Category Archives: Learning

Google – In Search for the “Perfect Team”

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/magazine/what-google-learned-from-its-quest-to-build-the-perfect-team.html?_r=0

imageHere’s a link  to an interesting article written by Pulitizer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times , Charles Duhigg that  appeared on February 25th about Google’s attempts, through their Project Aristotle, to pinpoint the traits of working groups that thrive versus those that falter. Ironically, their conclusion boils down to what they call “psychological safety“, rather than leadership styles, IQ, group size, gender makeup, meeting frequency or camadarie.

In thinking more about this, I believe that our effectiveness is ALL about authenticity and being “true” and comfortable as individuals as well as within the communities and organizations we place ourselves. And that can look very different for one person or group versus others.

When we place ourselves in situations that encourage authenticity (in Google-speak, psychological safety), our ideas, actions, projects and relationships flow… like smooth skiing in optimal conditions, when even on the toughest terrain, obstacles seem to magically vanish. When we feel constrained, disrespected or “less than” who we know ourselves to be, it’s like sitting on a stool, with one leg too short. We are compelled to divert our positive energy just to stay in balance. Going back to the skiing analogy, we have to focus on the trees instead of on the space between them.

For more on this, check out some of my Insights, especially the one on Being a Great Company ://www.cinsightgroup.com/being-a-great-company-is-the-new-brand/.

I hope it inspires you to look at your world in a different way.


Brand Evolution: Keeping vs. Letting Go — What About Your Brand?

Category : Learning

As time passes and your brand evolves, consider asking yourself: “To keep or not to keep?”

…That is actually a critical question, and the answer is “yes” to both.  

By selectively keeping and not keeping, space is opened up for new ideas, actions and results and your brand can evolve effectively. Below are 5 things, personal and professional, that I chose not to keep. The process involved insight, consideration and a view to the future. What about you? What can you let go of to strengthen your messaging, your core identity, your brand?

  • My Where: I released a preconceived notion of what “home” was and now find myself very much at home in Los Angeles as well as Atlanta.
  • My Who:  In September I released my last name and took back my maiden name, Leuthold. Though not as easy to pronounce, more important for me, it more prominently reflects my Swiss-American identity. That said, I am still keeping Eisner, but as my middle name, which honors a sp
    ecial part of my life as well as my kids.
  • My What:  I released my former company name, which then cleared the way for a new one, C Insight Group, and my continued work in brand development and integration. The rebranding process included creating a new logo, thanks toinsight, cinsightgroup.com, brand evolution, brand development, core identityScott Carranza and launching cinsightgroup.com, my website, with thanks also to Matthew Eisner. Please check it out, like and share it with others.   
  • My How:  As a result of downsizing a few years ago, I lost a treasured routine, my six ‘zen laps’. These gentle, early morning swims were actually how I would percolate ideas. As it turns out, my place in Santa Monica has allowed me to reinstate my daily encounters with water, but in a new format consisting of balcony views, walks and rollerblading.
  • My When:  For a weekend in mid-January, I will be attending Bob Proctor’s conference on ‘thinking into results’ as a follow up to last summer’s  mastermind series.  I look forward to continuing to apply this tool in my work with clients and in my life.
  • … And One Last When:  Another keeper is aTVFest, hosted by SCAD, presenting the latest in design, creativity and innovation in television and media production. In Atlanta from February 4 – 7.  Maybe I’ll see you there?!?