applied know how
Everyone knows the aphorism “you are only as strong as your weakest link” but research now shows you can equally only be as strong as your strongest link- depending on the business you are in.
Adam Mastrioanni theorises there are two types of problems: strong-link and weak-link problems. Weak-link problems are those where the overall quality depends on how good the worst stuff is, and strong-link problems are those where overall quality depends on how good the best stuff is.… Read more
Most companies and all Government agencies aid smooth and efficient management by using SOPs (standard operating procedures). Along the lines of: If this happens do that. This enables consistency of action and underpins high quality control.
SOPs can be great, can be life savers… But there are times when SOPs could kill your company.
Singapore’s National library is in the middle of a controversy fueled I think by perfectly good SOPs.… Read more
You know the drill, you’re called in by the Boss, and he’s nice… you know somethings up.
And it is, you now have a huge project that needs to be done quickly, impossibly quickly.
I’ve been in these situations before and I’ve talked to others who have managed to pull together big projects impossibly quickly, and here’s what we have learned to complete that urgent important huge project before the deadline- seven simple steps to success.… Read more
The post on holidays received the most comment yet, thanks! And as today’s a holiday why not keep the theme going.
It seems to me that holidays are something of interest, so in anticipation of your next holiday here are the things I do to plan ahead.
Your holiday should be a relaxing reprieve from your probably chaotic work life. And if you don’t prepare for the holiday, your chaotic career will overtake you and when your return you’ll feel even more stressed than you did when you left and vow never to take a break again.… Read more
When I was a boss, there was nothing more frustrating than dealing with a subordinate that just waffled and talked without purpose. I felt that they just didn’t get our business.
Now I realize they just didn’t get me.
So the lesson in effectively communicating bosses, is to think like them and work with them the way they want to be worked with.… Read more