There are no wrong decisions. IT couldn't be said any better as Jack addressed Liz Lemon in last night's re-run. This is the episode where Jack is told he is the new CEO, Liz learns about getting 'business drunk' while being introduced into the executive circle.
The highlight of the episode for me was when, while sitting at the executive table, Jack and his leadership team are discussing whether or not to spend millions in research for a new microwave button. When Liz blurts out that she likes the old button, Jack immediately turns the phrase 'button classic, I like it' and everyone is in agreement.
Liz asks Jack what will happen if she is wrong, Jack whispers "there are no wrong decisions".
The reason, of course, is that the leaders determine the rules by which success is defined. In a mind numbing corporate world void of true innovation, he who defines success, is successful...by, um, definition.
Fast forward to you, in your cubicle, or office, or Burger King, or wherever you have ended up working. Look for opportunities to define success. Is success a new button on the microwave or the savings from skipping the research? You deicide. The more you work on managing your outcomes as meeting your goals, the more successful you will be in the eyes of leadership.
Button Classic. Success!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Cajun Style
I am not exactly sure what 'Cajun Style' would mean outside of Thursday night's re-run episode of 30 Rock, but the writers use the Clinton's Karl Rove-wannabe James Carville to push the idea that Cajun Style means being proactive and getting out in front of your problems so that you can control the message. And stealing from vending machines.
An interesting message for your own career. Outside of outright failure, most people only suffer minor set backs in their career trajectory. Minor, of course, until your peers and colleagues find out about your typos, late memos, email snafu's or presentation blunders. If you work in a company that has any 'A' players, your missteps will be turned to their triumphs before you return the projector to the department admin.
The message of Cajun Style is for you to be proactive and drive the message you want to hear and be heard. If you made a presentation to the executive round table and they told you that you were crazy and way off, then your position should be that you "met with executives and they gave you some great feedback on your program". If you have been chewed out for slow progress on your biggest project, then you should be letting everyone know that you "have just received the support you have been looking for to really get your project moving".
All negatives have a positive spin, and it is your job to spin it before someone goes Cajun Style on you. Stick to your positive message through thick and thin and perception will become reality. Remember, it's the economy, stupid; unless of course Bill Richardson is Judas.
An interesting message for your own career. Outside of outright failure, most people only suffer minor set backs in their career trajectory. Minor, of course, until your peers and colleagues find out about your typos, late memos, email snafu's or presentation blunders. If you work in a company that has any 'A' players, your missteps will be turned to their triumphs before you return the projector to the department admin.
The message of Cajun Style is for you to be proactive and drive the message you want to hear and be heard. If you made a presentation to the executive round table and they told you that you were crazy and way off, then your position should be that you "met with executives and they gave you some great feedback on your program". If you have been chewed out for slow progress on your biggest project, then you should be letting everyone know that you "have just received the support you have been looking for to really get your project moving".
All negatives have a positive spin, and it is your job to spin it before someone goes Cajun Style on you. Stick to your positive message through thick and thin and perception will become reality. Remember, it's the economy, stupid; unless of course Bill Richardson is Judas.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Jack Donaghy's Hair
Is there anything better than Jack Donaghy's hair? If you check his myspace page you'll see that he manages his hair in the most professional manner possible. His hair personifies his success and expectation of success. This blog is titled Jack Donaghy's hair as a celebration of Alec Baldwin's character and the self absorbed type -A environment of corporate America.
Having worked for a few large corporations, I have seen the effects of group think and the implications of many of the scenarios that play out on 30 Rock. I'd love to hear a few more horror stories about the effects of 'synergy'.
The show premiers October 15th. Until then, enjoy the reruns.
Having worked for a few large corporations, I have seen the effects of group think and the implications of many of the scenarios that play out on 30 Rock. I'd love to hear a few more horror stories about the effects of 'synergy'.
The show premiers October 15th. Until then, enjoy the reruns.
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