Busting constraints is a great way to solve your problems
A behavioural scientist once commented to me, “There are two ways to solve a problem: get more options, or overcome your constraints.”...
Commingling issues leads to confusion and sometimes, a bad outcome
Did you read in the Sunday Times last week (Nov 23 issue, page 15, Home section) about a company organising a “tribute walk” on behalf of...
Should I become a hawker? – applying strategic thinking to solve a dilemma
“Dear Ian, I have been a technician in several MNCs and government organisations over the past 9 years. I have come to a point where I...
Strategic Thinking for Sales Professionals
Google the phrase “challenges of a sales professional” and you will find yourself up against a torrent of issues that sales people face....
Don’t have a clue? Plan your actions with constraints!
Let’s say that you wanted to start investing but don’t know how. You also heard that margin trading can earn you big money fast, and...
"Should I replace my station manager?" - a strategic question indeed!
"Hi Ian, I like your service of answering difficult questions and hope you can help me out. I am running an outfit here in Singaore and...
Strategic thinking for Government Officers
If there is a group of people who would most have to apply strategic thinking in their work, it would be government officers. Government...
Strategic thinking is for EVERYONE!
Many people ask me how we are able to teach new managers and supervisors to think strategically - after all, they say, strategy is for...
Making a positive change with the hypothesis-driven process - a case study
We all learnt this in school: observe what is happening (or not), formulate a hypothesis about why this is happening, create tests to see...
Turning away from the negative - creating constraints
In my last post, I discussed the need to have constraints and the impact of these on making the right decision every time. Far from being...
