Comments

As stated on #113 - George Bernard Shaw said 'The poroblem with communication is the ILLUSION that it has been accomplished'

Amen and thank you GBS!

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 17, 2008 11:55 AM

Excellent advise indeed...in my industry our customers have such low expectations that this is the type of contact that completely blows them away. If service is what separates the best in the industry from the rest in the industry, this is a tip that can be a profitability multiplier!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at April 17, 2008 9:03 PM

The beautiful thing about communication is that anybody can engage in it and anybody can learn from it. There are no rules of engagement, though there are protocols in certain spaces. If we are open, we can learn from anyone. And, if we are concerned about the other with whom we are communicating, we will have a better chance of being understood. Sensible communication is effective communication with the other in mind.

One of my favorite communicators is the housewife turned civil rights activist, Fannie Lou Hammer. This fierce brave uneducated leader, whose parents were sharecroppers in the Missippi Delta, was a tireless brilliant speaker with great compassion for those with whom she spoke. She communicated effectively using action phrases like, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." How sensible is this?

Dave...it's good to hear from you.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2008 11:05 PM

Excellent advice.
Excellent advice.
Excellent advice.

And don't forget: if you are or should be the recipient of such updates then you have an obligation to a) make sure you create the right environment for frank, constructive honesty; and b) remember to say, "Thanks" and don't ever shoot the messenger.

Posted by Mark JF at April 18, 2008 2:07 AM

That is so right on communication.
Too many people hide behind emails when it comes to business communication; picking up the phone to a client to flag up a problem, to check they are happy or just get some feedback is critical. As Tom says in his "Breaking My Promise" post, there is nothing worse than silence. When something goes wrong, but you don't know what's going on, and there is zero communication.
As a consumer, I had some problems late last year with a fashion brand. I'd bought one of their t-shirts and the dye had stained my body and given me headaches. I emailed the CEO but apart from a replacement item they weren't keen to take responsibility. They investigated the matter, tested the item but didn't acknowledge that it had given me headaches. They thought the matter was closed. Then months passed and the other week I got a letter from their Legal Director, offering me small compensation in money and product and saying he was sorry the incident had caused distress. But I still wasn't happy with the offer and I felt there were some important principles here and that the brand had breached its trust with the consumer, it had failed in its brand promise. Emails went back and forth, but we were going around in circles. Then yesterday evening the Legal Director took the trouble to pick up the phone to me and we spoke candidly about my concerns. I accepted his offer and closed the chapter on all this. And not because of his offer. But because he took the initiative to telephone me, because he sounded a decent bloke, because he accepted I'd had a very poor experience and because he wanted to restore my faith in his brand. He has now done that. "He Fixed It."
Too many corporations and brands become faceless in their dealings with the little guy, with the consumer. Good Old Fashioned Communication makes all the difference.

Posted by Ian Sanders at April 18, 2008 4:47 AM

"I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Judith, makes my day! tp

And don't forget: if you are or should be the recipient of such updates then you have an obligation to a) make sure you create the right environment for frank, constructive honesty; and b) remember to say, "Thanks" and don't ever shoot the messenger.

mark JF, makes my day redux! tp

Posted by tom peters at April 18, 2008 8:01 AM

Thank you, MarkJF. As usual, you give so much to think about and to do in cogent beautiful lines.

And speaking of communication, Mississippi is mispelled above. This is the way I learned how to spell Mississippi as a kid playing jump rope:

M I CROOKED LETTER CROOKED LETTER I CROOKED LETTER CROOKED LETTER I HUMPBACK HUMPBACK I.

And considering communication, this phrase may now be considered politicially incorrect. Some may take opposition with the humpback bit.

This is sometimes a problem with communication; expressions are not always appreciated by everyone and every word is often scrutinized, missing perhaps the more relevant point.

If we allowed it, some of the works of our most revered children's writers would be banded and we would be left with tepid uninspiring lines.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 18, 2008 8:37 AM

TP...I'm happy to make your day. Have a super one!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 18, 2008 8:52 AM

Thank you, Andy. Many wonderful thoughts here.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 18, 2008 8:07 PM

Hearing Andy's story of his boss and a recommendation to read one of Tom's books, I am reminded about a boss I had. I was so inspired by Tom's book 'Liberation Management' that as a young executive in the early 90s I bought another copy and gave it to my CEO. I was buzzing with ideas for our own organisation and urged my boss read it, referencing specific case studies in case he was too busy too read the whole book. I popped it in his in-tray one evening on my way out of the building. He never acknowledged it, nor thanked me for the recommendation. He must have misunderstood my enthusiasm and took it the wrong way - thinking I was criticising his management abilities, rather than offering him inspiration and some great ideas.
I always wonder if he ever read it...

Posted by Ian Sanders at April 19, 2008 11:18 AM

Ian...thanks for your remembrance. The allowance of the influence of others upon us is so very important, including those who are different from us. Often times our own self-exalted state or belief in the unfeigned praise of many causes us not to receive that which could in fact bring the desired necessary change. Senseless pride is also a great hindrance. I work on this daily. Sometimes I’m successful, other times I fail miserably.

I too have joyfully done exactly what you did countless of times to others, those in authority included, not for any other reason but to share with great enthusiasm what I had learned. Sometimes it was received, other times it wasn't. I try to go from internal (what are my motives?) to external (would the shared information be helpful at this time?) and not worry terribly about whether I am received or not.

Of course, if we know that others are disinterested and we are not in the position to affect change en masse, perhaps we should move along, affecting change within our small groups. Some will receive us, others won't. Seek still endless communication and understanding whenever possible with a whole array of people: clients, customers, family, friends, garbage collectors, local politicians, newspaper boys, teachers, ministers, etc. Communication is everything.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 19, 2008 5:03 PM

Thank you Ian and Judith. Yes, Who will dare to say that communication is not important? And becoming more and more so. If you Judith wish to change the “mass” quantum-ly, so do I. Why don’t we get this blog leader and founder, along with you, and Ian, the community surrounded this e-forum to put together a book on the subject and beyond? Trevor will be an instrumental talent into this.

Why not assemble a book on MAGAMENT as per these days, with a strong chapter on indispensable communication? I would sign up immediately. Let Mr. Peters take it to the market and have as many participants as possible.

Maybe, this way, Judith and Ian, we can make a difference. Notorious TomPeters.com’s blogging that can redefine the universe! An idea for your wiser consideration.

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 19, 2008 9:26 PM

Hmmm? This is a thought. I might be down with someting like this.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 19, 2008 9:33 PM

You are very kind Andy - and yes of course I would just love to be involved. Let's go for it!! There is so much talent among the contributors to TP Blog that your idea is too good not to run with it - what a blast it will be! - Even better if the great man can offer us a leadership role for such a project - it would bring together many gifts and talents. Even if Tom doesn't have the time maybe we should just do it anyway in the spirit of Tom’s (and my) passion for implementation :-)

‘Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail’ - Anon

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 20, 2008 4:36 AM

Thanks Judith for your words of wisdom. So true...

And Andy/Trevor - as for the idea of a book, sure let's explore. A collaborative project shaped by the experiences of some of the contributors here. I know we all have a lot to share, and a lot to learn from each other's experiences....

Having recently had my first book 'Leap!' published, I am currently starting work on my second, but always up for collaboration on other writing projects.

Posted by Ian Sanders at April 20, 2008 5:35 AM

Great stuff Ian - I'm up for it - we just need a good project manager :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 20, 2008 6:54 AM

Ian...it's my pleasure indeed. Wisdom is so important; action on wisdom even more so. It is through action that wisdom is justified.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 20, 2008 7:55 AM

Ladies and gentlemen, took off my hat before you. I am extremely proud of you all. Judith, Ian, Trevor and everyone else within this forum, understanding that Mr. Peters has the first and last word, again, you count on me. Maybe, fellows and esteemed colleagues, we can go forward with the ultimate MANAGEMENT book authored by Mr. Peters and co-authored by the community he has so kindly put together.

It would be a nice “line of extension” to www.Tompeters.com. Let’s go for the social function and make it fruitful for the blog per se. With such collaboration, without contradicting anyone, we make a printed and online KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER offer to the public at large.

When I read ReImagine, to be blunt, I read what I felt in my heart RIGHT and that some circles of the past, committed to the status quo, felt that this textbook was too much. Somewhat, when I read before, “Leading The Revolution,” by Gary Hamel back in 2000, I had this feeling too. Hamel’s got me prepared to ReImagine. And both authors’ working are subject of study by me permanently.

I have not the pleasure to read Sir. Richard Branson’s book yet, the prominent Virgin Group leader. Trevor, in due right, has been asking us to pay attention to this gentleman’s accomplishments. I have seen some of his undertakings, attempting –with a firm foot—to make commercial spaceflights accessible. Mr. Branson is so bold and uncanny, and humble too, that should be respected and studied by us all, just a cordial suggestion. Thanks Trevor for insisting.

Concerning the idea of the book subject to the respective supreme authority consideration, I would suggest dear colleagues that whatever we suggest or in fact do not to disturb Mr. Peters’, neither Cathy’s, habitual dynamics at all.

Ian and Trevor, congratulations on your publications. Later on, I will ask you more on them. I would wish—at some point—to read you. Thank you, Judith, for generating a sense of “linking-center” within this blog, opening up to opportunities to the cyber-public at large.

Are you, Trevor, in the surroundings of “Heaven,” my beloved city of London? Related, directly or indirectly, with Lloyd’s of London?

Cordially,

Andy

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 20, 2008 8:28 PM

Judith...your comments here regarding the importance of allowing others to influence us and your outstanding "Being of Service" post reminded me of the Rose and the Weedpatch label, and how modeling and results are great, if sometimes involuntary "influencers" on leadership.

My 55 person team and I earned this description (much to our dismay and embarassment) because we impressed an Inspector General Team and became a Command Benchmark for having a pretty good performance management system deployed and integrated into the day to day way we did business. We figured out smarter and more productive ways to work internally and with our customers and suppliers that saved 5020 manhours per month and 475,000.00 (nothing automated...46 different initiatives). Someone felt I had "served well" and, as you so correctly and astutely pointed out, OUR name as a team became widely known, WE were frequently sought out by others and widely recognized, and my personal reward was indeed great because I got to share the success with 55 of the finest folks on the planet.

I had been in this position about two weeks when we were told we would be losing 25% of our staffing and 18% of our budget. My contribution. I asked each person in the building "What the hell are we gonna do"? and I stayed out of my office and accessible to them to either shake my head "yes" or give them feedback on why it's a no for now and a challenge to fix it and we'll talk again. Real time communications! I later asked them why hadn't they implemented this stuff before they said they were never asked for their input. I then asked why didn't they just tell my predecessor about their ideas. The consensus? "Why?, that guy was a real"...pick your own expletive.

The higher the level of recognition, the more "leadership" barriers it removed between me and the folks who recognized us. I was promoted and found myself on the Inspector General team quite frequently. I made it a point to find individuals and teams who "qualified" for the "RITW" label...and still do!

BTW...if there is still a seat on the bus for another contributor to the book project I would be most happy to occupy it! Sounds like a great learning experience to be sure...

Posted by Dave Wheeler at April 21, 2008 12:40 AM

Dave...thank you, thank you for your daily work and your leadership in bringing together such a remarkable team.

When we serve others well, recognition usually follows. After the motive and message are clear, positioning also does not hurt. I loved your story.

I am not the project manager of this proposed book, but you would be a most welcomed valued colleague indeed. Blessings, continuously.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 21, 2008 2:58 AM

No Ma'am...thank you for your kind words. I was trying to get that posted on your blog when my ISP decided not to provide service...taking with it my cable and the Bernard Hopkins fight as well. Please know this curious, context and perspective seeking, Stage 6 avoiding getting older to fast person really enjoys your Blog...much to think about and consider. You are truly amazing in many ways!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at April 21, 2008 3:53 AM

Thank you, Dave. My desire really is to serve. It is through service that being is defined.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 21, 2008 4:13 AM

And...before service there is communication, verbal and non-verbal.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 21, 2008 4:16 AM

I absolutely love this reminder of one of my weak points. Thanks Tom - good reminder for me today.

Posted by TP Lowe at April 21, 2008 11:26 AM

Hi Andy – I live in the middle of England in a county called Warwickshire, known as Shakespeare’s County. The home of William Shakespeare is Stratford Upon Avon which is about 20 miles from our tiny village.

We are about 70 minutes from London by train and 90 minutes drive. I visit London regularly on business but I have never lived in our wonderful capital city. I still get a real buzz when visiting London – it is now so ‘rich’ in its cosmopolitan make up. The integration of so many wonderful and different cultures from all over the world has, in my opinion, enhanced Britain generally and London in particular.

I’m afraid I have no connections with Lloyds of London – I am just a farmer’s boy and I have never dealt in the high flying world of finance :- )

Dave – it is fabulous that you will join the team to produce the book Andy has proposed. Your input will be terrific – you have much to teach us about leadership and learning from our folks who work at the front line. Your common sense shines through my friend.

It seems to me that Andy, Ian, Judith, Dave and myself are all up for this idea – we just need someone to take the lead and ‘project manage’ our efforts. Maybe Tom can join us maybe not.

Whatever the final outcome it will be real blast for us to try and work across continents, time zones and cultures to produce a product. I am currently doing something similar with 4 good friends in Kentucky, Spain, Hong Kong and Canada – the world is indeed becoming a small village.

We have the means to do this sort of thing nowadays thanks to the web. There is exciting potential to produce something through this TP forum where there is so much brilliant talent just ready and waiting to produce. We could create something very special.

Are we going for it? - That remains the question folks.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 21, 2008 4:00 PM

Esteemed Trevor, I am so thankful. I am not crazy about the “high finance” world with you. I share that with you. Only, that there are or were some people that were extremely valuable personas, good ambassadors of the U.K. to Earth.

I might go to London, maybe next year or in 2010; I would like to meet you. If possible, it is an honor. If we do so and you feel comfortable, we may take the tubes to Lloyd’s as an adventure, kind of British Disney Land. I mean it respectfully. And ask for a friend of mind, a chief director there for a talk and visit.

I will make you both friends if it is okay with you. Alongside with the U.S., I hold extremely dear all of the British, Irish, Scottish, English, Whales, and all the Isles (language, culture, people, openness, respect, prudence). I love that kind of civility, my best city without a fail.

Can we take Ian and Dave along?

I may wish to talk to you about partnering. This is preliminary. If you’d like, we can send a preliminary invitation to Ian. Your background is boundaryless to surf the “North Sea” in winter time. The Caribbean is nothing to you. On partnering, I might have something nice reserved for Judith that I will share with all.

It’s becoming a privileged the DRIVING FORCE AS A SUPER-COMMUNICATION infrastructure Mr. Peters has so graciously put together for humankind.

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 21, 2008 6:00 PM

On the book collaboration, I am aware there are some legal and other expenses. The last thing I would like for us not to make it is a nuisance to Mr. Peters or Cathy. THIS IS CARDINAL.

On way, perhaps, not to bother them at all, would be to present a finished draft 1.0 to Mr. Peters’ wisest consideration. He can freely say, it goes forward or it does not go forward. If the latter were to happen, the hard-core contributors can take it to press without making uncomfortable anyone.

It’s a problem because the greatest credit goes to this blogs.

I agree with Trevor that there would be needed a Project Manager.

We might need a specialized “blog entry” to put this work together. In any way, I would suggest to you all, to make it extremely transparent to everyone. Subsequently, everyone knows what we are doing and he/she can jump in to aid and be acknowledged in due time.

If Judith, Ian, Trevor, and Dave—among others—make me a REQUEST OR A PETITION (so that the Community in part request from Andy), I can commit right now to the following.

What about if I gave you my ideas on how I would make my next “dreamteam” book? When the REQUEST and PETITION is submitted, I will tell you my true in detail and without mental reservations and with ideas and examples. It would be, if it were my book, filled up with the most proven but irreverent knowledge content with illustrations and a great deal of art of our own. Scholar rigor, fine art rigor, philosophy rigor will be an indispensable MUST-DO. In my dream time book, we, the community, will look second to none.

If the petition is filed to me, be aware that I will make an immediate acknowledgement. I WILL NEED A MINIMUM OF TWO PETITIONERS. If there is only one, I won’t say a thing. I need to clearly stated petitioners, please. Thanks in advance.

My response would be orderly, classified, with plentiful of ideas. To tell you my “dreamteam” book’ s projected spirit to see it if catches you all to make OUR DREAMTEAM BOOK.

In case any authority gets concerned about this amplificated activities within the blog, Judith, Ian, Trevor, and Andy has spoken about as a possibility subject to any change. In none of the four of us, there is any, direct or indirect purpose, to change anything arbitrarily.

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 21, 2008 6:23 PM

Hey Andy...do you not think I'd be down with the British Isles? Although, I have not been there yet, I have read about its writers, and scientists for many years. I have great respect for the people and its history. So, you'd take Dave and Ian there and not me? What's up with that? :-)

My friend is, in fact, Irish. Both of his parents are from Ireland. I've heard so many extraordinary stories about the land and the people. Irish writers are great! For many years I have read the writing of Yeats, Shaw, Beckett, Joyce, Wilde, and Swift. I have travelled extensively and lived in Europe and Australia.

Regarding the Carribbean, I have lived there for nearly a year and have quite a few friends of prominence there. I love the Carribbean! The weather's great and the ocean is incredibly beautiful! Some things could also be done there. What do you have in mind? I am also working on some things in Africa.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 21, 2008 7:06 PM

Judith – as far as I am concerned you are ALL very welcome in my country – the more of you the merrier :-)

It is coming up to 1.30 am Tuesday and it is time for me to hit the sack .... Greetings to all my friends at TP Blog from li’l ol’ England – still the greatest country on the planet.

But hey … I admit I am just a wee bit biased …. Or maybe it is the rather pleasant Australian Red that my wife and I have been drinking that is doing my talking at this unearthly hour :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 21, 2008 7:34 PM

Trevor...perhaps if I had some "pleasant Australian Red" I would have gotten to bed earlier last night. By the time my head hit my pillow it was 5:30am. I try not to get to bed this late anymore. It's 8:42pm here and I'm getting a little sleepy after the all nighter last night. I did manage to get a few hours, though. Sleep well, my friend. Blessings to you and Annie.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 21, 2008 7:45 PM

Judith, I'll take you immediately. Clearly, I have to ask for everyone's permission. I am bit careful with ladies.

I agree with Trevor, the more and the merrier. You're indispensable, but I wanted to be tactful and cavalier, if I may.

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 21, 2008 11:35 PM

Andy! Andy! What century do you live in? I have held my own for some time now, beginning with a backpack trip in my late teens to Italy for three months alone, staying in youth hostels and with families I met on my journey. Trust me, I can hold my own. But being the gentleman that you appear to be, I receive your chivalry and tact as such. Best!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2008 2:38 AM

Hi guys
Talking of the UK, like Trevor I am a fellow Brit. After 15 years living in London I moved to the coast 18 months ago, but still spend much of my working life in the glorious Capital. It's sometimes a great mix to do the thinking bits by the coast and the meeting and networking bits in London. The city and the coast both inspire and stimulate, for different reasons.
On the book idea; there's a lot of (good) thoughts and comments flying around here. For me, I think we need to define the focus of the proposition: what is the book about? In one sentence (or less!). What is its objective? Its collaborative nature certainly makes it distinctive, but hey - it's a crowded market out there and I need to better understand its essence. That would be a good starting point for me.
Certainly I am excited by something that is incubated in the TP Community and as Trevor has said, a truly global, cross-continental, cross-discipline project like this is also very exciting.
Happy Tuesday!
best,
Ian

Posted by Ian Sanders at April 22, 2008 3:20 AM

Judith, as you please. You're welcome.

Ian, greetings. ON THE BOOK I MADE A COUPLE OF ENTRIES BEFORE YOUR MOST RECENT:

On the book collaboration, I am aware there are some legal and other expenses. The last thing I would like for us not to make it is a nuisance to Mr. Peters or Cathy. THIS IS CARDINAL.

On way, perhaps, not to bother them at all, would be to present a finished draft 1.0 to Mr. Peters’ wisest consideration. He can freely say, it goes forward or it does not go forward. If the latter were to happen, the hard-core contributors can take it to press without making uncomfortable anyone.

It’s a problem because the greatest credit goes to this blogs.

I agree with Trevor that there would be needed a Project Manager.

We might need a specialized “blog entry” to put this work together. In any way, I would suggest to you all, to make it extremely transparent to everyone. Subsequently, everyone knows what we are doing and he/she can jump in to aid and be acknowledged in due time.

If Judith, Ian, Trevor, and Dave—among others—make me a REQUEST OR A PETITION (so that the Community in part request from Andy), I can commit right now to the following.

What about if I gave you my ideas on how I would make my next “dreamteam” book? When the REQUEST and PETITION is submitted, I will tell you my true in detail and without mental reservations and with ideas and examples. It would be, if it were my book, filled up with the most proven but irreverent knowledge content with illustrations and a great deal of art of our own. Scholar rigor, fine art rigor, philosophy rigor will be an indispensable MUST-DO. In my dream time book, we, the community, will look second to none.

If the petition is filed to me, be aware that I will make an immediate acknowledgement. I WILL NEED A MINIMUM OF TWO PETITIONERS. If there is only one, I won’t say a thing. I need to clearly stated petitioners, please. Thanks in advance.

My response would be orderly, classified, with plentiful of ideas. To tell you my “dreamteam” book’ s projected spirit to see it if catches you all to make OUR DREAMTEAM BOOK.

In case any authority gets concerned about this amplificated activities within the blog, Judith, Ian, Trevor, and Andy has spoken about as a possibility subject to any change. In none of the four of us, there is any, direct or indirect purpose, to change anything arbitrarily.

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 21, 2008 6:23 PM

NOTE:

I need three petitioners who unambiguously request to see my ideas to share and submit to the Group.

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 22, 2008 11:38 AM

Andy...thank you, sir.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2008 1:53 PM

Regarding the proposed book, here are a few thoughts:

Firstly, there is a matter of approval and maybe involvement from TP and staff. After all, it's his Blog and his ingenious brilliant posts that engender all of our comments--not to mention the TP staff that makes it all happen. Secondly, there would need to be a process of editing, not of content but the amount of material, what to include etc. This would have to been done ever so well as things evolve and take shape out of the comments and ideas of others. Thirdly, who would we be targeting, how would we market, and who gets the dough?

Andy… I like your dream team book ideas if the contributions of all would be considered as such, as the material is seminal from the thoughts of others. I also like all things with an interdisciplinary approach. This approach evolves rather naturally in forums like this, as we have all come to business from diverse backgrounds and paths. To capture this in book form with illustrations, stories, poems, photographs, art, axioms, etc may be ingenious indeed. We can't leave out music! Maybe there can be an online version as well. Now, there's a way to make some loot!

I understand that we have been just merely kicking this idea around, but I have not heard anyone from TP or his team as of yet. Does it seem a bit premature to discuss such things? Or, perhaps, is it in these very open discussions that things take shape and we come to an agreement. There will, undoubtedly, be legal considerations.

I like what I'm hearing so far. There are other things to consider as well.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2008 2:48 PM

We are in the exciting ‘storming’ stage of this …. As I see it we are tossing around our individual thoughts – we are very much at the beginning – the creative stage.

I suggest we don't constrain or limit our thinking too early by getting bogged down in detailed process issues. I definitely agree we need to think about what the product will look like and where it fits in a very crowded market place. As Judith says we also need to hear from TP group and we may have to think about legalities.

All those things are of course crucial but for me the greatest joy of this potential project is the PROCESS OF COLLABORATION ITSELF. This would be a wonderful way to develop our already embryonic ideas leading to what I would call our ‘Purpose for Good’

We may not make money – I actually suggest the main objective should NOT be to make money – that would be a very pleasant and desirable spin off but only as a result of doing a WOW piece of work collaboratively. The joy of writing for me anyway is in the process of communicating.

As we are still in the creative thinking stage I will throw into the melting pot another thought for consideration...

I think we could have a greater impact on the world and more self-satisfaction by making a commitment from the outset that we GIVE AWAY any money we may make. I would suggest any money goes to a credible organisation that is currently working to relieve poverty in the less prosperous parts of our one planet. Now that would give me a real buzz!

As regards moving on with the project … I suggest we allow individual ideas to flow for a while and then take stock in a week or two about whether there is real potential in this whole idea or not.

Anyway ... On a wonderful Tuesday evening that’s my ‘two pennyworth’ from England … or ‘two cents’ for you folks over there on the left side of the pond!

Life is good :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 22, 2008 4:22 PM

Well, now, I have come to my first road blocks: the idea of not making money on this project and the proposed name. I am opposed to both of these.

Trevor, you may give away your portion to do any good in the world that you'd like. If all would agree that this would be the best for the greater good and legal purposes, I may concede.

Regarding the process of letting ideas flow in this initial stage, I see that you concur. While I too enjoy the process of writing, it would not be my desire at all to simply throw ideas about for this project for the sake of communicating. This I do not need.

There is one thing that I wholehearatedly agree with: Life is good...indeed. I can also agree to the premise of Trevor's comment in that we are our brother's keeper. This I personally enact each and every day.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2008 5:35 PM

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Thank you all. EVERYONE has “dreamteam” inputs, valuable to any initiative. Clearly, everyone’s might be included in a “dreamteam” publication, since everyone has suggested INCLUDING ALL PARTICIPANTS.

A participant could write two chapters, Participant 2 could write 2 to 3 chapters, Participant Y could write other chapters. And so forth. Every knowledge, every opinion, every angle is absolutely crucial.

AS I HAVE REITERATED, NOTHING AT ALL CAN BE DONE WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF AUTHORITIES.

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at April 22, 2008 5:42 PM

As always Judith you give a thoughtful response that I respect and value. I hear what you say.

By the way I was not suggesting a ‘title’ for the project – merely an expression for my own benefit using my own ‘shorthand’

I too try and enact daily, the role of my brother’s keeper.

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I will of course go along with the view of the majority and will contribute with enthusiasm. I just feel a project such as the one we are discussing has the potential to be a TANGIBLE cause for good.

I personally don’t see the need to make financial gain individually. I do however understand and respect the view that I will – in all probability - be in a minority with that view ….. Nevertheless it is how I feel.

The ‘payment‘ to me will be just being part of a WOW project with some great folks.

Coming up to 12.30 am Wednesday morning … another late night …. and life is not only ‘good’ ….. it just gets better :- )

How great to be part of such a forum.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 22, 2008 6:32 PM

Trevor...no need to fall on a the sword with regards to a minority position. You may be surprised that others may take your point of view. In any event, my point remains. Business is about profitability in producing a good product or service. Charity, to me, is giving, expecting NOTHING in return; this I do often.

The proposed book and/or Internet-based product, I do not wish to be in the charity category. We can WOW! with a project that makes some loot! And personally, I'm all for financial gain individually; this collaboration, of course, will be a collective effort. I'm all for the right collaborations and terms.

I repeat my position in the spirit of TP's post:

Communicate
Communicate
Communicate

Over-communicate
Over-communicate
Over-communicate.

Sleep well, Trevor.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2008 11:22 PM

For What it's Worth...we all seem to view our "diversity", be it geographical, cultural, professional, age, or gender as a strength and potential "hook". How do we best translate that strength into a relevant and "value added" deliverable to a customer? I'm with Ian, we won' know that until we define the purpose. What is the common thread/experience we share that makes us relevant? A suggestion to get us moving conceptually towards the same page? Multi-vote...build a list of topics from our individual inputs. We individually review the compiled list and get one opportunity to "tweak" our input. We each get for example 5-7 votes that we can use to rank or weight our individual preferences on the list. The only rule is you can't spend all the votes on a single item. The purpose isn't to make a final decision but to first give us an idea of where we're coming from and to narrow down the list of possibilities to the top two or three.....takes no time at all really.....

Posted by Dave Wheeler at April 23, 2008 12:01 AM

Hi Judith – like all great teams there will inevitably be different motivations among the team members and that can only enhance the richness in my opinion.

If this thing comes off the common goal for all of us I’m sure will be the production of a WOW product- whatever the product may be.

Like all the sports teams or work teams I’ve been a player in we each have our own perception of the definition and the criteria for success. My first motivation is not profit and I realise mine will be a minority view – I can live with that – As my late beloved Dad might have said about being in a minority – ‘Why change the habit of a lifetime?’ :-)

I still want to be a ‘player’ in the team and want to be an integral part of this journey - wherever it takes us!

A team is made up of individuals and they will not always agree. I remember reading a quote many years ago ‘When two people in a business always agree one of them is unnecessary’ (We can replace the figure 2 with 10, 100, or 50 or 1000 in my opinion) - Healthy difference and constructive discussion is brilliant – there is plenty of room in a good team for difference. I have no expectation that others have to agree with me about the profit thing.

Dave – you are so right that our diversity is our greatest strength. Your practical suggestion - as always - makes sense to me. Maybe we need someone to co-ordinate things and lead us through the process you suggest. I have to say I am not the worlds best at the ‘processy’ stuff so I won’t volunteer for that job if you don’t mind :-)

It is Wednesday morning 9.20 am ... it is a dull, damp and overcast day in Shakespeare’s County after a beautiful day yesterday … yet another great example smacking me between the eyes of how diversity enriches my life … As I look out of my window in my home office I see beauty and wonder all around on an overcast day and on a sunny day … Such is the diversity in our embryonic ‘team’

What a great blast this is ……

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 23, 2008 3:24 AM

Not a bad idea Dave; might help move us forward to defining some goals...

Posted by Ian Sanders at April 23, 2008 4:19 AM

I have always been a fan and quote Tom often in my seminars and keynotes. I just heard about the blog through another blog that I subscribe to.

What I am not seeing is way to subscribe or sign up for an RSS feed -- I would love to have the blog pushed into my inbox every week!

Posted by Carol Verret at May 5, 2008 10:51 AM

It's not like consumers aren't going to notice a glitch or delay. By not communicating with them, you really just invite them to assume the worst about your brand and what they should expect from it in the future, because they're understandably cynical. Still, silence is golden compared to messages that they know to be bogus (because, let me say it again, consumers are understandably cynical).

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As just one example, when you call a company and are routed to a automated options menu, then you hear "Please stay on the line. Your call is important to us," no one on the RECEIVING end of the message is fooled. Though perhaps the geniuses who implemented such messages have fooled themselves into thinking that they're engaging in great messaging. With every repetition that "your call is important to us," you only further convince the recipient that the opposite is true, BECAUSE IMPORTANT CALLS ARE ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY. That's just elementary. It would be much better to say nothing at all, play some nice music, etc. OR be honest: "We apologize for the long wait. It sucks, but it helps us keep our costs down, so we can, in turn, keep our prices down." Tone of voice would be important, but at least the subsequent brand-consumer interaction would be built on trust, rather than an obvious lie. Just saying.

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Posted by Thomas 2.0 at May 5, 2008 12:34 PM

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I posted on this noted Blog (by Mr. Tom Peters) the idea of putting together a book on management, a rigorous one (from great to optimum).

With the purpose to accelerate the process, I also offered this via the possibility to assemble my ideas for the wiser judgment of the Blog “petitioners.”

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure—with 5 days in advance of the promised date—to present to the petitioners a rigorous and through presentation for the wiser consideration of my esteemed colleagues, who ask for such a presentation.

I mention all of this to document the most recent ideas for the Blog’s record. I honored my promises 150%.

Keep all the great work. I am pleased and honored to participate here.

Best,

Andy

Posted by Andres Agostini (Andy) at May 5, 2008 2:23 PM

carol,
there's a link in the upper right hand corner of the home page. orange button, says xml. that's the RSS feed.

Posted by erik hansen at May 5, 2008 4:02 PM