Work. Play. Innovate. - Latest Comments

Re: I Will

Brian Anderson — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:27:00 -0000

I really enjoy the list for a number of reasons: the bullet list, is perfect, these aren't an order, no first, second or third, they are all goals for your one life; secondarily its great to see a list that gives such priority to your family and friends.

Thanks for posting this Dan and I hope you encourage others like you have me.

Re: The Curse of Mediocrity

shanereiser — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:07:19 -0000

Love the post Dan, but I think what Patpend is trying to say above is bogus. An 800lb gorilla writing checks to make sure that new ideas do not get heard? I'm sure that's happened, but we shouldn't be accepting it! Big business may have thrived on mediocrity in the past, but successful companies in the future will have to be extremely flexible and innovative to retain customer loyalty (not in all industries mind you, but many). And I would also argue that "big business" WAS innovative when they first went to market and only succumbed to mediocrity as time went on and they allowed themselves to become complacent with their cash cows. These big companies will fall hard when the small guy comes up with something better. Consumers have very little brand loyalty these days and will quickly switch to the next best thing if it is innovative enough and switching costs are low. I think the future is and always has been innovation, improvement, and efficiency - none of which is possible with mediocrity. Agree? Forgive me if this comment is flighty - I typed it in MBA class while trying to take notes about IT strategy.

Re: The Curse of Mediocrity

Patpend — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:29:59 -0000

Nice post Dan, but follow the money. Big business thrives on mediocrity. Big business does not want the customer to know there are better, faster, cheaper solutions. I think if you dig a little deeper, you'll find an 800lb gorilla writing a check to ensure new ideas do not get heard. Hopefully, most young professionals are savvy enough to see through the charade.

Re: The Curse of Mediocrity

jjc2 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:55:31 -0000

I have seen this at every turn of my career. I don't want to pigeon hole my response, but I have noticed this happens a lot when the person in charge doesn't seem 100% comfortable with their responsibilities and they have a family. In fact I am thinking of one particular person from about 4 years ago that was very frustrating to work under. Obviously family would and should come first, but unfortunately their divided attention coupled with being in over their head can effect the quality of work a project receives. Not everyone, but then again if something is going smoothly you generally don't notice as much as when it's going poorly.

I find they are too afraid of making the wrong decision that they make no decision if they can help it. They will have endless meetings, waiting for someone to step up and take charge in a way that doesn't overpower them. As an eager, focused employee it feels like a huge waste of your time and energy, and you cannot believe these people keep their jobs. But I'm starting to think as we age and get families we may transition into those that we judge now. As our ambitions move towards families and stability, instead of promotions and having to prove ourselves, we may become like them.

All we can do is hope that we can maintain our commitment to ourselves and our jobs. I personally enjoy the fact that I really give 100% to what I do. I hope that doesn't change, but life is one crazy ride. We'll just have to see where it takes us.

Re: The Curse of Mediocrity

jglozano — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:59:43 -0000

Very nice post, I totally agree with you. I rather have a half product than a half-ass product. :)

The problem with these, any other projects, is that people forget to check-in emotions at the door. Whether it's the feeling of not getting hurt or wanting to stand out by being the "star", they have no place in a project or work environment. Funny enough, the emotion, or personality, of "let's get it done" also gets in the way since you're now clashing at the interaction level. :)

What I've found out from my experience is that either you need to surround yourself with people that have the same believes and vision for the project or spend a lot of time outside of project work on helping people cope with their pre-assumptions and expectations of the project and their role within it.

Re: Applying the 80-20 Rule to Relationships

dshipton — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:14:22 -0000

As I mentioned above, humans have to optimize relationships for multiple factors: happiness, love, money, success...etc. Surely the friends you mention fit into one of them. Happiness perhaps? or maybe sanity :)

Not every factor I personally optimize for will directly help me change the world but I would argue that they are all somewhat inter-related. Having a solid support system is vital to getting up and making things happen every single day.

Re: Applying the 80-20 Rule to Relationships

scottrocketship — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:52:12 -0000

From a working relationship perspective, 20% sounds generous.

I kind of separate out friendships and "friends with (business) benefits" in my head on this stuff, if I even think about it. There are people that will never help me change Des Moines or the world even one iota that I couldn't imagine not spending time with.

This, of course, is coming from the guy who has started at least 80 bajillion different projects with his wife.

Your thoughts, Dan, are also why I can't stand most networking events. Come meet lots of people! Make lots of connections! Really? I'm going to walk around a room meeting people with NAME TAGS on, pick meat out of my deli sandwich, and somehow walk away with meaningful connections that I can cultivate? Hasn't happened for me yet.

Re: Applying the 80-20 Rule to Relationships

miketempleton — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:52:45 -0000

I'm always striving to meet new people (at least that is my goal), but I completely follow your logic. In reality, out of all the people you meet, only a handful are likely to materialize into meaningful relationships. It makes sense to continue cultivating those relationships.

As cynical or self-centered as it may sound, I think it makes sense to constantly be evaluating those you surround yourself with. If someone is dragging you down or doesn't fit with where you want to go, you owe it to yourself to make the change.

Like you said, life is short. There's little time for hand holding and pleasing everyone.

Re: Become a Soft-spoken Leader

Scott Rocketship — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:24:16 -0000

Just remember to carry a huge stick.

Re: Become a Soft-spoken Leader

andrewbclark — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:54:53 -0000

Nice point, Daniel...

I was trained a LONG time ago that, when public speaking, if you want to maintain attention and interest, speak calmly and quietly. Now, taken as somewhat a literal rule that works quite well. But apply it in your professional presence and you may notice a different return...

The moths that gather to the brightest light often get burnt. If you speak knowledgeably and confidently, verocity and volume won't be necessary...

Keep Cooking!
Andrew