ChangeForge... - Latest Comments

Re: The Top 5 RIM BlackBerry Signature Services

jazs35 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:17:31 -0000

Black berry phones had been really great but, Black berry is way to better than iphone to bad only few people can see it.

Re: SharePoint 2007: Friend or Foe? - 2 of 4 -

bondagerestraints — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:37:52 -0000

Totally. And what's even better is that you don’t have to be a web programmer to manage your SharePoint site.

Re: If You Want Them to Like You, Expect Them to Hate You.

changeforge — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:52:50 -0000

Jeff, good to hear from you. I was just listening to a manager tools podcast, and they underscored the same thing - specifically about feedback. We have to deliver unpleasant news sometimes, and if we are uncomfortable not always being "liked" then why not give a chunk of your management salary to your direct and start voting on everything! I'm sure the business would be very effective using that model ;-)

Re: If You Want Them to Like You, Expect Them to Hate You.

changeforge — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:50:27 -0000

Lawton, good to hear from you again. I happened to catch a BYU speaker not too long ago (on a different subject) but I was rather impressed with the insights there too. Must be something in the water ;-)

Wow, That statement is exactly how I would capture it! I had always used the term process, but infrastructure is probably the better term. I also enjoyed how you brought this back to God in this instance, drawing a parallel that I did not outright come and state, but hoped would be somewhat evident to those listening.

In point of fact, it is this "trinity" of father, leader, and servant (of Him) that has really helped build me into who I am today. One has not happened without the other, and truly I look to Christ's example as the ultimate role model.

Thank you for leaving your thoughts. I always enjoy them.

Re: If You Want Them to Like You, Expect Them to Hate You.

Lawton Smith — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:29:15 -0000

Ken, I have struggled with the same issues as a young manager but recently received some inspired direction that has helped me rise above the weakness of self in leadership. In December I attended a Brigham Young University management conference where the former DirectPointe CEO participated in a panel discussion. One of the panelists, whose name and position I can't remember, stated something that I cannot forget. "The responsibility of leadership is to provide infrastructure."

And there it is. Simple. Concise. True. There are many layers to the statement and it strikes me as almost scriptorial in nature. How does God, who loves us, his children, help us to succeed? He enables us. He provides the infrastructure, the spiritual and temporal framework, on which we can build our lives. He gave us the essence of leadership in Jesus Christ.

Our responsibility as leaders is to enable those around us to succeed. We must provide the appropriate organizational systems, processes, and resources to our coworkers to facilitate sustainable success in their positions. We must make wise use of limited resources to distribute capital in the appropriate areas. Human capital, financial capital, intellectual property. If our leadership is to to typify Christ's example then we must build the framework, the infrastructure, to support the sustainable success of our organization and the men and women around us.

We love him because he loved us first, he has enabled us to be successful. "The responsibility of leadership is to provide infrastructure."

Re: If You Want Them to Like You, Expect Them to Hate You.

jlpitney — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:15:20 -0000

Good article Ken. I think you are correct in both aspects, management and fatherhood, in that you can't always please those around you and be effective.

Re: Stressed Out? Unplug and Sweat It Out!

changeforge — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:48:36 -0000

Very well said, Ken. I think we often forget that our time is finite and no not realize the end to which our "yes" might take us in the moment of commitment.

Warmest Regards,
K

Re: Stressed Out? Unplug and Sweat It Out!

kallan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:48:57 -0000

Kia ora Ken!

I've scattered this one before in the blogosphere. One sure way of avoiding stress is to learn how to say NO.

It's not just a case of saying it. It's important that it is also said carefully and correctly. Turning down an opportunity is one thing, but shutting the door on future chances of opportunity is another - it doesn't exactly reduce stress. Knowing that by saying NO appropriately you are not locking the gate on future options releases stress too.

Catchya later

Re: Doing More With Less Can Be Your Loss

Natalia Muska — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:12:23 -0000

Thanks Ken, I appreciate the invitation and I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.

Natalia

Re: Doing More With Less Can Be Your Loss

changeforge — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:06:04 -0000

Natalia, very salient response! I can tell you are an intellect to be reckoned with :-)

I think you have zeroed in on something very dear to my heart in a much more succinct manner:

"Your employees are part of your brand. Too often we forget this."

I am very impressed with this statement, not only because it is a wonderful thing to say (write), but that you give the impression of earnestly believing this.

When you say, "I believe it comes down to culture and culture is an organic thing," truly that is the essence of what my article drives towards... in truth, this article is nothing more than a bullet point to that overarching topic of culture and the on-going demonstration of organizational insanity and cultural suicide.

... and what is the definition of insanity? Continuing to do the same thing and expecting different results.

Many companies are guilty of this behavior... and I believe this is why we are in the straights we are in now - where the employee and tax payer are footing the bill and bearing the brunt of the burden - Companies (as a general rule) are not changing their practices quickly enough to match the pace and requirements of our time and economy.

Should you ever find yourself in need of a space to share some of your thoughts, feel free to drop me a line. I would be honored to host some of your guest posts :-)

Warmest Regards,
K

Re: Doing More With Less Can Be Your Loss

Natalia Muska — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:56:13 -0000

You are right. “The application of technology does not always necessarily mean you are doing more with less.” Nor does it mean that technology is a more valuable resource then knowledge workers. As we progress as a culture and an economy, knowledge workers are becoming our most valuable resource. This is an opportunity to harness and grow your knowledge base to remain competitive, not just afloat. Much like marketing in a down economy is always a good idea, building your team, empowering them, valuing their knowledge and focusing on better practices and improved processes will put you ahead of the curve when things turn around. You are right, “technology does not and should not replace the person entirely.” This would be a huge underestimation of knowledge worker potential.

That being said, why would you have a potential resource that could improve your overall revenue in a position where they are sorting documents, or opening mail when these processes can be automated? Automation technology reduces overhead in relation to menial tasks allowing you to reallocate your more valuable resources into positions where they can grow as employees and deliver more. This would fall under your “applying technology ‘smartly’ to business processes in need of automation” umbrella.

I was in no way trying to be flippant or minimize the experience of today’s overworked employees. I fully agree with you that people/companies are choosing to focus on things that are not necessarily the most important right now and it will be to their detriment. Trimming the fat is a callus term, but I was not necessarily referring to individuals as much as I was to wasteful practices.

For example, scanning and emailing information as apposed to printing and shipping it can save a company thousands of dollars or more. Knowledge workers are still in place, they are just able to be more efficient and process more information in a shorter period of time because there is less of a waiting period from when information is reviewed to when it is processed. When times are hard, we are forced to look at these things and you and I are in agreement that there are many ways IT leaders can step up and be heroes right now. Looking at technology that is already in place and evaluating if it can do more for you is another low-cost, value-add opportunity for IT professionals to increase their personal capital.

In response to your final questions, “where does the responsibility rest for ensuring:
1) headcount does not grow too large and
2) our responsibility to mentor and guide our directs into positions of success is upheld?”

1- Headcount comes down to how many people you need to complete a task in order to reach your goal. Managers and directors need to be accountable and honest about what resources they really need. Automation tools have the added benefit of tracking and monitoring entire business processes so you can see what is processed when, and how long things take. You have measurement tools that help you set benchmarks. Utilizing this technology will help managers estimate how many people they need for each task.

2- Organizations that are callus and do not value or nurture their knowledge base will not be as successful as those who do. In our age of social media, blogs, and so on, we all run the risk of having our dirty laundry shared with the world. All it takes is one disgruntled employee, or customer and your reputation can be sullied. This isn’t a scare tactic, just a truth. There is a reason organizations strive to be on the Top 100 Companies to work for list. Your employees are part of your brand. Too often we forget this. As a leader of an organization, you need to invest in your knowledge base, which will in turn strengthen your overall organization and how it is perceived both internally and externally.

So who ensures that managers are nurturing their staff? I believe it comes down to culture and culture is an organic thing. We can’t loose site of the culture we have helped create and the knowledge workers who inhabit and help define it or we’ll diminish our brand and waste our resources.

Thanks for brain spar ;)

Re: ChangeForge | Ken Stewart | Where business and technology collide » Are we too connected to social media?

Friend Adder Combo — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:32:59 -0000

using social media networking as everybody's way of communication is now worldwide. we can now connect or communicate with someone across the world.
using social media network is now massive.

Re: Doing More With Less Can Be Your Loss

changeforge — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:50:39 -0000

Hmmm... the eternal optimist. I do enjoy that, and a good debate. So let's chew on this a bit:

The application of technology does not necessarily support the theory of doing more with less. I think that you would agree that technology as it relates to business process improvement and/or automation in and of itself does not solve problems; it simply makes a good process better or a exposes more flaws in a bad process.

Assuming that we are applying technology "smartly" to a business process simply in need of automation (as a cost reduction strategy) is wholly applicable. Additionally, in business, I think most of us agree that, emotions aside, team members' time is a resource to be spent.

While I would support your observation that most everyone and every company can trim this finite resource, much like they could probably search for overages in the expense budget or cost of goods, my overall point was spent in the hope of illustrating that people often choose the unimportant over the important. I did not want to create a support for laziness. In fact, I would promote just the opposite.

In the end, time is finite. Technology may help you recover some of it. As a general observation in business, I find that applying technology to reduce overhead costs is extremely effective, but often knowledge workers are required in areas where revenue generation is the objective. This is not to say that technology doesn't play a part in increasing efficiency, but it is to say that technology does not and should not replace the person entirely and that person can typically only be so productive.

Ultimately the fat that is trimmed is often with the least prepared workers, and in my opinion, corporate America has allowed this recession to become the scapegoat for brow-beating their associates while demanding the same or more out of them through the inculcation of fear. While this works during the short-term, this is extremely damaging in the long run as the sacred trust between the team members and the company are irrevocably damaged.

I see waste every day inside my own processes, my own company, and in my clients' companies. We are all human and by nature not made to be 100% efficient. That said, I completely agree with working "smarter" to be more productive.

I do think it is a great time for technology applications and professionals. Those who are as fierce in "up times" as they are in "down times" will prevail, and are still in high demand. Employers and clients alike can be more choosy, and I think that is a great motivator to raise the bar so long as we also remember to offer a path for those willing to rise to our challenge - so that they might surpass our expectations.

All of this aside, I do take some issue with the comment of fat-trimming as this can seem somewhat of a should-shrug-solution. I do not entirely disagree that companies have grown to "fat and happy", but where does the responsibility rest for ensuring 1) headcount does not grow too large and 2) our responsibility to mentor and guide our directs into positions of success is upheld?

... and I really appreciate you making me think. Your comment is very thought-provoking, and I always welcome your opinions.

Warmest Regards,
Ken

Re: Stressed Out? Unplug and Sweat It Out!

changeforge — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:18:08 -0000

Natalia, thanks for the feedback and confirmation. I must confess, I gave up the drive for long runs back in my days of the ole USMC! I have found I much prefer the good ole' throw downs we have in Aikido.

To you points though, you hit several nails squarely on the head! I most enjoyed your point regarding staying centered. I just got back from a nice hour and a half work out, and feel energized (soar - but energized). Aside from that, wellness programs are really not focused on nearly as much in this country as I know they once were some 20 years ago... I assume this has to do with many things, but I think the slip in focus on preventative health measures has mirrored some other overall declines as well, but I digress ;-)

Again, thank you for this wonderful feedback!

Warmest Regards,
Ken

Re: Doing More With Less Can Be Your Loss

Natalia Muska — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:37:34 -0000

Your statement “Let’s face it - some industries, like IT, have been under fire for years to increase productivity and reduce headcount. But with the driving forces telling us to do more with less, where does less become your loss?” can be looked at another way.

As IT professionals, part of your value is your ability to apply technology that improves the way your organization does business. You are the ones coming up with new solutions to solve problems, or bringing in existing solutions to fit your organizational needs. In these times, we can take this time-taxed mentality and stop for a second to look at what we’re doing and how we can do it better. Call it Six Sigma, or just being smart. One of the best things to come out of this recession is the realization that we can stay above water with less resources. There was fat to be trimmed. By working smarter we can be more productive with less.

Obviously my perspective doesn’t apply to every situation. I know there are plenty of individuals who are being pulled to the max right now and my sympathies are with you, but I also think this is a great time for technology application and for technology professionals.

Re: Stressed Out? Unplug and Sweat It Out!

Natalia Muska — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:18:30 -0000

Great post and thanks for sharing your thoughts on how fitness impacts your overall life, not just your tummy. I work out anywhere from 8 to 14 hours a week on top of my 40+ hour work week. I'm kind of on the extreme end, but I find among my peers in the running and triathlon community we’re all highly motivated professionals who just like to train and compete outside of the office. After a long day at my desk I can go home and have a glass of wine, or I can hit the track for a speed workout. The workout helps me get centered and I’m better able to handle my difficult work scenarios.

There have been a handful of studies that have proven that individuals who are healthy and fit are more productive employees. They take less sick days, they can manage stress better and they tend to be very good with time management. They also end up costing their employers less money in healthcare costs. For this reason, I’m a huge proponent for wellness plans and I think the more we start focusing on wellness and preemptive care, the healthier we’ll all be in mind, body and spirit.

Working out and eating healthy need to habits you embrace and cherish. It takes about 21 days for a new behavior to become a habit. Starting small and replacing one bad meal or snack with a healthy one will have a lasting impact. The same goes for exercise. Start small. Start by walking the block, then add more when you feel you can and then set a goal you can meet like walking a 5k at the end of three months. Your work life will improve too.

Re: 5 Time Management Techniques To Keep You Sane.

changeforge — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:43:31 -0000

Art, Wow! very well said. These are all gems of wisdom!

Re: ChangeForge | Ken Stewart | Where business and technology collide » Do You Hate Where You Work?

changeforge — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:41:00 -0000

Art, that was Max and Larry that were laid off, but as you say it most certainly brings a "new breath of opportunities." That is a great perspective! Great observation!

Re: The Disadvantages of Microsoft SharePoint 2007 as a Document Management System

changeforge — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:38:42 -0000

Art, I don't think SharePoint was at first intended to be an EDM solution, but let's face it... I don't think Microsoft really needs to enter the "copier" arena to be a formidable solution. Microsoft sold a billion dolllars in software licensing at the time of this writing, and this isn't even including all of the free software they offer and professional engagements from consultants and the like.

In the conversations I've been having, everyone is scrambling to partner with Microsoft, and it is rumored that in their next release of SharePoint they are leveraging some options like keeping the documents and metadata separate. Given development items like this, Microsoft has always been happy to sell you their solution or allow you to use their solution as the portal and have an EDM vendor simply skin their application for them.

Either way - they win!

Re: LinkedIn Recommendations Are Feel Good Business for Tough Times!

arthritis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:45 -0000

I've been using linked in for a while but I must say that they're not as user friendly as they make out to be. I'm a networker and I would be much more wonderful if we can just login and access all the network's contacts.

For the professionals who don't want to be contacted, they should not be putting up their contact information. Then again, you join linked in to be connected.

Re: 5 Time Management Techniques To Keep You Sane.

arthritis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:54:38 -0000

Let me add some ideas that might be crucial to CEOs.

1. Spent your time on 'Revenue Generating Activities'. - This sounds really straight forward but bear in mind that most people do not have even 20 minutes of productive time. Productive time are time spent that can help to reap huge rewards thereafter. Such as writing a book, coming up with an amazing USP (Unique Selling Proposition) for your product, an amazing idea, a new revenue stream, a new partnership acquisition etc.

2. You are the Visionary Leader of your company - As CEO of the company, you're like the Captain of the ship. You need to steer the company from point A to point B. As captain of the ship, you don't need to be throwing the ropes or doing plotting on radar, however you should have a good understanding of all the roles of your employees so it'll be easier for you to translate your expectations to them in the same lingo.

A good analogy would be that the CEO of Starbuck don't make coffee himself. Many a times, I see CEOs too consumed by the day to day activities and deciding to get their hands dirty that they failed to bring the company to greater heights.

3. Calculate your Man Hour Rate(Focus on what you're good at) - I've seen many guilty of making this mistake. If you're making 4,500 USD a month, then approximately your man day rate is approximately 200USD per day and 25USD per hour. There are many people who are penny wise pound foolish, such as deciding to create their own banners that cost only 67USD. They end up spending a week to do so and worse still the end result is disappointing and they end up wasting time and money. They wasted 1400USD for 1 weeks time and failed to have a ROI for the time spent.

Lesson learnt - Focus on what you're good at. Find experts of different domains to assist you to get your job done.

Re: How Do You Spell MPS?

arthritis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:41:51 -0000

MPS is a new term and I think there is a lack on the Principal & Industry Leader's part to educate the masses of what MPS is all about. It's a little bit like ERP, CRM, SCM in their earlier stages. Hope that will change soon.

Re: Curiosity Killed the Cat

arthritis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:38:56 -0000

Great to hear that it was just an amazing experience and nobody got hurt. In asia these snakes are killed on sight.

Re: ChangeForge | Ken Stewart | Where business and technology collide » Do You Hate Where You Work?

arthritis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:35:43 -0000

I think this was your precursor to you being laid off but think on the bright side. It probably brings a new breath of opportunities. As it states in the law of attraction. Don't ask for what you don't want.

Re: 10 Takeaways from the 2009 MPS Conference

arthritis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:27:29 -0000

I could see why the conference was a success. The topics covered were in depth and specific to understanding the customer's real needs in MPS.