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Thoughts

Thoughts

stressful thinking

In Robert Sapolsky's book "Why Zebras don't get ulcers" he describes both physical stressors and psychological stressors. The zebra experiences a physiological stress response to a physical stressor. A lion darts out from the tall grass and the zebra's heart rate and blood pressure spike in order to mobilize as much energy as possible to avoid becoming lunch.…
Kirk Morrison
November 30, 2018
Thoughts

Shift #3 – Focus on Process

"To the extent that leaders deal with challenges by focusing on the impacting agent or condition (content), they usually remain stuck as a result. More mature leaders focus primarily on their own response to a problem (process)". Edwin Friedman A leaders anxiety response to a threat or opportunity generates tension in the organization. A leader…
Kirk Morrison
November 23, 2018
Thoughts

Shift #2 – From Blame to Responsibility

"I learned that if there was an emotional issue in the organization, I was playing a part in it, and if I could modify the part I was playing others would do the same. Anytime one key member of an organization can be responsibly responsible for self, the problem in the organization will resolve." Dr.…
Kirk Morrison
November 16, 2018
Thoughts

Shift #1 – Systems Thinking

"Systems thinking focuses on the facts of functioning in human relationship systems. It focusses on what happened, and on how and when and where it happened. It carefully avoids our automatic preoccupation with why it happened." Dr. Murray Bowen In last weeks blog, we introduced three shifts in focus that can provide a leader with…
Kirk Morrison
November 9, 2018
Thoughts

Focus Shifts

To stay at the top of the game leaders must be on the constant lookout for the latest tools, techniques, and strategies to give their team an edge. That edge is continually expanding and today's competitive advantage quickly becomes tomorrow's old news. It's a never-ending game. You can change the game by shifting your focus to a…
Kirk Morrison
November 2, 2018
Thoughts

It’s testing October 25

I arrived at the field yesterday and asked my brother-in-law what the wheat was testing. The moisture content of "dry" wheat is 14%. Farmers endeavor to get the crop off dry. When grain is harvested at a higher moisture content it negatively impacts the price that farmers can receive for their grain. If the moisture…
Kirk Morrison
October 26, 2018
Thoughts

Cannabis Compensation

Cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17, 2018. Prime Minister Trudeau showed leadership to make this happen. The decision to legalize the drug has both supporters and critics. Despite the opposition, our Prime Minister pushed forward. There are many facts on both sides of the debate about whether or not this is a good…
Kirk Morrison
October 19, 2018
Thoughts

Hand me the pipe wrench … what

Shortly after starting to work for an oilfield maintenance company as a swamper (assistant) we were at an oil well lease site and the foreman (boss) said to me: "Hand me the pipe wrench" My response was: "Hand me the pipe wrench what? He looked at me bewildered and I repeated in a very suggestive…
Kirk Morrison
October 12, 2018
Thoughts

Thank You

Thank you for reading this blog. The Thanksgiving weekend is upon us. Although in North-West Saskatchewan it doesn't seem like there is nearly enough crop in the bin for it to be thanksgiving weekend yet ... here we are.  This is a time for reflection. An opportunity to bring focus and gratitude to the people…
Kirk Morrison
October 5, 2018
Thoughts

The Grain Cart Rookie

Harvest 2018 is finally underway. My bother and father-in-law have a new piece of equipment this year,  a grain cart. This equipment increases efficiency by ensuring the combines never stop, except for supper in the field. I am a rookie at running a grain cart, which makes me a little nervous. Running a grain cart requires a…
Kirk Morrison
September 28, 2018