Simply Complicated

There is too much misguided effort and energy in the business and organizational world today that is looking for a problem to solve. Typically one would accept that there is a problem and then set in motion a plan to get the right players involved to clearly identify the cause and logical solution, all within a specified time frame. The next logical step would be to implement changes in processes, people or behaviors directed at making things simply work better, while keeping everyone informed.

Ross Perot started Electronic Data Systems (EDS) on a shoestring and with only a small amount of money. EDS grew into a monster of a success story and was later sold to General Motors (GM). Part of the purchase agreement included a place for Ross on the GM Board of Directors. The relationship didn't last very long. When Ross resigned from the board of GM a reporter asked him about the experience his response was direct and simple. He stated; "At EDS when  we see a snake we get a stick and kill it, at GM, when they see a snake, they form a committee."

People love to justify their existence by adding layers and layers between the folks actually doing the work and the decision makers. This happens far too often, especially when companies or organizations grow quickly. This phenomeon becomes a run away train. Once the complications of too many layers set in, because of too many cooks in the kitchen, it takes forever to get back to the simplicity of just getting the job done. The challenge of detecting all of the issues that are causing problems and making declarations based on fact and not opinions, becomes daunting and the detectives are likely to encounter man-made obstacle after obstacle and if they are not focused and supported, will be lead on a wild-goose-chase. They become understandably confused and dazed and get nowhere.

What often happens in this consuming and expensive environment is that some very good and dedicated employees and customers get run over or left behind and find themselves in a foreign place where they are expected to fend for themselves. When it comes to customers, there is no better example of this than the automated phone systems with computer generated operators. People doing business with people have paid for the right to deal with people.

Life is simply not that complicated but given the opportunity, and sufficient number of misguided people, I assure you it will quickly get that way!

Disruption Intrusive Trespasser

Face-to-face is without any doubt the most impactful process for accomplishing almost anything worthwhile.  Especially when real people are deeply involved and meaningful relationships must be cultivated and fostered. Face-to-face is also the riskiest and most uncertain in the beginning.

The best professional and personal relationships are built and maintained in person.

When you begin the face-to-face ongoing process of building relationships you are very likely going to be branded as a disruption, or intrusion and possible trespasser. This is a normal reaction from folks who have other issues to deal with and really don't appreciate the value you represent. Yet!

The most damaging response you can have to the negative reaction you are likely to encounter is to take it personally and possibly respond badly. People know when you are sincere and when you are not. There is typically nothing personal involved, other than your precieved value or, more precisely, lack of. The people you are face-to-face with early in the process, did not plan on investing any of their valuable time with you or anyone else they don't have a productive relationship with. They are too busy dealing with other more important matters and would appreciate it if you would just move on. You should be ready to do so and then, come back!

During the early stages of the relationship building process, you must anticipate this unwelcome reaction and be prepared to make whatever progress you are allowed to without becoming so annoying that you are not welcome back. Your goal is to develop a solid and mutually beneficial relationship that will endure based on commitment and value. The way you accomplish this goal is to first make clear the fact that you are sincere and are there to help and offer realistic solutions once problems are identified. Your solutions are backed up by your firm commitment to get to know the right people and the issues before you make any recommendations and to politely move on if you cannot positively contribute.

The Plaque, "What's up with that doc?"

Fredrick Bean Avery, better known as, Tex Avery is internationally recognized for his ground breaking creative ideas in animated films or "cartoons" as his work was commonly referred to. Tex was born in Taylor, Texas February 26, 1908. Tex worked for Warner Brothers and Metro Golden Mayer where he created or improved such delightful characters as: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig. He made Bugs Bunny more memorable by adding; "What's up doc" to Bug's  frequent dialogue. He was especially proud of enhancing the viewer experience by having the animated characters speak directly to the audience and thereby greatly improving the experience, leaving a lasting impact.

The City of Taylor held a Tex Avery Day during at which the unveiling of the Tex Avery official State of Texas plaque was unveiled. The city has placed the plaque in a high traffic area for all to see, learn from and enjoy.

Tex did not embark on his remarkable career to get a plaque. He did what he did because he loved it and he wanted to make a difference. Surely, Tex failed more than he succeeded, as most successful people do, but his passion kept him headed in the right and ultimately very successful direction.

You cannot get caught up in doing things just for the external rewards. If you do you will surely lose sight of what your efforts and accomplishments will ultimately contribute to. Whatever you do, do it with a sense of contribution and desire to make a difference. The impact, positive or negative,  will have far reaching benefits that will aid others. Even if you do something wrong, you will be credited with teaching others what not to do and in the end, that may be more important that teaching others how to do it right. Others will not make the  same mistake because you indirectly taught what not to do. There is indeed an up-side to every down-side.

Plaques are nice but they are not necessary to prove that your and your activities made a lasting impression. Plaques are not why Tex did what he did. He did it because he loved it and aspired to be great. The results speak for themselves, the plaque is merely icing on the cake.