Before we begin . If the regimental commander lost most of his 2nd lieutenants and 1st lieutenants and captains and majors, it would be a tragedy. If

Before we Before we begin …begin …

If the regimental commander lost most If the regimental commander lost most of his 2nd lieutenants and 1st of his 2nd lieutenants and 1st

lieutenants and captains and majors, it lieutenants and captains and majors, it would be a tragedy. would be a tragedy. If he lost his If he lost his serserggeants it would be a eants it would be a

catastrocatastropphehe..The Army and the Navy are fully aware The Army and the Navy are fully aware

that success on the battlefield is that success on the battlefield is dependent to an extraordinary degree dependent to an extraordinary degree

on its Sergeants and Chief Petty on its Sergeants and Chief Petty Officers. Does industry have the same Officers. Does industry have the same

awareness?awareness?

#1#1 cause of cause ofemployee employee

Dis-satisfaction?Dis-satisfaction?

Employee retention & satisfaction:Employee retention & satisfaction: OverwhelminOverwhelminggllyy, ,

based on the based on the first-line first-line manamanagger!er!

Source: Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman, Source: Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman, First, Break All the First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do DifferentlyRules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently

I am sure you “spend time” I am sure you “spend time” on this. My question: Is it an on this. My question: Is it an

… … OBSESSIONOBSESSION … …worthy of the impact it has worthy of the impact it has on enterprise performance?on enterprise performance?

Suggested addition to your statement of Core Suggested addition to your statement of Core Competencies: Competencies: “We are obsessed “We are obsessed

with developing a cadre of 1st with developing a cadre of 1st line managers that is second to line managers that is second to none—we understand that this none—we understand that this cadre per se is arguably one of cadre per se is arguably one of

our top two or three most our top two or three most important ‘Strategic Assets.’”important ‘Strategic Assets.’”

Six “Obvious” QuestionsSix “Obvious” Questions(1) Are you, Big Boss, a ... (1) Are you, Big Boss, a ... f-o-r-m-a-l student of front-f-o-r-m-a-l student of front-line supervisor behavioral excellence?* line supervisor behavioral excellence?* (*Yes, this sort (*Yes, this sort of thing can be formally studied.)of thing can be formally studied.)(2) Do you spend ... (2) Do you spend ... gobs and gobs (and then more and gobs and gobs (and then more and more gobs and gobs) of time ... selecting the first-line more gobs and gobs) of time ... selecting the first-line supervisors?supervisors?(3) Do you have the ... (3) Do you have the ... absolute best training program absolute best training program in the industry ... (or some subset thereof) for first-line in the industry ... (or some subset thereof) for first-line supervisors?supervisors?(4) Do you Formally & Rigorously ... (4) Do you Formally & Rigorously ... mentor ... first-line mentor ... first-line supervisors?supervisors?(5) Are you willing, pain notwithstanding, to (5) Are you willing, pain notwithstanding, to ... leave a ... leave a first-line supervisor slot open ... until you can fill the first-line supervisor slot open ... until you can fill the slot with somebody spectacular? (And are you willing to slot with somebody spectacular? (And are you willing to use some word like ... use some word like ... “spectacular”“spectacular” ... in judging ... in judging applicants for the job?)applicants for the job?)(6) Is it possible that promotion decisions for first-line (6) Is it possible that promotion decisions for first-line supervisors are more important than promotion supervisors are more important than promotion decisions for VP slots?) (Hint: decisions for VP slots?) (Hint: YesYes.).)

Capital Asset Capital Asset **Selecting and training and**Selecting and training and mentoring one’s pool of front- mentoring one’s pool of front- line managers can be a “Core line managers can be a “Core Competence” of surpassing Competence” of surpassing strategic importance. strategic importance.**Put under a microscope every**Put under a microscope every attribute of the cradle-to- attribute of the cradle-to- grave process of building the grave process of building the capability of our cadre of capability of our cadre of front-line managers. front-line managers.


problem #1.Opportunity

#1.

XFX = XFX = #1#1

Never Never waste a waste a lunch!lunch!

????????

% XF % XF lunches*lunches*

*Measure! Monthly! Part of evaluation! [The PA’s *Measure! Monthly! Part of evaluation! [The PA’s Club.]Club.]

Lunch Lunch > SAP/> SAP/OracleOracle

““Allied commands depend Allied commands depend on mutual confidence on mutual confidence [and this confidence] [and this confidence] is gained, above all is gained, above all

through the through the develodeveloppmentment ofof friendshifriendshippss.”.”

——General D.D. Eisenhower, General D.D. Eisenhower, Armchair GeneralArmchair General* (05.08)* (05.08)

*“Perhaps his most outstanding ability [at West Point]*“Perhaps his most outstanding ability [at West Point] was the ease with which he was the ease with which he made friends and earned the made friends and earned the

trusttrust of fellow cadets who came from widely varied of fellow cadets who came from widely varied backgrounds; it was a quality that would pay greatbackgrounds; it was a quality that would pay great

dividends during his future coalition commanddividends during his future coalition command

Geologists + Geologists + Geophysicists + Geophysicists +

A little bit of love =A little bit of love =

OilOil

““XFXXFX Social Social Accelerators.” Accelerators.” 1. EVERYONE’s [more or less] JOB #1: Make friends in other 1. EVERYONE’s [more or less] JOB #1: Make friends in other functions! functions! (Purposefully. Consistently. Measurably.)(Purposefully. Consistently. Measurably.)2. “Do lunch” with people in other functions!! Frequently!! 2. “Do lunch” with people in other functions!! Frequently!! (Minimum 10% to 25% for everyone? (Minimum 10% to 25% for everyone? Measured.)Measured.)3. Ask peers in other functions for references so you can become 3. Ask peers in other functions for references so you can become conversant in their world. (It’s one helluva sign of ... GIVE-A-DAMN-conversant in their world. (It’s one helluva sign of ... GIVE-A-DAMN-ism.)ism.)4. Invite counterparts in other functions to your team meetings. 4. Invite counterparts in other functions to your team meetings. Religiously. Ask them to present “cool stuff” from “their world” to Religiously. Ask them to present “cool stuff” from “their world” to your group. (B-I-G deal; useful and respectful.)your group. (B-I-G deal; useful and respectful.)5.5. PROACTIVELY SEEK EXAMPLES OF “TINY” ACTS OF “XFX” TO PROACTIVELY SEEK EXAMPLES OF “TINY” ACTS OF “XFX” TO ACKNOWLEDGE—PRIVATELY AND PUBLICALLY. (Bosses: ACKNOWLEDGE—PRIVATELY AND PUBLICALLY. (Bosses: ONCE A DAYONCE A DAY … make a short call or visit or send an email of “Thanks” for some … make a short call or visit or send an email of “Thanks” for some sort of XFX gesture by your folks and some other function’s folks.)sort of XFX gesture by your folks and some other function’s folks.)6. Present counterparts in other functions awards for service to 6. Present counterparts in other functions awards for service to your group. Tiny awards at least weekly; and an your group. Tiny awards at least weekly; and an “Annual All-Star “Annual All-Star Supporters [from other groups] Banquet” modeled after superstar Supporters [from other groups] Banquet” modeled after superstar salesperson banquets.salesperson banquets.7. Discuss—A SEPARATE AGENDA ITEM—good and problematic acts 7. Discuss—A SEPARATE AGENDA ITEM—good and problematic acts of cross-functional co-operation at every Team Meeting.of cross-functional co-operation at every Team Meeting.

““XFX XFX SocialSocial Accelerators.” Accelerators.” 8. When someone in another function asks for assistance, respond 8. When someone in another function asks for assistance, respond with … with … more … alacrity than you would if it were the person in the more … alacrity than you would if it were the person in the cubicle next to yours—or even more than you would for a key cubicle next to yours—or even more than you would for a key external customer. (Remember, XFX is the key to Customer external customer. (Remember, XFX is the key to Customer Retention which is in turn the key to “all good things.”)Retention which is in turn the key to “all good things.”)9.9. Do not bad mouth ... “the damned accountants,” “the bloody HR Do not bad mouth ... “the damned accountants,” “the bloody HR guy.” Ever.guy.” Ever. (Bosses: Severe penalties for this—including (Bosses: Severe penalties for this—including public public tongue-lashings.)tongue-lashings.)10. Get physical!! 10. Get physical!! “Co-location” may well be the most powerful “Co-location” may well be the most powerful “culture change lever.” “culture change lever.” Physical X-functional proximity is almost a Physical X-functional proximity is almost a … … guarantee … of remarkably improved co-operation—to aid this guarantee … of remarkably improved co-operation—to aid this one needs flexible workspaces that can be mobilized for a team in a one needs flexible workspaces that can be mobilized for a team in a flash.flash.11. Formal evaluations. 11. Formal evaluations. Everyone, starting with the receptionist, Everyone, starting with the receptionist, should have a significant XF rating component in their evaluation.should have a significant XF rating component in their evaluation. (The “XFX Performance” should be among the Top 3 items in all (The “XFX Performance” should be among the Top 3 items in all managers’ evaluations.)managers’ evaluations.)12. Demand XF experience for, especially, senior jobs. For example, 12. Demand XF experience for, especially, senior jobs. For example, the U.S. military requires all would-be generals and admirals to the U.S. military requires all would-be generals and admirals to have served a full tour in a job whose only goals were cross-have served a full tour in a job whose only goals were cross-functional achievements.functional achievements.13. XFX is … PERSONAL … as well as about organizational 13. XFX is … PERSONAL … as well as about organizational effectiveness. PXFX [Personal XFX] is arguably the #1 Accelerant to effectiveness. PXFX [Personal XFX] is arguably the #1 Accelerant to personal success—in terms of organizational career, personal success—in terms of organizational career, free-lancer/Brand You, or as entrepreneur. free-lancer/Brand You, or as entrepreneur.

THE WHOLE POINT HERE IS THAT “XFX” IS THE WHOLE POINT HERE IS THAT “XFX” IS ALMOST CERTAINALY THE #1 OPPORTUNITY ALMOST CERTAINALY THE #1 OPPORTUNITY FOR STRATEGIC DIFFERENTIATION. WHILE FOR STRATEGIC DIFFERENTIATION. WHILE

MANY WOULD LIKELY AGREE, IN OUR MANY WOULD LIKELY AGREE, IN OUR MOMENT-TO-MOMENT AFFAIRS, XFX MOMENT-TO-MOMENT AFFAIRS, XFX PER SE PER SE

IS NOT SO OFTEN VISIBLY & PERPETUALLY AT IS NOT SO OFTEN VISIBLY & PERPETUALLY AT THE TOP OF EVERY AGENDA. I ARGUE HERE THE TOP OF EVERY AGENDA. I ARGUE HERE

FOR NO LESS THAN …FOR NO LESS THAN …

VISIBLE.VISIBLE.CONSTANT.CONSTANT.OBSESSION.OBSESSION.

““Suck down for Suck down for success!” * ** *** **** success!” * ** *** **** ********

*“He [Gust Avarkotos] had become something *“He [Gust Avarkotos] had become something of a legend with these people who manned the of a legend with these people who manned the underbelly of the Agency [CIA],”underbelly of the Agency [CIA],” fromfrom Charlie Charlie Wilson’s War Wilson’s War **Getting to know “the risk guys” [GE Power] **Getting to know “the risk guys” [GE Power] ******“Spend less time with your customer!”“Spend less time with your customer!”

********C(I) > C(E)C(I) > C(E) *****The ATT systems sales exec*****The ATT systems sales exec

C(I) > C(E)C(I) > C(E)LunchLunchKudosKudosLearning/ Presence/PresentationsLearning/ Presence/PresentationsFacetime C(E)Facetime C(E)TransparencyTransparencyAwardsAwardsCo-locate/Geologists-GeophysicistsCo-locate/Geologists-GeophysicistsTime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Motherhood (“If don’t take credit …)Motherhood (“If don’t take credit …)Staff C.Sat./UnicreditStaff C.Sat./Unicredit


1980:1980: “Strategic “Strategic Thrust Thrust

Overlay”Overlay”

GEGEInflationInflationR&D/BusinessR&D/Business Development DevelopmentRisk managementRisk managementWorkoutWorkoutVA/ServiceVA/ServiceSix SigmaSix Sigma

G[B]TD: TacticsG[B]TD: TacticsSmall [but powerful] CentralSmall [but powerful] Central “Staff”* [*Line-like] “Staff”* [*Line-like]Senior “Homegrown” Boss [& Staff]Senior “Homegrown” Boss [& Staff]Enormous Incentives [$/Eval]Enormous Incentives [$/Eval]Line Accountability [Line Accountability [NotNot “Matrix” “Matrix” ] ]Demo-led [Emergent Methodology]Demo-led [Emergent Methodology]“Tour of [External] Excellence”“Tour of [External] Excellence”“Blitz” Training“Blitz” TrainingCentral Unit/Finite LifeCentral Unit/Finite LifeSpeed!Speed!Goal: “Culture Change”Goal: “Culture Change”

G[B]TD: TacticsG[B]TD: TacticsSmall [but powerful] CentralSmall [but powerful] Central “Staff”* [*Line-like] “Staff”* [*Line-like]Senior “Homegrown” Boss [& Staff]Senior “Homegrown” Boss [& Staff]Enormous Incentives [$/Eval]Enormous Incentives [$/Eval]Line Accountability [Line Accountability [NotNot “Matrix” “Matrix” ] ]Demo-led [Emergent Methodology]Demo-led [Emergent Methodology]“Tour of [External] Excellence”“Tour of [External] Excellence”“Blitz” Training“Blitz” TrainingCentral Unit/Finite LifeCentral Unit/Finite LifeSpeed!Speed!Goal: “Culture Change”!Goal: “Culture Change”!

Study Study CiscoCisco:: Councils/ Councils/

“Emergent “Emergent Leadership”Leadership”


“I am often asked by I am often asked by would-be entrepreneurs would-be entrepreneurs seeking escape from life seeking escape from life within huge corporate within huge corporate structures, ‘How do I structures, ‘How do I build a small firm for build a small firm for myself?’ The answer myself?’ The answer

seems obviousseems obvious … …

“I am often asked by would-be entrepreneurs seeking escape from life within huge corporate structures, ‘How

do I build a small firm for myself?’ The answer seems

obvious: Buy a very Buy a very largelarge

one and just one and just waitwait.”.” —Paul Ormerod, Why Most Things

Fail: Evolution, Extinction and Economics

““Mr. Foster and his McKinsey colleagues Mr. Foster and his McKinsey colleagues collected detailed performance data stretching collected detailed performance data stretching

back back 4040 years for years for 1,0001,000 U.S. companies. U.S. companies.

TheTheyy found that found that nonenone ofof the lon the longg-term survivors mana-term survivors managged to ed to outoutpperform the market. Worse, the erform the market. Worse, the lonlongger comer comppanies had been in the anies had been in the

database, the worse thedatabase, the worse theyy did did.” .” —Financial Times—Financial Times

““It’s just a fact:It’s just a fact:

Survivors Survivors underperform.”underperform.”

—Dick Foster—Dick Foster

““Data drawn from the real world Data drawn from the real world attest to a fact that is beyond attest to a fact that is beyond

our control:our control: Everything in existence tends to deteriorate.” —Norberto Odebrecht, —Norberto Odebrecht, Education Through WorkEducation Through Work

#4 Japan#4 Japan#3 USA#3 USA

#2 China#2 China

#1 #1 GermanyGermany

Reason:Reason:

Mittelstand!Mittelstand!


Conrad Hilton, at a gala Conrad Hilton, at a gala celebrating his career,celebrating his career,

was asked … was asked …

The “3H The “3H Theory of Theory of

Everything”Everything”

All you need to know …All you need to know …

HiltonHiltonHowardHowardHerbHerb



Conrad Hilton, at a gala Conrad Hilton, at a gala celebrating his career,celebrating his career,

was asked, was asked, “What was the most important lesson you’ve learned in you

long and distinguished career?” His immediate His immediate

answer …answer …

““remember remember to tuck the to tuck the

shower curtain shower curtain inside the inside the bathtubbathtub””

““Execution Execution isis strategy.strategy.””

—Fred Malek—Fred Malek

““In real life, strategyIn real life, strategy is actually very is actually very

straightforward. Pickstraightforward. Pick a general direction a general direction

and implementand implement like hell” like hell” —Jack Welch—Jack Welch

““The art of war does not The art of war does not require complicated require complicated

maneuvers; the simplest maneuvers; the simplest are the best and common are the best and common

sense is fundamental. From sense is fundamental. From which one might wonder which one might wonder how it is generals make how it is generals make

blunders; blunders; it is because theit is because theyy trtryy to be clever to be clever.”.” —Napoleon—Napoleon

InternalInternal organizational organizational excellence = excellence =

Deepest Deepest ““Blue Blue OceanOcean””



2255

Sunday “Drive By”:Sunday “Drive By”: The CEO of a very successful mid-sized The CEO of a very successful mid-sized bank, in the Mid-west, attended a seminar of mine in bank, in the Mid-west, attended a seminar of mine in Northern California in the mid-80s—but I remember the Northern California in the mid-80s—but I remember the following as if it were yesterday. I’ve forgotten the following as if it were yesterday. I’ve forgotten the specific context, but I recall him saying to me, pretty specific context, but I recall him saying to me, pretty much word for word,much word for word, “Tom let me tell you “Tom let me tell you the definition of a good lending the definition of a good lending officer. After church on Sunday, on officer. After church on Sunday, on the way home with his family, he the way home with his family, he takes a little detour to drive by the takes a little detour to drive by the factory he just lent money to. factory he just lent money to. Doesn’t go in or any such thing, Doesn’t go in or any such thing, just drives by and takes a look.”just drives by and takes a look.”

Dov Frohman:Dov Frohman: The “50% The “50% Rule” Rule” Dov Frohman:Dov Frohman: “Daydream!” “Daydream!”



““You have to You have to treat your treat your

employees like employees like customers.”customers.” —Herb —Herb

Kelleher, upon being asked his “secret to success”Kelleher, upon being asked his “secret to success”

Source: Joe Nocera, Source: Joe Nocera, NYTNYT, “Parting Words of an Airline Pioneer,” on the occasion of , “Parting Words of an Airline Pioneer,” on the occasion of Herb Kelleher’s retirement after 37 years at Southwest Airlines (SWA’s pilots Herb Kelleher’s retirement after 37 years at Southwest Airlines (SWA’s pilots union took out a full-page ad in USA Today thanking HK for all he had done; union took out a full-page ad in USA Today thanking HK for all he had done; across the way in Dallas American Airlines’ pilots were picketing the Annual across the way in Dallas American Airlines’ pilots were picketing the Annual

Meeting)Meeting)

““We are a We are a ‘Life ‘Life

Success’ Success’ Company.”Company.”

Dave Liniger, founder, RE/MAX

““No matter what the No matter what the situation, situation, [the great manager’s][the great manager’s] first first response is always to think response is always to think

about the individual about the individual concerned and how things concerned and how things

can be arranged to help that can be arranged to help that individual experience individual experience success.”success.” —Marcus Buckingham, —Marcus Buckingham,

The One Thing You Need to KnowThe One Thing You Need to Know

Oath of Office:Oath of Office: Managers/Servant Leaders Managers/Servant LeadersOur goal is to serve our customers brilliantly and profitably Our goal is to serve our customers brilliantly and profitably overover the long haul.the long haul.Serving our customers brilliantly and profitably over the longServing our customers brilliantly and profitably over the long haul is a product of brilliantly serving, over the long haul, haul is a product of brilliantly serving, over the long haul, thethe people who serve the customer.people who serve the customer.Hence, our job as leaders—the alpha and the omega andHence, our job as leaders—the alpha and the omega and everything in between—is abetting the sustained growth everything in between—is abetting the sustained growth andand success and engagement and enthusiasm and commitment success and engagement and enthusiasm and commitment toto Excellence of those, one at a time, who directly or indirectlyExcellence of those, one at a time, who directly or indirectly serve the ultimate customer.serve the ultimate customer.

We—leaders of every stripe—are in the “Human Growth andWe—leaders of every stripe—are in the “Human Growth and Development and Success and Aspiration to ExcellenceDevelopment and Success and Aspiration to Excellence business.”business.”““We” We” [leaders][leaders] only grow when “they” only grow when “they” [each and every one of our colleagues][each and every one of our colleagues] areare growing.growing.““We” We” [leaders][leaders] only succeed when “they” only succeed when “they” [each and every one of our [each and every one of our colleagues]colleagues] are succeeding.are succeeding.““We” We” [leaders][leaders] only energetically march toward Excellence when only energetically march toward Excellence when “ “they” they” [each and every one of our colleagues][each and every one of our colleagues] are energetically marching are energetically marching toward Excellence.toward Excellence.Period.Period.



3H3H: : HHilton, ilton, HHoward, oward, HHerberb ****Sweat the details!Sweat the details!****Stay in touch!Stay in touch!****It’s all about the people!It’s all about the people!


There is moreThere is more than one way to than one way to

skin a cat!*skin a cat!**Every project*Every project REQUIRES REQUIRES (if you’re smart) an outside (if you’re smart) an outside look by one/some Seriously Weird Cat/s—in pursuit oflook by one/some Seriously Weird Cat/s—in pursuit of

a whacked-out option. To considera whacked-out option. To consider

14,00014,00020,00020,000

14,00014,00020,00020,000

3030

14,000/14,000/eeBayBay20,000/Amazon20,000/Amazon

3030/Craigslist/Craigslist

The greatest dangerThe greatest dangerfor most of usfor most of us

is not that our aim isis not that our aim istoo hightoo high

and we miss it,and we miss it,but that it isbut that it is

too lowtoo lowand we reach it.and we reach it.

MichelangeloMichelangelo

““Insanely Insanely Great”Great”

Steve JobsSteve Jobs

““Radically Radically thrilling”thrilling”

BMW


MoreMoreMooreMoore

LONGLONG

Tom Peters’Tom Peters’

Excellence.Excellence.Always.Always.

Cabot CorporationCabot CorporationThe Dolder GrandThe Dolder Grand03 October 201003 October 2010

Part Part ONEONE

#1#1

Little =Little =

BIGBIG***Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister*Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister

#2#2

7X.7X. 7:30A-8:00P. 7:30A-8:00P.

F12A.F12A.7:30AM = 7:30AM = 7:15AM.7:15AM.

8:00PM = 8:00PM = 8:15PM.8:15PM.

2,000,0002,000,000

Conveyance: Kingfisher Air Conveyance: Kingfisher Air Location: Approach to New DelhiLocation: Approach to New Delhi

““May I clean May I clean your your

glasses, glasses, sir?”sir?”

It It BEGINSBEGINS (and (and ENDSENDS) )

in the …in the …

parkingparking lotlot**

*Disney*Disney

Zabar’s Zabar’s Parking Parking Garage Garage

<TG<TGWWand …and …

>TG>TGRR[Things Gone [Things Gone WRONGWRONG-Things Gone -Things Gone RIGHTRIGHT]]

““Perception Perception is allis all

there is”there is”

ComebackComeback[big, quick response][big, quick response]

>>>>PerfectionPerfection

THE PROBLEM IS THE PROBLEM IS RARELY/NEVER THE RARELY/NEVER THE

PROBLEM. THEPROBLEM. THE RESPONSERESPONSE TO THE TO THE PROBLEM INVARIABLY PROBLEM INVARIABLY ENDS UP BEING THE ENDS UP BEING THE

REAL PROBLEMREAL PROBLEM.**PERCEPTION IS ALL THERE IS!*PERCEPTION IS ALL THERE IS!

Press Ganey AssocPress Ganey Assoc:: 139,380139,380 former former patients from patients from 225225 hospitals: hospitals:

nonenone of THE top 15 of THE top 15

factors determining factors determining PPatient atient SSatisfaction referred to patient’s atisfaction referred to patient’s

health health outcomeoutcome

P.S.P.S. directldirectly related to y related to StaffStaff InteractionInteraction

P.P.S.P.P.S. directldirectly correlated with y correlated with EmploEmployyee ee SatisfactionSatisfaction

Source: Source: Putting Patients FirstPutting Patients First, Susan Frampton, Laura Gilpin, Patrick Charmel, Susan Frampton, Laura Gilpin, Patrick Charmel

““There is a misconception that supportive interactions require There is a misconception that supportive interactions require more staff or more time and are therefore more costly. Although more staff or more time and are therefore more costly. Although

labor costs are a substantial part of any hospital budget, the labor costs are a substantial part of any hospital budget, the interactions themselves add nothing to the budget. interactions themselves add nothing to the budget.

Kindness is Kindness is freefree.. Listening to patients or answering their Listening to patients or answering their

questions costs nothing. It can be argued that negative questions costs nothing. It can be argued that negative interactions—alienating patients, being non-responsive to their interactions—alienating patients, being non-responsive to their needs or limiting their sense of control—can be very costly. … needs or limiting their sense of control—can be very costly. …

Angry, frustrated or frightened patients may be combative, Angry, frustrated or frightened patients may be combative, withdrawn and less cooperative—requiring far more time withdrawn and less cooperative—requiring far more time than it would have taken to interact with them initially in a than it would have taken to interact with them initially in a

positive way.”positive way.” ——Putting Patients FirstPutting Patients First, Susan Frampton, , Susan Frampton, Laura Gilpin, Patrick CharmelLaura Gilpin, Patrick Charmel

K = R = K = R = PP

Kindness = Repeat business = Profit.Kindness = Repeat business = Profit.

K = R = P/Kindness = Repeat business = Profit/K = R = P/Kindness = Repeat business = Profit/Kindness:Kindness:KindKindThoughtful.Thoughtful.Decent. Decent. Caring. Caring. Attentive.Attentive.Engaged.Engaged.Listens well/obsessively.Listens well/obsessively.Appreciative.Appreciative.Open.Open.Visible.Visible.Honest.Honest.Responsive.Responsive.On time all the time.On time all the time.Apologizes with dispatch for screwups.Apologizes with dispatch for screwups.““Over”-reacts to screwups of any magnitude.Over”-reacts to screwups of any magnitude.““Professional” in all dealings.Professional” in all dealings.Optimistic.Optimistic.Understand that kindness to staff breeds kindness to others/outsiders.Understand that kindness to staff breeds kindness to others/outsiders.Applies throughout the “supply chain.”Applies throughout the “supply chain.”Applies to 100% of customer’s staff.Applies to 100% of customer’s staff.Explicit part of values statement.Explicit part of values statement.Basis for evaluation of 100% of our staff.Basis for evaluation of 100% of our staff.

““Courtesies of a small Courtesies of a small and trivial character are and trivial character are

the ones which strike the ones which strike deepest in the grateful deepest in the grateful

and appreciating heart.”and appreciating heart.”

—Henry Clay

Edward VIIEdward VIIB. FranklinB. FranklinOr Not: Clinton-Cornwallis-Yorktown

““Gentlemen, you must Gentlemen, you must pardon me, for I have not pardon me, for I have not only grown gray but blind only grown gray but blind

in the service of my in the service of my country.”country.” —George Washington, Newburgh, —George Washington, Newburgh,

New York (New York (WSJWSJ/0215.10)/0215.10)

#3#3

Big carts =Big carts =

1.5X1.5XSource: Wal*MartSource: Wal*Mart

Bag sizes = New markets:Bag sizes = New markets:

$B$BSource: PepsiCoSource: PepsiCo

Socks = Socks = 10,00010,000**

*Deep Vein Thrombosis/UK*Deep Vein Thrombosis/UK

#4#4

Up,Up, Up,Up, Up, Up,

UpUp

the Value-added Ladder.the Value-added Ladder.

The Value-added Ladder

ServicesServicesGoodsGoods

Raw Materials Raw Materials

And in And in Milwaukee …Milwaukee …

Experience: “Rebel Lifestyle!”

“What we sell is the “What we sell is the ability for a 43-year-old ability for a 43-year-old accountant to dress in accountant to dress in

black leather, ride black leather, ride through small towns and through small towns and

have people be afraidhave people be afraid of him.” of him.”

HarleyHarley exec, quoted in Results-Based Leadership

““Experiences Experiences are as distinct are as distinct

from services as from services as services are from services are from goods.”goods.” —Joe Pine & Jim Gilmore, The

Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage

The Value-added Ladder

Scintillating Scintillating EXPERIENCESEXPERIENCES



#5#5

““Design is Design is treated like treated like a religiona religion at at

BMW.”BMW.” —Fortune—Fortune

All EAll Eqqual ual ExceExcepptt … …“At Sony we assume that all “At Sony we assume that all products of our competitors products of our competitors

have basically the same have basically the same technology, price, performance technology, price, performance and features.and features. DesiDesiggn is the n is the

onlonlyy thin thingg that that differentiates one differentiates one

pproduct from another roduct from another in the marketin the marketpplacelace.”.” ——

NorioNorio OhgaOhga

““We don’t have a good language to We don’t have a good language to talk about this kind of thing. In talk about this kind of thing. In

most people’s vocabularies, design most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. … But to me, nothing means veneer. … But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning could be further from the meaning

of design.of design. Design is the Design is the fundamentalfundamental soulsoul

of a man-made of a man-made creation.”creation.” —Steve Jobs—Steve Jobs

““Design is Design is evereveryythinthing. g. Everything is Everything is desidesiggnn.”.”““We are We are allall designers.” designers.”

Inspiration:Inspiration: The Power of Design: A Force for The Power of Design: A Force for Transforming Everything, Transforming Everything, Richard FarsonRichard Farson

E.g.:E.g.:

New ZealandNew Zealand(“Better By Design”)(“Better By Design”)

KoreaKorea

#6#6

LEAVE ITLEAVE IT

TO TO BEAVER.BEAVER.

Trapper:

<$20<$20 per beaver pelt.

Source: WSJ

wdcp/“Wildlife wdcp/“Wildlife Damage-control Damage-control

Professional”:Professional”: $$150150 to to “remove” “problem “remove” “problem

beaver”; beaver”; $$750750-$-$1,0001,000 for flood-control piping … for flood-control piping … so that beavers can stay.so that beavers can stay.

Source: Source: WSJWSJ

7X7X toto 40X40Xfor for

“Solution”“Solution” [rather than “service transaction”][rather than “service transaction”]

Up,Up, Up,Up, Up, Up,

UpUp

the Value-added Ladder.the Value-added Ladder.

$50B+*$50B+**IBM Global Services/*IBM Global Services/

“Systems integrator of choice”“Systems integrator of choice”

Planetary Rainmaker-in-Chief!

“Palmisano’s strategy is “Palmisano’s strategy is to expand tech’s to expand tech’s

borders by pushing borders by pushing users—and entire users—and entire

industries—industries—toward toward radicallradicallyy different different

business modelsbusiness models.. The payoff for IBM would be access to an ocean of revenue—Palmisano

estimates it at $500 billion a year$500 billion a year —that technology

companies have never been able to touch.” —Fortune

““Big Brown’s New Bag: UPSBig Brown’s New Bag: UPS Aims to Be theAims to Be the Traffic Traffic

Manager for Manager for CorCorpporate orate

AmericaAmerica”” —Headline/BW/2004

MasterCard MasterCard AdvisorsAdvisors

GE Enterprise SolutionsGE Enterprise Solutions** GE Enterprise Solutions delivers high-impact, GE Enterprise Solutions delivers high-impact, integrated solutions that improve customers’ integrated solutions that improve customers’

productivity and profitability. Enterprise Solutions productivity and profitability. Enterprise Solutions helps customers compete and win in a changing global helps customers compete and win in a changing global

environment by combining the power of GE’s environment by combining the power of GE’s intelligent technologies with its multi-industry intelligent technologies with its multi-industry experience and expertise. Enterprise Solutions experience and expertise. Enterprise Solutions

comprises high-tech, high-growth businesses including comprises high-tech, high-growth businesses including Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Security, GE Fanuc Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Security, GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, and Digital Energy. The business Intelligent Platforms, and Digital Energy. The business has 17,000 customer-focused associates in more than has 17,000 customer-focused associates in more than

60 countries around the world.60 countries around the world.

*from GE.com*from GE.com

““THE GIANT STALKING BIG OIL: THE GIANT STALKING BIG OIL:

How How SchlumbergerSchlumberger Is Rewriting the Rules of the Is Rewriting the Rules of the

Energy Game.”:Energy Game.”: “IPM [Integrated “IPM [Integrated Project Management] strays from Project Management] strays from [Schlumberger’s] traditional role [Schlumberger’s] traditional role as a service provider and moves as a service provider and moves

deeper into areas once dominated deeper into areas once dominated by the majors.”by the majors.”

Source: Source: BusinessWeekBusinessWeek cover story, January 2008 cover story, January 2008

HuHuggee:: Customer SatisfactionSatisfaction versus

Customer

SuccessSuccess

The Value-added Ladder/ OPPORTUNITY-SEEKINGOPPORTUNITY-SEEKING

Customer Success/ Customer Success/ Gamechanging Gamechanging

SolutionsSolutionsScintillating ExperiencesScintillating Experiences



Part Part TWOTWO

#7#7

19771977

MBWMBWAA

Managing By Wandering Around/Managing By Wandering Around/HPHP

19821982

Excellence1982: The Bedrock “Eight Basics”Excellence1982: The Bedrock “Eight Basics”

1. A Bias for 1. A Bias for ActionAction2. Close to the 2. Close to the CustomerCustomer3. 3. AutonomAutonomyy and and EntreEntreppreneurshireneurshipp4. Productivity Through 4. Productivity Through PeoPeopplele5. 5. Hands OnHands On, , Value-DrivenValue-Driven6. 6. Stick toStick to the Knitting the Knitting7. 7. SimSimpplele Form, Form, LeanLean Staff Staff8. Simultaneous 8. Simultaneous Loose-TightLoose-Tight Properties” Properties”

““Breakthrough” 82*Breakthrough” 82*

People! People! CustomersCustomers

! ! Action! Action! Values! Values!

**In Search of ExcellenceIn Search of Excellence

Hard Is SoftHard Is SoftSoft Is HardSoft Is Hard

Hard Is Hard Is SoftSoft (Plans, (Plans, ##ss))

Soft Is Soft Is HardHard (people, (people, customers, values, customers, values,

relationships)relationships)

20072007SydneSydne

yy

Organizations Organizations existexist to to serveserve. Period.. Period.Leaders Leaders live live toto serveserve. Period.. Period.

… … no less than no less than CathedralsCathedrals in which the full and in which the full and

awesome power of the awesome power of the Imagination and Spirit and Imagination and Spirit and native Entrepreneurial flairnative Entrepreneurial flair

of diverse individualsof diverse individuals is is unleashed in passionate unleashed in passionate pursuit of … pursuit of … ExcellenceExcellence..

““We are a We are a ‘Life ‘Life

Success’ Success’ Company.”Company.”

Dave Liniger, founder, RE/MAX

““No matter what the No matter what the situation, situation, [the great manager’s][the great manager’s] first first response is always to think response is always to think

about the individual about the individual concerned and how things concerned and how things

can be arranged to help that can be arranged to help that individual experience individual experience success.”success.” —Marcus Buckingham, —Marcus Buckingham,

The One Thing You Need to KnowThe One Thing You Need to Know

““Managing winds up being Managing winds up being the management of the the management of the allocation of resources allocation of resources

against tasks. Leadership against tasks. Leadership focuses on people. focuses on people. MMyy

definition of a leader definition of a leader is someone who is someone who

helhelpps s ppeoeopple le succeedsucceed.”.” —Carol Bartz, Yahoo!—Carol Bartz, Yahoo!

““The role of the Director is to The role of the Director is to create a space where the create a space where the actors and actresses canactors and actresses can become more than become more than they’ve ever been they’ve ever been before, more than before, more than

they’ve dreamed of they’ve dreamed of beingbeing.”.” —Robert Altman, Oscar acceptance —Robert Altman, Oscar acceptance

speechspeech

Organizing Genius / Warren Bennis and Patricia Ward Biederman

“Groups become great only when everyone in them, leaders and

members alike, is free to do his or is free to do his or her absolute besther absolute best.”.”

“The best thing a leader can do for a Great Group is to allow its allow its

members to discover their members to discover their ggreatnessreatness.”.”

Leadership’s Mt Everest/Mt Excellence

“free to do his or her free to do his or her absolute best” …absolute best” …

“allow its members to “allow its members to discover their discover their greatness.”greatness.”

““Business has to give people enriching, Business has to give people enriching,

rewarding lives … rewarding lives … or it's or it's simply not simply not

worth worth doingdoing.”.”

——Richard BransonRichard Branson

#9#9

““Development can help great Development can help great

people be even better—people be even better— but if but if I had a dollar to I had a dollar to

spend, I’d spend 70 spend, I’d spend 70 cents getting the cents getting the

right person in the right person in the doordoor.”.” ——Paul Russell, Director, Leadership &Paul Russell, Director, Leadership &

Development, Google Development, Google

““In short, hiring is In short, hiring is the the most immost impportant ortant

asasppect of ect of businessbusiness and yet and yet

remains woefully remains woefully misunderstood.”misunderstood.”

Source: Source: Wall Street JournalWall Street Journal, 10.29.08,, 10.29.08, review ofreview of Who: The A Method for Hiring, Who: The A Method for Hiring,

Geoff Smart and Randy StreetGeoff Smart and Randy Street

#1.#1.StrategicStrategic..Priority.Priority.Period.Period.

#10#10

““The The ONEONE Question”: Question”: “In the last year [3 years, current job], “In the last year [3 years, current job],

name the … name the … three three peoplepeople … whose growth you’ve … whose growth you’ve

most contributed to. Please explain where they were at the most contributed to. Please explain where they were at the beginning of the year, where they are today, and where they are beginning of the year, where they are today, and where they are

heading in the next 12 months. Please explain in painstaking detail heading in the next 12 months. Please explain in painstaking detail your development strategy in each case. Please tell me your your development strategy in each case. Please tell me your

biggest development disappointment—looking back, could you or biggest development disappointment—looking back, could you or would you have done anything differently? Please tell me about would you have done anything differently? Please tell me about your greatest development triumph—and disaster—in the last five your greatest development triumph—and disaster—in the last five

years. Whatyears. What are the ‘three big things’ you’ve learned about helping people are the ‘three big things’ you’ve learned about helping people

grow along the way.”grow along the way.”

2/year 2/year = =

legacy.legacy.

#11#11

Employee retention & satisfaction:Employee retention & satisfaction: OverwhelminOverwhelminggllyy, based on the , based on the

first-line first-line manamanagger!er!

Source: Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman, Source: Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman, First, Break All First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differentlythe Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently

#12#12

53 = 53 = 5353* *** ** *No “bit players”*No “bit players”**6B+ = 6B+**6B+ = 6B+

#13#13

Brand Brand = =

Talent.Talent.

Our MissionTo develop and manage To develop and manage

talent;talent;to apply that talent,to apply that talent,

throughout the world, throughout the world, for the benefit of clients;for the benefit of clients;to do so in partnership; to do so in partnership;

to do so with profit.to do so with profit.WPP

Part Part THREETHREE

#14#14

““The doctor The doctor interruptsinterrupts after …*after …*

*Source: Jerome Groupman, *Source: Jerome Groupman, How Doctors ThinkHow Doctors Think

1818 secondsseconds

[An obsession with] Listening is ... the ultimate mark[An obsession with] Listening is ... the ultimate mark of of RespectRespect..Listening is ... the heart and soul of Listening is ... the heart and soul of EngagementEngagement..Listening is ... the heart and soul of Listening is ... the heart and soul of KindnessKindness..Listening is ... the heart and soul of Listening is ... the heart and soul of ThoughtfulnessThoughtfulness..Listening is ... the basis for true Listening is ... the basis for true Collaboration.Collaboration.Listening is ... the basis for true Listening is ... the basis for true PartnershipPartnership..Listening is ... a Listening is ... a Team SportTeam Sport..Listening is ... a Listening is ... a Developable Individual SkillDevelopable Individual Skill.* .* (*Though women (*Though women are are farfar better at it than men.) better at it than men.)Listening is ... the basis for Listening is ... the basis for CommunityCommunity..Listening is ... the bedrock of Listening is ... the bedrock of Joint Ventures that workJoint Ventures that work..Listening is ... the bedrock of Listening is ... the bedrock of Joint Ventures thatJoint Ventures that lastlast..Listening is ... the core of Listening is ... the core of effective Cross-functional effective Cross-functional Communication* Communication* (*Which is in turn Attribute #1 of (*Which is in turn Attribute #1 of organizational effectiveness.)organizational effectiveness.)

[cont.][cont.]

Listening is ... the engine of Listening is ... the engine of superior EXECUTION.superior EXECUTION.Listening is ... the key to Listening is ... the key to making the Sale.making the Sale.Listening is ... the key to Listening is ... the key to Keeping the Customer’s BusinessKeeping the Customer’s Business..Listening is ... the engine of Listening is ... the engine of Network development.Network development.Listening is ... the engine of Listening is ... the engine of Network maintenanceNetwork maintenance..Listening is ... the engine of Listening is ... the engine of Network expansionNetwork expansion..Listening is ... Social Networking’s Listening is ... Social Networking’s “secret weapon.”“secret weapon.”Listening is ... Listening is ... Learning.Learning.Listening is ... the Listening is ... the sine qua non of Renewalsine qua non of Renewal..Listening is ... the Listening is ... the sine qua non of Creativitysine qua non of Creativity..Listening is ... the Listening is ... the sine qua non of Innovationsine qua non of Innovation..Listening is ... the core of Listening is ... the core of taking Diverse opinions aboardtaking Diverse opinions aboard..Listening is ... Listening is ... StrategyStrategy..Listening is ... Listening is ... Source #1 of “Value-added.”Source #1 of “Value-added.”Listening is ... Listening is ... Differentiator #1.Differentiator #1.Listening is ... Listening is ... Profitable.*Profitable.* (*The “R.O.I.” from listening is higher than(*The “R.O.I.” from listening is higher than from any other single activity.)from any other single activity.)Listening is … the bedrock which underpins a Listening is … the bedrock which underpins a Commitment toCommitment to EXCELLENCEEXCELLENCE

If If you agree with the above, shouldn’t listening be ... a Core you agree with the above, shouldn’t listening be ... a Core Value?Value?If you agree with the above, shouldn’t listening be ... perhaps If you agree with the above, shouldn’t listening be ... perhaps Core Value #1?* Core Value #1?* (*“We are Effective Listeners—we treat (*“We are Effective Listeners—we treat Listening EXCELLENCE as the Centerpiece of our Commitment Listening EXCELLENCE as the Centerpiece of our Commitment to Respect and Engagement and Community and Growth.”)to Respect and Engagement and Community and Growth.”)If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... a Core Competence?If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... a Core Competence?If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... Core Competence #1?If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... Core Competence #1?If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... an explicit “agenda item” If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... an explicit “agenda item” at every Meeting?at every Meeting?If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... our Strategy—per se? If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... our Strategy—per se? (Listening = Strategy.)(Listening = Strategy.)If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 skill we look for in If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 skill we look for in Hiring (for every job)?Hiring (for every job)?

If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 attribute we If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 attribute we examine in our Evaluations?examine in our Evaluations?If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 skill we look for If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 skill we look for in Promotion decisions?in Promotion decisions?If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 Training priority If you agree, shouldn’t listening be ... the #1 Training priority at every stage of everyone’s career—from Day #1 to Day at every stage of everyone’s career—from Day #1 to Day LAST?LAST?If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... in the next If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... in the next 30 MINUTES?30 MINUTES?If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... at your If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... at your NEXT meeting?NEXT meeting?If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... by the end If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... by the end of the DAY?of the DAY?If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... in the next If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... in the next 30 DAYS?30 DAYS?If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... in the next If you agree, what are you going to do about it ... in the next 12 MONTHS?12 MONTHS?

““You can make more You can make more friends in two months friends in two months bbyy becominbecomingg interested in interested in

other other ppeoeopple thanle than you can you can in two years by trying to in two years by trying to

get other people get other people interested in you.”interested in you.” —Dale

Carnegie

*Listening is of the*Listening is of the utmost … utmost … strategic importance! importance!*Listening is a proper … *Listening is a proper … core value ! ! *Listening is … *Listening is … trainable !!

*Listening is a … *Listening is a … profession ! !

*Listening is a … *Listening is a … professionprofession!!

ListenListen = Profession = Study = practice = evaluation = = Profession = Study = practice = evaluation = Enterprise value:

"We listen intently "We listen intently to and fully to and fully

engageengage all with whom all with whom

we work."we work."

#15#15

““The The fourfour most most importantimportant wordswords in any in any

organization are …organization are …

The four most important words in any organizationThe four most important words in any organization

are …are … “What do “What do youyou

think?”think?”

Source: courtesy Dave Wheeler, posted at tompeters.comSource: courtesy Dave Wheeler, posted at tompeters.com

Tomorrow: How Tomorrow: How many times will you many times will you

“ask the WDYT “ask the WDYT question”?question”?

[Count!] [Practice [Practice makes better!] [This is a makes better!] [This is a

STRATEGIC skill!]skill!]

#16#16

““The deepest The deepest human need is human need is

the … the … need to be need to be aappppreciatedreciated.”.”

—William James—William James

““One kind word can One kind word can warm three winter warm three winter

months.”months.” – Japanese Proverb– Japanese Proverb

#17#17

““I regard I regard aappoloologgizinizing as the g as the most magical, healing, most magical, healing,

restorative gesture human restorative gesture human beings can make. It is the beings can make. It is the

centerpiece of my work with centerpiece of my work with executives who want to get executives who want to get better.”better.” —Marshall Goldsmith—Marshall Goldsmith, What Got You , What Got You

Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People BecomeHere Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successfu. Even More Successfu.

Relationships (of all varieties): THERE THERE ONCE WAS A TIME WHEN A ONCE WAS A TIME WHEN A

THREETHREE--MINUTEMINUTE PHONEPHONE CALLCALL WOULD HAVE AVOIDED WOULD HAVE AVOIDED

SETTING OFF THE DOWNWARD SETTING OFF THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL THAT RESULTED IN A SPIRAL THAT RESULTED IN A

COMPLETE RUPTURE.COMPLETE RUPTURE.

*effective “Repair”/Apology is of the*effective “Repair”/Apology is of the utmost … utmost … strategicstrategic importance! importance!*effective repair is a proper …*effective repair is a proper … core core valuevalue ! ! *effective repair is …*effective repair is … trainabletrainable !!

*effective repair is a …*effective repair is a … professionprofession ! !

#18#18

Five Or Less Five Or Less Words To Words To The WiseThe Wise

EXCELLENCE/Five Or Less Words To The WiseEXCELLENCE/Five Or Less Words To The Wise

4 most important words: 4 most important words: “What do you think?”“What do you think?” (Dave Wheeler @ (Dave Wheeler @ tompeters.com: “Most important 4tompeters.com: “Most important 4 words in an organization.”)words in an organization.”)4 most important words: 4 most important words: “How can I help?”“How can I help?” (Boss as CHRO/ (Boss as CHRO/ Chief Hurdle Removal Officer)Chief Hurdle Removal Officer)2 most important words: 2 most important words: “Thank you!”“Thank you!” (Appreciation/ (Appreciation/ Recognition)Recognition)2 most important words: 2 most important words: “All yours.”“All yours.” (“Hands-off” delegation/ (“Hands-off” delegation/ Respect/Trust)Respect/Trust)3 most important words: 3 most important words: “I’m going out.”“I’m going out.” (MBWA/Managing By (MBWA/Managing By Wandering Around/In touch!)Wandering Around/In touch!)2 most important words: 2 most important words: “I’m sorry.”“I’m sorry.” (Power of unconditional (Power of unconditional apology = Stunning! Marshallapology = Stunning! Marshall Goldsmith: #1 exec issue)Goldsmith: #1 exec issue)5 most important words: 5 most important words: “Did you tell the customer?”“Did you tell the customer?” (Over- (Over- communicate) communicate) 2 most important words: 2 most important words: “She says …”“She says …” (“She” is the customer!) (“She” is the customer!)


2 most important words: 2 most important words: “Yes ma’am.”“Yes ma’am.” (Women are more often (Women are more often than not the best managers.) than not the best managers.) 2 most important words: 2 most important words: “Try it!”“Try it!” (My only “for sure” in 44 (My only “for sure” in 44 years:years: Herb Kelleher: Herb Kelleher: “We have a strategic“We have a strategic plan, it’s called doing things.”/plan, it’s called doing things.”/BillBill Parcells: Parcells: “Blame no one. Expect“Blame no one. Expect nothing. Do something.”nothing. Do something.”))3 most important words: 3 most important words: “Try it again!”“Try it again!” (My only “for sure” 44 (My only “for sure” 44 years: MOST TRIES WINS.)years: MOST TRIES WINS.)2 most important words: 2 most important words: “Good try!”“Good try!” (CELEBRATE “good (CELEBRATE “good failures.” Richard Farson/book:failures.” Richard Farson/book: Whoever Makes the Most MistakesWhoever Makes the Most Mistakes Wins. Wins. Samuel Beckett:Samuel Beckett: “Fail. Fail again. “Fail. Fail again. Fail better.”Fail better.”))3 most important words: 3 most important words: “At your service.”“At your service.” (Organizations exist (Organizations exist to serve. Period. Leaders live to serve.to serve. Period. Leaders live to serve. Period.)Period.)4 most important words: 4 most important words: “How are we doing?”“How are we doing?” (To customers, (To customers, regularly.)regularly.)4 most important words: 4 most important words: “How was Mary’s recital?”“How was Mary’s recital?” (Know your (Know your employees’ kids.)employees’ kids.)2 most important words: 2 most important words: “Let’s party!”“Let’s party!” (Celebrate “small wins” (Celebrate “small wins” atat the drop of a hat.) the drop of a hat.)


1 most important word: 1 most important word: “No.”“No.” (“To don’ts” > “To dos”) (“To don’ts” > “To dos”)1 most important word: 1 most important word: “Yes.”“Yes.” (Hey, give it a shot/Anon. quote: (Hey, give it a shot/Anon. quote: ““The best answer is always, ‘What theThe best answer is always, ‘What the hell.’”/hell.’”/Wayne Gretzky: Wayne Gretzky: “You miss“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”100% of the shots you don’t take.”))2 most important words: 2 most important words: “Lunch today?”“Lunch today?” (“Social stuff” = Secret (“Social stuff” = Secret to problem/opportunity #1:/XFX/to problem/opportunity #1:/XFX/ cross-functional Excellence.)cross-functional Excellence.)4 most important words: 4 most important words: “Thank Dick in accounting.”“Thank Dick in accounting.” (Readily (Readily acknowledge help from otheracknowledge help from other functions.)functions.)2 most important words: 2 most important words: “After you.”“After you.” (Courtesy rules.) (Courtesy rules.)3 most important words: 3 most important words: “Thanks for coming.”“Thanks for coming.” (Civility. E.g., (Civility. E.g., bossboss acknowledges employee coming toacknowledges employee coming to her/his office.) her/his office.) 2 most important words: 2 most important words: “Great smile!”“Great smile!” (Note & acknowledge (Note & acknowledge good attitude.)good attitude.)1 most important word: 1 most important word: “Wow!”“Wow!” (The gold standard … for (The gold standard … for everything.) everything.) 1 most important word: 1 most important word: “EXCELLENT!”“EXCELLENT!” (The … ONLY … (The … ONLY … acceptable standard/aspiration.)acceptable standard/aspiration.)

Part Part FOURFOUR

#19#19

try it. Try it. Try it. try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it.Try it. Try it. Try it.

Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Screw it Screw it up.up. Try it. Try it. Try Try it. Try it. Try

it. Try it. Try it. Try it. it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Screw it up.Screw it up. it. it. Try it. Try it. try it. Try it. Try it. try it.

Try it.Try it. Screw it up.Screw it up. Try Try it. Try it. Try it. it. Try it. Try it.

1/401/40

““We have a We have a ‘strategic plan.’ ‘strategic plan.’ It’s called It’s called doing doing thingsthings.”.” — Herb Kelleher

“This is so simple it sounds stupid, but it is amazing how few oil people really

understand that you only you only find oil if you find oil if you drill wellsdrill wells.. You may

think you’re finding it when you’re drawing maps and

studying logs, but you have to drill.”

Source: The Hunters, by John Masters, Canadian O & G wildcatter

““We made mistakes, of course. Most of them were We made mistakes, of course. Most of them were omissions we didn’t think of when we initially wrote the omissions we didn’t think of when we initially wrote the

software. software. We fixed them by doing it over and over, We fixed them by doing it over and over, again and again.again and again. We do the same today. While our We do the same today. While our competitors are still sucking their thumbs trying to competitors are still sucking their thumbs trying to

make the design perfect, we’re already on prototype make the design perfect, we’re already on prototype

versionversion ##55.. By the time our rivals areBy the time our rivals are ready with wires and screws, we are on versionready with wires and screws, we are on version

##1010.. It gets back to It gets back to planning versus actingplanning versus acting: : We act We act from day onefrom day one; ; others plan how others plan how toto planplan——for monthsfor months.”.” —Bloomberg by —Bloomberg by

BloombergBloomberg

““ExperimenExperiment t

fearlessly”fearlessly”Source: BusinessWeek, Type A Organization Strategies/

“How to Hit a Moving Target”—Tactic #1Tactic #1

Korea!Korea!

#20#20

Culture of PrototypingCulture of Prototyping

“Effective prototyping may “Effective prototyping may be be thethe most most

valuablevaluable core core competencecompetence an an

innovative organization can innovative organization can hope to have.”hope to have.” —Michael Schrage—Michael Schrage

Think about It!?Think about It!?

Innovation Innovation = = Reaction to the Reaction to the

PrototypePrototypeSource: Michael SchrageSource: Michael Schrage

#21#21

“SkunkWorks”/ “ParallelUniverse”

“the 1%1% solution”

Source: Scott Bedbury (Others: 3M, Google, Shell, NAVFAC)

#22#22

““Fail .Fail . Forward. Forward.

Fast.”Fast.”High Tech CEO, Pennsylvania

““Fail . Fail Fail . Fail again. Fail again. Fail better.”better.”

—Samuel Beckett—Samuel Beckett

““In business, you In business, you rewardreward people for taking people for taking risksrisks..

When it When it doesn’tdoesn’t workwork outout you you ppromoteromote them-because them-because they were willing to try new they were willing to try new

things. If people tell me things. If people tell me they skied all day and never they skied all day and never fell down, I tell them to tryfell down, I tell them to try

a different mountain.” a different mountain.” —Michael Bloomberg (—Michael Bloomberg (BWBW/0625.07)/0625.07)

Read This!Read This!

Richard Farson & Ralph Keyes:Richard Farson & Ralph Keyes: Whoever Makes Whoever Makes

the Most Mistakes the Most Mistakes Wins: The Paradox Wins: The Paradox

of Innovationof Innovation

““It is not enough to It is not enough to ‘tolerate’ failure—‘tolerate’ failure—

you must you must

‘celebrate’‘celebrate’ failure.”failure.” —Richard Farson (—Richard Farson (Whoever Makes the Whoever Makes the

Most Mistakes WinsMost Mistakes Wins))

““RewardReward excellent failures. PunishPunish mediocre

successes.”Phil Daniels, Sydney exec

““The secret of fast The secret of fast progress is progress is

inefficiencinefficiencyy, fast , fast and furious and and furious and

numerous failures.”numerous failures.”—Kevin Kelly—Kevin Kelly

#23#23

1/4,0001/4,000

““You miss You miss

100100%% of the shots of the shots you never you never

take.”take.” —Wayne—Wayne GretzkyGretzky

BLAME NOBODY.BLAME NOBODY.EXPECT EXPECT NOTHING.NOTHING.DO SOMETHING.DO SOMETHING.

Source: Locker room sign posted bySource: Locker room sign posted by football coach Bill Parcellsfootball coach Bill Parcells

Success 101:Success 101: “Whoever “Whoever tries the most stuff wins. tries the most stuff wins.

Failures are not to be Failures are not to be ‘tolerated,’ they are to ‘tolerated,’ they are to

be celebrated.”be celebrated.”

#24#24

We We areare the the companycompany we keepwe keep

Measure “Strangeness”/Portfolio QualityMeasure “Strangeness”/Portfolio QualityStaffStaff

ConsultantsConsultantsVendorsVendors

Out-sourcing Partners Out-sourcing Partners (#, Quality)(#, Quality)Innovation Alliance PartnersInnovation Alliance Partners

CustomersCustomersCompetitors Competitors (who we “benchmark” against)(who we “benchmark” against)

Strategic Initiatives Strategic Initiatives Product Portfolio Product Portfolio (LineEx v. Leap)(LineEx v. Leap)

IS/IT ProjectsIS/IT ProjectsHQ LocationHQ LocationLunch MatesLunch Mates

LanguageLanguageBoardBoard

The “We are what we eat”The “We are what we eat” axiom: axiom: At its core, At its core, evereveryy (!!!) (!!!)

relationship-partnership decision relationship-partnership decision (employee, vendor, customer, etc) is (employee, vendor, customer, etc) is

a a stratestrateggicic decision about: decision about:

“Innovate,“Innovate, ‘Yes’ or ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ ” ”

““[CEO A.G.] Lafley has shifted [CEO A.G.] Lafley has shifted P&G’sP&G’s focus on inventing focus on inventing all its own products to developingall its own products to developing

others’ others’ inventions at inventions at least half the least half the

timetime.. One successfulOne successful example, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, based on a product found in example, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, based on a product found in

an Osaka market.”an Osaka market.” ——FortuneFortune

CUSTOMERS: “Future-“Future-defining customers defining customers

may account for only may account for only 2%2% to to 3%3% of your total, of your total, but they represent a but they represent a

crucial window on crucial window on the future.”the future.”

Adrian Slywotzky, Mercer Consultants

““You will become You will become like the five people like the five people you associate with you associate with the most—this can the most—this can

be either a blessing be either a blessing or a curse.”or a curse.” —Billy Cox—Billy Cox

#25#25

““Who’s the most Who’s the most interesting person interesting person you’ve met in the you’ve met in the last 90 days? How last 90 days? How do I get in touch do I get in touch

with them?”with them?” —Fred Smith—Fred Smith

Vanity Fair:Vanity Fair: “What is your most “What is your most marked characteristic?”marked characteristic?”

Mike Bloomberg:Mike Bloomberg:

““Curiosity.”Curiosity.”

““Do one Do one thing every thing every

day that day that scares you.”scares you.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

#26#26

““d”iversityd”iversity

““Diverse groups of problem solvers—groupsDiverse groups of problem solvers—groups of people with diverse tools—consistently of people with diverse tools—consistently outperformed groups of the best and the outperformed groups of the best and the

brightest. If I formed two groups, one brightest. If I formed two groups, one randomrandom (and therefore diverse) and one (and therefore diverse) and one

consisting of the consisting of the bestbest individual performers, individual performers, the first group almost always did better. …the first group almost always did better. …

DiversityDiversity trumped trumped abilityability.”.” —Scott Page, —Scott Page, The Difference: How The Difference: How

the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups,the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies Diversity Firms, Schools, and Societies Diversity

#27#27

““The Billion-man The Billion-man Research Team: Research Team:

Companies offering Companies offering work to online work to online

communities are communities are reaping the benefits of reaping the benefits of

‘crowdsourcing.’”‘crowdsourcing.’” —Headline, —Headline, FTFT, 0110.07, 0110.07

Rob McEwen/CEO/CEO/Goldcorp Inc./Goldcorp Inc./

Red Lake Red Lake goldSource: Source: Wikinomics: How Mass

Collaboration Changes Everything, Don Tapscott & Anthony Williams

#28#28

All You Need to Know All You Need to Know About “Sources of About “Sources of

Innovation” …Innovation” …

All You Need to Know About All You Need to Know About “Sources of Innovation”:“Sources of Innovation”:

Angry Angry people!people! [angry with [angry with

the status quo]the status quo]

#29#29

Iron Innovation Equality Law:Iron Innovation Equality Law: The quality and The quality and

quantity and quantity and imaginativenessimaginativeness

of innovation shall be of innovation shall be the same in all the same in all

functionsfunctions —e.g., in HR and —e.g., in HR and purchasing as much as in marketing or purchasing as much as in marketing or

product development.*product development.*

*This is …*This is …

Strategic!Strategic!

#30#30

Innovation IndexInnovation Index:: How many of your Top 5Top 5 Strategic

Initiatives/Key Projects score 88 or higher or higher [out of 10] on a

“Weird”“Weird”/ / “Profound”“Profound”/ / “Wow”“Wow”//“Game- changer”“Game- changer”

Scale?

#31#31

Inno16Inno16

The INNO16: The INNO16: Innovation’s “Sixteen Imperatives”Innovation’s “Sixteen Imperatives”

(1)(1) Try it. Try it. (“1/40”: “Whoever tries the most stuff wins.”)(“1/40”: “Whoever tries the most stuff wins.”) (“R.F.A.”/Ready. Fire. Aim.)(“R.F.A.”/Ready. Fire. Aim.) (2)(2) Celebrate Celebrate failure. failure. ““Whoever makes the most mistakes wins.”Whoever makes the most mistakes wins.” “ “Fail. Fail again. Fail better.”Fail. Fail again. Fail better.” “ “Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes.”Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes.”(3) Decentralize. Decentralize. (Organic growth bias.)(Organic growth bias.)(4)(4) Parallel Universe. Parallel Universe. 1% “play money” 1% “play money” Internal VC fundInternal VC fund “ “Skunkworks”Skunkworks” (5)(5) “We are what we eat”: We are who we spend “We are what we eat”: We are who we spend time with.” time with.” (6)(6) “d”iversity. “d”iversity. ((EveryEvery dimension.) dimension.)(7)(7) Co-invent with (all) outsiders. Co-invent with (all) outsiders. ((Exploit electronicExploit electronic communities.)communities.)

The INNO16: Innovation’s “Sixteen Imperatives” (Cont.)The INNO16: Innovation’s “Sixteen Imperatives” (Cont.)

(8)(8) “Strategic”“Strategic” Listening = Core competence. Listening = Core competence. (9)(9) Hire and promote 100% innovators. Hire and promote 100% innovators. Innovator’s characteristic = Angry. Innovator’s characteristic = Angry. CEO=Innovation “bias.” (“You must be …”/Gandhi)CEO=Innovation “bias.” (“You must be …”/Gandhi)(10)(10) XFX/Cross-functional Excellence!! (#1?) XFX/Cross-functional Excellence!! (#1?)(11)(11) Chief Complexity/Systems Destruction Chief Complexity/Systems Destruction Officer.Officer.(12)(12) R&D Equality. R&D Equality. All functions equal. (VA centerpiece./All functions equal. (VA centerpiece./AllAll staff VA-meisters.) staff VA-meisters.)(13)(13) Top quartile R&D spendingTop quartile R&D spending (So, too, our(So, too, our partners.)partners.)(14)(14) All projects All projects (Must have (Must have something something new.) (“WOW new.) (“WOW standard.”)standard.”) (15)(15) Fun! Fun! (Enjoy breaking the rules.)(Enjoy breaking the rules.)(16)(16) All businesses!! All businesses!!

Part Part FIVEFIVE

#32#32

#1 Truthteller …#1 Truthteller …

You = You = Your Your

calendarcalendar***Calendars *Calendars nevernever lielie

““I used to have a rule for myself that at any point in I used to have a rule for myself that at any point in time I wanted to have in mind time I wanted to have in mind — as it so happens, — as it so happens, also in writing, on a little card I carried around with also in writing, on a little card I carried around with me — the three big things I was trying to get done. me — the three big things I was trying to get done.

ThreeThree..

Not two. Not two. Not four. Not four. Not five.Not five.Not ten.Not ten.Three.”Three.”

— Richard Haass, — Richard Haass, The Power to PersuadeThe Power to Persuade

““If there is any one ‘secret’ If there is any one ‘secret’ to effectiveness, it is to effectiveness, it is

concentration. Effective concentration. Effective executives do first things executives do first things

first and they do one thing first and they do one thing at a time.”at a time.” —Peter Drucker—Peter Drucker

““Dennis, you need a … Dennis, you need a …

‘To-don’t ’‘To-don’t ’ List !”List !”

Don’t > Don’t > Do*Do*

* “Don’ting,” systematic, > WILLPOWER* “Don’ting,” systematic, > WILLPOWER

#33#33

““You must You must bebe the change you the change you

wish to see in the wish to see in the world.”world.”

GandhiGandhi

““To develop others, To develop others, start with yourself.”start with yourself.”

—Marshall Goldsmith—Marshall Goldsmith

““Being aware of Being aware of yourself and how you yourself and how you

affect everyone around affect everyone around you is what you is what

distinguishes a superior distinguishes a superior leader.”leader.” —Edie Seashore —Edie Seashore

((Strategy + BusinessStrategy + Business #45) #45)

““How can a high-level How can a high-level leader like _____ be so out leader like _____ be so out

of touch with the truth of touch with the truth about himself? It’s more about himself? It’s more common than you would common than you would

imagine. In fact, the imagine. In fact, the higher up the ladder a higher up the ladder a leader climbs, the less leader climbs, the less

accurate his self-accurate his self-assessment is likely to assessment is likely to be. be. The The pproblem is an roblem is an acute lack of feedbackacute lack of feedback [especially on people [especially on people

issues].”issues].” —Daniel Goleman (et al.), —Daniel Goleman (et al.), The New LeadersThe New Leaders

#34#34

““You must You must bebe the change you the change you

wish to see in the wish to see in the world.”world.”

GandhiGandhi

““Nothing is so Nothing is so contagious as contagious as enthusiasm.”enthusiasm.”

—Samuel Taylor Coleridge

““I am a I am a dispenser of dispenser of

enthusiasm.”enthusiasm.” —Ben Zander

““It’s It’s alwaalwayyss showtime.”showtime.”

—David D’Alessandro, Career Warfare

Part Part SIXSIX

#35#35

Kevin Roberts’ CredoKevin Roberts’ Credo

11. Ready. Fire! Aim.. Ready. Fire! Aim.2. If it ain’t broke ... Break it!2. If it ain’t broke ... Break it!3. Hire crazies.3. Hire crazies.4. Ask dumb questions.4. Ask dumb questions.5. Pursue failure.5. Pursue failure.6. Lead, follow ... or get out of the way!6. Lead, follow ... or get out of the way!7. Spread confusion.7. Spread confusion.8. Ditch your office.8. Ditch your office.9. Read odd stuff.9. Read odd stuff.

10. Avoid moderationAvoid moderation!!

Sir Richard’s Rules:Sir Richard’s Rules:Follow your passions.Follow your passions.

Keep it simple.Keep it simple.Get the best people to help Get the best people to help

you.you.Re-create yourself.Re-create yourself.

Play.Play.Source: Source: Fortune Fortune on Branson/10.03on Branson/10.03

FisherismsFisherismsDo right and damn the odds.Do right and damn the odds.

Stagnation is the curse of life.Stagnation is the curse of life.The best is the cheapest.The best is the cheapest.

Emotion can sway the world.Emotion can sway the world.Mad things come off.Mad things come off.Haste in all things.Haste in all things.

Any fool can obey orders.Any fool can obey orders.History is a record of exploded History is a record of exploded

ideas. ideas. Life is phrases.Life is phrases.

Source: Jan Morris, Source: Jan Morris, Fisher’s Face, Or, Getting to Know the Fisher’s Face, Or, Getting to Know the AdmiralAdmiral

Zappos 10 Corporate ValuesZappos 10 Corporate ValuesDeliver “WOW!” through service.Deliver “WOW!” through service.Embrace and drive change.Embrace and drive change.Create fun and a little weirdness.Create fun and a little weirdness.Be adventurous, creative and open-minded.Be adventurous, creative and open-minded.Pursue growth and learning.Pursue growth and learning.Build open and honest relationships with Build open and honest relationships with communication.communication.Build a positive team and family spirit.Build a positive team and family spirit.Do more with less.Do more with less.Be passionate and determined.Be passionate and determined.Be humble.Be humble.

#36#36

X15/The X15/The Excellence Excellence

1515

The EXCELLENCE 15The EXCELLENCE 15

People 1st/ “‘Cathedral’ for human People 1st/ “‘Cathedral’ for human development”development”

Best 1Best 1stst-line managers-line managersQuality of relationships (Internal/External)Quality of relationships (Internal/External)

Try it!Try it!Try it again!Try it again!

Passion!/Energy!/Wow!Passion!/Energy!/Wow!Unstinting commitment to innovation by ALLUnstinting commitment to innovation by ALL

Excellence at “Plan B”/AdaptabilityExcellence at “Plan B”/AdaptabilityFanatic about executionFanatic about execution

XFX/Cross-functional eXcellenceXFX/Cross-functional eXcellenceIntegrity/Decency/Thoughtfulness/CharacterIntegrity/Decency/Thoughtfulness/Character

LX/Listening eXcellenceLX/Listening eXcellenceCommitment to SERVICECommitment to SERVICE

Commitment to EXCELLENCECommitment to EXCELLENCEServant leadershipServant leadership

Big6Big6People 1st/Quality of workforcePeople 1st/Quality of workforce

Quality of relationships Quality of relationships (Internal/External)(Internal/External)

Integrity/Decency/Integrity/Decency/Thoughtfulness/CharacterThoughtfulness/CharacterObsessed with execution Obsessed with execution (“Execution (“Execution isis strategy.”) strategy.”)

Most tries wins!Most tries wins! Commitment to EXCELLENCECommitment to EXCELLENCE

#37#37

The Memories The Memories That Matter.That Matter.

Tom Peters/02 October 2010Tom Peters/02 October 2010

The Memories That MatterThe Memories That Matter

The people you developed who went on to stellar accomplishmentsThe people you developed who went on to stellar accomplishments inside or outside the company. (A reputation as “a peerless inside or outside the company. (A reputation as “a peerless peoplepeople developer.”)developer.”)The (no more than) two or three people you developed who went on The (no more than) two or three people you developed who went on toto create create stellar institutions of their own.stellar institutions of their own.The longshots (people with “a certain something”) you bet on whoThe longshots (people with “a certain something”) you bet on who surprised themselves—surprised themselves—andand your peers. your peers.The people of all stripes who 2/5/10/20 years later say The people of all stripes who 2/5/10/20 years later say “You made a “You made a difference in my life,” “Your belief in me changed everything.”difference in my life,” “Your belief in me changed everything.”The sort of/character of people you hired in general. (The sort of/character of people you hired in general. (And And the bad the bad apples you chucked out despite some stellar traits.)apples you chucked out despite some stellar traits.)A handful of projects (a half dozen at most) you doggedly pursued A handful of projects (a half dozen at most) you doggedly pursued thatthat still make you smile and which fundamentally changed the waystill make you smile and which fundamentally changed the way things are done inside or outside the company/industry.things are done inside or outside the company/industry. The supercharged camaraderie of a handful of Great Teams aiming The supercharged camaraderie of a handful of Great Teams aiming toto “ “change the world.”change the world.”


Belly laughs at some of the stupid-insane things you and your Belly laughs at some of the stupid-insane things you and your matesmates tried.tried.Less than a closet full of “I should have …”Less than a closet full of “I should have …”A frighteningly consistent record of having invariably said, A frighteningly consistent record of having invariably said, “Go for “Go for it!”it!”Not intervening in the face of considerable loss—recognizing that toNot intervening in the face of considerable loss—recognizing that to develop top talent means tolerating failures and allowing thedevelop top talent means tolerating failures and allowing the person who screwed up to work their own way through and out ofperson who screwed up to work their own way through and out of their self-created mess.their self-created mess.Dealing with one or more crises with particular/memorable aplomb.Dealing with one or more crises with particular/memorable aplomb.Demanding … Demanding … CIVILITYCIVILITY … regardless of circumstances. … regardless of circumstances.Turning around one or two or so truly dreadful situations—andTurning around one or two or so truly dreadful situations—and watching almost everyone involved rise to the occasion (often towatching almost everyone involved rise to the occasion (often to their own surprise) and acquire a renewed sense of purpose in their own surprise) and acquire a renewed sense of purpose in thethe process.process.Leaving something behind of demonstrable-lasting worth. (On short Leaving something behind of demonstrable-lasting worth. (On short asas well as long assignments.)well as long assignments.)


Having almost always (99% of the time) put “Quality” and Having almost always (99% of the time) put “Quality” and “Excellence”“Excellence” ahead of “Quantity.” (At times an unpopular approach.)ahead of “Quantity.” (At times an unpopular approach.)A few “critical” instances where you stopped short and could haveA few “critical” instances where you stopped short and could have “ “done more”—but to have done so would have compromised your done more”—but to have done so would have compromised your andand your team’s character and integrity.your team’s character and integrity. A sense of time well and honorably spent.A sense of time well and honorably spent.The expression of “simple” human kindness and consideration—noThe expression of “simple” human kindness and consideration—no matter how harried you may be/may have been.matter how harried you may be/may have been.Understood that your demeanor/expression of character always setsUnderstood that your demeanor/expression of character always sets the tone—especially in difficult situations. the tone—especially in difficult situations. Have never (rarely) let your external expression of enthusiasm/ Have never (rarely) let your external expression of enthusiasm/ determination flag—the rougher the times, the more your determination flag—the rougher the times, the more your expressedexpressed energy and bedrock optimism and sense of humor shows.energy and bedrock optimism and sense of humor shows.The respect of your peers.The respect of your peers.A stoic unwillingness to badmouth others—even in private.A stoic unwillingness to badmouth others—even in private.


An invariant creed: When something goes amiss, An invariant creed: When something goes amiss, “The buck stops with“The buck stops with meme”; when something goes right, it was ”; when something goes right, it was their their doing, not yours.doing, not yours.A Mandela-like “naïve” belief that others will rise to the occasion if A Mandela-like “naïve” belief that others will rise to the occasion if givengiven the opportunity.the opportunity.A reputation for eschewing the “trappings of power.” (Strong self-A reputation for eschewing the “trappings of power.” (Strong self- management of tendencies toward arrogance or dismissiveness.)management of tendencies toward arrogance or dismissiveness.)Intense, even “driven” … but not to the point of being careless of Intense, even “driven” … but not to the point of being careless of othersothers in the process of forging ahead.in the process of forging ahead.Willing time and again to be surprised by ways of doing things that Willing time and again to be surprised by ways of doing things that areare inconsistent with your “certain hypotheses.”inconsistent with your “certain hypotheses.”Humility in the face of others, at every level, who know more than youHumility in the face of others, at every level, who know more than you about “the way things really are.”about “the way things really are.”Having bitten your tongue on a thousand occasions—and Having bitten your tongue on a thousand occasions—and listened, listened, reallyreally really really listened. (And listened. (And been constantly delighted when, as a result, been constantly delighted when, as a result, youyou invariablyinvariably learned something new and learned something new and invariablyinvariably increased your increased your connection with the speaker.)connection with the speaker.)


Unalloyed pleasure in being informed of the fallaciousness of yourUnalloyed pleasure in being informed of the fallaciousness of your beliefs by someone 15 years your junior and several rungs below beliefs by someone 15 years your junior and several rungs below youyou on the hierarchical ladder. on the hierarchical ladder. Selflessness. (A sterling reputation as “a guy always willing to help Selflessness. (A sterling reputation as “a guy always willing to help outout with alacrity despite personal cost.”)with alacrity despite personal cost.”)As thoughtful and respectful, or more so, toward thine “enemies” asAs thoughtful and respectful, or more so, toward thine “enemies” as toward friends and supporters.toward friends and supporters.Always and relentlessly put at the top of your list/any list being firstAlways and relentlessly put at the top of your list/any list being first and foremost and foremost “of service”“of service” to your internal and external to your internal and external constituents. (Employees/Peers/Customers/Vendors/Community.)constituents. (Employees/Peers/Customers/Vendors/Community.)Treated the term “servant leadership” as wholly writ. (And Treated the term “servant leadership” as wholly writ. (And ‘preached”‘preached” “ “servant leadership” to others—new “non-managerial” hire or oldservant leadership” to others—new “non-managerial” hire or old pro, age 18 or 48.)pro, age 18 or 48.)


Created the sort of workplaces you’d like your kids to inhabit.Created the sort of workplaces you’d like your kids to inhabit. (Explicitly conscious of this “Would I want my kids to work here?”(Explicitly conscious of this “Would I want my kids to work here?” litmus test.)litmus test.)A “certifiable” “nut” about quality and safety and integrity. (More A “certifiable” “nut” about quality and safety and integrity. (More oror less regardless of any costs.)less regardless of any costs.)A notable few circumstances where you resigned rather thanA notable few circumstances where you resigned rather than compromise your bedrock beliefs.compromise your bedrock beliefs.Perfectionism just short of the paralyzing variety.Perfectionism just short of the paralyzing variety.

A self- and relentlessly enforced group standard of “EXCELLENCE-in-A self- and relentlessly enforced group standard of “EXCELLENCE-in- all-we-do”/“EXCELLENCE in our behavior toward one another.”all-we-do”/“EXCELLENCE in our behavior toward one another.”

#38#38

the recession 44the recession 44

Forty-four “Secrets” Forty-four “Secrets” and “clever Strategies” and “clever Strategies”

For dealing with the For dealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXXRecession of 2008-XXXX

44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For 44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For Dealing with the Recession of 2007+Dealing with the Recession of 2007+

You come earlier.You come earlier.You leave later.You leave later.You work harder.You work harder.You may well work for less; and, if so, youYou may well work for less; and, if so, you adapt to the untoward circumstances with a adapt to the untoward circumstances with a smile—even if it kills you inside.smile—even if it kills you inside.You volunteer to do more.You volunteer to do more.You dig deep and always bring a good attitudeYou dig deep and always bring a good attitude to work.to work.You fake it if your good attitude flags.You fake it if your good attitude flags.You literally practice your "game face" in theYou literally practice your "game face" in the mirror in the morning, and in the loo mirror in the morning, and in the loo mid-morning.mid-morning.You give new meaning to the idea and You give new meaning to the idea and intensive intensive practice of “visible management.”practice of “visible management.”

44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For 44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For Dealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXXDealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXX

You take better than usual care of yourself andYou take better than usual care of yourself and encourage others to do the same—physicalencourage others to do the same—physical well-being determines mental well-being andwell-being determines mental well-being and response to stress.response to stress.You shrug off shit that flows downhill in your You shrug off shit that flows downhill in your direction—buy a shovel or a “pre-worn” direction—buy a shovel or a “pre-worn” raincoat on eBay.raincoat on eBay.You try to forget about “the good old days”—You try to forget about “the good old days”— nostalgia is self-destructive.nostalgia is self-destructive.You buck yourself up with the thought that You buck yourself up with the thought that “ “this too shall pass”—but then remind this too shall pass”—but then remind yourselfyourself that it might not pass any time soon, and so that it might not pass any time soon, and so you re-dedicate yourself to making the you re-dedicate yourself to making the absolute best of what you have now.absolute best of what you have now.


You work the phones and then work theYou work the phones and then work the phones some more—and stay in touch withphones some more—and stay in touch with positively everyone.positively everyone.You frequently invent breaks from routine,You frequently invent breaks from routine, including “weird” ones—“changeups” preventincluding “weird” ones—“changeups” prevent wallowing and bring a fresh perspective. wallowing and bring a fresh perspective. You eschew all forms of personal excess.You eschew all forms of personal excess.You simplify.You simplify.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You raise to the sky and maintain at allYou raise to the sky and maintain at all costs the Standards of Excellence by whichcosts the Standards of Excellence by which you unfailingly evaluate your own you unfailingly evaluate your own performance.performance.You are maniacal when it comes to respondingYou are maniacal when it comes to responding to even the slightest screwup.to even the slightest screwup.


You find ways to be around young people andYou find ways to be around young people and to keep young people around—they are lessto keep young people around—they are less likely to be members of the “sky is falling” likely to be members of the “sky is falling” school.school.You learn new tricks of your trade.You learn new tricks of your trade.You remind yourself that this is not justYou remind yourself that this is not just something to be “gotten through”—it is thesomething to be “gotten through”—it is the Final Exam of character.Final Exam of character.You network like a demon.You network like a demon.You network inside the company—get to knowYou network inside the company—get to know more of the folks who “do the real work.”more of the folks who “do the real work.”You network outside the company—get toYou network outside the company—get to know more of the folks who “do the realknow more of the folks who “do the real work” in vendor-customer outfits.work” in vendor-customer outfits.


You thank others by the truckload if goodYou thank others by the truckload if good things happen—and take the heat yourself things happen—and take the heat yourself if if bad things happen.bad things happen.You behave kindly, but you don't sugarcoat You behave kindly, but you don't sugarcoat oror hide the truth--humans are startlingly hide the truth--humans are startlingly resilient and rumors are the real killers.resilient and rumors are the real killers.You treat small successes as if they wereYou treat small successes as if they were Superbowl victories—and celebrate andSuperbowl victories—and celebrate and commend accordingly.commend accordingly.You shrug off the losses (ignoring what's You shrug off the losses (ignoring what's goinggoing on in your tummy), and get back on theon in your tummy), and get back on the horse and immediately try again.horse and immediately try again.You avoid negative people to the extent youYou avoid negative people to the extent you can—pollution kills.can—pollution kills.You eventually read the gloom-sprayers theYou eventually read the gloom-sprayers the riot act. riot act.


You give new meaning to the word "thoughtful.“You give new meaning to the word "thoughtful.“You don’t put limits on the flowers budget—You don’t put limits on the flowers budget— “ “bright and colorful” works marvels.bright and colorful” works marvels.You redouble, re-triple your efforts to "walk inYou redouble, re-triple your efforts to "walk in your customer's shoes." (Especially if theyour customer's shoes." (Especially if the shoes smell.)shoes smell.)You mind your manners—and accept others’You mind your manners—and accept others’ lack of manners in the face of their strains.lack of manners in the face of their strains.You are kind to all mankind.You are kind to all mankind.You keep your shoes shined.You keep your shoes shined.You leave the blame game at the office door.You leave the blame game at the office door.You call out the congenital politicians in noYou call out the congenital politicians in no uncertain terms.uncertain terms.You become a paragon of personal You become a paragon of personal accountability.accountability.And then you pray.And then you pray.

#39#39

EXCELLENCE. Always.EXCELLENCE. Always.If not EXCELLENCE, what?If not EXCELLENCE, what?

If not EXCELLENCE now, when?If not EXCELLENCE now, when?EXCELLENCE is not an "aspiration."EXCELLENCE is not an "aspiration."

EXCELLENCE is not a "journey."EXCELLENCE is not a "journey."EXCELLENCE is the next five minutes.EXCELLENCE is the next five minutes.

Organizations exist to SERVE. Period.Organizations exist to SERVE. Period.Leaders exist to SERVE. Period.Leaders exist to SERVE. Period.

SERVICE is a beautiful word.SERVICE is a beautiful word.SERVICE is a beautiful word.SERVICE is a beautiful word.

SERVICE is character, community, commitment. SERVICE is character, community, commitment. (And profit.)(And profit.)

SERVICE is a beautiful word. SERVICE is a beautiful word. SERVICE is not "Wow." SERVICE is not "Wow."

SERVICE is not "raving fans.“SERVICE is not "raving fans.“ SERVICE is not "a great experience." SERVICE is not "a great experience."

Service is "just" that—SERVICE.Service is "just" that—SERVICE.

Documents

Before we begin . If the regimental commander lost most of his 2nd lieutenants and 1st lieutenants and captains and majors, it would be a tragedy. If