Here is the Motorcycle we (SunRiver) donated to B.A.C.A for them to raffle off. They had it at the office for a few moments, so I grabbed my camera and took a few pictures. (See my flicker photos for the rest of them)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Fighting Child Abuse
Today I finished a project for B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse.) SunRiver donated a Harley Davidson (pictures to come later in the month) to be raffled off at the end of the year. Apparently this bike will travel the state, going to various bike shows, collecting raffle tickets.
They asked me to create a card that can be given to each person that buys a raffle ticket. It was one of my first projects I have ever done that does not involve someone with grey hair so of course I jumped at the chance. The motorcycle is being painted as I write this and as soon as it is done I am going to use it as a photography subject. I cant wait!
BACA is an organization of bikers that donate their time and energy in fighting child abuse. The first time I had heard of them was when they all showed up at the trial of the guy that kidnapped Elizabeth Smart. SunRiver has been associated with them as our drywall subcontractor is the chapter president for Southern Utah.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Fence
This is my take on Cathryns fence picture. When I first saw it, I thought it was a very interesting photo. As I was putting some artistic flare on it in photoshop, I tried a lot of different things, then settled on this, with the background blurry and the foreground sharp. It certainly is not better than the original, just my take on it.
Friday, February 15, 2008
In Honor of Keith Blackman
Keith was a photographer friend of mine... He was one of those people that could make an instant connection with just about anyone. I only knew him for a few months before cancer took his life. He was a talented photographer and a good friend. The last time I ever spoke with him was when my wife and I were in the hospital with our new born child. He called me to let me know how much I need to cherish this time with my family because life goes fast. He died shortly there after.
Keith took this picture on assignment here at SunRiver. I think it is a very fitting shot, demonstrating his talent.
Thanks Keith for being you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Stairway to Heav...Quail Lake
After being inspired by my sisters blog; I decided to post a recent photo that I took at Quail Lake.
For some odd reason I have always liked this set of stairs. I know that sounds odd. After all, they are just some ratty old concrete slabs buried in the ground leading from the parking lot to the lake. I can remember taking those stairs many times, both as a teenager with my family, young adult, newly married, and now as a father with my own kids. These old concrete stairs have lead me to many happy times and hopefully, many more.
In my editing of this picture, I decided to give it a dark color tone, with some highlights of the stairs and a few bushes.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Blogs I currently follow
Here is a list of blogs I currently follow:
Seths Blog: A marketing guru that invented many of the modern marketing methods. Also one of my favorite business authors.
Official Google Blog: A great blog by one of the most powerful and world changing companies ever.
Blog Maverick: Love him or Hate him, Mark Cuban knows business and success. A very open and honest blog. You will try to hate it, but you will fail.
Steve Urquhart: Our local representative in the house. I don't agree with all his policies, but he is a good communicator, and has a unique perspective on things.
Paul Allen: No, not the Microsoft one. Paul is a Utah boy that has pioneered family history work using the internet. Notably, ancestry.com, info-base, and others. He is a pretty good author, and usually has decent posts.
Crabs-N-Shells-N-ShisaDogTails: My sisters new blog.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Mikes Favorite Things: iPhone
I tried to fight. I thought I could be strong. After all, I love my blackberry. It has filled my life with passion and love. She never did anything wrong, she always catered to my every whim. She greeted me with a smile in the morning and held me close at night... She always turned on when I pushed her buttons.
So why, WHY did I pander to this new filly the iPhone. Oh, iPhone you vixen. You are a home wrecker. Everything was fine in my relationship with my blackberry until you came along.
I tried to resist, I did. When you came on the market a last summer, I tried to look away. But as I watched you prancing around the TV screen, I admit, I had to peek.
Even when you dropped your price a few months later, I resisted. "Surely you are not worth the money..." Oh how I was wrong.
The moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew our paths would cross.
Alas they have. And all I can say is you are so much more then I ever could of hoped. Its not your fault that you were designed so well. Not your fault that you seem to know what i want before I want it. You are my soul-mate iPhone.... I love you.
And to my Blackberry. Yes, I have left you for some one younger and better looking. Yes, we did have good times together, and yes you did everything I ever asked. I hope you know, and I dont want this to sound canned... Its not you, its me.
My sisters new blog...
Just FYI. My sister and her family are living in Japan and has started a blog of their adventures. She is a witty and creative writer and excellent photographer.
Check it out at www.jensensinjapan.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Dip
I know I have mentioned this book in earlier posts. However I just reread the last quarter over again. Wow that really speaks to me. What road am I on? Am I in a culdesac? Am I making progress on the goals that I have for myself? All questions that I need to answer.What most compelling is that it is human nature to stick to a place in our life that is comfortable, and not productive. Sure, we all go for a run after watching the biggest loser, but the next day a lunch, bring on the beef n' cheddar.
OK so if that is true then what is it that maintains forward motion in the things we do. Do we need to have a heart attack before we start losing weight? Do I work more efficiently because my boss yelled at me or called me out in a meeting? Unfortunately to often at least for me this is the case. Why is it that I cant wrap my mind around the fact that I need to be moving forward to reach and achieve my goals? As I was on my post biggest loser walk tonight, I got thinking about a part in the show where one of the trainers was trying to help a person dig down deep into their emotional self and find the real reason they are overweight. I think in most peoples life, the same reason they are overweight is the same reason they do anything self destructive. And when I say they I mean me. The girl that was getting drilled, finally dug to the layer of some emotional issues she had with her parents divorce.
Likely there is much more to the story, but I would say even getting that far is much further than most people are able to get on their own. As I was walking I got thinking about what it is the root cause of unhappiness in my life. Now, I am not an unhappy person. 98% of the time I am happy as a peach in ice cream (see my earlier post) however I wanted to figure out what made me a miserable miser that other 2% of the time. After some self questioning and digging, I think the root cause is simple.
I am a lazy SOB
That may sound harsh. But its a good thing. Much like finding the reason for making you sick, I can now focus energy on a simple problem. Its also comforting to me to think that if that is the case, that means I am a lazy sob only 2% of the time. That sounds good, but think what that 2% is costing me in productivity. That 2% is keeping me from my goals or at very least prolonging the time before I reach them.
My resolve for 2008. Stop being a lazy SOB.
My resolve for 2008. Stop being a lazy SOB.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Give up on your dreams?
I just finished a book by Seth Godin called "The Dip". An excellent read, and one that I wish I read years ago. I wont give away the book, but what I learned was how important it is to stay focused on what is going to make you the biggest success. And quit doing all the things that make me lose my focus on those things.
I was always good at sports when I was young. I like many young people dreamed of being a professional sports player with all the benefits that go along with it. As I matured, I soon realized that while I may be the strongest and fastest on my block, I was not able to compete on a state wide level. I was at that point interested in a variety of other things that were catching my attention. Even if I had the natural gifts it took to compete with those gifted athletes that were on their way up, I did not have the focus to even have a shot.
After high school is when the peer pressure began. So many people seemed to have my future all planned out, disregarding what I had planned for my own future. Did they mean well? Yes. Did it help me reach my goals? No. As I started down the road of life, eventually I was able to get off the roads they had me on, and started the journey down my own road. It was then that I was focused and had passion to hone my God given skills and talents.
Once a person stops allowing themselves to be pushed in a direction by other people and gives up dreams that belong to other people and not themselves, it is at that moment that they truly define their own destiny. Nothing (besides themselves) can hold them back.
Seth Godin believes that everyone in the world has the ability to be the "best in the world" at something. For some, that seems more obvious than others. You remember those people that are very artistic, or can sing like a bird. Their future seems so obvious, all they need is a shot of confidence and a bit of hard work and perseverance. However, most of us have to do some serious soul searching in order to find what that God given talent is. Isn't it wonderful to know that we all have something? Every last one of us. We can hone that talent any way we like. Rather we are money motivated or family or whatever.
Read it. "The Dip" by Seth Godin
I was always good at sports when I was young. I like many young people dreamed of being a professional sports player with all the benefits that go along with it. As I matured, I soon realized that while I may be the strongest and fastest on my block, I was not able to compete on a state wide level. I was at that point interested in a variety of other things that were catching my attention. Even if I had the natural gifts it took to compete with those gifted athletes that were on their way up, I did not have the focus to even have a shot.
After high school is when the peer pressure began. So many people seemed to have my future all planned out, disregarding what I had planned for my own future. Did they mean well? Yes. Did it help me reach my goals? No. As I started down the road of life, eventually I was able to get off the roads they had me on, and started the journey down my own road. It was then that I was focused and had passion to hone my God given skills and talents.
Once a person stops allowing themselves to be pushed in a direction by other people and gives up dreams that belong to other people and not themselves, it is at that moment that they truly define their own destiny. Nothing (besides themselves) can hold them back.
Seth Godin believes that everyone in the world has the ability to be the "best in the world" at something. For some, that seems more obvious than others. You remember those people that are very artistic, or can sing like a bird. Their future seems so obvious, all they need is a shot of confidence and a bit of hard work and perseverance. However, most of us have to do some serious soul searching in order to find what that God given talent is. Isn't it wonderful to know that we all have something? Every last one of us. We can hone that talent any way we like. Rather we are money motivated or family or whatever.
Read it. "The Dip" by Seth Godin
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Mikes Favorite Things: Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker
Another entry in Oprah er Mikes Favorite things... Our new Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker.
I must say its one of the greatest self-serving presents I have ever bought for my wife.
We first used the several mixes that came with the maker, then have slowly branched out and have tried a few new recipes.
One of the biggest criteria for something to be listed in "my favorite things" list is that it works as good or better then advertised. This has exceeded my expectations, and I am looking forward to many extra pounds gained by use of this invention. God Bless America and the dude that invented ice cream makers!
Mark Cuban does it again
I know, you cant stand him, he is a whiny little rich brat, blah, blah, blah. Fact is, he is a great American business man, who has turned nothing into something many times.
He recently had a blog entry that really hit a chord with me.
Enjoy-
"I learned a lot from Don Nelson when he was coach and GM of the Mavericks. He told me something early on, that opened my eyes. I forget the exact conversation, but we were talking about players, and I asked him why he didnt talk to a specific player about something that was going on. What he said was that "THe worse evaluator of talent is a player trying to evaluate himself."
The same applies to business people and particularly to entrepreneurs and want to be entrepreneurs. We tend to be less than honest with ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses.
I have been just as bad at this as anyone, particularly when I was getting started in the business world. For those of us who dream of starting and running a business, we know that we have to have a level of confidence in our own abilities. We dont want to believe that there are things we cant do. We want to believe that if we try hard enough, work long enough, and get a little lucky, that the sky is the limit. The problem is that we let our confidence cloud our judgements of what we truly know about ourselves.
Im one of the least organized people I know. Today, i have an assistant and others that help me run my life. If you ask me where IM going to be in 3 days. I have no idea. I do know that i have a kick ass assistant who is going to make sure that when i wake up that morning, I know where Im going and how to get there.
When i was 23 years old, sleeping on the floor and starting MicroSolutions, no assistant. No organization. I was a procrastinator. Accounting was a shoebox of receipts. I was a mess.
But I lied to myself and said that I could deal with it. That i would make time to get it all figured out and organized. That if I only set my mind to it, I could be a detail person. I could stop procrastinating. It doesnt work that way.
I did the things I was good at. I could sell. So I sold. I could write software programs. I could integrate PCs. I could set up local area networks. And I did. My business grew. But it also grew out of control A local area network or a software program without documentation is a disaster waiting to happen. And they did. Not to the point where it killed my business, but to the point where I spent far too much time fixing things rather than selling new deals.
Fortunately, one of my best customers at the time was interested in becoming a partner in my business. Martin Woodall ran a company called Hytec Data Systems. He was not only smart and a good programmer, but he was the most anal, detail oriented person I had ever met in my life. The perfect partner for me.
Our partnership wasnt always easy. We had more than our shares of knock down drag out fights. He of course would want everything done with precision and if lack of perfection was an option, he didnt want to do it. I of course was the exact opposite. I was the GO FOR IT guy. We can sort it out after the fact. We were perfect partners. We knew and trusted the skills of the other and although many might not think yelling was the best way to work things out, we managed.
It all came down to choice. I had the choice between lying to myself and pretending that I could turn on a switch and become a details person, or accepting the fact that Im not, and partnering with someone who is. Continuing to lie meant I would probably lose my business.
Every entrepreneur faces comparable choices. Each of us has to face the reality of who we are and what we are.
What choice will you make ?"
Well said Mark
He recently had a blog entry that really hit a chord with me.
Enjoy-
"I learned a lot from Don Nelson when he was coach and GM of the Mavericks. He told me something early on, that opened my eyes. I forget the exact conversation, but we were talking about players, and I asked him why he didnt talk to a specific player about something that was going on. What he said was that "THe worse evaluator of talent is a player trying to evaluate himself."
The same applies to business people and particularly to entrepreneurs and want to be entrepreneurs. We tend to be less than honest with ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses.
I have been just as bad at this as anyone, particularly when I was getting started in the business world. For those of us who dream of starting and running a business, we know that we have to have a level of confidence in our own abilities. We dont want to believe that there are things we cant do. We want to believe that if we try hard enough, work long enough, and get a little lucky, that the sky is the limit. The problem is that we let our confidence cloud our judgements of what we truly know about ourselves.
Im one of the least organized people I know. Today, i have an assistant and others that help me run my life. If you ask me where IM going to be in 3 days. I have no idea. I do know that i have a kick ass assistant who is going to make sure that when i wake up that morning, I know where Im going and how to get there.
When i was 23 years old, sleeping on the floor and starting MicroSolutions, no assistant. No organization. I was a procrastinator. Accounting was a shoebox of receipts. I was a mess.
But I lied to myself and said that I could deal with it. That i would make time to get it all figured out and organized. That if I only set my mind to it, I could be a detail person. I could stop procrastinating. It doesnt work that way.
I did the things I was good at. I could sell. So I sold. I could write software programs. I could integrate PCs. I could set up local area networks. And I did. My business grew. But it also grew out of control A local area network or a software program without documentation is a disaster waiting to happen. And they did. Not to the point where it killed my business, but to the point where I spent far too much time fixing things rather than selling new deals.
Fortunately, one of my best customers at the time was interested in becoming a partner in my business. Martin Woodall ran a company called Hytec Data Systems. He was not only smart and a good programmer, but he was the most anal, detail oriented person I had ever met in my life. The perfect partner for me.
Our partnership wasnt always easy. We had more than our shares of knock down drag out fights. He of course would want everything done with precision and if lack of perfection was an option, he didnt want to do it. I of course was the exact opposite. I was the GO FOR IT guy. We can sort it out after the fact. We were perfect partners. We knew and trusted the skills of the other and although many might not think yelling was the best way to work things out, we managed.
It all came down to choice. I had the choice between lying to myself and pretending that I could turn on a switch and become a details person, or accepting the fact that Im not, and partnering with someone who is. Continuing to lie meant I would probably lose my business.
Every entrepreneur faces comparable choices. Each of us has to face the reality of who we are and what we are.
What choice will you make ?"
Well said Mark
Monday, October 08, 2007
Traditional Marketing, how I loath thee...
Ok, I don't really loath it. It has its place in my heart I suppose. It got me threw hard times in my early SunRiver days. I was so innocent then.
Looking back, its amazing we did as well as we did considering all the money we spent on old and tired marketing approaches. Sure they netted us a few sales, but we surly never led the pack of home builders. I guess it was early 2005 when we were at the height of the real estate boom when I realized that 90% of the ads (printed, radio, whatever) that I sent out didn't matter a tinkers damn one way or the other in making a sale.
My whole life changed the day I received a very unique direct mail piece from a local marketing company. At first I said "wait a minute, they can't do that, its to racy, it has nothing to do with the product they are trying to sell!". Much to my dismay I researched further and became intrigued with how much emotion this unique marketing invoked. Ever since then I have tried to incorporate that spirit of uniqueness into my marketing approach. Ill be honest, often others around me think I'm wasting time and money. I say look at the numbers, we are finally leading the pack.
Looking back, its amazing we did as well as we did considering all the money we spent on old and tired marketing approaches. Sure they netted us a few sales, but we surly never led the pack of home builders. I guess it was early 2005 when we were at the height of the real estate boom when I realized that 90% of the ads (printed, radio, whatever) that I sent out didn't matter a tinkers damn one way or the other in making a sale.
My whole life changed the day I received a very unique direct mail piece from a local marketing company. At first I said "wait a minute, they can't do that, its to racy, it has nothing to do with the product they are trying to sell!". Much to my dismay I researched further and became intrigued with how much emotion this unique marketing invoked. Ever since then I have tried to incorporate that spirit of uniqueness into my marketing approach. Ill be honest, often others around me think I'm wasting time and money. I say look at the numbers, we are finally leading the pack.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Procrastination Nation
Why do I procrastinate? Why is it that I put things off that cause me stress and grief, both at work and home? Why am I Johnny on the spot with somethings, while lazy about others? Well sound the alarm because I think I have it figured out why.
Recently I was reviewing my task list at work, and realized that the items that were the furthest past due, were 1. the items that keep me up at night, and 2. were the items that I am not totally sold that they will make a tinkers damn of difference. Maybe its human nature or maybe im just weird, but if something is thrust upon me and I have'nt been totally sold that it will increase production or accomplish some kind of goal, then in my mind a write it off as "ill do this when I have more time" or "this can wait because my ideas are better and more valuable." This is easier to identify at work than it is at home. Although I wonder how many things I am dismissing at home that my wife is ready to ring my neck over? Scary.
So my resolve. Before I agree to do something for someone, I need to be sure I am sold on the idea. I am not a very good worker bee who just does the task that is in front of me. I need some drive and motivation to make my task shine.
Recently I was reviewing my task list at work, and realized that the items that were the furthest past due, were 1. the items that keep me up at night, and 2. were the items that I am not totally sold that they will make a tinkers damn of difference. Maybe its human nature or maybe im just weird, but if something is thrust upon me and I have'nt been totally sold that it will increase production or accomplish some kind of goal, then in my mind a write it off as "ill do this when I have more time" or "this can wait because my ideas are better and more valuable." This is easier to identify at work than it is at home. Although I wonder how many things I am dismissing at home that my wife is ready to ring my neck over? Scary.
So my resolve. Before I agree to do something for someone, I need to be sure I am sold on the idea. I am not a very good worker bee who just does the task that is in front of me. I need some drive and motivation to make my task shine.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Bill Gates, Steve Jobs interview reaction
First off, I really respect the relationship that the two if these guys have. Both are the benchmarks in the industry, and in my opinion will go down in history as great competitors and innovators.
From a marketing perspective, I have always liked Steve Jobs and his approach to packaging and speaking to niche markets. This interview really solidified this feeling for me. His understanding on how to speak to the consumer in my opinion is unmatched. I just wish apple could find a better way to be more cost effective for the everyday user.
I think Bill Gates is brilliant. He understands his role in the marketplace, and how Microsoft has contributed to it. The innovations that have been made by Microsoft will continue to shape the world that we live in. I can't wait to see how the change my life and the life of my family in 5 to 10 years.
That being said, I was really distracted by the lousy interviewing. I thought it was very poorly done. At times it seemed like they were trying to suck up to the big dogs, and other times it seemed like the were trying to through Google in their face as their emanate downfall.
What a great opportunity to see these two giants sit side by side and talk about how creative instead of competitive environments have increased there business.
From a marketing perspective, I have always liked Steve Jobs and his approach to packaging and speaking to niche markets. This interview really solidified this feeling for me. His understanding on how to speak to the consumer in my opinion is unmatched. I just wish apple could find a better way to be more cost effective for the everyday user.
I think Bill Gates is brilliant. He understands his role in the marketplace, and how Microsoft has contributed to it. The innovations that have been made by Microsoft will continue to shape the world that we live in. I can't wait to see how the change my life and the life of my family in 5 to 10 years.
That being said, I was really distracted by the lousy interviewing. I thought it was very poorly done. At times it seemed like they were trying to suck up to the big dogs, and other times it seemed like the were trying to through Google in their face as their emanate downfall.
What a great opportunity to see these two giants sit side by side and talk about how creative instead of competitive environments have increased there business.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Work productivity
What a bunch of BS! To many people in corporate America define work productivity as how early they get to work or how much midnight oil can I burn. I think that's total crap, well at least for all non number crunchers out there. How about you put some thought into your work, maybe even a little ingenuitous thought into your actions. There are so many bottom feeders out there that just fight for the scrapes that the top producers leave behind. Now, you may think I'm just talking about sales, but I'm not. Like I said I think this can be applied to all non number crunchers out there and maybe even a few of them. If you find yourself bottom feeding, rise up, or get out!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
What about free time
why it is that everyone does not take advantage of the fabulous technology of global positioning units I will never know. They are quite inexpensive, and well worth the $100 bucks you will pay for one. A simple zip code search on www.geocaching.com will bring up a cache close by to your home guaranteed. My little family and I love this hobby. Its something we can do together, it does not cost any money (except for gas) and it teaches us more about the area we live in. I am in a very rural area, and I bet there are over 500 caches in this area alone.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Always throw the first punch
Always throw the first punch. I think that is the case when you're in a middle school brawl or in a hostel work situation. As a rule, I try to stay as level headed as possible in a stressful situation or in other words use the "don't let them see you sweat" philosophy. But no matter how hard one tries to avoid it, the inevitable fight always comes. So when it does I say throw the first punch. And just like that middle school bully the unworthy opponent is always knocked off guard to your sudden voracity. Then once there head starts to spin, then they are yours for the taking. I find that they start throwing irrational and poorly-timed punches that are easily parried or countered. Business is always about winning. Always throw the first punch!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Love Sac Woes?
Walking down my street toward my mailbox (which happens to be in one of the new fangled community mailbox deals, what happened to the good old days when my mail was delivered to my house or even better through a slot in the wall going directly in my house.) I see this huge stretched hummer. I could tell that this was not some rich senior who blew all his savings on the prom… This was a corporate truck. As I stood their like a child at a parade hoping briefly that somebody might throw candy out the window, I noticed the "“Love Sac"” insignia. This was Shawn Fanning'’s ride, CEO of Love Sac. I must admit for a brief moment I was impressed, then my better sense kicked in and I thought "“he must be compensating for something."” Now I have nothing against the corporate ego as I have been a fan of successful people like Shawn for sometime. They fascinate me with their confidence and candor. As a matter of fact, I am currently reading Jack Welch'’s new book "“Winning"”. This is a great example of a CEO with a HUGE ego, but the results to back it up. Back to Love Sac... As a bystander, Love Sac has been an interesting company. Risky start-up, moderate success, and then boom in the big leagues. With this comes the inevitable publicity and media attention. Unfortunately, Love Sac has just filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. Now, instead of blatant swagger and confidence, it seems that Shawn and Love Sac are swallowing a different pill.
I don't know what the status of Love Sac will be in a year from now, but if it were me, I would say its time to sell the Hummer and take the 80K and plan a gig in Vegas for all your loyal troops. Rally the troops! They are your most valuable asset (no pun intended.)
Web resources:
www.lovesac.com
http://www.shawndnelson.com/rebelShawn/
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=158290&nid=148
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Problem Solving Skills for Managers
If I were to take a survey of business managers in my town, and I asked them what one of their biggest time wasters and pet peeves would be, I would be willing to wager that the response would be "solving simple problems." As an employer one might say that that is the job responsibility of the manager, however I beg to argue that it is not.
From a managers perspective, I have a policy with my team that no one can complain, bring up, point fingers, or any of the such of any problem unless they have taken the time to formulate a solution. Granted, their solution may or may not be the ultimate use to solve the problem, but I believe that their is a certain percentage of people in this world that are more than happy to point out problems, but are never willing to do anything productive to solve it.
I understand the fundamental flaw that is associated with this theory. That is how difficult it seems to be to find people who are willing to do that. I am not so arrogant or ignorant to think that this is a natural born instinct that some people have (although, I met some teenagers who are sure close. Its probably the parents) So its my responsibility to train and motivate my team in sound problem solving skills. An interesting observation that I have had; younger people seem to respond better to this kind of managing than older people. I don't know if that is because it is different than other business philosophy's or that I am young, in any case its the way I choose to manage my team.
One thing that I have found to be very useful is to require my people to read on a consistent basis. Their are so many great books written on any subject imaginable. However their are a few that I require as soon as they start:
rhinoceros Success
7 Habits for Highly Effective People
The E-Myth
I think these three books are essential to building a successful and functioning team.
From a managers perspective, I have a policy with my team that no one can complain, bring up, point fingers, or any of the such of any problem unless they have taken the time to formulate a solution. Granted, their solution may or may not be the ultimate use to solve the problem, but I believe that their is a certain percentage of people in this world that are more than happy to point out problems, but are never willing to do anything productive to solve it.
I understand the fundamental flaw that is associated with this theory. That is how difficult it seems to be to find people who are willing to do that. I am not so arrogant or ignorant to think that this is a natural born instinct that some people have (although, I met some teenagers who are sure close. Its probably the parents) So its my responsibility to train and motivate my team in sound problem solving skills. An interesting observation that I have had; younger people seem to respond better to this kind of managing than older people. I don't know if that is because it is different than other business philosophy's or that I am young, in any case its the way I choose to manage my team.
One thing that I have found to be very useful is to require my people to read on a consistent basis. Their are so many great books written on any subject imaginable. However their are a few that I require as soon as they start:
rhinoceros Success
7 Habits for Highly Effective People
The E-Myth
I think these three books are essential to building a successful and functioning team.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
