Comments for business as i see it

Comment on size matters by Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:46:29 +0000

I know what you mean John. And I guess my thoughts on both small and medium is “it depends.” I’ve worke for medium in which what you describe is surely happening, and small where there wa just not enough talent or focus to be great. When the aspiration is to put quality, creative thinking and innovation first, and all are working to this objective, size doesn’t really matter between small and medium. The moment that focus is checked at the the door for process for process stake, or who’s or control, then it’s lost. Anyway, there are magic places and times to be had. I hope.

Comment on size matters by john

john — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:59:39 +0000

melissa! i prefer smaller organizations, as the work stays meaningful AND rewarding. i won't say that meaningful work can't, or doesn't, happen in large organizations but the rewarding part is often lacking. in smaller organizations the impacts are more profound, success is shared, and mediocrity is hard to mask.

mid-sized organizations are tricky because you're on that razor's edge of becoming large. processes can become canon which squashes creativity rather than guidelines that direct focus. i think once you automate certain things and make them repeatable that a lot of the 'art' within the work is lost.

Comment on size matters by Melissa

Melissa — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:59:56 +0000

so, which do you prefer, John? And are these our only choices? I’ve enjoyed the midsize space myself, where attributes from small carry over for a well-run, efficient process provides a framework to assure profitability and discipline, but where talents shine and ideas can drive.

Comment on i don’t need a purpose slide. (no, really.. i don’t) by john

john — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:37 +0000

thank you, the consultant

Comment on i don’t need a purpose slide. (no, really.. i don’t) by GP

GP — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:10:55 +0000

Your best piece yet.

Comment on it’s time to declare your independence by Kari

Kari — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:13:09 +0000

Great post. I’m aware that the fear of the unknown keeps me where I am (professionally and physically), but this does bring up another thought. Would that friend of yours feel the same if their workweek and weekend were reversed? Say we work 2 days a week and had 5 days to live? I’d bet people would be 1. more productive at work and 2. happier at home.

Comment on don’t box me in: enterprise 2.0 employees working in an enterprise 1.0 world by john

john — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:54:47 +0000

@Alan â€” i would agree with that sentiment only if, as you said, decision makers are willing to listen (not just hear) and participate in the 2.0 communications channel. but remember, i’m not just talking about working with *web 2.0* platforms, i’m talking about a full-on change in the way we think about and do business. notions that we have to be working in an office from 9-5, or that if you’re reading a blog post or checking your twitter feed that you’re not actually working. i believe there’s much more to business 2.0 than just integrating web 2.0 platforms.

@Tim â€”Â i agree on all points; this isn’t strictly an age-related thing. what this is is people demanding to be treated like human beings. i absolutely loved that talk from gary hamel and i thank you immensely for that link.

Comment on don’t box me in: enterprise 2.0 employees working in an enterprise 1.0 world by Tim

Tim — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:12:24 +0000

Daniel Pink has it so right. But I have to agree with some commenters: This is not an age-related thing, at least not as far as I can see. Lots of older workers – I am 63 – have been waiting for new technologies to break open the organization. We do want to work what we want to work on as well, that’s not new. I recommend watching this video from Gary Hamel on the need for new organizations that are focused on humans, not work: http://goo.gl/dcWNO.

Comment on don’t box me in: enterprise 2.0 employees working in an enterprise 1.0 world by Alan Waldron

Alan Waldron — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:27:59 +0000

Maybe in smaller companies a 2.0 mentality can work throughout. But I’ve found that 2.0 communication layers nicely over a 1.0 structure as long as the decision makers (or “higher-ups”) are willing to listen and participate in that 2.0 communication channel.

This way, experience is rewarded (as it should be) and everyone in the organization has a voice.

Comment on great (cost) expectations: why ebooks make people angry by JStell

JStell — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:33:23 +0000

I would like to add that you can do so much more with the printed book. You can prop up a table to make it even or give a small person a little bit more height. You can also do a book swap with your friends. It also is less of a carbon foot print for ebooks. Last time I checked e-ink doesn’t get stuck in landfills. All reasons why they should be less money.