How To See Things Differently and Be More Effective

Have you ever noticed that business people seem to read the same popular business books?

Then we ask people to "think differently" about business.

I'm keen on exploring new ways to look at how we live, work, and connect. I find that the latest "10 Things You Must Do To__________"  gets stale. I don't want to just think about what to do. I want to know "why" and "how" and then apply it to my own situation.

Do you sometimes feel the same way?

Here's a selection of some blogs and sites I find helpful for accomplishing the above:

LifeClever is a collection of tips for design and life. "We're not experts or productivity gurus. We just love learning and sharing tips that make designing and living more fun.

Presentation Zen will expand your approach to,well. . .presentation design. Garr Reynolds will take you way past "death by bullet point" and into the elegance of design that communicates.

Conversation Agent Valeria Maltoni proves that you can have both style and substance. If you click on the link it will take you to a riff on substance and marketing.

If you want to learn how to write to influence--or you're tired of conventional sales training cliches--read Copyblogger . Think about the "why" behind "what" Brian Clark is saying. You'll walk away with a Ph.D in Persuasion.

Stronger Teams Blog looks at groups and how to make them successful. But also what it takes to be an effective participant.

You are a customer. You probably have customers. No. Regardless of who you are, you do have customers. That's why, if you haven't already done so, it's time to visit Church of the Customer blog.

Own Your Brand can help you do just that. Mike Wagner goes beyond the formulaic and offers insight and wisdom.

I love checking into Science Daily. It satisfies my "inner-researcher" without having to do the research myself. If you want to see what researchers in every field are up to, give it a click. But have a large cup of coffee at the ready.

Lisa Hangeberg at Management Craft will surprise you with topics ranging from the immediately applicable to solid interviews and podcasts to lots of links. And do try her Nacho recipe.

When I want to think about professional practices and their development, I visit David Maister at Passion, People, and Principles . There is always a genuine discussion about real stuff going on there. And David is one of those folks who shares unselfishly, whether it be knowledge or downloadable materials for people who can use some help and concrete structure.

There is a lot written about people who just "don't get it." So to help them, Daniel Goleman has been laying out the case since 1995 for Emotional Intelligence and all things related. If you want to understand more--or help someone else--visit DanielGoleman.info.

And if you think that "happiness" and "work" aren't connected, Alex Kjerulf shows you how to keep smiling as The Chief Happiness Officer.

I do hope that one or more of these sparks your thinking and opens a door to something new for you.

Comments

[Blaine Collins]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the love link. I'm glad that the Stronger Teams Blog helps add a useful perspective.

You've got a fine blog going here. Keep it up!

[Eric Brown]

Steve - Thanks for this post...because of this I have found more great blogs to add to my 'favorites'. Thanks!

[Steve Roesler]

Eric and Blaine:

I appreciate the comments...it's really important to me to know whether the blog is proving helpful.

All the best!

[Valeria Maltoni]

The comments and thoughts by my readers are the most stimulating gifts. Conversation is a space where different ideas *and* people come together. So thank you for the contributions.