Is it just me, or do you think by now that the math would be a bit more accurate? Camping had 7,000 years to get this right and he's whiffed twice. (His original prediction: October 21, 1994.) Regardless, you've got to hand it to the good Reverend. When he blows it he blows it big, for the entire world to see.
Let's hope that the third time is the charm.
We could use a good cleansing, especially since we're talking about the religious right. The impending Rapture will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the upcoming race for President as Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann, both about to announce their candidacy, will certainly be among those saved. We'll miss their intelligence, compassion and open-mindedness, their grasp of complex issues, their global views, and their deep concern for the rights of others.If we're lucky, Rapture will also effect those who nearly single-handedly caused the economic climate we're living through. We're talking about a few from Goldman Sachs who created toxic investment products and sold them to their customers while, simultaneously, betting heavily against them. We're also talking about everyone who helped deregulate the banking industry. You know who you are. Millions lost their job, hundreds of thousands lost their home, municipalities and schools struggle everywhere, and we're not out of the woods yet. Did you make enough money? Just askin'.
Judgment Day awaits. Please let it happen this time.
But there's still time, people. October 21 is a ways off. Plenty of time to get your affairs in order, flip off that evil boss, say your good-byes, and prepare for eternity. For those of you who are sure you'll be leaving us, please forward the keys to your house and car, as well as bank account information. Passwords too, please. You won't be needing them where you'll be going. We have it on very good authority that transportation is free and that you'll be given everything you could possibly need. Including what's referred to by people in the know as Heaven Whites. (Note that the shoes are comfortable but lack style. Also, no accessories. Plan accordingly.) By the way, Apple just released a white iPhone. Coincidence? You be the judge.
Speaking of mysteries of the universe, here's one we find perplexing:
- People perform better at work -- and are significantly more engaged -- when given a chance to compete
- Most of us love to win and want our company to be a winner, to be among the very best
- The vast majority of companies claim to be in a competitive business and could certainly use a measurable boost in performance, yet -- and here's the kicker
- Remarkably few companies create a culture of winning, where people are inspired to outperform the competition.
When was the last time the workforce in this country was given the opportunity to go for the brass ring? Do we even know what winning looks like at work?Sales organizations are, of course, the exception, as often are Marketing functions. But when was the last time anyone in IT, Finance, HR, Manufacturing, R&D, Customer Service, or any other segment of a company was driven to win -- even encouraged to win? With purpose, in a planned fashion? With knowledge of the competition, with systems and processes to allow for on-going performance improvement, with support of leadership to change on the fly to increase their ability to compete? With metrics to define success?
The answer: Competing is rarely encouraged. Winning isn't even discussed.
Curious, don't you think? More importantly, might this explain why mediocre performance plagues so many organizations?
Why the conundrum? Are companies missing a terrific opportunity to engage their people in a truly meaningful way to increase performance? Is there a fix, one that produces significant, sustained gains?
Can you spell The Schnur Consulting Group? Transforming a culture to one where winning is essential is one of our passions and one of our specialties.
Come back next week. We'll talk.
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