Observations from far and wide:
- So, according to a recent study, spanking children leads to more aggressive adults. Another study suggests that spanked children later have increased risks of sexual problems. My father would beg to differ, whose only concern about spanking was that it leads to a sore hand. His.
Hierarchy and 'silos' are two huge drains on any organization. Productivity, creativity, service, profitability and growth are all undermined. While a rigid hierarchy may be good in the military, and certainly helped Henry Ford's concept of manufacturing, it long ago lost its usefulness. The same with silos. Arbitrary boundaries that become walls separating functions within organizations lead only to poor communication, diminished collaboration, and internal competition. Tell me I'm wrong.
- Beware as the economy improves. Many gainfully-employed people have already begun their search for new jobs. As we've mentioned a number of times here, the manner in which companies have treated their people during these difficult economic times is taking its toll. While there's still some time to prevent the exodus, the clock is ticking. Loudly.
There should be a mechanism to cite cigarette smokers who drop their butts anywhere but in an ashtray or garbage receptacle. My suggestion: An app that forwards a photo of an offender's license plate to the local police who then sends a $250 ticket to the creep. An advanced version of the app will have face recognition capabilities, so those who think it's just fine to drop a butt on the sidewalk will have to pay, too. Think of the revenue-generating possibilities. Another public service from TJOW.
- We also need an app to ticket those who drive under the speed limit in any but the slow lane (That's the one on the far right!), or those who avoid merging until the very last moment -- thus causing traffic jams. An app, using GPS technology, that captures date, time, location and speed and forwards this information with the culprit's license plate photo to the appropriate authorities. The ticket for the slow-mergers should be $1,000. (Jail time seems a bit harsh, but I can be persuaded.)
- Back to the workplace for a moment. An important equation to keep in mind for anyone interested in being an effective leader: [Communication (timeliness and accuracy) : Performance : Respect]. That is, the timeliness and accuracy of information communicated directly influences the recipient's job performance and, in turn, the recipient's belief that he/she is respected. The implications? Choosing not to share important information hinders a person's ability to perform well and undoubtedly jeopardizes trust -- an essential element in retaining employees. Good news is easy to communicate. But when it comes to bad news, you're doing no one any favors by not talking about it openly or sharing feedback about poor performance. Quite the contrary. And remember: Your employees already know because there are no secrets. Tell me I'm wrong.
- Since resigning as Governor of Alaska nearly a year ago, Sarah Palin has reportedly earned over $12 million from her book and speaking engagements. While some may question her intelligence, I, for one, will never do so again. She's clearly a step ahead.
- Notice how the widespread anger about Wall Street, the probe of Goldman Sachs and the BP catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico (which is still spewing over 200,000 gallons a day, every day) seems to have quieted the Republican Party? I guess it's hard to scream in support of things that the vast majority of Americans are sick of. A silver lining, to be sure, but one that's coated with an oily muck.
Given that all of their remedies have failed thus far, BP is now considering stuffing the hole at the bottom of the Gulf with shredded automobile tires and, wait for it, wait for it: golf balls. Yes, my friends, golf balls. No one can make this stuff up.
Have fun this week. Please.
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