The Co+Factor

Have you heard!?

 

There’s a major new initiative
that’s making the rounds in business. 

It’s quite the buuuuzzzzzz, actually:

Being talked about from
global corporate titans,

to the shop on the corner;

from board rooms, to break rooms;

Wall Street, to Main Street;
and everywhere in-between.  

And why? 

Because it’s more than just an “initiative” –

it’s a must-have, purpose-driven, real-world

directive

charter

mission

that given the dynamics and
nature of business today,

can make or break companies. 

It’s true. 

And that initiative is (drum roll please ....):

The Co+Factor. 

The Co+Factor is what you get,

when you blend the best-of-the best,

action-oriented

"co" words,

like ...

 

collaboration

communication

community

cohesive

connected

constructive

compassionate

co-creation

commerce

conducive

etc. etc. etc.)

 

into one unified,
purpose-driven

mindset
philosophy
mandate

that can help you

and your company

engage

run 

prosper

better than ever before.

It’s true!

But if you think it is easy to

establish

manage

achieve

the tangible upsides that having

The Co+Factor can produce –

THINK AGAIN! 

It takes equal parts

BRAINS
BRAWN
HEART

powered and supported
by a combination of great
 

strategy

design

systems

tactics

talent

technology

culture    

In other words: it takes work.

But when done well -
it's worth every calorie burned.   

The Co+Factor is Good. 

Congrats Grad (Now Get to Work)

Since there's just not enough articles with well-meaning advice for graduates floating around the universe at this time of year (not) - figure I might as well join the fray/flock/following, and add my two cents.

Heck, let's make it a nickels worth, as words are cheap and after all, since I didn't get to bore you with an actual commencement speech, Ill make it up by droning on here; seems fair.

Alright already.

If you’re graduating/graduated - then congratulations. On behalf of all parents, colleagues and employers - thanks for being a doer. Even better, thanks for being someone who gets things done.

Seriously, big kudos to you and your willpower and initiative to finish what you started, so that you can take the next step to enjoying success in business, work and life.

But wait: if it is not your destination, aspiration or motivation to now move forth and succeed personally and professionally, then feel free to drop out of this next phase and sit this one out (yeah, good luck with that). On the other hand, if you’re cool with doing the right thing, re: succeeding with your career and life - then cue the soundtrack, and let’s get this party started.

No doubt, you’ve inevitably heard the level-up expression as used in video gaming, right? (Personally, I’m kinda partial to old-school gems like Space Invaders, Galaga and Frogger.) Now, if you really think about it from a deeper, "whoa dude" perspective, the term level-up actually recognizes aspiration, inspiration and achievement; celebrating past accomplishments, current capabilities and future possibilities. (And you thought it was just about gaming.)

In other words, level-up can be more than just a term.

Much more.

Level-up can actually be a mantra/mission/philosophy (you get the picture) – to help you, take you, to the next levels of success: now and forever. And since you’re the kind of person who believes in having a level-up “manifesto” and therefore evidently, likes to continuously improve yourself (you do, don’t you?), I’m going to assume that you already have some of the attributes that are essential - post graduation - to succeed in business, work and life.

Attributes like compassion, accountability, determination, resiliency, a sense of humor and the multi-tasking wherewithal to juggle work, play, and relationships. Great stuff. Even better, and thanks to your experience and success in school, you are now more equipped to deal with the realities and surrealities that will most certainly and without a doubt, arise in everyday situations.

Put another way, time to "level-up" (now and forever).

But then again ....

Charlton Ogburn Jr., a crazily prolific writer and the author of a dozen or so books, wrote that “being unready and ill-equipped is what you have to expect in life.” He calls it our “universal predicament.” Granted, even with our schooling, we more often than not go unprepared into our adventures, and it’s a given that we can’t know what we don’t know.

Be that as it may, we should always do our best to be honest and forthright about what we actually do know, as opposed to what we think we can figure out once we get there. After all, being unprepared is difficult enough as it is, especially if we can help it. But being busted as a phony is worse.

We’ve all heard people say, “If I only knew then what I know now…” The problem with this kind of yearning is that it’s all about the past, not the future. And we can’t change the past. But what if we modify that concept and rearrange it to an achievable reality, like, “If I only knew now, what I’ll know then…” The phrase becomes hopeful, not wistful. It becomes meaningful and relevant.

That’s because we’re leveraging other people’s experiences and hindsight (aka teachings), which are passed on to us as insight. By extension, we get to use that insight, as our own foresight. If you think about it, that's what schooling is all about.

While there's lots to be said for "book smarts," learning “on the job,” the “school of hard knocks,” and even “baptism by fire,” it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t continue to look for help, do our homework, and be prepared - even after we graduate. After all, a pat on the back for a (continuously) job well done, is a heck of a lot better than the proverbial kick in the butt for a job done poorly.

One of the biggest mistakes we make is assuming that we’ll get off to a great start with our new jobs; become invaluable employees from the very first day; enjoy loads of fun and lots of happiness, and be substantially rewarded for our work. Guess what? It’s probably not going to happen, even if we’re gutsy, or talented, and trained to do specific jobs.

In fact, it’s dangerous to overestimate ourselves, thinking that we can show up and hit the ground running. It doesn’t matter if you’re the new intern or the new mayor: you’re not going to completely know what you need to do, or what it’s all about, until you do it, and then do it some more. Even common sense (or Spidey senses), won’t help us out completely, because the fact is, common sense is not so common (and you’re not Spider-Man).

As Mark Twain said, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know that just ain’t so.” How true. Or, take John Mayer, who sings about the bitter/sweet “train of life.” No, we can’t stop it. And sure, the train will be bumpy and discouraging sometimes, and we’ll have to travel with some unlikable passengers.

But there will be more times when the ride is smooth and encouraging, with lots of likable companions … especially if we have the right attitude, and the right support.

This means that you can’t just wait around for the world to change in your favor. (Sorry to disagree with you on that one Mr. Mayer. But I do like the song!) Frankly, waiting on the world to change is not realistic, and not all that smart. The fact is, your time is here, and you’re time is now (with a nod to another J.M. — John Mellencamp).

You’re the future and the present, so get on board and be a (studious and hard working) good passenger. Better yet, jump up in the front seat, buckle-up, and help drive. After all, nobody likes a backseat driver. 

Nobody.

Indeed, the world needs you and your peers to be good, in and outside of work, because you’re the next generation of leaders (and yes, followers). Eventually and inevitably, your generation will be in charge of all of our businesses, governments, environments, planets and families. No pressure.

So once again, congrats.  

Now, level-up, and get to work.

Work (and life long learning) is Good.

Who Says? Says Who? So Says You.

Lately - it seems that the business world is (too) full of naysayers. You know - those persistently closed-minded folks who consistently jump right to "NO!" (when they shouldn't) because they personally don't want to do something new or different - let alone take the time to understand what that something is all about - even though that something (or the result of it) might be able to help them.  As Upton Sinclair once quipped: it's hard to teach a person something new, when their job depends on not knowing it.  

More pathetic - is when naysayers don't want to look at or do something that may benefit their company (and their own job): that's just selfish, ignorant and down-right wrong. And to those who refuse to take an hour or so to genuinely listen and learn about things that might make their company/organization/people better - I say, SHAME ON YOU.

After all, part of your job and fiduciary responsibility (or at least it should be) - especially if you are a leader in your company, organization or business unit - is to think in and out of the proverbial box.  Moreover, to do what's in the best interest (both short-term and long-term) of the company that pays the checks.  

No doubt - selfish naysayers and their rude posse of pessimistic negative-nellies, not-invented-here syndromers, that-will-never-work cronies, over-my-dead body doorknobs, stick-in-the-mud morons, I'll believe-it-when-I-see-it jerks, guilty-before-proven-innocent nincompoops ... have been around for ages.

And to some (small) degree, they serve a purpose - otherwise the world would be (too) full of overly positive, can-do-wrong, sun-is-always-shinning, mistake-ridden unrealistic optimists.  (For my money - I'm a big fan of being somewhere in the middle; you know, the "positive pragmatist" camp: but that's just me.  That's why I also think the correct answer to the cliche about the cup being half full or half empty is: both).  

In any event - as far as having to deal with the hard-headed naysayers go - may I suggest a provocative two questions and one statement program to help you challenge their stubborn selfishness ... and maybe, just maybe, get them to do the right thing with regard to considering ... let alone moving forward with ... something that they presumptively assumed and without proper thought, time and reflection ... was something that did not/would not do.  

And those two questions and one statement are, drum roll please,  dddrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr:

Who Says?

Says Who?

So Says You.

Taken together - these should/might help you provoke, challenge and just maybe - change the thinking of a naysayer. Maybe. Granted, this is not scientifically proven and more often than not, might get you into trouble, especially if that irrational naysayer also happens to be a delusional, pathetic, ranting raving bully (sadly, for some reason, the world is still too full of bosses and "leaders" who fit that description).    

Be that as it may, if you feel strongly enough about why you need to get a naysayer to change their mind and do something new or different ... then you have to do what you have to do ... especially if their shortsightedness is and/or can be - bad for the company.  And these 3 tactics just might help.  That, and a smack upside the head (just kidding, violence is frowned upon, mostly.)  

Stubborn Naysayers Are Bad.

Provocatively Challenging Them is Good.

(PS:  If you couldn't tell - naysayers give me a real rash. That said, it felt good to get that stuff off my chest; kinda therapeutic. Thanks for letting me vent: lightens my consumption of scotch and Pepto ;) 

  

Leadership for Social Business

As you undoubtedly know, social media is hot. It's a really big deal.

But do you know what's the next hot big deal thing? Social Business.

And do you know what it takes to build, manage and grow as a social business?  

Social leaders, and social leadership. (Yeah I know, enough already with the word social. Way overplayed, right!?  Well, find a better one and I'll use it. Barring that, gotta go with the flow.)

But what exactly is a social business and social leaders/ship, and why do we (strike that, why should we) care.

In a nutshell, social business is when companies and/or organizations leverage social enterprise technology, like IBM Connections.  But more than just using social technology platforms, they also incorporate "socially-minded" strategies and processes. 

By fusing social strategy, technology and processes across the entire enterprise (see graph below) - this encourages/produces a more creative, collaborative community of employees, customers and partners in a more accessible, transparent way than traditional, non-social enterprises.  Get it?

Now, from a social leaders/leadership standpoint - it's pretty much the same as how it works for a social business, except on an individual, self-directed/managed way.  In other words, social leaders use social technologies, strategies, process and mindsets to get their people excited and inspired about their company, job, work and life.  

Moreover, they produce higher performing people/teams, and are more trusted (after all, don't you want to follow an energizing leader who cares, and gets you motivated)? 

According to a recent article that I read (sorry, I forget who gets credit here, so if it's you, please stand and take a bow), there are 10 core attributes of social leaders:

• They establish authority

• They build social proof

• They walk the walk

• They are consistent in both work and life

• They hang with the right people

• They take time for relationships

• They build a platform that invites conversation

• They recognize that it’s not about them

• They do the work themselves

• They are sincere

As I'm sure you would agree, those attributes aren't necessarily new, are they? They're pretty old-school, actually; been required leadership principles for decades, right.  Indeed, they're not some new-fangled, pie-in-the-sky, born-on-the-web, list of attributes that "older folks" can't get their head around. Nope.

Which is why everyone (especially those in leadership roles) can rally on being a social leader. If you think about it, all you really have to do is take your already socially-minded leadership thinking/actions/habits (you do have those already, right) and sync them up with today's social technology.

But do it now, if you're not already. Get going - don't wait.  Or worst of all, wait it out.  That'll be like waiting for Godot ... and we all know what happened there, right (hint: he never showed up)?

Social Leaders/Leadership is Good. 

Keeping It Real in 2014

At this time of year, (way too) many of us contemplate, sign-up for and commit to various New Years resolutions.

It's what us humans do; it's our thing.

That said, and in recognition of the yin-yang-slippity-slop-shish-boom-bang nature of 2013 (just as it was in '12, '11, '10 and most years, if not all, for that matter) ... it's easy to see why we want to focus on positive resolutions.

(As if anyone would sign up for negative ones, right?)

But before we go setting overachieving, our-of-reach, unbelievably optimistic resolutions using words like extraordinary, phenomenal and other uber-super-duper adjectives - let's keep the expectations real, manageable and most of all - achievable.  (Can I get an AMEN!?)

That said, a word that that fits very nicely given past issues, present dynamics and future uncertainties, is the word ... are you ready for it? ... hold-on-to-your hat ... drum roll please:

GOOD.

(Yes, good.)

Good works.

It's Believable. Realistic. Achievable.

So here's to keeping it real, and keeping ...

Good Health

Good Habits

Good Friends

Good Business

Good Careers

Good Work

Good Faith

Good Love

Good Living

Good Family

(Insert your own here)

Good is Great.

Happy New Year.

BE GOOD.

T'is The Season for Good Cheer

Hark merry merriers, and bring forth an ear.  

I've got a tale to tell, so you best huddle near.  

But before I embark, make remedy now: dash to the kitchen, and rustle up some chow.  Warm up your cup, and kindle the fire; I'm ready to roll, so appease my desire!

T'was upon a cold, morning clear; my eyes were not a' twinkle, no coffee near.  At the job I was already, no frolicking in sight - my spirits were low, and my attitude not bright.  All work and no play, make Scott a dull boy; it's true what they say, I wasn't a joy.

Oh woe ... oh me ... was dreary as can be!

Why here ... why now ... can't fun be with me!?  

Then out of the blue came a stranger so bright!  Could it be a vision? A ghost? Or some trick of the light?  "Hold still," cried I, "Stay just where you are! You scare me yo, so you best keep afar!"  

"Chill dude," the aberration said with a laugh, "I'm here to bring cheer and help you relax."  "Relax!?" I replied, "There can be no such thing. I have work and commitments that make my head ring!  I have deadlines, reports and emails a' plenty ... not to mention that Christmas day is all but upon me!"   

"Now now my good man," said the vision with ease, "Listen to my words for a dose of some peace.  For what I say you may not get, but when I leave you shan't ever forget.  Stand-up straight, don't slouch down - for you're to hear the soundest advise around."

At that the mirage smiled and gave forth a wink, and continued to speak of things I could not think.  It said in voice clear and clean, the following words I found so serene.  "A donut with no hole is a danish; a flute with no holes is a stick; yin with no yang is unzenlike; cathedrals aren't built from just bricks!"  

At that my eyes opened and my heart gave away ... my gloomy spirits were lifted, and my funky funk slipped away.  Oh joy is me, I truly do understand: it's so simple, so pure, yet full of command!   

So my good reader, put down this tall tale, and run with me fast to the bar for some ale.  Now raise a good toast to the heavens above, it's time to make merry and bring forth the love!

Hug your family, friends and neighbors too (but not those Cardinals or Patriots fans, as they are taboo).   It's time to put work aside for a few ... to shout and be happy and sing something snappy.

Life is good, we are fine.  All is great, at this time. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Safe and Happy are Good.

Ain't Cool To Be No Jive Turkey

At this time of year, I love to (over) use one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies, Trading Places.  If you've seen the movie, you gotta know the line I'm talking about (though there's plenty of great quotes to choose from, am I right!?)

Okay - times up:  It's the one when Eddie Murphy's in jail, talking a bunch of loud-mouthed-smack, and the big dude comes up and says, "It ain't cool to be no jive turkey so close to Thanksgiving."  (Yo, I put the link there for a reason, so give it a watch: it's great fun, and I'll be here when you get back.)

With your laughing smile squarely in place, I'm sure you can see why I dig that line, on a couple of levels.  For one, I say it to my kids now about a dozen times a day (yeah, I've got lots of growing up to do.)  But other than using it to frustrate my brew and confirm their belief that dad isn't as hip as he thinks he is (heeeey), I also use it in business to classify a certain type of bad behavior.

Yes, guilty as charged: I'm not above name calling - although to my defense, I think that anyone I've ever called a jive turkey, has probably been called way worse, by way more people.

No. Doubt. About. It.     

So what makes for a "jive turkey" you ask?  As opposed to your run of the mill moron, jerk, doofus or scallywag?  Well, JTs have some common shortcomings, and those are:

1) Big talker, small doer.  Sure, you know the type: they gobble gobble gobble, but when it comes to getting things done, they don't/won't/can't.  Which is why they also tend to delegate, though still take credit when credit is do; or pass blame, when blame is do.  Go figure. 

2) Smart, but arrogant.  These fowl birds have an out of whack ego to IQ ratio (and guess which one is out of proportion to the other).  For the record - arrogance by definition is when someone makes other people feel inferior and/or belittled.  Put another way, if your mouth makes others feel intentionally bad - not cool.

3) Nice, but jealous.  This one's kinda like too much nutmeg in the eggnog.  It looks all nice and tasty, but it's not.  More so, these ones can really hurt, as you think they are on your side, then the next thing you know, they're not.  No one likes a backstabber; heck, even back stabbers don't like backstabbers.  Nope. 

4) The Eddie Haskell.  Named for the weaselly, two-faced fictional character from the classic family sitcom, Leave It to Beaver - Eddie Haskell's use fake and overdone manners/courtesy to hide their true shallow and sneaky side.  In public, Eddie's are on their best behavior (assuming you buy it); but in private, they're scheming connivers - who just can't be trusted.    

No doubt, there's a gravy boat of other not so flattering attributes that make for a jive turkey.  But you get the picture.  Moreover, I hope you never have to deal with - let alone work with - a jive turkey.  If you do, well, remember the line and say it right to their face:  "IT AIN'T COOL TO BE NO JIVE TURKEY!"  

And if that jive turkey has you worried that its best to keep it to yourself (getting fired or having your face punched in, kinda sucks) - then anonymously send that video from Trading Places, along with a note letting them know its from a secret non-admirer. 

Jive Turkeys Are Bad.

(But real turkey's are good and tasty.  So have a safe, happy, family-filled Thanksgiving.)