GLOBALLY, the population is moving to urban areas. Food and Jobs are two topics that arise for discussion. This suggests that by talking about it we will solve the problem. Which problem? The problems suffered by the people who move from rural areas to urban areas. Abolishing farm subsidies in Western countries is not the solution.
Farming is a job. In addition, it is hard work. Moreover, it doesn't pay well even under the best of circumstances. Then, when the population increases, it gets harder because plots get smaller. What helped the decline of Russia was the absence of primogeniture.
Cities had to start somewhere. England and France were emerging nations at one time in history.
The rural populations is moving to cities rather than building cities.
The affluent leave the cities and move to rural areas because they can afford to escape the cities.
Cities are indeed vibrant areas of creativity. This even in emerging nations. (We don't need a new world big city to have creativity. The WSJ published an article:
Why Some Islanders Build Better Crab Traps (about the creativity in commerce of emerging communities. It is well worth reading.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704523604575512071789091444.html?mod=wsj_share_twitter
There is a very unpleasant step between reduced subsidies making cheap food available in emerging nations, and farmers in emerging nations becoming 1. Self-sufficient and 2. Being able to produce a sufficient amount of food to feed the large numbers of people.
That unpleasant step is where abolishing subsidies comes up against phasing out subsidies.
(The banning of DDT was a positive environmental move that created the unpleasant step of increased deaths due to the spread of malaria.)
One trendy catch phrase used by the media vis-à-vis our current governmental conundrums is "unintended consequences." That phrase has the moral equivalent of a little boy outside church on a Sunday morning tossing a hand-full of change into the air and saying what God wants he'll take and the rest belongs to me.
There really are no unintended consequences.
True, globally, people are moving en-mass into urban areas. There is no work in rural areas and there are no jobs in cities. Migrations to European countries confound the migrants. "How come in such a wealthy nation the government cannot provide 300,000 jobs?"
However, abolishing subsidies will have consequences. If our leaders stop referring to unpleasant consequences as unintended consequences, they may start to focus on solving the problem--micro finance was one of the solutions propounded by an economist in an emerging nation. That earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Regards,
Slim
Mail: tilden9@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Next Generation: Better Than Brand New!
When I was at University, I was having an informal discussion with a dorm mate about the "youth movement" du jour. I said, it wasn't going to change anything. I went on to say, "they will graduate, get jobs, get married, have children--and everything will go on as it has."
The Resident Assistant ( A law student) argued with me. "No, no, no. This is a new generation, we have new ideas, we're going to change everything...and so on."
That was 37 years ago.
Jerry Rubin, the Yippie, became a stock-broker; Sonny Bono, and Tom Hayden ran for Congress, and Jane Fonda ("H*ll no, we won't go.") became a fitness guru and changed her mantra: "One, two, three, four, make another million more....two, three, four, make another million more."
More to the point, even those who are anti-establishment are part of the establishment.
The Hippies became Yuppies, the Yuppies, became the Me Generation, the Me Generation became Gen X and so on.
Plus ca change, plus la meme chose.
Regards,
Slim
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
The Resident Assistant ( A law student) argued with me. "No, no, no. This is a new generation, we have new ideas, we're going to change everything...and so on."
That was 37 years ago.
Jerry Rubin, the Yippie, became a stock-broker; Sonny Bono, and Tom Hayden ran for Congress, and Jane Fonda ("H*ll no, we won't go.") became a fitness guru and changed her mantra: "One, two, three, four, make another million more....two, three, four, make another million more."
More to the point, even those who are anti-establishment are part of the establishment.
The Hippies became Yuppies, the Yuppies, became the Me Generation, the Me Generation became Gen X and so on.
Plus ca change, plus la meme chose.
Regards,
Slim
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
GE Wants to Bring Manufacturing Back to the US
GE HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THEY WANT TO BRING MANUFACTURING BACK TO AMERICA. GOOD LUCK.
We are very susceptible to gimmicks. I just adopted a free-range cat. When he first started hanging around, he would eat whatever was put out for him. After I brought him inside, he remained consistent. Then, he became choosy.
If he left what had been put down, I would simply pick it up, stir it a bit with a fork and put it back down. Then he would eat it. I don't expect that to last too long. He still remembers being skin and bones, as it were. He will forget.
We watched Bill Clinton's Presidential campaign. When he appeared on MTV his hair was brown. When he addressed the AARP his hair was grey. This was noted in the press. It didn't matter. People saw what they wanted to see.
"If people like you, they will overlook your faults. If people don't like you, they will overlook your virtues." -- Slim Fairview
We used to teach reading with phonics. Children learned to read. Now, with apologies to Meredith Willson who wrote, The Music Man....
"You've got trouble here, right here in River City, with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for phonics. Yes, my friends, you've got 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, vowels in the alphabet. With 21 consonants that give you 9 billion, 63 million, aught '9 COMBINATIONS. No wonder Billy can't read trying to remember all that.
"You don't need to know phonics to speak do you? You just think of a word and say it. That is the whole language approach to reading is the think-method to speaking."
We've fallen for every gimmick imaginable in educating our youngsters. (The character of Harold Hill, in the Music Man is what is known in Americana as the lovable rogue. We know he's a crook, but we love him anyway.)
And it is not simply a question of older employees. Having served on committees in organisations whose functions included the "new hire" problem, consensus is that young people lack basic skills. They cannot add, subtract, multiply, divide, or use simple tools: micrometers, calipers, or even rulers.
In addition, at the initial stages of education, the fundamentals are necessary--crucial.
I am good at math because I memorised the times tables. I didn't want to, it took me longer than my classmates because I didn't want to, but I did it (because I had to).
That, coupled with one small tool in math, 3(a+b) = 3a + 3b, means that I can instantly determine the cost of several cans of green beans in a supermarket and do a cost analysis of 3 small cans v. two large cans. Not important? No, the VP Finance is not buying green beans to bring a covered dish to the next board meeting. However, as he, or she learned this (probably in the 5th grade) the concept was learned along with it.
When it comes to teaching youngsters how to think, not what to think, there is a point in time where analysis will come into play.
GE will need young people who can do what I can do. If they haven't memorised the times tables, they won't be able to do much analysis.
While there may be more than a few youngsters coming out of school who are fluent in technology, that won't meet the demand. Hence, the influx of people from countries who value education highly and apply themselves as a means to financial success and social elevation.
No doubt, the technologically literate will run things in this country through a combination of immigrants and outsourcing, and the rest of the students will be taking jobs that pay just enough to hang out at clubs and party.
BTW: The equation above: The distributive property of multiplication (over addition). I actually had to Google the term to be sure I remembered what it was called accurately. That information I can Google. The ability to use that skill cannot be Googled.
We have become victims of our own success. Good luck to GE if they are using the old business model.
If they want to build it here with workers there. It isn't going to work.
If the want to build it here with workers from there, that won't put the unemployed to work.
It will be interesting to see how Harold Hill explains GE's plan to the people of River City. OOPS, I mean to the shareholders and the stakeholders.
Regards,
Slim
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
We are very susceptible to gimmicks. I just adopted a free-range cat. When he first started hanging around, he would eat whatever was put out for him. After I brought him inside, he remained consistent. Then, he became choosy.
If he left what had been put down, I would simply pick it up, stir it a bit with a fork and put it back down. Then he would eat it. I don't expect that to last too long. He still remembers being skin and bones, as it were. He will forget.
We watched Bill Clinton's Presidential campaign. When he appeared on MTV his hair was brown. When he addressed the AARP his hair was grey. This was noted in the press. It didn't matter. People saw what they wanted to see.
"If people like you, they will overlook your faults. If people don't like you, they will overlook your virtues." -- Slim Fairview
We used to teach reading with phonics. Children learned to read. Now, with apologies to Meredith Willson who wrote, The Music Man....
"You've got trouble here, right here in River City, with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for phonics. Yes, my friends, you've got 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, vowels in the alphabet. With 21 consonants that give you 9 billion, 63 million, aught '9 COMBINATIONS. No wonder Billy can't read trying to remember all that.
"You don't need to know phonics to speak do you? You just think of a word and say it. That is the whole language approach to reading is the think-method to speaking."
We've fallen for every gimmick imaginable in educating our youngsters. (The character of Harold Hill, in the Music Man is what is known in Americana as the lovable rogue. We know he's a crook, but we love him anyway.)
And it is not simply a question of older employees. Having served on committees in organisations whose functions included the "new hire" problem, consensus is that young people lack basic skills. They cannot add, subtract, multiply, divide, or use simple tools: micrometers, calipers, or even rulers.
In addition, at the initial stages of education, the fundamentals are necessary--crucial.
I am good at math because I memorised the times tables. I didn't want to, it took me longer than my classmates because I didn't want to, but I did it (because I had to).
That, coupled with one small tool in math, 3(a+b) = 3a + 3b, means that I can instantly determine the cost of several cans of green beans in a supermarket and do a cost analysis of 3 small cans v. two large cans. Not important? No, the VP Finance is not buying green beans to bring a covered dish to the next board meeting. However, as he, or she learned this (probably in the 5th grade) the concept was learned along with it.
When it comes to teaching youngsters how to think, not what to think, there is a point in time where analysis will come into play.
GE will need young people who can do what I can do. If they haven't memorised the times tables, they won't be able to do much analysis.
While there may be more than a few youngsters coming out of school who are fluent in technology, that won't meet the demand. Hence, the influx of people from countries who value education highly and apply themselves as a means to financial success and social elevation.
No doubt, the technologically literate will run things in this country through a combination of immigrants and outsourcing, and the rest of the students will be taking jobs that pay just enough to hang out at clubs and party.
BTW: The equation above: The distributive property of multiplication (over addition). I actually had to Google the term to be sure I remembered what it was called accurately. That information I can Google. The ability to use that skill cannot be Googled.
We have become victims of our own success. Good luck to GE if they are using the old business model.
If they want to build it here with workers there. It isn't going to work.
If the want to build it here with workers from there, that won't put the unemployed to work.
It will be interesting to see how Harold Hill explains GE's plan to the people of River City. OOPS, I mean to the shareholders and the stakeholders.
Regards,
Slim
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Innovation and Crisis
In answer to the question about whether or not we innovate more during a crisis, I pose the following answer.
Yes. We do.
Assume for a moment that there is no crisis. Innovation requires a budget. There will be measurables to achieve. We really don't know what needs innovation without some form of market study. Our resources must be allocated in a manner that will be most cost effective. If we have additional funds, would those funds not be better spent on upgrades, marketing, sales, and so on.
If we have a crisis, we know exactly where to devote our precious funds. We know what we must focus on, and we have some indication of what we must achieve. In addition, the group knows we must achieve these goals to avoid becoming victims of the crisis.
Regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Yes. We do.
Assume for a moment that there is no crisis. Innovation requires a budget. There will be measurables to achieve. We really don't know what needs innovation without some form of market study. Our resources must be allocated in a manner that will be most cost effective. If we have additional funds, would those funds not be better spent on upgrades, marketing, sales, and so on.
If we have a crisis, we know exactly where to devote our precious funds. We know what we must focus on, and we have some indication of what we must achieve. In addition, the group knows we must achieve these goals to avoid becoming victims of the crisis.
Regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Thursday, December 9, 2010
City of Hope: A Children's Story:
I received the following email from a friend.
Subject: THIS IS THE SEASON OF GIVING, ISN'T IT?
On Capriole's site, caprioleproductions.org a Non-Profit production company, there is a Pay Pal link asking only for tax deductive donations from $1.00 to $ 10.00. or whatever moves people. (Click the "title link" to go to Capriole Productions)
With that stated: IQ2011 we will travel to BR to shoot a 30 minute short, updating the plight of the BR favela kids [street urchins] whose plight has escalated to 1) drug distribution, 2) sex enslaved kids from 6 to 12, 3) murder-for-hire and so forth. This IS A JUST CAUSE. Our footage from the nineties is tremendously outdated and the numbers of kids caught up in this mess has increased radically.
"City of Hope: A Children's Story" is one of good news. Not only is BR's democracy gaining on the drug lords, but faith-based organizations [NGOs] have increased exponentially as have community watch groups and private contributors.
Most remarkable is the Recovered children are now taking the GOOD NEWS back into their own favelas to open their own 'schools of recovery'.
Any amounts are welcome and all showings ,ticket sales, after expenses to locally use Brazilian film people, will be returned into the community.
Won't you help? Any help, either financial or your experienced advice is greatly appreciated.
Sincere thanks,
John
Subject: THIS IS THE SEASON OF GIVING, ISN'T IT?
On Capriole's site, caprioleproductions.org a Non-Profit production company, there is a Pay Pal link asking only for tax deductive donations from $1.00 to $ 10.00. or whatever moves people. (Click the "title link" to go to Capriole Productions)
With that stated: IQ2011 we will travel to BR to shoot a 30 minute short, updating the plight of the BR favela kids [street urchins] whose plight has escalated to 1) drug distribution, 2) sex enslaved kids from 6 to 12, 3) murder-for-hire and so forth. This IS A JUST CAUSE. Our footage from the nineties is tremendously outdated and the numbers of kids caught up in this mess has increased radically.
"City of Hope: A Children's Story" is one of good news. Not only is BR's democracy gaining on the drug lords, but faith-based organizations [NGOs] have increased exponentially as have community watch groups and private contributors.
Most remarkable is the Recovered children are now taking the GOOD NEWS back into their own favelas to open their own 'schools of recovery'.
Any amounts are welcome and all showings ,ticket sales, after expenses to locally use Brazilian film people, will be returned into the community.
Won't you help? Any help, either financial or your experienced advice is greatly appreciated.
Sincere thanks,
John
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Decline of Science As a Way to Make a Quick Buck
Where is Clyde Crashcup when we need him most?
The latest trend in education is to lament the lack of science performance. (Soon it will be declaimed that this is the result of not spending enough money.)
Science requires focus on a goal, attention over a long period of time, and does not offer instant gratification so much craved by young people. Science means enjoying the process.
We will not improve in science until we learn to delay gratification, focus on the problem we are trying to solve, and be able to offer our attention (span) over a long period of time.
Regards,
Slim
ps. Oh, yeah. Science is empirical as well as methodical--and precise.
e.g. In math, 10 x 10 = 100. 99 is not 99% correct. 99 is 100% wrong. Something some people can't seem to deal with. Desole :-(
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
The latest trend in education is to lament the lack of science performance. (Soon it will be declaimed that this is the result of not spending enough money.)
Science requires focus on a goal, attention over a long period of time, and does not offer instant gratification so much craved by young people. Science means enjoying the process.
We will not improve in science until we learn to delay gratification, focus on the problem we are trying to solve, and be able to offer our attention (span) over a long period of time.
Regards,
Slim
ps. Oh, yeah. Science is empirical as well as methodical--and precise.
e.g. In math, 10 x 10 = 100. 99 is not 99% correct. 99 is 100% wrong. Something some people can't seem to deal with. Desole :-(
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Cut of His Jib
The Business Decision Making Curve:
In finance we studied the Sharp-Markowitz efficiency curve. The trade-off between risk and return. (Mayonnaise jar, no risk, no return. The fast horse, high risk, high return.)
There seems to be an unspoken curve in business. It is not only a cost curve.
Do we train the guy we've got, hoping he'll be a good manager, or do we hire a good manager who knows little about our operation?
Do we pay for safety upgrades on a hazzard with little potential for disaster, or do we take a chance and simply pay out on the accident?
Do we hire someone safe, with credentials and show little concern for his potential, or do we hire someone with a great potential (or track record) and assume the risks of hiring someone without the bursars stamp on his resume showing he paid his library fines?
The business trade-off seems to be falling on the side of safety the past 30 to 40 years.
When was the last time you ever heard anyone say, "I hired him because I like the cut of his jib?"
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
In finance we studied the Sharp-Markowitz efficiency curve. The trade-off between risk and return. (Mayonnaise jar, no risk, no return. The fast horse, high risk, high return.)
There seems to be an unspoken curve in business. It is not only a cost curve.
Do we train the guy we've got, hoping he'll be a good manager, or do we hire a good manager who knows little about our operation?
Do we pay for safety upgrades on a hazzard with little potential for disaster, or do we take a chance and simply pay out on the accident?
Do we hire someone safe, with credentials and show little concern for his potential, or do we hire someone with a great potential (or track record) and assume the risks of hiring someone without the bursars stamp on his resume showing he paid his library fines?
The business trade-off seems to be falling on the side of safety the past 30 to 40 years.
When was the last time you ever heard anyone say, "I hired him because I like the cut of his jib?"
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Monday, December 6, 2010
Slim Fairview's Powerpoint Presentations
The G20 in Good Times and Bad. (The Future of the G20)
Global Management: A Shift in the Paradigm of Corporate America
Fairviews: The Quotations of Slim Fairview.
Click the Title for a direct e-link.
or
copypaste:
http://www.slideshare.net/slimfairview
Sincerest regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Global Management: A Shift in the Paradigm of Corporate America
Fairviews: The Quotations of Slim Fairview.
Click the Title for a direct e-link.
or
copypaste:
http://www.slideshare.net/slimfairview
Sincerest regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Friday, December 3, 2010
JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A DECENT SORT TRYING TO HELP. TAKE A LOOK AT: City of Hope: A Children’s Story documents the stark life of Brazil’s favela (slums) children, and is a feature-length documentary capturing the lives of displaced children caught in a seemingly unending web of drugs, violence, prostitution, sexual slavery and deliberate acts to exterminate these unwanted children. In a country with an enlightened government, it is also a film of hope and salvation as both government and Brazil’s affluent private sector work to save these children.
Regards,
Slim
Regards,
Slim
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Having Problems With the Hiring Process? I Wonder Why?
FLASH!
A burst of inspiration. It was there right in front of me all the time, hiding in plain sight: "...the hiring PROCESS" op. cit. my remarks on committees and the paradox of management.
We are, and have been for a while, more focused on the process than on the results. Hiring has become a process. Therein lies the rub.
No doubt a consultant came in and convinced the Big Boss that he could solve the problems he didn't have until he had a solution for them (Remember Professor Harold Hill?) simply by engaging a consultant to help his employees understand The Process; The Shared Vision; Team Building; Consensus Building.
Those on the committee told the Consultant what he wanted to hear. The consultant reported to the Big Boss that he (The Big Boss) was indeed a visionary (Does that sound like "Ceo the Executive or The Executive's New Clothes"*?) The Big Boss, not unlike Moliere's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, "...is surprised and delighted to learn that he has been speaking "prose" all his life..."
Ah....plus ca change, plus la meme chose.
Regards,
Slim
* Ceo the Executive or The Executive's New Clothes located here on Slimviews.
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
A burst of inspiration. It was there right in front of me all the time, hiding in plain sight: "...the hiring PROCESS" op. cit. my remarks on committees and the paradox of management.
We are, and have been for a while, more focused on the process than on the results. Hiring has become a process. Therein lies the rub.
No doubt a consultant came in and convinced the Big Boss that he could solve the problems he didn't have until he had a solution for them (Remember Professor Harold Hill?) simply by engaging a consultant to help his employees understand The Process; The Shared Vision; Team Building; Consensus Building.
Those on the committee told the Consultant what he wanted to hear. The consultant reported to the Big Boss that he (The Big Boss) was indeed a visionary (Does that sound like "Ceo the Executive or The Executive's New Clothes"*?) The Big Boss, not unlike Moliere's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, "...is surprised and delighted to learn that he has been speaking "prose" all his life..."
Ah....plus ca change, plus la meme chose.
Regards,
Slim
* Ceo the Executive or The Executive's New Clothes located here on Slimviews.
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Paradox v. The Paradigm: Decision Making
The Paradox v. The Paradigm
One good definition of paradox arises from the discussion about decision making. It is the paradox where people say or do what they think others want them to say or want them to do. Thus, everyone (the group) ends up saying what no one believes or doing what no one wants to do. This accurately describes how we've been making decisions in the U.S. lately.
The next step in the paradox comes when we try to solve that problem by continuing to do what caused the problem in the first place.
I read about a consultant teaching groups how to avoid group-think. (Advising them to think outside the box and so on.) In the explanation of how this person leads people to avoid group-think and to think outside the box, this person rewards people for coming up with (very) different ideas.
You don't have to be seven years old to know that if you want positive reinforcement (reward) you tell people what they want to hear.
Thus, the leader (a consultant?) succeeded in shifting the paradigm. (Group members giving looney answers instead of constructive ones. Looney defined as more "out there" than conventional. Some call it, "being creative".) Thus, the consultant tries to eliminate group-think by enforcing and reinforcing group-think. (The group catches on very quickly--all begin making abstruse suggestions. At least to the extent that they do not focus on the problem at hand.)
The result of all this is that the process becomes more important than the goal.
"We must change the process so we can achieve our goal," is the mantra. The result, we never achieve our goal. Why not? This brings us back to square one. Because everyone seeks rewards by saying what they think others want to hear. Except for me. But no one listens to me anyway.
Sincerest regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
One good definition of paradox arises from the discussion about decision making. It is the paradox where people say or do what they think others want them to say or want them to do. Thus, everyone (the group) ends up saying what no one believes or doing what no one wants to do. This accurately describes how we've been making decisions in the U.S. lately.
The next step in the paradox comes when we try to solve that problem by continuing to do what caused the problem in the first place.
I read about a consultant teaching groups how to avoid group-think. (Advising them to think outside the box and so on.) In the explanation of how this person leads people to avoid group-think and to think outside the box, this person rewards people for coming up with (very) different ideas.
You don't have to be seven years old to know that if you want positive reinforcement (reward) you tell people what they want to hear.
Thus, the leader (a consultant?) succeeded in shifting the paradigm. (Group members giving looney answers instead of constructive ones. Looney defined as more "out there" than conventional. Some call it, "being creative".) Thus, the consultant tries to eliminate group-think by enforcing and reinforcing group-think. (The group catches on very quickly--all begin making abstruse suggestions. At least to the extent that they do not focus on the problem at hand.)
The result of all this is that the process becomes more important than the goal.
"We must change the process so we can achieve our goal," is the mantra. The result, we never achieve our goal. Why not? This brings us back to square one. Because everyone seeks rewards by saying what they think others want to hear. Except for me. But no one listens to me anyway.
Sincerest regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Monday, November 29, 2010
EI v. IQ
Time was:
If you did well in school, you were "intelligent".
If you did well at sports, you were "athletic".
If you were good at painting, you were "artistic".
If you played the piano well, you were "talented".
Not anymore.
Today,
If you play the piano well, you have musical intelligence.
If you paint well, you have artistic intelligence.
If you are good at sports, you have athletic intelligence.
However, if you are good at school, well....you must have worked very hard.
Slim
copyright(c) 2010 Slim Fairview
If you did well in school, you were "intelligent".
If you did well at sports, you were "athletic".
If you were good at painting, you were "artistic".
If you played the piano well, you were "talented".
Not anymore.
Today,
If you play the piano well, you have musical intelligence.
If you paint well, you have artistic intelligence.
If you are good at sports, you have athletic intelligence.
However, if you are good at school, well....you must have worked very hard.
Slim
copyright(c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Impediments to Executing Strategy
I. The first impediment to executing strategy will be others who do not share your vision.
a. Your vision competes with their vision.
b. Your vision contravenes their assumptions.
1. If their strategy is based on their vision, your vision will threaten their position.
2. If their assumptions are repudiated, their reputation will suffer.
II. There will be challenges to the data you use to substantiate your strategy.
a. If you use the methods they use, your results will challenge their competency
b. If you use different methods to arrive at your conclusions their methods will be challenged.
c. Either a. and or b. will diminish either their self image or their image within the company.
1. If you challenge their self-image they will become hostile.
2. If you threaten their image in the company, they will become devious.
All of the above assumes that the people you work with and work for like you.
If they do not, the job of executing your strategy will be even more difficult.
Regards,
Slim
If you find anything here to be helpful, please don't hesitate to send me a really
tricked out Macbook and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with
a thank you note. Slim.
Robert Asken
Box 33
Pen Argyl, PA
18072
or
GoFundMe
Thank you.
Slim.
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2010 Robert Asken
All Rights Reserved.
a. Your vision competes with their vision.
b. Your vision contravenes their assumptions.
1. If their strategy is based on their vision, your vision will threaten their position.
2. If their assumptions are repudiated, their reputation will suffer.
II. There will be challenges to the data you use to substantiate your strategy.
a. If you use the methods they use, your results will challenge their competency
b. If you use different methods to arrive at your conclusions their methods will be challenged.
c. Either a. and or b. will diminish either their self image or their image within the company.
1. If you challenge their self-image they will become hostile.
2. If you threaten their image in the company, they will become devious.
All of the above assumes that the people you work with and work for like you.
If they do not, the job of executing your strategy will be even more difficult.
Regards,
Slim
If you find anything here to be helpful, please don't hesitate to send me a really
tricked out Macbook and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with
a thank you note. Slim.
Robert Asken
Box 33
Pen Argyl, PA
18072
or
GoFundMe
Thank you.
Slim.
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2010 Robert Asken
All Rights Reserved.
Monday, November 22, 2010
STRATEGIC BREAKDOWNS (In Three Acts)
Introduction:
Nothing succeeds like success.
It is very encouraging to see people using both quantitative and a qualitative approaches to planning. (I find the word strategic to be a word not unlike words like shared vision, visioning process, avoiding group thing, consensus building and the lot. Each expression worthy in its own right--perhaps when first conceived, but not trite. Also, too often a crutch. "There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labour of thinking." Sir Joshua Reynolds. (A favourite of Thomas Edison.)
Speaking of which, Thomas Edison did not need a committee to invent the light bulb.
Then, too, he fell prey to faulty assumptions: AC v. DC. He was too close to his brain-child to see its flaws.
The greatest strategic risk most often overlooked by Executives is that the person in charge of putting someone in charge of managing a project simply is not qualified. That person then relies on more than assumptions. I dislike the word "toolbox" so I will use the word, template.
As Executives began to move to the shared vision, no I in team philosophy they failed to see inherent flaw. The greatest one: "The Player."
.............................THE PLAYER [In Three Acts]...........................
Here we not only read The Player's mind, we are also that fly on the wall.
"Anon."*
Player [speaking to self.] "I have no clue what's going on. I know, I will embrace the concept of horizontal management. We need a committee. I will get on that committee."
[Now, for those of you who are really "into" metaphors:]
Leader: "Okay, group, anyone have any ideas?" [Think outside the box; there are no stupid ideas, questions, etc. Only the stupidity of not saying anything; shared vision; no I in team.]
The Player: "Yes. The world is not round, like this orange. The world is round like this plate!"
[Stolen from a Smother's Brothers skit.]
Leader: "Really? I would like you to share your feelings on that Idea. I think we can all benefit from the discussion even if some on the committee respectfully disagree!"
Player: "I heard it on the Smothers Brothers show!"
Leader: "Anyone else like to comment or share viewpoints? [As long as we are all sitting around wasting time.]
Other Members: "Blah, blah, blah..."
The Player: "You know, after listening to other people, I believe you may be right. The world is round like this orange."
Leader: "Good for you! You see! This method works. We now have a shared vision.!!!! I will tell Mr. Big, upstairs how well we all worked.
Everyone: [privately] "At first we thought he was a real jerk. But we can see he is willing to embrace the ideas of others in the group. He is a team player.
Leader [to boss] "At first I thought he was a real jerk. However, you were right, Sir. This shared vision thing really works. He is a team player willing to embrace a shared vision and see the other members' points of view."
Big Executive: "Great! I always knew I was a great Executive with great Leadership Skills!!!"
End Act I
* Anon. A word often used in literary plays. [Ed. note: We don't want the audience to feel cheated.]
Sincerely,
Slim
copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Nothing succeeds like success.
It is very encouraging to see people using both quantitative and a qualitative approaches to planning. (I find the word strategic to be a word not unlike words like shared vision, visioning process, avoiding group thing, consensus building and the lot. Each expression worthy in its own right--perhaps when first conceived, but not trite. Also, too often a crutch. "There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labour of thinking." Sir Joshua Reynolds. (A favourite of Thomas Edison.)
Speaking of which, Thomas Edison did not need a committee to invent the light bulb.
Then, too, he fell prey to faulty assumptions: AC v. DC. He was too close to his brain-child to see its flaws.
The greatest strategic risk most often overlooked by Executives is that the person in charge of putting someone in charge of managing a project simply is not qualified. That person then relies on more than assumptions. I dislike the word "toolbox" so I will use the word, template.
As Executives began to move to the shared vision, no I in team philosophy they failed to see inherent flaw. The greatest one: "The Player."
.............................THE PLAYER [In Three Acts]...........................
Here we not only read The Player's mind, we are also that fly on the wall.
"Anon."*
Player [speaking to self.] "I have no clue what's going on. I know, I will embrace the concept of horizontal management. We need a committee. I will get on that committee."
[Now, for those of you who are really "into" metaphors:]
Leader: "Okay, group, anyone have any ideas?" [Think outside the box; there are no stupid ideas, questions, etc. Only the stupidity of not saying anything; shared vision; no I in team.]
The Player: "Yes. The world is not round, like this orange. The world is round like this plate!"
[Stolen from a Smother's Brothers skit.]
Leader: "Really? I would like you to share your feelings on that Idea. I think we can all benefit from the discussion even if some on the committee respectfully disagree!"
Player: "I heard it on the Smothers Brothers show!"
Leader: "Anyone else like to comment or share viewpoints? [As long as we are all sitting around wasting time.]
Other Members: "Blah, blah, blah..."
The Player: "You know, after listening to other people, I believe you may be right. The world is round like this orange."
Leader: "Good for you! You see! This method works. We now have a shared vision.!!!! I will tell Mr. Big, upstairs how well we all worked.
Everyone: [privately] "At first we thought he was a real jerk. But we can see he is willing to embrace the ideas of others in the group. He is a team player.
Leader [to boss] "At first I thought he was a real jerk. However, you were right, Sir. This shared vision thing really works. He is a team player willing to embrace a shared vision and see the other members' points of view."
Big Executive: "Great! I always knew I was a great Executive with great Leadership Skills!!!"
End Act I
* Anon. A word often used in literary plays. [Ed. note: We don't want the audience to feel cheated.]
Sincerely,
Slim
copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
THINK INSIDE THE BOX
THINK INSIDE THE BOX! For consideration and debate
Cliches, Slogans, and Platitudes have infiltrated our culture to such an extent that we can no longer think straight; or we are not allowed to. It seems people our age are the only ones who still possess what is no longer legal to possess: Intelligence and the ability to think.
Please share what you've experienced on the subject.
The expression has evolved. Initially, it came across as a tactical manoeuvre which translates, "Surprise! Here I am, I invite myself to your house. What do you mean, you do the inviting when you entertain people in your home? You should think outside the box."
The box became a symbol of old-fashion, draconian, narrow minded, limiting, ad nauseum. Thinking outside the box became the new, hip, trendy, now, together, what's happening way of doing things. The new ways of doing things to meet the new challenges we will confront. Oh, boy!
However, as with many cliches, think outside the box is no longer actually heard anymore. It is like the part of the dialogue in a novel where we see, he said, she said. Those are fine markers for the reader, however, the reader is not actually cognisant of the he said, she said. Only what they represent.
Still, it is very interesting to hear different perspectives from different people.
Just something to consider.
Sincerely,
Slim
copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Cliches, Slogans, and Platitudes have infiltrated our culture to such an extent that we can no longer think straight; or we are not allowed to. It seems people our age are the only ones who still possess what is no longer legal to possess: Intelligence and the ability to think.
Please share what you've experienced on the subject.
The expression has evolved. Initially, it came across as a tactical manoeuvre which translates, "Surprise! Here I am, I invite myself to your house. What do you mean, you do the inviting when you entertain people in your home? You should think outside the box."
The box became a symbol of old-fashion, draconian, narrow minded, limiting, ad nauseum. Thinking outside the box became the new, hip, trendy, now, together, what's happening way of doing things. The new ways of doing things to meet the new challenges we will confront. Oh, boy!
However, as with many cliches, think outside the box is no longer actually heard anymore. It is like the part of the dialogue in a novel where we see, he said, she said. Those are fine markers for the reader, however, the reader is not actually cognisant of the he said, she said. Only what they represent.
Still, it is very interesting to hear different perspectives from different people.
Just something to consider.
Sincerely,
Slim
copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Business Gift Giving
Business Gift Giving. How about some general thoughts and a few caveats on the matter?
A few years ago, we'd adopted a free-range cat. (My fault, actually.) This cat was an ideal house guest. When she wanted to thank us, she'd meow outside the door to come back in. When I opened the door, I would find a dead mouse. This is a cat's way of saying, "Thank you".
The dead mouse was a lot nicer gift than some of the gifts I'd received.
First of all, it was sincere.
Second of all, the cat did not become insulted when I did not hang the dead mouse on the wall, nor display it on the coffee table.
Now, there are a few codicils and cavets to the arts and sciences of giving gifts in the business world.
In this country, it is innapropriate to give a gift that the recipient know is more expensive than the giver can afford.
I'd heard, many years ago, that when giving a gift in Japan (e.g. a pen and pencil set), it is more appropriate to give the set in silver than in gold as gold is seen to be ostentatious. ( I need verification on that matter. )
In some Asian countries, you never wrap a gift in white paper. That is the colour associated with funerals.
In some cultures, red is the proper wrapping-paper colour for festive gift-giving.
Perhaps we could open up a discussion to share advice on the matter of gift giving in the business world?
Sincerest regards,
Slim.
ps. If your cat ever gives you a dead mouse, be sure to make a positive fuss over it. If you can't see how pleased your cat will be, you should not share your accomodations with a cat.
copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
A few years ago, we'd adopted a free-range cat. (My fault, actually.) This cat was an ideal house guest. When she wanted to thank us, she'd meow outside the door to come back in. When I opened the door, I would find a dead mouse. This is a cat's way of saying, "Thank you".
The dead mouse was a lot nicer gift than some of the gifts I'd received.
First of all, it was sincere.
Second of all, the cat did not become insulted when I did not hang the dead mouse on the wall, nor display it on the coffee table.
Now, there are a few codicils and cavets to the arts and sciences of giving gifts in the business world.
In this country, it is innapropriate to give a gift that the recipient know is more expensive than the giver can afford.
I'd heard, many years ago, that when giving a gift in Japan (e.g. a pen and pencil set), it is more appropriate to give the set in silver than in gold as gold is seen to be ostentatious. ( I need verification on that matter. )
In some Asian countries, you never wrap a gift in white paper. That is the colour associated with funerals.
In some cultures, red is the proper wrapping-paper colour for festive gift-giving.
Perhaps we could open up a discussion to share advice on the matter of gift giving in the business world?
Sincerest regards,
Slim.
ps. If your cat ever gives you a dead mouse, be sure to make a positive fuss over it. If you can't see how pleased your cat will be, you should not share your accomodations with a cat.
copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Compare and Contrast
You can't compare Communist Bulgaria with free market France.
You can't compare Communist Hungary with free market Portugal.
However,
You can compare Communist East Germany with Free Market West Germany.
You can compare Communist East Berlin withe Free Market West Berlin.
Enought said?
Regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
You can't compare Communist Hungary with free market Portugal.
However,
You can compare Communist East Germany with Free Market West Germany.
You can compare Communist East Berlin withe Free Market West Berlin.
Enought said?
Regards,
Slim
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Monday, November 15, 2010
Experts???
.
Experts:
For every ten experts who say "Do this!", you have ten experts who say, "Do that!"
Then someone else will come up with ten experts who say, "Do something else."
Another ten experts will say, "They're all right".
Another who will say, "They're all wrong".
Then another who will ask, "Who's to say what's right or wrong?"
Then the facilitator of the group will say, " There's no "I" in team! :-) "
If you don't believe me, ask an expert!
Regards,
Slim
Mail slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Experts:
For every ten experts who say "Do this!", you have ten experts who say, "Do that!"
Then someone else will come up with ten experts who say, "Do something else."
Another ten experts will say, "They're all right".
Another who will say, "They're all wrong".
Then another who will ask, "Who's to say what's right or wrong?"
Then the facilitator of the group will say, " There's no "I" in team! :-) "
If you don't believe me, ask an expert!
Regards,
Slim
Mail slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
Friday, November 12, 2010
Developing Competitive Strategies
For Those In a Discussion Group
As an analogy,
I am new to a role. (Answering your question.)
I want to develop my knowledge in competitive strategy (competing with the others in the group to offer the best answer.)
To be as productive as possible as quickly as possible I would, as was suggested, do a quick industry analysis of my niche market. (Who is answering your question?)
Then, as was said, learn about the market. (Read up on what you do.)
You are in the [Business of].
What is a niche market in a [Your industry]?
A particular country, a particular industry, a particular service? These would be essentials to answering the question.
You can use the old stand-by SWOT test. (strengths weaknesses opportunities threats) but you should probably be more application specific.
Who are my customers?
What do they need?
Why are they buying from me?
Who are my competitors?
What do they supply?
Why are others buying from my competitors?
Who will be my customers?
What will they need?
Why should they buy from me?
What features do my customers need?
What features will my customers want?
Am I able to provide the product?
What are the prices?
What are my costs?
Time place utility. Can I get my product (or service) to where my customer needs it? Can I get my product (or service) to my customer when he wants it?
Form utility. Does my product meet the customers' needs or will it be necessary to modify my product or service.
Just to suggest a few.
Sincerely,
Slim
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
As an analogy,
I am new to a role. (Answering your question.)
I want to develop my knowledge in competitive strategy (competing with the others in the group to offer the best answer.)
To be as productive as possible as quickly as possible I would, as was suggested, do a quick industry analysis of my niche market. (Who is answering your question?)
Then, as was said, learn about the market. (Read up on what you do.)
You are in the [Business of].
What is a niche market in a [Your industry]?
A particular country, a particular industry, a particular service? These would be essentials to answering the question.
You can use the old stand-by SWOT test. (strengths weaknesses opportunities threats) but you should probably be more application specific.
Who are my customers?
What do they need?
Why are they buying from me?
Who are my competitors?
What do they supply?
Why are others buying from my competitors?
Who will be my customers?
What will they need?
Why should they buy from me?
What features do my customers need?
What features will my customers want?
Am I able to provide the product?
What are the prices?
What are my costs?
Time place utility. Can I get my product (or service) to where my customer needs it? Can I get my product (or service) to my customer when he wants it?
Form utility. Does my product meet the customers' needs or will it be necessary to modify my product or service.
Just to suggest a few.
Sincerely,
Slim
Mail: slimfairview@yahoo.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Slim Fairview
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