ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

In his Harvard Business Review article (January 11, 2010), "An Exercise in Changing Yourself," Marshall Goldsmith described an exercise to help you change some behavior you are not satisfied with. Initially he was skeptical about this exercise, but after using it with several thousand people, is now a strong believer in its results. Here is how Goldsmith describes the process...

"Five to eight people sit around a table, and each person selects one practice [of their own] to change. One person begins the exercise by saying, 'When I get better at...' and completes the sentence by mentioning one benefit that will accompany this change. For example, one person may say, 'When I get better at being open to differing opinions, I will hear more great ideas.'

"After everyone has had a chance to discuss the specific behavior and the first benefit, the cycle begins again. Now each person mentions a second benefit that may result from changing the same behavior, then a third, continuing usually for six to eight rounds. Finally, participants discuss what they have learned and their reactions to the exercise."

On Managing Yourself

The path to your own professional success starts with a critical look in the mirror.  What you see there — your greatest strengths and deepest values — are the foundations you must build on.  This compilation of Harvard Business Review articles will help you stay engaged and productive throughout your working life.

On Managing People

Managing people is fraught with challenges: What really motivates people? How do you deal with problem employees? How can you build a team that is greater than the sum of its parts? The answers to these questions can be elusive — even to a seasoned manager.  This valuable resource will help you deal with these and many other management challenges.

ExchangeEveryDay

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