slides at … tompeters

NOTENOTE:: To appreciateTo appreciate this presentation this presentation [and [and

ensure that it is not a ensure that it is not a messmess],], you need Microsoft you need Microsoft

fonts:fonts:

“Showcard Gothic,”“Showcard Gothic,” “Ravie,”“Ravie,” “Chiller”“Chiller”

andand “Verdana”“Verdana”

LONG

Tom Peters’ X25*Tom Peters’ X25*

EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE. ALWAYS.ALWAYS.People.People.Period.Period.

Taleo/0910.2007/San FranciscoTaleo/0910.2007/San Francisco

**In Search of ExcellenceIn Search of Excellence 1982-2007 1982-2007

Slides at …

tompeters.comtompeters.com

Establishing Establishing Shot #1Shot #1

Q4/2006Q4/2006

+500,000 +500,000

Source: Source: Barron’sBarron’s 0922.07 0922.07

Q4/2006Q4/2006

+500,000 = ? +500,000 = ?


Q4/2006Q4/2006

+500,000 =+500,000 =+7,700,000+7,700,000-7,200,000-7,200,000


Flash …Flash …

Flash …Flash … The The Rich Get Rich Get RicherRicher

#1/10#1/1000

“Best Companies to Work for”/2005

WegmansWegmans

““I have always I have always believed that the believed that the

purpose of the purpose of the corporation is to be corporation is to be

a blessing to the a blessing to the employees.”employees.” —Boyd Clarke —Boyd Clarke

““Excellence can be obtained if you:Excellence can be obtained if you:

... care more than others think... care more than others think is wise;is wise; ... risk more than others think ... risk more than others think is safe;is safe; ... dream more than others think ... dream more than others think is practical;is practical; ... expect more than others think ... expect more than others think is possible.”is possible.”

Source: Anon.Source: Anon. (Posted @ tompeters.com by (Posted @ tompeters.com by K.Sriram, November 27, 2006 1:17 AM)K.Sriram, November 27, 2006 1:17 AM)

profits, profits, people people or or

people, people, profits? profits?

Our Mission

To develop and manage To develop and manage talent;talent;

to apply that talent,to apply that talent,throughout the world, throughout the world,

for the benefit of clients;for the benefit of clients;to do so in partnership; to do so in partnership;

to do so with profit.to do so with profit.

WPP

TP: TP: “How to piss “How to piss away $500,000 away $500,000

in one easy in one easy lesson!!”lesson!!”

EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE. ASPIRATION.ASPIRATION.

2006.2006.

Why in Why in the the World did World did youyou go to go to SiberiaSiberia??

SSyynonnonyymsms

PurityPurityTranscendenceTranscendence

VirtueVirtueEleganceEleganceMajestyMajesty

AntonAntonyymsms

MediocrityMediocrity

The Peters PrinciThe Peters Principplesles:: Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm.

Emotion. Emotion. ExcellenceExcellence.. Energy. Excitement. Service. Energy. Excitement. Service.

Growth. Creativity. Growth. Creativity. Imagination. Vitality. Joy. Imagination. Vitality. Joy.

Surprise. Independence. Spirit. Surprise. Independence. Spirit. Community. Limitless human Community. Limitless human

potential. Diversity. potential. Diversity.

Profit.Profit. Innovation. Design. Innovation. Design. Quality. Entrepreneurialism. Quality. Entrepreneurialism.

Wow!Wow!

EnterpriseEnterprise* ** (*at its best):* ** (*at its best): An An emotionalemotional, , vitalvital, , innovativeinnovative, , jojoyyfulful, , creativecreative, , entreentreppreneurialreneurial endeavor endeavor that elicits maximum that elicits maximum

concerted humanconcerted human potential in the potential in the wholeheartedwholehearted serviceservice of others of others.****Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Communities, Owners, Temporary partners**Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Communities, Owners, Temporary partners

“To me business isn’t To me business isn’t about wearing suits or about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders.pleasing stockholders. It’s about being true to It’s about being true to yourself, your ideas and yourself, your ideas and

focusing on the focusing on the essentialsessentials.”.” —Richard Branson

Organizations exist Organizations exist to serve. Period.to serve. Period.Leaders live toLeaders live to serve. Period.serve. Period.Summer 2007.Summer 2007.

Organizations Organizations existexist to to serveserve. Period.. Period.

Leaders Leaders live live toto serveserve. Period.. Period.

Organizations exist to serve. Period.Organizations exist to serve. Period.Leaders live to serve. Period.Leaders live to serve. Period.

Passionate servant leaders, determined to Passionate servant leaders, determined to create a legacy of earthshaking transformation create a legacy of earthshaking transformation in their domainin their domain (a 600SF retail space, a 4-person training (a 600SF retail space, a 4-person training department, an urban school, a rural school, a city, a nation),department, an urban school, a rural school, a city, a nation),

create/ must create/ must necessarilynecessarily create organizations create organizations which are which are no less than Cathedrals in which the no less than Cathedrals in which the full and awesome power of the Imagination and full and awesome power of the Imagination and Spirit and native Entrepreneurial flairSpirit and native Entrepreneurial flair (We are (We are allall

entrepreneurs—Muhammad Yunus)entrepreneurs—Muhammad Yunus) of diverse individualsof diverse individuals ((100%100% creative Talent—from checkout to lab, from Apple to creative Talent—from checkout to lab, from Apple to

Wegmans to Jane’s one-person accountancy in Invercargill NZ)Wegmans to Jane’s one-person accountancy in Invercargill NZ)

is unleashed in passionate pursuit of jointly is unleashed in passionate pursuit of jointly perceived soaring purposeperceived soaring purpose (= win a Nobel peace prize (= win a Nobel peace prize like Yunus, or at least do something worthy of bragging about like Yunus, or at least do something worthy of bragging about

25 years from now to your grandkids)25 years from now to your grandkids) and personal and and personal and community and client service Excellence. community and client service Excellence.

Organizations exist to serve. Period.Organizations exist to serve. Period.Leaders live to serve. Period.Leaders live to serve. Period.

Passionate servant leaders, determined Passionate servant leaders, determined to create a legacy of earthshaking to create a legacy of earthshaking

transformation in their domaintransformation in their domain create/ create/ must must necessarilynecessarily create organizations create organizations which are which are no less than Cathedrals in no less than Cathedrals in

which the full and awesome power of the which the full and awesome power of the Imagination and Spirit and native Imagination and Spirit and native

Entrepreneurial flairEntrepreneurial flair of diverse of diverse individualsindividuals is unleashed in passionate is unleashed in passionate

pursuit of jointly perceived soaring pursuit of jointly perceived soaring purposepurpose and personal and community and personal and community

and client service Excellence. and client service Excellence.

… … no less than Cathedrals in no less than Cathedrals in which the full and awesome which the full and awesome

power of the Imagination power of the Imagination and Spirit and native and Spirit and native

Entrepreneurial flairEntrepreneurial flair of of diverse individualsdiverse individuals is is

unleashed in passionate unleashed in passionate pursuit of … Excellence.pursuit of … Excellence.

Such Talent unbound pursue QuestsSuch Talent unbound pursue Quests (rapidly (rapidly and relentlessly experimenting and failing and trying and relentlessly experimenting and failing and trying

again)again) which surprise and surpass and which surprise and surpass and redefine the expectations of the individual redefine the expectations of the individual and the servant leader alike. The collective and the servant leader alike. The collective “products” of these Quests offer the best “products” of these Quests offer the best chance of achieving rapid organizational chance of achieving rapid organizational

and individual adaptation to fast-and individual adaptation to fast-transforming environments, and provide transforming environments, and provide

the nutrition for continuing (and sometimes the nutrition for continuing (and sometimes dramatic) re-imaginings which re-draw the dramatic) re-imaginings which re-draw the

boundariesboundaries of industries and communities and human of industries and communities and human

achievement and the very conception ofachievement and the very conception of what is possible.what is possible.

In turn, such organizations, bent upon In turn, such organizations, bent upon excellence and re-imaginings based on excellence and re-imaginings based on

maximizing human creativity and achievement, maximizing human creativity and achievement, will will automaticallyautomatically create cadres of imaginative create cadres of imaginative and inspiring and determined servant leaders and inspiring and determined servant leaders who stick around to take the organization to who stick around to take the organization to

another level, and then another—or, equally or another level, and then another—or, equally or moremore important, leave to spread the virus of important, leave to spread the virus of Freedom-Creativity-Excellence-Transforming Freedom-Creativity-Excellence-Transforming

Purpose by pathfinding new streets, highways Purpose by pathfinding new streets, highways and alleyways which vitalize and revitalize, and alleyways which vitalize and revitalize,

through creative destruction, Entrepreneurial through creative destruction, Entrepreneurial Capitalism, which is the best hope for Capitalism, which is the best hope for maximizing collective human Freedom, maximizing collective human Freedom,

Happiness, Prosperity, Wellbeing—and, one Happiness, Prosperity, Wellbeing—and, one prays, some measure of Peace on earth.prays, some measure of Peace on earth.

… … such organizations, bent upon such organizations, bent upon excellence and re-imaginings based excellence and re-imaginings based

on maximizing human creativity on maximizing human creativity and achievement … vitalize and and achievement … vitalize and

revitalize, through creative revitalize, through creative destruction, Entrepreneurial destruction, Entrepreneurial

Capitalism, which is the best hope Capitalism, which is the best hope for maximizing collective human for maximizing collective human Freedom, Happiness, Prosperity, Freedom, Happiness, Prosperity, Wellbeing—and, one prays, some Wellbeing—and, one prays, some

measure of Peace on earth.measure of Peace on earth.

Did one of ’em ever turn to the

other and say: ““Wow, I Wow, I wonder what wonder what

unimaginable new tools, unimaginable new tools, otherwise not otherwise not ppossibleossible, ,

will be brought forthwill be brought forth for mfor myy dau daugghter Alice, hter Alice, aagge 17e 17, because of this , because of this

deal?”deal?”

Did one of ’em ever turn to the other and say: “Wow I “Wow I

wonder what wonder what unimaginable new tools, unimaginable new tools, otherwise not otherwise not ppossibleossible, , will be quickly brought will be quickly brought forth forth for our customersfor our customers because of this deal?”because of this deal?”

“I am often asked by would-be entrepreneurs seeking escape from life within huge corporate structures, ‘How do I build a small firm for myself?’ The

answer seems obvious: Buy a Buy a very large one very large one and just waitand just wait.”.”

—Paul Ormerod, Why Most Things Fail: Evolution, Extinction and Economics

“Forbes100” from 1917 to 1987: 3939 members members

of the Class of ’17 were alive in ’87; 18 in ’87 of the Class of ’17 were alive in ’87; 18 in ’87 F100; 18 F100 “survivors” significantly F100; 18 F100 “survivors” significantly

underunderpperformederformed the market; the market;

just just 22 (2%), (2%), GEGE & & KodakKodak, ,

outoutpperformederformed the market from the market from 1917 to 1987. 1917 to 1987.

S&P 500 from 1957 to 1997: 7474 members of the Class of ’57 were alive

in ’97; 1212 (2.4%) of 500 outperformed the market from 1957 to 1997.

Source: Dick Foster & Sarah Kaplan, Creative Destruction: Why Companies That Are Built to Last Underperform the Market

““It’s just a fact:It’s just a fact:

Survivors Survivors underperform.”underperform.”

—Dick Foster—Dick Foster

Built to Lastvs

Built Built to to ChangeChange//Rock Rock the the

WorldWorld

TP#1*:TP#1*:

NetscapeNetscape!!

*Where would you rather have worked for those 5 years, Netscape*Where would you rather have worked for those 5 years, Netscape or IBM-HP-Microsoft-Oracle? (Where, 25 years from now, would you or IBM-HP-Microsoft-Oracle? (Where, 25 years from now, would you

rather to be able to tell someone—e.g., grandchild—that you worked?) rather to be able to tell someone—e.g., grandchild—that you worked?)

““Do one Do one thing every thing every

day that day that scares you.”scares you.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

Truly, truly Truly, truly All you needAll you need to know … to know …

“Forget China, India and the

Internet: Economic Growth Is Driven

by WomenWomen.”

—Headline, Economist, April 15, 2006, Leader, page 14

Elizabeth Cady StantonElizabeth Cady Stanton(more or less) (circa 0331.2007)(more or less) (circa 0331.2007)

All you needAll you need to know … to know …

24%24%

Single Single greatest act greatest act

of pure of pure imaginationimagination

dubaidubai

EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE. CIRCA 1982.CIRCA 1982.

Excellence1982: The Bedrock “Eight Basics”

1. A Bias for 1. A Bias for ActionAction2. Close to the 2. Close to the CustomerCustomer3. Autonomy and Entrepreneurship3. Autonomy and Entrepreneurship4. Productivity Through 4. Productivity Through PeoPeopplele5. 5. Hands OnHands On, Value-Driven, Value-Driven6. Stick to the Knitting6. Stick to the Knitting7. Simple Form, Lean Staff7. Simple Form, Lean Staff8. Simultaneous Loose-Tight8. Simultaneous Loose-Tight Properties” Properties”

ExIn*: 1982-2002/Forbes.com

DJIA: $10,000 yields $85,000$85,000 EI: $10,000 yields $140,050$140,050

*Forbes/Excellence Index /Basket of 32 publicly traded stocks

EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE. TOM. 2007.TOM. 2007.

Hire Great PeopleHire Great People (Resilient, Passionate)(Resilient, Passionate)

Try a Lot of StuffTry a Lot of Stuff (S.A.V./R.F.A.)(S.A.V./R.F.A.)

aCCEPT NO LESS THAN aCCEPT NO LESS THAN EXCELLENCE/PURSUE EXCELLENCE/PURSUE Wow!Wow!

enjoy It While It Lastsenjoy It While It Lasts

EXCELLENCEEXCELLENCE..

1982.1982.Hard is soft.Hard is soft.Soft is hard.Soft is hard.

Hard Is SoftHard Is SoftSoft Is HardSoft Is Hard

Hard Is Soft (#Hard Is Soft (#ss))Soft Is Hard (people)Soft Is Hard (people)

EXCELLENCEEXCELLENCE..

“the rules.”“the rules.”

CauseCause (worthy of commitment)(worthy of commitment)

SpaceSpace (room for/encouragement(room for/encouragement

for initiative) for initiative)

DecencyDecency (respect, (respect,

humane)humane)


SpaceSpace (room for/encouragement(room for/encouragement

for initiative-adventures) for initiative-adventures)

DecencyDecency (respect, grace,(respect, grace,

integrity, humane) integrity, humane)

service service (worthy of our clients’ & (worthy of our clients’ &

extended extended family’s continuing custom) family’s continuing custom)

excellenceexcellence (period) (period)


SpaceSpace (room for/encouragement for initiative-(room for/encouragement for initiative-

adventures) adventures)

DecencyDecency (respect, grace, integrity, humane)(respect, grace, integrity, humane)

service service (worthy of our clients’ & extended (worthy of our clients’ & extended

family’s continuing custom) family’s continuing custom)

excellenceexcellence (period) (period)

servant servant leadership leadership

CauseCause

SpaceSpace

DecencyDecency

serviceserviceexcellenceexcellence

servant leadership servant leadership

““We are a We are a ‘Life ‘Life

Success’ Success’ Company.”Company.”

Dave Liniger, founder, RE/MAX

Hire Great PeopleHire Great People (Resilient, Passionate)(Resilient, Passionate)

Try a Lot of StuffTry a Lot of Stuff (S.A.V./R.F.A.)(S.A.V./R.F.A.)

all “wow” all the timeall “wow” all the time

Enjoy It While It LastsEnjoy It While It Lasts

EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE. ASPIRATION.ASPIRATION.UNIVERSAL.UNIVERSAL.

Jim’s Jim’s GroupGroup

Jim’s Mowing CanadaJim’s Mowing CanadaJim’s Mowing UKJim’s Mowing UKJim’s AntennasJim’s Antennas

Jim’s BookkeepingJim’s BookkeepingJim’s Building MaintenanceJim’s Building Maintenance

Jim’s Carpet CleaningJim’s Carpet CleaningJim’s Car CleaningJim’s Car Cleaning

Jim’s Computer ServicesJim’s Computer Services

Jim’s Dog WashJim’s Dog WashJim’s Driving SchoolJim’s Driving School

Jim’s FencingJim’s FencingJim’s FloorsJim’s Floors

Jim’s PaintingJim’s PaintingJim’s PavingJim’s Paving

Jim’s Pergolas [gazebos]Jim’s Pergolas [gazebos]Jim’s Pool CareJim’s Pool Care

Jim’s Pressure CleaningJim’s Pressure CleaningJim’s RoofingJim’s Roofing

Jim’s Security DoorsJim’s Security DoorsJim’s TreesJim’s Trees

Jim’s Window CleaningJim’s Window CleaningJim’s WindscreensJim’s Windscreens

Note: Download, free, Jim Penman’s book: What Will They Franchise Next? The Story of Jim’s Group

Basement Basement Systems Inc.Systems Inc.

*Basement Systems Inc.*Basement Systems Inc.*Larry Janesky*Larry Janesky**Dry Basement ScienceDry Basement Science (115,000!)(115,000!)

*1993: $0; 2003: $12M; *1993: $0; 2003: $12M; 2006: 2006:

$50,000,000+$50,000,000+

Perdue, Semco, Wegmans, John Laing, Commerce Bank, Perdue, Semco, Wegmans, John Laing, Commerce Bank, Milliken, Jim’s Group, Basement Systems Inc, Guardsmark, Milliken, Jim’s Group, Basement Systems Inc, Guardsmark,

PPI/Professional Parking Services Inc, :PPI/Professional Parking Services Inc, : “Soft “Soft stuff”/ people, stuff”/ people,

action, Execution, action, Execution, Quality of the Quality of the

ExperienceExperience

EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE.

INNOVATE. INNOVATE. OR. OR. DIE.DIE.

InnoTacsInnoTacs

We We becomebecome who we hang who we hang

out with 1out with 1

Measure “Strangeness”/Portfolio QualityMeasure “Strangeness”/Portfolio Quality

StaffStaffConsultantsConsultants

VendorsVendorsOut-sourcing Partners Out-sourcing Partners (#, Quality)(#, Quality)

Innovation Alliance PartnersInnovation Alliance PartnersCustomersCustomers

Competitors Competitors (who we “benchmark” against)(who we “benchmark” against)

Strategic Initiatives Strategic Initiatives Product Portfolio Product Portfolio (LineEx v. Leap)(LineEx v. Leap)

IS/IT ProjectsIS/IT ProjectsHQ LocationHQ LocationLunch MatesLunch Mates

LanguageLanguageBoardBoard

““Normal” Normal”

= = “o “o forfor 800”800”

Why Do I love Freaks?

(1) Because when Anything Interesting happens … it was (1) Because when Anything Interesting happens … it was a a freakfreak who did it. (Period.) who did it. (Period.) (2) (2) FreaksFreaks are fun. (Freaks are also a pain.) (Freaks are are fun. (Freaks are also a pain.) (Freaks are never boring.) never boring.) (3) We need (3) We need freaksfreaks. Especially in freaky times. (Hint: . Especially in freaky times. (Hint: These are freaky times, for you & me & the CIA & the These are freaky times, for you & me & the CIA & the Army & Avon.) Army & Avon.) (4) A critical mass of (4) A critical mass of freaks-in-our-midstfreaks-in-our-midst automatically make us-who-are-not-so-freaky at least automatically make us-who-are-not-so-freaky at least somewhat more freaky. (Which is a Good Thing in freaky somewhat more freaky. (Which is a Good Thing in freaky times—see immediately above.) times—see immediately above.) (5)(5) FreaksFreaks are the only (ONLY) ones who succeed—as are the only (ONLY) ones who succeed—as in, make it into the history books. in, make it into the history books. (6) (6) FreaksFreaks keep us from falling into ruts. (If we listen to keep us from falling into ruts. (If we listen to them.) (We seldom listen to them.) (Which is why most them.) (We seldom listen to them.) (Which is why most organizations are in ruts. Make that chasms.)organizations are in ruts. Make that chasms.)

“The The Bottleneck Bottleneck

Is at the Top Is at the Top of the of the

Bottle”Bottle”“Where are you likely to find people with the least diversity of

experience, the largest investment in the past, and the greatest reverence for industry dogma:

AtAt thethe totop!”p!”

— Gary Hamel/Harvard Business Review

The Memphis Manifesto*: Building a Community of IdeasThe Memphis Manifesto*: Building a Community of Ideas

1. Cultivate & reward creativity.1. Cultivate & reward creativity.2. Invest in the creative ecosystem.2. Invest in the creative ecosystem.3. Embrace diversity.3. Embrace diversity.4. Nurture the creatives.4. Nurture the creatives.5. Value risk-taking.5. Value risk-taking.6. Be authentic (emphasize uniqueness)6. Be authentic (emphasize uniqueness)7. Invest in and build on quality of place.7. Invest in and build on quality of place.8. Remove barriers to creativity.8. Remove barriers to creativity.9. Take responsibility for change. Development as D.I.Y.9. Take responsibility for change. Development as D.I.Y.10. Ensure that every person, especially children, 10. Ensure that every person, especially children, has the right to creativity. Become a has the right to creativity. Become a “Steward of creativity.” “Steward of creativity.”

**2003/The Creative 100/Memphis2003/The Creative 100/MemphisSource: Source: Richard FloridaRichard Florida, , The Rise of the Creative ClassThe Rise of the Creative Class

try it. Try it. Try it. try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it.Try it. Try it. Try it.

Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Screw it Screw it up.up. Try it. Try it. Try Try it. Try it. Try

it. Try it. Try it. Try it. it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Screw it up.Screw it up. it. it.

Try it. Try it. try it. Try it. Try it. try it. Try it.Try it. Screw it up.Screw it up. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it. Try it.

What makes What makes God laugh?God laugh?

PeoplePeople makingmaking plans!plans!

““The secret of fast The secret of fast progress is progress is

inefficiencyinefficiency, fast and , fast and furious and numerous furious and numerous

failures.”failures.” —Kevin Kelly

do do things.things.

““We have a We have a ‘strategic plan.’ ‘strategic plan.’ It’s called It’s called doing doing thingsthings.”.” — Herb Kelleher

drill.drill.

“This is so simple it sounds stupid, but it is amazing how few oil people really

understand that you only you only find oil if you find oil if you drill wellsdrill wells.. You may

think you’re finding it when you’re drawing maps and

studying logs, but you have to drill.”

Source: The Hunters, by John Masters, Canadian O & G wildcatter

try try things.things.

““We made mistakes, of course. Most of them were We made mistakes, of course. Most of them were omissions we didn’t think of when we initially wrote the omissions we didn’t think of when we initially wrote the

software. software. We fixed them by doing it over and over, We fixed them by doing it over and over, again and again.again and again. We do the same today. While our We do the same today. While our competitors are still sucking their thumbs trying to competitors are still sucking their thumbs trying to

make the design perfect, we’re already on prototype make the design perfect, we’re already on prototype

versionversion ##55.. By the time our rivals areBy the time our rivals are

ready with wires and screws, we are on versionready with wires and screws, we are on version

##1010.. It gets back to It gets back to

planning versus actingplanning versus acting: : We act We act from day onefrom day one; ; others plan how others plan how toto planplan——for monthsfor months.”.” —Bloomberg by —Bloomberg by

BloombergBloomberg

““ExperimenExperiment t

fearlessly”fearlessly”Source: BW0821.06, Type A Organization Strategies/

“How to Hit a Moving Target”—Tactic #1Tactic #1

SERIOUS SERIOUS PLAYPLAY

““You can’t be a serious You can’t be a serious innovator unless and until innovator unless and until you are ready, willing and you are ready, willing and

able to seriously play. able to seriously play. ‘‘Serious playSerious play’ is not an ’ is not an

oxymoron; it is the oxymoron; it is the essenceessence of of innovationinnovation.” .” —Michael Schrage,—Michael Schrage, Serious PlaySerious Play

Screw. Screw. things.things.

Up.Up.

““Fail .Fail . Forward. Forward.

Fast.”Fast.”High Tech CEO, Pennsylvania

Sam’s Sam’s Secret Secret

#1!#1!

““RewardReward excellent failures.

PunishPunish mediocre

successes.”Phil Daniels, Sydney exec

““If people tell me If people tell me they skied all day they skied all day

and never fell and never fell down, I tell them down, I tell them to try a different to try a different

mountain.”mountain.” —Michael Bloomberg (—Michael Bloomberg (BWBW/0625.07)/0625.07)

Read This!

Richard Farson & Ralph Keyes:

Whoever Makes Whoever Makes the Most Mistakes the Most Mistakes Wins: The Paradox Wins: The Paradox

of Innovationof Innovation

try.try.Miss.Miss.try.try.

READY.READY.FIRE!FIRE!AIM.AIM.

Ross Perot (vs “Aim! Aim! Aim!” /EDS vs GM/1985)

S.A.S.A.V.V.

No try. No try. No deal.No deal.

““You miss You miss

100100%%

of the shots of the shots you never you never

take.”take.” —Wayne—Wayne GretzkyGretzky

Conscious Conscious measurementmeasurement

Innovation IndexInnovation Index:: How many of your Top 5Top 5 Strategic

Initiatives/Key Projects score 88 or higher or higher [out of 10] on a

“Weird”“Weird”/ / “Profound”“Profound”/ / “Wow”“Wow”//“Game- changer”“Game- changer”

Scale?

personalpersonal

Step #1: Buy a Buy a Mirror!Mirror!

““Work Work on me on me

first.”first.” —Kerry Patterson,

Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler/Crucial Conversations


4/40.4/40.

4/404/40(Decentralization/Execution/Accountability/6:15A.M.)(Decentralization/Execution/Accountability/6:15A.M.)

DECENTRALIZATIONDECENTRALIZATION..

EXECUTION.EXECUTION.ACCOUTABILITY.ACCOUTABILITY.

66:15A.M. :15A.M.

De-cent-De-cent-ral-iz-ral-iz-a-tion!a-tion!

Enemy Enemy #1#1

I.C.D.I.C.D.Note 1:Note 1: Inherent/Inevitable/Inherent/Inevitable/Immutable Centralist DriftImmutable Centralist Drift

Note 2: Jim Burke’s 1-word vocabulary: “No.”Note 2: Jim Burke’s 1-word vocabulary: “No.”

No problems = No problems = No progress.No progress.

[Period.][Period.]

Or Is It Mike Who’s Crazy?Or Is It Mike Who’s Crazy?

“Isn’t it crazy that your child “Isn’t it crazy that your child is learning different material is learning different material and being held to a different and being held to a different

standard than, say, your standard than, say, your sister’ children in another sister’ children in another state?”state?” —Mike Petrilli, Fordham Institute (—Mike Petrilli, Fordham Institute (U.S. U.S.

News & World ReportNews & World Report, 0305.07), 0305.07)

Ex-e-Ex-e-cu-cu-

tion!tion!

““ExecutionExecution is is thethe jobjob of the of the

businessbusiness leaderleader.”.” —Larry Bossidy—Larry Bossidy & Ram

Charan/ Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

““almost inhuman almost inhuman disinterestedness disinterestedness in … strategy”in … strategy” —Josiah —Josiah

Bunting on Bunting on U.S. GrantU.S. Grant (from (from Ulysses S. Ulysses S. GrantGrant))

RelentlessRelentless:: “One of “One of

my superstitions had always been my superstitions had always been when I started to go anywhere or when I started to go anywhere or

to do anything,to do anything, notnot to to turnturn backback ,, or stop, or stop,

until the thing intended was until the thing intended was accomplished.”accomplished.” —Grant

Ac-count-Ac-count-a-bil-ity!a-bil-ity!

““GE has set a GE has set a standard of candor. standard of candor.

… There is no … There is no puffery. … puffery. … There There isn’t an ounce of isn’t an ounce of

denial in the placedenial in the place.”.” —

Kevin Sharer, CEO Amgen, on the “GE mystique” (Fortune)

““Mr Zetsche, Mr Zetsche, head of head of

Chrysler from Chrysler from 2000 to 2005, 2000 to 2005,

denied he denied he shouldshould

take any take any responsibility responsibility

forfor the U.S. the U.S.

carmaker’scarmaker’s troubles …” troubles …” ——Financial Financial

TimesTimes /05.29.07 /05.29.07

$10,000,000/$10,000,000/DayDay

6:15A.M6:15A.M..

PeoPeo--pleple

EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE. INDIVIDUAL.INDIVIDUAL.BRAND YOU.BRAND YOU.

““If there is nothing If there is nothing very special about very special about your work,your work, no matter no matter how hard you apply yourself how hard you apply yourself you won’t get noticed, and you won’t get noticed, and

that increasingly means you that increasingly means you

won’t get paid much either.”won’t get paid much either.” —Michael Goldhaber, Wired

BRAND BRAND YOU.YOU.NO NO

OPTION.OPTION.

12January2006

Happy 300 Happy 300 thth, , Brand You!Brand You!

The The electrician electrician

knows!knows!


BEDROCK.BEDROCK.TALENT.TALENT.

Hire Hire ververy y good good

people!people!

“We believe companies can increase their market cap 50 percent in 3 years. Steve Macadam at Georgia-

Pacific … changed 2020 of his

4040 box plant managers to put more talented,

higher paid managers in charge. He increased profitability from

$$2525 million to $$8080 million in 22

years.”

—Ed Michaels, War for Talent

INVITE THEM INVITE THEM TO JOIN US IN TO JOIN US IN A JOURNEY TO A JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE!EXCELLENCE!

“In the end, management doesn’t

change culture. Management

invitesinvites the workforce itself to change the culture.”

—Lou Gerstner

EMPHASIZEMPHASIZE THE E THE “SOFT “SOFT

SKILLS.”SKILLS.”

A Few Lessons from the Arts

Each hired and developed and evaluated in unique waysEach hired and developed and evaluated in unique ways (23 contributors = 23 unique contributions = 23 pathways =

23 personalities = 23 sets of motivators)

Attitude/Enthusiasm/Energy paramountAttitude/Enthusiasm/Energy paramountRe-lent-less!Re-lent-less!

“Practice is cool”“Practice is cool” (G Leonard/Mastery)

Team Team and and individual individual Aspire to Aspire to EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE = Obvious= Obvious

Ex-e-cu-tionEx-e-cu-tionTalent = Brand = DuhTalent = Brand = Duh“The Project” rules“The Project” rulesEmotional languageEmotional language

Bit players. No.Bit players. No.B.I.WB.I.W. (everything)

Delta events = Delta rostersDelta events = Delta rosters (incl leader/s)

Diversity Diversity = profit= profit

““DiversityDiversity defines defines the health and the health and

wealth of nations in wealth of nations in a new century.a new century. Mighty is the Mighty is the

mongrel. The hybrid is hip. The impure, the mélange, mongrel. The hybrid is hip. The impure, the mélange, the adulterated, the blemished, the rough, the black-the adulterated, the blemished, the rough, the black-

and-blue, the mix-and-match – these people are and-blue, the mix-and-match – these people are inheriting the earth. Mixing is the new norm. Mixing inheriting the earth. Mixing is the new norm. Mixing trumps isolation. It spawns creativity, nourishes the trumps isolation. It spawns creativity, nourishes the

human spirit, spurs economic growth and human spirit, spurs economic growth and

empowers nations.”empowers nations.” —G. Pascal Zachary, —G. Pascal Zachary, The Global Me: The Global Me:

New Cosmopolitans and the Competitive EdgeNew Cosmopolitans and the Competitive Edge

Build on Build on strengthsstrengths

“The mediocre manager believes that most things are learnable and

therefore that the essence of management is to identify ach

person’s weaker areas and eradicate them. The great manager believes

the opposite. He believes that the He believes that the most influential qualities of a most influential qualities of a

person are innate and therefore person are innate and therefore that the essence of that the essence of

management is to deploy these management is to deploy these innate qualities as effectively as innate qualities as effectively as

possible and so drive possible and so drive performance.”performance.” —Marcus Buckingham, The One

Thing You Need to Know

53 = 53 = 5353

Promise #1:Promise #1: “Never, ever “Never, ever again will I evaluate again will I evaluate

anyone using a anyone using a standardized instrument standardized instrument

devised bydevised by a “professional” in a “professional” in inhuman Resources.”inhuman Resources.”

SO YOU’RE A SO YOU’RE A “PEOPLE “PEOPLE

PERSON”? PERSON”? PROVE ITPROVE IT..

““The leaders of Great The leaders of Great

Groups Groups lovelove talent talent and know where to find and know where to find

it. They it. They revel revel in the in the talent of others.”talent of others.”

—Warren Bennis & Patricia Ward Biederman, Organizing Genius

PARC’s Bob Taylor:

“Connoisseu“Connoisseur r

of Talent”of Talent”

““Do” Do” TALENT!TALENT!

““Leaders Leaders

‘‘dodo’’ people. people.

Period.”Period.” —Anon.

Les Wexner: From From sweaters to … sweaters to …

ppeoeopplele!!

220 workdays 220 workdays == 220 220

“rosters”“rosters”

Source: Coach K

< CAPEX< CAPEX> People!> People!

PUT HR AT THE PUT HR AT THE HEAD OF THE HEAD OF THE HEAD TABLE. HEAD TABLE. BEST PEOPLE. BEST PEOPLE.

NOBLEST NOBLEST MISSION.MISSION.

A review of Jack and Suzy Welch’s A review of Jack and Suzy Welch’s WinningWinning claims there are but claims there are but two key differentiators that set GE “culture” apart from the herd:two key differentiators that set GE “culture” apart from the herd:

FirstFirst:: Separating financial forecasting and performance Separating financial forecasting and performance measurement.measurement. Performance measurement based, as it usually is, on budgeting Performance measurement based, as it usually is, on budgeting leads to an epidemic of gaming the system. GE’s performance measurement is leads to an epidemic of gaming the system. GE’s performance measurement is divorced from budgeting—and instead reflects how you do relative to your past divorced from budgeting—and instead reflects how you do relative to your past performance and relative to competitors’ performance; i.e., it’s about how you performance and relative to competitors’ performance; i.e., it’s about how you actually do in the context of what happened in the real world, not as compared to a actually do in the context of what happened in the real world, not as compared to a gamed-abstract plan developed last year. gamed-abstract plan developed last year.

Second: Putting Putting HRHR on a par with on a par with finance and finance and marketing.marketing.

LIVE FOR LIVE FOR TALENT!TALENT!

Our Mission

To develop and manage To develop and manage talent;talent;

to apply that talent,to apply that talent,throughout the world, throughout the world,

for the benefit of clients;for the benefit of clients;to do so in partnership; to do so in partnership;

to do so with profit.to do so with profit.

WPP

Brand Brand = =

Talent.Talent.

““I have always I have always believed that the believed that the

purpose of the purpose of the corporation is to be corporation is to be

a blessing to the a blessing to the employees.”employees.” —Boyd Clarke —Boyd Clarke


AWOL.AWOL. THE SCHOOLS THE SCHOOLS

FIASCO.FIASCO.K-12. K-12.

““The Creative The Creative Age is aAge is a widewide--openopen g gameame.”.”

—Richard Florida, The Rise of the Creative Class

““Every child is born an artist.Every child is born an artist.The trick is to remain an artist.”The trick is to remain an artist.”

—Picasso—Picasso

“My wife and I went to a [kindergarten] parent-teacher conference and were informed that our budding

refrigerator artist, Christopher, would be receiving a grade of Unsatisfactory in art. We were shocked. How

could any child—let alone our child—receive a poor grade

in art at such a young age? His teacher His teacher informed us that he had informed us that he had

refused to color within the refused to color within the lines, which was a state lines, which was a state

requirement for requirement for demonstrating ‘grade-level demonstrating ‘grade-level

motor skillsmotor skills.’ ” —Jordan Ayan, AHA!


BEDROCK.BEDROCK.LEADERSHIP.LEADERSHIP.

9Ps.9Ps.

““2121stst-century-century Leadership” = Leadership” =

BunkumBunkum

PURPOSEPURPOSE..PASSIONPASSION..PotentialPotential..PresencePresence..PersonalPersonal..

PERSISTENCEPERSISTENCE..PEOPLEPEOPLE. . PotentPotent..

PositivePositive..

““People want to be part People want to be part of something larger than of something larger than themselvesthemselves.. They want to They want to

be part of something they’re be part of something they’re really really proudproud of, that they’ll of, that they’ll

fight fight forfor,, sacrifice sacrifice forfor , , trusttrust.”.” —Howard Schultz, Starbucks (IBD/09.05)

Leader Job OneLeader Job One

Paint Paint Portraits of Portraits of

ExcellenceExcellence!!

PURPOSEPURPOSE..

PASSIONPASSION..PotentialPotential..PresencePresence..PersonalPersonal..


PositivePositive..

Ben Zander:Ben Zander: “I am a …“I am a … Dispenser of Dispenser of Enthusiasm!”Enthusiasm!”

PURPOSEPURPOSE..PASSIONPASSION..

PotentialPotential..PresencePresence..PersonalPersonal..


PositivePositive..

“The role of the Director is to create a space where the actors

and actresses can become become more than they’ve ever more than they’ve ever been before, more than been before, more than

they’ve dreamed of they’ve dreamed of beingbeing.”.” —Robert Altman, Oscar acceptance speech

PURPOSEPURPOSE..PASSIONPASSION..PotentialPotential..

PresencePresence..PersonalPersonal..


PositivePositive..

““It’s It’s alwaalwayyss showtime.”showtime.”

—David D’Alessandro, Career Warfare

PURPOSEPURPOSE..PASSIONPASSION..PotentialPotential..PresencePresence..

PersonalPersonal..PERSISTENCEPERSISTENCE..

PEOPLEPEOPLE. . PotentPotent..

PositivePositive..

““You must You must bebe the change you the change you

wish to see in the wish to see in the world.”world.”

Gandhi



PositivePositive..

“This [adolescent] incident [of getting from point A to point B] is notable not only because it underlines Grant’s fearless horsemanship and his

determination, but also it is the first known example of a very important

peculiarity of his character: Grant had an Grant had an extreme, almost extreme, almost pphobic hobic dislike of turnindislike of turningg back back

and retracinand retracingg his ste his steppss.. If he

set out for somewhere, he would get there somehow, whatever the difficulties that lay in his way. This idiosyncrasy would turn out to be one the factors that made him such a formidable general. Grant would always,

always press on—turning back was not an option for him.”

—Michael Korda, Ulysses Grant

““Success seems to Success seems to be largely a be largely a

mattermatter

of of hanginghanging onon after others after others have let go.”have let go.” —William

Feather, author

Re-Re-lentlent-less-less


PERSISTENCEPERSISTENCE..

PEOPLEPEOPLE. . PotentPotent..

PositivePositive..

““Leaders Leaders

‘‘SERVESERVE’’ people. people.

Period.”Period.” —Anon.

Leaders Understand:

Brand Brand = =

Talent.Talent.

Leadership’s 10Leadership’s 10thth “P”: “P”: PromotionPromotion

““Everyone studies the brigadier Everyone studies the brigadier general promotion list like tarot general promotion list like tarot

cards—who makes it, who cards—who makes it, who doesn’t. It communicates what doesn’t. It communicates what

qualities are valued and not qualities are valued and not valued.”valued.” —Colonel, unidentified, from “Challenging the —Colonel, unidentified, from “Challenging the

Generals,” Generals,” Sunday Times MagazineSunday Times Magazine, 0826.07, 0826.07

2 2 per Year/per Year/ 20 20 per Decade per Decade == Excellence Excellence

+ Legacy+ Legacy


PERSISTENCEPERSISTENCE..PEOPLEPEOPLE. .

PotentPotent..PositivePositive..

Kevin Roberts’ Credo

11. Ready. Fire! Aim.. Ready. Fire! Aim.2. If it ain’t broke ... Break it!2. If it ain’t broke ... Break it!3. Hire crazies.3. Hire crazies.4. Ask dumb questions.4. Ask dumb questions.5. Pursue failure.5. Pursue failure.6. Lead, follow ... or get out of the way!6. Lead, follow ... or get out of the way!7. Spread confusion.7. Spread confusion.8. Ditch your office.8. Ditch your office.9. Read odd stuff.9. Read odd stuff.

10. Avoid moderationAvoid moderation!!

““You do not merely want to You do not merely want to

be the best of the best.be the best of the best. You want to be You want to be considered the considered the

only ones who do only ones who do what you dowhat you do.” .” —Jerry

Garcia



PositivePositive..

The greatest dangerThe greatest dangerfor most of usfor most of us

is not that our aim isis not that our aim istoo hightoo high

and we miss it,and we miss it,but that it isbut that it is

too lowtoo lowand we reach it.and we reach it.

Michelangelo

On NELSON: “[other] “[other] admirals more admirals more frightened of frightened of losing than losing than

anxious to win”anxious to win”



PositivePositive..

““Excellence can be obtained if you:Excellence can be obtained if you: ... care more than others think is wise; ... care more than others think is wise; ... risk more than others think is safe; ... risk more than others think is safe; ... dream more than others think ... dream more than others think is practical;is practical; ... expect more than others think ... expect more than others think is possible.”is possible.”

Source: Anon. (Posted @ tompeters.com by K.Sriram, November 27, 2006 1:17 AM)

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty

and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line

broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil,

shouting ‘GERONIMO!’GERONIMO!’ ” —Bill McKenna, professional motorcycle racer

(Cycle magazine 02.1982)

Ger-Ger-onon-i--i-momo!!

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