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Dangling the Carrot of the Status Quo

Rainbow_of_CarrotsBUT WE'VE ALWAYS DONE IT THAT WAY!!!

Infamous line, isn't it?  Yet often, it is accepted as gospel and nobody bothers to figure out how long "always" is, or who "we" are, or exactly what the rationale of "that way" is.

Let's take our friend the carrot.  We just assume that it's always been orange.  These new-fangled colored carrots like purple and white are just a fad.  Not so, my vegetative chum.  Orange carrots were only popularized when William from the House of Orange assumed the British throne in 1689.  Before then, carrots were white and purple and ... well, you get the idea.

The bottom line:  we have NOT always done it that way.  People have just assumed as much over a long period of time.  The next time somebody throws out that line in a meeting, start asking them questions about when "that way" was started, who started it, why it was started, why it's been perpetuated, and who is accountable for maintaining the status quo and standing in the way of change.  If that doesn't work, feed them a carrot (preferably not orange).

The System of Survival

Pfg_eddie A lot of people ask me why I chose systems thinking as the topic for my next book.  What relevance does it have in this current economic environment?  It's a very fair question.  Given what is going on in the economy - at both a macro and micro level - a lot companies are being forced to make some drastic decisions.  But are they good ideas when examined under a "systems thinking" microscope?

Let's take Des-Moines based Principal Financial Group's decision to cut salaries across the board.  To their credit, they decided to cut pay on a sliding scale, with those earning less than $40K will get a 2% cut; those earning between $40K and $100K will lose between 4-7% of their pay.  Those earning more than $100K will lose 10% of their pay.  This decision follows a few rounds of layoffs over the past several years.  On the surface, this looks like an innovative approach so more people can keep their jobs.  After all, we all have to tighten our belts during this prolonged recession, right?

I've spent the last week talking to quite a few PFG stakeholders throughout the community (employees, former employees, consultants and contractors).  While Principal's communicated output is a lower payroll expense and the supposed saving of thousands of jobs, one has to wonder if they've considered all of the unintended outputs from their decision:

  • Company loyalty - Principal's culture is based on a strong system of employee loyalty.  Their organizational culture is very paternalistic with the implied contract being "If you show your unquestioning loyalty to us, we'll take care of you."  Now that implied contract has been broken in the eyes of many, so you can expect a rather large turnover from the employees when the economy improves.
  • Productivity - One look at Herzberg's motivational model and it doesn't take a lot to figure out that - while money doesn't motivate - a perceived lack of money can actually destroy motivation and productivity.  There has been considerable grumbling from many employees over this pay cut.  Don't expect major stock rebounds if people are too busy complaining to get their work done.
  • Community angst - Principal is considered a thought leader in the community when it comes to human resources and benefits.  On the positive end, they've helped further progressive issues like casual work attire and alternate work schedules.  However, you can bet there are now other companies in town eyeing their own payroll expense because of PFG's actions.  If Des Moines goes into a recessionary tailspin (we've been relatively insulated to this point), it won't be too hard where to point the finger.
  • Future recruiting - Iowans have excruciatingly long memories.  After this gets out into the marketplace, good luck recruiting at colleges or from other companies.  People don't want to go to work where money can be taken away.
  • Mediocrity survives - Having been in Principal's culture as an employee and as a contractor, I know of many employees and executives who have willfully damaged their bottom line (some brag about it).  To my knowledge, they are still there collecting a (smaller) paycheck.  Meanwhile, the ones who do care about making a difference are left scratching their heads.

Yes, on the surace, it looks like PFG is helping to save jobs and lower costs.  Peel away the onion layers and you have something that really starts to smell bad and make people cry.

And one system's output become's another system's input.  When you look at the big picture of how systems operate, you see how potentially lethal Principal's decision becomes to the economy of Des Moines.  Principal's slogan is that they'll "give you an edge."  I think the double-entendre of this promise will be very apparent in the coming weeks.

Wow - I Just Can't Wait!!!

Idea_faucet It's almost here!  I can feel it coming... closer... closer.

This weekend, my Drake University Creativity for Business students will be presenting their final projects.  As you may remember, I don't believe in doing some boring ol' research project; my students are teamed up with actual small businesses and special organizations to apply what they've learned with those who don't have the budgets for big-dollar consultants.  It's a real win-win.

This spring, it's been fun to have Impromptu Studio, Iowa Arts Council, Down Under Bar & Grill, and Sweet Binney's (home of THE BEST croissant ever... period).  Lots of cool ideas this weekend...

And still...

I'm a little nostalgic to see this batch of students go.  The past two years, there have been some AMAZING students going through Drake's graduate programs.  While I'm sure there are other great students on the horizon, I've seen some outstanding young minds who will be changing the world for the better.  I've just felt fortunate to get to know this collection of incredible professionals.

But...

As I've learned with my students, it's never really good-bye.  Either way, it's going to be a great weekend.

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What? Mischief? Me?

Mental_playthings There was a great article in the paper this morning about an ISU professor who teaches a seminar on creativity and mischief.  He talks about how trouble-makers and mischief-mongers are generally the ones who pave the way for the next big wave of solutions and break-throughs.  I couldn't agree more.

In office politics, we talk a lot about people who play mind games... and usually it's under a negative context.  I have to admit, I sort of view the world as my own little mental plaything, and I do like to yank a few chains from time to time... not really out of malice, but more out of mischief.  I especially like to tackle people who are either really mean-spirited, too serious, or overly dogmatic.  Then it's just fun to bat around my prey before I devour it.

Anyway, back to the article.  The professor in question, Mitchell Squire, teaches architecture at Iowa State.  The article quotes him as saying,

"People want the safety of a certain way...  But given the swift changes of our world, you can't desire that stability.  The minute you find a solution, a new one will be required...  The individual who's always playing games and is never serious may also be the person who can ultimately get us out of the big fix."

To those who might criticize my overly playful nature, I offer an ornery tongue-sticking-out and a solid, "So There!"

The article goes on to make a great point about one of the finer points of mischief-making:

"Squire is quick to point out that he doesn't encourage his students to cheat or lie, but he emphasizes the lessons from those who do - a tough concept for students conditioned to follow the rules."

Amen!

Underachievement We have a lot of rule followers out there.  And in our economy, the frightened little cubicle-dwellers are just becoming more fearful of standing out in any way, lest the axe of downsizing fall on the one getting the attention.  I've learned over the years some of the nuances of when to ask permission and when to elevate an issue, versus when to just grab the ball, run the length of the field, and hope for the touchdown before there's a flag on the play.  It's a judgment call, and sometimes I get my hand slapped (ask my wife how often we have to have the "why didn't you just tell me about it beforehand?" speech) and other times I'm lauded for my creative leadership.

Mitchell Squire is the kind of educator and thought leader we need in these trying times.  I may have found a new hero to add to my list.

For Sale: One Slightly Used Princess

Mattress_princess I've always been fascinated by the story of the Princess and the Pea.  Not really the story itself, per se, but that our society has allowed it to perpetuate.  Can we really label this so-called princess a heroine?  Hello!  I'm easily stirred in my sleep, too.  Of course, I'm competing with a wife who wants all the covers and a dog who wants the whole bed.  Hmmm... that must make me a super-hero.  OK, maybe not so much.

I suppose I should back up a little and give some basis for this tirade.  I was reading this story the other night, and it hit me that this lombardic lady has the same problem as many modern cubicle dwellers:  she's great at identifying problems and symptoms but sucks at finding root causes and solutions.  All she knows is that she's had a bad night's sleep.  Only the wicked queen knows the real truth and can solve the problem:  a pea placed under multiple mattresses.  (It would be great to have more wicked queens around our cubicles if they weren't the ones starting the problems in the first place.)

So how do you distinguish between a root cause and a symptom?

  • Root causes are more persistent.  Symptoms may come and go.  The process flaws plaguing your customer service may show up as lost sales, complaint spikes, etc.  The symptoms tend to come and go, but the root causes linger.

  • Root causes deplete "why" questions.  With symptoms, you can still ask "why" and get answers (assuming you're honest with yourself).  With root causes, when you can no longer as "why" you probably have a cause.

  • Root causes are objective.  Symptoms tend to be more subjective.  As I say in my next book, "because in the battle of drama vs. data, data almost always wins."  Root causes can be tracked much more consistently with better data than can symptoms.

  • Root causes and excuses are mutually exclusive.  Because of the above reason, I've rarely seen rational and responsible people make excuses when the obvious and evident is staring them in the face.  I have, however, seen people make very lame excuses to cover up symptoms.

So let's get rid of the princesses and start finding those peas under the mattresses ourselves, shall we?

So What Are You Waiting For?

Waiting But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary...  Isaiah 40:31

My daughter just sat there for no reason, as four-year-olds sometimes do.  She was staring out the window, not at anything in particular.  I asked her what she was doing, and the reply was simple:  "I'm waiting."  I figured she was waiting for her mother to come home, but no, she informed me she wasn't really sure but she'd let me know when she figured it out.  (I ABSOLUTELY LOVE how the four-year-old mind works and processes stuff.)

Waiting.

Watching.

Wondering.

At some point, we all get put in a waiting game.  Waiting can be healthy, but for many it's just downright frustrating.  I know many people who are job hunting at the moment.  I'm thankful for the times in the past I've ridden out a prolonged down-time.  It's given me the time I've needed to regroup and reassess my life.  But they are becoming understandably anxious.  All along a company has taken care of them, and now... well, not so much.  Do they have the skills to compete as the economic landscape changes around them at alarming speed?  Or can they wait?

There's just one problem with waiting:  its ending.  That point in time where you've been given enough time and now a decision or action must be made.  It may still not be clear what direction you have to go.  It may not be evident if it's going to be right.  It may leave knots in your stomach at the very thought of leaving the comfort of waiting.  But waiting must yield to walking, or the waiting has done you no good.

I've mentioned many times before how much I love Twyla Tharp's writing (her choreography ain't half bad either).  She shares in her book a time when she was absolutely and undeniably stuck, so she walked to the middle of the floor, stomped her foot, and issued the self-order:  "Begin!"  And that stomping led to an idea, which became a new dance.

Are you stuck in waiting?  It's healthy to be there.  Glean from it what you can.  But then recognize and act on the words of President John F. Kennedy from his inaugural address:

JFK_Inaugural_Address_Quote

Carpe Factum Turns Three Years Old!

Third_birthday Wow, it seems like only yesterday that I posed the question, "Why Carpe Factum?"  Now after three years, you're still reading and still wondering what is on my mind.  (OK, yes, I'm a day off but like most other bloggers, I do have a life and a "day job").

Anyway, I'm going to celebrate by spending time with my friends over at the Central Iowa Bloggers.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Here's looking forward to many more years of seizing the accomplishment!

It's Farber... Need I Say More

Greater_than_yourself Steve's latest book, Greater Than Yourself, was released today.  Contrary to popular belief, I'm not going to give a flowery hoo-ha about how amazing of a writer Steve Farber is or how he's captured the essence of leadership common sense.  Reading Farber is a journey you need to take for yourself.  So what if there are hundreds of people in central Iowa who are now Farber fans because of me... a few hundred more would only make the workplace much more bearable.  That's probably the best endorsement any author could hope for.  Suffice it to say, JUST BUY THE BOOK ALREADY!

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