One day it occurred to me that it had been many years since the world had been afforded the spectacle of a man adventurous enough to undertake a journey through Europe on foot. After much thought, I decided that I was the person fitted to furnish to mankind this spectacle.
- From A Tramp Abroad by Mark Twain
Monday, September 12, 2011
Connecting at The Hammock Papers
I doubt if I will ever forget this photo at The Hammock Papers. One of today's entries is also extraordinary.
We are So Sophisticated
"No management basics, please. We want some sophisticated insights. Perhaps some Aztec leadership techniques or the musings of someone who is far outside of the normal realm; a goat herder, perhaps, or a gardener."
"Didn't the Aztecs lose?"
"A fluke of technology. I'm sure we can still learn much from their leadership. We don't want any white bread approaches. We're looking for authenticity, some mud-on-the-feet sort of thing. So much of management is soulless. Find us someone with a magic bullet; a talisman that we can use in hard times."
"I shouldn't have any trouble fulfilling your request."
"Didn't the Aztecs lose?"
"A fluke of technology. I'm sure we can still learn much from their leadership. We don't want any white bread approaches. We're looking for authenticity, some mud-on-the-feet sort of thing. So much of management is soulless. Find us someone with a magic bullet; a talisman that we can use in hard times."
"I shouldn't have any trouble fulfilling your request."
Write Your Email Backwards
Speaking as someone who has sent off emails without the needed attachments, this tip at FutureLawyer makes a lot of sense.
Backing
Cragmont, I want you to know that I am a strong supporter of your department. True, I am cutting your budget by half and am canceling your major operations, but that in no way should be interpreted as criticism. I love what you all do and believe you'll thrive if you do less of it; in fact, if you are close to invisible you'll be a great success.
Conversely, when I divert large amounts of money to other departments and encourage them to expand their programs, that should never be interpreted as increased support for their actions or mission. It is certainly not a slight to your fine work. You might even say that I am loading them down with resources because I have less faith - that's right, less faith - in their ability to do with less.
Just remember, Cragmont, less is more. Don't read too much into things. You've got my full backing.
Conversely, when I divert large amounts of money to other departments and encourage them to expand their programs, that should never be interpreted as increased support for their actions or mission. It is certainly not a slight to your fine work. You might even say that I am loading them down with resources because I have less faith - that's right, less faith - in their ability to do with less.
Just remember, Cragmont, less is more. Don't read too much into things. You've got my full backing.
Education: Free and Convenient
I've referred to this before and even have a link on the blogroll to the right, but if you aren't using the resources of the Khan Academy, you're missing out on a great way to pick up a variety of subjects in a pretty painless way.
When you click through, be sure to scroll down to review their course listing. Pick out a class and give it a try.
Quote of the Day
The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.
- Peter Drucker
- Peter Drucker
Sunday, September 11, 2011
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