Hi folks! It has been a few months...... Last time I was here, I said that I was going to put this blog on hiatus for a month in order to get my online business up and running.
Well, like any new business owner, I seriously underestimated the amount of time that it would take to get even an online business up and running. Ah well......
Anyway, I'm happy to report that I have been truly enjoying my time spent in the studio and my time spent in starting a business.
I've learned so many things in the last few months. No, I won't detail them here. Where I will detail them is in my new blog! I've been told that a blog is a perfect adjunct for a business such as mine. So, if you want to follow my "meanderings" relative to crafting, jewelry, artistry, and any other thing that catches my attention, you can find my new blog at RandomDrJ.
Or check out my store at Dr J Designs.
And for now, this blog is in retirement.
Cheers!
Dr J
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, September 20, 2010
9-20-10 On Hiatus
The lure of business is just too strong, I guess. I am going to put this blog on hiatus for the next month while I try my hand at an on-line business.
Many of you know that in addition to being a retired executive, I am also an avid crafter. My focus of late has been jewelry. And I've discovered a nifty on-line marketplace that makes my creations available to all those interested. I've been spending a great deal of time getting things going -- and as a result, have neglected my blog.
So, rather than letting this die from neglect, I am going to put it on hiatus for the next month while I get my on-line business going.
If you would like to see my creations, please see me at
www.drjdesigns.etsy.com
Cheers!
Many of you know that in addition to being a retired executive, I am also an avid crafter. My focus of late has been jewelry. And I've discovered a nifty on-line marketplace that makes my creations available to all those interested. I've been spending a great deal of time getting things going -- and as a result, have neglected my blog.
So, rather than letting this die from neglect, I am going to put it on hiatus for the next month while I get my on-line business going.
If you would like to see my creations, please see me at
www.drjdesigns.etsy.com
Cheers!
Friday, September 17, 2010
9-17-10 Volunteering is a Good Thing
My post from earlier this week got me to thinking about volunteerism. One of the requirements for each executive at my company was to be on the board of directors for a local not-for-profit organization. I never really bucked that idea because, frankly, I thought it was a good one. It really benefits all involved.
For the company, having an executive on the board of a non-profit demonstrated commitment to the community. Yeah, I know, you are thinking, “what did it cost the company?” More than you might imagine. For example, much of the work with the non-profit happens during working hours. So the company loses that executive’s time. But in the end, it is an investment that the company is willing to make.
Of course, the non-profit (and the community) benefits because they get the free use of a seasoned executive. In addition, they automatically get the backing of an influential member of a company. And that backing often loosens the purse strings of the company, to the benefit of the non-profit.
And yes, the executive benefits as well. By participating with a non-profit, the executive expands his/her network. Typically your network will be comprised of people within your industry. However, the non-profit board is typically a mix from a variety of companies and industries. Think about how that can enrich your network.
And finally, from the executive’s point of view -- it just feels good to volunteer and participate. So even if your company doesn’t require it, consider taking some time and selecting a non-profit that fits with you and your lifestyle/personality. Then call them up and volunteer.
Cheers!
For the company, having an executive on the board of a non-profit demonstrated commitment to the community. Yeah, I know, you are thinking, “what did it cost the company?” More than you might imagine. For example, much of the work with the non-profit happens during working hours. So the company loses that executive’s time. But in the end, it is an investment that the company is willing to make.
Of course, the non-profit (and the community) benefits because they get the free use of a seasoned executive. In addition, they automatically get the backing of an influential member of a company. And that backing often loosens the purse strings of the company, to the benefit of the non-profit.
And yes, the executive benefits as well. By participating with a non-profit, the executive expands his/her network. Typically your network will be comprised of people within your industry. However, the non-profit board is typically a mix from a variety of companies and industries. Think about how that can enrich your network.
And finally, from the executive’s point of view -- it just feels good to volunteer and participate. So even if your company doesn’t require it, consider taking some time and selecting a non-profit that fits with you and your lifestyle/personality. Then call them up and volunteer.
Cheers!
Monday, September 13, 2010
9-13-10 Need Your HELP!
Greetings readers! I won’t often use this forum to ask for anything (except for feedback from you --- I LOVE feedback and comments).
But I am going to ask for your help today (and everyday for the rest of this month). One of my colleagues is sponsoring an entry in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. The top two vote getters in the category will be awarded $250,000 for their sponsored charitable project.
The project I am recommending will be building some badly needed softball and baseball fields in our community. When complete, the complex will provide the youth in our community a place to learn and grow in a team environment.
So now I’ll ask. Would you go vote for this project everyday, please? The link is below.
Central Plains Youth Sports voting link
We really appreciate your effort.
Cheers!
But I am going to ask for your help today (and everyday for the rest of this month). One of my colleagues is sponsoring an entry in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. The top two vote getters in the category will be awarded $250,000 for their sponsored charitable project.
The project I am recommending will be building some badly needed softball and baseball fields in our community. When complete, the complex will provide the youth in our community a place to learn and grow in a team environment.
So now I’ll ask. Would you go vote for this project everyday, please? The link is below.
Central Plains Youth Sports voting link
We really appreciate your effort.
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
9-8-10 Are You A Bad Executive?
I read a blog entry today…. On BNET, by Steve Tobak about the “7 signs you may be a bad manager”. I recommend that you read the article. You can find it here.
7 Signs You May Be a Bad Manager by Steve Tobak.
Be sure to come back. I’ll wait…….
While I won’t recreate Tobak’s list here, I would like to draw a couple of parallels with the Executive Skills and Traits model that I’ve relentlessly discussed on this blog (12-30-09 Morphing to a Model).
For example, one to the signs mentioned by Tobak is that your “allies are distancing themselves from you”. One of the Communication Skills that I’ve discussed on several occasions is the need for the new/aspiring executive to create and maintain a network (1-4-10 Let's Talk). One of the members in your network should absolutely be the person you turn to for reality checks. For me, that was my executive coach. I’ve talked about this role in the past (2-8-10 Shoulda Told Me #6). Let’s face it, if you are developing into a bad executive, it isn’t happening overnight. There are indications that other people see as it is happening. So your executive coach or sounding board or whatever you choose to call it has to be the person that is willing and able to give you the figurative slap upside the head when you are being an ass.
Another sign discussed by Tobak that you are a bad manager is that “your decision-making is compromised”. Being decisive is a critical Execution Skill for the executive (1-13-10 Execution Skills -- Now go DO something!). Does every decision you make lately seem to turn into crap? And more importantly, have you been able to rationalize each bad outcome? If so, then yes, you are headed down the road of a bad executive. You need to step back and analyze your outcomes -- ask yourself some questions. What key item did I miss leading up to the decision? Did I ignore someone that I should’ve listened to? Did I not get the right people involved? And as important, you can’t let a few poor decisions freeze you from future action.
Take some time to analyze your performance, your interactions, and your organization. Get feedback. Then take action so that you aren’t one of those bad executives that everyone loves to talk about.
Cheers!
7 Signs You May Be a Bad Manager by Steve Tobak.
Be sure to come back. I’ll wait…….
While I won’t recreate Tobak’s list here, I would like to draw a couple of parallels with the Executive Skills and Traits model that I’ve relentlessly discussed on this blog (12-30-09 Morphing to a Model).
For example, one to the signs mentioned by Tobak is that your “allies are distancing themselves from you”. One of the Communication Skills that I’ve discussed on several occasions is the need for the new/aspiring executive to create and maintain a network (1-4-10 Let's Talk). One of the members in your network should absolutely be the person you turn to for reality checks. For me, that was my executive coach. I’ve talked about this role in the past (2-8-10 Shoulda Told Me #6). Let’s face it, if you are developing into a bad executive, it isn’t happening overnight. There are indications that other people see as it is happening. So your executive coach or sounding board or whatever you choose to call it has to be the person that is willing and able to give you the figurative slap upside the head when you are being an ass.
Another sign discussed by Tobak that you are a bad manager is that “your decision-making is compromised”. Being decisive is a critical Execution Skill for the executive (1-13-10 Execution Skills -- Now go DO something!). Does every decision you make lately seem to turn into crap? And more importantly, have you been able to rationalize each bad outcome? If so, then yes, you are headed down the road of a bad executive. You need to step back and analyze your outcomes -- ask yourself some questions. What key item did I miss leading up to the decision? Did I ignore someone that I should’ve listened to? Did I not get the right people involved? And as important, you can’t let a few poor decisions freeze you from future action.
Take some time to analyze your performance, your interactions, and your organization. Get feedback. Then take action so that you aren’t one of those bad executives that everyone loves to talk about.
Cheers!
Monday, September 6, 2010
9-6-10 Labor of Love
They say that raising children is a labor of love. While I can’t attest to that, I can vouch for a similar idea….. That you should love what you do. Yes, it is called labor, but why do it (whatever your chosen profession is) if you don’t at least occasionally enjoy it?
Yes, I realize that in today’s job market, we should probably be happy that we have a job. Or if we are out of work, happy with whatever is offered to us. But the job market won’t always be that way.
And whether or not the job market comes back, the executive has a couple of responsibilities. The first is to him or herself. Have you done some analysis of your job lately? What makes you look forward to going to work? What makes you dread getting out of bed in the morning? And how can you modify your existing job to get more of the former and less of the latter? And if you can’t make the necessary modifications, are there other jobs within your company that would be less labor and more love for you? Despite the job market condition, it is always a good idea to move around in your current company than hopping from company to company.
The second responsibility of the executive is to his/her employees. It is never too late to sit down with each direct report and understand what makes them love to come to work. No, they probably won’t tell you what makes them dread coming to work. But you can certainly read between the lines and figure it out. Then it is your responsibility to work with them in creating opportunities that puts the love back into their labor. And if you can’t get rid of the things that create the dread, at least be up front with them and say so. We can all do the drudgery for a while --- if we know our bosses understand and appreciate it.
So on this Labor Day, first kick back and relax. Then when you get back to the office tomorrow, it is time to start working on how to turn labor into love.
Cheers!
Yes, I realize that in today’s job market, we should probably be happy that we have a job. Or if we are out of work, happy with whatever is offered to us. But the job market won’t always be that way.
And whether or not the job market comes back, the executive has a couple of responsibilities. The first is to him or herself. Have you done some analysis of your job lately? What makes you look forward to going to work? What makes you dread getting out of bed in the morning? And how can you modify your existing job to get more of the former and less of the latter? And if you can’t make the necessary modifications, are there other jobs within your company that would be less labor and more love for you? Despite the job market condition, it is always a good idea to move around in your current company than hopping from company to company.
The second responsibility of the executive is to his/her employees. It is never too late to sit down with each direct report and understand what makes them love to come to work. No, they probably won’t tell you what makes them dread coming to work. But you can certainly read between the lines and figure it out. Then it is your responsibility to work with them in creating opportunities that puts the love back into their labor. And if you can’t get rid of the things that create the dread, at least be up front with them and say so. We can all do the drudgery for a while --- if we know our bosses understand and appreciate it.
So on this Labor Day, first kick back and relax. Then when you get back to the office tomorrow, it is time to start working on how to turn labor into love.
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
9-1-10 100 Years of Life
My great aunt Mildred celebrated her 100th birthday a few days ago. That’s her, on the right, in the picture below. Also in the picture? Her “baby sister” and brother-in-law. Baby sister. Gives a whole new meaning to the term, eh?
Anyway, her birthday celebration got me to thinking about the change she has seen in her hundred years of life. In no particular order, here are some things that were invented in the last 100 years:
Refrigerators
Zippers (and then, of course, Velcro)
ATMs
Corn flakes
Phones (land lines, then cordless, and now cell and satellite phones)
Razors (they used to be called safety razors. Guess they ARE a lot safer than a straight razor!)
Television
Band-aids
Scotch tape (and thankfully, Post-It notes)
A-bomb
Contact lenses
Cars
Airplanes
And my favorite? Computers!
Yep, there has been a lot of change in the last 100 years. You can imagine that the executive of 100, or even 50 years ago, had a whole different set of problems and challenges to deal with. Their ability to adapt to all the change probably took on a true life or death aspect that those of us in today’s business environment can only imagine.
I guess that it doesn’t really matter what era you are from -- there will always be change. Some good, some bad. But at least you will never lack for opportunities to adapt.
Cheers!
Anyway, her birthday celebration got me to thinking about the change she has seen in her hundred years of life. In no particular order, here are some things that were invented in the last 100 years:
Refrigerators
Zippers (and then, of course, Velcro)
ATMs
Corn flakes
Phones (land lines, then cordless, and now cell and satellite phones)
Razors (they used to be called safety razors. Guess they ARE a lot safer than a straight razor!)
Television
Band-aids
Scotch tape (and thankfully, Post-It notes)
A-bomb
Contact lenses
Cars
Airplanes
And my favorite? Computers!
Yep, there has been a lot of change in the last 100 years. You can imagine that the executive of 100, or even 50 years ago, had a whole different set of problems and challenges to deal with. Their ability to adapt to all the change probably took on a true life or death aspect that those of us in today’s business environment can only imagine.
I guess that it doesn’t really matter what era you are from -- there will always be change. Some good, some bad. But at least you will never lack for opportunities to adapt.
Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
