- 5 Things to Do When the Boss is Wrong

1. Say, “Great idea Boss! We’ll test it.” This comes directly from Jim Sterne who introduced the term to me through my BNET colleague, Sean Silverman. This gives you some time.
2. Test with an Open Mind.  So, it turns out that some of those people at the top of the food chain got there because they are smart.  Just because it seems stupid to you, doesn’t mean it’s stupid.  So, test the HIPPO’s idea.  You may be surprised.  But, if you’re not and it’s a bad, bad, bad idea then…
3. Document, Document, Document. A casual stop by the CEOs office to say, “So, Sally, we looked into that rubber-snake-designer-jeans idea you had and, well, nobody likes it.  See you later!”  will not fly.  Actual numbers will.  Focus group data that says, “Gee this antenna problem is a BIG DEAL” is much more convincing.  Make sure you have your data and present it professionally.  But if the HIPPO still wants this solution then…
4. Don’t Whine, Problem Solve. In my experience, HIPPOs want what they want, dang it, and sometimes they just won’t listen.  So, figure out how to solve the problem.  So, you’ve tested it and the results show problems.  It’s time to problem solve.  CEO and BNET writer Margaret Heffernan has a rule that all complaints must come with a solution.  So, don’t complain.  Come up with a solution and be prepared to present all the costs involved in the solution.
5. Get on board. Unless the HIPPO’s idea is illegal or immoral (in which case you should blow the whistle), you’ve made your case and now you need to get on board. You’re being paid to work for the HIPPO, so after you’ve done your best, you need to do what he or she wants.  I know it’s unpleasant, but it’s the reality.   If it’s just so terrible that you can’t support it, then it’s time to leave the company.

   (bnet) 

- Know Your Body's Cooling Spots

You've probably heard that you can pour water over your wrists or neck to cool off quickly, but we've got the lowdown on all the body's best cooling spots, as well as the most effective ways to use them.

Get Acquainted With Your Body's Pulse Points

The reason this remedy works is because your wrist and neck both contain pulse points—essentially, areas where you can feel your pulse because your blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin. Because they are so close, however, you can also cool off your blood and body temperature by getting the area in contact with cool water.

However, your neck and wrists are not the only pulse points on your body (though your neck is arguably one of the most effective). The insides of your elbows and knees are two other common pressure points, as well as the tops of your feet and insides of your ankle (near the area where your ankle bone sticks out). There's also a pulse point on your inner thighs. And, while the forehead is commonly used as a cooling spot, the pulse point on your head is actually closer to your temple and the area just in front of your ear. There are a few more, of course, but these are the most convenient for the purpose of cooling yourself.

Adjust Your Cooling Method to Your Activity

Obviously, not all of these pulse points are going to be convenient to cool down all the time. There are a number of different ways you can go about cooling them down, and you'll need to use the ones most convenient to you at the time. For example, if you're out exercising in the heat, wrapping a damp bandanna (or better yet, a specialized homemade cooling scarf) around your wrist, elbow, or neck (when you can) is an easy way to keep cool.

If you're just sitting on the couch in a hot box of an apartment, though, you'll be able to take advantage of your feet, ankles, knees, or thighs in addition to the others. If you're not moving around, you can use the other popular method of using ice cubes wrapped in a cloth, rather than just a wet bandanna. Some recommend putting the towel-wrapped ice on your pulse points for a minute at a time, but there isn't a ton of consensus on the subject—just do what feels comfortable for you, and make sure it's "cool" and not cold. Don't use just ice; make sure it's wrapped in a towel or something similar (the same rules apply to the water-soaked scarf as well; cool, not cold).

Keep in mind this isn't necessarily the end-all, be-all of cooling techniques. Attacking your pulse points should cool you off slightly (depending on your situation), but don't expect it to be a 100 percent cure for the heat. Make sure you're still doing everything you can to keep cool, like running your air conditioner if you can, finding a comfortable, air-conditioned space, trying alternatives to air conditioners, generating less heat in your living space, and, of course, staying hydrated and out of the hot, beating sun.

(RexxS/lifehacker)

- Research finds leadership skills inadequate to meet current and future demand

A comparison of the leadership strength from the research contrasts existing leadership skill levels with what skill would be required in the future the results are illustrated below.

The research identified the following seven competencies as most critical for success, now and in the future:

1. Leading people: directing and motivating people.
2. Strategic planning: translating vision into realistic business strategies, including long-term objectives.
3. Managing change: using effective strategies to facilitate organizational change.
4. Inspiring commitment: recognizing and rewarding employees’ achievements.
5. Resourcefulness: working effectively with top management.
6. Doing whatever it takes: persevering under adverse conditions.
7. Being a quick learner: quickly learning new technical or business knowledge.

The interesting thing to note from this research is that only resourcefulness is a current top ten skill! All the others rated as important for success in the study are not skills that leaders have mastered today. This means that today’s leaders are not meeting the demands of their organisations. The CLL call this the “Leadership Gap”, referring to the huge gap that exists between the leadership skills organisations have today and the skills they will require in five years time.

(thepracticeofleadership)