dispatches from the new world of work

"Gasp-worthy!"

As an alumnus, I received an email from McKinsey about its response to the SEAsian tragedy. I read it, nodded, and cast it aside. (But did not "delete" for some unknown reason.) I returned to it a few hours later—and was moved to send McKinsey's managing partner an email. I said that the response was "perfectly adequate," but I added that business has a tawdry rep these days and that McKinsey is the premier Counselors to Top Management ... so, I chided, I saw it as a missed opportunity that McKinsey's response failed to "make me gasp by its audacity."

No surprise, I got no response from McKinsey's top dog. But I also copied my old McK pal & In Search of Excellence coauthor, Bob Waterman—who offered his hearty support. (Thanks, as always, Bob.)

Forget McKinsey (never a bad idea). The Bigger Point—see the above also—is that our "responses" to tragedy & opportunity alike ought to aim to "make people gasp" at their audacity. Agree?

Tom Peters posted this on 01/17/05.

Comments

Tom, I'm thrilled you and Bob Waterman are still close. That speaks volumes.

Thank you for mentioning it.

Posted by Joe Ely at January 17, 2005 5:23 PM

We went theough a "war" together. We're joined at the hip. We partially did a pretty good job on a co-authored book--no mean feat--because down deep we're twins seperated at birth!

Posted by tom peters at January 18, 2005 4:07 AM

Franklin Raines and Kofi Annan - 2 NOTORIOUS TWINS separated at birth - alas - LEGACY OF INFAMY however.

Posted by John at January 18, 2005 10:40 AM

Sometimes busy people don't have time to respond to e-mails. Right Tom?

Posted by Steve Robert at January 18, 2005 11:03 PM