Noise . . . Metallica's "Master of Puppets" blasted at 140 dB (audible noise) A concentrated blast of a skunk's defensive aroma. (olfactory noise) A cluttered desk, conference room, lobby (visual noise) These noises would reduce productivity. Clearly. Less clear is "Organizational Noise" - the figurative noise that is created by inefficiencies, poor communication, drama, [...]
Trust Intelligence? Yes, I thought of it yesterday - and now it exists. Trust can be binary ("I trust him or I do not") in our most intimate relationships. However, in most of our professional relationships, trust is more nuanced and balanced on a spectrum between "benefit of the doubt" and "suspicion." Admiral Rickover, (God)Father [...]
"What makes a good leader?" I am amazed how often people, from egghead college professors to knucklehead junior ROTC pups, have passionate opinions on the "correct" answer. I humbly contend that those that have a passionate answer don't understand the question. The CEO that guides his company with vision, compassion and command presence is the [...]
I don't like the show "Undercover Boss." I am not impressed that CEOs learn about their frontline employees because a gimmicky reality show pays them to do so. However, the show (rather, than advertisement for the show) rattled loose a question: How would life at work be different if every knew that the CEO was [...]
Consider a fifth grade test question: (Note 1) "Name two facts about George Washington" (2 pts) Little Billy Smith's answer: 1. He was the first president of the United States. 2. He was a traveling circus clown named Bobo. How many points is Billy awarded? One point? Probably. 13 years later, Billy's boss asks him [...]
Consider: "A leader with a track record of success, marked by an extraordinary ability to improve efficiency, profit margins, and productivity in complex environments with limited resources." VS. "He was a man of principle and compassion whose generosity of spirit brightened the lives of others." We strive to develop a powerful resume, we expect a [...]
Have you played this delightful game? Q: Where do you want to eat? A: I don't know, what do you know want? I don't know, what do you want? (repeat for a thousand years) We don't know what we want . . . ever . . . about anything. We stuggle to identify the solution, [...]
I was listening to the iconic "Piano Man" for the thousandth time, when a lyric hit me in the gut like a Mike Tyson.uppercut. "It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday And the manager gives me a smile 'Cause he knows that it's me they've been coming to see To forget about life for [...]
As a young grasshopper, I was advised: (hat tip: Captain Ken Swan) "People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care." There are dozens of leadership books worth of knowledge contained in these 15 words. The harsh truth: the content of your message has little impact on the strength [...]
Friday Frivolity: Three essential messages ----------------------------------------------- To: The Steve Jobs, the Michael Jordan, the Michelangelo of packaging technology. You are a master of your craft. You have conquered Mount Everest, untied the Gordian Knot, and lifted Thor's hammer. I am in awe of your ability to package an iPhone cable which is impervious to the [...]
