Business

  • Is Knowing Why and How Enough?

    Over the years, I've used a number of different assessment tests on
    myself and our team. It's a great way to help people better understand
    a each other and the different forms of communication and problem solving styles we use.

    Here are several of the tests that have proven themselves time and again:

    1. Kolbe: measures a person's instinctive method of operation, and identifies the ways they will be most productive.
    2. Myers-Briggs: identifies personality styles and temperaments.
    3. StrengthsFinder: helps people uncover their talents, so they can do more of those things each day.

    090822 whytelligence logo Recently Janine de Nysschen from whytelligence introduced me to a new tool.  She helps people perform better by getting them to understand the "Why" and "How" patterns driving them. Janine believes every person has a core sense of purpose that drives their beliefs and behavior, and a logic pattern that is hard-wired into how they think and decide.

    The whytelligence process helps people discover their distinct purpose, and shows them how embracing and leveraging that can help them thrive and succeed with less effort or resistance.

    What Can You Learn from whytelligence?

    Janine's starting point was clarifying "Why" I do things. She
    identified that I like to help people see what's real (though often hidden), and then show
    them how that truth about themselves or what they are doing can help
    them. During her next step in the process, here is how she described my "How" pattern:

    090822 Making a Point

    • First, you confront positions. You listen, you observe, but then you question and you challenge.
    • Second, you re-frame the thinking. Most of the time, you do this using stories or metaphors; but sometimes you use practical experiences too.
    • Third, you reveal the new paradigm. You get people to re-state their positions in light of what you have helped them understand.
    • Fourth, you help people put it into practice. You find opportunities or tell them about options for them to use their new paradigms, knowledge, and experience.
    • Finally, you measure response.  You will try the applied intelligence, the new technique, or better way – but they have to produce a certain level of value and give you the sense of peace, fulfillment, success, etc. … or it's back to the drawing board.

    If you know me, then you probably recognize that pattern.  After she pointed it out to me, I recognize that I use it often in my business and personal dealings.  It is how I argue, and how I help people. As a coaching point, Janine points out that my first step often is to confront; and that by becoming aware of it, I can soften its delivery for greater impact.

    This How pattern also defines my work.  In many respects, my job is to decode the logic moving the markets, and to translate that into easy to follow trading systems. This makes sense and is a great fit given my Why and How patterns.

    However, Janine then asked if I ever get so focused on finding the right tool or technique to get to a better solution, that I sometimes I forget to look for an endpoint? If you know me, then you probably recognize that pattern too. 

    Awareness Is the First Step of the Next Step.

    In other words, the How pattern can become such a powerful habit, that sometimes it runs by itself.  That's interesting information to know. Consequently, recognizing that it is running is important … as are the questions: 'Does it need improvement?' and 'Would breaking-out of it serve you better'?

    And in keeping with my pattern,
    it made me think a little bit deeper. In a sense, knowing about your pattern shows you how and why you get what you tend to get.
    However, if you want to get different results, then you need to change, or perhaps transcend, your habitual patterns in a way that lets you get better results.

    Knowing your Why and How patterns can be a great first step towards making those changes happen.

    For More Info:

  • Is Knowing Why and How Enough?

    Over the years, I've used a number of different assessment tests on
    myself and our team. It's a great way to help people better understand
    a each other and the different forms of communication and problem solving styles we use.

    Here are several of the tests that have proven themselves time and again:

    1. Kolbe: measures a person's instinctive method of operation, and identifies the ways they will be most productive.
    2. Myers-Briggs: identifies personality styles and temperaments.
    3. StrengthsFinder: helps people uncover their talents, so they can do more of those things each day.

    090822 whytelligence logo Recently Janine de Nysschen from whytelligence introduced me to a new tool.  She helps people perform better by getting them to understand the "Why" and "How" patterns driving them. Janine believes every person has a core sense of purpose that drives their beliefs and behavior, and a logic pattern that is hard-wired into how they think and decide.

    The whytelligence process helps people discover their distinct purpose, and shows them how embracing and leveraging that can help them thrive and succeed with less effort or resistance.

    What Can You Learn from whytelligence?

    Janine's starting point was clarifying "Why" I do things. She
    identified that I like to help people see what's real (though often hidden), and then show
    them how that truth about themselves or what they are doing can help
    them. During her next step in the process, here is how she described my "How" pattern:

    090822 Making a Point

    • First, you confront positions. You listen, you observe, but then you question and you challenge.
    • Second, you re-frame the thinking. Most of the time, you do this using stories or metaphors; but sometimes you use practical experiences too.
    • Third, you reveal the new paradigm. You get people to re-state their positions in light of what you have helped them understand.
    • Fourth, you help people put it into practice. You find opportunities or tell them about options for them to use their new paradigms, knowledge, and experience.
    • Finally, you measure response.  You will try the applied intelligence, the new technique, or better way – but they have to produce a certain level of value and give you the sense of peace, fulfillment, success, etc. … or it's back to the drawing board.

    If you know me, then you probably recognize that pattern.  After she pointed it out to me, I recognize that I use it often in my business and personal dealings.  It is how I argue, and how I help people. As a coaching point, Janine points out that my first step often is to confront; and that by becoming aware of it, I can soften its delivery for greater impact.

    This How pattern also defines my work.  In many respects, my job is to decode the logic moving the markets, and to translate that into easy to follow trading systems. This makes sense and is a great fit given my Why and How patterns.

    However, Janine then asked if I ever get so focused on finding the right tool or technique to get to a better solution, that I sometimes I forget to look for an endpoint? If you know me, then you probably recognize that pattern too. 

    Awareness Is the First Step of the Next Step.

    In other words, the How pattern can become such a powerful habit, that sometimes it runs by itself.  That's interesting information to know. Consequently, recognizing that it is running is important … as are the questions: 'Does it need improvement?' and 'Would breaking-out of it serve you better'?

    And in keeping with my pattern,
    it made me think a little bit deeper. In a sense, knowing about your pattern shows you how and why you get what you tend to get.
    However, if you want to get different results, then you need to change, or perhaps transcend, your habitual patterns in a way that lets you get better results.

    Knowing your Why and How patterns can be a great first step towards making those changes happen.

    For More Info:

  • An Experience Worth Paying For …

    What does $1.2 billion buy nowadays? Apparently, an amazing stadium that will change the way you experience events.

    As I was leaving the first preseason football game played in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, one of the guys I went with said "that was the best football game I've ever seen." He was wrong; it was, however, probably the best experience he's had at a football game.

    I've been to hundreds of professional sporting events. Yet, Jerry and Stephen Jones, HKS Architects, and the rest of the team that built that stadium found a way to surprise and excite me, while exceeding my expectations on almost every level.

    Years ago, I read a book called "The Experience Economy: Work Is Theater & Every Business a Stage", which explains that as the world cascades towards sameness, a business can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by differentiating the experience it provides to its customers. The Cowboys have done that with this stadium.

    There's a certain amount of theater, pageantry, and spectacle that you expect from a professional sporting event. Even the word "event" implies that, doesn't it?

    Well the Cowboys got it right; and it was larger than life.  Watching people as they walked in the stadium, it was amazing to see how many of them said "Wow!" And during the game, I can't tell you how many times I heard somebody say "this is incredible" … and they weren't talking about the game.

    Do You Watch the HD Screen … Or the Field?

    A few weeks ago I wrote about the stadium.  This time I'm writing about what it is like to attend an event there.  One thing worth noting, the GINORMOUS HD video screen is so clear and so large that it changes how you see the game (I certainly never paid attention to cheerleaders before this, and the video is so clear you can literally read the tattoos on a player's arms during a play).  Frankly it was slightly unnerving because I couldn't figure out how
    best to watch the game. I found myself drawn to the massive video
    screen rather than the field. I literally had to train myself to watch
    the play on the field, and then to allow myself to look up to see the
    replay (often from multiple angles).

    090822 Cowboys Stadium Opener

    You know how some movies whisper "wait for the DVD" while other movies were clearly built for the Big-Screen. This stadium changes how you consume a live event product (like an NFL game), and makes it worthwhile to be there.

    It is hard to control what happens on any given Sunday, but with this, the Jones have created a sustainable brand promise and set a new standard.

    You've got to experience it for yourself. 

    My guess is that it will change stadiums around the world. Bravo.

    For More On This:

  • An Experience Worth Paying For …

    What does $1.2 billion buy nowadays? Apparently, an amazing stadium that will change the way you experience events.

    As I was leaving the first preseason football game played in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, one of the guys I went with said "that was the best football game I've ever seen." He was wrong; it was, however, probably the best experience he's had at a football game.

    I've been to hundreds of professional sporting events. Yet, Jerry and Stephen Jones, HKS Architects, and the rest of the team that built that stadium found a way to surprise and excite me, while exceeding my expectations on almost every level.

    Years ago, I read a book called "The Experience Economy: Work Is Theater & Every Business a Stage", which explains that as the world cascades towards sameness, a business can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by differentiating the experience it provides to its customers. The Cowboys have done that with this stadium.

    There's a certain amount of theater, pageantry, and spectacle that you expect from a professional sporting event. Even the word "event" implies that, doesn't it?

    Well the Cowboys got it right; and it was larger than life.  Watching people as they walked in the stadium, it was amazing to see how many of them said "Wow!" And during the game, I can't tell you how many times I heard somebody say "this is incredible" … and they weren't talking about the game.

    Do You Watch the HD Screen … Or the Field?

    A few weeks ago I wrote about the stadium.  This time I'm writing about what it is like to attend an event there.  One thing worth noting, the GINORMOUS HD video screen is so clear and so large that it changes how you see the game (I certainly never paid attention to cheerleaders before this, and the video is so clear you can literally read the tattoos on a player's arms during a play).  Frankly it was slightly unnerving because I couldn't figure out how
    best to watch the game. I found myself drawn to the massive video
    screen rather than the field. I literally had to train myself to watch
    the play on the field, and then to allow myself to look up to see the
    replay (often from multiple angles).

    090822 Cowboys Stadium Opener

    You know how some movies whisper "wait for the DVD" while other movies were clearly built for the Big-Screen. This stadium changes how you consume a live event product (like an NFL game), and makes it worthwhile to be there.

    It is hard to control what happens on any given Sunday, but with this, the Jones have created a sustainable brand promise and set a new standard.

    You've got to experience it for yourself. 

    My guess is that it will change stadiums around the world. Bravo.

    For More On This:

  • What If You Outsourced Your Job Overseas?

    News satire from The Onion. It is funny, well done, and like most good humor … it has an insightful kernel of truth.  This one provides a different perspective on employment and outsourcing.


    More American Workers Outsourcing Own Jobs Overseas

  • What If You Outsourced Your Job Overseas?

    News satire from The Onion. It is funny, well done, and like most good humor … it has an insightful kernel of truth.  This one provides a different perspective on employment and outsourcing.


    More American Workers Outsourcing Own Jobs Overseas

  • PC Prices – An Offer I Couldn’t Refuse

    Does it make sense to try and fix a broken PC?  I used to think so; now I’m not so sure.

    I’m often early adopter of technology. That’s kind of code for “I’ve had to reformat my computer many times over many years”. And when it came to hardware, let’s just say that the local CompUSA people smiled when I walked in the door. I love technology; and it seems that I never met a faster video card, bigger hard drive, or clever invention that I didn’t want to buy.

    Your Rules of Thumb May Be 090802 PC Retailers Out-Dated.  Mine Were.

    Over the years, I developed a strategy for acquiring new computers.
    I typically bought the absolute top-of-the-line, as soon as the second
    version of it came out. Oh, I bought many when the first version came
    out; but that’s how I developed a strategy to buy one-step back from
    the newest and best.

    A lot has changed in the PC industry.  For example, our local CompUSA and Circuit City stores are now closed, and today I got a pretty good idea why that happened.

    My laptop finally gave out; and all of my software utilities, Internet searches and efforts had failed to bring it back to life. My wife made me promise to go get a new machine before I drove myself (or her) crazy.

    What Kind of Deals are Available Today?

    So this morning I walked into my local Best Buy determined to find a worthy replacement. I was quite surprised to find that I walked out the door with a brand-new laptop, much more powerful than the one that had broken, for less than $500.

    I also found a desktop machine with Intel’s newest chip, 9-gigs of memory and a terabyte hard disk for about $1,000.

    That means hardware is becoming disposable. There comes a point where it’s literally not worth trying to fix something, or re-load an operating system and your programs to make something work reasonably well, when you can upgrade to a newer more stable platform for so little money.

    What Does This Mean For You?

    The point is technology is now cheap enough that you should look at your business and think about the point of diminishing returns. Which machines are calling-out to you that they are past their prime, and it’s time to replace them with something new?

    The PC manufacturers are trying to get rid of their Vista machines … because the new Windows 7 operating system officially comes out this fall. I recommend you take this opportunity to investigate what is out there … and bring some of it home.

  • PC Prices – An Offer I Couldn’t Refuse

    Does it make sense to try and fix a broken PC?  I used to think so; now I’m not so sure.

    I’m often early adopter of technology. That’s kind of code for “I’ve had to reformat my computer many times over many years”. And when it came to hardware, let’s just say that the local CompUSA people smiled when I walked in the door. I love technology; and it seems that I never met a faster video card, bigger hard drive, or clever invention that I didn’t want to buy.

    Your Rules of Thumb May Be 090802 PC Retailers Out-Dated.  Mine Were.

    Over the years, I developed a strategy for acquiring new computers.
    I typically bought the absolute top-of-the-line, as soon as the second
    version of it came out. Oh, I bought many when the first version came
    out; but that’s how I developed a strategy to buy one-step back from
    the newest and best.

    A lot has changed in the PC industry.  For example, our local CompUSA and Circuit City stores are now closed, and today I got a pretty good idea why that happened.

    My laptop finally gave out; and all of my software utilities, Internet searches and efforts had failed to bring it back to life. My wife made me promise to go get a new machine before I drove myself (or her) crazy.

    What Kind of Deals are Available Today?

    So this morning I walked into my local Best Buy determined to find a worthy replacement. I was quite surprised to find that I walked out the door with a brand-new laptop, much more powerful than the one that had broken, for less than $500.

    I also found a desktop machine with Intel’s newest chip, 9-gigs of memory and a terabyte hard disk for about $1,000.

    That means hardware is becoming disposable. There comes a point where it’s literally not worth trying to fix something, or re-load an operating system and your programs to make something work reasonably well, when you can upgrade to a newer more stable platform for so little money.

    What Does This Mean For You?

    The point is technology is now cheap enough that you should look at your business and think about the point of diminishing returns. Which machines are calling-out to you that they are past their prime, and it’s time to replace them with something new?

    The PC manufacturers are trying to get rid of their Vista machines … because the new Windows 7 operating system officially comes out this fall. I recommend you take this opportunity to investigate what is out there … and bring some of it home.

  • Xobni: Looking at Your Inbox Backwards

    I think Xobni is a great tool.  Here is a video demo showing how it can help you.

    Microsoft Outlook is one of the most important computer programs that I use. I say this because so much of my day is spent interacting with it.

    I'm not the kind of person who watches for each incoming e-mail message, and constantly re-prioritizes my day. Nonetheless, I subscribe to a number of newsletters and alert services, and interact with many people throughout the day (some via e-mail, others by phone). That means Outlook is my hub, and I find myself there many times a day. So finding tools to help organize, search, and make better use of this type of information better is  important to me.

    090802 Xobni Logo One of the tools that I've come to rely on is called Xobni. In case you're not familiar with it, that spells "in-box", only backwards. And the reason is that it gives you a totally different perspective on your in-box and how you access and manage your personal information.

    This tool has gone through several iterations, and I consider it fairly mature. It adds the ability to see all the information about the person who sent you an e-mail including all prior e-mails, their contact information,  a live link to their Linked-In and Facebook information streams; any files exchanged, a list of related contacts, and a bunch of other features. Rather than try to describe all that for you here. Take a look at the video; it does a pretty good job of explaining why this can save you time and make your experience with Outlook easier and more productive.

    090802

    Here is a link to Xobni's Product Page.

    Here is the announcement of Xobni Plus.

  • Xobni: Looking at Your Inbox Backwards

    I think Xobni is a great tool.  Here is a video demo showing how it can help you.

    Microsoft Outlook is one of the most important computer programs that I use. I say this because so much of my day is spent interacting with it.

    I'm not the kind of person who watches for each incoming e-mail message, and constantly re-prioritizes my day. Nonetheless, I subscribe to a number of newsletters and alert services, and interact with many people throughout the day (some via e-mail, others by phone). That means Outlook is my hub, and I find myself there many times a day. So finding tools to help organize, search, and make better use of this type of information better is  important to me.

    090802 Xobni Logo One of the tools that I've come to rely on is called Xobni. In case you're not familiar with it, that spells "in-box", only backwards. And the reason is that it gives you a totally different perspective on your in-box and how you access and manage your personal information.

    This tool has gone through several iterations, and I consider it fairly mature. It adds the ability to see all the information about the person who sent you an e-mail including all prior e-mails, their contact information,  a live link to their Linked-In and Facebook information streams; any files exchanged, a list of related contacts, and a bunch of other features. Rather than try to describe all that for you here. Take a look at the video; it does a pretty good job of explaining why this can save you time and make your experience with Outlook easier and more productive.

    090802

    Here is a link to Xobni's Product Page.

    Here is the announcement of Xobni Plus.