A document was discovered several years ago that wasn't dated and didn't have an author’s name on it but from the language, it seemed to be quite old. Recently, I discovered a second document with some additional information that seems to be related to the first one. These could be the earliest known documents on leadership.
Scaredycate Closedoorius | This is the manager who has an “open door policy” when no one is actually in her office. Once the meeting begins, doors are sealed. Anything discussed in meetings are translated to staff, customers, or clients as her ideas.
Likedbyallorus Neediad | Great guy who always has time for you but he deals with no real crises. Any actual staff conflict, culture concerns, or client issues are swept neatly under the finely appointed corporate non-answer area rug.
Speakius Nonactium | She seems to have great ideas that never see the light of day past the promise of will be and someday. The plan sounds promising enough so everyone involved think this time she may be on to something but the pattern of no follow through returns.
Unwantiate Inputarium | Embossed on the front is the phrase “Our People Are Our Strongest Asset”. Through the threshold of the lobby is where that mantra dies a rapid painful death to make room for his benevolent dictatorship.
Whathesaysits Collaboratorus | Employees are reminded the importance of teamwork when his ideas aren’t executed void of input from the team. Significant regular staff erosion is blamed on others.
Lackus Spinearia | She enjoys sitting in her corner office praising people when things are good but is unable to make one concrete decision of any substance that will actually move the company forward.
Perhaps you recognize someone.
__________________________________________________________________
Showing posts with label policy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label policy. Show all posts
August 27, 2018
February 2, 2017
Freedom is a Privilege
Millions of women and men of all races and nationalities have given their lives for the freedoms we embrace. Those freedoms are not a right; they are a privilege we hold dearly in our souls. You and I may disagree but we both cherish our ability to do just that.
No one, no matter who they are, what office they hold, or how many names they call those who oppose them, has the right to unilaterally decide those freedoms simply by our faith, the country of our birth, or the colour of our skin.
No one.
__________________________________________________________________
No one, no matter who they are, what office they hold, or how many names they call those who oppose them, has the right to unilaterally decide those freedoms simply by our faith, the country of our birth, or the colour of our skin.
No one.
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April 7, 2014
Leadership Lessons from the Past
A few years ago, I found a document that wasn't dated and didn't have an author’s name on it but from the language, it seemed to be quite old. Recently, I discovered a second document with some additional information that seems to be related to the first one. These could be the earliest known documents on leadership. Scaredycate Closedoorius
This is the manager who has an “open door policy” when no one is actually in her office. Once the meeting begins, doors are sealed. Anything discussed in meetings are translated to staff, customers, or clients as her ideas.
Likedbyallorus Neediad
Great guy who always has time for you but he deals with no real crises. Any actual staff conflict, culture concerns, or client issues are swept neatly under the finely appointed corporate non-answer area rug.
Speakius Nonactium
She seems to have great ideas that never see the light of day past the promise of will be and someday. The plan sounds promising enough so everyone involved think this time she may be on to something but the pattern of no follow through returns.
Unwantiate Inputarium
Embossed on the front is the phrase “Our People Are Our Strongest Asset”. Through the threshold of the lobby is where that mantra dies a rapid painful death to make room for his benevolent dictatorship.
Whathesaysits Collaboratorus
Employees are reminded the importance of teamwork when his ideas aren’t executed void of input from the team. Significant regular staff erosion is blamed on others.
Lackus Spinearia
She enjoys sitting in her corner office praising people when things are good but is unable to make one concrete decision of any substance that will actually move the company forward.
Perhaps you recognize someone.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | Leadership Strategist, consultant, writer, speaker, executive coach facilitating performance growth with leaders, management, and teams.
istock
December 21, 2011
Life Without Rules
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post entitled Lord of the Flies: The Business Model. Since then, I have recounted my theory on this countless times. It's the story of kids left on a deserted island to fend for themselves. At first, they are celebratory. There are no rules. And then anarchy ensues. We like rules yet we live in a time where some claim they own the rule book.The premise is simple. The social web is a place where there are no rules or guidelines. Anyone with a keyboard and an Internet connection – and there are now over two billion of us – can publish online content.
No, you don’t need to use Blogger, TypePad or WordPress. Comments do not have to be activated. You don’t even have to be on Facebook or Twitter. In fact, you don’t have to read another word of this post. You can just go do whatever you want to do.
The Choice is Yours
You can post content on your company’s website or send emails to anyone you want. It is completely up to you. Google+ will go on with or without you. You don’t need to listen to anyone. It doesn't mean anyone will listen to you but that's okay.
It is rather curious how much online time some people spend trying to tell us the way to do things. This is especially tricky inside a larger organization where the evangelists are screaming (not literally) down the hall for the company to embrace all these cool channels and tools.
People are Listening
Then you have the advocates who are beginning to listen to all this screaming. And somewhere up the ladder you will meet a wallet. This is where the toy may or may not be taken away. These are the people who may or may not agree this activity is valid but will ask very succinctly, why and how long. They want a return on this investment.
Business is not charity. Work is not free. Time is not endless. So in order for ideas, concepts and interactions to accelerate, you may want (not have) to build in some rules – your rules. It is strongly suggested (do what you want) that you create even a rough outline of your company’s digital engagement policy and a set of guidelines for stakeholders to uphold.
Company Rules
After all, you do have schedules and meetings, dress codes and client deliverables to manage. No matter if you are a kitchen table company or running a worldwide enterprise, you have to be accountable to someone. So it stands to reason, your deserted island may need some parameters.
Your rules may not be right for me and mine may not work for you. So instead of telling each other what to do, let's share best practices and see if we can both improve.
Does that sound like a plan?
Kneale Mann
image credit: bikingtoronto | original: july 2011
July 21, 2011
There Are No Rules
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post entitled Lord of the Flies: The Business Model. Since then, I have recounted my theory on this countless times. It's the story of kids left on a deserted island to fend for themselves. At first, they are celebratory. There are no rules. And then anarchy ensues. We like rules yet we live in a time where some claim they own the rule book.
The premise is simple. The social web is a place where there are no rules or guidelines. Anyone with a keyboard and an Internet connection – and there are now over two billion of us – can publish online content.
No, you don’t need to use Blogger, TypePad or WordPress. Comments do not have to be activated. You don’t even have to be on Facebook or Twitter. In fact, you don’t have to read another word of this post. You can just go do whatever you want to do.
The Choice is Yours
You can post content on your company’s website or send emails to anyone you want. It is completely up to you. Google+ will go on with or without you. You don’t need to listen to anyone. It doesn't mean anyone will listen to you but that's okay.
It is rather curious how much online time some people spend trying to tell us the way to do things. This is especially tricky inside a larger organization where the evangelists are screaming (not literally) down the hall for the company to embrace all these cool channels and tools.
People are Listening
Then you have the advocates who are beginning to listen to all this screaming. And somewhere up the ladder you will meet a wallet. This is where the toy may or may not be taken away. These are the people who may or may not agree this activity is valid but will ask very succinctly, why and how long. They want a return on this investment.
Business is not charity. Work is not free. Time is not endless. So in order for ideas, concepts and interactions to accelerate, you may want (not have) to build in some rules – your rules. It is strongly suggested (do what you want) that you create even a rough outline of your company’s digital engagement policy and a set of guidelines for stakeholders to uphold.
Company Rules
After all, you do have schedules and meetings, dress codes and client deliverables to manage. No matter if you are a kitchen table company or running a worldwide enterprise, you have to be accountable to someone. So it stands to reason, your deserted island may need some parameters.
Your rules may not be right for me and mine may not work for you. So instead of telling each other what to do, let's share best practices and see if we can both improve.
Does that sound like a plan?
Kneale Mann
image credit: loarules
The premise is simple. The social web is a place where there are no rules or guidelines. Anyone with a keyboard and an Internet connection – and there are now over two billion of us – can publish online content. No, you don’t need to use Blogger, TypePad or WordPress. Comments do not have to be activated. You don’t even have to be on Facebook or Twitter. In fact, you don’t have to read another word of this post. You can just go do whatever you want to do.
The Choice is Yours
You can post content on your company’s website or send emails to anyone you want. It is completely up to you. Google+ will go on with or without you. You don’t need to listen to anyone. It doesn't mean anyone will listen to you but that's okay.
It is rather curious how much online time some people spend trying to tell us the way to do things. This is especially tricky inside a larger organization where the evangelists are screaming (not literally) down the hall for the company to embrace all these cool channels and tools.
People are Listening
Then you have the advocates who are beginning to listen to all this screaming. And somewhere up the ladder you will meet a wallet. This is where the toy may or may not be taken away. These are the people who may or may not agree this activity is valid but will ask very succinctly, why and how long. They want a return on this investment.
Business is not charity. Work is not free. Time is not endless. So in order for ideas, concepts and interactions to accelerate, you may want (not have) to build in some rules – your rules. It is strongly suggested (do what you want) that you create even a rough outline of your company’s digital engagement policy and a set of guidelines for stakeholders to uphold.
Company Rules
After all, you do have schedules and meetings, dress codes and client deliverables to manage. No matter if you are a kitchen table company or running a worldwide enterprise, you have to be accountable to someone. So it stands to reason, your deserted island may need some parameters.
Your rules may not be right for me and mine may not work for you. So instead of telling each other what to do, let's share best practices and see if we can both improve.
Does that sound like a plan?
Kneale Mann
image credit: loarules
June 12, 2011
Leadership | Centuries Ago
They May Still Live Among Us
I found a document a couple of years ago and mentioned it here. You may not have seen the post and I think it's imperative that you do. This could be the earliest known document on business strategy.
The authors, date and origin cannot be verified but the information is just as useful today as when it was first penned. The work discusses leadership types and perhaps pointing to its age and origin, the titles are in Latin.
Scaredycate Closedoorius
This is the manager who has an “open door policy” when no one is actually in her office. Once the meeting begins, doors are sealed. Anything discussed in meetings are filtered through the perception of the boss to then be translated to staff, customers or clients as her ideas.
Likedbyallorus Needium
Great guy, super guy, always smiling, always has time for you. He deals with no actual crises. When the bullets fly, he is unfortunately very busy with other issues. As long as things are rosy and fun it’s a great place to work but conflict or client issues are brushed neatly under the finely appointed corporate non-answer area rug.
Unwantiate Inputarium
The office is adorned with a bright four color bound document which outlines the company’s story, plans and mantra. Embossed on the front is the phrase “Our People Are Our Strongest Asset”. Through the threshold of the lobby is where that mantra dies a rapid painful death to make room for Unwantiate Inputarium’s benevolent dictatorship.
Lackus Spinearia
Much like Pompom Nobadnoos, this type of leader sits in his corner office praising people when things are good but is unable to make one concrete decision of any substance that will actually move the company forward. Some are amazed a human can stand upright with so little support in one's back. He thinks he’s pulling it off and fooling no one but the big boss, Vacatium Spinearia.
The best way to build a company is through strong respected and fair leadership, solid strategy and an atmosphere of co-creation but not everyone shares that view.
Recognize Anyone?
Kneale Mann
zdnet
The authors, date and origin cannot be verified but the information is just as useful today as when it was first penned. The work discusses leadership types and perhaps pointing to its age and origin, the titles are in Latin.
Scaredycate Closedoorius
This is the manager who has an “open door policy” when no one is actually in her office. Once the meeting begins, doors are sealed. Anything discussed in meetings are filtered through the perception of the boss to then be translated to staff, customers or clients as her ideas.
Likedbyallorus Needium
Great guy, super guy, always smiling, always has time for you. He deals with no actual crises. When the bullets fly, he is unfortunately very busy with other issues. As long as things are rosy and fun it’s a great place to work but conflict or client issues are brushed neatly under the finely appointed corporate non-answer area rug.
Unwantiate Inputarium
The office is adorned with a bright four color bound document which outlines the company’s story, plans and mantra. Embossed on the front is the phrase “Our People Are Our Strongest Asset”. Through the threshold of the lobby is where that mantra dies a rapid painful death to make room for Unwantiate Inputarium’s benevolent dictatorship.
Lackus Spinearia
Much like Pompom Nobadnoos, this type of leader sits in his corner office praising people when things are good but is unable to make one concrete decision of any substance that will actually move the company forward. Some are amazed a human can stand upright with so little support in one's back. He thinks he’s pulling it off and fooling no one but the big boss, Vacatium Spinearia.
The best way to build a company is through strong respected and fair leadership, solid strategy and an atmosphere of co-creation but not everyone shares that view.
Recognize Anyone?
Kneale Mann
zdnet
September 24, 2010
It's All Social Media
The medium in which we socialize.
It has very little to do with a web portal, zero to do with anything electronic, nada to do with any gadget or interface without one important ingredient - us!
Anyone with an Internet connect can publish thoughts online and build an audience.
I am not a social media expert and neither are you.
I am a social media expert and so are you.
This is not to suggest that everyone must have a blog or a podcast but we all have the ability to have them. Technorati tracks upwards of 140 million blogs and that number is probably still a fraction of the number of online spaces that offer someone’s opinion.
Monumental shift in how we communicate.
I often hear from colleagues and friends that all this social media stuff is a big time waster with no results. Before you make that summation, look at how much quality time you really are giving these activities. My treadmill continues to collect dust and will never lose me weight by osmosis.
We are all customers, providers, consumers, producers, buyers and facilitators. Life has always been about residing on either side of the proverbial counter but now the control is in all of our hands. If you run a business, you must be aware of that.
We give up too quickly.
It takes years to master the sales process, decades to learn the fine art of professional chess, thousands of hours to perfect the 3-point shot yet some feel we can hop onto online channels, chat with strangers and with very little get the sale.
Once we realize there is no particular right way, we quickly discover that a blog, podcast, email, phone call or lunch meeting all have one imperative common element - people.
Take a closer look at all of your communication avenues. Don’t just focus on the multitude social networking websites, look at all media. Look at the people you deem to be navigating those channels well and ask questions. With some clarity, you will quickly realize it's all media shared socially.
None of us has this mastered, you in?
knealemann
image credit: scienceblogs
It has very little to do with a web portal, zero to do with anything electronic, nada to do with any gadget or interface without one important ingredient - us! Anyone with an Internet connect can publish thoughts online and build an audience.
I am not a social media expert and neither are you.
I am a social media expert and so are you.
This is not to suggest that everyone must have a blog or a podcast but we all have the ability to have them. Technorati tracks upwards of 140 million blogs and that number is probably still a fraction of the number of online spaces that offer someone’s opinion.
Monumental shift in how we communicate.
I often hear from colleagues and friends that all this social media stuff is a big time waster with no results. Before you make that summation, look at how much quality time you really are giving these activities. My treadmill continues to collect dust and will never lose me weight by osmosis.
We are all customers, providers, consumers, producers, buyers and facilitators. Life has always been about residing on either side of the proverbial counter but now the control is in all of our hands. If you run a business, you must be aware of that.
We give up too quickly.
It takes years to master the sales process, decades to learn the fine art of professional chess, thousands of hours to perfect the 3-point shot yet some feel we can hop onto online channels, chat with strangers and with very little get the sale.
Once we realize there is no particular right way, we quickly discover that a blog, podcast, email, phone call or lunch meeting all have one imperative common element - people.
Take a closer look at all of your communication avenues. Don’t just focus on the multitude social networking websites, look at all media. Look at the people you deem to be navigating those channels well and ask questions. With some clarity, you will quickly realize it's all media shared socially.
None of us has this mastered, you in?
knealemann
