Over The Edge: Finding Creativity in the Workplace

2007-01-11T00:02:00.000-06:00

Let's talk leadership development...and why it's so important for any company to groom it's future leaders. Martha Legace with Harvard Business School's Working Knowledge wrote an wonderful blog piece about Grooming the Next Generation Leaders. Three key points from the article are:

1. Talent provides organizations a key competitive advantage, but there must be managers and a process in place to identify and nurture next-generation leaders.

2. Large and small companies may have a leg up in leadership development. Medium-sized organizations have the most difficulty with talent identification because these companies often lack the infrastructure and human resources capabilities.

3. What separates true leaders from the merely capable is flexibility in leadership styles in order to meet challenges of the global economy, rapid commoditization, and hyper-competitive environments.

Take some time to read the full article and see if it fits with your business strategies for 2007. As always, I would love to know what you think.

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

How Important are Ideas for Creativity and Innovation

2007-01-10T01:59:00.000-06:00

I bumped into this article a few days ago and thought it would generate some discussion. Doc Searls writes to the Linux programming community, so I wouldn't normally reference material written by him. He isn't a part of my daily diet of blogs, but his comments about ideas are worth referencing. They are very direct, and very true. Here are his thoughts...

1. Ideas aren't physical. Regardless of the legalities, treating ideas as possessions insults their vast combustive power.
2. Ideas aren't worth jack unless other people can put them to use.
3. Ideas won't change the world unless others can improve on them.
4. Ideas grow by participation, not isolation.
5. Ideas change as they grow. Their core remains the same, but their scope enlarges with successful use.
6. Ideas have unexpected results. No one person can begin to imagine all the results of a good idea. That's another reason to welcome participation.
7. Nobody's going to "steal" your ideas, any more than they can steal your cerebrum. You're the source. Authority over the idea begins with you.
8. Authority derives from originality and respect. You can't get respect for your original ideas unless those ideas prove useful to others.
9. There are two reasons other people are going to "steal" your ideas. First, the only people qualified to steal your ideas are too busy trying to get their own ideas to work. Second, they already don't like your idea because it's not their idea.

What would you add?

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW
Check out the Creative Edge Newsletter...it's worth the time.

Passion Matters in All Areas of Life

2007-01-04T10:40:00.000-06:00

Happy 2007!!!!

Today...I need to talk about passion, goals, and success. To do so, however, I have to reference a game...a football game. And I generally hate using sport analogies to describe anything...but today it fits. If you missed the football game between Boise State and Oklahoma a couple days ago...well you missed a game that everyone (football fan or not) would enjoy. An amazing number of points were scored in very little time. If you didn't stay and watch until the very end of the game...you missed the most important minutes. This was a David and Goliath story in the making and both teams were working hard for this win. Oklahoma was the odds on favorite to win, but in overtime and with a 2 point trick play Boise State took home the Fiesta Bowl championship and the hearts of many people watching the game. Oh...and the running back that scored the final 2 points -- shortly after the game he went and proposed marriage to his girlfriend on national television (and she said yes).

It's time for all of us to take that kind of passion into 2007 and turn it into something special.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy. Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Something Creative For Christmas

2006-12-19T01:23:00.000-06:00

I've been really quite over the past few weeks, and I apologize for that. Now that it's a few days before Christmas, I've decided to shared some Christmas cheer. I'll be back in early 2007 with more on innovation and creativity.

I've received this story in multiple emails from multiple friends. I'm not sure who is the author, but I'm not taking credit for it. I'm posting it to bring some christmas cheer.

An Adventure With Grandma

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous, cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten- dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes," I replied shyly. "It's .... for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on the wrapping paper. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95.

He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

...Michael

http://www.creativeleading.com/ote

Creative Leadership and Innovation

2006-11-21T00:30:00.000-06:00

I know...it's been a while since my last post. Like most of you, I've found my self busy with the smaller things in life. However, I've continued to read articles and posts and find new programs that point to innovative thought. So, expect to see more posts again...and don't forget to let me know your opinions.

The Center for Creative Leadership recently surveyed the readers of it's e-newsletter "Leading Effectively" about the importance of innovation in the workplace. What caught my eye was that although 92% of those responding to the survey agreed that innovation was important to be successful as a leader, very few have actually done something to be innovative. Check out the full survey when you have time.

Respectfully,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Is Creativity a Critical Skill that is Essesntial For Success

2006-11-02T00:27:00.000-06:00

I just finished reviewing a recently published report that examined employers' views on the readiness of new applicants entering the US workforce from different levels of education. The report is based on an detailed survey of 431 human resource officials that was conducted in April and May 2006 by The Conference Board, Corporate Voices for Working Families, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and the Society for Human Resource Management.

The report indicated that approximately 72 percent of incoming high school graduates are viewed as lacking basic English writing skills, including grammar and spelling, and were poor in written communications. The report also underlined the skills that will be important over the next few years. Nearly 75 percent of those surveyed ranked creativity as one of the top five applied skills that will grow in importance in the workplace.

Take some time to check out the report...and as always let me know what you really think.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Discovering Ideas About Creativity and Innovation

2006-10-26T00:07:00.000-05:00

I just learned about a new blog focused on innovation and the workplace.Creativity Driving Innovation in Business is written by Sanjay Dalal. I'm looking forward to reading more of his posts over the next few months. Be sure to click over an read a few of his posts.

Respectfully,

Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

How Can Your Boss Restrict Creativity?

2006-10-19T01:29:00.000-05:00

I recently ran across a news item on CNNMoney.com that identifies the top 1o sins of ineffective bosses. Here's the list...see if your boss, supervisor, manager does one of these sins.

Tries too hard to be everyone's friend
Micromanages
Ignores conflict
Arrogant
Wishy-washy
Impulsive
Unable to delegate
Impatient
Stubborn
Unprofessional

Don't forget to read the full article...

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

A Creative Choice When Purchasing a Car?

2006-10-12T00:30:00.000-05:00

Last year I spent some time in Germany and France. I travelled in a wonderful blue Mercedes station wagon that was gas efficient and fun to drive. Yet, the car that stood out the most while in Europe was a colorful little two seater called the Smart Car. I was told by colleagues that I shouldn't rent a Smart Car, but get a sedan or station wagon. And yet I remember the day that I got a good look at this funny little car...I had just finished a small lunch at a Cafe in Paris...and it pulled up and parked around the corner. And it brought a smile to my face. I don't think I'd ever buy one...I still prefer my SUV...but I know people who would consider it in a heartbeat. And why not...it's cheap and efficient and everyone wants to look at it. So...need a smile today...take a look at the link above and see what the buzz is all about. And if you buy one...stop by and give me a ride.

Talk to you soon,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Maverick Creativity!

2006-10-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

William Taylor, co founder of Fast Company, and Polly LaBarre have written a new book, Mavericks at Work, that looks at the most creative minds in business today" To learn more you can download the Maverick Manifesto at their website.

What caught my eye, however, was William Taylors blog entry at Fast Company. He provides ten questions, which he calls the maverick challenge. These questions provide a template for a discussion on how you operate your business. I've listed two of the questions here, but I hope you will find time to check out his full list, the manifesto, or even purchase the book. But for now...here are two of his questions:

7. Why should great people join your organization?
10. Are you learning as fast as the world is changing?

I hope you find the information useful.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

The Creativity Guru

2006-10-04T01:16:00.000-05:00

Roger von Oech, the creativity expert and author of "A Whack on the Side of the Head" has started a blog of his own. Check it out because it's bound to stimulate your thinking about work and about life in general. I'm looking forward to reading his posts.

Have fun with it,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter

Creative Problem Solving - School Violence

2006-09-30T01:23:00.000-05:00

Today is one of those days where I just don't feel like writing about creativity and innovation in the workplace. Today is one of those days where the trained social worker part of me becomes aware of everything. On Friday, a High School Principal here in Wisconsin died from gun wounds. It happened in a small, rural High School where everyone knows everyone. The alleged killer was a 15 year old freshman. This happens a day after the shootings at a school in Colorado...and a couple weeks since two teens and a young adult were arrested for planning to kill many students at yet another Wisconsin High School. It's time for creative thinking - for schools and parents to come together and find ways to end this. My prayers are for the families that were impacted by these actions. For now...I leave you with a couple resources:

Resources on Prevention of School Violence

How Parents Can Help Make Schools Safe

With Regards,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Examining Social Intelligence

2006-09-28T00:53:00.000-05:00

Sharon Jayson of USA Today wrote an interesting article on social intelligence and sociability. The article was focused on a new book by Daniel Goleman titled "Social Intelligence." Daniel Goleman is also the author of "Emotional Intelligence." He suggests that our brains are wired for social interactions and connectedness. Here is a highlight of that interview:

SJ: If someone is socially intelligent, how can it improve his or her life?

DG: The more socially intelligent you are, the happier and more robust and more enjoyable your relationships will be. At work, social intelligence defines people with leadership skills and who make the best team members. IQ and academic skills predict what class of job you can get and hold, but once you're in that job, those capacities disappear as predictors for whether you will be a star performer or a leader."

So, how socially intelligent area you? Read the full interview and then let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Creativity, Blogs, and Making Money

2006-09-20T01:21:00.000-05:00

Blogging for Bucks is a facinating article about blogging and making money. It appears that some people are successful with it, but it does take focused effort, wise decisions, and a lot of creativity. Read this Business 2.0 article and decide for yourself.

Respectfully,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Keeping Innovation Alive In Larger Firms

2006-09-18T00:44:00.000-05:00

I work with small to midsize businesses. Many of them have very entreprenurial attitudes. And I tend to find infomation that works well with the people and culture of those organizations. Today I want to highlight an article written by Jeffrey Phillips on his "Innovate on Purpose Blog." He hightlights five approaches that work best for larger organizations. One of the ideas that he descibes is having a Center of Excellence in Innovation. So, find some time today to read the article. I would love to hear what you think about it.

Respectfully,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

All Great Ideas Start With A Cup Of Coffee

2006-09-15T11:02:00.000-05:00

I just finished reviewing all of my blog feeds and discovered a list of ways to generate new ideas...with a twist. I read a recent posting from Scott Baradell on the Marketing Profs blog. He shared an experience where an ad agency sent him a coffee cup that listed 101 ways to come up with a great idea. The last idea was to contact the ad agency. And the rest...well humor is in full display here. Here are my favorite ideas from the list (with my commentary):

1. Call mom, she can fix anything.
Yes, call my mom and she will have more ideas for you than anyone else.

2. Call a psychic hotline, laugh at their predictions.
I and a group of friends once went to a tarot card reader in Houston Texas. She wasn't accurate in her predictions. Maybe the psychic hotline will work better.

3. Go for a walk in the rain.
I hiked in the rain during my 11 days in the mountains of New Mexico. I had time to think about many things...including how to stay warm and dry. But my preference is still to take a longer walk on a snowy evening. It's quiet, beautiful, and inspiring.

4. Take Spot for a walk.
No dogs here. And my cats don't like to walk. So, I'm thinking about getting some type of lizard to walk with me.

5. Find the solution in the clouds.
Imagination lives in those that find things in the puffy white clouds.

Have some fun and read the article...and then let me know what you really do to create new ideas.

Respectfuly....

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Innovation and Web (word) Processing

2006-09-12T01:22:00.000-05:00

Google continues to work its magic by creating new ways for users to interact and get business completed. They've just announced a method where you will be able to brand gmail and other google products to use with your own domain. Sounds interesting. I love that more applications are being developed to use over the web...makes life easier. I'm also reviewing another site...one that I think has lots of potential. You need to look at ZOHO...free web applications that cover a lot of ground. Microsoft is working on its web-based word processor and other applications...well I think that Zoho is a quiet challenger. Check it out when you have time. I love the word processor and the CRM.

Respectfully,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Creativity, Music, and Treadmills!!!

2006-09-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

I have to join the bandwagon (maybe even circle it) and suggest you look at the video produced by the band Ok Go. You probably heard about it...they sing their entire song while running on multiple treadmills...incredible to watch and it's been a PR success for this band. Just click above and enjoy.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Innovation Survey

2006-08-30T14:13:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading a survey on corporate innovation published by the Boston Consulting Group. The information in the survey suggested that many of the executives interviewed (roughly 72%) thought that innovation was one of the top priorities for 2006 and planned to invest in it. But almost half of them also pointed out that they were unsatisfied with the ROI made on innovation. The editors of the survey pointed out a few of the difficulties that occur when trying to improve innovation...

development times were longer than expected
lack of coordination within the company itself
not enough research/insight on the customer
difficulties forming the right ideas or the shortage of ideas
a risk adversive corporate culture.

Read the survey for yourself and let me know what you really think.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Creativity and The Brain

2006-08-29T01:43:00.000-05:00

Interesting article in the USA Today 8/27/06 on how the human brain works, especially in the area of creativity. The article is an interview with Neuroscientist Nancy Andreasen. She provides a few examples on how to give your mind a workout and build a more creative mind. For example she suggests:

"Explore an unfamiliar area of knowledge. For example, people who use a lot of math on the job should sign up for a painting class.
Spend time each day thinking. Don't censor your thoughts, but allow your mind to go freely to a problem and see what kinds of solutions or ideas surface.
Practice the art of paying attention. Look for and really observe a person, an object or something in your daily commute that you hadn't really noticed before. Try describing or drawing that object in a journal or sketchbook.
Use your imagination. Spend time each day imagining a different world. What would it look like? What would you do there?"

Don't forget to read the rest of the article and learn more about creativity and the mind.

...Michael

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

A PDF On Innovation

2006-08-28T01:09:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how much information is written in a two and a half week period. I recently returned from my backpacking trip to find a lot of information on innovation...so I hope you enjoy my recommnedations over the next few weeks.

First, you need to be aware of a new ebook on the subject of innovation in the corporate world. It appears that at the moment you can get it in PDF, but by the end of the year it will only be available for purchase in hardcover. It's a facinating look at the strategies and methods necessary to make innovation happen on a reqular basis. I strongly recommend that you get a copy and let me know what you think about the book.

Michael T. Bauer
President/CCO
Innovative Business Resources, LLC
http://www.creativeleading.com/ote

Leadership meets Squidoo

2006-08-04T01:01:00.000-05:00

This will be my last post for a couple of weeks. I'm leaving on Saturday to spend two weeks at the Philmont Scout Ranch with my son and his boyscout troop. My backpack is prepared, my hiking books are worn-in, and my mind is ready for anything.

I have a lot of new things to share with you. A great new PDF on innovation, a couple artices about innovation...many great things to share, but not today. Today, I want to leave you with this message, "Please check out my pages at Squidoo."

http://www.squidoo.com/creativeleading (is the starting point)

Talk to you again on August 22,

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Mood @ Work

2006-08-01T00:52:00.000-05:00

In recent article in the July 26th issue of Knowledge @ Wharton, Wharton Management Professor Nancy Rothbard and Ohio State Professor Steffanie Wilk write about the impact of mood on work performance. It seems like common sense that the mood one brings to work will have an effect on their work performance as well as the performance of others around them. However, most research has focused on work- family conflicts, and very few have looked at the effect of mood.

As a clinical social worker by training...I've always been interested on the impact of mood and attitude in the workplace. I see it all the time...whenever I walk into a company or talk to people about where they work. There is always a discussion about the people that come to work in very positive moods and those who always seem to arrive with a negative mood. The article points out that both positive and negative moods have an impact...but positive moods are more potent. They also suggest that it's the moods you bring to work that have a stronger effect on work performance rather than mood changes caused by events at work.

To quote the article:

"One of our findings shows that the mood people bring with them at the very start of the workday influenced employee mood more powerfully and consistently than any other variable," Rothbard and Wilk write. "We also found that for the most part, as expected, customer mood influenced employee mood. Interestingly, negative customer interactions only affected less experienced workers. Last, we show that daily mood at work can influence important work outcomes."

And...

"What I think is really interesting about these findings is that the positive mood that you bring to work is very strong," Rothbard says. "People actually do a pretty good job of walling off the negatives. What's interesting for organizations to understand is that what people bring with them to work is not all bad for the organization, and in fact can be quite positive."

So, start your day off with a positive mood and it will carry over.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Your Company's Brain Drain

2006-07-27T00:27:00.000-05:00

"And even though surveys show that 70% to 80% of executives at big companies are concerned about the coming brain drain, fewer than 20% have begun to do anything about it. Even within that small forward-looking cadre, many seem to be counting mainly on enticing older workers to stay longer than they have to, or to "consult" after they retire."

Fortune Magazine put together an interesting article on the pending brain drain within Corporate America. The quote from the article tends to say it all. I've said for the past few years that we are doing a terrible job at planning...specifically at succession planning. There are companies that "get it" and are working on the transfer of knowledge, but many aren't even trying.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.

Drinking, Drug Use, and Lost Productivity

2006-07-21T12:03:00.000-05:00

Did you read the USA Today's lead artice on families and addiction to alcohol or drugs. USA Today's poll discovered that 1 in 5 adults have a close relative that was or is addicted to alcohol or drugs. I don't find this particularly shocking because for the past 15 or so years I've worked with hundreds of alchol and drug addicted individuals. I've worked with individuals addicted to alcohol, cocaine, heroine, pain medications, and to many other things. The USA Today poll also found out that US Women bear the brunt of the problems caused by relatives alcohol or drug abuse. They have to take care of the children, find additional employment, and keep things together. This makes sense to me, but don't forget that there are women who are also addicted and the cost is just as staggering, especially when mothers aren't available because they are too busy using.

Now...where the article ends is where I will make my final comments. The article doesn't specifically address the numbers of addicted individuals in the workplace...but if 1 out 5 adults have a close relative that is or was addicted...then we can make some generalizations that many of them were or are in the workplace. I've worked with the executives, managers, sales representatives and the consultants who had problems with alcohol and drugs...not to mention depression, anxiety, and a host of other issues. It takes away the ability to be creative and productive in any career. It remains a health and safety issue for all employers, for all organizations, and for all families.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.