See all mY generation posts here.

First a note; I’m sure you noticed that I’ve started linking the people I quote to a Wikipedia reference. I did it after an irate email that scolded me because the writer didn’t know who David Brinkley was when I quoted him a few weeks ago and found it difficult to look him up, (I would have understood if he hadn’t known Donald Kendall.) hence the links.

Now on to today’s Quotable Quotes.

At times I wonder if there is anyone else who feels the way I do about cell phones, social, automated checkout, and other technology incursions. Well, it turns out I’m in good company (full credit to Business Week for all but two of these quotes).

Start with Ray Bradbury, who wrote some of the best science fiction about machines, but who now says, “We have too many cell phones. We’ve got too many Internets. We have to get rid of those machines. We have too many machines now.”

And before you chalk Bradbury’s attitude up to his age, consider what 26 year old Keira Knightley has to say, “I hate the Internet. I find it dehumanizing to constantly check e-mails, or social sites that have become fashionable.”

Edward Albee highlights one of my main peeves with those who constantly stare at those tiny screens, “I walk along the streets of New York and I find people bumping into each other, bumping into things, and they have these things in their ears or in their face. They’re not seeing anything of the real world.”

Drew Barrymore, also not exactly in her dotage, sees the same problem, “Ironically, with all this ‘We’re now more connected than ever with technology’ I don’t think we’ve ever been further apart.”

I am also fed up with those who claim that technology is the answer to the world’s ills. Jimmy Carter thoroughly debunks that idea, “Globalization, as defined by rich people like us, is a very nice thing… you are talking about the Internet, you are talking about cell phones, you are talking about computers. This doesn’t affect two-thirds of the people of the world.”

Esther Dyson adds another nail in the ‘Internet is good’ coffin, “Few influential people involved with the Internet claim that it is a good in and of itself. It is a powerful tool for solving social problems, just as it is a tool for making money, finding lost relatives, receiving medical advice, or, come to that, trading instructions for making bombs.”

Finally, a special thanks to George Clooney, who sums up all my feelings about Facebook in one graphically descriptive sentence. “I’d rather have a rectal examination on live TV by a fellow with cold hands than have a Facebook page.”

Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/symic/4323860889/

This is the Year of the Entrepreneur; no matter what media you follow you can’t avoid them.

What makes an entrepreneur and what basics are necessary to performing as one?

For a good overview take a look at Penelope Trunk’s views in Inc. on who is and who isn’t an entrepreneur.

Martin Zwilling’s article at Business Insider detailing seven keys to identifying the “ideal mental age” of an entrepreneur should make you think twice.

Especially in light of the statistical information that shows that the greatest number of entrepreneurs are older, this certainly doesn’t fit the popular image of the kid in her dorm room.

One of the most difficult efforts for any entrepreneur looking to ensure success is establishing the company’s culture. In another commentary at Forbes Zwilling offers up a six point list of what’s necessary to create a good culture. He may have aimed it at entrepreneurs, but it’s applicable for any company.

Enjoy!

Image credit:  MykReeve on flickr

People, especially those in management/leadership roles, have advisors, mentors and other people they consult; they read blogs, attend seminars, access company training and all these sources constantly inundate them with management advice.

Everybody listens, especially when the technique is coupled with a brand name, usually a CEO.

And that’s OK as long as you remember that you are not a copy of the person giving the advice.

Their advice is a result of their MAP (mindset, attitude, philosophy™) as formed by their upbringing and their experiences.

If the shoe fits, wear it.

You have different MAP, different upbringing and different experiences, so to use what you learn to your best advantage you need to know you.

Duff Goldman, who parleyed his passion for cake into a multimillion dollar business, including a show on the food channel and celebrity status, knows he is fallible, but has turned that fallibility into an asset.

“I kind of know what works, and I kind of know what doesn’t work. I have a good idea for how to make money and how to hold onto it — how to hopefully not make too many mistakes. But I know I’m going to make mistakes. My confidence comes from the fact that I’m very comfortable with being nervous. I’m very comfortable with my fear, because my fear comes from a very real place. It comes from a place that will make me perform above and beyond what I think I’m capable of doing.”

Duff Goldman knows himself.

If the shoe fits, wear it.

Along with the personal aspect of advice is the cultural one, both local and company.

Just as you don’t manage in China as you do in the US as you do in Russia you don’t manage in Groupon as you do in Apple as you do in Intel.

Management ranks (and divorce courts) are littered with those who tried to lever themselves into situations that didn’t fit or force everyone else into their worldview.

If the shoe doesn’t fit you get blisters and bunions; if the fit is bad enough you end up lame.

The take away is simple.

If the shoe fits, wear it; if it doesn’t fit, adjust it; if it isn’t adjustable, find shoes that fit.

Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganymedes1985/3749273976/

There is much talk these days about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurism, what makes the first and the importance of the second.

Today we look at the story of Vijender Shekhawat, a struggling small business owner turned entrepreneur with an unlikely product, but one that is changing lives for the better.

Eight years ago 29 year old Vijender Shekhawat, warrior caste and descendant of kings, did what millions of Indians do each day—he stepped in elephant poop.

But unlike the other millions, his reaction was to study the poop and in doing so he realized it was similar to the wood pulp he used to make his custom paper (that wasn’t doing all that well).

Through trial and error he found the right ration of poop to cotton to produce a unique and beautiful custom paper; he uses organic dyes, including beet juice for red paper, dried pomegranate skins for gray and the castor oil plant for green.

Talk about sustainable!

When dung prices skyrocketed because there was a market for it, Shekhawat found a solution that not only made everyone happy, but also improved the quality of his raw material.

He provided the elephants’ food, pleasing the mahouts. The beasts ate better, pleasing the elephants. And higher-quality dung emerged, pleasing Shekhawat. “Before, keepers skulked around dumping it at night,” Shekhawat said. “Now they’re delighted.”

The paper is now sold in Europe and the US.

Like many entrepreneurs Shekhawat wants to do good along with doing well and that attitude drives his expansion plans.

Shekhawat has always had a charitable bent — as a boy he gave his lunch to beggars, his mother said — and his next dream is to help villagers by moving his workshop to a rural area and providing jobs, especially for women who often don’t have much chance to leave the house, and serving as an example for wannabe entrepreneurs.

Metaphorically speaking, we have all stepped in elephant poop at one time or another and are bound to do so again.

The real question is what will you do the next time it happens?

As Shekhawat points out, “the difference between being a fool and a genius is success.”

But first you have to try.

Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/56796376@N00/1027372659

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Oh, the irony of it. Today is International (Working) Women’s Day, but it’s also Be Nasty Day!

International Women’s Day dates back to 1911, while Be Nasty Day seems to be only a few years old.

(International Women’s Day has always focused on workers, but, for my money, all women work—ask any stay-at-home mom if she works, but be sure to duck when you ask!)

The odds and ends I found about Be Nasty Day all recommend reducing it to being gently naughty and not cruel.

But nasty is rarely gentle and is often cruel. It makes me wonder who thought of Be Nasty Day and if celebrating on March 8 was an accident or intentional.

There are thousands of bosses out there for whom every day is Be Nasty Day. You will find them at every level, in every industry and in all walks of life.

There are thousands of individuals, from professionals to laborers; they are police, firemen, men and women of the cloth, politicians, you-name-it for who nasty is a daily occurrence.

Bullies are obviously nasty, as are mean girls—and boys.

Nasty inhabits people regardless of race, creed, color, gender, politics, economic level, height, weight, or any other label you care to apply

Most people don’t admit to being nasty, they rationalize it, excuse it, dress it up as something different or laugh it off.

Just as nasty has been embraced and accepted into our culture, many individuals drank the nasty Kool-Aid and it’s become part of their MAP.

So, in honor of Be Nasty Day, make being nasty a conscious choice.

And if you do choose nasty at least stop apologizing for it.

That way you’ll have the courage of your convictions to keep you warm, since you certainly won’t have any friends.

Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zedbee/103147140/

It’s the first Monday of a new month and that means a new Leadership Development Carnival. I got a kick out of Dan McCarthy’s wild March list—March Madness, the ides of March, the March of Dimes, the March equinox, the March on Washington, Fredric March, National Frozen Food Day, National Woman’s History month, and Mardi Gras (more about March tomorrow).

So without more ado, here is your March Reading Madness.

First up is Mary Jo Asmus with a recipe for improving relationships: Conversation, Praise, Pizza, Books, and Chocolate, from Aspire-CS.

Jennifer V. Miller was in a generous mood and gives us 25 More Leadership Development Resources posted at The People Equation. Great stuff!

You may not win an Oscar for that last presentation you gave but, don’t worry, neither did any of this year’s Academy Award winners. Scott Eblin mines the Oscar ceremony for public speaking do’s and don’t’s that every leader should keep in mind with Six Leadership Do’s and Don’ts From Oscar Night posted at Next Level Blog.

Here’s a look at why selling out your culture in the name of hiring or keeping a star performer often means turnover—not productivity. Miki Saxon presents Rock Star Regrets posted at MAPping Company Success.

You’ve heard of the “Tiger Mom”? Wally Bock tells us about his “Tiger Teacher“, Mrs. McKinley, at Three Star Leadership. She was really, really tough, but she was really, really good.

Here’s Kevin Eikenberry’s Six Ways to Build on Recent Success, from Leadership Learning. In this post, Kevin encourages leaders to help people move on from success to even greater success.

Becky Robinson gives us Fences, from her blog Weaving Influence, about work/life balance. In order to make a difference in the lives of others, leaders must successfully balance family and work priorities.

Class, pay attention: here’s an important lesson from the Doctor, Bret Simmons: How You Kill Motivation At Work | Bret L. Simmons – Positive Organizational Behavior posted at Bret L. Simmons – Positive Organizational Behavior.

Or, for those of you that have a hard time paying attention in school, maybe you’ll take advice from the bartender: Sharlyn Lauby, next month’s Carnival host, presents HOW TO: Set Relevant Goals — hr bartender posted at HR Bartender.

Art Petty really nails it with this one: 4 Key Skills Leaders Must Develop to Succeed in Today’s Workplace posted at Management Excellence. Well said, Art.

Who knew Rochester, New York, was a such a blogging hot spot? Here’s a couple great posts from two of my old neighbors: Lynn Dessert presents Do we fear transparency or …. ourselves? posted at Elephants at Work, and Steve Boese presents Winning Time posted at Steve Boese’s HR Technology.

In a world where change is constant every company needs an anchor. In this short story, Santa, upon returning from his post holiday vacation, illustrates what should not change and what should. From one of my New England neighbors, Anne Perschel: Santa Inc. Announces Social Media, Branding & Diversity Strategies posted at Germane Insights.

From a couple of our past Carnival hosts:

Jane Perdue presents Tap into Your Creativity; Get Your Leadership BIG On! posted at Get Your Leadership BIG On!; and

Mark Stelzner presents JobAngels: The Journey Continues posted at Inflexion Point.

There’s a difference between caring and care-taking. This post focuses on what it really means to lead from a caring perspective. Don’t worry, it’s not as warm and fuzzy as it sounds. Gwyn Teatro presents The Importance of Being Care-full posted at You’re Not the Boss of Me.

Whether leadership or management all of us have a customer. The bigger point is that whatever field or role you are in… you should always know who your customer is! Benjamin McCall presents Customer Focus – Do you know who your customer is? | ReThinkHR – (ReThink Human Resources) posted at ReThinkHR – (ReThink Human Resources).

During this time of growing labor disputes, both in the private and public sectors, time to rethink the relationship between labor and management. Bill Matthies presents A Never Ending Struggle? posted at Business Wisdom: Words to Manage By.

S. Max Brown offers 5 questions about gender and leadership that spawned much thought and an interesting conversation on his site this month. Mike Henry presents Gender, Leadership, and CSV – Lead Change Group posted at Lead Change Group.

We need to learn subtraction at work: David Zinger presents Employee Engagement: Management Moxie Through Subtraction posted at David Zinger Associates – Employee Engagement.

In this post, Eric Pennington, gives reasons for finding the type of work and life that requires “you” to show-up. Sometimes inspiration comes from surprising situations. Eric Pennington presents What A Florist Taught Me About Life and Work posted at Epic Living – Leadership Development Career Management Training Executive Life Coaching Author.

A post on how you can get into the right mindset for success: Adi Gaskell presents Create the Mindset for Business Success! | Chartered Management Institute posted at The Management Blog.

Kevin Eikenberry, co-author of “From Bud to Boss,” makes his second appearance on the Management Tips Podcast Series. With this tip, Kevin focuses on new leaders. He suggests that new managers have five very important conversations as soon as possible. If they do, their jobs will be much more effective and enjoyable. Listen to the podcast to find out more: Nick McCormick presents 5 Must-Have Conversations for New Leaders posted at Joe and Wanda on Management.

Here’s an examination of why companies want to be on the 100 Best Places to Work list: Erik Samdahl presents Why You Want to be on This List posted at Productivity Blog.

An above average post from Anna Farmery: When you just don’t want to be average….. posted at The Engaging Brand.

The always hard working girl Laura Schroeder presents Modern Workforce: Managing Remote Workers posted at Working Girl.

This blog post shares three simple steps to be positively critical: Dominic Rajesh presents Critically yours… posted at Dom’s Blog ….

Observations on leadership from the Egyptian crisis: Robert Tanner presents Egypt – When Trust Fails, Leaders Fail! posted at Management is a Journey Blog.

Linda Fisher Thornton presents The Ethical Leadership Puzzle: A Broader View posted at Leading in Context.

We understand the art of influence. We understand the need to motivate and listen, and develop a working productive relationship with our colleagues. We collaborate with the team and find a way to make progress. Often this activity involves active listening more than active speaking. Elyse Nielsen presents Developing Effective Work Relationships posted at Anticlue. Hmmm, March must be national relationship month. (-:

In businesses every day, managers find ways (often unintentionally) to demotivate their employees. This post shares three common examples of where managers often go wrong:Andy Klein presents Three ways for managers to demotivate employees — guaranteed! posted at Fortune Group Blog.

Mike Cardus gives us some important managerial selection criteria: They Can’t Be Crazy! Plus 4 other necessary qualities of managerial leaders. posted at Team Building & Leadership Blog: Create-Learning.

Being a leader requires a certain level of humility if you even want people to follow you. This post covers how to be more humble: Mike King presents 50 Ways to Be More Humble and to Act Humbly posted at Learn This.

Well, someone always has to go last….. this post discusses key practices for businesses to remain productive during the downturn period: Charlotte Hird presents What if…you strengthened your core business? posted at Business Strategy and Executive Coaching with The What If? Specialist.

Image credit: Great Leadership

See all mY generation posts here.

People look for business culture inspiration in many places, but sometimes the best is from an unexpected source. While there’s a waiting line for cultural help from Tony Hsieh, Robert Orben is still available and probably (maybe?) costs less.

Let’s start with the basics, because if you can’t get this one right there isn’t much hope, “If you can laugh together, you can work together”

Managers know that as resources are reduced it’s more and more difficult to get everything done. That said, it helps to remember this gem, “Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator.”

Orben had a wonderful take on failure, one that is sure to encourage your people, “Don’t think of it as failure. Think of it as time-released success.”

Here’s a little ditty should be chanted in unison at the start of every meting. I guarantee it will improve the participation and content no end, “Every speaker has a mouth; An arrangement rather neat. Sometimes it’s filled with wisdom. Sometimes it’s filled with feet.”

Some managers are good at stroking their people, some not so much. If voicing compliments is difficult for you remember this bit of wisdom might make it easier, “A compliment is verbal sunshine.”

Finally, when the deadlines loom and stress is rising it’s god to remind your team that they have choices, “In prehistoric times, mankind often had only two choices in crisis situations: fight or flee. In modern times, humor offers us a third alternative; fight, flee – or laugh.”

Thank you, Rob Orben.

Flickr image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eselby/3827336868/