Agile Complexification Inverter

So you have the new Apple Watch - yes, it's quite nice, and you love the convenience of all your notification right on your wrist.  Did you notice that when the VP was asking about the project, as you were describing the challenges you paused, lifted your arm, checked the latest notification that she was a bit put-out by the exchange.  Although you went on to tell her that your team had overcome the challenges with an innovative solution.  The VP disengaged in the dialogue and walked away.  Wonder why? What was the unintended message of your body language during that encounter? Did you signal that you were busy, late for an appointment, not interested in the conversation, that you were dismissing the participant - what did your raised arm and glancing at your watch tell the VP?  Is that truly what you wished to signal? We have had 10 years to learn to use a iPhone and now in meetings you will notice people signaling that they are prepared to engage i...

When it come to being a messenger - we all should receive a Kevlar vest. So you have bad news - you feel that the upper management will not like to hear about it.  Here are two options. The Harvard Business Review recommends a simple 4 step process : Describe. Provide a general overview of the problem, and explain the impact. Be sure to position this in terms of what matters to your manager.  Identify a solution. Recommend a specific solution or approach, along with alternatives.  Analyze your solution. Share the pros and cons and explain the implications. Be prepared to discuss the risks or barriers that may be of concern to your boss.  Accept responsibility. Let your manager know that you are willing to take the responsibility for the outcome of your proposed approach.  Or you could use the Two Step : Lift carpet. Find somewhere to put the problem out of sight - out of mind.  Sweep. Keep sweeping the problem out of the bosses sight ...