Low Grades for Performance Reviews

". . .performance appraisals focus on precisely the wrong thing: individuals."

-         Jeffrey Pfeffer

Jeff Pfeffer has a way of saying what needs to be said. And, as a leading expert in human resources, I hope that people listen to what he has to say in the current issue of Business Week. He explains why performance appraisal systems are a waste of time. (Others, like Deming, Covey, and Crosby have made the case before.) Maybe this time someone will listen and get rid of these historical tokens from a bygone era.

Theater Improv

Many of you know that I often use theater improv as a way to teach people how to work with resistance to change. I got my training in 2000 with Keith Johnstone, one of the masters in improv. Wade Jackson, who runs improv groups in New Zealand, was a fellow student in my class. He sent me the link to a new YouTube video where he and a colleague perform with Wayne Brady.

There is absolutely no reason why I should include this in my newsletter, except that I really like Wade's work and I thought you might enjoy seeing this brief scene.Improv Bandits

 

Lean

If you are involved in Lean in your organization, I encourage you to take a look at Whaddya Mean I Gotta Be Lean by Jeff Hajek.  Some books focus too heavily on just the mechanics of Lean. Jeff writes about people and for the people on the floor.I particularly like his list of "Problems." Each includes "How it Affects You," "Action to Take," and "Why This Works." As you might gather, this is a very practical book.

Becoming an Effective Organizational Intervener

The prerequisite for BEI will be held on August 23-25. I am scheduled to conduct that session.
I love the BEI program, because I've seen how its influenced the way people work in organizations. I have seen people's ability to connect and get things done rise considerably. And, although we don't actually teach self-confidence, I often see people's confidence increase as they work with others. (BTW, if you miss the August intro, I beleive it will be run again in the fall.)

Here is a link to a short Podcast I recorded where I explain why my study in Cleveland has meant so much to me. Rick's Podcast
 
Here is a link to a description of the BEI program.BEI Brochure
 
The next program starts in the fall, so now is a good time to register.

And if you've got questions, please give me a call.
 

Rick
Rick Maurer 
President
Maurer & Associates
___________________  
 
email: rick@beyondresistance.com
phone: 703-525-7074
web: www.beyondresistance.com