The Management Tip of the Day

Read online

January 2, 2019 Getting Better at Something Requires Commitment We all want to get better at something. Maybe you'd like to be a more inspiring leader, be more productive, or take more risks. But ask yourself two questions. First, do you really want to do better? Presumably the answer is "yes," but if you're looking to improve because, say, your boss wants you to, be honest about that. Change will happen only if you're committed to it. Second, are you willing to feel the discomfort of trying things that don't work right away? Learning anything new is inherently uncomfortable, so be prepared to feel a little awkward. You will make mistakes. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed, especially if you are used to succeeding. But if you remain committed through all of that, you will get better. Adapted from "If You Want to Get Better at Something, Ask Yourself These Two Questions," by Peter Bregman

ADVERTISEMENT

BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials | HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set | HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations | HBR Guide to Better Business Writing | HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done

FEATURED PRODUCT HBR's 10 Must Reads on Women and Leadership Harvard Business Review, Herminia Ibarra, Deborah Tannen, Joan C. Williams Learn the root causes of the barriers that exist for women in the workplace; check your own gender biases and distinguish between confidence and competence in your colleagues; and recognize the issues women face when speaking up about bias or harassment. $34.95 Buy Now

FEATURED PRODUCT HBR's 10 Must Reads 2019 Harvard Business Review HBR's 10 Must Reads 2019 brings the most current and important management conversations of the year right to your fingertips, with authors from Thomas Davenport to Michael Porter and company examples from Facebook to DHL. This book will inspire you to: Make stronger connections and build greater trust among teams Engage customers and employees alike with the help of artificial intelligence Channel your outrage about sexual harassment in the workplace into effective action Consider how CEO activism can generate goodwill for your company—and weigh its risks Pair data with qualitative research to increase diversity in your organization Remain competitive in a hub economy by using your company's assets and capabilities differently. $34.95 Buy Now

HBR.ORG | TOPICS | THE MAGAZINE | BOOKS | CASES | STORE | SUBSCRIBE TO HBR UNSUBSCRIBE | MANAGE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS | NEWSLETTERS PRIVACY POLICY | CONTACT Copyright © 2018 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing 60 Harvard Way Boston, MA 02163 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-988-0886 (US/Canada) 1-617-783-7500 (outside the U.S. and Canada)