March 14th, 2025 by AdvisorCatalyst

It’s easy to second-guess leader’s decisions when you are sitting in future time.  Be careful!  We have the benefit of seeing how future events unfolded and how others reacted to their actions.  These dynamics were simply educated guesses to them.  We also have information which was unavailable to the decision-makers.

Give others the benefit of doubt instead of assuming the worst.  Give yourself the same.  Yes, be careful even how you evaluate the decisions you made as a team in the past.  Give yourself some credit – there were likely valid reasons based on the factors you knew at the time.

“After the event, even a fool is wise.”   Homer

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