Can a fox be a hedgehog too?

What a busy month. I have had zero (0), zilch, nada amount of time this month to continue to read "Good to Great". However, I did have some time to ponder about my previous entry and wonder if the "Hedgehog Concept" has applications to people as well - not just corporations. I have a feeling it does. And I am sure others have already considered the question, and might have already written on it. Sadly, I didn't have the time to read those either. Sorry. However, I will give you my own perspective, and if you have the time - please let me know your opinion and send me links to articles that show applications of the Hedgehog Concept to their personal lives.

The Hedgehog Concept: "The Fast & The Furry"

I always wanted to do a blog about “knowing thyself” – the great Latin phrase “Temet Nosce”. Found over the doorway in the Oracle’s kitchen in The Matrix, the simplicity of the phrase has profound meaning. Although my original intent for such an entry was to cover aspects of the 16 personality types – it will have to wait.

Chapter 5 in Good toGreat starts with the phrase Know Thyself. The opening paragraph asks the question “Are you a hedgehog or a fox?” If asked suddenly and given little time to respond, I would probably say I’m a fox. Sly, swift and cunning creature. Unless it’s Sonic the Hedgehog, who is more than just fast, he’s awesome.

  

             Sonic the Hedgehog & a real hedgehog... Where's the concept?

In reality, hedgehogs are rather small & cute looking critters. So – why is it dubbed the “Hedgehog Concept” ? Stemming from Isaiah Berlin’s essay The Hedgehog and the Fox, the bottom line is that a fox knows many things, and can see all the complexities of the world. However, a hedgehog knows one BIG thing – and thus can simplify the complex world. It’s almost as if the fox is that “jack of all trades master of none”. In that regard, I am like a fox. I know a little about a lot of different things, but not focused. Although I have not read the essay yet, per Jim’s summary, no matter what new attack strategy the fox may come up with, the hedgehog will do what he is best at: curl-up into a perfect sphere with spikes pointing in all directions and always win the confrontation.

If Facts are Brutal, Why Confront Them?

What a strange week. Interesting month… but strange week. Hurricane Irene had her way with us here in the North East over the weekend. Only after a 5.8 earthquake in Virginia shook us all up a little last Tuesday. As the month draws to an end, I realized I needed to finish-up the 4^th Chapter of Good to Great. After I rushed through it, I felt like I wanted to read it again. It really was a great chapter. Although I liked the title, the content supported it fairly well. Confront the Brutal Facts. Awesome. But, who really does this? Corporate-wise anyway. Some of us do in our personal lives and relationships. Many of us do not. I understand why it is difficult. It is not easy realizing the error of one’s ways. We fear being rejected or judged. This is why I particularly liked the sub-section on autopsies without blame.

If I had a room full of people, and asked: “Who would like to listen to what I have to say?”, not many hands would go up. However, if I asked: “Who would like to be heard?”... More than likely, everyone would raise their hand. Jim points out how good to great companies actually had a culture in which people have a tremendous opportunity to be heard. Wait a minute. Doesn’t that sound a bit like Habit 5 again? This time, from the point of view of the Company. That is, the Corporation needs to understand and listen first to their employees. This may not be what most of us are used to. We usually listen to what the company has to say – then we follow. So, how is it that a Corporation benefits from listening to its employees? Creating an environment where the truth is heard. Simple, yet powerful. Think about it.

Everyone knows I am a big enthusiast of our use of imagination and its practical uses in creating vision and setting goals. In this chapter, Jim Collins starts the 2^nd section with the title Facts are better than dreams. It may seem to contradict my love for imagination, but facts are grounded in reality – terra firma. Whether one is right or wrong matters not. Facts are facts. It is impossible to argue with them. I believe we would both agree that vision is important for leadership. However, remember Colin Powell’s quote: “Vision without action is hallucination”. No doubt, the action part must come into play and address the facts that the vision may otherwise overlook. Jim highlights “good to great companies continually refined the path to greatness with the brutal facts of reality”. Not by being optimistic or charismatic or trying to motivate people. Furthermore, he states the “the key is not to de-motivate”. Speaking of de-motivation, check these out for a good laugh: Demotivators 

Jim states:

“..the single most de-motivating actions you can take is to hold out false hopes, soon to be swept away by events”

First Who - Then What... Really?

If you read the title real fast, it looks like I’m trying to find out what went on... walking into the middle of a conversation and asking someone to fill me in on the details.

“Who?... What?...”

Finally got to the 3rd chapter of "Good to Great". No, it was not easy for me to relate to this chapter at all. I never had the pleasure of personally hiring someone. However, I have been involved on occasion in the decision-making process. And, yes - I do understand where Jim is coming from. Before I end this entry, I will try to simplify the business concept. That is, "First Who, then What" is nothing short of intuitive when we fall-back on some basics.

In my thirteen years of corporate exposure, I have had the opportunity to work in several environments where the “right people" where already "on the bus”. Similarly, other environments with the “wrong people”. I have had the opportunity to lead people – but not by authority. Because the project demanded it, I was suddenly taking charge of several individuals, each with their own agenda. Herding cats would actually be easy by comparison. In the occasions where I was lucky enough to have the right people, the team was focused and ready to run. On the other not-so-lucky occasions, I secretly wished I could have changed the “occupants on the bus” - not just where they where sitting. Ha. Unfortunately, it was not my place to do so.

However, that’s not quite what the chapter is about. It is viewed from a much higher level and encompasses the business concept/model from a management viewpoint. No doubt, Jim Collins seems to have a “formula” for the path to greatness, and is as follows: 

Who are Level 5 Leaders?

Finally! I started reading Good to Great by Jim Collins. So far – it really is a Great book (no pun intended). In the beginning, it may seem a bit like “OK, fine – I believe you” – as The How’s, Who’s and Why’s of the book are broadcast loud and clear. I did not read Built to Last – but apparently, Good to Great is a sort of “prequel”. What I am really looking forward to is that there are some Discussion Guides and supplemental material on Jim Collins.com that follow each of the major points and core values that take a corporation from good to great.

Maybe I am too much of an idealist, but I believe anyone can be a leader – given the right situation. Any of us can “rise to the occasion”. Perhaps. For the fist time in a long time, something made me question this belief. Or at least – make me realize that not all leaders may not have the potential of becoming what is called a “Level 5 Leader”. As I read through the chapter, I was actually saddened. So many points rang true from my career experience. Jim’s description of so many mediocre companies that sought out the “loud or charismatic” leaders. Not to mention the successful leaders that let it all go to their heads and forego enduring greatness for their corporations (suddenly personal greatness was more important). Last, but not least, the constant oversight of companies' natural Level 5 Leaders in their midst. I totally know people who are practically there. Maybe level 4.5 - and are completely overlooked.

Oh – what is a Level 5 Leader?

You down with J.P.C ?

Before I begin, I must give credit where credit is due. I was inspired to do this quick entry by a coworker in a nearby department. For quite some time now, whenever I ask him how he's doing, he replies "J*dido pero contento" with a smile. We even abbreviated it to "J.P.C"... and we agreed that it would be a great song (I hope he does it). Although difficult to make an exact translation, J.P.C. can mean "beat-up, but happy". Those of us who know South American Spanish know the "J-Word". I hope I am not offending anyone, but since it is such a colorful language - it really is great to use on the dull canvas of everyday "bla bla bla". =)
I digress.
I believe this gentleman is the perfect example of what being Proactive is all about. (Habit#1 of Highly Effective People). Why? Take a quick look at my post on being "Proactive" and soak in what you can.  Not only is my peer usually in a good mood, he smiles despite the problems we all face in the daily grind. I told him before about the 7 Habits, and that he practices #1 very well. Not sure if he believes me.
So - What is the most proactive thing you can do? Smile. Yep, it's that simple.
Remember:
"Proactive people carry their own weather with them-whether it rains or shines makes no difference to them. Their honor is greater than their moods."
To say you are happy, and show it - despite hardships is a choice we all can make.

I know sometimes it can be easier said than done. However, for the next few weeks, make the conscience effort to smile. Even if all seems "lost". Even if your response to someone's "How are you?" is: "I'm beat-up, but happy". Try it. Not only will you feel better - I believe it is infectious... Good-moods beget good-moods. 

P / PC Balance and PM

Almost everyone has heard about Aesop’s fable of the goose that lays the Golden Egg. As an inquisitive young one, I heard the fable and was confused as to how this was possible. In my limited knowledge and inquisitive mind, I was pretty sure birds laid eggs that eventually made baby birds. This was the same me that once asked a priest if Adam and Eve had belly buttons. I digress. All I knew is that birds were supposed to make eggs to make baby birds. However, this bird had the capability of making something more precious – in terms of wealth anyway. As the story progresses, we learn that the farmer/owner becomes wealthy and greedy as the golden eggs keep appearing. Therefore, he becomes so focused on results – the eggs of gold – and eventually mishandles the goose. Sadly, to the point where there are no more golden eggs. A simple story with powerful message.

In the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Dr. Covey uses the story as a great analogy for describing effectiveness and the P / PC balance. If we need the golden egg (the Product or P) to continue happening, we need to ensure that the Goose (the Production Capability or PC) to be at its best condition. So, how do you take care of your “goose” such that it will consistently produce what you need? I suppose it depends on what the product is.

From an organizational standpoint, P can be the employees’ work output. How does an organization ensure that their capability, PC is at their best? Interestingly enough, Dr. Covey recommends that the employees be treated in the same manner you want them to treat the best customers – treat them like volunteers. I know what most of us would think… WHAT?! I’m paying good money for this guy to perform. He better do what I say. There is no doubt that treating employees like volunteers may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, his logic is quite sound. The explanation is as follows: you can buy a person’s hand and back, but the most important “parts”, their hearts and minds, are volunteered.

If we shift our attention to the other component of productivity, we would have to look at the non-human component: machinery. In a manufacturing environment, any down-time has an associated cost to it. If the down-time is because of wear, it most definitely can be prevented if preemptively taken care of. Therefore, if you want any machine performing at its optimum, preventative maintenance or PM is what we need to look at. Equipment checks, oil changes, etc. To many, it may seem like unduly costs. However, the cost associated with lost productivity and the costs of repairing the equipment after it has broken down, turns out being more than preventative maintenance costs.

So, is PM to machines as ensuring PC is to us humans? Yes and no. Needless to say we are not machines. However, we do need to be "taken care of". Bottom line: Machines can get oil changes and bolts tightened to give their best output. If we are to give our best output, it means that we volunteer our creative minds and loving hearts. We give them willingly, by our choice - when treated like such: volunteers. From my own personal experience, I was always ready and willing to do my best when approached with kindness. The best managers/leaders I've worked for where those who where kind with there time to explain the goal, and simultaneously ready to listen. It felt like they knew I would "volunteer" my best. That type of trust builds on itself, leads to great teamwork and much productivity.

What Happened to March?

March was a very strange month. Probably the first I have ever skipped.
Sadly, my Dad passed away the first weekend in March. He battled with Parkinson's for ten years. Although my family and I where "prepared" for such a scenario - nothing prepared us for the loss. I am very grateful to all the friends and family members that have been so supportive. God bless you all.
I am working on 2 entries that I hope to post over the next two months (wow! one per month?)
The 1st is about P/PC balance. Many of us have heard of it, but do we know what it means? I'll also look into it from the "Preventative Maintenance" point of view.
The 2nd is one that I've been meaning to do for a looong time. The good old "Personality Types" and "Knowing Thyself". How it helps and how it may hinder.
If there is a topic anyone would like me to cover and discuss - please let me know.
There isn't anything I would turn away.

Are we turning into a 3rd world Country?

Sorry it's taking me so long to come up with a new post this month. In fact, I was putting a nice one together - but I need more time.
However, I came across this interesting headline on Yahoo! That really bothered me:
Separate but unequal: Charts show growing rich-poor gap
(The rest is found HERE)
I am NOT much for politics. Unfortunately, I do not follow economic trends as often as I'd like. That is not the point of this blog either. It's about "Leadership". After living 5 years of my youth in Peru - I know the signs of a 3rd World Country. I am so afraid that we are heading in that direction.
The way I see it... the economic health of a nation is a good measure of its leadership. Maybe it's easy for me to say this since I am not rich (yet). However, isn't it the responsibility of those in power to lead with vision? Unfortunately, my memories of living in a 3rd-World country is a lot of defensive language- placing the blame for their situation on other countries, or other circumstances. On the inside, the rich blame the poor, the poor blame the rich. Once the blame-game begins, there's no turning back.
Remember ENRON ? - a "small" example of what can happen when those in power are driven by goals that are not aligned with principles and values that favor the people as a whole. In Peru, one of those 5 years I was there - the country experienced a "hyperinflation" (about 200% +) . I'll never forget how stores would horde the milk and wait for the price to go up before they would sell it. Sound familiar? Instead of milk, we see something similar with gas. In Peru, everyone found out after the fact, that the leaders' interests where those other than what was best for the people. I won't go into the details here. I'm sure there are those that will argue in the presidency's defense. Is there a common thread?
Anyway - I hope I'm wrong. No - Let me rephrase that: Can someone please prove me wrong?

Chicken Soup! (Wingin' It)

Hello everyone! Welcome to a "Special Edition" of my Blog. Since I know hardly anyone reads this, and it is a wintery winter here in the North East... I figured I'd share a chicken soup recipe my wife and I enjoy! It really is "Mamita's Chicken Soup" recipe. That's right, my Mom's. The one she used to make when any of us were at our "death bead" getting over a cold or flu. As much as I can try, I doubt mine will ever be as good as Mamita's. However, I wing it. What matters is that you use chicken on the bone, you enjoy making it and eating it. Your body will thank you as you should feel an extra energy boost and revive you from fighting a nasty cold or flu of doom. Don't just take my word for it (Nature's Cold/Flu Remedy)(Healing Properties of Chicken Soup)
Since I do not approach soup-making as an exact science, I call it "wingin' it". Not because there are chicken wings in it. In fact, thighs and drum-sticks are best :-)
In a large pot bring about 6 cups of water to a boil. You can also add a Box of Chicken Broth in lieu of water. Low-sodium and as close to "natural" preferred. So, instead of 6 cups of water, it can be 4 cups... then the rest Chicken Broth.