Remember Occam's Razor Cabinet Discussions
A major source of value for each Local Cabinet Member is when they have an opportunity to present a complex issue in a Cabinet Meeting. This is referred to as a "Cabinet Discussion". Cabinet Discussions are one hour segments of the Local Cabinet meeting where one member has a prepared overview of a particular issue, problem, or circumstance that they present to the other members. The Members in turn, provide feedback and suggestions to the presenting member.
For many independent consultants, Cabinet Discussions are the only time they have a chance to "think out loud" about an issue. It is also the only time they will be able to have a like minded service provider review the issue prior to going to the market or to the customer. Needless to say, a Cabinet Discussion is an extremely valuable feedback mechanism and an important part of every Local Cabinet.
While the simple act of reviewing an issue will benefit the presenting member, it is the feedback and recommendations that are most valuable. The Cabinet Member who is making the presentation is looking for honest feedback and suggestions. They aren't looking for cheap shots, ridicule, or sarcasm.
A great rule to remember in providing feedback in Cabinet Members is keep it simple. That is what is meant by Occam's Razor. This is the idea that the simplest answer is the best. This is true in science and it's true for Local Cabinets. Keep all feedback and suggestions simple and straight to the point. Avoid convoluted answers, with a host of caveats that nobody will remember.
Somebody once said that the art of good business writing is the ability to communicate complex ideas using simple sentences. Similarly, the art of giving quality feedback in a Cabinet Meeting is providing simple, straight to the point feedback and recommendations. Use Occam's Razor to cut out all the extra's and improve the feedback and value of the Local Cabinet Meeting.
For many independent consultants, Cabinet Discussions are the only time they have a chance to "think out loud" about an issue. It is also the only time they will be able to have a like minded service provider review the issue prior to going to the market or to the customer. Needless to say, a Cabinet Discussion is an extremely valuable feedback mechanism and an important part of every Local Cabinet.
While the simple act of reviewing an issue will benefit the presenting member, it is the feedback and recommendations that are most valuable. The Cabinet Member who is making the presentation is looking for honest feedback and suggestions. They aren't looking for cheap shots, ridicule, or sarcasm.
A great rule to remember in providing feedback in Cabinet Members is keep it simple. That is what is meant by Occam's Razor. This is the idea that the simplest answer is the best. This is true in science and it's true for Local Cabinets. Keep all feedback and suggestions simple and straight to the point. Avoid convoluted answers, with a host of caveats that nobody will remember.
Somebody once said that the art of good business writing is the ability to communicate complex ideas using simple sentences. Similarly, the art of giving quality feedback in a Cabinet Meeting is providing simple, straight to the point feedback and recommendations. Use Occam's Razor to cut out all the extra's and improve the feedback and value of the Local Cabinet Meeting.
