Comments

Simply Stunning

Posted by patrick at August 6, 2009 11:09 AM

Great policy, Is the policy the reason why they are successful, or do they have the luxury of great success that allows them to have such a cool policy?
What was Blockbusters policy in it's heyday?
I know at one point Best Buy had a very cool policy. For example, people could work from home or wherever there was an Internet connection. How's that doing these days?

Posted by zorro at August 6, 2009 12:16 PM

Great comment, Zorro. But is success ever a luxury?

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 6, 2009 12:35 PM

Perhaps a sense of luxury, of resting on one's laurels, is precisely the beginning of the end. Some companies may also simply be seasonal, as in of a certain season or time.

What can't be denied, however, is that policy presented here is as patrick said, "simply stunning." There is also the matter of implementation to consider.

Kudos to TP and Robert Waterman for the "corporate culture" notion that got us all thinking in a different manner.

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 6, 2009 12:42 PM

What percentage of people get to work for a company as successful as Netflix? I bet its somewhat small. So, its a luxury. I'd see the policy as 'Simply Stunning' if it was the reason for their success. The policy seems much like the policies of untold Internet companies that did not survive the Internet bust. I'm not saying its a policy that leads to failure - I'm just saying it might very well be a policy that is a product of enormous success and could disappear overnight if Netflix fumbles when trying to make the transition from mailing movies to delivering content on the Internet.
BTW, the notion of corporate culture was not invented by these guys. In the book, they refer to the fact that the concept was originated in the business press starting around 1980. They popularized it, but they didn't invent it.

Posted by zorro at August 6, 2009 1:24 PM

Interesting 'spin' on a very important subject. I believe all companies cannot adopt this approach and all its content, but it does give us a 'converstaion' we all need to have in our companies. In my opinion, there are three main areas to consider:
- What is Culture?
- What are the Values we work to?
- How do we ensure these Values 'create' the desired Culture?
In simple terms, it is all about 'how we do things around here'!

Posted by Leo at August 6, 2009 1:31 PM

"In the book, they refer to the fact that the concept was originated in the business press starting around 1980. They popularized it, but they didn't invent it."

Yes, but it is the difference they brought that matters.

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 6, 2009 2:54 PM

Whose more important, Robert Johnson or Eric Clapton?

Posted by zorro at August 6, 2009 3:09 PM

It is not a matter of who's more important but the purpose of each.

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 6, 2009 3:42 PM

Eric Clapton...

Posted by Scott Peters at August 6, 2009 3:58 PM

I bet Eric would disagree with that.

Posted by zorro at August 6, 2009 5:08 PM

Zorro - I was going to respond to that but I'm so glad I waited! Classic. Your wit sounds like TrueLove.

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 6, 2009 5:26 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh4n1bZi4d8

Posted by TrueLove at August 6, 2009 6:06 PM

One of my favourite memories of the early 1990’s is listening to Tom's audio tapes in my car for many hours on long drives around the English countryside. This set of 6 audio tapes provided many hours of Tom talking to audiences of hundreds of CEO types on the launch of “Liberation Management” – my favourite of Tom’s books. One of the most comical extracts I can remember from Tom on those tapes was as follows (roughly paraphrased from memory – please correct any inaccuracy Tom)

“In the 1980’s we were recruited as consultants to ‘teach’ corporate culture in large companies. We referred to it as legalised stealing”

That's brilliant and still makes me smile!!

I assumed at the time (and still do) that Tom meant ‘corporate culture’ may well be an aspiration many senior managers want to aspire to but to actually ‘live it’ is an experience not a simple tick box exercise or process. I certainly see it that way. I prefer corporate culture being described as ‘the way we do things around here’ and nothing more complicated than that. Corporate culture is too often just another 'sexy term' that managers like to trot out to impress as if it is some magic bullet or holy grail. Oh how I wish I could find those 6 tapes – I’m sure I still have them somewhere!

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 6, 2009 6:23 PM

When it comes to the idea of 'live it' or 'teach by example', when is Tom going to take his own advice?
I've said this before, but the more I think about it, its a must do for Tom, period. If diversity and collaboration are so important, when are your presentations going to feature someone front and center other than a White Southern alpha male. Aren't there any women who would be a good teammate (teamwork being so important) to stand up and present on stage with Tom. At worst, it would be a magnificent failure or whatever that quote says.
Its not that I disagree with your views on diverity, its just that it seems a bit hypocritcal to tell everyone else what they should do and attempt it yourself. Sorry for being a bit off topic. To be clear, I'm not suggesting only use teamwork when you are putting a presentation together. I'm suggesting you share the limelight. Like when Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney did in Ebony and Ivory.

Posted by zorro at August 6, 2009 7:39 PM

zorro/dan - Tom is no stranger to collaboration. Two of his three coauthors are women: Nancy Austin and Martha Barletta. And as for sharing the limelight, are you familiar with our Cool Friends feature? http://www.tompeters.com/cool_friends/friends.php
Lots of inspiration to mine there. Enjoy.

Posted by Shelley Dolley at August 7, 2009 6:26 AM

Clapton is God!

Posted by G. Baker at August 7, 2009 9:04 AM

While Clapton would agree that Johnson was a huge influence to him and blues, Clapton's influence to music, over 4 decades, is far more superior to Johnson's. No dig on Johnson, as his style and influence have been documented by other artists; but much like SRV and Hendrix, they were taken a bit too early to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

G. Baker...I agree, Clapton is God, and his ability to work with other artists in all genres of music is well documented throughout his career.

Posted by Blackie at August 7, 2009 11:43 AM

Shelley,

Great post and good slides. The presentation is wonderful, albeit a little long. As long as upper leadership and executives can live by this culture, any company can benefit from its use.

However, in current day society, we have seen poor success with the Ten Commandments, people adhering to laws and values, and respect of life and others. Because of our modern day issues, unfortunately and in my opinion, ego is greater than ever and people will find a way to destroy themselves and others. In principle these slides are great, with people they will ultimately succeed or fail.

Thx Shelley

Posted by Scott Peters at August 7, 2009 11:58 AM

Shelley, I'm glad you pointed out some of Tom's collaborations (and not JUST because they were with women.) For some reason, we don't hear much mention of "A Passion for Excellence" or "Thriving on Chaos" in these threads, although they are (as I see it) as timeless and applicable today as they were when originally penned. As for expecting Tom to "share the stage" with someone during a speaking engagement, I seem to recall several occasions (such as back in the "Lessons in Leadership" days when Tom was part of a diverse lineup of thought leaders that came together quite nicely. I sure wouldn't want to take the same stage as Tom (and, heaven forbid, AFTER Tom Peters) given his trademark enthusiasm, wit, and straightforward speaking that nobody in his right mind would want to have to follow. True, when people go to hear and see Tom present, they are expecting something that is pretty much patently "Tom Peters." But I don't think that accusing Tom of refusing to share the spotlight with others is at all accurate.

Tom is about "Wow!" and about "Teams." I've never interpreted Tom's work, words, or attitude to be one of purely "Me," although he is a big advocate of individual contribution to the whole. From that perspective, "Me" is all any of us have any control over, so a certain amount of what some would deem as egocentrism is only natural, now isn't it?

Posted by Dan Gunter at August 7, 2009 3:08 PM

Huge difference between explanation and execution. Culture is a measure of leadership. Organizations excel or fail because of leadership. I found the presentation to be more sales than substance. More assumptive than "reality" based. Slide 48 for example, "Process focus drives more talent out". Folks on the frontline have no real issues with process, assessment,or accountability. The problem with process is they have no input into developing the ones they work by. The problem with assessment is they are often held to meeting performance standards with being "enabled" with the time, tools and resources they need to meet them. The problem with accountability is they are measured and disciplined on items or factors they don't control. Take call centers...100% customer satisfaction and resolution is expected but the metrics are based on quantity...how many calls did you take...how long did each last etc! Talk about unrealistic and conflicting expectations! Data driven decision making means using data to drive decision making not using it to drive discipline. Assessment doesn't have to be punitive. I have always tried to lead using three core values...Trust, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement (personally and professionally). I do my job on the first two, the third is easy!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at August 7, 2009 4:36 PM

Who made more money? Clapton.
Who was more influential? Put is this way,
from the age of 15 to 17, Eric Clapton stayed in his bedroom practicing his guitar while listening to Robert Johnson so he could learn to play as well as Robert Johnson. To this day,he doesn't feel he reached his goal.

The other interesting point about Clapton. He thought of retiring after the first time he saw/heard Jimi Hendrix play.

Posted by zorro at August 7, 2009 8:13 PM

Collaboration -
books don't count - the audience has no idea of what the process of collaboration is. And web links really don't count.
Two (or more) people on stage doing a presentation and no one is the main guy (or gal). You know, like the Grateful Dead.

Posted by zorro at August 7, 2009 8:35 PM

And if the Grateful Dead reference means nothing to you, then you need to quit using Jerry quotes in your presentations.

Posted by zorro at August 7, 2009 8:38 PM

Who was more influential?

You didn't answer your own query. Johnson may have been more influential to guys like Clapton and other artists interested in stellar blues playing. Go out and ask modern day players who is more influential and you'll get your answer.

As G Baker said, most people see Clapton as a God of blues playing. Because he was influenced by Johnson makes it that much more special. Last time I checked, Clapton is touring with Winwood.

Truly your opinion...I happen to favor Clapton. Tears in Heaven, even though the tune has little to with the blues, was such an awesome tune for many people and a crossover single for Clapton.

Eddie Van Halen happened to sit on the edge of his bed listening to Cream and other works of Clapton. Funny how things work.

Posted by Scott Peters at August 7, 2009 10:04 PM

It's the creative process. Shoulders of Giants.

Posted by RobCH at August 8, 2009 12:36 AM

Love the "we will" statements on values that leave little ambiguity. Love the notion of stunning colleagues. Slowed down by confusing process and procedures. Process is amoral, simply a collection of activities to get work done. Love the honesty and clarity provided. A rarity in most organizations.

Posted by David Porter at August 8, 2009 8:22 AM

David - I too love the "we will" statements, as they propel forward positive movement. If they were forever in the consciousness of the people on the job it would at least cause them to be considered. The problem, of course, is that of often times such statements are not really actualized; they are merely philosophized. (I'm sure you got that Rand reference. :-))

Changing the atmosphere of how things are done requires consciousness. Requiring constant consciousness of such things requires consistent action. Consistent action requires encouragement. Encouragement requires leadership. Leadership breeds leadership on all levels, named or unnamed from frontline workers to senior executives to board members.

I do not agree with this statement: "Process is amoral, simply a collection of activities to get work done." Process is people unless it programmed for machines and even here people are programming them. There is always the how to consider; it's never merely about what is done alone. Otherwise how loans were approved during the sub-prime mess would not have matter, just so as long as the process was in place.

Whenever people are in the process there is morality or ethics to consider. Also, money makes people crazy, even when my dad died I was amazed at how some of my siblings responded to his possessions. Morality is always a consideration—always! Capitalism is about capital. But how that capital is gotten should matter. Process is a means by which capital is gotten and there need to always be a consideration of, as Trevor said repeating TP, I believe, of "how things are done around here."

By the way, I was duly impressed by your daughter's posts. Her posts on your blog on Ayn Rand about objectivism and business, and her reflective post on American entrepreneurialism via the spirit of baseball are great! The photos are beautiful too! She is a fine young lady. You are undoubtedly proud of her and the rest of us are so happy that there are such thoughtful young people in the next generation. There are without doubt many. With these are future is most certainly bright! Thanks, David.

Here is Chesapeake's blog on baseball: http://chesapeakewrites.blogspot.com/. You can read her post on Ayn Rand on David’s blog. Are we supporting and mentoring our young people?

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 8, 2009 9:16 AM

Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter and on and on were all influenced by Robert Johnson. Anybody influenced by these guys were influenced by Robert Johnson. So, if we were to draw a tree where the leaves were rock guitar heavy weights, Robert Johnson would be holding the tree up. I think I've even seen drawings like this as posters or t-shirts. How about this ; Robert Johnson is to rock guitar as Shakespeare is to English Lierature?

Posted by zorro at August 8, 2009 11:18 AM

Zorro (aided by his many voices aka Sean, Dan, Zed, Contraire, C-Love, UK Love, True Love, G. Baker, Blackie, Allen, Anonymous, in views on the right and left) is having a dispute with himself, assisted by others, including moi. LOL!

Oh, and, Zorro, if I'm not mistaken the president and chief executive officer of the Tom Peters Company is a woman, Juli Ann Reynolds. Also, on both continents there are women and various consultants that are not white Alpha Males.

BTW - Did RobCH just daringly engage in an off topic discussion? I think he's slipping. Come on back from the edge, man.

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 8, 2009 12:45 PM

Judith: You are right that most values statements are aspirational and espoused rather than values in use. The odds of behavior being in alignment rise when you post what you will do for the world to see. I trust (hope) this is the case here.

My view on process may be a matter of semantics. I generally parse a business into people, process and technology. I also believe that only humans can provide meaning to a thing and that process, by itself, does not distinguish between good and bad - people that design, build and use the processes take on that role. I won't blame process for unethical human behavior. I prefer to see process as a way to get things done, recognizing that motive always matters in leadership and life.

Appreciate the kind words about my girl. At 20, and every age up to now, she has given us much hope for the future of our world. (And the baseball game was a blast!)

Posted by David Porter at August 8, 2009 3:13 PM

Thanks, David. I appreciate your words. This statement was a bit funny: "I won't blame process for unethical behavior." Process itself has no motive. It is workable or not. Perhaps morality goes beyond motive to automation in one sense. If a process is detrimental and is continued and repeated, the judgment of the process, irrespective to motive, can be seen as unethical.

Your preference "to see a process as a way to get things done" is good in that one thing follows another. Of course, the steps are not always in step and the need to change the process is often obligatory. Whether we can make changes is essential.

The beauty of what TP espouses is the necessity of processes that forever evolve. The beauty also is the corporate culture that consistently implements incrementally via small measures that make the difference. Where it is difficult to massively overhaul processes, small changes take deep root in the corporate culture at large.

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 8, 2009 4:27 PM

Lead by example. Tom is not known for running anything. He is known for doing presentations. To lead by example, people need to actually see the example. He needs to show people how colaboration by showing them. Most people haven't a clue what the CEO Tom Peters inc does. Too bad this isn't audio, so
that eachtime I repeat myself, I could speak slower.
BTW - thanks for keeping track of all my aliases.
Thank god you didn't mix me up with Trevor! I bet Trevor is happy about that also.

Are Judith and Shelly the same person?

Are Dan Gunter and Tom the same person?

Are Rush Limbaugh and Jabba the Hut the same Person?

Posted by zorro at August 8, 2009 7:01 PM

Oh, Zorro! :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 8, 2009 7:41 PM

Zorro - not a problem buddy - I'll work with anyone :-)

I assure you I am not in the same 'originality league' as the unique Truelove. We are all in awe of the great person that is he/she - now I'm totally confused :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 9, 2009 6:13 PM

Witty, HE is most certainly, pretty bright and often funny too--like him or not. Gotta give him his props. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 9, 2009 7:39 PM

I believe the inventor title should go to Geert Hofstede. Beware that the 2001 edition of his classic Culture's Consequences shares the title with his book from the 1970's.

Posted by Bengt-Arne Vedin at August 10, 2009 3:56 AM

For those interested, check out
The Halo Effect by Phil Rosenzweig
It's billed by Nassim Taleb as
"one of the most Important Management Books of all Time" if blurbs hold any sway over you.
But of course they do, you are all fans of Tom Peters and he's the king of blurbs.

It has some interesting things to say about
"In Search of Excellence".


Its in google books.

Posted by zorro at August 10, 2009 7:40 AM

What makes Zorro/TrueLove worth much, besides his witty, though sometimes sadistic, comments is that he is and has always been here and elsewhere the Google King. This is his thing. So, if we are smart we will take full advantage of his research and tuck away things like interesting books, even listen to cool videos as a respite. But, of course, you will have to do the research yourself to see if what he has said is, in fact, true. TrueLove isn't always true and often the love is lacking.

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 10, 2009 7:55 AM

"comments is that he is and has always been here and elsewhere the Google King. This is his thing."

Sorry about getting all mavericky on you by using google to track down information on the internet, but I think of myself as one of those wild eyed visionaries who believe that one day, search engines will be the biggest app on the net. So I use google whenever I can as a token of my support.

"TrueLove isn't always true and often the love is lacking."

This is something I learned from Tom.

Posted by zorro at August 10, 2009 9:37 AM

"TrueLove isn't always true and often the love is lacking."

This is something I learned from Tom.

Oh, TrueLove! The voice of the first person, as it is tied to self-identity, ain't no joke. LOL!

Posted by Judith Ellis at August 10, 2009 10:03 AM

Thank god I'm not smart enough to understand whatever it is you are trying to say.

Before I forget, here's my overblown endorsement of The Halo Effect

"your professional and family life alike literally depend on - in others words, read this book and you'll do better at work and in bed".

Posted by zorro at August 10, 2009 10:16 AM

This would be a great introduction to all new employees working at almost any type of business--it can be read at home and really hits the main points. I think businesses could also use this as an evaluation tool for entry-level employees within their first few weeks of work. Managers could have workers look at the "company values" from the slide shows and evaluate whether they are having any problems employing these behaviors in the workplace.

Posted by Kye Swenson at August 10, 2009 4:07 PM

Shelley - There is a terrific UTube interview at the link below with my UK friend Ian Sanders who comments regularly here on TP Blog. Ian describes perfectly the 'culture' of juggling our careers!

Great stuff Ian - well done http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8USwF33qak

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 11, 2009 8:33 AM

Thanks Trevor. I enjoyed Ian's point about being ruthless about your time - I believe we've heard a lot about this from Tom as well. Wish Ian great success with his book.

Posted by Shelley Dolley at August 11, 2009 9:51 AM

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Ahhhh yes indeed ... managing our time .. .the secret of all success. Thanks Shelley :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 11, 2009 10:10 AM

Trevor,

I've found, that as I age, time seems to slip away much easier and there are many more gadgets to steal it. The secret of all success is truly time management. Thanks for the link.

Corporate Culture was tremendously impacted by MS Outlook and the ridiculous amounts of time leaders spent sending and reading emails trivial to business. Some leaders got hooked on the tool like crack and became much less effective because of how they managed their time and people.

Cheers!

Posted by Scott Peters at August 11, 2009 10:49 AM

Cheers to you too Scott. I just fail to see how this term 'corporate culture' can be in any way separated from people. Whether 'people' means employees or customers - internal or external. It is about how people are treated. It is also about leadership as Dave Wheeler always brilliantly reminds us with his words here and elsewhere. And what is leadership about? ... It is ALL ABOUT people.

People people people .... NOT 'things' or 'processes' please.

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 11, 2009 11:14 AM

Thanks Trevor, Shelley for taking a look at my video...

Posted by Ian Sanders at August 11, 2009 1:15 PM

I appreciate Trevor's mention of TP's "legalized stealing" quote since stealing is the true neoliberal TP culture - that & pay for play & of course faking the data.

As the Bernie Madoff minions' indictments proceed - shall we be surprised if suddenly TP/Ellis, et al - are front & center under the klieg lights - confessing their many sins against humanity? I think not my beloved friends & followers of the Truth. :>)

Taken during a weekly TPC "family" meeting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7upG01-XWbY

Posted by TrueLove at August 11, 2009 7:36 PM

An important trait managers should have is knowing
something. This is a lesson the Managing editor of Investors Business Daily has recently learned though experience.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/08/how_stehpen_hawking_proves_tha.html

Posted by zorro at August 11, 2009 9:04 PM

Thanks Zorro for that very interesting link. It’s amazing how many scaremongering lies and myths the right wing doomsayers and cynics spread about the UK National Health Service given their absolute ignorance or personal experience of the service as patients.

Thank goodness there are so many people around to correct the lies that are created and spread by the cynics for blatant political reasons. Most importantly those people who correct the right wing myths are patients themselves including in this case Professor Stephen Hawking speaking as a patient as follows:

"I wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for the NHS. I have received a large amount of high quality treatment without which I would not have survived."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/aug/12/birthers-stephen-hawking-paul-rowen

As I regularly say on this Blog and in many other places I am the first to admit the NHS has its faults. But as a UNIVERSAL system I have yet to see ANY researched evidence of a better universal service when based on objective comparison measures and carried out by a credible healthcare research organisation.

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 12, 2009 8:20 AM

Trevor,

In the States at least, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. There are some people that are concerned that the very young (under 15 or something like that) or the very old (in this case 40, and I have no idea why) will have treatment based on probability of success. And as I don't understand all the details, please forgive me for interpretation...granted, insurance companies are making decisions based on probability in many cases as well.

I was speaking with a healthcare insurance professional about his concerns with the Obamacare ideas. He largely sells affordable insurance options to small business owners, their families, and employees. He was uncertain of how the program would come to pass and what the impact would be on his industry. While he felt like his company wouldn't go out of business, he saw the landscape changing completely.

He was more concerned about doctors taking rates at 5% above Medicare right now. He went on to talk about how some doctors don't even take Medicare because they can't fund operations based on what they'll pay. I also sat down with a friend, in her 60's, about this whole "death counselor" stuff and the ageing population. She was concerned that after she turned 70, she would only be offered pain meds as she gracefully, albeit "stoned", passed into the other world.

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I'm not sure what to believe or how this will affect corporate culture. I've heard rumblings that businesses would prefer to dump insurance completely and let the government foot the bill; i.e., they can't afford it anyway.

Because I haven't read the bill being proposed, as many other representatives haven't either (not that I could understand it), I'm not sure who wins in this dynamic.

However, many Americans have a huge distrust of the government right now and I'm not sure why Obama is pushing so hard at this moment. With so many Americans out of work, and a financial system that needs to recover, I'm not sure now is a good time for some of this.

I find it funny that Obama is saying...that's not accurate and you need to trust us, while at the same time he realizes there are enormous problems within his own four walls. How about if we fix the corporate culture of the US Post Office first, profit the losses so-to-speak, and get them on the right track?

Anyway...getting back to Corporate Culture, we might be better off with Corporate Counterculture right now. Very confusing times for the average American these days.

Posted by The Joker at August 12, 2009 3:59 PM

Hi Scott – great stuff.

I don’t feel qualified or justified in criticising your US healthcare system. That is the business of you folks who live and govern on your side of the pond. I must say though it’s very frustrating to read negative myths that right wing politicians continue to spout about the NHS system of universal healthcare on my side of the pond without any experience of the service or understanding the healthcare context in the UK where we’ve had a universal service that is now 61 years old.

The report in “Investors Business Daily” that Zorro highlighted was untrue for presumably political reasons. How can untruths get published without some editorial checking? They didn’t even know Professor Hawking was British for goodness sake or that Professor Hawking has recently commented that without the NHS he would not have survived. There’s a lot of unfair scaremongering about the UK National Health Service.

I fully appreciate that many folks in the US are petrified of what they see as government interference in healthcare and I understand that. Our two nations are starting from different points in the world wide challenge of excess demand and limited supply in healthcare. Each nation has to address that challenge in the best way that suits respective cultures and historical context. I just hope there is learning from both systems to help both our nations. I know for instance there is a lot of work going on over here for instance in partnership with Kaiser Permanente over there and as far as I’m concerned the more we share, the more we learn on both sides of the water. Let’s have more of that as far as I’m concerned.

Thanks again Scott - I find the questions easier than the answers :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 12, 2009 4:39 PM

I so appreciate the way lapdogs & minions that follow me struggle for the truth in healthcare. In the USA remember that all things Democrats/neoliberals are evil, vile and most likely shall self destruct on too much "comfort" foods & Big Pharma "medication" - the most elegant solution. In the UK - it is simple - the NHS is Hell on Earth & in real accounting terms eats up 19% of GDP - the highest in the world - end of story. :>)

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Here is a typical and far too common example of NHS hellish abuses:

"Catalogue of abuse in NHS care homes -
Learning disabled were physically and sexually assaulted:

The NHS faces being stripped of its responsibility for learning disability services after inspectors today issue the second damning report in six months into the care of some of the most vulnerable members of society.

People with learning disabilities had been subjected to physical and sexual abuse at a hospital in London, according to an investigation by the Healthcare Commission. One member of staff was jailed for six years last summer after being charged with rape of a woman resident who was considered unable to give consent due to her low mental age. A second staff member had been given a suspended sentence for a sex offence against the same woman a year earlier."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2007/jan/17/disability.socialcare

Posted by TrueLove at August 12, 2009 6:47 PM

Joker,
I know there is nothing I can say that would make you less confused.
I do have a question, though. Why would Obama intentionally lie? There is no past record of him intentionally lying in the past. What good would it do him to lie about health care?
Why distrust this government? The 'death councilor' provision is not an idea from the democrats. It was proposed by a republican and already exists in the current version of medicare. Why would you trust insurance companies, whose profits have increased over the past 4 years at the same time that they have dropped customers (they drop sick people - and that is why the profits go up), but not trust the government? There is absolutly no reason to trust private industry more than the government - and at least when it comes with the government, you have a vote.

Posted by zorro at August 12, 2009 6:54 PM

True Love:

"In the US-based Commonwealth Fund's 2008 healthcare rankings of six top developed nations (Australia, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States):

The United Kingdom ranks top overall - and ranks above the US in all but one measure - yet has the lowest healthcare spend per head of population. pfizer viagra online

The USA ranks sixth overall - ranking bottom on five of the nine measures along with having the lowest life-expectancy and highest infant mortality rates by far - despite spending more than twice what any other country spends on healthcare (and, at $6,102 vs. $2,546, almost three times the spend in the UK), per head of population."

Comments section of http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/08/how_stehpen_hawking_proves_tha.html

15 all - Your service I believe my friend :-)

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Posted by Trevor Gay at August 12, 2009 6:57 PM

Stephen Hawking was an Olympic champion but then entered the NHS "healthcare" system.

Besides raping and pillaging their most vulnerable - NHS debt and mismanagement brings down the nefarious NHS system:

"£640m debts

The Audit Commission report says recent figures show the NHS in England and Wales faces debts of more than £0.5bn.

Two years ago the NHS in England and Wales faced a cumulative deficit of £409m.

Last year that rose to more than £541m, and forecasts suggest that by next year the health service will be more than £640m in the red.

More than a third of all hospitals are in debt, as are 80% of all health authorities."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/364354.stm

80% in debt and yet the poorest most horrific "healthcare" in the world! :>)

Posted by TrueLove at August 12, 2009 7:14 PM

This NHS abuse of the elderly may have been orchestrated prior to year 2000 - by the one known as "Trevor" - is everyone Satan at NHS the people ask?

"NHS inquiry condemns hospital managers for abuse of elderly -

"An inquiry into a National Health Service hospital trust in which elderly patients were systematically abused over years has uncovered a web of mismanagement, incompetence and neglect that raises serious doubts about the protection of vulnerable people.

Elderly patients in Garlands Hospital, Carlisle, run by the North Lakeland Trust, were subjected to "cruel and degrading practices" meted out by professional staff, because of an "almost complete failure of effective management", the inquiry, the findings of which are published today, concludes.

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The first investigation by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI), the government agency set up to monitor standards in the NHS, has found that the managers of the mental health trust allowed "unprofessional, counter-therapeutic and degrading - even cruel - practices" to flourish."

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-inquiry-condemns-hospital-managers-for-abuse-of-elderly-622060.html

Disabled - elderly - kids abused - does the NHS & Trevor worship Satan indeed? See you in Hell my friend (while I fly over it). :>)

Posted by TrueLove at August 12, 2009 7:40 PM

Sorry True Love - Professor Hawking was never an Olympic champion.

To quote his words from his own website: "I didn't care much for sport or physical activities. But things seemed to change when I went to Oxford, at the age of 17. I took up coxing and rowing. I was not Boat Race standard, but I got by at the level of inter-College competition."

Also in yesterdays Daily Telegraph:

"Professor Stephen Hawking defended the National Health Service from attacks by the American Right, claiming that he would not be alive without it. The British physisist spoke out after Republican politicians lambasted the NHS as "evil" in their effort to stop President Barack Obama's reforms of US health care which will widen availability of treatment but at a cost to higher earners who will pay higher insurance premiums. "I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS," he said. "I have received a large amount of high-quality treatment without which I would not have survived."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6017878/Stephen-Hawking-I-would-not-be-alive-without-the-NHS.html

30 All - New balls? :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 12, 2009 7:40 PM

Zorro - what part of you and Democrats enjoying the role of pathological liars do you not understand?

Posted by Plato at August 12, 2009 7:42 PM

True Love - at 01.45 Thursday I declare our result an honourable draw as it is now time for this old man to retire as my resident NHS nurse orders me to bed .....

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Best wishes my friend - I will keep takin' the pills :-)

Enjoyed the banter - apologies Shelley if it has diverted slightly from subject. All in good humour and fine taste.

Posted by Trevor Gay at August 12, 2009 7:46 PM

Disabled - elderly - kids sexually abused at NHS - there is a special hottest place in Hell for you my friend - those who not only do nothing but promote such deviance - sleep well ... :>)

Posted by TrueLove at August 12, 2009 7:46 PM

Zorro,

This same back and forth silliness led to a virus (TP's audience) shutting down the discussion on Design!. I'd prefer not to go there again. Obama's judgement in the Gates' case is an indication that he is partisan and will make decisions based on his gut, which is scary. The unAmerican comments from Pelosi and others have been outrageous . Townhall meetings are the lifeblood of communities and opinion, even though some won't like it.

The difference----I have a "choice" in the current healthcare system; and I believe that principle ecouraged our democratic nation a few hundred years ago.

Getting back to the topic at hand, Corporate Culture will be tremendously impacted by decisions the government makes concerning private enterprise. The government's ability to run the Post Office (into the ground) has affected an entire industry. I like the people at my local post office and they're getting transferred back to jobs they had 5 years ago, getting cut, and fear for their jobs. Their culture is very representative of the lack of leadership and confidence at the top of the org.

Trevor and Truelove square off and I love it, I always learn so much from both of them. I vote Trevor in as the Attorney General and TrueLove in as the White House Press Secretary.

How about this for country culture? We have too many laws, to many restrictions, and too much of our money finances bad stuff and airports. TP should broaden his discussion to talk about the country's culture and I would be interested to see how that's moulding business and free enterprise, both large and small.

GM is a morsel of the direction we're headed. AIG is another. Very dangerous. Healthcare is one thing, but socialism is another...I can't distinguish between the two right now in my mind, or culture :).

Posted by The Joker at August 12, 2009 7:55 PM

Joker,
Politcally I'm usually with Pelosi, but I think she is a disaster. Never use the term unAmerican when you are referring to fellow Americans who you are attempting to win over.

Posted by zorro at August 12, 2009 8:38 PM

brand viagra without prescription Joker, I fear we will continue to get "back and forth silliness" for as long as people continue to extrapolate from the original topic into provocative partisan political sloganeering, with which someone else is bound to take issue.

A company will have many externalities to deal with in its business world - Government ("good" or "bad") is just one of them. The whole point, it seems to me, of a corporate culture is that it defines in large part how the organisation thinks and behaves, whatever those externalities are. The J&J Tylenol case is a well-worn example of what I mean.

Posted by RobCH at August 13, 2009 3:05 AM

The tie back to "corporate culture" is easy and natural for this incredibly corrupt NHS scenario. Power corrupts & absolute power corrupts absolutely. Thereby the totally corrupt NHS "healthcare" system - a. vastly overpays MD's & administration "employees" while providing perverse "service" at best - b. forces private healthcare firms to go bankrupt given NHS largesse with taxpayer monies - c. is more corrupt than the Labour MP's who provide oversight for said corrupt NHS system - d. by real GAAP accounting is taking 20% of GDP to support said corruption - e. has 1 in 7 "employees" in NHS "healthcare" - per Labour corruption - which shall be 1 in 5 by 2015 "1 in 5 by 2-0-1-5" is NHS's hooligan chant. And that also is the legacy of "Trevor" as cheerleader for said corruption as we lovingly tie this back to "corporate culture". :>)

Posted by TrueLove at August 13, 2009 6:22 PM

Very nice images.
By the way, sorry to bother you, but how about a new book using this type of image?
You could venture some small edition, who knows by Blurb?

Posted by gerson barbosa at August 17, 2009 7:31 PM