Mistakes vs. "Mistakes"

It's all to common to hear in business these days that failure is ok, in fact, we should promote failure. If mistakes are failures than I am here to argue that there are good and bad mistakes (or mistakes vs. 'mistakes'). Bad mistakes are such things as typos, inaccurate spreadsheets, forgetting to call someone back, etc etc. Little good, lotsa bad. Good mistakes are trying out a new system that goes wrong, making a prediction on the future (assuming that you couldn't get more or better info) etc etc. These kind of mistakes often provide you with greater insight next time (a.k.a. experience).

Great Analogy

Excerpt from The Power of Full Engagement, by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz:



"....Several years ago, the city of Orlando, Florida, planted a long line of trees along the highway that lead to our training center. The first time there was a storm with heavy winds, nearly every tree was blown down. The city dutifully sent workers to prop the trees back up. They secured them with baling wire and other external sources of support. It did no good. When the next storm came, the trees were blown other. A pattern that repeated itself numerous times over the next year.


It never seemed to occur to the folks in charge that if trees are to survive in a high-wind area, they must have a deeper root structure. It did occur to us that we were observing in nature a phenomenon that characterizes many of our own lives. Because we so often lack deep roots - firm beliefs and compelling values - we are easily buffeted by the prevailing winds. If we lack strong sense of purpose we cannot hold our ground when we are challenged by life's inevitable storms. Instead, we react defensively, blaming the storm or simply disengaging and ceasing to invest our energy."

Shift Happens

Cool vid courtesy of my father...

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/video/shifthappens

Nickel and Dimer's

I am sure I am not the only one irritated by this.

Cashier rings up $15.03. You have a $20. Cashier gives you back $4.97. Or:

• 1 toonie
  
• 2 loonies
  
• 3 quarters
  
• 2 dimes
  
• 2 pennies

Basically a pound of useless change in your pocket. Why not a $5? Have pity on us. Please. Suck up the 35 cents total that it might cost you per day and save your customers some irritation. In fact, what a better way to say "we think of your convenience'' than to do this one little favor. I don't blame the employees - well sorta - but the bosses should have the common sense to point this out to each cashier.

God is in the details

I went into a Made In Japan restuarant yesterday. Great place - calming music, the right temperature, excellent lighting and very friendly staff. However, in chatting with the manager, he pointed out that contrary to my review the place wasnt doing well. Seemed strange to me until I sat down and ate my food. I noticed two things:

1. The front door was extremely hard to open. I saw two seperate incidences where someone tried to open the door, couldn't, got embarassed and left.

2. The menu sign behind the counter was very difficult to read, big pictures but small writing. It looked as if there were these little squiggly lines between beautiful pictures. Again, two seperate incidences where someone waiting in line, couldnt see, turned and left.

Now, I was there for 20 minutes. Extrapolate those 4 lost customers and you are looking at almost 12/hour or 96 per day. Yes, it probably isnt that high, but it certainly is a significant number. Whose fault is this?

Well, I would say that its both the managers and the franchise manager. As a manager, he should spot these things quickly (its right in front of him). As a franchise manager, there should be a checklist for all the details of a business.

1. Easy for customers to get in? Check.
2. Easy for customers to order? Check.
3. Learn lessons from one store to apply to another? Check.

Lose The Diversification

In life, as opposed to the markets, diversification doesn't always mean less risk. The old saying of "don't put all your eggs in one basket", is wrong (most of the time). Think of a swimmer who rather than choosing to be solely good at sprinting, chose also to be good at synchro, long distance, butterfly and diving. Diversified yes, riskier, of course.

Focus is the opposing force to diversification. The world is competitive. Very. To remain so, you must focus on a being great at only a few things - parent, tight-rope walker, (glorified) secretary - whatever.

Choose less, but better, goals. A personal, business and health goal are usually the best three.

Focus and thrive.

Grin and Bear it

"Grin and bear it!"

That was the advice given to me today about a situation that is not entirely pleasant. Not surprisingly we sometimes find ourselves in situations that we don't like. We either leave them right away or get through it. The first one isn't always an option, in that case, grin and bear it.

Sometimes the only way out, is through.