Comments

TP – Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! What an awesome presentation. I have not gotten through it all but so far these are my favorite slides:

“Organizations exist to serve. Period. Leaders live to serve. Period.”

This reminds me of the words of Christ: “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)

Thank you.

“I was among the first (the first publicly) of the gurus to make this journey – and I felt an immense obligation to spell out the possibilities as I saw them. These words are meant to be taken literally –how, - in fact, could there by any other serious aspiration?

Thank you for the mere thought of the many possibilities.

“We all at in life long our fathers and mothers above everything else in the world, but that does not close the door of love. That prepares us to love our wives and husbands and children and children and friends and to cooperate with and show respect to all worthy individuals with whom com in contact or have an opportunity to reach in other ways. We must apply that to nations and to other businesses.” (Thomas J. Watson, October 30, 1941)

These are some of the most inspired words that I have read. If we can apply these principles worldwide in all areas, what a wonderful world we would have. I, for one, will practice love more daily.

Did I say thank you?

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 13, 2008 3:22 PM

Tom,
You have a typo on slide #175. The question says, “What was the most important lesson you’ve learned in you long and distinguished career?” - it should be in YOUR long and distinguised career.

Keep up the good work!

Posted by Jeff Wilson at November 13, 2008 3:48 PM

Jeff - you must be the most efficient proof reader on the planet. 544 slides - one typo and you find it - you are a genius. I’m tempted to ask if I can I send all my draft work to you in future :- )

Posted by Trevor Gay at November 13, 2008 5:40 PM

This one deserves to be perfect. Here is one more:
Slide 365, line 4 - "e" missing from "ach person’s".

Jay, from Bangalore

Posted by Jayakumar Hariharan at November 14, 2008 2:18 AM

You spelling perfectionists are a hoot! Now let's apply those skills to real issues. Got any ideas on how the slides can actually be implemented, as the message of each with or without the proper "r" or "e" is clear? If I add a smiley face would that soften the reality of these word? OK! Here it is :-!, though slightly artistically altered.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 14, 2008 7:58 AM

I truly appreciate the spelling perfectionists, being one myself, and that being a BIG part of my, like, job. So, I'm thrilled to have thousands of eyes contributing to the effort of getting every last typo OFF tompeters.com. It's my WOW! project. Yes, Judith, there's a bigger picture, and we appreciate those who want to drive the discussion in the direction of business, too. So, yes, keep the discussion on business. That's what we're here for!!! But, I've always been in the camp of those who say that we have to keep the distracting misspellings out of the way to be able to concentrate on the important stuff.

Posted by cathy mosca at November 14, 2008 9:42 AM

Nice, Cathy.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 14, 2008 9:54 AM

I didn't know I was going to create so much interest in typos, but I am glad I did!! I want you all to know I do read these slides for the business applications and insight they can provide, but I am a stickler for typos (I hope I don't have one in this post). But one thing I have always wondered while I have all of your attention, how does a person go about knowing what Tom means on some of the slides? Sometimes there are just two words (or even one) on the slide and I would like to know what he is telling his audience about those words. Can anyone tell me how to learn more about what he is actually communicating through the slides? I wish I could see him live but he doesn't get to Iowa very often!!

Posted by Jeff Wilson at November 14, 2008 11:01 AM

Funny, Jeff! I actually find it quite fun to extract meaning from those seemingly odd slides. But they appear to me to be as a greatly woven stream of consciousness novel that applies meaning through various touch points, if you will. There seems to always be a flow, though perhaps not in the way we might expect it to be. Others may see the slides differently.

Regarding typos and grammar stuff, I am often a victim of such, as my head moves by far quicker than anything else and my patience perhaps not as fundamental. I will work on this. In the meantime, I beg your pardon. And speaking of Iowa, I'm really loving Iowa these days and hope that TP will get there. Iowans deserve a national applause.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 14, 2008 11:37 AM

Jeff,
What you're asking is the reason Tom has added the grey-background slides. If he were speaking, those would not be there. The text on them shows what he would say to accompany the slide preceding the grey one; they are what Tom means when he says "annotation." The grey slides are the explanations you're looking for. Otherwise, people ask me the meanings of slides, by writing to tom at tompeters.com, and if I don't know the translation, I find out.

Posted by cathy mosca at November 14, 2008 11:44 AM

Jeff, Jay and Cathy – as far as I’m concerned please step up to the spotlight and take the plaudits. Actually, I am in awe of perfectionists because I know I am not one when it comes to the written word. I try hard to make sure there are no mistakes but invariably there will be a letter missing or an incorrect punctuation mark in the wrong place!

Perfectionism is a terrific aspiration – one genuine question from me – To what does one aspire, if one is a perfectionist? …. Just joking guys :-)

Best wishes from Shakespeare’s County, England on a wonderful Friday evening. Life is good.

Posted by Trevor Gay at November 14, 2008 11:59 AM

There are always and forever two paths moving simultaneously: the literal and the perceived. Literal meaning is most important to seek for the best form of communication which requires listening and responding. But there is also something to be said for perception which allows for further communications of all kind. This is the meeting point of creativity that builds ideas and enables relationships. The slides are endless in this regard; they inspire communication that leads to action. Thanks!

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 14, 2008 12:23 PM

From another Iowan, all I can say is thank you Tom for making this available to us.

Posted by Andy Hubbard at November 14, 2008 4:13 PM

"Got any ideas on how the slides can actually be implemented?"

Of course!

Enthusiasm! Execution!Experience! Empathy! Excellence!
Avoid moderation!

Jay, from Bangalore

Posted by Jayakumar hariharan at November 14, 2008 11:09 PM

"Got any ideas on how the slides can actually be implemented?"

Forgot to add one all important aspect.

Play! GERONIMO!

Jay, from Bangalore

Posted by Jayakumar Hariharan at November 14, 2008 11:15 PM

"Got any ideas on how the slides can actually be implemented?"

53=53!

In other words, you don't really get it if you have to ask "Got any ideas on how the slides can actually be implemented?" after viewing the slides!

Jay, from Bangalore

Posted by Jayakumar Hariharan at November 15, 2008 12:08 AM

There are a GREAT many things that I do not know. But there are also few things that do not interest me. Knowledge is forever increasing. If others can increase my knowledge then I am forever grateful. Knowledge to me is not knowledge if I can’t actualize it. This requires understanding. We are helpers one to another and we are also of different personalities, backgrounds, and professional experience. But this is indeed the beauty. Where I don't get it, you have gotten it and vice versa.

After I read each slide I actually think of ways that I can implement them in my two small businesses, consultation for mostly governments and nonprofits, and real estate investments. Yes, I can be enthused, but how can my enthusiasm translate into action that will benefit me and those around me. Yes, the slides have caused me to think about the importance of execution, but how would I execute daily in order to see the project through? What can I do to take little daily steps to affect the outcome?

Yes, experience is valuable, but how can I step outside of my comfort zone in order to actually be in the moment to embrace another's ideas for the betterment of the project? This is experience to me. I can be a team member and not experience what is occurring if I am stuck on progressing my ideas to the exclusion of others. Yes, empathy is essential but how does it relate to incompetence, inexperience, and holding the team together? I have great empathy but I am also a great believer in laying things on the line. Yes, I also realize that it is a matter of HOW you do WHAT you do WHEN you do it. We are all advancing, hopefully.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 15, 2008 8:49 AM

Tom, this is the best collection of slides yet. Perfect for the challenging times that we are in.
The annotations are very insightful. Thank you very much.

Posted by Ed Brenegar at November 15, 2008 10:28 PM

One thing that perplexes me as missing though is the performability of leaders. How sustainable is their performance? How energized, focused, and vital are they to implement these great ideas? When I work with top executives I see a leadership fatigue, a comfortably numb, a lack of passion not out of a lack of desire but out of a lack of the right habits.

When you look at the presenteeism statistics, the current economy, and the growing pace of business, truly the demands on leaders are growing exponentially. The question: How come so few people are talking about Sustainable High Performance of leaders? I think this is a must. Visit www.tignum.com for some ideas.

Posted by Scott Peltin at November 15, 2008 11:39 PM

For Cathy, slide 118 is missing an s after It'

Posted by Rob at November 16, 2008 2:07 AM

And slide 154 - "yo"?

BTW it's a great presentation - breaks all the rules. viagra for sale online cheap

Posted by Rob at November 16, 2008 2:11 AM

Scott - You make some very good points. Thank you. The right habits seem essential. Another thing to perhaps consider is that leaders should not be expected to carry the burden of the work alone; delegation may be necessary, as many leaders are Type A personalities. I came to learn of a system, Enneagram, on John O'Leary's blog that's really great in determing and working with various types.

Everyone has a part to play. Leaders set the tone and direction. But the best case scenario is that the team implements and becomes passionate about the project. This could assist in relieving burnout. The energy of the leader inspires the others as the leader is inspired by them. Commitment by all is necessary.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 16, 2008 10:32 AM

Being a frontline leader, trainer, and a "consultant" years ago in a different career I see in these these slides the "simplicity" and excellence that I have seen in Tom's work for many decades now. I agree with Jay from Bangladore's assessment and the approach to execution. It definitely is a great place to start.

One reason many have issues seeing how to execute is they think and act like managers. They forgot what it was like to be on the frontline. No disrespect intended for those selling systems and programs but as a frontline leader my problem isn't sustainability...it's the AS*HOl* two levels above my boss who "talks" it but doesn't "walk" it. The one who I have to rely on for resources. The one I have to rely on making others accountable. The one who makes it impossible for me to keep the great folks I have on my team because they want them to act like professionals but want to pay them like they are expendable. The ones who expect 100% quality but measure and discipline those for not meeting the daily production metrics. I control what goes on in my area of responsibility below me and influence those above me. It's tough to get information that can makes us perform better into the hands of the decision makers when there is no access or or process in place to do it...

These are but a few examples of the barriers to executions. I could build a "Tom like" list of others that might make it to 100 or so. Leadership and execution are relatively easy when you think and act like a leader not a manager! Credibility is a marvelous thing, the lack of it is a barrier to excellence all the consultants on the planet would be hard pressed to fix...Re-gaining trust is a long term process.

Posted by Dave Wheeler at November 16, 2008 2:29 PM

Great wisdom as always from Dave.

The best leaders perfect the art of managing paradox – they 'let go' and 'keep hold' at the same time.

The best leaders as Dave reminds us are those who never lose sight of the fact that it is at the front line where the reputation of an organisation is made or broken - not in Boardrooms or the senior executive offices .

Where customers and front line employees meet is what I describe as the ‘telling point.’

Front line employees and customers both see through the B/S very quickly.

Scott’s point is excellent about apathy and burn out among leaders. Perhaps those leaders need to get back to the good habits of visiting the front line, meeting real customers and having a coffee and a chat with the folks doing the work at the ‘telling point.’

Posted by Trevor Gay at November 16, 2008 2:51 PM

How do you make the best use of Tom's slides?

Unlike 90% of the business and management wisdom in cyberspace, I think Tom's advice is more like performance coaching - that strong forceful whisper in the ear which inspires you to stay a little ahead when you are playing the business equivalent of the Ironman.

You just read it, listen to it, and forget it. It will show up for sure when you need it the most.

Jay, from Bangalore

Posted by Jayakumar Hariharan at November 17, 2008 2:28 AM

Very nice, Jay. Thank you.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 17, 2008 9:09 AM viagra samples overnight

Judith, You have provided some excellent comments here. I have enjoyed reading them. Are you actually in Iowa? I didn't understand your reference to our great state - if you are actually here or just hearing good things about us. We would love to have Tom here - how can we make that happen? I missed him the last time he was here.

Also for Cathy Mosca, I pledge ignorance, and I would have to go back and look at the slide presentation again, but I didn't understand what she meant about the grey-background slides. Please advise how I can use those to understand the meaning behind some of the slides.

This forum is great! Keep up the good work everyone!!

Jeff Wilson

Posted by Jeff Wilson at November 18, 2008 3:13 PM

viagra for men 100mg Thanks, Jeff. I am not in Iowa; the reference was a political one. Perhaps I will find your email and clarify it. :-) I am from the Midwest, though, so we are neighbors of sorts.

By the way, Jeff, I like your approach. It reminds me of something my mother would always say to us: "In all your getting, get understanding."

Best in getting TP to Iowa. Perhaps popping a not to Cathy to get advice might help? I imagine he's probably booked to the hilt. But, hey, go for it! Any big organizations or local ones that can pool together?

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 18, 2008 4:55 PM

Can you tell me what it would cost to get Tom to come to a public event in Iowa? Do you work for Tom Peters? Can you explain the grey slides? I guess I haven't seen them or understand what was being said about them. If someone could explain that I would appreciate it, and I will take another look at the presentation to see if I can figure it out myself. What I am trying to clarify is for example, when I see a big number on the slide - what is Tom saying at that point? What does that number mean? Hopefully someone can tell me how to understand that.

Posted by Jeff Wilson at November 19, 2008 1:45 PM

Jeff - Do pop Cathy an email; she will be able to explain more than any of us here. Regarding my status, I do not work for TP.

Posted by Judith Ellis at November 19, 2008 2:23 PM

jeff,
tom is represented exclusively by the Washington Speakers Bureau. their site: http://washingtonspeakers.com/

as for the grey slides, these are tom's comments about the previous slide in the deck. rather than supplying our audience with just the slides (which can be difficult to fathom at times, as a number of people have noted), tom is filling in what he might say to the live audience. the hope is that viewing these annotated slides will be more fulfilling than just the slides without any explanation.

Posted by erik hansen at November 19, 2008 2:41 PM