Management Tip of the Day: Debunk the Myths Holding Your Company Back

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 Debunk the Myths Holding Your Company Back Every organization has myths about who its great leaders are, which behaviors to admire and imitate, and what customers want. These myths rarely change, even when the competitive landscape does. They are most evident when someone proposes an idea that seems outlandish because it goes against one of these untouchable beliefs. Next time your team starts to take down an idea, stop and identify the myth at play. Ask your team if the grounds for their disapproval are, in fact, true. It can be hard to criticize your own internal legends, so seek an outside perspective to see the question through third parties' eyes. With those opinions in mind, reconsider the outlandish idea. Does it still seem crazy? Be gentle in the process. The purpose of this exercise is not to destroy the myths, but to reinterpret them. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "The Myths That Prevent Change" by Roberto Verganti. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Ebooks on HBR HBR Press Get instant access to 30 of HBR Press's bestselling books including: The First 90 Days, Blue Ocean Strategy, The Innovator's Dilemma, Leading Change, Understanding Michael Porter, and the entire HBR's 10 Must Reads series — without the hassle and cost of shipping. Visit our ebook page to browse all 30 titles and learn more about this exciting new offering. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Capture Your Audience Right Away Bring Out Quieter Voices on Your Team Get Feedback, Even If You're the Boss Out of Time? Give Some Away Give Employees Freedom, Within Limits Start Your New Client Relationship Right Match Your Presentation to Your Audience Make Decisions Simpler for Your Customers Choose the Right Tools to Communicate With Your Virtual Team Ask for More Before Granting a Favor All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)