Customer-First Conversations

Are we expanding the scope of “Design”, or evolving a more holistic view of we think about business?

If you’re wondering what the question is about, it refers to two separate things I see trending out there in the world of marketing and business management. While much of the chatter out there is taking place as two separate discussions, one about the potential extinction of the current agency-client model and the other a more high-level movement to rethink how businesses organize and execute on all levels in a different manner – one that leverages many principles of design.

This week we are trying something new – a podcast! “The Listening Corner” was an idea that was given to me by people who have told me I am a good interviewer and others who said my voice “should be on radio”. For the record, they are not the same people.  “The Listening Corner” is going to be a place where I can share what I enjoy – listening to the world of small and medium businesses and learning about the possibilities they have in their world. It’s a fascinating place that most entrepreneurs already know – one where you are constantly learning, creating as you go, trying not to reinvent the wheel, and navigating through a business world that is much bigger than you and won’t always notice the importance of your mission – nor understand it.

Now You Work for Everyone

Welcome to management! Yes, at some point in our careers many of us will be recognized for some combination of talent, hard work, achievements, saying the right thing (or the wrong thing at the right time), potential and luck (sorry, but luck is always a part of it too. You’re not that special). 

Colleagues you were working side-by-side with yesterday and other managers who you will not be seeing every morning at the managers meeting will both be expecting you to take charge and whip your team into the high-performing model of efficiency and effectiveness you were to get that promotion!

Right?

Well, it’s not really like that…

In reality, that team of 30 people you were part of that now reports to you? You are actually working for them now.

That’s right. YOU WORK FOR THEM.

"A friend reminded me (again) today that today was Dr. Seuss day. 
Here is a short, quick tribute to the spirit of the Dr. for everyone still in the office today….enjoy."

Happy Dr. Seuss Day.
I think we should have more fun today.

Friday, workday,
Not a play day.
Traffic congestion,
Morning indigestion.
Pitter patter,
The keyboards clatter.
Cafeteria eating,
Yet another meeting.
Number crunching,
Even while lunching.

But today be free,
To take your leave,
Loosening ties,
Saying goodbyes.
Hookey or Hockey,
Eat some Road called Rocky.
Kick off your heels,
Hear your own squeals.
Sneak out the door,
Enjoy life more.

Today is a gift
To give you a lift.
Be your own whimsy,
Chimpanz-easy.
Sing out loud,
Wear your colors proud.
Start today anew,
As YOU would like to do. 

And when you laugh out loud like a Moose on the loose being goosed,
Give a thankful nod for your new juice – from Dr. Seuss.

Negligence In Any Culture

One of my favorite moments of learning Japanese was years ago when I was visiting my company's rural warehouse and meeting with our team there. In Japanese, there is a term "Kanpeki-shugi" or "Perfectionism" ( 完璧主義) often used to describe someone who goes above and beyond ALL the time to ensure everything is done JUST right (and there are a LOT of folks like this in Japan, thankfully!). When I asked the staff there that day what is the opposite of "Kanpeki-shugi" they immediately responded: "ii-kagen" which can be "Irresponsible", "Sloppy", "Lax", "Lazy", or "Negligent" (いい加減).

Today, let's talk about "Negligent" (いい加減).

Twitter As A Peek Into Group Conciousness