Ok, maybe a minor issue. But seriously, who doesnt have call waiting! I just tried to phone a supplier to confirm an urgent issue. I need to know something within the hour. Phoned him up and all I got was a busy signal. ARGH! Now, fair enough, maybe he had two calls coming in at the same time and the busy signal is the result, but I kinda doubt it. So now, I have to remember, amongst the 4,000,000 other things that I have to do, to call this guy back. Be much better if I left a message and got a call back.
One thing they dont teach you in school is that its the small things that make your business great. Calling back when you say you will. Being there when the phone rings. Being honest with your customer even when you mess up. Making sure the toilet paper is full (cause employees get very disgruntled when its not). Its the LITTLE things!
If I become a professor or dean at a school, I am going to make a course call the "The Little Things - How to do them well".
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Do you think or do you KNOW?
I was asked a question by my boss today and I was pretty sure of the answer (pretty = not completely). I hoped, as I said it, that it would be enough to be pretty sure. It wasn't, he caught me. I wasn't completely sure and he knew it. He said this:
"Do you think or do you know?"
Knowing is ALWAYS better than assuming. Also, knowing is usually just a phone call away from assuming. Make the call.
"Do you think or do you know?"
Knowing is ALWAYS better than assuming. Also, knowing is usually just a phone call away from assuming. Make the call.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Do we take anything seriously?
As unoriginal as having an original thought in the shower is, a new idea dawned upon me. I don't take anything serious...beyond health (family, friends, myself) there is not much...
In looking at my life, I fight for no cause, I have dedicated myself to a few principles (too often not upheld) and what I lack in tradition, I make up in repetitive, yet boring, fun. It kinda worries me. Something, ANYTHING in my life should be the (main) focal point of my thoughts. Something should worry me at least a few nights a month, something should give me a reason to be angry at times but most of all something should give me cause to celebrate.
I do not believe in the idea that if you wait for things they will come to you. I will go to a cause. This cause will be in line with the truth and goodness that I base my other actions on. Some ideas that come to mind are:
1. Stop bottom trawling of the ocean (this really makes me angry!)
2. Connect mothers and grandmothers with their counterparts in Africa (they need the support!)
3. Tackle a wrong within my own community (there are MANY!)
I like the idea that if I am not willing to risk my life for something than I am truly not taking it seriously. It may be a little extreme, but the dedication of ones life to a cause does have some appeal. Makes me think of a great cello player who played before a wealthy crowd. Afterwards a lady came up to the man and said "I would give my life to play like that!" He responded, "No mam you wouldn't; I have given up my life to play like that."
What is your cause?
In looking at my life, I fight for no cause, I have dedicated myself to a few principles (too often not upheld) and what I lack in tradition, I make up in repetitive, yet boring, fun. It kinda worries me. Something, ANYTHING in my life should be the (main) focal point of my thoughts. Something should worry me at least a few nights a month, something should give me a reason to be angry at times but most of all something should give me cause to celebrate.
I do not believe in the idea that if you wait for things they will come to you. I will go to a cause. This cause will be in line with the truth and goodness that I base my other actions on. Some ideas that come to mind are:
1. Stop bottom trawling of the ocean (this really makes me angry!)
2. Connect mothers and grandmothers with their counterparts in Africa (they need the support!)
3. Tackle a wrong within my own community (there are MANY!)
I like the idea that if I am not willing to risk my life for something than I am truly not taking it seriously. It may be a little extreme, but the dedication of ones life to a cause does have some appeal. Makes me think of a great cello player who played before a wealthy crowd. Afterwards a lady came up to the man and said "I would give my life to play like that!" He responded, "No mam you wouldn't; I have given up my life to play like that."
What is your cause?
simple problem = less time, complex problem = more time
Today I talked with A/P department for one of our larger government customers. We had two invoices outstanding with them, both of which had a problem with their respective packing slips. In trying to solve the problem, the conversation went something like this:
Andrew: "When can we expect payment on these two invoices?"
Customer: "Their is a problem with the packing slips for both of them."
(pause)
Andrew:"What is the problem?"
Customer: "One is missing the sizes."
Andrew:"Ok, both of them or just one?"
Customer:"Just one."
(pause)
Andrew:"Ok, what is the problem with the other?"
Customer:"Its missing two sizes. I faxed you the one that was missing one size."
(pause)
Andrew:"Can you fax me the other?"
(pause...the customer sighs...)
Customer:"Yes."
While this doesn't blatantly outline a lack of problem solving ability, it was a 2 minute conversation that should have been 15 seconds. There was a clear simple solution that it seemed like the customer was trying to get around, for one reason or another. Maybe she was busy, maybe not. It was a poor reflection on her. If she made something as simple as this so complicated, what about a complicated problem? It reminds me to find the logical, simple answer as quickly as possible. When trying to find the quickest solution to a mutual (customer/supplier) problem, find the one that creates the LEAST mutually-combined inconvenience. Even better, take on the inconvenience, people will appreciate it.
Andrew: "When can we expect payment on these two invoices?"
Customer: "Their is a problem with the packing slips for both of them."
(pause)
Andrew:"What is the problem?"
Customer: "One is missing the sizes."
Andrew:"Ok, both of them or just one?"
Customer:"Just one."
(pause)
Andrew:"Ok, what is the problem with the other?"
Customer:"Its missing two sizes. I faxed you the one that was missing one size."
(pause)
Andrew:"Can you fax me the other?"
(pause...the customer sighs...)
Customer:"Yes."
While this doesn't blatantly outline a lack of problem solving ability, it was a 2 minute conversation that should have been 15 seconds. There was a clear simple solution that it seemed like the customer was trying to get around, for one reason or another. Maybe she was busy, maybe not. It was a poor reflection on her. If she made something as simple as this so complicated, what about a complicated problem? It reminds me to find the logical, simple answer as quickly as possible. When trying to find the quickest solution to a mutual (customer/supplier) problem, find the one that creates the LEAST mutually-combined inconvenience. Even better, take on the inconvenience, people will appreciate it.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Strangers
So I was walking down the street tonight and two ladies (mid 20's)started talking to me. They mentioned that they had been creeping on me for a couple blocks, quite funny if you ask me. But we started into a delightful conversation about Toronto and England, where one of them was from. We chatted about the CN tower and its anti-climacticness, the nature in Toronto and various other things. On a night of introspection, they provided me with a solid reminder that people are generally good. People are generally looking for someone to talk with, to connect with.
In life its easy to focus on the negative and the bad, but as a conversation walking down the can remind us, we are all alike and generally we are good. Thank you Moreen and Dahlia for the reminder.
In life its easy to focus on the negative and the bad, but as a conversation walking down the can remind us, we are all alike and generally we are good. Thank you Moreen and Dahlia for the reminder.
Friday, May 18, 2007
A new course for universities to think about...
I am sitting at my desk with a pile of 'crap' that is slowing reach a depth of one foot - and four feet wide. This is one solid mass of paper, I can hear my desk creaking under the weight. So I ask myself, how is it possible that me, a university trained, moderately well-read person can't keep my desk organized. It worries me too, think of what my bosses are thinking when they walk by as well as the people that I am supposed to be leading. Time for a change, time to get organized. However, I am almost certain that 2 days from now, its going to be the same situation.
So...Why didn't they teach me about organization is high school? Why not university? While obviously this is not an original thought, it amazes me that in teaching the future leaders of tomorrow, we don't teach them the basics of self-organization. The argument may be made that each job has different requirements but each management job has similarities. Overall, things to do, things to do now, things to do RIGHT NOW and people to please. A good university course is sorely needed.
My one suggestion, for right now, is to have a list of people that you need to make happy. On this list write down what is important to these people and then each morning make sure that they are going to be happy THAT day.
I am starting off on a search (to Chapters) to find a book on management organization. Will post it once I find a good one.
So...Why didn't they teach me about organization is high school? Why not university? While obviously this is not an original thought, it amazes me that in teaching the future leaders of tomorrow, we don't teach them the basics of self-organization. The argument may be made that each job has different requirements but each management job has similarities. Overall, things to do, things to do now, things to do RIGHT NOW and people to please. A good university course is sorely needed.
My one suggestion, for right now, is to have a list of people that you need to make happy. On this list write down what is important to these people and then each morning make sure that they are going to be happy THAT day.
I am starting off on a search (to Chapters) to find a book on management organization. Will post it once I find a good one.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Ghandi and The Secret
A few posts back I wrote about Ghandi. It was a quote from Mohadev Desai about how Ghandi was able to have his thoughts, feelings and actions in line with each other. What he thought, he felt, what he felt, he did. I will say it again, there is tremendous power in this synchronicity.
There is a good chance you have been living in a hole if you haven't heard of The Secret. However, one criticism (not too focus on the negative though) of The Secret is that it focuses too much on imagining what you want in life, neglecting to emphasize the necessary action behind each thought. Remember, when you hear a truth, lead it into each of three areas mentioned above. Don't force it, or try to trick yourself, rather use that part of your brain that if your true self. The voice that is always right, anytime you listen to it.
As an example of coordinating your inner self, say you choose not to lie and believe this to be a foundation and truth for your life. It must become a thought, a feeling and an action. Tell your mind that you have chosen not to lie anymore regardless of the consequences, feel it in your bones - I often do this by looking at great leaders and feeling their strength - and don't forget, most importantly, not to lie. This action will allow you to draw tremendous strength. A solid foundation for your life and for your mind.
James Michael Ray, from The Secret, calls it going "Three for Three". Build your thoughts, your feeling and your actions all together.
http://www.oprah.com/spiritself/slide/20070208/ss_20070208_284_105.jhtml
There is a good chance you have been living in a hole if you haven't heard of The Secret. However, one criticism (not too focus on the negative though) of The Secret is that it focuses too much on imagining what you want in life, neglecting to emphasize the necessary action behind each thought. Remember, when you hear a truth, lead it into each of three areas mentioned above. Don't force it, or try to trick yourself, rather use that part of your brain that if your true self. The voice that is always right, anytime you listen to it.
As an example of coordinating your inner self, say you choose not to lie and believe this to be a foundation and truth for your life. It must become a thought, a feeling and an action. Tell your mind that you have chosen not to lie anymore regardless of the consequences, feel it in your bones - I often do this by looking at great leaders and feeling their strength - and don't forget, most importantly, not to lie. This action will allow you to draw tremendous strength. A solid foundation for your life and for your mind.
James Michael Ray, from The Secret, calls it going "Three for Three". Build your thoughts, your feeling and your actions all together.
http://www.oprah.com/spiritself/slide/20070208/ss_20070208_284_105.jhtml
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)