What is the abbreviation for “pounds”? Did you say “lbs”? Congratulations, you are correct. Now, where does the abbreviation come from? It’s rather curious. None of the letters (l-b-s) appear in the word “pound.” What should be more curious is why you have never inquired into the matter (provided that is you don’t know the [...]
Next time you’re confronted with a surprising new development–say, a new product or a new use for an old product–don’t ask the question: Why is this new? Instead, try asking this question: Why is this surprising? The switch changes the focus from an external perspective (i.e. looking for reasons why the new idea or product [...]
Have you ever been in a meeting where, at the end, the leader asks “Any questions?” It is an innocuous question. In fact, it sounds as though the leader is open-minded and encouraging questions and discussion. Often, though, the question is offered in the unsaid but implicit tone that the leader has made everything so [...]
“Answer a question you wish we’d asked.” This is a question Harvard University now regularly asks its MBA applicants. It’s an insightful question and, if you use it, it may help you unlearn because its open-ended nature embraces the very distinct possibility that you will be exposed to insights and ideas that might never have [...]
If you are a manager and want to position your company or organization to succeed in the future, I'd suggest changing the normal managerial question of "How do I get more out of my employees?" to "How do I get the best out of my employees?" Why? because passion, energy, creativity and innovation aren't easily [...]
"When I come back, I want you to explain to me something complicated that I don't already know." This is the question that Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, would routinely ask people he was interviewing in the early day's of Google's existence. It is an excellent question–and one I have recommended before–but, as this article [...]
Jack Uldrich is an acclaimed global futurist, compelling keynote speaker and best-selling author. His past works include, The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business; Jump the Curve: 50 Strategies to Help You Company Stay Ahead of Emerging Technology; Unlearning 101:101 Lessons in Thinking … [More About Jack..]