The subjects for this edition are going to be as follows:
- OUTSIDE WHAT BOX ? — A study in non-conformity.
- WARPED SEASONS — cause and effect
- BUSINESS PERKS — creating your own work environment
- ABOVE AND BEYOND — free advice for future generations
WHAT BOX? — The term “thinking outside the box “ has been around a long time. It is often used to help generate new perspectives and as a tool for problem solving. I know from experience that it can be effective. As a product design engineer one of my jobs many years ago was to conduct company wide formal brain storming sessions called VALUE ANALYSIS. Representatives from all departments would participate in regular meetings with the goal of improving the companies’ products and making production more efficient. There were not many rules in these sessions except that everything was on the table, there were no bad ideas, and that everyone was to keep an open mind.
The value analysis sessions often resulted in design changes, process modifications, and even sales and marketing improvements. I was lucky to learn a little about how to re – approach problems and see alternatives that are sometimes hidden by the walls of THE BOX.
A good example of thinking outside the box can now be observed at the highest levels of our government. If one thing doesn’t work or if an obstruction blocks the way some leaders are learning to come at the problem from a whole different direction, and keep probing and adjusting until a suitable solution is found. Sometimes several solutions are combined to create a super solution. Sometimes the solution to one problem is found to also work on other problems that are being dealt with at the same time. Open minds and relentless energy are the keys to success, I think.
What kind of a box do you think within? How can you break out and see things anew? What does it take to shake up the status quo? Next month’s newsletter will discuss techniques and strategies to apply which just might help you to start thinking more outside the box. One of my personal favorites is to solicit help from my friends. So, with this in mind, please e-mail me your contribution and we will publish it next month with your permission. HOW DO YOU FIND NEW PERSPECTIVES?
TIME WARP — This is a term I usually associate with fictional space travel movies or with the supernatural. But, we seem to be experiencing an actual manifestation of this phenomenon with our seasons right now, in the year 2019. This morning, Aug. 2nd I walked to work in weather that could have easily been early April or late September. Air conditioners are getting some frequent rests this summer. March was a big snow month this year and May and June the wettest on record, I think. July was cool and less humid than usual. Some may point to the studies being put forth on global warming and ozone depletion and such to explain what is happening. Chem trails is another popular theory that some people subscribe to.
I do not buy in to any of the above. I feel that we are stuck in a season warp that has naturally happened at random times in history and will happen again at future random intervals. I see it as a good thing. It causes us to not take for granted all the “normal weather” for certain seasons. It should make us appreciate more when we actually get what we expect. Also, wrong season weather is akin to other such rare and good things as left handed people, geniuses, and, of course, red heads. So, let’s enjoy the variety and marvel at our good luck to live in such a diverse world. —– And, all of you left handed, red headed geniuses just thank God that you can be as unpredictable as the weather in Missouri.
PERKING UP YOUR BUSINESS – I have worked for quite a few employers, in many types of businesses over the years. I like to think that I have learned a little at each job. Eventually I started to create businesses of my own and I tried to incorporate as much as possible some of the things I had learned working for others. In the next few paragraphs I would like to enumerate some of the PERKS of owning a small business and also some potential PERKS that should be valued by employees of small businesses.
At the top of my list is the work environment. A business owner has quite a bit of control over his/her environment. And, a smart owner will encourage employees to also exercise control over their corner of the work environment, whether it be office decor, building maintenance, or simply the setting on the thermostat. The workplace is where we live a good part of our lives and we all should have as much control as possible over what it is like. The business owner can and should be the final decider in chief on any changes that affect everyone or that might cost the company money. But everyone who works there will be happier if they feel they are included in such decisions and that their input is taken seriously. This is a PERK you can offer that won’t cost much and will build moral in the ranks.
Another PERK that is often overlooked or not exploited is what is called FLEXTIME. It is simply another way of giving employees more control and responsibility. Flextime systems can be custom designed to meet certain needs but usually it is as simple as coming in and leaving an hour or so earlier or later than normal some days as long as minimum hourly and production expectations are met.
INCENTIVES can be a great perk that the company only has to pay for if it is demonstrated that the company is benefiting. Sales commission is an obvious example but there are many ways to create incentive programs that work in all departments of an organization. (the manager might have to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX a little on this one.)
I believe that the best way for business owners to become PERKIER and better employers is to treat their workers as partners by including them in as many decisions as possible and helping them to feel like they have a stake in what happens each day. Give them some ownership; if not financially, at least by a sense of belonging and being appreciated. What is good for the rank and file will also be good for ownership in the long run.
ABOVE / BEYOND — This little section is devoted to placing maximum emphasis on the basic work ethic that I believe still exists in most people today. I see it all the time. People actually doing more than what would normally be expected for the amount of compensation they get. A good example is the server at your local café. You know; the one that hustles and obviously is overworked, but always smiles and never complains. Sometimes called servers, these are really public relations experts that you are always happy to tip generously. Another profession that comes to mind are the live on stage musicians. Sometimes they work so hard to give a flawless performance that I feel sorry for them and worry that they might have a heart attack or such right on stage. The backhoe operator who manipulates the boom and bucket with perfect dexterity as if the machine and operator are one hybrid, highly skilled entity. All of these examples are typical of the many, many folks who take great pride in their work and are passionate about their professions.
Sometimes I worry that my generation has not done enough to instill these values in our young replacements. How can one learn to have passion in their work when their day is mostly consumed by electronic device interaction? What is the new incentive to pursue excellence? Why should they keep trying harder and harder to achieve more and more? Why go above and beyond what is required?
The answer, my friend is blowin in the wind. But I hold out hope that DNA will save the day. Our ancestors probably had the same concerns about us. So, what can we and must we do to be sure that our passion and ethics are fully transferred to the newbys?
First, we must not waiver; WE must continue to go above and beyond, no matter what. We must be the best examples we can be. Second, we must encourage, praise when appropriate, and correct if necessary, the next generation. Be cheerleaders! Show interest in and concern for the efforts of these people. We must always stay available to teach and council. Finally we are the ones who are sometimes able to open doors and smooth the path a little. Go above and beyond in helping others go above and beyond.
To you newbys, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help from others who might be qualified to mentor or council you on matters of work ethics and passion for your profession and the like. Give some old guy one more chance to go above and beyond!! It might be good for both of you.