You
Won't Believe This
I
recommend you watch some reality television.
No,
REALLY.*
I
recommend you watch an episode or two of
Undercover Boss,
which is televised on Sunday nights, I think. The premise is that a CEO
or President of some pretty big firm goes "undercover" and does 2-3-4
jobs on the front lines of their own company. They tell their
co-workers that they're part of a reality show where two people are
vying for just one job.
Things
I've noticed:
-
Most of these executives look like fools beforehand.
In the couple of shows I've seen, they said things like, "I hope to
learn about how to make our systems better." And, "I'm worried that our
people are doing off-the-books work or maybe using our equipment for
themselves."
-
Many of the first line supervisors are good – even WONDERFUL
– people … AND THIS SURPRISES THE CEO.
They tell stories of being homeless, and not being able to pay the
bills. The executive is stunned, and embarrassed. [You have people like
that in your firm.] And here's a lesson for you – don't be
surprised that people are good. It makes YOU look bad.
-
Those front line jobs are hard.
The drive for efficiency means that it's hard work down in the
trenches. And some of the executives can't do them very well, either...
-
Training stinks. You hire
someone, your company has high turnover so you promote someone to a
supervisor role in 3 months, and don't train them … and then
load them down with systems and threats to their job security. It's
enough to drive people away.
So far,
the endings of the
shows are lovely, and touching. I don't want to give it away
… so watch. Let me know what you think.
[* - If
you don't know it, television is generally a bad idea. If you complain
about being busy and you watch television, well those two things aren't
unrelated. Turn it off. And I'm not saying go back to your Blackberry.
Sit with your kids or your spouse. Read a book – it's a good
example for your children. I know of a place where you can get some recommendations, even.]
Conferences
This
year, we're holding even more conferences than ever. In January, we
held conferences in San Jose and London. Despite the fact I've heard it
all before, multiple times, every conference gives me a new burst of enthusiasm.
Watching
people who haven't heard the material 'get it' is a privilege. Seeing
people who have heard it become renewed is special. It's hard work, but
the experience we're able to see people having, is worth every effort.
If you
haven't been to a conference, and you're wondering if they will be
valuable for you, post on the forums. We're happy to tell you about all
the value we have seen others get, and that we think you'll also enjoy.
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