In 2010 I was lucky enough at GE to join my general manager and his direct reports in “Leadership, Innovation, & Growth” training series.  The great Bob Cancalosi led us through a weeklong session focused on “Leading Global Growth in a Reset World.”  Professors from Wharton, Harvard, and leading business authors joined us for condensed “master class” training in their specialties. 

Talk about a competitive advantage for an organization like GE!  This is one of many I observed while working there. 

LIG has become part of my competitive advantage.  Thank you, GE!

Bob led us off, there were several business units represented, with an opening that’s become a coachable moment for me and my teams for many years.  

I will never forget his advice.

Forgive me, I paraphrase, it’s been 12 years and my handwritten notes are messy. 

He said, “… you will be participating in Q&A with these amazing instructors, all of whom have years of expertise.  You will be brief in your comments.  You will be bright in your comments.  You will give the microphone back and sit down and be done after your comments.”

Be brief. Be bright. Be done.

How many meetings or presentations can you remember where this wasn’t an operational objective?

I’ve shared Bob’s advice with my product & UX teams for many years.  I try to adhere to his advice when I present, “having given thought ….”  I don’t always achieve brief, bright, done.  But I try.

I got a LinkedIn message from a product manager who worked with me for several years.  She was in a new role and carrying Bob’s advice on to her new team.  The next generation of product managers benefit from LIG a decade later.  Building our competitive advantage as product practitioners.

Be brief. Be bright. Be done.

Rob

P.s. Thank you Fran, Bob, and GE. And thank you Abi for your encouraging message.