Take a quick look around the office and identify a super random, out of place object. Now, imagine the boss said it had to go. Today's top priority is to think of ALL the ways to relocate this trinket. Any ideas? We do similar things everyday using simple and straightforward approaches (like pick it up, move it, back to work). What if the boss incentivized creative and numerous options instead of just getting 'er done? Thinking past the easy, works-every-time methods requires fresh inspiration. … [Read more...]
How and Why You Absolutely CAN Go On Vacation
How many of us think our position is so unique that no one else could possibly fill-in for us? Anyone afraid that if they unplug for a few days the company might crumble? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, you’re in good company. Recent studies indicate that over 40% of Americans are too scared to use all of their vacation days. They're intimidated by the pile of stuff they’ll return to, afraid of being seen as replaceable, frightened that no one can fill in for them, etc. … [Read more...]
How to Get “Time Rich”
We all know summer days are longer, right? Well, at least they feel that way; we haven't actually added to the usual 24 hours but we make more hay while the sun shines and the days feel expansive. We can go outside before or after work, there's time to travel and we have energy to do just about anything. So we know that, even if there are still just 24 hours, our impression of those hours and what we do with them varies. For people desiring more time each day, recent studies show that … [Read more...]
4 Reasons to Ditch the Smartphones and Meet Outside
Business leaders spend a considerable portion of their time in meetings (one study suggests 80%). While meetings are surely not going away, given that we live in the Age of Distraction, it's time to rethink how they're facilitated. Think NewCo participants consistently tell us that switching to device free, outdoor arrangements (one of our favorite Work Hacks) has cut back on meeting times while also increasing overall efficiency and effectiveness. Before reserving a conference room for the next … [Read more...]
Science Says River Trips are Good for Business
Does sitting for hours staring at screens while monitoring the endless flow of interruptions lead to improved engagement, innovation and creative thought? Or, could unplugging, going to a gorgeous, off-the grid location where guides do the work, AKA a river trip, be a better way to boost team performance, leadership and wellbeing? Science suggests that river retreats trounce training time in conference rooms when looking for ways to optimize performance. Here are five scientific reasons … [Read more...]
Successful Mountaineers Know This, You Can Too
While mountaineering isn’t for everyone, many of us are attracted to peak experiences. Rising to the top of a field, being a thought leader or standing on the crest of a mountain are desirable achievements. The view from up top, the very real effort it takes to reach a summit and the lessons learned along the way make up the stuff of movies, books and inspirational talks. It turns out that climbing mountains requires a skill that boosts success no matter where it's applied. Consider … [Read more...]
Execs Gone Wild! 4 Reasons to Retreat Outside the Box
When you had your last BIG IDEA, where were you and what were you doing? Based on the answers I've heard, many of you meet the muse while running/biking/working out, showering or vacationing. I'd be willing to wager that there aren't many who'd cite sitting at their desk or post-lunch meetings as incubators of Ah Ha! moments. So, when it comes time for a team retreat, why head to the same old catered conference environments? Here are four reasons to take the team outside the box: REFRESH: … [Read more...]
Say What!? Listening to Ourselves and Sharing Our Stories
What happens when we unplug, remove the usual distractions and head off the grid for three days? Listen to Nicole Belanger describe her experience with Think NewCo and her path as a story teller, speaker and writer. More from Nicole, including a link to her TEDx talk can be found here. … [Read more...]
4 Seasonally Inspired Tips for Working Smarter
Spring is here and with it comes a reminder that NOW is the time to renew, refresh and rejuvenate. Here are four seasonally inspired ideas for working smarter and being more productive. New Growth: If words like rut, routine, plateau or grind resonate with current feelings about work, do something different. Weed out what doesn't work, plant new ideas for the morning routine and feel the sap flow. It can be as simple as starting the day with creative tasks instead of reactive ones or taking … [Read more...]
Guest Post: What Three Days In the Desert Taught Me About Numbing Out
Please enjoy this excellent guest post by one of NewCo's Leadership for the Long Term participants, Nicole Belanger. You can see more from Nicole here. In the spirit of authenticity and honesty, I want to share with you that the expenses for the trip that inspired this post were covered by NewCo, the company leading the retreat I was on. These beautiful souls reached out to me in the spring and invited me on this trip, no strings attached. I am writing this post completely of my own volition … [Read more...]
