1. Who are the 'Anyone But Obama' people? We've met them. We've talked with them. We've tried our very best to understand them. Really, we have. And yet we fail to see beyond their stubborn belief that President Obama is an evil, a true evil, requiring eradication. The primary concern -- at least the one they'll admit to -- is that Obama is unequipped to deal with the economy. To that we ask:
- Did anyone have successful, hands-on experience resurrecting an economy that was in the state of ours when Obama was elected? The economy he inherited was, arguably, the second-worst economy in our nation's history and it took World War II to improve the #1 most horrible economy our country has ever faced. Thus, we argue that no one has ever had to address the economic issues of this magnitude -- and live to tell about it.
- We now have five -- count 'em, 5 -- months of consecutive declines in unemployment. Might this be a trend? And, if so, how many months of declines will it take for his detractors to admit that Obama may be on the right path? Six? Sixteen?
But, of course, actual evidence of economic improvement means nothing to those who choose to be blind, deaf and dumb. Because it's not about nation healing or getting people back to work. It is, instead, about getting that Muslim, non-American, Socialist out of office. Right?
And while this may sound pro-Obama, it is not intended to be. It is, instead, about understanding those who can't see beyond their own predispositions.
Please, help us understand.
2. Why do we close so many doors? Why is it that we spend much of our lives closing doors, eliminating possibilities? Children -- us, years ago -- saw endless possibilities. We could aspire to become a rock 'n roller, a doctor, an astronaut, a firefighter, a ball player -- all in the course of a week. (Okay, we were stupid, but that's beside the point.) As we grew, we systematically nixed options, citing a lack of desire, questionable talent, the need to live in Houston (to be an astronaut). All reasonable and reality-based. Yet, we wonder why closing doors seems so much easier than opening doors. Are we, as a species, predisposed to a fear of failure? Are we excessively unadventurous? Do we prefer to dream rather than do? Are we more concerned about how we might look rather than how we might feel? Do we listen too closely to those who tell us not to try, not to reach, not to climb? Is it somehow dangerous to explore? Are we simply lazy?
Help us, for we do not understand.
3. What's up with promises made, promises not kept? What is it about executives who make clear, public commitments to their employees and then either do not follow-through or, worse, renege -- and then are baffled when performance of their company suffers? Who are these people? Don't they know that the very essence of leadership is trust? That trust is a requirement of a strong, vibrant company (assuming, of course, that the company is filled with humans as opposed, say, to machines). That employees make choices every day about how they perform their jobs and that those choices are based on their views of leadership? That trust in leadership can either strength or weaken one's emotional commitment to work? That lack of trust kills companies?
Unfortunately, this is a more commonplace occurrence than one might think. Sad, but true. Just ask your friends and family who work in other companies.
Help us, for we do not understand.
4. JC Penney? For those who find these things fascinating, JC Penney, the once venerable, all-but-done, stuck-woefully-in-the-60's, wouldn't-be-caught-dead-in chain is working hard -- and creatively -- to change its image and, in the process, claim a piece of our heart.
Quietly, JC Penney has become jcp. They are 'praising fresh air', as in their own need for. Especially after 110 years. They're promoting treating people 'fair and square'. They claim to 'keep dreaming up new ways to make you love shopping again'. Why? Because 'we want to be your favorite store'.
Wait, there's more.
Their latest Sunday newspaper advertisement insert was, according to those in the know, hip and, shockingly, cool. Yes, cool. Their merchandise -- and how they present it -- is fun, remarkably current. The text is engaging. The font and print colors are inviting. The models are a cross between Gap, Banana Republic and United Colors of Benetton (but in a good way). As one acclaimed shopper noted, 'They're out-Targeting Target.' Apparently, high praise indeed.
And that astute shopper is right. The new image jcp is attempting to create is that of a cool, hip, young, honest friend. Somebody you can trust. Someone who is dedicated to being your good friend. Someone who will always treat you fairly. To whit: jcp is telling anyone who will listen that they have only 3 price categories: 'Everyday prices (great prices everyday)', 'month-long values (best stuff of the month on sale for the entire month)', and 'best prices (discounts every 1st and 3rd Friday)'.
[Full disclosure: The Job of Work has no professional relationship with JC Penney. TJOW or The Schnur Consulting Group -- which has absolutely no legal connection to this blog, nor approves of or even claims awareness of, the ideas, concepts or points of view of this blog -- is currently not engaged with or has any contracts pending with the JC Penney Company. Not that we wouldn't like to, but largely because we haven't been asked.]
Might jcp replace Gap? Might it out-Target Target? First things first, though. Might jcp get even a few more people to walk through those wouldn't'-be-caught-dead-in doors?
It's a story worth watching.
(We know, that last question wasn't really a question. Deal with it.)
Have a good week.
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