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Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Communicating Across Generations and Sensibilities
Strategic Disruption
(updated 2021)
All bets are off and it’s all because of technology. Technology has the uncanny ability to simultaneously lend itself to severely divergent lines of thought. Technology increases efficiency, decreases the ideological shelf-life and, in general, annihilates breathing room. It sounds like a destructive force; but, if you successfully employ its genius, technology promises to be the most constructive tool in your tool belt. It’s our modern fire, giving rise to limitless unforeseen necessities and novelties, alike.
What Was
Recently, I attended a capital markets conference. Here, speakers discussed historical trends and premises that “we all knew to be true,” but more importantly, economist posed a problem set: if GDP has rebounded, why don’t we feel like we’ve rebounded from the great recession? Why don’t the indicators reflect what “we all knew to be true?” The underlying problem is that what “we all knew to be true” was never the pure unfettered truth, it was simply an assumption prevalent in every financial and economic model. We were so busy relying on faulty assumptions and dissecting our models that we never foresaw the arrival of “the new truth” – blindsided.
What Is
In the past, we simply dug ourselves out of the proverbial depression/recession hole. The philosophy: if we simply employed human capital, (physical and intellectual), we give our best honest effort; and who could ask for anything more? The problem: our best is no longer good enough, we’ve been disrupted. For the very first time in human history, simple human effort is no longer the driver of productivity. Capital/Resources are neither scarce nor limited. We’re effectively living outside of the box, where the problem set is more complex. Technology is the new driver of productivity,
and it’s everywhere.
The current truth is that our old models, assumptions, and expectations don't work for today. There’s no “new truth” playbook, and the schools of thought and infrastructure for employing capital/resources effectively in this new environment are tentative, at best. The time is ripe for exploring different approaches and radical alternatives.
When disrupted, disrupt.
To disrupt, think outside of your box; way outside.
"Not only did we theorize about creativity and innovation we walked away with real and practical tools to use in our organizations."
- The Power of Creativity
What Will Be
Strategic planning usually involves the exploration of trends and developments in one decisive industry. The technological, financial, and operational impacts are considered with this industry specific filter. The challenge is to not only think cross-functional, but to also think cross-industry/cross-channel. What are the possible intersections and points of divergence? What may a small nimble and unencumbered start-up explore that paradoxically an established organization cannot risk exploring? Here’s the blind spot(s) for the incumbent and opportunity for the entrant.
This isn’t new. It should be part of the SWOT analysis that feeds into the strategic plan. What’s new is expanding the analysis beyond consideration of the usual players. Disrupt the strategy as usual and get outside of the box. The HBR article Big Bang Disruption discusses how producers of portable navigation units failed to foresee the impact of smartphones and free navigation apps. Products from popular producers, like Garmin and TomTom, literally became irrelevant overnight. Become your own best competitor; do the thinking for them and mitigate the potential threat through adoption, adaption, or acquisition.
No, this is not entirely new, and I’m not suggesting that I’ve stumbled upon some magic formula. However, there’s certainly room for us to expand our strategic considerations and to think more dynamically. If we’re not periodically stretching ourselves to peer outside of our box, to assess the current environment, to consider a wide range of possibilities, and to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we risk being yanked outside of the box, against our will, unprepared, and clueless. Your choice.
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Three Fundamentals of Good Stewardship
(updated 2021)
Refresh
Memories are short, so it's always a good idea to create “refresh moments” for both internal and external stakeholders. These are moments when we reconnect the dots, in new and creative manners. It’s a mission update that maintains the integrity of the initial underlying meaning. It's also an opportunity to incorporate new ideas, technologies, and approaches to add elements of flexibility and adaptability to keep stakeholders invested.
Everyone changes over time, so when the product or service changes with them they are more likely to feel that what you offer is still relevant. Look at Coke and Pepsi, for example. Every now and then they introduce a new product or marketing campaign. They’re new, innovative, interesting, weird, etc. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nonetheless, the product or campaign is bound to grab your attention and beg for new consideration. Despite all of these changes, the mission always remains the same, “To create value and make a difference; to be the best consumer products company,” they’ve lost nothing by branching out and adapting. These campaigns are important to all stakeholders. An internal meeting will certainly look different from the 30 second commercial; but, it’s important to reconnect with all stakeholders in new and fresh manners.
Feedback
Feedback is the lifeblood of greatness. Formal or informal, solicited or unsolicited, known or anonymous, it can provide valuable insight into the organization’s perceived and real performance. Soliciting feedback also helps stakeholders feel connected and part of the process. Again, it works for both internal and external stakeholders. Incorporating feedback into future operations lets stakeholders know that their voice is heard and that their vote, suggestion, idea, and concern matters.
Reluctance to receive and incorporate feedback will likely foster a negative perception. There’s always room for improvement. An Olympian does not achieve prime performance without coaching, so how can an organization improve without feedback? Keeping an open-mind and fostering the feedback loop increases the chances of receiving helpful insight from stakeholders.
Mid-Term
In business, we tend to speak in terms of short and long. But, the rest of the world does not necessarily understand or operate according to these terms. So, as we make our short-term and long-term goals, don’t forget to relay the “mid-term” direction that ties one to the other - translate our terms into something meaningful to the whole.
”In order to achieve and sustain a balance of complicated and often conflicting concepts, decision makers must actively cultivate critical thought as a mode of being. Ultimately, it is mutual openness - a collaboration of perspectives – that yields sound decisions.”
- The Key to Sound Decision Making
The more we enable our stakeholders to take ownership of the mission, the more they become advocates for us, and the more we are likely to meet our goals and age into something valuable, endeared, and loved, like a fine wine.
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9 Behaviors Small Business Owners Should Avoid
(updated 2021)
Small business owners have a lot on their plate, and they don't usually have a lot of resources to get it all done, including time, money, and staff. These conditions make it tempting to take short cuts, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But, there's some things that always deserve your full attention:
Skip Due Diligence
Implementing a quick solution to an un-vetted problem may seem like a great idea, initially; but in the long-run, a well thought out plan of action is much better. Establish processes and procedures that provide for objectivity, such as an independent review or committee, to ensure that you consider a broad spectrum of perspectives, to choose the most effective solution, and to avoid unforeseen consequences.
Assign responsibility for each phase of the project/program/event, track the progress, and hold team members accountable for their performance. This way your client gets the best possible product/service – avoiding disappointment or confusion.
Over-commit/Over-promise
Be realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish. Take stock of your resources, (human, materials, networks, suppliers, etc.), work within those confines, and allow for an appropriate margin for error. You’ll never wow a customer by being stretched too thin. When resources are spread thin the product quality may become sub-par, and an obvious turn-off for customers.
Under-commit and over-deliver. The goal is to win the customer's approval, to garner respect and admiration, and to ignite the desire to recommend your organization to their networks. You'll accomplish this by providing a quality product/service that meets or exceeds your customers expectations.
Lose Focus of the Mission
There’s nothing worse than dealing with a confused organization. And if the organization is confused, then so too are the potential customers.
If you’re flying by the seat of your pants, you're not making time to be reflective: Is your organization in alignment with your original intent? Or does the original intent need to be refined? All healthy organizations have robust internal communication systems. Employees need the organization’s leaders to show them how the mission translates into current and future initiatives. Without a clear understanding of the purpose and direction, employees cannot advocate and relay the desired image to current and potential customers.
Forget About the Customer
It’s a cardinal sin to forget about the customer. Really. They are the cornerstone of your organization. If you don't solve a problem for the consumer, why does your organization exist? There’s a lot of moving parts in business, and it can become easy to allow other concerns to cloud the focus. You must fight against this constantly.
The second part of this battle is the customer has an ever changing face, need, want, and desire. If you don’t stay up-to-date concerning the changes, your competitor is likely to successfully arbitrage your efforts. This doesn't mean that you give away the bank trying to make your customers happy. There are limits to the adage that "The customer is always right.” But never forget that they are the reason you exist, without demand, there's no need for your supply.
Assign responsibility for each phase of the project/program/event, track the progress, and hold team members accountable for their performance. This way your client gets the best possible product/service – avoiding disappointment or confusion.
Over-commit/Over-promise
Be realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish. Take stock of your resources, (human, materials, networks, suppliers, etc.), work within those confines, and allow for an appropriate margin for error. You’ll never wow a customer by being stretched too thin. When resources are spread thin the product quality may become sub-par, and an obvious turn-off for customers.
Under-commit and over-deliver. The goal is to win the customer's approval, to garner respect and admiration, and to ignite the desire to recommend your organization to their networks. You'll accomplish this by providing a quality product/service that meets or exceeds your customers expectations.
Lose Focus of the Mission
There’s nothing worse than dealing with a confused organization. And if the organization is confused, then so too are the potential customers.
If you’re flying by the seat of your pants, you're not making time to be reflective: Is your organization in alignment with your original intent? Or does the original intent need to be refined? All healthy organizations have robust internal communication systems. Employees need the organization’s leaders to show them how the mission translates into current and future initiatives. Without a clear understanding of the purpose and direction, employees cannot advocate and relay the desired image to current and potential customers.
Forget About the Customer
It’s a cardinal sin to forget about the customer. Really. They are the cornerstone of your organization. If you don't solve a problem for the consumer, why does your organization exist? There’s a lot of moving parts in business, and it can become easy to allow other concerns to cloud the focus. You must fight against this constantly.
The second part of this battle is the customer has an ever changing face, need, want, and desire. If you don’t stay up-to-date concerning the changes, your competitor is likely to successfully arbitrage your efforts. This doesn't mean that you give away the bank trying to make your customers happy. There are limits to the adage that "The customer is always right.” But never forget that they are the reason you exist, without demand, there's no need for your supply.
Listen to your market's opinion to work towards an understanding or agreeable solutions. In any case, as a going concern, the customer should simply never be disregarded.
Become Inflexible
Those that survive the storm are not unyielding nor are they too lenient. When presented with new information, we have to be willing give new consideration and change strategy, policy, and behaviors as required.
The only thing that’s certain is change. Accept it and deal with it to the best of your capabilities. Otherwise you risk missing new opportunities by being stuck on obsolete technology, theories, and consumer needs.
Forget the Earth’s True Trajectory
The world does not revolve around you. Everyone else knows it, and you should know it too.
Be patient in your endeavors, especially at work. Everyone has commitments, responsibilities, etc. Be understanding and work with others to accomplish goals. The world has its own idea about things and a mind and will of its own. You may or may not be a part of the equation from one day to the next…be patient. We are all interdependent and although it may be “easier” if everyone bent their will to yours it is unlikely, and makes for a miserable workforce. World domination requires people who are willingly bought into an idea. That tends to occur when individuals are appreciated in their own right.
Fail to Maintain Branding Efforts
Don’t underestimate the power of communicating with your audience simply by showing consumers what you want associated with your brand, including name, design, symbol, and slogan.
Approximately 90% of communication is non-verbal cues. Perhaps this is because extensive verbal language is much newer human development than non-verbal communication. Visual and emotional cues still dominate our landscape of understanding: colors, shapes, and short and sweet slogans. These are easy to grasp cues – the ones that stick with us – but only if you remind us, periodically.
“Embracing the spirit of creativity does not guarantee a win. In fact, it could open a door to failure. But as the saying goes, "You never know unless you try." We do not have to wait for an incubator or an economic crisis to capitalize on creativity. Any organization can create a sustainable environment that allows for exploration and norm divergence without judgment or punishment for perceived failures.”
- Embrace Creative Failure to Realize Your Best
Over Complicate Matters
Communications, processes, and procedures tend to be inherently complex, so it’s helpful to clarify and to streamline processes to arrive at a more basic and easily understood conclusion. Complexity does not equal intelligence, a good challenge, or superiority; it simply causes confusion and frustration. When consumers encounter a clear barrier to understanding, they’re not intrigued. They’re usually annoyed, frustrated, and reticent to continue with your organization. Besides, I bet someone else wants their business and is willing make it very easy for them.
Forget to Breathe
Remember to take a break when necessary. You’re only human and everyone will be happier if you get the rest and personal attention that you need. No one likes cranky adults - Really.
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Embrace Creative Failure to Realize Your Best
(updated 2021)
We’ve been “institutionalized”: creativity is seen as not required, the rare versus the norm, and a luxury that few can afford.
Since industrialism we were taught to suppress our creative selves to become learned worker bees, pooling resources to accomplish a shared goal. We learn a trade, skill, or concept and are siloed off to hone, explore, perfect, and conquer our craft. Exploit it for monetary gain, no extra thought, consideration, or care required. Without concern for our creative selves we have an existence that’s one sided and lacking.
Embracing our creative selves is often the first thing to dissipate when times are hard. I came face-to-face with this cold hard fact when I learned that the PA Governor’s School for the Arts no longer exists – no longer funded as of 2009. I competed for and won a place in this program. It was an amazing time of exploration of fine arts and the intersection of writing, music, acting, dance, and society as a whole. Then suddenly, after 30 years of exploration, amplification, and support the arts were no longer appreciated. How does this happen when creativity is such an important part of who we are?
“There’s certainly room for us to expand our strategic considerations and to think more dynamically. If we’re not periodically stretching ourselves to peer outside of our box, to assess the current environment, to consider a wide range of possibilities, and to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we risk being yanked outside of the box, against our will, unprepared, and clueless.”
- Strategic Disruption
The Boomerang Effect
Conversely, when times are hard it is also the most creative period as we venture to re-invent ourselves and to discover new ways of doing business. What we did before is evidently not enough; thinking outside of the box becomes more readily accepted.
Creative Failure
Embracing the spirit of creativity does not guarantee a win. In fact, it could open a door to failure. But as the saying goes, “You never know unless you try.” We don’t have to wait for an incubator or an economic crisis to capitalize on creativity. Any organization can create a sustainable environment that allows for exploration and norm divergence without judgment or punishment for perceived “failures.” In fact, it’s beneficial to engage creatively to stay in-touch with the competitive environment.
‘AHA!’ moments are often in a place you weren’t expecting – like a mistake. It does not happen on demand, it's a process. It begins with an idea – a spark; and the best creative moments occur at the most unexpected intersections – where we did not look – “outside-of-the-box.” However, creativity has a fragile ego. It must be rewarded for existing and not penalized, as punishment leads to quick dissipation. Success finds those who are accepting, nimble, flexible, adaptable, and resilient. Rigidity closes off the the creative spark and lanes of communication; you may miss that 'AHA!' moment as others become less willing to be vulnerable.
We can't color inside of the lines all of the time. We’re all human and we all fail. Embrace the humanness of our humanity and find the silver lining, because it is at this intersection of leadership, understanding, compassion, and creativity that we find the best in ourselves and others.
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The Power of Creativity
(updated 2021)
Why? Why Else?
As a manner of identifying the true problem statement this method simply requires answering the question, “Why?” and asking “Why else might this be an issue, a solution, etc.?” This exercise can be completed alone; however, it’s better to have a team so that one person records the response and another can restate your answer and ask the “why else”: I see why…now why else? This method helps to ensure that you are not too narrow in the problem statement. I probably like this method as it reminds me of the 5 Whys method that I learned for root-cause analysis. However, the Why, Why Else methodology is an expansion methodology versus the drill-down methodology of the 5 Whys.
” The best way to ensure your message is not misunderstood, is to simply remain willing to communicate, until an understanding is reached. Don’t assume your message was clearly received, be prepared to re-tool the communication, and be willing to apologize for the misunderstanding – even if it is mother nature’s fault – if you take ownership you get to be the hero.”
- Five Actions for Success
Fishbone Diagrams
For more complex issues, it’s nice to have a pre-set structure so that you worry less about the organization of information and focus more on solving the problem. The fishbone diagram illustrates the cause and effect relationship: the equipment, process, people, materials, environment, and management, (the causes), to the problem (the effect). Primary and secondary causes are identified for each cause area which helps to provide a robust image of the problem.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a staple, and when done right it can be lots of fun. Brainstorming is meant to be a time free from criticism, assessment, and evaluation where members of the team offer up any idea, no matter how far-fetched it may sound. The purpose is to think outside-of-the-box, and the goal is to generate as many ideas as possible. A significant period of time should be provided between the brainstorming session and the evaluation of the ideas that are generated, (days or weeks), so that ample time is provided to accept divergent opinions or to review idea viability.
Squirrel Box
A free association exercise, the squirrel box involves a box filled with small random items. Participants are asked to choose one of the items and then brainstorm around the item and its possible relationship to the problem statement. The items may be included because the facilitator had a few ideas about a possible connection to the problem statement, or the facilitator may not have any preconceived notions about the items. Participants should be asked to generate a significant number of ideas, e.g. 10-15 to be sufficiently expansive.
Morphological Analysis
Also referred to as an “idea box,” this technique requires that you establish parameters and then list variations for each parameter. The list should be relatively robust in order for the exercise to be effective, such as a set of four parameters and list a of ten variations for each parameter. When you combine at least one variation from each parameter you end up with 10,000 possible combinations to explore! An idea box for publishing may include parameters such as type (fiction, textbook, mystery), properties (sound, shape, texture), processes (manufacture, marketing, design), and forms (hardback, magazine, software).
After careful consideration is given to the parameters and variations, this exercise has the potential to maximize creativity and innovation in the shortest period of time. All it requires is that you look at the grid and make a choice. Not bad.
I had a blast in this course. Not only did we theorize about creativity and innovation we walked away with real and practical tools to use in our organizations.
Brainstorming is a staple, and when done right it can be lots of fun. Brainstorming is meant to be a time free from criticism, assessment, and evaluation where members of the team offer up any idea, no matter how far-fetched it may sound. The purpose is to think outside-of-the-box, and the goal is to generate as many ideas as possible. A significant period of time should be provided between the brainstorming session and the evaluation of the ideas that are generated, (days or weeks), so that ample time is provided to accept divergent opinions or to review idea viability.
Brainwriting
Brainwriting is like Brainstorming, but differs slightly, in that it ensures that everyone on the team is equally involved. Everyone writes down their ideas and then passes them to the next person, who builds upon the idea or uses the idea as a trigger for another idea. The cycle continues until everyone has ideated on everyone else’s idea. This method eliminates social loafing and reduces the evaluation apprehension that may occur during traditional brainstorming methods.
SCAMPER
This technique requires you to substitute, combine, adapt, magnify or minimize, put-to-other-use, eliminate, and rearrange or reverse to spark creativity. As illustrated by Josh Linkner in “Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity" in the cereal market, SCAMPER looks something like the following:
…etc. you wind up with a completely new product by simply looking at the current product in a new and different manner.
Brainwriting is like Brainstorming, but differs slightly, in that it ensures that everyone on the team is equally involved. Everyone writes down their ideas and then passes them to the next person, who builds upon the idea or uses the idea as a trigger for another idea. The cycle continues until everyone has ideated on everyone else’s idea. This method eliminates social loafing and reduces the evaluation apprehension that may occur during traditional brainstorming methods.
SCAMPER
This technique requires you to substitute, combine, adapt, magnify or minimize, put-to-other-use, eliminate, and rearrange or reverse to spark creativity. As illustrated by Josh Linkner in “Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity" in the cereal market, SCAMPER looks something like the following:
- Substitute – Corn Flakes led to Bran Flakes (substitute ingredient).
- Combine – Raisin Bran was born from combining bran flakes with raisins.
- Adapt – Cinnamon Toast Crunch borrowed the flavor of cinnamon toast and then adapted it into a cereal recipe.
- Magnify or minimize – Frosted Wheat became Frosted Mini Wheat.
- Put to other use – Rice Krispy Treats are now packaged in separate units and sold as a competitor to the candy bar.
Squirrel Box
A free association exercise, the squirrel box involves a box filled with small random items. Participants are asked to choose one of the items and then brainstorm around the item and its possible relationship to the problem statement. The items may be included because the facilitator had a few ideas about a possible connection to the problem statement, or the facilitator may not have any preconceived notions about the items. Participants should be asked to generate a significant number of ideas, e.g. 10-15 to be sufficiently expansive.
Morphological Analysis
Also referred to as an “idea box,” this technique requires that you establish parameters and then list variations for each parameter. The list should be relatively robust in order for the exercise to be effective, such as a set of four parameters and list a of ten variations for each parameter. When you combine at least one variation from each parameter you end up with 10,000 possible combinations to explore! An idea box for publishing may include parameters such as type (fiction, textbook, mystery), properties (sound, shape, texture), processes (manufacture, marketing, design), and forms (hardback, magazine, software).
After careful consideration is given to the parameters and variations, this exercise has the potential to maximize creativity and innovation in the shortest period of time. All it requires is that you look at the grid and make a choice. Not bad.
I had a blast in this course. Not only did we theorize about creativity and innovation we walked away with real and practical tools to use in our organizations.
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The Key to Sound Decision Making
(updated 2021)
"Is it the shoes? It’s got to be the shoes."
Maybe I'm dating myself, but I remember this Nike commercial and catch phrase, in reference to Michael Jordan, master and summa cum lade of indoor flight! When you have someone that’s really good at what they do we usually wonder “What’s their secret to success?” When it comes to leadership and decision-making there are many factors to consider, such as training, experience, capacity, desire, etc. However, I can guarantee you that a primary factor in their success is their ability to make sound decisions, or their ability to think critically.
What is Critical Thought?
Critical thought can be defined as logical reasoning; and the ability to evaluate the merits of an argument or opinion. A good decision maker possesses a high aptitude for logical reasoning and deduction. Decision making presupposes the author’s capacity for conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to make a precise assessment. A critical thinker draws upon a breadth of knowledge, and listens for cues and clues from others and the environment, to synthesize an educated opinion or decision.
The Value of Critical Thought
An important leadership responsibility is dealing with complexity and providing direction during times of uncertainty. Many times, the complexity of issues and vastness of the impact may seem overwhelming, which is why we put our best eyes on the issue at hand. Like a computer with the ability to satisfactorily consider the human condition, we expect leadership to accurately assess the situation and to provide a most-likely outcome scenario, as well as the steps that we must take to achieve the desired results. Leadership implies the application of our best minds and most appropriate skill sets.
Effective Leadership
The thought process must be critical to be effective. Thinking for thinking’s sake is insufficient, and a waste of good meeting time. We can all pretend to be leaders by holding the requisite meeting, but if the meeting content is awry then so too is the meeting’s output.
Critical thinking refers to the quality of thought, and includes the ability to consider differing perspectives to draw fair and accurate conclusions. Critical thinking also requires the personal capacity for vision and innovation, as well as its anti-thesis, practicality.
What is Critical Thought?
Critical thought can be defined as logical reasoning; and the ability to evaluate the merits of an argument or opinion. A good decision maker possesses a high aptitude for logical reasoning and deduction. Decision making presupposes the author’s capacity for conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to make a precise assessment. A critical thinker draws upon a breadth of knowledge, and listens for cues and clues from others and the environment, to synthesize an educated opinion or decision.
The Value of Critical Thought
An important leadership responsibility is dealing with complexity and providing direction during times of uncertainty. Many times, the complexity of issues and vastness of the impact may seem overwhelming, which is why we put our best eyes on the issue at hand. Like a computer with the ability to satisfactorily consider the human condition, we expect leadership to accurately assess the situation and to provide a most-likely outcome scenario, as well as the steps that we must take to achieve the desired results. Leadership implies the application of our best minds and most appropriate skill sets.
Effective Leadership
The thought process must be critical to be effective. Thinking for thinking’s sake is insufficient, and a waste of good meeting time. We can all pretend to be leaders by holding the requisite meeting, but if the meeting content is awry then so too is the meeting’s output.
”I think it’s time for us to develop new lines of thought, to observe new insightful correlations and interactions, and to incorporate what we may not have ever considered previously. We can't have an accurate measure of economic development without consideration of societal developments, including changes in attitudes, values, and expectations. It may be “fuzzy logic,” but our pursuit of happiness may in fact be a stronger driver than previously recognized.”
- Undeniable Inextricability of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Critical thinking refers to the quality of thought, and includes the ability to consider differing perspectives to draw fair and accurate conclusions. Critical thinking also requires the personal capacity for vision and innovation, as well as its anti-thesis, practicality.
Many Boards of Directors use assessments to help choose the right CEO and self-assessments to ensure continued Board effectiveness; however, most other organizational committees are not required to use any type of assessment measures. Organizations are only as good as their leadership and the translation of their message into effective actions. When organizations take care to ensure that proper leadership is in place across all levels of the organization, organizational effectiveness can be realized.
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The Economic Evolution of Our Future Selves
(updated 2021)
All About Quality
Concepts such as the International Standardization and Six Sigma are taught to executives globally, and are well established as standards by which we work; improving upon predecessor concepts of Total Quality Management and Just-in-Time quality and delivery systems. Labor Unions have screamed about this for years – jobs leaving the US. But, it’s a catch 22. Americans simply will not work for the pennies on the dollar paid to foreign laborers. Given little other choice, Americans have become more highly educated and apply their skills to the ever growing services based economy.
The impact of this change is two-fold, ramping down physical labor intensity and ramping up brain power. Intensive thought processes and collaborative efforts to innovate and streamline mundane processes enable us to focus on more theoretical nuances, and should eventually evolve us into a better quality of life.
No Man Left Behind
As Big Brother obtains the latest and greatest technology to enhance the quality of life for his residents, he passes back the baton of older technology; now affordable by the advent of newer technology. Now, underdeveloped siblings can also continue their quest for an improved quality of life. Thus we witness the advancement of not one country or one people, but of the entire human race.
Our Future Selves
Demand for innovation requires that we not just learn, but that we actively apply our knowledge. We’ve adapted to the information age where knowledge is power and the “power” is more widely distributed via electronic means. Fewer are factory workers, working long hours on their feet, under poor conditions; and more sit at a desk, in a cubicle, at a laboratory, etc. and ideate solutions to problems. We organize information, we analyze data, we assess, we draw conclusions, we tweak processes, and we offer perspective. We evolve.
Concepts such as the International Standardization and Six Sigma are taught to executives globally, and are well established as standards by which we work; improving upon predecessor concepts of Total Quality Management and Just-in-Time quality and delivery systems. Labor Unions have screamed about this for years – jobs leaving the US. But, it’s a catch 22. Americans simply will not work for the pennies on the dollar paid to foreign laborers. Given little other choice, Americans have become more highly educated and apply their skills to the ever growing services based economy.
The impact of this change is two-fold, ramping down physical labor intensity and ramping up brain power. Intensive thought processes and collaborative efforts to innovate and streamline mundane processes enable us to focus on more theoretical nuances, and should eventually evolve us into a better quality of life.
No Man Left Behind
As Big Brother obtains the latest and greatest technology to enhance the quality of life for his residents, he passes back the baton of older technology; now affordable by the advent of newer technology. Now, underdeveloped siblings can also continue their quest for an improved quality of life. Thus we witness the advancement of not one country or one people, but of the entire human race.
”Since humans created the economic and financial systems, it should be no surprise that psychology plays a significant role.”
- The Psychology of Finance
Our Future Selves
Demand for innovation requires that we not just learn, but that we actively apply our knowledge. We’ve adapted to the information age where knowledge is power and the “power” is more widely distributed via electronic means. Fewer are factory workers, working long hours on their feet, under poor conditions; and more sit at a desk, in a cubicle, at a laboratory, etc. and ideate solutions to problems. We organize information, we analyze data, we assess, we draw conclusions, we tweak processes, and we offer perspective. We evolve.
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1 Bloomberg: Is Nike's Flyknit the Swoosh of the Future?
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They Underestimate Integrity
(updated 2020)
Crisis and The Lack of Integrity
The 2008 financial crisis was most unusual in that markets that were previously thought to be stable, crashed for the first time. Also, a fully interdependent global economy meant an extensive global impact. This was perhaps the most embarrassing crisis in recent history as executive after executive revealed a lack of standards, a lack of morals, a lack of forethought, a lack of competence, or a lack of concern as one of the major reasons for the role that they or their company played in the system failure.
Integrity is one of those things that make our country desirable. In a free world, you worship as you please and move about at will; but there are ground rules: we have morals and they are upheld.
Without the promise to uphold our agreed upon morals, society disintegrates into barbarism. So we found a pattern of loopholes that were exploited as opposed to closed or avoided:
Without the promise to uphold our agreed upon morals, society disintegrates into barbarism. So we found a pattern of loopholes that were exploited as opposed to closed or avoided:
- The highly-regulated banking industry agrees not to misinform the public and to deal fairly when lending; so the non-regulated mortgage brokers did the dirty work, mis-informed borrowers, lent beyond the borrower’s repayment capacity, and created unsound mortgages. What happened to the promise?
- Let’s not forget the derivatives brokers who had not taken responsibility to consider nor monitor the risks of each underlying instrument and the potential interactive risks created by a derivative instrument. Where was the standard to be upheld?
Culture and Integrity
Despite our differences, as a consumer we generally agree that we want a fair representation of the politician, the product, the service, or the system that we are buying into. It is our right-to-know and we are given the option to say no. If we expect this in our personal lives, why does this not necessarily translate to our work lives? The moral is: do unto others as you wish done unto you. Religion is an option; moral behavior is not.
As Greg Smith, former employee of Goldman Sachs explained:
“It might sound surprising to a skeptical public, but culture was always a vital part of Goldman Sachs’s success. It revolved around teamwork, integrity, a spirit of humility, and always doing right by our clients. The culture was the secret sauce that made this place great and allowed us to earn our clients’ trust for 143 years. It wasn’t just about making money; this alone will not sustain a firm for so long. It had something to do with pride and belief in the organization.”
Somewhere along the line integrity was lost. For a civilized culture to persist integrity must be sustained.
As Greg Smith, former employee of Goldman Sachs explained:
“It might sound surprising to a skeptical public, but culture was always a vital part of Goldman Sachs’s success. It revolved around teamwork, integrity, a spirit of humility, and always doing right by our clients. The culture was the secret sauce that made this place great and allowed us to earn our clients’ trust for 143 years. It wasn’t just about making money; this alone will not sustain a firm for so long. It had something to do with pride and belief in the organization.”
Somewhere along the line integrity was lost. For a civilized culture to persist integrity must be sustained.
”The negative energy of one individual’s interpretation of the solution can be the driver of negative results. Likewise, the positive actions of one optimistic person can drive positive results.”
- Five Actions for Success
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Five Actions for Success
(updated 2021)
Have a Positive Attitude
I once worked in a retail environment where, "The Customer is Always Right," took precedence over employees. Damages, theft, and returns reduced management bonuses; however, management was typically disallowed from refusing returns, stolen or not. At this particular site, the manager chose to hold customers accountable for her possible bonus reduction. Even good citizens became suspects.
During a return, the manager would approach the cash register, approve the transaction, with a cocked head and smirk; she would thank the customer and immediately walk away, sometimes slamming the office door as her exit. Eventually, customers ceased to patronize the store, and the site was eventually closed.
The negative energy of one individual’s interpretation of the solution can be the driver of negative results. Likewise, the positive actions of one optimistic person can drive positive results.
”Did you know that a simple smile has a measurable effect on your overall well-being?”
- The Hidden Power of Smiling
Communicate to Understanding
Someone once told me that, "communication is the root of all evil." I don’t necessarily agree with that assessment; but, I do think that communication methodology/delivery can create misunderstandings. Language is one of "those things" where people may hear or perceive your message differently than what you intended.
According to human communication theorists,words account for 7% of understanding, tone accounts for 38% of understanding, and 55% of understanding is body language. So, we pick up several cues at once before making an assessment of the speaker’s message. On the flip side, your message must get through the receiver’s personal filters, and their interpretation, before they actually "hear" what you said.
The best way to ensure your message is not misunderstood, is to simply remain willing to communicate, until an understanding is reached. Don’t assume your message was clearly received, be prepared to re-tool the communication, and be willing to apologize for the misunderstanding – even if it is mother nature’s fault – if you take ownership, you get to be the hero.
Value Differences
To get anything accomplished, it takes two people, at minimum. Remember this and it becomes easier to "bear with," "tolerate," or "permit," others to diverge from your norm to get a job done. Of course, this does not mean let go of your integrity, or accept sub-par results. It simply means that not everyone is you, and you may have to allow people to approach a problem in a manner that differs from your approach.
Value the differences of your team, find the benefit of their perspective, and amplify the strengths of their perspective while minimizing subjective weaknesses.
Embracing the spirit of creativity does not guarantee a win. In fact, it could open a door to failure. But as the saying goes, “You never know unless you try.”
- Embrace Creative Failure to Realize Your Best
Focus on the Goal
There’s nothing wrong with being people oriented or people centric. But, to achieve maximum effectiveness, it is crucial to focus on the common goal and to look beyond personality differences, methodology differences, and differences in learning or perception.
Maintaining focus on goal achievement helps team members to make the goal their priority in lieu of a preoccupation with personal dislikes. Continued refocus on the goal not only helps the team to be efficient; but, it also provides an opportunity for team members to appreciate one another’s contribution.
Be Accountable
Have you ever been a part of a project team and one, or several members, failed to make an acceptable contribution? Those team members may get to share the grade; but, they don’t get to share the long-term respect. Those individuals eventually gain notoriety as poor performers. Don’t be like them, always do your part, at minimum. And if you're ambitious, go the extra mile and do it before you’re asked, then ask if there is more you can do to help the team meet its goals and objectives.
Being a valuable team player should pay off in the end through position, honors, wealth, or some other form of recognizable success.
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