Workplace conflict is bound to happen any time there is a difference in resources and personality. People are seeking greater levels of authority and access to resources but must come to the inevitable truth that there isn't enough to go around. Personalities can create a toxic work environment cause conflict to brew. Conflict can brew in the workplace anytime and it is important to know how to handle it.
Conflict often revolves around resource allocation. When resources are provided to one person over another, or people are arguing over who should receive those resources, there is bound to be angst. People will seek to create the greatest advantages for themselves and then push for their own thoughts and ideas.
Personalities also have a huge influence on conflict. People regularly try and dominate each other and throw their personal problems onto others within the workplace. Those who have high emotional intelligence might find themselves getting into less entanglements than others.
Managing conflict is helpful when we understand how resources work and how personalities impact others. Using appropriate methodology and strategy to allocate resources is important for transparency. When possible, decisions should be business related and justifiable so that all parties can trust these decisions.
Personality conflicts can be a little more difficult to work with. This will require people to share their cognitive models and come to a mutual agreement. When this is not possible on its own, a person with higher authority can state appropriate behaviors and then hold people accountable. In worse case scenarios a contract of interaction can be signed by involved parties.
The blog discusses current affairs and development of national economic and social health through unique idea generation. Consider the blog a type of thought experiment where ideas are generated to be pondered but should never be considered definitive as a final conclusion. It is just a pathway to understanding and one may equally reject as accept ideas as theoretical dribble. New perspectives, new opportunities, for a new generation. “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”—Thomas Jefferson
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Traits of Adaptable Leaders
Leaders ability to adapt to new businesses and situations is an important trait that helps bridge the gaps from one situation to the next. Adaptable leaders can change their thinking and styles that best fit the type of crisis they are facing. As circumstances unfold the style of the leader should also unfold to secure the best possible outcomes.
Changing Thinking: Thinking must adjust to solve problems. Leaders should be able to change how they formulate their opinions and the vantage points they use to understand their problem. Creativity will help them be flexible.
Changing Styles: Different situations require different ways of solving problems. People respond to styles depending on their personality and the circumstances in which they exist. For example, a crisis situation will require more command styles while innovation will require more collaborative styles.
Changing of Environments: As the environment changes the leader will also need to change. He/she will need to adjust their way of being and continue to learn to adapt to new circumstances. As the leaders continues to adapt they get stronger and more effective.
Changing Thinking: Thinking must adjust to solve problems. Leaders should be able to change how they formulate their opinions and the vantage points they use to understand their problem. Creativity will help them be flexible.
Changing Styles: Different situations require different ways of solving problems. People respond to styles depending on their personality and the circumstances in which they exist. For example, a crisis situation will require more command styles while innovation will require more collaborative styles.
Changing of Environments: As the environment changes the leader will also need to change. He/she will need to adjust their way of being and continue to learn to adapt to new circumstances. As the leaders continues to adapt they get stronger and more effective.
The Benefits of Exploring Nature for Health & Hobby
Nature holds many possibilities for our lives that we only need to explore and understand to truly reap the benefits awarded to us. As a person who enjoys photography as a hobby I can say that nature offers multiple advantages that include fitness, relaxation, and artistic expression. Any working professional should consider the multiple benefits of balancing out their lives by finding helpful recreation and appropriate outlets beyond the office.
A couple of times a week ranging from 30-90 minutes on each excursion raises your health level and meets the minimum requirements of fitness. In addition, nature has a way of helping us reflect on life, calm our minds, and feel a greater connection to the world around us. Within 15 minutes you will start to feel relaxed.
Of course you can also take your hobbies to the next level by engaging in artistic expression that helps to further tone your skills. In nature there are many things to take pictures of that include wildlife and natural landscape. The best way to et pictures is to get out there and walk around. The more you do...the more you will enjoy the experience and learn about your topics.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Consumers Dip into Savings to Fuel Economic Increase in Second Quarter
Consumer spending has risen over the past few months and is expected to expand the economy by 3% during the second quarter. Wages haven't risen very fast to cover recent increases in spending making it necessary that consumers dip into their savings. The heightened retail shopping can be seen as a sign of consumer confidence.
Consumer spending accounts for 70% of the U.S. economy. A few percentage points either way can make a big difference in economic output. Of course this money must come from somewhere so it is earned, borrowed, or taken out of their savings account.
Without rising wages there is a long-term dilemma. Eventually credit bubbles emerge and saving dry up making the economy less resilient than when wages are rising and savings are growing. While I am not necessarily a fan of artificially raising wages I am a fan of ensuring that market forces that would naturally raise wages be unencumbered.
The second quarter looks great because consumers are frequenting stores. They are willing to open their checkbooks and make purchases. As each consumer evaluates the value of the dollar spent they don't feel they will have financial problems in the future. With any luck we will soften the Britex slump by speeding up some economic activities to feed into current momentum.
Consumer spending accounts for 70% of the U.S. economy. A few percentage points either way can make a big difference in economic output. Of course this money must come from somewhere so it is earned, borrowed, or taken out of their savings account.
Without rising wages there is a long-term dilemma. Eventually credit bubbles emerge and saving dry up making the economy less resilient than when wages are rising and savings are growing. While I am not necessarily a fan of artificially raising wages I am a fan of ensuring that market forces that would naturally raise wages be unencumbered.
The second quarter looks great because consumers are frequenting stores. They are willing to open their checkbooks and make purchases. As each consumer evaluates the value of the dollar spent they don't feel they will have financial problems in the future. With any luck we will soften the Britex slump by speeding up some economic activities to feed into current momentum.
Understanding the Undercurrents of Your Organization
Every organization has a formal and informal structure of which the later might be more important. The structure culture is codified in the rules, regulations, procedures, and official position of the organization. The informal structure is based on the way information flows and moves throughout the organization regardless of formal position and procedures.
Consider a person with formal power who has some control over resource and decision making outcomes. This position, and the list of duties that go with it, are written into a job description and then part of the formal structure that helps the company complete its daily task. The organizational chart highlights each of these positions and their importance.
The informal structure may be more important than the formal structure. These are the "movers and shakers" of the organization that help ensure that things get done. They may have formal power within the organization but don't rely heavily on that formal power. They are often persuasive, charismatic and driven.
To truly understand any organization it is best to understand the undercurrents that are moving throughout it. Understand where the information flows, how decisions are made, and where people associate. The opinion makers and decision makers are often different than the one's listed on the organizational chart.
Consider a person with formal power who has some control over resource and decision making outcomes. This position, and the list of duties that go with it, are written into a job description and then part of the formal structure that helps the company complete its daily task. The organizational chart highlights each of these positions and their importance.
The informal structure may be more important than the formal structure. These are the "movers and shakers" of the organization that help ensure that things get done. They may have formal power within the organization but don't rely heavily on that formal power. They are often persuasive, charismatic and driven.
To truly understand any organization it is best to understand the undercurrents that are moving throughout it. Understand where the information flows, how decisions are made, and where people associate. The opinion makers and decision makers are often different than the one's listed on the organizational chart.
The Subtle Details of Training Customer Service Representatives
Customer experience sets a tone that encourages them to either return or choose to frequent another place. Companies are strong at creating the basics of customer service but often fail when designing and implementing the details. Excellent customer service should starts with training representatives to view interactions from the perspective of the customer.
The point of contact is the most common place where customer service fails. These failures revolve around the way staff act and treat customers as they conduct their daily interactions. A few details could change customer impressions to a positive one and foster greater loyalty.
Consider the nature of non-verbal communication and how a single poorly chosen word or careless comment could quickly change the nature of interaction. A single bad day for the customer service representative could lose the company thousands of dollars in life-time sales.
Every customer makes a subjective evaluation of whether or not the company truly appreciates their business. While the main value offerings, facilities, and procedures are important their evaluations often reside on how they feel. How they feel is based on very subtle interactions that reflect negatively on the business.
It is important to train customer service representatives in the art of communication and body language. Helping them understand the vantage point of the customer and how their communication skills impact the perceptions of the customer is important. Developing greater awareness of representatives encourages effective customer interactions.
The point of contact is the most common place where customer service fails. These failures revolve around the way staff act and treat customers as they conduct their daily interactions. A few details could change customer impressions to a positive one and foster greater loyalty.
Consider the nature of non-verbal communication and how a single poorly chosen word or careless comment could quickly change the nature of interaction. A single bad day for the customer service representative could lose the company thousands of dollars in life-time sales.
Every customer makes a subjective evaluation of whether or not the company truly appreciates their business. While the main value offerings, facilities, and procedures are important their evaluations often reside on how they feel. How they feel is based on very subtle interactions that reflect negatively on the business.
It is important to train customer service representatives in the art of communication and body language. Helping them understand the vantage point of the customer and how their communication skills impact the perceptions of the customer is important. Developing greater awareness of representatives encourages effective customer interactions.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
How Online Education Will Meet the Needs of a Mobile Online Workforce
As the market changes there will be changes in higher education. People once shunned online course as substandard but the market will soon find them to be of particular value. If we consider that college is partly about socialization to the "college experience" we should find that education should mirror the mode of virtual employment positions. As more online jobs become available, colleges should adopt these new modes of learning.
For over 10 years colleges have been implementing online offerings in order to reach out to their diverse student populations. College is part of a process where people learn how to work in virtual groups. In the past this as through face-to-face meetings but the future is likely to see more online groups and virtual work.
Students in online courses must be more self-motivated to succeed than in traditional colleges. They work at home, work, or even their living rooms. There are so many distractions in our natural environment that it is easy to fall away from the necessary work. These situations encourage greater discipline that mirrors virtual employment.
The use of the Internet, writing skills, online chat, video, email and texting make virtual world more unique than a traditional setting. Online education familiarizes students with what they need to be successful working in a virtual environment.
Online education is not a cure all for employment education but does offer some advantages to new virtual work environments. As students learn and complete tasks in the virtual world they become more adapted and skilled in these environments making such schools fertile grounds for recruitment. Independent and self-motivated employees should command market attention and interest.
For over 10 years colleges have been implementing online offerings in order to reach out to their diverse student populations. College is part of a process where people learn how to work in virtual groups. In the past this as through face-to-face meetings but the future is likely to see more online groups and virtual work.
Students in online courses must be more self-motivated to succeed than in traditional colleges. They work at home, work, or even their living rooms. There are so many distractions in our natural environment that it is easy to fall away from the necessary work. These situations encourage greater discipline that mirrors virtual employment.
The use of the Internet, writing skills, online chat, video, email and texting make virtual world more unique than a traditional setting. Online education familiarizes students with what they need to be successful working in a virtual environment.
Online education is not a cure all for employment education but does offer some advantages to new virtual work environments. As students learn and complete tasks in the virtual world they become more adapted and skilled in these environments making such schools fertile grounds for recruitment. Independent and self-motivated employees should command market attention and interest.
Are we in a "Rigged" Economy? Most Americans Think So!
Seventy-one percent of Americans think we are in a "rigged" economy according to a recent poll by Marketplace and Edison Research. The vast majority of people believe that the economy is wrapped around and supportive of only a few select groups. The phenomenon is important because it is hitting wide political, ethnic and religious demographics.
The American Dream rests on the ability of people putting forward effort, developing, being innovative and improving their lives. Effort should end in some type of reward. Many Americans lost their savings and have not moved up the economic ladder in a couple of decades. To them, the American Dream may not be shining as brightly as it once was.
We must ask ourselves whether or not this is the American legacy we want to leave behind? People are poorer, more educated but make less money, distrustful, and want change. They feel they cannot get ahead no matter what they do. As riots in Ferguson have taught us, there is deep distrust between some populations and government officials and the discontent is getting wider and more powerful.
It doesn't need to be this way. We know that we are moving into a new world where information and ideas will spread quickly. The American economy, and those within it, will need to adjust to maintain international position by becoming more savvy and innovative. We should rethink how we view our government and leadership styles to ensure it has the most competitive economic and socio-political platforms.
I have seen places in this country where "who you know" is more important than "what you know" for jobs and promotion. People lived in poverty, a hole almost no one can climb out of, and leaders talked about their ideas but had little capacity to think beyond themselves. People who opposed or tried to use their freedom of speech were legally and socially chastised. American freedoms were thrown out the window as easily as throwing away a piece of trash.
If America is to be great again and create trust in society we will need to rethink and rejuvenate ourselves on a national scale to compete in a modern world. Everything from employment to police enforcement should be rethought to ensure interactions and systems are equitable and in the best interest of society. The future starts today by making those changes that will open the flood gates of American ingenuity and productivity.
The American Dream rests on the ability of people putting forward effort, developing, being innovative and improving their lives. Effort should end in some type of reward. Many Americans lost their savings and have not moved up the economic ladder in a couple of decades. To them, the American Dream may not be shining as brightly as it once was.
We must ask ourselves whether or not this is the American legacy we want to leave behind? People are poorer, more educated but make less money, distrustful, and want change. They feel they cannot get ahead no matter what they do. As riots in Ferguson have taught us, there is deep distrust between some populations and government officials and the discontent is getting wider and more powerful.
It doesn't need to be this way. We know that we are moving into a new world where information and ideas will spread quickly. The American economy, and those within it, will need to adjust to maintain international position by becoming more savvy and innovative. We should rethink how we view our government and leadership styles to ensure it has the most competitive economic and socio-political platforms.
I have seen places in this country where "who you know" is more important than "what you know" for jobs and promotion. People lived in poverty, a hole almost no one can climb out of, and leaders talked about their ideas but had little capacity to think beyond themselves. People who opposed or tried to use their freedom of speech were legally and socially chastised. American freedoms were thrown out the window as easily as throwing away a piece of trash.
If America is to be great again and create trust in society we will need to rethink and rejuvenate ourselves on a national scale to compete in a modern world. Everything from employment to police enforcement should be rethought to ensure interactions and systems are equitable and in the best interest of society. The future starts today by making those changes that will open the flood gates of American ingenuity and productivity.
Living in "Now"
There are three major blocks of time that include the future, the past and now. The future is what might happen, the past is what did happen, but "now" is our world. Focusing on the now has a lot to do with how to reduce stress and find greater enjoyment within your life. Learning this important skill takes time but is beneficial throughout your life.
The past is based on what happened before now and is subjective in nature. It rests on our interpretations and experience. As time passes our past changes, the meaning we make from it changes, and we come to understand the past in ways that were not possible before. Focusing on the past takes away from experiencing the now.
Our future is something we don't know. We can project what might happen based upon the past and present but we can't say what will happen with 100% certainty. Our brains seek to protect us by helping us be abstract in our thinking but this can also raise our stress levels when we cannot easily go back to the present.
The "now" is where we live our lives. It is the things that are happening now, at this moment, and make up "the moment". Living in the present means we are paying attention to what is happening right now and enjoying that moment as much as possible. We have temporarily forgotten about the past and future.
There are some advantages to living in the present when possible. It allows us to feel relaxed and now worry about things that happened before or what will happen in the future. We are enjoying life for life's sake and put down our worries about things we may not have any control over anyway. As soon as we start living in the present we also start taking advantage of each day.
The past is based on what happened before now and is subjective in nature. It rests on our interpretations and experience. As time passes our past changes, the meaning we make from it changes, and we come to understand the past in ways that were not possible before. Focusing on the past takes away from experiencing the now.
Our future is something we don't know. We can project what might happen based upon the past and present but we can't say what will happen with 100% certainty. Our brains seek to protect us by helping us be abstract in our thinking but this can also raise our stress levels when we cannot easily go back to the present.
The "now" is where we live our lives. It is the things that are happening now, at this moment, and make up "the moment". Living in the present means we are paying attention to what is happening right now and enjoying that moment as much as possible. We have temporarily forgotten about the past and future.
There are some advantages to living in the present when possible. It allows us to feel relaxed and now worry about things that happened before or what will happen in the future. We are enjoying life for life's sake and put down our worries about things we may not have any control over anyway. As soon as we start living in the present we also start taking advantage of each day.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Rewarding Corporate Social Responsibility
Companies hold powerhouses of knowledge and financial resources the average American could never hope to muster in their lifetimes. These companies live and work within the nations that helped make them and have some responsibility to the society in which they exist. Corporate social responsibility helps create a better world and greater cohesion in society.
We are coming into some rocky times and global changes are brewing that will have influence on American's lives. Corporations will be part of that change and will expected to be forces of positive influence versus simple profit driven enterprises. As people become aware companies will be expected to be more philanthropic in addition to more competitive.
What should be and what is are two different things. Those companies that really try to do well should be supported but those that violate ethical rules and laws should be punished by the market. As the law doesn't typically apply to ethical violations it is necessary to ensure the market encourages pro-social behavior.
Ethical pro-social behavior applies to corporate giving, building neighborhoods, fundraising, philanthropic investments, and volunteering. These are the companies that are actively involved in their communities and make positive things happen.
As the public becomes more aware of corporate activities and more conscious of how corporations contribute to society market forces will start to play a role in the value of these companies. Ethical companies that contribute to society will have stronger corporate images and potentially higher market performance through customer loyalty and support.
We are coming into some rocky times and global changes are brewing that will have influence on American's lives. Corporations will be part of that change and will expected to be forces of positive influence versus simple profit driven enterprises. As people become aware companies will be expected to be more philanthropic in addition to more competitive.
What should be and what is are two different things. Those companies that really try to do well should be supported but those that violate ethical rules and laws should be punished by the market. As the law doesn't typically apply to ethical violations it is necessary to ensure the market encourages pro-social behavior.
Ethical pro-social behavior applies to corporate giving, building neighborhoods, fundraising, philanthropic investments, and volunteering. These are the companies that are actively involved in their communities and make positive things happen.
As the public becomes more aware of corporate activities and more conscious of how corporations contribute to society market forces will start to play a role in the value of these companies. Ethical companies that contribute to society will have stronger corporate images and potentially higher market performance through customer loyalty and support.
Greater Integration of Knowledge
Greater integration means we must reflect on the information in a way that adjusts our previous beliefs, knowledge, experience, and expectations. For example, let us assume that we are trying to understand a new photography method. We would need to take in new information, add it to our knowledge of previous photography methods, and then find a way of connecting the information into a cohesive model.
We must also be willing to learn the information in depth. It isn't easy to integrate knowledge when we don't have the details that would make that possible. For example, the statement "Sails move Boats because of air pressure." There just isn't enough details to take this to a more integrated level of knowledge without further practice and learning.
All knowledge should create as much practical use as possible for solving problems. When information is added just to make information it is discarded because it is useless. It is wasted effort to learn. However, when the knowledge solves some problem it has utility and the motivation to integrate the information is higher.
Integrating knowledge can take some time to do well. It may require us to think, feel, experience, and manipulate the information to determine its overall usage to determine its nature. As we find additional benefits for this information we will have the motivation to use it and continue to use it in a way that strengthens our capacity.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
How Processes and Procedures Influence Our Judgements
Processes and procedures have an impact on the way we think and judge situations. These processes and procedures become vantage points that define our thoughts and courses of actions. Businesses that seek to develop the best organizations need to ensure that the policies and procedures are well developed and understand their long tail impact. The same lessons of an organization can be applied to any private or public institution.
Consider how behavior becomes pattern. For the vast majority of us, we act and react without thinking purposely about how we should be behaving or thinking in that situation. We rely on our previous modes of thoughts and patterns to make our decisions and actions. Policies and procedures define and reflect our modes of thought.
Policies and procedures are a method of accomplishing goals and set a tone and value for all decisions thereafter. As the people in the organization learn and integrate policies and procedures into their viewpoints they begin to believe these structures have validity beyond being only one course of action. They seem real but are only man made mental constructs that are limited in scope.
These systems work great when they operate unchallenged and in an environment that is stagnant. However, the world doesn't really work this way. Policies must change when new situations arise, or when things happen that are outside of the "normal". They are only a standard mode that works in a standard situation and fall apart or become defunct unique situations.
Policies and procedures should be revisited every time a major environmental change occurs or when new situations arise that truly don't apply well to existing processes. As the procedures are updated they become more accurate, more adaptive, and reflective of "truth" and the world in which we live.
Stagnant policies are part of stagnant organizations that will soon suffer the weight of their own inability to adjust to their environment. While the majority of people within an organization should follow the policies those with decision making authority should question the logic of policies on a regular basis. Finding new ways of doing things will make both the organization and the people who live within that structure more adaptive.
Consider how behavior becomes pattern. For the vast majority of us, we act and react without thinking purposely about how we should be behaving or thinking in that situation. We rely on our previous modes of thoughts and patterns to make our decisions and actions. Policies and procedures define and reflect our modes of thought.
Policies and procedures are a method of accomplishing goals and set a tone and value for all decisions thereafter. As the people in the organization learn and integrate policies and procedures into their viewpoints they begin to believe these structures have validity beyond being only one course of action. They seem real but are only man made mental constructs that are limited in scope.
These systems work great when they operate unchallenged and in an environment that is stagnant. However, the world doesn't really work this way. Policies must change when new situations arise, or when things happen that are outside of the "normal". They are only a standard mode that works in a standard situation and fall apart or become defunct unique situations.
Policies and procedures should be revisited every time a major environmental change occurs or when new situations arise that truly don't apply well to existing processes. As the procedures are updated they become more accurate, more adaptive, and reflective of "truth" and the world in which we live.
Stagnant policies are part of stagnant organizations that will soon suffer the weight of their own inability to adjust to their environment. While the majority of people within an organization should follow the policies those with decision making authority should question the logic of policies on a regular basis. Finding new ways of doing things will make both the organization and the people who live within that structure more adaptive.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Eating for Health - Acai Bowls
Acai Bowls are a popular food item in California and have spread to many other regions. The fruit is known to carry some health benefits that make it ideal as a breakfast or as a snack. Being a berry it has advantages in improving overall health while reducing the amount of toxins in the body. Each time we choose one alternative over another we can be adding or detracting from our fitness.
Consider the many choices that lead to obesity. Eating deep friend foods that are loaded with saturated fat and calories isn't likely going to do you much good for weight loss. Trying to find alternatives like salads, fruits, and nuts can make a big difference.
Acia is fruit that has been known to detox the body, aid in weight loss, and protect against cancer. As an alternative it is one of the best. It isn't a cure all but is one alternative among the many alternatives available for breakfast. Some have even argued that it has anti aging effects much like wine.
The nice thing about Acia is that it can be mixed with so many different alternatives. For example, granola, nuts, banana, chocolate, coconut, berries, hemp, bee pollen and lots of other things can be easily added to enhance the taste. The versatility of Acia makes it idea for smoothies and bowls. Prices run from $5 to $8 in most places.
Consider the many choices that lead to obesity. Eating deep friend foods that are loaded with saturated fat and calories isn't likely going to do you much good for weight loss. Trying to find alternatives like salads, fruits, and nuts can make a big difference.
Acia is fruit that has been known to detox the body, aid in weight loss, and protect against cancer. As an alternative it is one of the best. It isn't a cure all but is one alternative among the many alternatives available for breakfast. Some have even argued that it has anti aging effects much like wine.
The nice thing about Acia is that it can be mixed with so many different alternatives. For example, granola, nuts, banana, chocolate, coconut, berries, hemp, bee pollen and lots of other things can be easily added to enhance the taste. The versatility of Acia makes it idea for smoothies and bowls. Prices run from $5 to $8 in most places.
Always Under Promise and Over Deliver
Have you ever had a salesperson promise you something and then give you less than expected? The worst mistake people can make is over promise and under deliver. It is a sure sign to disappointment. Under promising and over delivering is beneficial, not only in sales, but also in just about every other aspect of your career.
I have seen managers over promise and under delivery. When they do make promises they will have a difficult time keeping they push their employees to fill the gaps of their mistakes creating artificial crisis. As these crisis continue the employee begin to feel less than satisfied with their work.
Beyond personnel issues is the problem of meeting those deliverables under artificial time frames. The more you promise things you can't deliver, the more risk you have of not meeting those objectives. This will reflect poorly on you and the consistency of your output.
Work quality also consistently becomes weaker over times. Trying to complete projects in short pace also encourages shortcut taking and forgetfulness of details. The quality of the work and the satisfaction of the customer is based in those details and offering something others don't have.
Whether you are working in sales, a project, or even with your families it is important to under promise and over deliver. Beat people's expectations every time and you will find that they will not only trust what you have to say but they will also believe you are more competent then you might actual be. Your reputation as a person who can deliver high quality work rises.
I have seen managers over promise and under delivery. When they do make promises they will have a difficult time keeping they push their employees to fill the gaps of their mistakes creating artificial crisis. As these crisis continue the employee begin to feel less than satisfied with their work.
Beyond personnel issues is the problem of meeting those deliverables under artificial time frames. The more you promise things you can't deliver, the more risk you have of not meeting those objectives. This will reflect poorly on you and the consistency of your output.
Work quality also consistently becomes weaker over times. Trying to complete projects in short pace also encourages shortcut taking and forgetfulness of details. The quality of the work and the satisfaction of the customer is based in those details and offering something others don't have.
Whether you are working in sales, a project, or even with your families it is important to under promise and over deliver. Beat people's expectations every time and you will find that they will not only trust what you have to say but they will also believe you are more competent then you might actual be. Your reputation as a person who can deliver high quality work rises.
Friday, June 24, 2016
A Managers Dilemma---When Are You Racing to Nowhere?
Are you really racing or treading water?
Managers who have a direction and purpose in their work find they have a long-term goal and know a path of getting there. Their work represents purposefulness and they spend time on aligning their goals to that of the organization. Unfortunately, there are also other managers who are running a race to get somewhere but have no idea where they are going.
Consider the well intentioned manager that has lots of busy work and continues to focus on expanding their projects and work until they put themselves and everyone else under stress. Most of what they do doesn't have much of a direction and likely won't help them or their organizations.
Purposefulness means that they maximize their efforts on those projects that are likely to improve on their career goals and minimize efforts on those projects that have little additive value. Being busy to be busy is a waste of time and stressful. It is better to figure out what projects have the greatest impact and spend your time making that one, or two, great.
We also come across a problem where managers don't have an idea where their career paths are leading. They must ask themselves are they doing the right things, are they seeking greater opportunities, does their organization provide a stepping stone, and are they learning the right skills. If they can't definitively say yes then they need some more work.
Taking ownership over your career can be helpful and empowering. It will allow you to start working in a purposeful manner and get more things done. It is helpful to think about your five and ten your plan and then focus on the steps you need to get there. The more busy work you throw on your plate that isnt helpful, the more you are holding yourself back.
Managers who have a direction and purpose in their work find they have a long-term goal and know a path of getting there. Their work represents purposefulness and they spend time on aligning their goals to that of the organization. Unfortunately, there are also other managers who are running a race to get somewhere but have no idea where they are going.
Consider the well intentioned manager that has lots of busy work and continues to focus on expanding their projects and work until they put themselves and everyone else under stress. Most of what they do doesn't have much of a direction and likely won't help them or their organizations.
Purposefulness means that they maximize their efforts on those projects that are likely to improve on their career goals and minimize efforts on those projects that have little additive value. Being busy to be busy is a waste of time and stressful. It is better to figure out what projects have the greatest impact and spend your time making that one, or two, great.
We also come across a problem where managers don't have an idea where their career paths are leading. They must ask themselves are they doing the right things, are they seeking greater opportunities, does their organization provide a stepping stone, and are they learning the right skills. If they can't definitively say yes then they need some more work.
Taking ownership over your career can be helpful and empowering. It will allow you to start working in a purposeful manner and get more things done. It is helpful to think about your five and ten your plan and then focus on the steps you need to get there. The more busy work you throw on your plate that isnt helpful, the more you are holding yourself back.
The Need for Shared Visions in Organizations
There are millions of small actions that occur within an organization every year and these are not always aligned to the core objectives of the organization. Sometimes this is because the organization has not defined who and what they are while at other times the employees have added work that isn't necessary. Having a shared vision and ensuring people know what that vision is can be helpful.
Consider a department with multiple supervisors. In their desire to show their importance and move up the ranks they add work and align work based on what their personal preferences are. This means that there are many people who are doing work that has almost nothing to do with the actual vision of the organization.
In order to reign in the wasted effort, which in some cases can be 40 to 60% of all work that is being completed, it is necessary to share that vision and ask that people truly review what they are doing and its value to the organization. Work is just work unless it has a positive outcome and does something to contribute to the organization.
Sometimes companies use time and motion studies while at other times they simple look at the required deliverables and activities. They remove those that are related to control and encourage those that foster the organizations goals. If done well a department can become more efficient and able to complete its mission.
Steps to Alignment:
1.) Define your mission.
2.) Share your mission.
3.) Align to the mission.
4.) Reward to the mission.
5.) Reevaluate work to the mission.
Consider a department with multiple supervisors. In their desire to show their importance and move up the ranks they add work and align work based on what their personal preferences are. This means that there are many people who are doing work that has almost nothing to do with the actual vision of the organization.
In order to reign in the wasted effort, which in some cases can be 40 to 60% of all work that is being completed, it is necessary to share that vision and ask that people truly review what they are doing and its value to the organization. Work is just work unless it has a positive outcome and does something to contribute to the organization.
Sometimes companies use time and motion studies while at other times they simple look at the required deliverables and activities. They remove those that are related to control and encourage those that foster the organizations goals. If done well a department can become more efficient and able to complete its mission.
Steps to Alignment:
1.) Define your mission.
2.) Share your mission.
3.) Align to the mission.
4.) Reward to the mission.
5.) Reevaluate work to the mission.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Coaching vs. Mentoring for Business Performance
People have often wondered about the difference between mentoring and coaching and how it impacts the environment. The difference lies in the level of understanding and the nature of the knowledge transference process. When used appropriately it can have an impact on employee development and their ability to take on new roles in the company.
A mentor builds a stronger cognitive model while a coach builds better skills. In other words, a mentor seeks to develop higher awareness of issues thereby allowing the mentee to apply that knowledge to similar situations. A coach is teaching a narrower set of skills such as playing a sport or learning how to complete a task.
Sometimes mentors must coach and coaches must mentor. It just depends on the deficiency the employee has and the best way to help them. There are times when it is not possible to achieve personal goals unless you learned a specific skill and at other times one must develop greater awareness to achieve their goals.
Both coaching and mentoring can make a difference in how employees perform. As employees become more aware of their environment and how to make appropriate decisions through mentoring they will function better. At the same time, as specific skills are developed to enhance their abilities the employee's effectiveness rises.
Investment in coaching and mentoring programs can range from informal pairing of employees with managers to include formal mentorship programs and training with specific outcomes. Small businesses might do better with the former while larger businesses might look at the later. Knowing how to invest in and utilize your labor force appropriately influence the bigger organizational system.
A mentor builds a stronger cognitive model while a coach builds better skills. In other words, a mentor seeks to develop higher awareness of issues thereby allowing the mentee to apply that knowledge to similar situations. A coach is teaching a narrower set of skills such as playing a sport or learning how to complete a task.
Sometimes mentors must coach and coaches must mentor. It just depends on the deficiency the employee has and the best way to help them. There are times when it is not possible to achieve personal goals unless you learned a specific skill and at other times one must develop greater awareness to achieve their goals.
Both coaching and mentoring can make a difference in how employees perform. As employees become more aware of their environment and how to make appropriate decisions through mentoring they will function better. At the same time, as specific skills are developed to enhance their abilities the employee's effectiveness rises.
Investment in coaching and mentoring programs can range from informal pairing of employees with managers to include formal mentorship programs and training with specific outcomes. Small businesses might do better with the former while larger businesses might look at the later. Knowing how to invest in and utilize your labor force appropriately influence the bigger organizational system.
With 2Q Economic Job Bounce Back Will There be a Future Labor Shortage?
U.S. jobless claims declined to 43 year low, manufacturing data rises, and an overall increasing trend in single family home purchases. Good news, good news, and more good news! With an unemployment rate of 4.7% and an unemployment drop of 18,000 to 259,000 could we soon find ourselves with a qualified labor shortage.
It is important to distinguish qualified labor shortage from labor shortage. The former is more likely while the later is more of a remote possibility. Qualified labor means people who are able to take on skilled jobs in a growing market. They will need to be educated and trained.
It is important to distinguish qualified labor shortage from labor shortage. The former is more likely while the later is more of a remote possibility. Qualified labor means people who are able to take on skilled jobs in a growing market. They will need to be educated and trained.
The other side of the economic information is that manufacturing data is rising which means more hiring is a good possibility in the near future. We may actually see a situation where qualified labor will become more expensive and wages will rise naturally based on market forces.
It is also possible that more expenditures in training will be seen in companies that must fill the skills gap. They will hire people with some of the experience and skills they need and then focus on creating general skills that will help them fulfill their needs.
As a nation this may be a good time to consider our higher education approaches and the need to get qualified labor out into the market. Offering alternative sources of education with schools that provide focused educational training on key skills that will be well received in the market and capitalize on changing trends in job openings.
Senge's Five Disciplines For Training and Development
Peter Senge offers five principles of training in his book The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook. He discusses how coaching and learning can build better organizations. We often focus on the output of our products without improving on the organizational structure that allows people to adapt to higher models and created even greater functioning that leads to long-term outputs. In our process we forget that all business starts with people and improving the capacity of those people to engage in meaningful work.
Learning is a process of development and improvement. It takes time and it takes the right kind of environment to do well. Companies that can create learning environments can better improve upon their organizational capacities. In the long run training and developing, whether formal or informal, has a large impact on organizational success.
The Five Disciplines.....
Shared Vision: Let people see the vision you have created.
Challenge Models: Poor and outdated models must be updated for greater learning.
Systems Thinking: Help people connect how things in their environment fit with a larger system.
Understand Self and Opportunities for Growth: Help people understand their strengths, weaknesses and where they can grow.
Open Communications: Create an environment where people can grow and develop.
Senge, Peter M., et al. (1994). The fifth discipline fieldbook: strategies and tools for building a learning organization. New York: Doubleday.
Learning is a process of development and improvement. It takes time and it takes the right kind of environment to do well. Companies that can create learning environments can better improve upon their organizational capacities. In the long run training and developing, whether formal or informal, has a large impact on organizational success.
The Five Disciplines.....
Shared Vision: Let people see the vision you have created.
Challenge Models: Poor and outdated models must be updated for greater learning.
Systems Thinking: Help people connect how things in their environment fit with a larger system.
Understand Self and Opportunities for Growth: Help people understand their strengths, weaknesses and where they can grow.
Open Communications: Create an environment where people can grow and develop.
Senge, Peter M., et al. (1994). The fifth discipline fieldbook: strategies and tools for building a learning organization. New York: Doubleday.
Hiking for Healthy Work-Life Balance
Hiking is an enjoyable practice that helps balance out one's life in a way that encourages greater care over our environment and our health. In many cases you can turn these hikes into events for friends or personal reflection time. The beauty of such activities is that they cost you nothing, improve your health, and can be adjusted for your very own skill levels.
Recently, I went up Torrey Pines near La Jolla California with a friend. It is a relatively easy hike that affords well worn pathways and breathtaking views. At the very top is a museum you can go into to learn about the park and the animals that live there. The hike is easy and situated right on the ocean so you can spend a lot of time surfing, hiking, or just lounging.
I personally like something a little more challenging but going up the hill does get your heart rate moving and does offer a good workout. An hour of hiking burns between 300 and 600 calories depending on the rigorous nature of the hike. It is one of the more popular methods of getting in shape and offers practical fun.
You will want to make sure you have good hiking shoes with a little bit of a grip. In some places your standard hiking tennis type shoe will work while other places require a harder bottom with leather tops in order to get into crevices to climb. Drink some water before you go and bring a bottle. Stretch your muscles and take your time if you feel tired.
Recently, I went up Torrey Pines near La Jolla California with a friend. It is a relatively easy hike that affords well worn pathways and breathtaking views. At the very top is a museum you can go into to learn about the park and the animals that live there. The hike is easy and situated right on the ocean so you can spend a lot of time surfing, hiking, or just lounging.
I personally like something a little more challenging but going up the hill does get your heart rate moving and does offer a good workout. An hour of hiking burns between 300 and 600 calories depending on the rigorous nature of the hike. It is one of the more popular methods of getting in shape and offers practical fun.
You will want to make sure you have good hiking shoes with a little bit of a grip. In some places your standard hiking tennis type shoe will work while other places require a harder bottom with leather tops in order to get into crevices to climb. Drink some water before you go and bring a bottle. Stretch your muscles and take your time if you feel tired.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Quality Hiring Starts with Quality Recruiting Processes
Quality hiring starts with a quality recruiting process. It is first beneficial to develop a solid recruiting process to maximize the opportunities to hire the "right" kind of employee. A "bad hire" can cost an organization thousands, if not millions, in unwanted legal, employee, and production problems. The process below is a good start but can be adjusted based on the needs of the individual employer.
1.) Evaluate your open position and the specific skills that position needs.
2.) Conduct an analysis of the salary and benefit requirements of that position.
3.) Determine where you are going to market the open position and the type of people who will read it.
4.) Make first cuts on resumes by matching them to the skills, experience, and education requirements of the position.
5.) Order your top candidates by interest and then call for interviews.
6.) As cognitive and personality based questions in the interview process.
7.) Check on references and backgrounds
8.) Follow up questions on leading candidates.
9.) Ensure personality meets and matches the needs of the organization.
10.) Make a hire.
Four Benefits for Kayaking
We live busy lives and have busy schedules. So busy that many of us get stressed out and have a difficult time finding ways to relax and slow down. Getting out of the office and engaging in an outdoor activity has multiple advantages for busy professionals. Kayaking is an excellent sport that offers three major benefits that include fitness, stress reduction, outdoor recreation, and cost.
Fitness: Kayaking offers a strong upper body in addition to cardio advantages. Consider the amount of effort it takes for your upper body to move the paddles from side to side. As you push yourself through the body your chest, arms, abs and back get a workout. Your heart rate will increase and this will further your cardio goals.
Stress Reduction: Physical activity and spending time in the outdoors holds benefits for stress reduction. People seem to improve their outlook on life when they reduce their stress levels in a way that further develops their outlook on life. Engaging in activities like kayaking on a regular basis can keep you productive.
Outdoor Recreation: The great outdoors are a big part of our lives as a human species. Engaging in outdoor activities helps you to appreciate the world in which we live. The more we involve ourselves in nature the more we appreciate the environment and seek to help it flourish.
Cost: The cost of kayaking is relatively cheap. You can rent them for around $10 an hour, buy one for under $400 and get a used one for under $150. If one plans on engaging in the sport on a regular basis they should consider finding a used one to purchase.
Fitness: Kayaking offers a strong upper body in addition to cardio advantages. Consider the amount of effort it takes for your upper body to move the paddles from side to side. As you push yourself through the body your chest, arms, abs and back get a workout. Your heart rate will increase and this will further your cardio goals.
Stress Reduction: Physical activity and spending time in the outdoors holds benefits for stress reduction. People seem to improve their outlook on life when they reduce their stress levels in a way that further develops their outlook on life. Engaging in activities like kayaking on a regular basis can keep you productive.
Outdoor Recreation: The great outdoors are a big part of our lives as a human species. Engaging in outdoor activities helps you to appreciate the world in which we live. The more we involve ourselves in nature the more we appreciate the environment and seek to help it flourish.
Cost: The cost of kayaking is relatively cheap. You can rent them for around $10 an hour, buy one for under $400 and get a used one for under $150. If one plans on engaging in the sport on a regular basis they should consider finding a used one to purchase.
Will Social Security Really Go Broke 20 Years?
According to a government report recently released the Social Security trust fund should be broke in 20 years. This means that it is protected in the long run but will begin to underfund the needs of senior citizens. The analysis conducted by the government is beneficial because it gives us some time to start finding solutions.
While I have not seen the actual details of the analysis I do wonder if Baby Boomers and potential new revenue from Mellennials are calculated into its projection. A few of the reasons why Social Security is going bankrupt is because the large Baby Boomer expenditures based on increasing health care costs and age were not replaced by Generation X.
However, Mellinnials are very large group of 75.4 million, when compared with Baby Boomers, who are 74.9 million, thereby allowing for an increase in Social Security funds. A large percentage of Baby Boomers will be passing away over the next decade and with only a small Generation X to take money out of the system it might see much higher revenues when compared to expenses
Perhaps these calculations are already added or perhaps they have not been fully factored in. I do wonder if it is possible that Social Security will not only not run out of money but could possibly be fully funded starting a decade or so down the road. The tides in eligible workers that can pay into the system are increasing and this should, if it already isn't, be calculated into the projection.
While I have not seen the actual details of the analysis I do wonder if Baby Boomers and potential new revenue from Mellennials are calculated into its projection. A few of the reasons why Social Security is going bankrupt is because the large Baby Boomer expenditures based on increasing health care costs and age were not replaced by Generation X.
However, Mellinnials are very large group of 75.4 million, when compared with Baby Boomers, who are 74.9 million, thereby allowing for an increase in Social Security funds. A large percentage of Baby Boomers will be passing away over the next decade and with only a small Generation X to take money out of the system it might see much higher revenues when compared to expenses
Perhaps these calculations are already added or perhaps they have not been fully factored in. I do wonder if it is possible that Social Security will not only not run out of money but could possibly be fully funded starting a decade or so down the road. The tides in eligible workers that can pay into the system are increasing and this should, if it already isn't, be calculated into the projection.
IMF Predicts Low Growth and Offers Advice
The IMF projects that the U.S. economy will grow a measly 2.2% citing concerns from the global market and internal political structure within the U.S. Their analysis cites complex risks but not too many specific large risks beyond China and British/EU dynamics. They do offer some advice that revolves around more around the fundamentals of the economy.
Considering the small but still important risks the economy face they have some level of justification for their assessment. Off the top of my head I can say China's stimulus, EU/England departure, ISIS, Russian/West relations issues, and conflict in the Middle East are partly responsible. However, I don't think the analysis is complete.
Most of these items are only partly responsible for slower growth but don't completely determine the projection. There are some positive things that are moving the U.S. in the right direction. Unless something major does happen it is suspected that the World Bank and IMF are low in their projections. Perhaps not by much, but still low unless the bottom falls out through a major event.
The IMF does make some solid suggestions such as increasing infrastructure, boost earned-income tax credit, minimum wage and closing corporate tax loopholes. Infrastructure improves overall competitiveness and acts s a stimulus. Earned-income tax credit and corporate tax loops are part of the same need to reform taxes. Minimum wage is a highly debatable and contentious issue.
Considering the small but still important risks the economy face they have some level of justification for their assessment. Off the top of my head I can say China's stimulus, EU/England departure, ISIS, Russian/West relations issues, and conflict in the Middle East are partly responsible. However, I don't think the analysis is complete.
Most of these items are only partly responsible for slower growth but don't completely determine the projection. There are some positive things that are moving the U.S. in the right direction. Unless something major does happen it is suspected that the World Bank and IMF are low in their projections. Perhaps not by much, but still low unless the bottom falls out through a major event.
The IMF does make some solid suggestions such as increasing infrastructure, boost earned-income tax credit, minimum wage and closing corporate tax loopholes. Infrastructure improves overall competitiveness and acts s a stimulus. Earned-income tax credit and corporate tax loops are part of the same need to reform taxes. Minimum wage is a highly debatable and contentious issue.
Understanding How Employees Are Motivated
Employees have many motivations and desires that keep them moving each day. Each has within them something that pushes them to accomplish tasks within their lives. Sometimes these motivations are simply money while at other times they could be something more. Knowing what motivates an employee can make the difference between an average and a steller performer.
Consider what an organization would be like if it was full of highly motivated and energetic employees. It would be great, people would get things done, and the organization would be zooming along. The problem is that this is fantasy land and doesn't truly happen in real life.
People hide their motivations, don't believe they can accomplish them and then bury them with layers of other issues. They are difficult to detect and understand. However, with time and with a watchful eye it is possible to start picking out patterns of how people act on issues.
For example, someone who is motivated to move up the ranks within an organization will generally take on new projects, jump in front of the line, be super excited about getting recognition. A person seeking more freedom and independence will want projects they are in charge of, don't want much interaction with their boss, and will seek to set their own course.
It takes time to determine what your employees want. It is possible to do this when you watch what they are doing, where they emphasis their skills, and how they act and react to situations. Once you have found the basic motivations you can then allocate assignments and work in a way that furthers the organizations needs and raises the employees satisfaction.
Consider what an organization would be like if it was full of highly motivated and energetic employees. It would be great, people would get things done, and the organization would be zooming along. The problem is that this is fantasy land and doesn't truly happen in real life.
People hide their motivations, don't believe they can accomplish them and then bury them with layers of other issues. They are difficult to detect and understand. However, with time and with a watchful eye it is possible to start picking out patterns of how people act on issues.
For example, someone who is motivated to move up the ranks within an organization will generally take on new projects, jump in front of the line, be super excited about getting recognition. A person seeking more freedom and independence will want projects they are in charge of, don't want much interaction with their boss, and will seek to set their own course.
It takes time to determine what your employees want. It is possible to do this when you watch what they are doing, where they emphasis their skills, and how they act and react to situations. Once you have found the basic motivations you can then allocate assignments and work in a way that furthers the organizations needs and raises the employees satisfaction.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Feds Still Expect Slow Economic Growth
Federal Research Chairman cites uncertainties that will make them cautious on raising interest rates. In testimony to Congress she indicated the potential fears as they relate to EU, China, and the domestic economy that make raising interest rates quickly over the next few years less likely. It is expected that growth will stay under 2% countering the need to raise interest rates.
The purpose of raising interest rates is to make borrowing money more expensive and in turn slow down the economy. A big question people ask is why would someone want to slow down the economy? There is an optimal growth point where too slow is not good and too fast is not so greater either.
Let us say that the economy is zooming along at 10%. You would find inflation rising, wages would stay behind, and people would not be able to keep up with increasing expenses. Most of the country would be employed but there would be significant labor shortages. The ideal rate is somewhere between 2 to 3.5% with an inflation rate of 2%
When the economy is sliding along at a slow pace we will soon find that raising interest rates are counterproductive to the needs of economic encouragement. Cheaper money means that companies can borrow on a commercial level and then invest in their businesses and operations. It also means consumers can get a good rate on buying houses and products to keep the economy going.
The purpose of raising interest rates is to make borrowing money more expensive and in turn slow down the economy. A big question people ask is why would someone want to slow down the economy? There is an optimal growth point where too slow is not good and too fast is not so greater either.
Let us say that the economy is zooming along at 10%. You would find inflation rising, wages would stay behind, and people would not be able to keep up with increasing expenses. Most of the country would be employed but there would be significant labor shortages. The ideal rate is somewhere between 2 to 3.5% with an inflation rate of 2%
When the economy is sliding along at a slow pace we will soon find that raising interest rates are counterproductive to the needs of economic encouragement. Cheaper money means that companies can borrow on a commercial level and then invest in their businesses and operations. It also means consumers can get a good rate on buying houses and products to keep the economy going.
Brexit is More Cultural than Economic
Britain is thinking about abruptly leaving the EU with the Brexit proposal. While the exit could cause economic shock waves across Europe and throughout the international market those supporting Brexit are doing so more for cultural than economic reasons. It is the common worker that sees fear in further engagement in the global economy and hopes to encourage their country to set its own policies.
The biggest danger is that an exit from the EU will create a difficult to disentangle financial situation where England was a launching pad to the EU for many American businesses. An exit will force these companies to change the way they do business and adjust where their resources are located in order to maintain access to both markets.
The financial backlash to both EU and England is likely to be substantial. It prompts people that the EU is facing difficulties and further tells people that England is moving back into pro-nationalist economic stance. While it doesn't make sense to exit abruptly and now for England the catalyst is more cultural.
England always had its own sense of pride. It values its culture and its glory days as an important part of people's identity as both a nation and individuals. The split is seen by many as saying we are British first and Europeans second. We set our own policies and don't rely on the German dominated EU.
That has always been the funny thing about culture. Once symbols and history embeds itself into the psyche of people it is difficult to move away. While the days of severe conflict between England and Germany have long passed the idea of Us and Them has not gone away. Moving away from Europe is seen as moving toward national independence and Britain's destiny.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Putting the Wind in the Sails of Your Business
Putting the wind back into the sales of your business rests on marketing, operations and value. As you learn to trim your sales and find tune your offerings your business will start to differentiate itself from the competition. Small business in particular have more navigability than larger businesses and should hedge their ability for quick market changes.
Marketing: Fine tuning your target customer and ensuring that you are reaching them is fundamental to creating strong businesses, Without sales you don't have business. The process of defining your target market takes some research and reflection. Watch who buys your product and why they buy them.
Operations: Operations cost money and can either increase or decrease take home profits. Investing is a wise choice when tangible results can be found. Ensure that your operations are running as efficiently as possible and not wasting resources. Sometimes it is necessary to take a look at everything from the input to the output and cut out extra wasted steps.
Value: Know the value of your product. Understand why people want your product and enhance its value as much as possible. Ensure that you are meeting your customers expectations through developing a solid, quality, tangible product with appropriate customer service.
Marketing: Fine tuning your target customer and ensuring that you are reaching them is fundamental to creating strong businesses, Without sales you don't have business. The process of defining your target market takes some research and reflection. Watch who buys your product and why they buy them.
Operations: Operations cost money and can either increase or decrease take home profits. Investing is a wise choice when tangible results can be found. Ensure that your operations are running as efficiently as possible and not wasting resources. Sometimes it is necessary to take a look at everything from the input to the output and cut out extra wasted steps.
Value: Know the value of your product. Understand why people want your product and enhance its value as much as possible. Ensure that you are meeting your customers expectations through developing a solid, quality, tangible product with appropriate customer service.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
"We Can" Project Inspires Kids to Become Contributors to Society
The We Can Project has been implemented in Elementary, Middle and High Schools in an effort to help students learn self-esteem and positive ways to contribute to society. The program has around 125,000 participants and seems to be growing by the year. Students set and realize goals that not only help themselves but also society.
Step 1: Think. Students come up with goals that are important to them (I Can), the people around them (You Can) and their communities (We Can). Each student picks the one goal he/she is most excited about.
Step 2: Plan. Each student makes a plan to figure out the who, what, where, and when of his/her project to reach his/her goal.
Step 3: Act and reflect. Students put their plans into motion, take time to reflect on their progress, and adjust their plans accordingly.
For more information http://www.wecanwecanwecan.com/
Step 1: Think. Students come up with goals that are important to them (I Can), the people around them (You Can) and their communities (We Can). Each student picks the one goal he/she is most excited about.
Step 2: Plan. Each student makes a plan to figure out the who, what, where, and when of his/her project to reach his/her goal.
Step 3: Act and reflect. Students put their plans into motion, take time to reflect on their progress, and adjust their plans accordingly.
For more information http://www.wecanwecanwecan.com/
Friday, June 17, 2016
Is Crowd Capitalism Coming?
I recently had the pleasure of reading the article As On-Demand Economy Grows, Professor Sees New Kind of Capitalism Emerging about Professor Arun Sundararajan from New York University's Stern School of Business. In agreement with him I believe that fundamental changes in our economy will occur that relate to how we are paid. However, I would like to add that we will also be networking resources, people, and information to a higher degree for economic growth.
I like to think of the next era as the Information Age and have conducted some of my own research on it. It will be a time where technology creates greater efficiencies in the market. We will be developing and growing faster through the use of shared resources and information. Our world will get much smaller and our economies more integrated.
Changes in technology will influence employment. It is also a time that will influence the traditional "job". The standard 9 to 5 job will disappear and people will need to be much more self-motivated to earn a solid living in the new economy. Hours will only be method of calculating pay.
There will also be emerging opportunities for people who may have previously been blocked from being independent. It will be easier to be your own boss and choose which projects you want to take. Higher skilled and educated people will opt for higher paid projects with more benefits while lower skilled and lower educated people will be forced into lower paying projects.
Some will find it easier to move up in income while others will find it more difficult. A truer form of capitalism will emerge where data and use will determine necessity. Transparency will become greater and people will have more choice over their working conditions. Many will work from home and throw off the traditional office job.
It isn't an easy transition nor is it one that is set in stone. There will be the traditional and the non-traditional running alongside of each other. Some will enjoy the comfort of salaried employment while others will seek to be more entrepreneurial in their work. There will be job boards for those who want steady pay and there will be project exchanges where people can buy and sell their skills and projects for those who don't.
I like to think of the next era as the Information Age and have conducted some of my own research on it. It will be a time where technology creates greater efficiencies in the market. We will be developing and growing faster through the use of shared resources and information. Our world will get much smaller and our economies more integrated.
Changes in technology will influence employment. It is also a time that will influence the traditional "job". The standard 9 to 5 job will disappear and people will need to be much more self-motivated to earn a solid living in the new economy. Hours will only be method of calculating pay.
There will also be emerging opportunities for people who may have previously been blocked from being independent. It will be easier to be your own boss and choose which projects you want to take. Higher skilled and educated people will opt for higher paid projects with more benefits while lower skilled and lower educated people will be forced into lower paying projects.
Some will find it easier to move up in income while others will find it more difficult. A truer form of capitalism will emerge where data and use will determine necessity. Transparency will become greater and people will have more choice over their working conditions. Many will work from home and throw off the traditional office job.
It isn't an easy transition nor is it one that is set in stone. There will be the traditional and the non-traditional running alongside of each other. Some will enjoy the comfort of salaried employment while others will seek to be more entrepreneurial in their work. There will be job boards for those who want steady pay and there will be project exchanges where people can buy and sell their skills and projects for those who don't.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
The Success of the Student is Based on the Motivation to Learn
While the environment is important in developing strong universities, and technology allows more people to learn in a convenient way, the student is still the fundamental component of success. Whether we are sitting under a tree with a mentor in ancient society or communicating from our cell phones it is the student that will determine the overall outcome of the learning process.
That doesn't neglect the quality of instructor, the curriculum, and the environment as factors in learning but it does recognize the student's personal characteristics as a central component to learning. The student must come to class willing to learn and seeking knowledge for their own personal development.
This desire to learn is a fundamental difference between strong and weak students. Strong students question in order understand while weak students question to earn a higher grade. One is focused on the learning while the other is focused exclusively on the grade. The personality and characteristics will determine which emphasis the student places.
Learning is a mindset of personal development. It is a person who takes in information, reflects on it and integrates information. While they understand that feedback is somewhat subjective they do look at all feedback as an important method of understanding. Over time the feedback becomes accurate as similar themes develop.
One must be motivated to learn in a term called "grit". No matter what is going on in their lives and what happens to them "grit" ensure that they maintain their course in learning. They will go through many problems in life and still seek greater knowledge and opportunity.
It is difficult for professors to develop motivation in their students because students often come to class with or without this inherent perception. However, it is possible to foster what is available in students by encouraging students to find greater connection between their effort and their long-term goals. By widening and deepening the student's perspective specific actions can be put within a context.
That doesn't neglect the quality of instructor, the curriculum, and the environment as factors in learning but it does recognize the student's personal characteristics as a central component to learning. The student must come to class willing to learn and seeking knowledge for their own personal development.
This desire to learn is a fundamental difference between strong and weak students. Strong students question in order understand while weak students question to earn a higher grade. One is focused on the learning while the other is focused exclusively on the grade. The personality and characteristics will determine which emphasis the student places.
Learning is a mindset of personal development. It is a person who takes in information, reflects on it and integrates information. While they understand that feedback is somewhat subjective they do look at all feedback as an important method of understanding. Over time the feedback becomes accurate as similar themes develop.
One must be motivated to learn in a term called "grit". No matter what is going on in their lives and what happens to them "grit" ensure that they maintain their course in learning. They will go through many problems in life and still seek greater knowledge and opportunity.
It is difficult for professors to develop motivation in their students because students often come to class with or without this inherent perception. However, it is possible to foster what is available in students by encouraging students to find greater connection between their effort and their long-term goals. By widening and deepening the student's perspective specific actions can be put within a context.
The Creation of Executive Character-Believing in Something Greater Than Yourself
The creation of character rests on some important foundations that are partly innate and partly learned much like intelligence. On that platform comes greater knowledge and wisdom that continues to filter throughout one's life. The constant search for truth and the questioning of one's environment leads to greater insight into oneself and the world we live in. We become people of character through the trials and tribulations of learning that leads to knowledge.
As a business person I believe it is fundamentally important to hire people of character. By having a business with people who maintain a value system and deeper beliefs about the work they do the overall quality of the organization will rise. People with character build long-term value while those without are focused on short-term gains that could result in significant lost revenue and market share.
Any leader, who will be a good leader, will need to have character by believing in something greater then themselves. This especially more true when the vain and ignorant seem to get more kudos than insightful discussion on how to raise the status of your fellow human being. Truth becomes subjective and manipulated for personal gain; the trust foundation of business declines.
The selection of executives and those who hold the reigns of formal power should be based in part on their character. Charm, interpersonal skills, experience and job knowledge having little to do with character unless the person has made them part of a life long learning lessons. Those focused on their own immediate gain look good on paper but fail in the test of life when things get really tough.
Most of us have seen and executive who holds formal power and uses that power to push their own agendas without consideration to the long-term impact of those decisions. There is a type of arrogance in their mannerisms which makes them easier to spot than others. Their decisions are often short-sighted, unyielding to alternative explanations and sometimes costs companies tens of millions of dollars when implemented.
Those with character have general themes that run throughout their lives and are consistent about the end goal. They believe in something greater then themselves and have followed those paths even when there was no reward or support. When push comes to shove they rely on their own value system and say "no" in the face of unbeatable odds and pending chastisement.
Either an act of lunacy or an act of altruism they can be counted on to make decisions beyond themselves. Such executives understand the value of their work, find a cause that keeps them motivated, and are willing to make the tough choices that ensure the right thing is done. They create value by raising the status of their business through ensuring it has meaning to society and maintains that meaning despite changes in wind direction.
Such executives are trusted because people have an inherent ability to see their genuine nature and can pick up on the patterns of choices that show consistency in belief. Brand image grows when these executives make decisions that focus on their core value proposition raising their revenue and market credibility. Their big picture begins to attract followers and believers. There is no greater motivator for employees than to believe that coming to work is part of a cause!
As a business person I believe it is fundamentally important to hire people of character. By having a business with people who maintain a value system and deeper beliefs about the work they do the overall quality of the organization will rise. People with character build long-term value while those without are focused on short-term gains that could result in significant lost revenue and market share.
Any leader, who will be a good leader, will need to have character by believing in something greater then themselves. This especially more true when the vain and ignorant seem to get more kudos than insightful discussion on how to raise the status of your fellow human being. Truth becomes subjective and manipulated for personal gain; the trust foundation of business declines.
The selection of executives and those who hold the reigns of formal power should be based in part on their character. Charm, interpersonal skills, experience and job knowledge having little to do with character unless the person has made them part of a life long learning lessons. Those focused on their own immediate gain look good on paper but fail in the test of life when things get really tough.
Most of us have seen and executive who holds formal power and uses that power to push their own agendas without consideration to the long-term impact of those decisions. There is a type of arrogance in their mannerisms which makes them easier to spot than others. Their decisions are often short-sighted, unyielding to alternative explanations and sometimes costs companies tens of millions of dollars when implemented.
Those with character have general themes that run throughout their lives and are consistent about the end goal. They believe in something greater then themselves and have followed those paths even when there was no reward or support. When push comes to shove they rely on their own value system and say "no" in the face of unbeatable odds and pending chastisement.
Either an act of lunacy or an act of altruism they can be counted on to make decisions beyond themselves. Such executives understand the value of their work, find a cause that keeps them motivated, and are willing to make the tough choices that ensure the right thing is done. They create value by raising the status of their business through ensuring it has meaning to society and maintains that meaning despite changes in wind direction.
Such executives are trusted because people have an inherent ability to see their genuine nature and can pick up on the patterns of choices that show consistency in belief. Brand image grows when these executives make decisions that focus on their core value proposition raising their revenue and market credibility. Their big picture begins to attract followers and believers. There is no greater motivator for employees than to believe that coming to work is part of a cause!
MRMW 2016 - The Best Mobile Marketing Research Conference
MRMW North America 2016 - The Best Mobile Marketing Research Conference
18th to 19th July 2016
Fort Worth, Texas (USA)
MRMW is back with the 6th edition of its global innovation series for Market Research. Never standing still, MRMW 2016 will surprise you with new features, exciting speakers, an abundance of business opportunities and an expanded range of topics covering all aspects of innovative market research.
MRMW will continue to lead the way uncovering the latest mobile market research technologies, client case studies, cutting edge thinkers and industry experts. Experience everything from plenary CXO panels to in-depth workshops in small groups – all at MRMW.
New in 2016 will be an expanded focus on The Internet of Things, Smart Data Acquisition, Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. A new bonus track will also serve those data-hungry techies amongst the market research community.
Case Studies from wide range industries including Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Electronics, Online Commerce, Social Media, Media & Entertainment and Pharmaceuticals.
Parallel workshops covering Mobile Research Methodologies, Innovation Strategies, Smartphone Qualitative...and much more!
A special focus on IoT, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in our breakout track, covering the latest cutting edge developments and innovations.
Innovation Elevator featuring some of the hottest start-ups from inside and outside the Market Research industry.
And of course our MRMW Awards 2016, presented live on stage!
Celebrate, learn, network and build your success!
Book your tickets now at: http://na.mrmw.net
Enquiries: events@merlien.org
Web address: http://na.mrmw.net
18th to 19th July 2016
Fort Worth, Texas (USA)
MRMW is back with the 6th edition of its global innovation series for Market Research. Never standing still, MRMW 2016 will surprise you with new features, exciting speakers, an abundance of business opportunities and an expanded range of topics covering all aspects of innovative market research.
MRMW will continue to lead the way uncovering the latest mobile market research technologies, client case studies, cutting edge thinkers and industry experts. Experience everything from plenary CXO panels to in-depth workshops in small groups – all at MRMW.
New in 2016 will be an expanded focus on The Internet of Things, Smart Data Acquisition, Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. A new bonus track will also serve those data-hungry techies amongst the market research community.
Case Studies from wide range industries including Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Electronics, Online Commerce, Social Media, Media & Entertainment and Pharmaceuticals.
Parallel workshops covering Mobile Research Methodologies, Innovation Strategies, Smartphone Qualitative...and much more!
A special focus on IoT, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in our breakout track, covering the latest cutting edge developments and innovations.
Innovation Elevator featuring some of the hottest start-ups from inside and outside the Market Research industry.
And of course our MRMW Awards 2016, presented live on stage!
Celebrate, learn, network and build your success!
Book your tickets now at: http://na.mrmw.net
Enquiries: events@merlien.org
Web address: http://na.mrmw.net
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Commerce and Sand Point Lighthouse
Sand Point Lighthouse |
http://www.exploringthenorth.com/sandpoint/light.html
Smoothies as a Healthy Snack
We live busy lives and we don't always have time to cook a breakfast, eat a full lunch or sit at a restaurant. We can make a healthy contribution to our diet and our waistline by drinking smoothies. Body builders, fitness enthusiasts and people who are trying to lose weight agree that smoothies offer a healthy alternative.
Smoothies can be made any number of ways but the most common is ice, milk, honey/sugar, and fruit. Those who are into the internal health of their body might also include greens such as cucumbers and spinach or anti-oxidants like raspberries and blueberries. Any combination of fruits and vegetables can be used.
I don't not agree with liquid diets per see as our bodies need something to digest. Such diets do result in amazing weight loss but often come with muscle loss as well. A better approach is to augment your normal diet with a smoothie. For example, oatmeal breakfast, smoothie lunch, and a lean meat supper.
You may also consider putting protein in your smoothie. Adding protein in your diet does have an additive impact on muscle gain and overall health. Try and look for a reasonable protein that is easy to digest and use. Personally, I like to use hemp protein from Trader Joes but there are many others on the market you may like.
Smoothies can be made any number of ways but the most common is ice, milk, honey/sugar, and fruit. Those who are into the internal health of their body might also include greens such as cucumbers and spinach or anti-oxidants like raspberries and blueberries. Any combination of fruits and vegetables can be used.
I don't not agree with liquid diets per see as our bodies need something to digest. Such diets do result in amazing weight loss but often come with muscle loss as well. A better approach is to augment your normal diet with a smoothie. For example, oatmeal breakfast, smoothie lunch, and a lean meat supper.
You may also consider putting protein in your smoothie. Adding protein in your diet does have an additive impact on muscle gain and overall health. Try and look for a reasonable protein that is easy to digest and use. Personally, I like to use hemp protein from Trader Joes but there are many others on the market you may like.
The Importance of Open Trade vs Protectionism
Free trade agreements seem to create a natural fear that jobs will move overseas and people will suffer the consequences of lost jobs and income. It is not as though some of these ideas have merit but what we find over time is that protectionist policies do have an impact on long-term growth putting people at much greater risk.
Consider the two main approaches. We can protect our industries, raise tariffs, and make it difficult for companies to invest in the U.S. What we will find is there will be a short-term positive effect of secure wages and better profit margins. However, in the long run we will continue to lose our global competitiveness and eventually experience economic collapse.
Countries that have tried this approach require companies to hire a certain amount of workers which raises costs and they protect their companies from foreign competition. Its really great! Eventually, the U.S. capacity gets more out of line with foreign competition and can't maintain its competitiveness. Expenses will rise and revenues will decline.
Few companies will want to invest in a country with lots of rules and regulations. They will option to invest in emerging markets like India or Eastern Europe where regulations is easier to handle. We will continue to lose our global competitiveness in a way that is non reversible leading quickly to the 2nd, 3rd or 4th spot in the global economy.
Protectionism only works in the short run on specific industries that need a little time to adapt and develop to be competitive. In the long-run they will stop adapting and rely on government protection to maintain their profits until they collapse. A much better approach is to embrace the global market and to rethink our policies.
We need to make our people and cities more competitive with increased innovation, reduced costs, and greater investment opportunities. This can only happen if we make cities hubs of economic activity where data infrastructure is improve, quality of living is enhanced, policies are open to development, tax rates are low, environments are enhanced, global investments are encouraged, and innovation is worshiped.
Free trade is beneficial when the environment is conducive to capitalizing on new opportunities. In the long run, we will have to accept that we are losing our competitiveness because our basic platform needs work. Opening our trade means doing so in a way that improves opportunities for investment and development within the U.S. Having a focal point on the older platforms in cities is a social and economic method of transformation.
Consider the two main approaches. We can protect our industries, raise tariffs, and make it difficult for companies to invest in the U.S. What we will find is there will be a short-term positive effect of secure wages and better profit margins. However, in the long run we will continue to lose our global competitiveness and eventually experience economic collapse.
Countries that have tried this approach require companies to hire a certain amount of workers which raises costs and they protect their companies from foreign competition. Its really great! Eventually, the U.S. capacity gets more out of line with foreign competition and can't maintain its competitiveness. Expenses will rise and revenues will decline.
Few companies will want to invest in a country with lots of rules and regulations. They will option to invest in emerging markets like India or Eastern Europe where regulations is easier to handle. We will continue to lose our global competitiveness in a way that is non reversible leading quickly to the 2nd, 3rd or 4th spot in the global economy.
Protectionism only works in the short run on specific industries that need a little time to adapt and develop to be competitive. In the long-run they will stop adapting and rely on government protection to maintain their profits until they collapse. A much better approach is to embrace the global market and to rethink our policies.
We need to make our people and cities more competitive with increased innovation, reduced costs, and greater investment opportunities. This can only happen if we make cities hubs of economic activity where data infrastructure is improve, quality of living is enhanced, policies are open to development, tax rates are low, environments are enhanced, global investments are encouraged, and innovation is worshiped.
Free trade is beneficial when the environment is conducive to capitalizing on new opportunities. In the long run, we will have to accept that we are losing our competitiveness because our basic platform needs work. Opening our trade means doing so in a way that improves opportunities for investment and development within the U.S. Having a focal point on the older platforms in cities is a social and economic method of transformation.
Monday, June 13, 2016
How to Manage the Economic Entrepreneur
The entrepreneur is perhaps the most important type of person in economic society as we know it. People who create and develop new opportunities by finding solutions to problems and enhance business opportunities. Entrepreneurs have a certain mindset that is very different than the average person which allows them to succeed and achieve. Managing the economic entrepreneur requires a different approach that hedges and enhances their skills.
Entrepreneurs are optimistic and promotional oriented but also can be un-realistic and irrational (Clapp & Senson, 2015). They seek the optimistic outcome to nearly every challenge. What provides them an opportunity to succeed in tough situations could cost a company a lot of money if done wrong.
This opportunism is great for breaking open whole new ways of doing business that can lead to higher profits and stronger revenue lines. To make these breakthroughs possible there needs to be many failures that result in learning and improved efforts. Companies cannot always afford the cost of these failures.
Managing an economic entrepreneurs spirit while not allowing your company to go bankrupt in the process can be helped by using teams. Teams better ensure the entrepreneur doesn't act in a rash or overly enthusiastic manner without considering the merits of such ideas. Using highly skilled people in the topical area helps to make novel ideas practical.
These teams act as knowledge groups that filter ideas through their own experience and understandings before allowing them to proceed to a point where company resources must be used. The team votes on ideas and solicits opinions and ideas from other experts when necessary. If gives the economic entrepreneur the free hand to think with the protective knowledge of a group of experience professionals.
Clapp, B. & Swenson, J. (2015). Entreprenuers, innovation and the hidden costs of optimism. Business Journal of Entrepreneurs, 3 (78)
Entrepreneurs are optimistic and promotional oriented but also can be un-realistic and irrational (Clapp & Senson, 2015). They seek the optimistic outcome to nearly every challenge. What provides them an opportunity to succeed in tough situations could cost a company a lot of money if done wrong.
This opportunism is great for breaking open whole new ways of doing business that can lead to higher profits and stronger revenue lines. To make these breakthroughs possible there needs to be many failures that result in learning and improved efforts. Companies cannot always afford the cost of these failures.
Managing an economic entrepreneurs spirit while not allowing your company to go bankrupt in the process can be helped by using teams. Teams better ensure the entrepreneur doesn't act in a rash or overly enthusiastic manner without considering the merits of such ideas. Using highly skilled people in the topical area helps to make novel ideas practical.
These teams act as knowledge groups that filter ideas through their own experience and understandings before allowing them to proceed to a point where company resources must be used. The team votes on ideas and solicits opinions and ideas from other experts when necessary. If gives the economic entrepreneur the free hand to think with the protective knowledge of a group of experience professionals.
Clapp, B. & Swenson, J. (2015). Entreprenuers, innovation and the hidden costs of optimism. Business Journal of Entrepreneurs, 3 (78)
Sunday, June 12, 2016
How Fishing Can Enhance Your Career
People believe that the fastest way to the top and success is through doing more by working like a plow horse until they drop. I can't start to count the examples of executives who think doing more is the best approach. Unfortunately, many get disappointed, burn out and move onto other jobs when gratification isn't immediate. Engaging in recreation helps you balance your life and think about the best approach to accomplishing your work goals.
Let us take fishing for an example. Fishing offers an opportunity to get out of the office, calm the mind and engage in a pleasant activity. As one learns and develops their skills they will spend a good deal of enjoyable time plotting on the best fishing holes on the map and reviewing just the right bait to improve their opportunities. Even better...they can invite friends/family and eat what they catch.
How does it make a difference to our careers? Fishing, like golf, or any other relaxing activity allows us to process information on our own time and in a way that creates deeper connections to information. We don't force a poor solution. It can lead to better strategic decisions, conclusions, and general work outcomes. Reflection takes time to accomplish.
In todays world, companies have less need for work mules than they do for innovative and smart people that can solve problems. Smart workers need time to think about solutions to corporate problems and this only happens by spending quality time in relaxing activities you enjoy. If your an executive that must deal with complex information and problems then learn to relax through fishing.
In addition, fishing can help creative people find the balance they need to feel fulfilled. Life fulfillment can lead to retention This means they can continue to work at the same company longer than a few years and add to the overall intellectual capital of the organization. Helping employees find a good balance will also help them be more satisfied with their life and job.
Let us take fishing for an example. Fishing offers an opportunity to get out of the office, calm the mind and engage in a pleasant activity. As one learns and develops their skills they will spend a good deal of enjoyable time plotting on the best fishing holes on the map and reviewing just the right bait to improve their opportunities. Even better...they can invite friends/family and eat what they catch.
How does it make a difference to our careers? Fishing, like golf, or any other relaxing activity allows us to process information on our own time and in a way that creates deeper connections to information. We don't force a poor solution. It can lead to better strategic decisions, conclusions, and general work outcomes. Reflection takes time to accomplish.
In todays world, companies have less need for work mules than they do for innovative and smart people that can solve problems. Smart workers need time to think about solutions to corporate problems and this only happens by spending quality time in relaxing activities you enjoy. If your an executive that must deal with complex information and problems then learn to relax through fishing.
In addition, fishing can help creative people find the balance they need to feel fulfilled. Life fulfillment can lead to retention This means they can continue to work at the same company longer than a few years and add to the overall intellectual capital of the organization. Helping employees find a good balance will also help them be more satisfied with their life and job.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Using Critical Thinking to Beat Bias
We always assume that "we" and "our" group are always better than every other group. I often considered why we hold such bias. Part of it might be rooted in how we view the world based on our biological need to be in a protective environment to keep our genetics safe. While that is a possible explanation it doesn't seem to hold up against idea that entire groups that can contain millions of people where natural biology has no place. To understand bias is to understand ourselves and our own needs.
I find that people who are biased often discuss the "other" in terms of fear. Fear that they are doing something wrong, will take something, or will cause some havoc. Their focus is limited to a few examples and seem to raise the perceived validity of those arguments beyond their natural merits.
Beating bias through critical thinking means we must perceive the world around us as accurately as possible. That means not ignoring dis-confirming information. We must accept the information as it comes to us while ensuring it is unadulterated first-hand information versus that which is related by others.
We must think through all of the possibilities both for and against an argument to come up with an accurate assessment. When new information comes along we should continually update our cognitive models in order to ensure it is accurately portraying what is happening. People prone to bias simply won't accept counter information and won't adjust their models.
If you view why bias people hold onto their beliefs is because it is tied deeply to their self-perceptions. They feel that if they accept the inherent quality of others they are lowering their own value. Trying explain that the "other" has similar value creates an affront to their self-esteem. Exposure, environment, and time can make a difference only if the person is open to experience.
I find that people who are biased often discuss the "other" in terms of fear. Fear that they are doing something wrong, will take something, or will cause some havoc. Their focus is limited to a few examples and seem to raise the perceived validity of those arguments beyond their natural merits.
Beating bias through critical thinking means we must perceive the world around us as accurately as possible. That means not ignoring dis-confirming information. We must accept the information as it comes to us while ensuring it is unadulterated first-hand information versus that which is related by others.
We must think through all of the possibilities both for and against an argument to come up with an accurate assessment. When new information comes along we should continually update our cognitive models in order to ensure it is accurately portraying what is happening. People prone to bias simply won't accept counter information and won't adjust their models.
If you view why bias people hold onto their beliefs is because it is tied deeply to their self-perceptions. They feel that if they accept the inherent quality of others they are lowering their own value. Trying explain that the "other" has similar value creates an affront to their self-esteem. Exposure, environment, and time can make a difference only if the person is open to experience.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Weighing Our Options-The Mental Transactions of Purchase
We only make so much money in a year. Whether it is 40K or 100K, we have to make choices over our limited resources. Each product takes away from our pot and limits our ability to purchase and do other things. Savings....well.....thats not even in the calculation most of the time!!!
For example, you have fruit for sale and you want people to purchase. They may scan whether or not they want that item, need that item, and how that item feels to them. Within seconds they assess their craving for the item and whether or not it is worth further exploration. If it isn't they move down the isle but it is they begin another process.
Once they determine whether the product has emotional or utility appeal to them they will assess their resources. They assess the amount of money they have, their lifestyle, options, and possibilities. Assuming that they assess the product to be worth the amount of time, effort, and options they have available they will make a purchase.
Just about everything we purchase is based on our options and resources. We may be attracted to these products based on need but must evaluate the cost of making such purchases. To attract customers and raise purchases means enhancing the value of those products through improving its appeal.
Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge-Make Sense?
A recent announcement the White House about the launch of the Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge in partnership with a number of universities discusses the desire to give people with criminal records a second chance for college enrollment. The goal would be to have colleges not look at criminal records in every selection case.
There are always two sides of every argument. There is some risk that universities face if a person with a criminal past risks or threatens other students or teachers. However, this may not be the majority of cases when the crimes are small, subjective, non-violent and often culturally based.
The three reasons why I think this is a positive movement is because of labor capital, the right to learn, and the need for criminal justice reform. Where 1/3 of working adults have a criminal record means we are doing something wrong.
Labor Capital: When people are blocked from entering the job market due to a previous crime they are lost to potential employers. Not all people who have gotten in trouble at one point or another are dumb, incapable of helping society, or unskilled. With proper education they can become capable members of society that can contribute to the economy. Incarceration diverts resources and lost labor doesn't allow us to recover that cost.
Right to Learn: While higher education is not a right, the right to learn cannot be taken away from anyone. Higher education is about developing the person and developing their abilities. Helping people gain skills and moving them out of poor environments can make a difference. I would have a hard time denying someone a book and an opportunity.
Criminal Justice Reform: While we respect the officers who risk their lives and do the right thing we do know the system isn't always accurate, some officers do manipulate, false testimonies, convictions based on narrow or false evidence, re-victimization of victims, and socio-economic targeting do occur. Until these problems are fixed some people may not deserve to be prosecuted and then have their higher education opportunities stripped.
There are always two sides of every argument. There is some risk that universities face if a person with a criminal past risks or threatens other students or teachers. However, this may not be the majority of cases when the crimes are small, subjective, non-violent and often culturally based.
The three reasons why I think this is a positive movement is because of labor capital, the right to learn, and the need for criminal justice reform. Where 1/3 of working adults have a criminal record means we are doing something wrong.
Labor Capital: When people are blocked from entering the job market due to a previous crime they are lost to potential employers. Not all people who have gotten in trouble at one point or another are dumb, incapable of helping society, or unskilled. With proper education they can become capable members of society that can contribute to the economy. Incarceration diverts resources and lost labor doesn't allow us to recover that cost.
Right to Learn: While higher education is not a right, the right to learn cannot be taken away from anyone. Higher education is about developing the person and developing their abilities. Helping people gain skills and moving them out of poor environments can make a difference. I would have a hard time denying someone a book and an opportunity.
Criminal Justice Reform: While we respect the officers who risk their lives and do the right thing we do know the system isn't always accurate, some officers do manipulate, false testimonies, convictions based on narrow or false evidence, re-victimization of victims, and socio-economic targeting do occur. Until these problems are fixed some people may not deserve to be prosecuted and then have their higher education opportunities stripped.
The Importance of Developing Data Infrastructure
Infrastructure is a fundamental aspect of our economy but is often neglected in for more exciting and publicly popular programs. Building strong infrastructure impacts all the businesses that use it to obtain resources, ship products, or sell services. New generations will need new data infrastructure improvements to keep up with change and stay competitive.
Different eras had different types of infrastructure. For example, highways were important during the mid 1950's-1970's while technological updates are needed in modern times. Both still work together to create a faster economy where information, products, and financial resources move quickly.
Today's world is about information. It spurs innovation, creates growth, educates people, and improves government transparency. The infrastructure is slowly starting to improve upon the ability to transfer data and financial resources throughout the country and world.
The cities of the future will look like data grids as much as they look like clusters of people and buildings. They will all need to share information through their personal and electronic networks to achieve growth. The better cities can do in improving their data infrastructure the more likely the cities will grow.
We can see these high speed internet cables making their way into metro areas. Companies are furthering their supply chain networks and adjusting their hubs to make faster delivery possible. None of this would be possible without a growing need of people and businesses who want access to faster, affordable and more reliable data services. As the infrastructure develops, so does the economy.
Different eras had different types of infrastructure. For example, highways were important during the mid 1950's-1970's while technological updates are needed in modern times. Both still work together to create a faster economy where information, products, and financial resources move quickly.
Today's world is about information. It spurs innovation, creates growth, educates people, and improves government transparency. The infrastructure is slowly starting to improve upon the ability to transfer data and financial resources throughout the country and world.
The cities of the future will look like data grids as much as they look like clusters of people and buildings. They will all need to share information through their personal and electronic networks to achieve growth. The better cities can do in improving their data infrastructure the more likely the cities will grow.
We can see these high speed internet cables making their way into metro areas. Companies are furthering their supply chain networks and adjusting their hubs to make faster delivery possible. None of this would be possible without a growing need of people and businesses who want access to faster, affordable and more reliable data services. As the infrastructure develops, so does the economy.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Economists Believe there are Four Risk Factors to the U.S. Economy
A poll of economists conducted by the Wall Street Journal found that there are 4 main risk factors for the U.S. this year. The poll solicited the opinions of 70 business, academic, and financial economists but did bring forward some fears of China, Slack Business Investment, U.S. Politics and Stall Speed.
China: Chinese debt to prop up their economy might come crashing down. Economic collapse in the worlds second largest economy could cause problems else-ware.
Slack Business Investments: Slow business investments in equipment and people slowing the economy.
U.S. Politics: U.S. politics are so brutal and squirly that it has an impact on the economy.
Stall Speed: When the economy is moving so slow it simply stalls down due to a host of reasons.
The factors that can create a slow down are many. However, very few single factors can cause a recession unless they are fundamental to the national and global economy. These might include a financial meltdown or a large scale conflict that disrupts international commerce. The article puts the risk factor of a slow down at around 21%.
China: Chinese debt to prop up their economy might come crashing down. Economic collapse in the worlds second largest economy could cause problems else-ware.
Slack Business Investments: Slow business investments in equipment and people slowing the economy.
U.S. Politics: U.S. politics are so brutal and squirly that it has an impact on the economy.
Stall Speed: When the economy is moving so slow it simply stalls down due to a host of reasons.
The factors that can create a slow down are many. However, very few single factors can cause a recession unless they are fundamental to the national and global economy. These might include a financial meltdown or a large scale conflict that disrupts international commerce. The article puts the risk factor of a slow down at around 21%.
The Importance of Non-Traditional Academic Scholarship
What is the inherent value of non-traditional academic publishing? I have discussed this issue over and over with a number of learned scholars who insist that only top tier academic journals are valid in terms of scholarship and integration. The problem is that journals isn't necessarily the best way to contribute to the body of knowledge and other channels should be considered in the strategy.
Consider that even the best journals only receive low readership level. Very few outside of the academic world would be willing to read such tedious works. Most of what is printed in these journals could take a long time to be have practical use in the market.
It isn't wasted effort to put such work in journals but it doesn't maximize the opportunities to influence the market and contribute to innovative change the same way more widely read publications can. Most of the professional readership will find greater interest non traditional academic sources like trade journals, magazines, and professional conferences.
If we were to consider trade publications a solid place to influence knowledge it should be noted that trade blogs are also a place where new information can be successfully distributed. Truly, any publishing source where people are grouped by topic interest has merit. As any good marketing campaign would indicate the goal is to create exposure for one's product---research is an higher education product.
The benefit of using multiple sources to publish various forms of the same research is beneficial. The results from an important student might be published in an academic journal but could be summarized for trade journals and further summarized for trade blogs and other forms of media. Consider all of your options and forms when finding outlets for publishing.
Consider that even the best journals only receive low readership level. Very few outside of the academic world would be willing to read such tedious works. Most of what is printed in these journals could take a long time to be have practical use in the market.
It isn't wasted effort to put such work in journals but it doesn't maximize the opportunities to influence the market and contribute to innovative change the same way more widely read publications can. Most of the professional readership will find greater interest non traditional academic sources like trade journals, magazines, and professional conferences.
If we were to consider trade publications a solid place to influence knowledge it should be noted that trade blogs are also a place where new information can be successfully distributed. Truly, any publishing source where people are grouped by topic interest has merit. As any good marketing campaign would indicate the goal is to create exposure for one's product---research is an higher education product.
The benefit of using multiple sources to publish various forms of the same research is beneficial. The results from an important student might be published in an academic journal but could be summarized for trade journals and further summarized for trade blogs and other forms of media. Consider all of your options and forms when finding outlets for publishing.
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