Commentary by management consultant Michael Wade on Leadership, Ethics, Management, and Life
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Command Decisions
Blogger Appreciation Day

Entertainment Break: Life is a Contact Sport
Geneva Motor Show
First Paragraph
The Landlord's Tale
Daily Tools for Creativity
- PaperMate Profile ballpoint pens. [I buy them by the box. Marvelous product.]
- Legal pads. [Yellow. White. Doesn't matter. Can't have too many.]
- Moleskine tablets. [For saving lengthy ideas when on the run.]
- Index cards. [For keeping on track and many other tasks. Is there anything they can't do?]
- Flip charts. [If I can't see it, I can't see it.]
Quote of the Day
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
First Paragraph
Miscellaneous and Fast
Bing's Best Quiz
My boss ...
A. Is a titan of Excellence. God bless her.
B. Is a smart guy and can hold a drink.
C. Would club a baby harp seal.
Economists and Comedians
rate in America.
ABBOTT: Good "subject". Terrible "times". It's about 9%.
COSTELLO: That many people are out of work?
ABBOTT: No, that's 16%.
COSTELLO: You just said 9%.
ABBOTT: 9% Unemployed.
COSTELLO: Right 9% out of work.
ABBOTT: No, that's 16%.
COSTELLO: Okay, so it's 16% unemployed.
ABBOTT: No, that's 9%...
COSTELLO: WAIT A MINUTE. Is it 9% or 16%?
ABBOTT: 9% are unemployed. 16% are out of work.
Bock on Specifics
Your "Ready to Screw Up" Checklist

- Lazy?
- Tired?
- Incurious?
- Sloppy?
- Hurried?
- Indiscreet?
- Close-minded?
- Unprepared?
- Distracted?
- Naive?
- Cynical?
- Abrasive?
- Arrogant?
- Smug?
- Scattered?
- Timid?
- Ignorant?
Quote of the Day
Monday, February 27, 2012
Rules for Gentlemen
1939: A Year for Great Movies
A Family Tale: When Joe Queenan's Son Bought Apple Stock at Less Than $20
The Artist's Eye
Great Book Title Series
P. D. James Honors Jane Austen
Monday Index

Quote of the Day
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Crystal Ball
NBC:1942:Toscanini
How to Be Free

Saturday, February 25, 2012
Music Break (Ultra-Mellow Version)
Cultural Offering

Miscellaneous and Fast
First Paragraph
Poetry and Prose on the Job

Bock's Igniters
Alibis Yes! Accountability No!
Quote of the Day
Friday, February 24, 2012
It's a bird! It's a plane!

No Bunny Slope
Formal Distractions

Team Project Index
Quote of the Day
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thoughts About Work: "Toads"
Thoughts Upon Leaving a Meeting
No One Answers
Portlandia: "I don't have a driver's license."
"Can't Do People"

First Paragraph
Quote of the Day
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Music Break: Durante
50 Blogs for Managers
Music Lessons
Managers Learn That...

Quote of the Day
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
What to Worry About and What Not to Worry About
Americana: Steak 'n Shake
Miscellaneous and Fast
First Paragraph
Casting Directors

Quote of the Day
Monday, February 20, 2012
On a Lighter Note
Back to the "Diner"
Leadership's Values

I ran my little shop the best way I knew how and I tried to make sure we were always clear what the mission was and how we were doing. And I wanted everyone who worked for me to leave with skills and experience that would make them better people.
Beyond that, my "style" was really my values. Work hard. Do good things. Try stuff. Take care of each other.
The List of Two

Success Story: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Resolution
A Look at Abraham Lincoln
Washington: They Knew the Man
Quote of the Day
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Satie for Sunday
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Perfect for the Weekend
Miscellaneous and Fast
First Paragraph
The Cost of Ignorance
Quote of the Day
Friday, February 17, 2012
Effective Communication via Loose Python
- Sign on front door of hunter's isolated cabin in western United States
As We Approach the Weekend: "I Feel Fine"
Iatrogenic Government
"Deshoppers" a.k.a. Crooks
Meanwhile, in the store's security office two teenagers who have been apprehended for shop-lifting stand forlornly. But have they really committed a worse crime than the likes of Jayne, Dorothy or Natasha?
Apple's "1984" Ad
Stroup on No Nonsense Leadership
Talent Search: Never Heard of Him

Cough Cough
Entertainment Break
Let the Good Times Roll
Diluted Respect
Bate: "It's got to keep distraction at bay."
Art Break: Part Two of The Hermit's Temptations

Living Above the Shop
Dickens: "Making a Lingering Meal...."
First Paragraph
Quote of the Day
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Music Break: The Commitments
What Was Said: A Translation
Relationships

- Renewed?
- Repaired?
- Improved?
- Initiated?
- Avoided?
- Expanded?
- Reduced?
- Reviewed?
- Ended?
Don't Expect

First Paragraph
Quote of the Day
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Miscellaneous and Fast
Team Management Book
First Paragraph
Promotion Checklist

- Performing your current job very well.
- Letting others know how well you perform your job.
- Having a detailed knowledge of the selection process.
- Flawlessly preparing all of the appropriate application materials.
- Not making unnecessary enemies.
- Knowing who will make the final decision.
- Knowing your likely competitors and how they compare to you.
- Knowing how the incumbent has been regarded.
- Knowing what the decision maker wants maintained.
- Knowing what the decision maker wants changed.
- Having a well-placed friend or two prepared to put in a discreet word for you.
- Being ready to handle the job.
- Looking and acting the part.
- Preparing for the interview.
- Undergoing a mock interview.
- Knowing your weaknesses and strengths.
- Knowing why you want the job.
- Getting your thoughts organized and yourself in the proper frame of mind.
- Avoiding overstatements.
- Having a concise statement of what you can do for them and why they should hire you.
- Wanting it without wanting it too much.
Protecting Good Ideas

Quote of the Day
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Music Break
"Outrageous History"

This place has always been majestic, awe-inspiring and dangerous.
The people who came here, and continue to arrive, are strivers, connivers and survivors. What follows are some of the outrageous characters who made Arizona what it is today.