QUESTIONS:

• Provide an insight you gained from the passages your colleague found compelling or from another example from the book.
• Ask a clarifying question about your colleague's analysis, either of the concepts from the book or of their reflection on past experiences.

The following passage represents part of a conversation on strategic supply and demand. I find this conversation relevant to understanding the importance of brainstorming.

1. "Wait a minute, Stacey; we're thinking about a little change in strategy. How many modules could they give us per week?" I ask her..."And in my left ear, I hear a million bucks rung up on the cash register (Goldratt & Cox, 2014, p. 325).

This passage is relevant to business management communication and planning. It is a team effort to work through ideas, including the pros and cons of those ideas. It is a good thing to have doubts about new plans, and to even attempt to find flaws in them. It helps the team arrive to the best solution through pro-and-con analysis and trial and error.

If I had only known it was okay to disagree on a team, I would have resisted certain ideas more. Acting as an "antagonist" is not necessarily a bad thing when trying to deduce the best plan or strategy.

This next passage highlights the need for prompt communications and how written recommendations are used.

1. "Bill specifically told me to conduct this and to pass along my recommendation to him," says Smyth. "So if you want to make a case for your plant, I suggest you get started. Otherwise, we'll have to draw our own conclusions from your report (Goldratt & Cox, 2014, p. 341).

This passage is relevant to accountability in strategic planning and business management. It also shows how managers can be under pressure to verify and validate ideas because moving forward. The alternative is to have a third party make decisions which can be costly or just as ineffective as the old idea or policy.

If I had only known this back when I was an intern for an executive, I would have helped draft summaries and recommendations to add perspective on project planning and ideas. '

This last passage is part of a conversation on confidence and celebrating one another's efforts.

'Alex, stop this nonsense," Julie says in a firm voice. "Artificial modesty doesn't suit you." She raises her hand to prevent me from answering and firmly continues, "Nobody handed you solutions on a silver platter. Tell me, Mr. Rogo, how many nights did you sweat until you succeeded in finding the answers?" "Quite a few," I admit with a smile (Goldratt & Cox, 2014, p. 350).

This passage highlights the importance of celebrating one another's efforts and giving credit where it is due. Encouraging managers and leaders is just as important as motivating employees. It is important for people to identify strengths and accomplishments in their peers.

If I had only known this back when I was a manager, I would have taken more time out to show appreciation to my colleagues verbally.

Reference

Goldratt, E. & Cox, J. (2014).The goal: A process of ongoing improvement(4th ed., pp. 1-123). North River Press.