Find Contradicting Data. Don’t Ignore It
CSW means delivering work that’s well-rounded, deeply researched, and honest. Finding and incorporating contradictory data builds trust, adds depth, and makes your recommendations bulletproof.
ChatGPT Isn’t the Legwork
ChatGPT can help brainstorm, find resources, and clarify initial ideas, but it’s only a starting point. Real Completed Staff Work requires verification, firsthand data, real-world examples, and depth that only human-driven research can provide.
Verify, Verify, Verify
CSW demands accuracy, precision, and accountability. Verifying your work isn’t just about double-checking details; it’s about building trust. Every fact-checked, every source confirmed, and every quote validated brings you closer to producing work that stands up to any scrutiny.
Start with the Sources that Matter
Completed Staff Work isn’t just about gathering information; it’s about getting the right information. Reliable sources lead to reliable conclusions, and reliable conclusions lead to effective action. Start with sources that matter, and you’re already halfway to delivering great work.
Identify the Constraints, Know the Limits
Identifying constraints doesn’t hold you back; it keeps you grounded. When you respect limits, you build work that’s realistic, achievable, and impactful. Constraints give you direction—use them to create CSW that’s both smart and effective.
Get Crystal Clear on the Goal
A clear goal doesn’t have to be complex; it just has to be precise. When you have this foundation in place, every step afterward will be faster, sharper, and easier.
Why Lectures Fail to Create Real Learning
Most managers think leadership training means booking a room, finding an expert, and sitting through hours of lectures. The speaker shares their wisdom, the audience listens, nods along, maybe takes some notes. But here’s the thing: listening isn’t learning. Sure, it feels productive. You’re soaking
How Tailored Workshops Drive Real Business Results
You’ve seen it happen. Your team leaves a workshop feeling inspired and full of ideas. But give it a month, and it’s back to business as usual. Why? Because inspiration fades when it’s not aligned with your business goals. Workshops shouldn’t just be feel-good events.
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Why Generic Workshops Fail and What to Do Instead
Workshops are everywhere, promising growth and transformation. But let’s face it: most workshops aren’t investments—they’re just expenses. You pay for the session, attend, and six months later… the same problems still exist. Why? Because generic workshops don’t work. Tailored workshops, however, are a different story.
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Sense of Wonder: Rediscover the Magic in Everyday Life
Remember being a kid and staring at the stars, marveling at how vast the universe seemed? Or the way your heart raced when you saw something for the very first time? That’s the sense of wonder. It’s that magical feeling of curiosity and awe that
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Excellence: Raise Your Standards, Elevate Your Life
Think about someone you admire. Whether it’s a colleague, a mentor, or even a public figure, what sets them apart? It’s not just what they do, it’s how they do it. They’ve mastered the art of doing things well—consistently. That’s excellence. Excellence is about showing
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Curiosity: Unlock the World by Asking the Right Questions
Remember when you were a kid, and every new discovery was filled with wonder? You’d ask “why” a hundred times a day, always wanting to know more. Somewhere along the way, many of us lose that curiosity. But what if reclaiming it could unlock a
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10 Useful Tips for Guest Speakers
Experts are often invited to speak.If you’re a manager, an industry expert, or a well-known professional, chances are you’ve been—or will be—invited as a guest speaker. Maybe you’re asked to talk about leadership, innovation, or your area of expertise. And let’s be honest, being a
Skillful Leaders Are Effective Leaders
Back in 2004, when I first launched my leadership training company, I thought I had it all figured out. I had been leading in various roles and felt ready to teach others. I was deep into leadership teachings—John Maxwell, Jack Welch, Og Mandino, Dale Carnegie,