Make It Happen
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Happy Birthday World Wide Web

by RandallCraig on August 9, 2011

Filed in: Blog, Global Business, Learning, Make It Happen Tipsheet

Tagged as: , , , ,

It’s not celebrated widely, but in August 2011 (August 6th actually) the world wide web turned twenty. From humble beginnings, this “child” has revolutionized the world in no less a transformational way than the industrial revolution a century earlier.

Think about what didn’t exist in 1991:

eCommerce, eBay, ezines, online newspapers, Wikipedia, iphones, ipads, itunes, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, web banking, Instant Messenger, Hotmail and Monster.com.  Hard as it it is to believe, Google also didn’t exist back then…even as an idea.

And during this same time, think of what has fundamentally changed or disappeared:

Telex, fax machines, catalogs, newspapers, record stores, paper encyclopedias, long distance phone rates, record players, want ads and phone books.

This week’s action plan: It’s impossible to know what the next disruptive force in the market will be, but it is highly likely we won’t have to wait a century to see it. The most important skills in our fast-paced world? Intellectual flexibility, coupled with curiosity and a willingness to embrace change – not merely accept it. This week, let go of the old, and leave space for the new.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.RandallCraig.com to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.ptadvisors.com

Low Maintenance High Return

by RandallCraig on June 3, 2008

Filed in: Blog, Make It Happen Tipsheet, Management, Professional Development, Promotion

Tagged as: , , ,

Does your car need service every three months, six months, or just once yearly? How often do you need to change the oil, check the tires, or fill up the tank? Each car is very different.

Like cars, every person is different. Some people are high maintenance, and others require less service. High maintenance people require an excessive amount of your time: you will be giving them additional instructions, providing emotional support, or actually taking care of things that they themselves should be doing. They seem to require constant reassurance, or require knowledge of every detail, in order to get something done. Needless to say, low maintenance people are easier – and often more desirable as a result.

Think of yourself: are you high maintenance or low maintenance? Despite the phrasing, it isn’t a black-or-white question. Each of us requires some maintenance – the trick is to require less. The higher your “maintenance factor”, the less likely you will be considered for any new opportunities. Consider these maintenance-lowering activities:

  • Ensure that you understand others’ expectations of you.
  • Before asking for help, think through the issues and alternatives.
  • Do an attitude check.
  • Thank others when they do help you.
  • Over-deliver on your promises – exceed expectations.
  • Look for emotional support from your friends and family – not your colleagues.
  • Before you ask your manager for help, imagine how they would answer your question.
  • Don’t leave tasks until the last moment.

This week’s action item: Resolve to lower your hassle factor by being aware of how much maintenance you require.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.RandallCraig.com to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.ptadvisors.com

Work yourself out of a job

by RandallCraig January 9, 2007

What would happen if you planned for your own obsolescence? What if you changed your job so that you were no longer required in that role? You wouldn’t be considered as “critical”, and therefore could be considered for other positions. With the extra time you have available, you can redefine your own job to include [...]

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Back to School

by RandallCraig August 29, 2006

Remember a thousand years ago when the summer was coming to an end, and you were preparing to go back to school? Or maybe you have children that are dreading the first day back? For most of us, September does usually mean a more disciplined schedule. We transition from the freer days of summer to [...]

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