Wodan & Co

🚀 Project management isn't just about keeping it together (or trying)!

At Wodan & Co, we adopt project management techniques that not only drive projects forward but do it with style 😎.

From the precise timelines of Gantt charts to the sprinting prowess of Scrum, each method offers unique advantages tailored for dynamic teams and fast-paced environments.

Want some insights? Dive into the latest Forbes article that breaks down top project management strategies.

Let’s chat about integrating these game-changing techniques into your workflows and watch your projects transform from plan to phenomenal! 😉

7 Essential Project Management Techniques In 2024 Top project managers use proven project management techniques to successfully manage a project. A project management technique is a framework or tool that helps plan, organize and execute a project. There are many project management techniques available. The best one for you depends on the size, com

🚀 Did You Say Efficiency?

Two Steps to Business Efficiency - And I'm not gonna waste your time, so let's dive in:

Streamline Like a Pro: Dive into your processes and cut out the clutter! Simplify, simplify, simplify—get rid of anything that doesn’t add value. Think of it like cleaning your closet; if it doesn't spark efficiency, thank it and say goodbye!

Cut the Redundancies: Why do twice what you can do once? Identify overlaps and eliminate duplicates. Think of it as decluttering your workflow; every piece should have its purpose.

Ready to amp up your organizational game? These small changes can lead to giant leaps in productivity!

And if you need help taking the next step or want to review it with us, let us know! 😉

Leadership isn't easy. Leading during a business transformation? I'm about to lose my English.😥

But hey, look who's here to share some hard-earned tips (been there, done that kind of vibe) on facing such demanding times:

☺️ Communicate: Articulating your goals and expectations can be tricky. Communicate with clarity (without being overly dictatorial or too friendly). More importantly, share your vision openly—transparency is key!

☺️ Listen: If good communication sets the stage, active listening completes the act. The solutions often lie within the team. Set your ego aside, engage, and absorb their insights.

☺️ Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of any strong team, but it’s not built overnight. Establish this trust well before it’s needed, and be ready for transformative times!

These tips won’t solve all problems, but they can help and set you on the right track.

Need more guidance? You know whom to call—we’ve still got a few tricks up our sleeve! 😉

Don't be stubborn, stay open and read this:

One of our team members attended a networking event and connected with a potential client. Despite the client's lukewarm initial interest, we secured a meeting—and an opportunity to work with a big name in the industry.👀

During our discussions, we pinpointed a critical but common issue: the client was excellent at what they did but had unclear targeting, leading to incorrect solutions (been there, done that🙋).
Our analysis piqued their interest, and we were invited to collaborate more closely with their team.

The collaboration began with enthusiasm on our part, but not so much from theirs. We quickly sensed we weren't really welcomed. During a meeting with the client’s team, it became apparent they held reservations about our capabilities, questioning our methods, and even instructing us on which tools and methods to apply.

👊But we all know by now, we are not the kind to give up.
We developed various business plans and strategies tailored to different target markets, leaving room for feedback and adjustments. We presented our proposals to the customer, who was impressed and planned a full team presentation.

After a couple of days, unexpectedly, we were asked to step back, and the presentation proceeded without us.

Months later, we learned the business had closed. Our proposals were never implemented.

🚀This experience taught us a valuable lesson: success in consultancy requires more than expertise and insight. It demands openness from both parties. Being stubborn can close doors, while listening and adapting can lead to transformative changes.

Let this be a reminder: Stay open, listen, and never underestimate the power of accepting help.

A true mark of leadership is taking action.

It's not about the ideas you have but the steps you take to make them a reality.

Those who leave a legacy are the ones who get things done, overcoming obstacles and driving progress forward.

We’re not the ones saying it – Steve Jobs is.

But we kinda agree with him.

At Wodan & Co, we believe that innovation is a key element of true leadership.

It's what sets visionaries apart from the rest. Challenge the status quo, introduce new ideas, and don’t be scared to think differently.

Whether it's in the realm of technology, business strategies, or creative solutions, stay innovative, stay ahead!

And if you need a little help, you know whom to call 😎.

Skills to Be a Powerful Leader 👊

1. Strategic Vision
2. Adaptability
3. Strategic Decision-Making
4. Collaborative Leadership
5. Inspirational Leadership

At least that's what the article "Top 5 Leadership Qualities of Successful Vice Presidents" on Noobpreneur outlines.

Do we agree? Absolutely. Do we find it easy? Not really.
(We really appreciate the focus on collaborative and inspirational leadership —qualities that are often under-discussed yet vital.)

These are excellent skills to possess, but how do you implement them in your day-to-day activities? Knowing the theory is one thing; putting it into practice is another.

At Wodan & Co, we're here to help!
Let's make leadership practical and impactful together! 🌟

Check out the full article for more insights:

Top 5 Leadership Qualities of Successful Vice Presidents What makes a Vice President successful? Explore key modern challenges and top must-have VP skills in this detailed article.

"The Two-by-Two Model"

At Wodan & Co, we see mistakes as opportunities to grow ( ). However, in a world that oversells success and perfection, it's not always easy to openly share our failures.

Building a company culture where people feel comfortable admitting their mistakes is crucial. But how do you tell your boss, "Oopsy daisy, I made a really big one this time!"?

Enter the two-by-two model: share two mistakes and two successes at each meeting. It's simple, effective, and we've seen it work firsthand.

Embrace your bad choices and learn from them. 😉

Check out the full article for more insights
🔗

The Path to Success Is Filled With Mistakes. Do These Four Things to Tap Into Their Growth Potential. | Entrepreneur Mistakes are often perceived negatively, seen as costly and unacceptable. However, each mistake holds valuable lessons, especially new ones.

Is leadership all about personality, or can it be learned?

At Wodan & Co, we believe strong leadership is a skill that can be honed through self-awareness, a positive mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning. 💡

Just like Alex Reinhardt says in this article, you weren't necessarily born a leader, but you can develop the necessary traits and behaviors.
🔗 https://wllw.co/1F3SOYhnt

What are your thoughts on leadership development? Share your insights in the comments!

Leadership in a Changing World: Lessons from Alex Reinhardt's Academy - CEOWORLD magazine In today’s fast-changing world, leadership hinges on the ability to adapt quickly and motivate others. Adaptability emerges as the cornerstone quality of effective leadership, enabling individuals to pivot swiftly, foster innovation, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. Entrepreneur ...

Ever heard of a BHAG (not the one on your back... haha👀😅)?

A BHAG, A Big Hairy Audacious Goal you set for your business.

The one that ignites your team, rallying everyone around a singular, ambitious idea. 💪

That bold, almost outrageous objective you're not entirely certain you'll achieve, yet it drives you forward every single day. 🚀

That crazy goal, guiding your efforts, inspiring you to push boundaries and win, getting your closer to success everyday.🎯

Yes, that BHAG.

So, what's yours?
What's the clear and compelling goal you've set for yourself and your team?

If you're not quite sure, don't remember anymore, or need a little guidance, don't hesitate to reach out.
We're here to help you clarify your vision and chart a course toward success.

And if you want to know more about the idea of a Big Hairy Audacious Goal, feel free to check out those links :

🔗 https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts/bhag.html
🔗 https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/what-is-a-bhag-and-why-do-you-need-one

Jim Collins - Concepts - BHAG Put yourself in the shoes of Boeing’s management team in 1952. Your engineers have the idea to build a large jet aircraft for the commercial market. Your company has virtually no presence in the commercial market and your earlier commercial attempts have been failures. You’ve been building aircr...

🚨 Spoiler Alert - May the 1st to Know!

The team at Wodan and Co is working on an exciting new project... 👀

After years of navigating the tumultuous seas of entrepreneurship and providing consulting services worldwide, it is time to acknowledge an ugly reality:
➡️Many entrepreneurs find themselves isolated, pressured from all sides, and struggling to navigate the battlefield of business alone.

Now, how do you determine what you truly need? Is it coaching? Continuous learning? or perhaps mastermind sessions? Which solution resonates most with your aspirations and goals? How are you going to achieve what you are meant to be?!

Well, not to tease you at all, but we heard a wave is coming your way...

And it is bringing a new dimension....

Stay tuned... 🚀

As a leader, doubts might be a part of your life.

Well, that's part of everyone's life. 🤔

But while doubt can be present, as a leader, you need to demonstrate accountability. As the leader of a team, you should be the pillar, the person to whom your teammates will refer.

The article outlines five powerful ways to embrace it:

🔹Be the example you want to see.
🔹Set the standards.
🔹Be consistent.
🔹Make people better people.
🔹Commit to completion.
*Feel free to check out the article for more insights*

While we agree with these principles, we also recognize how challenging it can be to put them into practice consistently. We're all human, and we all experience setbacks and moments of self-doubt.

So, if you find yourself struggling to maintain accountability or facing tough challenges, don't hesitate to reach out. While we may not be superheroes, we're here to support you, provide guidance, and help you navigate through difficult situations with confidence and peace of mind.💪



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5 ways to embrace personal accountability for maximum leadership impact Strategies for leaders to develop their personal accountability in the face of uncertainty, failure, and challenges.

🌍 It's Earth Day!

We thought about sharing the usual tips and tricks to support our dear Mother Earth, like going paperless or minimizing energy consumption. Sure, those are fantastic suggestions, but let's face it—they're often already in place or challenging to improve upon further. Plus, it can be a bit disheartening when trying to rally everyone in the company to follow suit.

💡But hey, you know us—we're all about practical solutions. So, allow us to introduce you to Ecosia.

What's Ecosia? It's a search engine platform similar to Google. But here's the kicker: they plant trees every time you perform a search. How cool is that?

How does it work? Well, Ecosia generates revenue when users click on the ads displayed in the search results, and they invest a chunk of that money into planting trees.

And they're doing it! With over 205 million trees already planted by Ecosia and a whopping €84 million dedicated to climate action, they're certainly not sleeping.

Curious to learn more? Check them out :
🔗 https://wllw.co/fvkFYbX0y

Let us know what you think about Ecosia and whether you'd consider giving it a try. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our planet, one search at a time!
🌍 .

Ecosia - the search engine that plants trees Ecosia uses the ad revenue from your searches to plant trees where they are needed the most. By searching with Ecosia, you’re not only reforesting our planet, but you’re also empowering the communities around our planting projects to build a better future for themselves. Give it a try!

Are formulas the key to success?

Take a moment to sit (I know you're already seated, but for style's sake, you know). Let's ponder: how many great theories have you encountered that simply didn't work for you?🤔

We've all seen it:
"Promises of exponential business growth with five simple steps", "Tips to achieve your goals in three easy moves", or "Blueprints for building a unicorn in ten steps". And let's not forget "The eight affirmations guaranteed to make you strong, handsome, and the smartest person alive" 👀.
But why is it so hard to follow through? Why do nearly 50% of businesses fail within five years? Shouldn't executing eight steps be easy?

Well, here's a truth you already know: even if the equation seems flawless, we're not working with the same variables!

Formulas aren't the golden ticket to success. Life doesn't operate on a one-size-fits-all solution. Each situation is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Consider athletes: they might follow identical diets and training programs, yet get completely different results!

This complexity is why navigating the business landscape is so difficult. With no standard solution to your problems, and often no clear-cut answers, tackling challenges becomes increasingly... challenging (especially when you're juggling multiple challenges simultaneously, who has only one problem to tackle...).

And here we are at Wodan & Co: sleeves rolled up, ready to tackle problems alongside you. Yes, we leverage tools and theories we know, but we adapt them, mix them, and add a personal touch to find just the right way. We go for a tailored approach to help you achieve the best outcomes.

Sounds great to you? Curious to learn more? Feel free to reach out!

If you think about a good manager or a good leader you know, what words or qualities would you use to describe them? 🤔

Defining a good leader and the skills they possess can be quite challenging. However, in this article, the discussion revolves around some key attributes.

For us at Wodan & Co, being agile and adaptable to new situations is a non-negotiable skill. In today's rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to pivot and respond to challenges is invaluable. But as mentioned in the article, having strong human skills is also crucial. After all, managing or leading people begins with understanding them, fostering effective communication, and demonstrating empathy.

In addition to agility and strong human skills, effective managers and leaders often possess decision-making abilities, strategic thinking, and the capacity to inspire and motivate their teams towards a shared vision (big challenge, isn't it?). These qualities empower leaders to navigate complexities with confidence and drive sustainable success for their organizations. 🚀

Now tell us, what do you consider the top three skills that managers or leaders should possess?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💬

🔗 https://wllw.co/bZLPR29rP

Top 10 Skills of a Good Manager That Will Never Lead You Astray The skills of a good manager rely heavily on their ability to interact with employees and help them find a sense of direction within the workplace.

Whoever has never felt the fear of trying something new may cast the first stone.

From the moment we wake up, decisions confront us. What to wear, what to eat, which route to take, even what to post on LinkedIn (ahem 👀). Every choice, every word chosen, every step we take—it all adds up. And when it comes to decisions, both personal and professional, it can be stressful. 😅

Navigating decisions, whether for ourselves or for our clients, isn't always straightforward. While routines and established decision-making processes can provide structure and a good way to escape the stress, they can also trap us in a cycle of repetition, yielding the same outcomes again and again. It's a comfortable place to be if it's a virtuous cycle, but a dangerous one if it's not.

That's why it's crucial to sometimes step back, reassess our routines, and ensure that our actions are serving us well. It's about breaking free from the familiar and challenging ourselves to explore new paths. 🚀

After all, to attain something we've never had, we may need to do things we've never done before.

👊The entire team gathered in Belgium, and predictably, we forgot to take a picture of us...

After a year of working remotely, it was high time we reunited to refocus and realign. While we may be engaged in different projects, we all serve the same organization. Coming together allows us to share insights, feelings, and personal thoughts—essential for maintaining cohesion and delivering consistent quality service to our clients.

Fostering company culture is equally crucial. Despite being physically distant, we prioritize building a culture that emphasizes strong client relationships. How do we achieve this when we're spread out across different locations? Through open discussions, agreements, disagreements, and putting our collective vision into words, we've set the stage for another successful year ahead!

🚀Now, let's get back to work! Roll up sleeves and dig in, stronger than ever!

"Leadership is action, not position."

We often hear about leadership and leaders. But what does true leadership entail?

Many claim the title, offering tips and advice left and right, while benefiting from the perks of their position. But how many are actually true leaders, actively driving change?

It's relatively easy to be the "Boss," but being a genuine leader is an entirely different story.

What are your thoughts on this?
Have you ever encountered challenges with leaders around you?
Or perhaps you've faced personal challenges in assuming a leadership role yourself?

Let's dive deeper into this discussion!

Curious to learn more? Check out this insightful article: https://wllw.co/hiEWcPxCz

Council Post: Leadership Is More Than Just A Term Here are some thought-provoking questions to consider around leadership. Let's dive into them.

When you use the term "business," money inevitably comes into play. 💸
And when you're selling a service or a product, determining the price can be a real challenge.

Recently, while crafting a quote for a client, we found ourselves lost in the middle of various thoughts.
They hadn't requested a typical service, which made the exercise pretty difficult.
How much should we charge?
🔻Too little? They might doubt our expertise.
🔺Too much? They might not even consider it.
🔻Too little? How are we going to put butter in our pasta (and some tomatoes ... oh no, wait broccoli and salmon.. ok let's go back to the topic).
🔺Too much? How are they going to put butter in their pasta (at least until the return on investment)?
🔻Too little? Is it worth it for us?
🔺Too much? We love the project and want to get it. Come on, their idea is amazing!

As a result, and as usual, we came up with the same conclusion: it is difficult to detach yourself from the quote you make and not make it personal.
Because we love the projects we work on. We pour our hearts and sweat into every endeavor, discussing and brainstorming far beyond the hours we actually charge for. Ideas come at any moment—during conversations, while reading, walking, showering (classic...),...

But despite the difficulty, crafting an appropriate bid or quote is crucial. It's part of the business, after all. So, we remind ourselves to detach from the project, to remember it's work, and once the deal is sealed, we can dive back into our passion.

If you're struggling with pricing or need help navigating this aspect of business, don't hesitate to reach out. We've been there, and we know how it feels!

We love our clients.

Even when they change their minds as quickly as their t-shirts.

Consulting isn't always an easy job. It's a rewarding and interesting journey, no doubt, but not easy.

Being integral to someone's project, witnessing their business pick up and grow—it's immensely gratifying. But let's be real, keeping pace with clients' ever-evolving ideas can be quite a challenge. And you often need to expect the unexpected.

This article provides some valuable insights on how to manage uncertainty.
Agility? Communication? Oh yes!

And we'd like to add and highlight the importance of "thinking outside the box". Looking at a situation from various perspectives, even ones you wouldn't typically consider, can be instrumental in being prepared. It's not just about problem-solving; it's about innovating and seizing opportunities.
Thinking outside the box can be a game-changer and a lifesaving tool when a situation seems like an insurmountable problem.

Any recommendations or strategies you've found particularly effective in navigating uncertainty? Share your insights!

Together, we'll be well-equipped to tackle whatever hurdles come our way!

🔗https://wllw.co/2JLgyyZch

Council Post: Expecting The Unexpected: Building Agility And Resilience In Your Organization It’s imperative to be prepared, as much as you can, for any crisis, whether they are common issues you have confronted before or others that come from left field.

You have (or are trying to open) a business. Such a great idea!

You're the boss—the person to be. Picture yourself seated in that big chair, behind your desk, in a grand office, perhaps even in a fancy skyscraper. Life seems like wining and dining, bonuses rolling in, managing cash flow effortlessly, giving orders left and right, and jetting off to Bora Bora for vacation because, well, last month your pen stopped working and you got stressed. I mean, they replaced it with another pen, but that one has a silver line on top, and you prefer the gold one.

You feel rich, powerful.
Bu****it.

In reality, you're a business owner. You wake up early because you can't sleep any longer. There's just too much to do. You head to your office, grateful that you have one with a window. Lucky you. You face challenges but hesitate to tell anyone about them. Would they even understand? Life is a stream of bills and responsibilities, decision-making, a mind full of ideas, and sleepless nights. You're spending the weekend with your family because last Saturday you had to work in the morning, and you feel guilty about it. You don't see them often, but you try your best because you love them. Sometimes, you bring gifts.

You're resilient, motivated.
This is reality.

The image we often have of business owners and leaders can be deceivingly glamorous. It's a dream many of us aspire to, but the truth is far from it. Yet, being a business owner, though challenging, is immensely rewarding.
Those contracts you sign, those battles you win, the feeling you get... —they're the reasons you keep going.

🚀At Wodan & Co, we understand that this journey isn't easy. But we revel in it. We love witnessing individuals and their companies grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals and dreams.

So, if you need assistance, if you're looking to extend your nights, carve out time (and mental space) for other projects, professional or personal, or simply want to share and find solutions with someone who can guide you, don't hesitate to reach out!

And while we can't promise you'll be jetting off to Bora Bora because of the color of your pen (who knows, actually👀), we will help you become who you're meant to be!💫

We are in this together!

"I think many aspiring business owners feel pressure to do it all right this second. Although you should always strike while the iron is hot, doing it just for the sake of doing it won't help. You don't need an immediate office, a fully built-out website, or a brand-new computer. What you need is passion and persistence." - Livia Anne Guarnieri.

Sometimes, we read articles.
And sometimes, we read articles about entrepreneurs.
It's nothing short of inspiring.
Livia Anne Guarnieri, founder of TROIKA360, is no exception. The way she rewrote her story is amazing. Just have a look at it!

🚀Need a boost of inspiration this Wednesday?
Here it is:

Unexpected Founder's Advice for Making Things Happen for Yourself | Entrepreneur Livia Anne Guarnieri, founder of TROIKA360, details her unexpected entrepreneurial journey and the power of finding your niche in business.

March 8th, 2024.

As we take a day to celebrate all the women out there, we would like to take some time to reflect on something we read this week:

"This year, the focus of the United Nations on International Women's Day is to achieve gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life."

Let's be real, there's still work to be done.💪

At Wodan & Co, we've had the privilege of witnessing countless leadership journeys, and among them are women. But here's the thing—we don't consider them a separate category.

Female leaders are leaders. Period.

They embody power, resilience, hard work, and compassion—just like any true leader should.

So let's celebrating these empowered leaders and their incredible achievements!
Happy International Women's Day to all the inspiring women out there! 🌟

Today, we saw an article about the 10 best business books of all time, which are (according to them👀):

🔹“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
🔹“This Is Marketing” by Seth Godin
🔹“Deep Work” by Cal Newport
🔹“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen
🔹“First, Break All The Rules” by Marcus Buckingham
🔹“Positioning” by Al Ries and Jack Trout
🔹“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz
🔹“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini
🔹“Good to Great” by Jim Collins
🔹“Built to Last” by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

Question is - what's yours?
Surprise us, leave a comment below!👇

PS: In case you didn't guess, our favorite is 'The Convincing Company Compass' by Wouter Danckaert. Wanna give it a try? Follow the link -> https://wllw.co/AriJYdxAc

Link to the article about the books:
https://wllw.co/EFtb9Pvtr

The Convincing Company Compass - By Wouter Danckaert Dit unieke werkboek vat talloze bestaande businessboeken helder samen en geeft je nuttige werkbladen om meteen mee aan de slag te gaan in je onderneming.

Constructive, please. 🚀

In our journey of growth, learning, and evolution, feedback is like fuel for progress—constructive feedback, of course.

Every day, we receive feedback from all sorts of sources: colleagues, friends, customers, ourselves (We can be quite tough on ourselves 👀).
And while much of that feedback can be quite helpful, not everyone's opinion should carry the same weight.

Firstly, you can't please everyone. Sometimes, feedback may be insightful but not fit with your vision or style.

Secondly, consider the source of the feedback. Some people may lack context or a deep understanding of the situation, while others may simply not be individuals you'd ask advice from in the first place.

And don't get us wrong, we are not saying that external opinions aren't valuable. They can provide fresh perspectives and new insights. But it's equally important not to let criticism demotivate you. Remember, the world is filled with stories of successful individuals who were told their dreams and ambitions were too big.☺️

So, believe in yourself (you've got this!), embrace feedback, but don't let it dim your sparkle. Especially if it's from individuals you wouldn't ask for advice 😉 .

And as tomorrow is World Compliment Day, let's spread kindness and encouragement instead of criticism.✨

Making smart decisions is never easy.

In business, every choice carries weight, and sometimes, the pressure to choose wisely can feel overwhelming.

Of course, applying a bunch of tricks can help, but the little voice in your head can lead to confusion (oh yeah, we're familiar 👀).

That's where a third party can make all the difference—the (not-so-)little voice of reason you call upon to help you take that crucial step forward.

Meanwhile, feel free to check out this insightful article on how to make smarter decisions for everyday business success.



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301 Moved Permanently

🚀At Wodan & Co, we often find ourselves in conversations with clients who are at a crossroads, seeking new directions to expand their businesses.

It's a challenge we've all faced at some point: the daunting task of choosing between countless options, each promising its own set of opportunities and obstacles.
In the middle of these options and challenges, it can be overwhelming to discern the right path. As consultants, our role isn't to dictate decisions but rather to guide and empower our clients (Sorry, no crystal ball to tell you what's the perfect fit for you 🔮).

Recently, we embarked on such a journey with one of our clients. They were struggling with the uncertainty of where to take their business next. We decided to introduce them to the concept of Ikigai—a Japanese philosophy that helps individuals discover their 'reason for being.'

The Ikigai model, with its focus on finding purpose and alignment, certainly provided them clarity. Through introspection and guided exploration, our client began to uncover their aspirations, skills, and market opportunities. It was a transformative process, one that led to profound insights and a renewed sense of direction. 💡

So, while we may not have all the answers (98% of it, but still, nobody's perfect 👀) or offer miraculous solutions, we're here to walk alongside you, just as we did with our client. Together, let's embark on a journey of meaningful growth!