The current problems cannot be fixed by the behaviors, processes, and relationships that caused them. Not completely fixed is better than completely broken.
Category Archives: Work
Two Thoughts on Cooperation
The first two posts I read in the news reader this morning were on cooperation. Both with the same “conflict is generally unnecessary” point. I thought you’d enjoy. “…cooperation is the norm, it’s conflict that needs to be explained.” – Alex Tabarrok at Marginal Revolution “…everyone in the organization that wants customers on a regular …
An Emotion Connection Tells Us What Matters
In Newsweek’s cover story “Reading Your Baby’s Mind” on baby’s brain development, new research is profiled into the “babies learn foreign languages easily” phenomenon. The research states, a baby can easily learn a second language easily only if the secondary language is spoken by someone the baby has an emotional connection with. “…without the emotional …
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Business Casual Saves Energy
In an effort to dramatically reduce the heat pollution caused by Tokyo’s air conditioners, Japanese businessmen will be dressing business casual this summer. No jackets and ties after June 1. Read the full story at the New York Times: Is a Salaryman Without a Suit Like Sushi Without the Rice?
Consumer Software is the New Enterprise Software
Recently, a colleague asked for a recommendation on an enterprise asset management system. Frankly, I’ve only had bad experiences with enterprise level software. My major complaints have been; Too hard to use Too expensive Doesn’t map to existing business culture and processes I ask what this system will be used for; sharing digital photos remotely. …
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Greater Productivity By Turning Things Off
A couple weeks ago, I was having a tough time focusing. The culprit turned out to be a little red dot in my NetNewWire dock icon – the unread post count. I’ve unchecked that count in the preferences and my ability to focus has increased (Manton Reece did the same). First, biologically, our peripheral vision …
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An Unexpected Yak Shaving
One of the bathtub faucets has leaked for a couple weeks. Monday, I could no longer ignore it. That same day, Seth Godin introduced me to Yak Shaving. yak shaving: Any seemingly pointless activity which is actually necessary to solve a problem which solves a problem which, several levels of recursion later, solves the real …
Overtime Hurts the Everyone
Late last week, a client and I were discussing a struggling project. The client mentioned his project team regularly works nights and weekends to meet the deadlines he had scheduled. I was stunned. This was months into a years longs project. There are 3 things fatally wrong with this management strategy: It devalues both the …
The Creative Grotto Vibe
This morning Jen brought up the Temporary Office Space idea again. It’s something she’s brought up before. As a highly-mobile professional, the idea is very compelling. To have comfortable, secure place to send faxes grab a decent cup of coffee, and recharge off a good vibe for an hour or two, I think you can …
Gate 3 Work Club Closes
Five months ago, I was excited to see the opening of the Gate 3 Work Club in Emeryville, CA. I completely believe in the principles; people like to work from home – just not all the time people like to work around others I was skeptical that Herman Miller furnishings were necessary, and thought IKEA …