Complexity...

I hope you enjoyed the recent Christmas Holiday and spent some quality time with those you care about.

It's a been a while since my last post and perhaps you've enjoyed that break too.... I was recently cc'd on an article that think is worth sharing with all of you. The first sentence begins:
“Complexity is the defining character of our age.” My favorite quote in the entire article was, “Complexity is a symptom of confusion, not a cause.” I'll let you read the article and formulate your own opinions on where our work, no check that...where YOUR work falls when illuminated with the thoughts contained in this article.

How do you feel about what you just read? Are you one of those that shrug it off and say, "it's just more propaganda" or after you read it, did specific thoughts come to mind and/or did you see some examples of the work being done right here in our Organization? Were you able to cite specific examples of this "confusion"...and even more importantly...did the little light bulb go off in you head and a voice screamed ah ha!...and now you're formulating a plan to reduce the confusion...??

Of course the real value in this is the latter...the ability to take what you read and apply it to your current situation and formulate a plan, is where the real value come into play. If you did this, congratulations and welcome aboard the bus. If not, there's still hope....re-read the article and try to think of specific examples in your work life where this could be true...and THEN--ask yourself-- "Is there something that I can do differently that would change (read improve here) this process."

We all have a responsibility to find ways to improve -- improve in ways that enhance our work output, enhance our deliverables, enhance communications....whatever it is. I believe one of the best ways to improve...is to continuously ask the question(s). If you ask the right questions, the answers will reveal where improvement are needed. I think the article does a good job of asking the right question.

As we finish up the last days of 2007, give substantial thought towards what and how you will make improvements in the coming year. Both, on a professional and a personal front....YOU and this Agency will be better as a result.

TAFN/PO

Christmas...Give the Gift of ....IT

Well, at least I think the title is at least something that should make those who read it think… “Is this guy really thinking we should give a gift of IT?” Well yes actually I am…but perhaps not in the sense of giving in the sense that all folks might think. In this particular context…let’s let the “IT” just stand for, something used to represent a concept, thought, action, circumstance, idea, thing, person or animal….or something close to that.

Christmas season is certainly very meaningful to a multitude of people in a multitude of different ways. To some-- it represents the gift from God as in the birth of Jesus Christ into this world; to some it’s a strictly a gift giving time or a time to make big cash; to some it’s just another excuse to party; and to others it doesn’t mean much at all. Whatever your thoughts about the Christmas season, I’d ask you to consider a couple thoughts. The first is to consider giving…giving something, (preferably something positive), something that could help someone accomplish something in their lives. The second would be….just to enjoy “it.”

The gift of giving can be a motivating factor for those who enjoy watching people on the receiving end of the gift…certainly many parents could share pleasant stories of watching their children open gifts at Christmas. There seems to be a certain joy in that giving for most folks…the satisfaction of knowing (seeing in some cases) how warmly received your gift is/was. While my main point here is just to get you thinking about giving (giving of yourself in some cases) and in that mindset the gifts can be anything…my intent is also to stir up your thoughts about “what you can give.”

The “gift” you give could be anything…yes, it could be money or presents….or “it” could be something related to work. Did I just ruin it for you? I hope not, I hope you’ll read on and hear me out. Your gift this year will hopefully include some thoughts about what you could do differently at work, or perhaps even what you could do daily in your job that might be considered a “gift” by those receiving it. Maybe…your level of customer service is something that could be thought of in this case. Consider providing a level of customer service that those on the receiving end would feel like they just received the Christmas present they always wanted. Imagine how that would impact those folks…imagine if you will, how the perception of MDC IT would be affected…. Gosh, what a concept, customer feels great…and you feel good knowing what YOU did made them feel that way!!

I won’t harp on the idea of you giving a gift..back to work. I would ask that you at least consider the thought…and imagine how the workplace might change.

Regardless, I do hope that you, and those you care about, will experience the joy that this time of year can provide. I hope that you too are on the receiving end of a gift that will change your life or at least make it better…

Merry Christmas!

TAFN

Thought of the Week...

Question: What is the main difference between high-performing and low performing IT organizations?

Ans: How they handle change.

Not the business of old...

Hmmm...so I guess we're not the first to talk about stretching ourselves to provide value to the business.... A little read that helps paint a pretty clear picture about IT's role in an Org. and how its perceived. Guess the old ways of "just doing what you're told" are over or at least coming to the point of having no value...

TAFN

Reality Check...

An comment I've heard spoken many times in a variety of situations--and typically not used in a positive context: "They think they are God's gift to ....." It appears that those who may believe they are that gift....may not be based in reality, so says prof at Cornell. An interesting read on the (in)ability to evaluate ourselves.... Perhaps there's some take home points for many of us. I know there were a few specific points that rang true for me.

Perhaps the most important take away is to be open-minded....always leave the door open a little...because there's a chance that you just may not "be all that." Recognizing that we have room for improvement is the basic building block towards improvement and growth. Without that, programs/growth/development stagnates.

TAFN

...propaganda...?

Within MDC’s IT group, we believe in ability, not seniority. This means when you join us as a team member, you ultimately determine your rewards and compensation based on your performance, not years of service. We also believe you are at your best when you control your work. That’s why the Supervisory staff here focus on work flow and strategic direction. You’ll make your own decisions and you’ll plan your own day, every day. And excelling here doesn’t require a PHD degree or 20 years background in Conservation or Information Technology.

Anyone interested in making this a SOP?

TAFN

The Requirements of the Job....

I often wrestle with my feelings of expectations as it relates to the work environment. Questions I often ask myself include: as a Supervisor--- Am I being realistic?.... Am I pushing too hard?....Am I doing what the company is paying me to do?.... Do I provide the tools necessary for people to do their job and then get out of the way?....Am I being fair?....and another common question I ask: Does the staff I current supervise make efforts to improve themselves....

I'd like to focus on the last question..... Certainly when staff members are hired, they are typically hired for an existing skill set. A sum of money and benefits (value) are assigned to that person and expectations to perform is expected. What's interesting to me is that over the course of time, "most" employees expect salary adjustments to the positive side with at least an annual occurrence. Why?...I would ask. Are you doing more work? Have you acquired new skill sets that add value to the employer? What is the reason you "deserve" more money?

Seems to me if the salary agreement was made based upon the perceived value you could provide at that time with your existing skill set...then salary shouldn't change...unless you change too! So, looking at it from that perspective, one could argue that unless you are doing more work, providing more value in some way, etc....then your salary should NOT change. You aren't worth anymore ....right?

Often my experience has been that the expectation from some employees is that at minimum....an annual raise in pay is expected/demanded. Is that fair to the Employer? I'd challenge that it is not....I would offer that it is an inherent responsibility of each and every employee to take it upon themselves to grow each and every year.... The old adage of "if you keep on doing what you've been doing, you'll keep getting what you've been getting," sure seems to apply in this case. No new skills or responsibilities...then no new money. ....Seems pretty simple to me.

So, I'd challenge each of us to make the effort to improve ourselves day in and day out....that is where the value to Conservation really lies. If we all remain with the same skill set as the day we were hired....then Conservation is in real trouble. Make the time to invest in yourself...find ways to improve your knowledge and your skill set....GROW. That's my expectation...the effort is yours to make....not the Agency's to force. Take responsibility for your future....today.

TAFN

Thrift--ty

Attention Development Staff....ya` know anything about Thrift? The read would indicate one of the Greatest companies of recent times, Google (yes, this is a personal opinion), is interested in how it will help move their progressive company forward.

What's your take...any application/potential for our future? Any concepts to take from it that help us do things differently....better?

TAFN

How do you Grow?

A recent conversation with fellow human revealed this comment from that person: "I don't have time to read that stuff." While I will take their comment and apply it over a more broad subject matter, I don't think I will degrade the original message being sent....or at least what I took away as the message being sent.

No secret to anyone who is reading this Blog that I tend to challenge readers to grow....to stretch beyond themselves and their current responsibilities. I'm fascinated by improvements, growth in this case and how we as humans can accomplish the feat. I firmly believe in order to improve...one must grow...in some form or fashion. We improve at something because we try harder, practice more, learn something new.....AHA! LEARN SOMETHING NEW....let's look at that one for a minute. How do you learn something new? Do you gain the knowledge from listening, watching, mimicking, osmosis, reading...?? I think you can gain/grow from all of those experiences, but one of the most professed way to grow is by READING.

When you read you gain insight and/or information. Assimilating that information into your life in a positive way can help you grow as a person....a professional. I tend to hear quite a bit from Technical Staffers that they "just don't have time to read..." My personal perspective is that --They don't make the time to read. I would argue that reading and/or choosing to grow is a conscious choice that each of make. Not making the effort or taking the time to stay abreast of the world around you...IMHO is a mistake.

Certainly as the situation applies to the Technical World we live/work in....it's a huge mistake and can cost greatly. That cost can range from a competitive advantage in the work place, to costing you a promoting due to an aged skill set and even to the release from work detail because of the reluctance to learn the skill set that is required. Technology is about change....how else can we stay on top of change without growing or acquiring new knowledge?

My thoughts are that everyone in the technical field should be reading (Blogs, trade mags, etc) about things that impact their work. We are hired into the work force because we have a certain skill set that was needed at that time....employees expecting those needs to never change or morph are living in a dream world---employers expect staffers to grow....to continue to add value--otherwise every job would be a term position. This world changes....a personal look at your life would point out how much things have changed over the course of your life.

The point....READ! ASK QUESTIONS! LISTEN! Improve your skill set---Technology is moving forward and if you wish to be a part of it...you should be moving forward WITH it....not being dragged along with it!

A side note: Interesting read here about the Future IT worker.

Is SOA...DOA?

Wikipedia says: "Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is an architectural design pattern that concerns itself with defining loosely-coupled relationships between producers and consumers. While it has no direct relationship with software, programming, or technology, it's often confused with an evolution of distributed computing and modular programming. There is no widely agreed upon definition of SOA other than its literal translation. It is an architecture that relies on service-orientation as its fundamental design principle. In an SOA environment independent services can be accessed without knowledge of their underlying platform implementation. These concepts can be applied to business, software and other types of producer/consumer systems.

Service Oriented Architecture ideology has been around for a time and many folks have implemented it in some form. I happen to believe that our Org. is currently positioned to benefit from it if we take the steps necessary to implement SOA.

Although SOA is typically discussed in terms of Software Development, it is NOT just a development tool. There are many other applications for SOA within a business. If your not familiar with SOA I would encourage you to do a little research on the topic. I'm dropping a slight hint here....there'll be more formal discussions on this topic in the future...and I'll be extremely interested in hearing your prospective and if you think there's an application for us.

TAFN

Parrallel?

I enjoy reading and I love to hear what other's think and feel. I also like to challenge others to grow and think outside their normal realm or comfort zone. I honestly believe this "stretching" does help in the growth process. Consider the following quote from recent Gallup Management Journal .

"Rule 5: Improvement in local HumanSigma performance requires deliberate and active intervention through attention to a combination of transactional and transformational intervention activities. Measurement by itself is never enough to improve performance. Creating organizational change is hard work and requires active and disciplined intervention.

Our work has found that few companies apply the full range of intervention activities required to generate real and sustainable change. Transactional activities, such as action planning, training, and other aggressive interventions, are cyclical interventions that tend to be topical and short-term in focus and to recur regularly. They are designed to help your company do what it already does -- but do it better. Transformational activities, on the other hand, are structural interventions that focus on how companies select employees, select and promote managers, pay and evaluate employees, do succession planning, and recognize and develop employees. Transformational activities focus on creating an organizational infrastructure that supports HumanSigma. They are designed to help your company come up with new ways to do things."

While Human Sigma may not be totally relevant to the ways in which a Government Org is run, or even should be run, nonetheless I believe certain principles are relevant and worth consideration. There's no need to reinvent the wheel if it already exists....the value is in getting the wheel rolling (read implementation).

TAFN

Thought for the Day

A article in the Harvard Business Review by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras says this:

"Companies that enjoy enduring success have core values and a core purpose that remain fixed while their business strategies and practices endlessly adapt to a changing world."

Many of you know I'm a "fan" of Jim Collins...mainly because he just makes SENSE. My opinion of what he writes about is that it is just common sense. It amazes me how foreign that is to some folks....guess that should tell me something, huh?

Anyway, the point he makes in the quote is so relevant to the work we do. We, at MDC, have a core value and a core purpose...WE ALL KNOW THAT...right? The challenge before us today is to alter some of our strategies and practices to meet demand and in his words "a changing world." Do these words just seem like worthless gibberish....or do they ring true and hit home with you?

Technology is all over the "change" part....that happens for (to) us and as a result we must react to it or be left behind. Sometimes we are forced into that change by our customers within Conservation, primarily I would offer because we have failed to recognize the technology opportunity for them. Regardless, the important task is that we can implement the solution effectively for them. The challenge continues to mount for IT workers in Conservation....the daily grind of maintaining systems is eroding a significant portion of our day. We find little time to perform any real Research and Development tasks....and yet I believe, that is where our true value lies in moving Conservation forward.

We must develop ways to alter our Modus Operandi for increased efficiencies. In many cases, the very act of freeing up time will provide significant value to this group. We must find ways to reduce our time commitments assigned to "maintenance" tasks....perhaps we can automate some feature of the work we do....perhaps we can offload the task....perhaps we don't even NEED to be doing the task any longer!! Ask yourself THAT question for sure. Many times I believe as humans we fall into a routine of just performing a function without even questioning if the task needs to be done at all any longer.

Allow some time this week to ponder this: Are you trying to to adapt any of your work, strategies, and/or practices to our changing world? I hope you can answer yes to that question, because that IS our future and that IS our job.

TAFN

Vision....any Value?

What does the word “vision” mean to you? In part, American Heritage Dictionary defines it as: Unusual competence in discernment or perception; intelligent foresight. If any of you are doing any reading on Management or Leadership…likely you are hearing more and more about vision, (including leadership and change). The ability to move an organization (Division/Unit/Team) forward requires this core component. Are these abilities limited to top level executives or managers? I would offer….Absolutely not! If they were, then we wouldn’t be doing a very good job of preparing for the future. In fact these abilities are present in every level and every walk of life. Leaders are NOT just top level folks.

So what does this have to do with you? I believe each and every employee can contribute to moving Conservation forward in some way. Many of you possess the ability to contribute from every single level of this Organization…..should you choose to do so. How so? ….well by looking more closely at visioning and understanding what it really is….then perhaps you can make use of it in the work you have to do also….from your daily work tasks, your family planning….your life.

So what is the “right vision?” Well, a look into what the “right vision is” was revealed by Nanus (1992), he maintains that it has five characteristics:
1) attracts commitment and energizes people
2) creates meaning in people/workers lives
3) establishes a standard of excellence
4) bridges the present to the future
5) transcends the status quo.

A vision should inspire people to work to make it a reality and it should also motivate people to become a part of the team…to help reach that common goal. Do you have that? Do you expect that to come from someone else? We all have a responsibility to make efforts towards doing the absolute best job we can…in whatever position we have in this Org. If we do that…then I believe we are adding value and if we believe enough in what we do for Conservation then we can become visionary…. Visionary Leadership isn’t just something one is born with….it IS something that can be acquired. But, it takes time, commitment, dedication and EFFORT!

Can you “see” the value in using vision to improve your work?

Follow up

On the heels of change....following up from the last post so to speak.

I'll share some of my thoughts and/or priorities for my work the next several months as it relates to quite a number of my past Blogs. I currently have on my white board in my office a list of at least 17 points of interest that I want to look more closely at within our group. My intent to try to flush out areas we can improve Productivity and Efficiency. I'll be asking numerous questions of staff and challenging all of you to be creative in our problem solving.

My questions and interests are based currently upon five areas (criteria) for evaluation:
1) Costs
2) Time/Labor
3) Value/ROI (to MDC)
4) Productivity
5) Efficiency

My first intent here is to "Seek First to Understand." I want to know more about the HOW of what we are doing, then move in the WHY's, then into what if's....during these discussions, I believe we can identify opportunities for improvements. The seventeen areas I'm interested in at first are: Patching, AntiVirus, Altiris, Ordering Process, Drop Ship, WAN, Technologies, Telework, Maintenance, Active Directory, FCS's, Development, Customers, Email Admin, Staffing, TelCom, Research/Development. Yes, some may overlap, but each major area has some specific info I'm looking to evaluate.

One critique all groups in the IT Section are often criticized for is our response times...to whatever our output may be. I will be looking for ways to improve that response time by staying on budget and being on time. I'm interested in this group becoming less REACTIVE and more PROACTIVE...anywhere we can. Obviously we cannot do that everywhere, but I honestly feel we can do much better...with the right planning, right processes, etc.

Perhaps the goal for us could be summed up in two words: "Re-invent IT" I want us to be much more dynamic/agile in who we are and what we do for Conservation. We need to be more nimble....quicker to react and to provide relevant solutions. I'm looking to automate any processes that we can. I want to streamline work flow where ever possible. I want us to fully investigate and utilize full features of existing software and/or hardware. I want each of us to be better at Prioritizing work....we need to see and understand the big picture of MDC. .....all of us.

I want staff to be more creative in problem solving. Give more thought as to how we can bring technology to bear for Conservation....how can we move Conservation forward from a technology perspective. I want staff to be an active component and contributor to improving all we do. If you are looking for Management to provide ALL the answers, you probably aren't the type of person I think is going to help us make the necessary improvements. Most of you are front-line, in the trenches type of people....you know your job better than anyone....HOW can we change it to make you more efficient? How can it be changed to free up some of your time for other projects? Are you doing the right things at the right time? What else do you need to do your job better?

Many more questions will be asked and I'm anxiously looking forward to hearing from each of you. I can't wait to hear the innovation, the thought processes, the excitement from each of you on how we can be a better IT group. It's oft been said, "Change is inevitable"...indeed it is, so why not be a driver of the change and help direct it towards our success.....rather than wait in the wings and have to accept something less than desirable...

I look forward to visiting with all of you and hearing your thoughts. No doubt more change is coming....

TAFN

The Face of Change

What do those words mean to you? Are they merely words that have no meaning to you? Or do these words mean something significant to you….do they describe you? Do you consider yourself to be “the face of change” or an obstacle to it?

Personally I view change as good…when change is initiated with the intent to move forward, make progress, improve something then it is indeed a good thing. All too often I hear people voicing opposition to change….to ANY change whether it be for better or for worse. Too often change is viewed as a four letter word…in that it is something to be avoided or to have disdain for…

Well, in case you haven’t figured it out yet…Change is inevitable. The very nature of life itself is part of change. I ran across an article the other day and found a few interesting points in it. Portions rang true and made sense. One of the quotes in particular caused me to think: “In the face of change, the competent are helpless.” Hmmmmm, is this true and what does it mean? I’ll let you decide that for yourself.

The fact is that Information Technology type staffers have always faced change. I’ve heard some of our very own use similar words and at times it seems we wear it as a type of badge that is held up to others to profess that, “well, our jobs are always changing; therefore we accept change and can deal effectively with it…” We seem to be proud that our work is in a constant state of evolution and that is why many IT’ers like the work. I’ve heard those comments from more than one.

Well, we now have an opportunity to stand and show this Agency that we believe what we’ve stated in the past. I believe we are currently at a crossroads… from an organizational standpoint. We have three staff positions open currently and decisions need to be made on several fronts. Considerations MUST be given to: Next Gen Goals, financial, short AND long term goals, technology growth/changes, skill sets needed today AND tomorrow and areas which need improvement. ALL are thoughts that need to be considered in determining how our organizational structure should look and function.

It can be difficult to “vision” technology because of its rapid change, but we must consider where technology will be in the next few years and begin to position ourselves towards implementing that technology efficiently and effectively. I can profess to you today that the IT Management Team is committed towards trying to meet those challenges.

It is my hope that when you wake up each day and look in the mirror that you see a “face of change” reflected back to you. We need employees who are committed towards embracing positive changes and working diligently to assist in accomplishing them; whether it is through sharing their ideas or in their actions.

I am optimistic about our current position in the fact that we can make some changes today that will improve Conservation in the future. All of us should be willing to step up to the challenge...to be that “face of change!”

TAFN

"Confront the Brutal Facts..."

As Jim Collins tells us in one of his 8 steps/concepts in going from a "good to great" company....it is imperative that organizations confront the facts and deal with them. One of those facts that face us is is well defined in this quote that I ran across recently:

" Technology professionals simply do not have the time and money to waste on reinventing the wheel." (Ron Haberkorn NOREX Founder & President )

All too often I think we as technology professionals waste valuable time trying to figure out the solutions to issues that have already been figured out. We provide more value when we solve issues by applying known solutions and focusing our efforts towards solving issues that do not have existing solutions for them.

Our value as IT employees is in providing technology solutions period...Frankly we DON'T gain any "bonus points" when the solution to the problem is devised in-house. We just need to provide solutions to technology issues...nobody really cares if it's our idea or whether we learned how to fix the issue from somewhere else. They just care about us getting it fixed or in providing a solution that helps them with the issue.

The takeaway? Don't be afraid to check with other resources to see if the issue you are working on has been dealt with before. If it has...you're in luck, problem solved. If not, you've only invested a very small amount of time and you can then focus you entire efforts towards devising a solution on your own.

If I have my choice over the one who THINKS they have all the answers versus the one who can FIND me all the answers.....I'll opt for the one who knows where to get answers any day....

TAFN

Quick Hits

Certainly no shortage of "technology news" when you look online or at the trade mags. I ran across a couple that I thought were interesting and so I'll share.

Seems that the online word processor software technology isn't dead. I do like this concept and can't wait for it to mature more. I certainly see a number of potential applications for this Agency. As we continue to improve our infrastructure, these types of technology services may have be a viable solution. I think there are numerous opportunities moving forward to re-think the way we do software applications...and where they live.

What do you know about encryption ? Is it important? Is it relative to us? Well, encryption is important enough to the MO State Government that a new standard has been approved for desktop use. SafeBoot is the technology solution to be implement and plans are currently underway for its eventual implementation.

On another front this article ( ILL-CIO ) was interesting from a number of perspectives. His take on "thinking outside the box" was an interesting perspective....while I don't disagree with his thoughts necessarily, I also not sure I'm in the same boat completely. Read his comments and then decide for yourself.

Have a good week and remember to challenge yourself each and every day to grow....to improve....to provide the level of service that even YOU would consider exemplary.

TAFN

Are YOU Staying Current?

--Google Inc. is enhancing its Google Maps service with a new Street View feature that allows you to view crisp, navigable photos of roads in nine major cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, New York, San Diego and Denver. (To see the full list, go to maps.google.com and click the Street View link on the upper-right corner.)

--Virtualization technology, which allows multiple operating systems to run different applications on a single computer, has caught the attention of IT managers for its promise to let them better manage and utilize corporate IT resources. However, warns some IT managers and security researchers, the emerging technology also makes corporate systems far more vulnerable to hackers. (http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9031738&source=NLT_AM&nlid=1)

--Microsoft and Cisco: Product Promises
The tech giants' new spirit of cooperation is promising, but CEOs Ballmer and Chambers say making the alliance work will be difficult. (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2007/tc20070820_282297.htm)

--When a Laptop Is Too Much to Lug... (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2007/tc2007087_626340.htm?chan=search)

The above are just some examples of things changing around us...that CAN and DO impact the work we do for Conservation. I've suggested in the past that all of us have a responsibility to stay in tune with Technology changes AND how those changes can and do impact what we do.

I'm planning/expecting to see many goals come trickling in for FY `08 that relate to this task. I'm anxious to see how each of you will bridge this gap between just supporting the technology to actually becoming more proactive on this front. Let's give this some serious thought and put that thought effort into some of your goals for the work year.

TAFN

Second Life...

Reading some trade mag articles over the weekend and ran across one article in particular that was particularly interesting to me. The article was about one of the newest on-line experiences called "Second Life." O.K....so it's not so new to many of us who spend some time on the web, but relatively speaking it is new.

The jest of the article was two fold. First was the daily issue that IT Staffer's have trying to stay on top of technology itself and secondly the issue of trying to stay on top of employees who bring some of that new technology into the work environment--BEFORE it's enterprise ready. Examples over history were given about the types of technology that non-IT employees were eager to embrace long before the software was enterprise worthy...such as, the web, email, and IM ...just to name a few.

Second Life now appears to be catching on amongst some of the more IT savoy end users. They like the concept of using Avatars to represent themselves during virtual meetings. Some larger corporations (Toyota, IBM, Adidas) are even experimenting with the technology internal to their orgs. Second life appears to be a marriage of the younger generations idea of how to communicate effectively and use the latest technology. (another example of how the workplace will be (IS) changing.) The "virtual world meetings" are relatively easy to configure and moderately effective.

SO, what does this mean to us? Well, how many of you know of this technology's existence? How many of you have thought about it's relevance to MDC? How many of you have dismissed it? How many of you thought it has some potential application to helping move MDC forward??--if you did, have you discussed that potential with Management?

A couple take aways I think from this: 1) We have to stay current in our information and understanding of technology changes...which equals OPPORTUNITY, in my mind. 2) By staying current we can answer inquiries, we can protect the Agency's assets from renegade software by knowing what to look for, and perhaps add value if the tool makes sense to us. Many opportunities exist to provide value to our Org by utilizing technology. Most of us would agree, bleeding edge isn't necessarily the best place to be....but I think there is value in having "bleeding edge" knowledge and understanding.

Enjoy your week and make an effort to read something that will help you gain a better understanding on a new technology or one that you know little about today.

(side note---refreshing to see our Org has an official Blog now, http://blogs.mdc.mo.gov/blog/ another example of how our Org is changing in how we communicate with the world. )

TAFN

NO to Vista....

Was interesting to read the other day about the decision by the Olympic Committee to use XP as their OS for the upcoming Olympics. The article cited that they required a "reliable" solution and felt that Vista just couldn't provide that yet. Having said that, they did state that PC's with Vista would be available in some of the "less secure" areas of the campus....but that the tabulations, scoring, accounting, etc would all be done on machines running XP.

Additionally, the article pointed out that wireless networking was not part of their plan either. I found that interesting....as long as wireless technology has been out, it is still not accepted completely. But, I've often said...wireless has a very viable role to play in existing facilities especially. I believe it provides for opportunities to move forward without the additional expense of hard wiring in places where that could be cost prohibitive. Wireless is not currently, the "end all, be all"....but I still believe it is narrowing that gap considerably. Security concerns, bandwidth limitations, standards, etc have all grown a great deal over the past few years....we are closing the gap.

The takeaway? The latest new technology isn't for everyone (as is the case for the Olympics) but it does have its place. Through thought processes and honest evaluations about the benefits and limitations is a must. No need to steer clear, just because it's new....but conversely, the reason for bleeding edge should be compelling also.

TAFN

Training

No secret to anyone in the Technical Services Group that we have some significant projects to implement this fiscal year. In addition to just the technical challenges we must also consider the impacts to the customer. A few of our projects could impact our customers significantly....now we could discuss whether that impact is real or perceived...it really doesn't matter. Fact is, our customers will be looking to us for guidance and the "how to's."

As a result, our front line IT employees need to be pondering and planning for the eventual roll-out. Two specific projects come to mind immediately on the Desktop side: Exchange/Outlook and Office 2007. While Exchange is a just an email solution, it does have a little different look and feel than our current system. That fact will require some prep work by IT Staffers. Office `07, while just a newer version than our current product, it too has a different look and feel to it.

Part of the role we need to be playing is putting a game plan in place to also help the customer adjust quickly and smoothly to the looming changes. I'm aware some thought has been given to this "education" process already....but it is NOT complete. We have technical staff who interact with customers on a daily basis....they understand competency levels and typical issues encountered. We must have that input/suggestions/comments to ensure successful implementation. So speak up, provide your input and suggestions to ensure the projects success .

I eagerly look forward to the changes coming this fiscal year as I believe many of our projects are tied specifically towards the long term growth of this Agency. With some of these news tools in place, we are better positioned to help move the Agency forward and enhance the communication abilities both internal and externally.

TAFN

Poll

You may (or may not) have noticed the little poll I put up on this Blog site. I'm wrestling with whether or not to continue this Blog. If it doesn't help you do your job better or provide you with an enhanced understanding (or relevant information) to "work related" things...then it's not meeting the goal. Think about that thought and cast your vote if you would. Better yet, and I know for many of you that you're not ready to take that step, if anyone is willing to offer up some ideas of what would add value that would be great, but that really hasn't materialized just yet. The poll will provide some answers even without specific commentary...

TAFN

Back Again...

Well, I've made it back from my vacation time. I must tell you, it was a refreshing break...and thanks to those of you who asked about my time off. I appreciate your interest.

While vacationing, I had numerous opportunities to reflect on almost every aspect of my life...both personal and professional. (There is something about sitting atop the Rockies at 5:30 a.m. on a large rock overlooking the Arkansas River, facing east as the sun rises over the towering rock formations in front of you....that seem to put many things in perspective.)There are definitely some things there that I think I need to address. While I'll leave the personal things out, there are some professional things that I think other may benefit from hearing about....so over the course of time, I'll try to share a few of those things that I think should change and how I plan to go about it....of course this is an open Blog....so suggestions are always welcome.

The Integrated Data Framework (IDF) project is occupying quite a number of staffers' time presently and I don't see that going away any time soon. Integrating our data across the entire Agency is a good thing. This endeavor will allow access to up to date data from all corners of the Agency. While we may presently have such data, it is often is silos and not readily accessible. As Conservation, as a whole, grows beyond being more than just Hunting and Fishing organizations, timely/accurate data will assist in making faster more informed decisions. I can even envision a future that could include the networking of others into such a framework. Other State Agencies, other Conservation groups, etc....all in an effort to provide the latest, best information relative to the subject matter. This project is perhaps the groundwork to such a future.

-ON another note, we are short a Programmer in our Application Development group. We are hoping to fill this position with a person that embodies much of what we have been talking about here over the course of time. It's hard for State Agencies to compete salary wise with the private sector, but I feel if we can provide the other intangibles and a working environment that embraces change and rewards quality work...then we can attract the right people. Our work here is more than just writing code (in this case)....it's about Moving Conservation Forward. I'm anxious to bring the person who thinks along those lines...on board.

TAFN

Vacation

I will be trying to enjoy some vacation time for a few weeks so the blogging will likely start up again the end of July....

Doctor....Come Quick!

----sitting in a Physicians’ office recently and was looking around at all the devices on the desk, things near the examining table and even listening to bits and pieces of conversations in the waiting room and in the hallway. It occurred to me…..there is a lot of stuff going on in this office. I got to thinking of the tremendous responsibilities the Physicians and nurses have….how many problems they have to figure out….how they have to ask the right questions and push/pull in the right places to get the information they need to make the correct diagnoses. Even how much they have to understand their patients in order to know which questions could and should be asked and which words to use….likely they will use different words for different patients, age, sex etc.

It occurred to me that there were some similarities between IT work and the work Doctors and their staff perform. Physicians must diagnose illness by identifying symptoms….IT employees perform a similar function trying to identify technical problems. Once Physicians are comfortable with their diagnosis, they initiate a treatment process to remedy the situation. IT Technicians perform a similar role as they identify an issue and then must initiate a process to “fix” the issue. Medical professionals typically monitor a persons’ health and make recommendations to keep the body performing as intended. IT Techs also monitor the hardware and software of the Org. and make adjustments constantly to ensure systems are running at peak performance and reliability. Medical professionals must be able to communicate their intent across all age/sex/language barriers---Is the work in IT any different? I would say no. The communication about what and how is every bit as important.

I am not here to tell you that the two roles are identical in importance, they are not. Yet, there are similarities between the professions, for example: 1) The issue is not always readily apparent at the onset, 2) Solutions are not always well defined, 3) Lots of training is required to stay current and be effective, 4) Requirements of availability 24/7, 5) The nature of the work is such that being able to predict/measure work output through hours is difficult as the work is subject to what is found once initiated….etc.

Now, I would offer that IT work in some respects is more difficult than a Doctor. Consider a few of these examples: 1) Patients can tell a Physician what hurts and needs attention…hardware cannot tell the IT Technician—they must figure that out on their own. 2) The human organism really hasn’t changed much over the past several hundred years---Technology is rapidly evolving and has changed greatly over the past 20 years alone. 3) Patient treatments are typically along well defined boundaries and procedures that are proven successful---whereas technology is constantly changing and new skills are required constantly and must be developed, learned, and practiced at a rapid pace in order to even be of value.

So what’s the point? Point is, the work you do is IMPORTANT! It is difficult work that few completely understand (another tie to the Physicians) and yet is the very life blood of some orgs. You are valued and critical to the success of this Org. but you must stay current on new developments. Dinosaurs develop rapidly in this business. IT is not easy! It does require effort and intelligence and DEDICATION. Recognizing the role that IT and IT Staff play in the business process is crucial to its effective utilization… and that understanding at the IT worker level is a must have.

While you likely don’t have the MD title, the work you perform is every bit as important to the success of the business as a Doctor is to the health of a patient. Take it seriously and the value you provide to the Org. will in no way be questioned and the health of the org. will be obvious for all to see.

TAFN

Not Alone...

I was reviewing some materials on IT Leadership and training opportunities and ran across a training entitled: “Meeting the Global IT Challenge” Part of the description of the content is:--“A growing body of research indicates that executives and managers often perceive that IT investments are not as efficient or effective as they could be, and IT professionals need to enhance their abilities to add value by “providing relevant business solutions.””

While the comment about Exec’s not perceiving value in some IT projects came as nothing new, the comment about IT professionals following it did. The point is that they did NOT say just CIO’s or IT Director’s or even IT Manager’s need to enhance….the comment was “IT professionals need to enhance their abilities to add value…” It’s not a one man show in that the CIO or IT Manager just isn’t looked upon as the Holy Grail any longer….the entire TEAM is expected to “add value,” specifically by providing relevant business solutions.

Perhaps I’m fond of the comment because it is exactly how I feel and somewhat to the point of other Bloggings I’ve posted here. But, the fact remains, others are espousing it too! IT must provide relevant business value…it is expected and even demanded. IT employees if they hope to be successful in the field must embrace this change and develop skills that provide that value. Gone are the days when you could just understand the technology and get it work… Now the expectation is that IT employees (not just IT Management) understand the technology and also understand the business and how to provide technology solutions to move the business forward.
It’s a thought process. It’s a maturity and growth process that frankly was inevitable. Just as more and more Conservation employees are understanding technology better and demanding its implementation…..we too as IT employees should grow and understand more about the business of Conservation and in doing that, we will be better positioned to provide value.

I believe we recognized this trend several years ago with the advent of the FCS positions. The thinking with those folks was that they would understanding technology and yet dig deeper into the work that Conservation was doing. As a result, we could provide recommendations/solutions to help them accomplish their work. So at this point, it is apparent that the entire IT GROUP must more closely model that scenario than what is being done currently. Not one aspect of IT is excluded from this need to grow and mature into more integration with the business of Conservation.

The creation of the BA positions recently also point towards this need to become more “in tune” with the business side. We’re making progress and it has been slower that I would prefer….but moving is good and moving forward is better….I’m committed to continuing to find ways to help grow staff towards being the type of IT employee that Conservation needs….and deserves.

You in?

TAFN

Destiny...

Greatness is a matter of conscious choice and discipline…

Well it’s the last Friday of FY ’07, which brings another fiscal year to a close. Looking back…it’s been a challenging year for many of us in IT. Many things have been done to help Conservation employees do their jobs: from repairing broken computers to improving applications, all these tasks help Conservation employees address resource issues. You are typically unsung heroes in this fight to improve and provide for Fish, Forest, and Wildlife Management.

Not much of what you do ever makes the big news for this Org. and yet I consider technology at the very heart and soul of what this org. accomplishes on a daily basis and will only be more critical moving forward. We are like that internal organ of the human body….few (if anyone) ever see it, and yet without it the body wouldn’t/couldn’t function. Your efforts are appreciated even if rarely spoken!

As we jump right into a new Fiscal Year, the challenges only continue to mount. I think that is a good thing! The opportunity to bring new solutions to Conservation is exciting. Being a part of a Team that understands the Conservation Mission and who work hard to provide solutions to business problems is rewarding. Thank you! …and I look forward to continued success in the coming year.
----------------------------
Because I was asked….here is my “meme” (List 8 Random Facts/Habits About Me) and I will not propagate it further…
1) I was born on Thanksgiving Day….after the main meal was complete.
2) I love to weight train, (provides an opp for competition with nobody as a loser).
3) I love NHRA type races, especially Funny Cars.
4) I moved to MO from Nebraska when I was 13.
5) I am James Edward the 3rd….and no there were no plans to have one named the 4th.
6) My favorite meal: Roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh corn, sweet rice and bread (Mom’s is the best)
7) Best car I ever owned: 69 Chevelle
8) I have no musical ability, but do have a keen ear for music (volume, pitch, harmony, etc)

TAFN

A New Dawn...

New beginnings….

What’s not to like about the sound of those two words together? To most people, when they use or hear those words, it is truly a positive thing. No different in the case I will use today. I believe we are on the initial edge of a “New Beginning” within the Technical Services Group (TSG). Recent changes both programmatic and personnel wise (and with more changes promised,) have opened some doors to changing the way the TSG conducts its work.

The most recent news of a Development Staffer relocating to a work place that more closely fits his individual needs, serves as yet another opportunity to bring about some positive change. This vacant position will be re-evaluated on a larger scale to determine where and how is the best way to proceed. Rest assured that there are a number of opportunities that will present themselves during the review process of that position, from a simple refill to perhaps more creative solutions. I tend to be more excited about the “creative solutions”…but we’ll have to wait and see what appears to be the best solution. Stay tuned…

With the advent of the Team concept for Application Development, new beginnings are underway to improving work flow and delivery of product. A perfect example of how effectual this process can be is through the Ag Crop development process. The Lead Developer experienced an unplanned; extended absence…another team member was redirected to continue the work in the program to help ensure the release date was met. Even though the Lead was out for weeks…the application development continued and will certainly meet the original promised release date. THAT is a perfect example of new beginnings that pay dividends. Without that change, the application would have laid dormant until the Lead returned to resume work. I happen to believe the change is positive.

Drop shipping on the Desktop Technology side will likely add significant value and opportunity for change within this group too. Last FY years’ numbers reflect that Desktop group spent one FTE in the seat of a vehicle traveling to conduct PC replacements. That’s a lot of seat time and as you might guess…non productive time. All of the hard work that this group has put into developing a plan to drop ship PC’s to our customers and conduct remote builds/configurations will no doubt add great value. The time savings from this task alone will enable Technical Staff to focus on other projects, including R&D which is sorely needed in this Org.

Another first….CI-IT! This change brings about a method to ensure that the entire Agency’s view of what is important to writing software is in place. We are an Agency resource and focusing on smaller projects or allowing the distractions of the “squeaky wheel” detract from the work that move the entire Agency forward. Our efforts should be broad brushed and concentrated on what Leadership determines to be the most important thing to Conservation. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a project that the Agency’s Leadership says: “This is our number one priority for Conservation.” That direction will help focus our limited resource on the important things. Another good move….

I could go on for pages here talking about other new beginnings/changes that have taken place…some more subtle than others….but the point is:

Change is needed;
Change is happening and
Change will continue.

Attitude and acceptance of these changes will be crucial to our success. While change isn’t always simple or easy…it can be very beneficial. Those who have the ability to recognize the need for change and the desire to ensure its success are as one with our new direction. On the other hand, it’s easier to sit back and be critical….frankly my opinion is that is a Cowards way of doing business… Lying in wait for any new idea to jump on and criticize. I think if you will take notice and analyze this person…likely you will see that they are the ones who have no ideas of their own, they don’t offer suggestions on how to improve anything. They are almost like a cancer of sorts….feeding on the good and causing destruction in their path.

But of course we don’t have those types of folks working here, so we have the added advantage of high quality staff with a professional mentality. It’s all about the people….You reap what you sow…your efforts are rewarded to the extent of the energy you exert…the good outweighs the bad. We have much work to do in the future and many new opportunities will arise. Professionalism, high energy, commitment and support will ensure those goals are met…..for everyone.

I look forward to the new challenges that await the TSG. Yes, there will be bumps and there may even be some growth pains…but if we all focus on the goal---Which is to move Conservation forward from a Technology standpoint---then those efforts AND results will be positive.

TAFN

Facts of Life...

“…sometimes, your best just ain’t good enough…” Ever heard those words? I have…and they have guided me and my actions for many years. While on the surface the quote likely sounds quite harsh and knowing that it came from my father may seem even worse. No, my father is not a harsh uncaring man, rather just the opposite.

Those words were spoken to me when I was a teenager and in the middle of a “life lesson” where I was acting, (as my Mother would say), “a little too big for my britches.” My father and I were having a discussion about some family tasks that needed to be completed before I took the family car to town. He was pointing out that I was neglecting some of the chores around the farm that I was responsible for and driving the family car required that I pull my weight too. Never missing many opportunities to open my mouth….I lashed out in true teenager style about how unfair life was to a young man, namely me. I ranted on about how hard I worked and how much effort I put into EVERYTHING I do…..I yelled at him that I was doing “the best I can…” His calm reply to me… “Well, if this is your best effort…It’s time you learned that, sometimes, your best ain’t good enough.”

Those words have stuck with me to this day….while some may interpret other meanings…I knew my Dad and I KNEW what he meant. He was dead on…as usual. Although I really didn’t know the meaning of the word back then and likely didn’t care too much…I had experienced a Paradigm Shift. The moment had arrived for my –“fundamental change in approach or assumptions.”

Those words opened my eyes to a new way of thinking…My thoughts prior to the event, were that I was doing everything I could possibly do and as such nothing more was needed ….and yet the reality was that: It wasn’t good enough for someone! Wow!! My eyes were opened! It wasn’t all about me. There were others to consider and my value wasn’t just based upon what I thought of myself. My value was measured in different terms than just my own…so just because I “thought” I was doing everything I could….in reality it didn’t appear that way to others. Hmmmm

The fundamental shift for me included the realization that I must grow even further…because it was obvious that my standards of best or good enough, etc. just wasn’t going to get it. So the process began where the value of Jim Garr wasn’t just being based upon a self perception. I realized that sometimes my view of myself was biased…no in fact it was clouded, muddied if you will by my own blindness. I wanted my efforts, as great or as slight as they may be….to be good enough. My father kindly pointed out…it’s not that way junior.

I look around today and I feel I meet people in the world who didn’t have the type of father that I did. It is obvious to me that no one taught them the same lesson in their life. Some have no clue about the need to grow…the need to stretch mind, body, and soul. They are missing a basic understanding that not everyone’s view of who and what you are is the same as yours. I believe it related to understanding a bigger picture of things….not staying in your own little shallow corner of existence. An understanding of when we think we have it all…. that is generally the first clue we are missing something.

My takeaway…never assume you are doing all you can possibly do. Look for other ways, better ways, quicker ways, less costly ways, etc. An old saying I used to use in my Collegiate Basketball days to gauge whether or not I had any more to give is:”If you left your guts on the floor, then you’ve done all you can…” If you haven’t done that…then you haven‘t given it your best effort. I often wonder how different work and family life would be if everyone put that much effort into it.

Yes, I did get to use the family car….after promising to make up for less than 100% effort.

To this day, my measure of success IS NOT based upon my criteria alone…that would be too shallow. I thank my Dad for the education to help me understand, it is bigger than me… Why would anyone settle for something less than best effort?

TAFN

Two Way Traffic...

A recent jaunt to Johnson City, TN gave me ample opportunity to do some thinking on quite a number of fronts, as you might imagine. One thought that was spurred by the numerous highway construction sites we encountered on the trip. Traffic in those areas was slow and congested, typically a result on the road narrowing to one lane. But, in one particular case the traffic issue was due to One Way traffic. As I sat there hoping for a fast resolution, my thoughts drifted to good ole work.

I got to thinking about how many times in my career I’ve been exposed to situations that I’ll analogize as One Way traffic. A very basic human characteristic is that we are chronic complainers. People are almost always quick to criticize or complain about something and rarely make or take the effort to understand whatever it is any better. Rather, they will spend a great deal of effort complaining about the way things are….rather than channeling that effort into understanding why things are the way they appear….better yet….spend some time trying to positively bring about a change…or in other words---trying to COMMUNICATE.

Most of my career with this Org. has been in some time of supervisory role. Countless times exist where an employee has criticized me or the Org. because of some decision or directive. While I certainly lay no claims towards perfection or as having all of the answers, I have been employed to making decisions and setting some direction…..and as such, my efforts are geared towards that end. I thought back on some of the history and tried to identify what it was that was central to the exchange. I break my trance….traffic still a dead stop---as the one way traffic coming towards me funnels past. It occurs to me… Aha!

ONE WAY TRAFFIC! That was it….for whatever reason in many of those cases I was thinking about, was due to one way traffic. Information was exchanged in only one direction--- The other party didn’t think they had a voice, a say in the decision and was upset as a result. I challenged this thought---Hmmm, not that unusual I think—as a child, Mom and Dad direct, in grade school through high school, the instructors direct. In college, the Profs direct…in my early years with this Org. they direct….today my Super directs. At home my wife directs…etc, etc, etc…. OK so it’s not like people aren’t used to be told what to do and when to do it. So what’s the difference?

The difference in many cases is that the other party doesn’t like the decision/direction because it directly impacts them in some way. The decision, whatever it is, requires some effort from this person. (If you haven’t noticed, few folks complain about issues that don’t affect them…) As a result, they don’t like it…from this point on it’s a wrong or bad decision/direction and the complaints will start to roll. Rather than stand up and address the issue with the decision maker, most folks choose to instead just complain.

Try to see it from this perspective…When the unhappy person made decision that they disliked the decision/direction if the thought process had been…”I think I’ll ask for some time with “Jim” and ask about the (insert your issue here), problem, and see why that decision was made AND let him know why I don’t think it’s a good move…” WOW!! Epiphany material!! The decision to communicate with the other person to identify all of the factors that went into their decision and discuss it with them would likely add another perspective to the situation. Perhaps even help alleviate some concern or misperceptions.

Unfortunately, in my experience that rarely happens. I believe it takes a very mature person to arrive at that type of thought process. But, once that maturity is attained, the results can be spectacular for the company and the supervisor/employee relationship. It’s called mutual respect. No harm comes as a result of mutual respect…in fact in my experience…only positives have resulted from that type of relationship.

As the work force changes and expectations about the work environment also shift, that maturity and code of conduct will be essential. I see it more and more every day in the generation just now entering the work force. They are willing to step up and ask the questions…they are willing to ask for time to discuss issues that are relevant to them. They will have a much better understanding (and relationship) with their employer because they are willing to assume some ownership on the issue. They are willing to discuss it…to find out more…to grow. Hence this type of relationship becomes a TWO WAY traffic situation….and that is ALL GOOD.

As we work towards moving Conservation forward from a technology perspective….lets all make a vow today to communicate more often and make it of better quality….with our customers, with other staff, with our supervisors and leadership. The results will certainly be a more informed, mature workforce that is spending less time complaining about things (aka doing nothing productive) and more time focused on improving them.

My efforts at improving traffic flow?.....I encourage each and every one of you to stop in my office sometime…ask a question…try to gain (OR provide) additional perspective. If you have a situation that doesn’t make sense to you, let’s talk about it…otherwise ONE of us is sitting dead still on the Interstate of life, watching the other lane move past us…

TAFN

Sticks and Stones...

Yesterday’s entry was a bit long so I’ll make an effort to keep it shorter today. It’s been a long week….and now we’re “in the short rows” and I welcome the weekend. A chance to be with family and friends, catch up around the house and recharge the brain and body.

On the radio I have often heard a commercial for a remodeling company that uses the tagline, “First impressions are instant and very difficult to change.” Wow! I thought it was quite clever and actually brutally honest. It’s one of those sayings that can be either a good thing or a not so good thing…depending upon who is saying it and in what context. I’ve thought back over this past week on some of the more “fun” issues I was privileged to have been exposed too. Some of the words are still ringing in my ears….Some of those words (and the meaning/intent) can be positive or not so positive, it’s all a matter of PERSPECTIVE …for example:
1) That’s water under the bridge…
2) Are you sure…?
3) Of course, last time we didn’t have any problems…
4) I think you’re close….
5) I don’t know you very well…
6) Sorry…

Communication and more importantly, CLEAR communication can be the difference between someone leaving with a good feeling versus a not so good feeling. As youngsters, we’ve likely all heard or perhaps used a chant that went something to the way of: “Stick and Stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me…” Well, it might have served a purpose back then to try to bluff someone into thinking that what was being said wasn’t bothering you…but really it was. Not any different today…the words chosen can and do have a significant impact on those around us.

As technical staff some of the words we use are somewhat foreign to many people. We tend to use acronyms and IT related jargon. When people don’t understand your words, two things tend to happen…either they insert their own word(s) or thinking or they start to tune you out. Neither of which is overly positive. While in our case the use of acronyms and jargon isn’t typically meant to harm or belittle…it can be interpreted that way. Others may feel a sense of inadequacy or they may feel you are trying to “talk above them.” No one really likes that situation.

So when we communicate in any situation, think about what you want and what you have to say. Consider your audience and their position…then communicate your thought. I believe there will be less chance for misunderstanding or hard feelings.

As far as my experiences this past week…I tend to believe most of the examples I listed were harmless, but if different words or sentences had been used, likely I would have had no initial doubts. AS a now famous man has told most of us time and time again: “If you are not sick and tired of communicating, then you are not doing it enough…” Let’s make sure our communication is clear and easily understood and not open to second guessing.

TAFN

Bottom Right....

Even though I knew what to expect it was still nice to get that letter in the mail this evening when I got home. A letter from the Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation….informing me that I was going to be receiving a raise in my July 31st pay check. Welcome news for me and my family!

The letter reminded me of an earlier conversation that I had with an IT Staffer about worker productivity and giving the Org. what they are paying for. Our conversation took numerous twists and turns as you might expect, but what stuck out in my mind was our dialogue about hours worked and the expectations. Somehow the conversation got to the point the question was asked, “How many hours per day is the Org. paying you for?”…I think we both agreed they were paying for a minimum of eight, (more so I believe they are paying for “whatever it takes” but, that is another point). So we tried to pick that eight hours down a little in terms of what could be the “typical” day for an employee.

We painted a scenario similar to the following: Typical work hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employee walks in the building door at 7:58 a.m., makes their way to their desk, flips on the light and fires up the workaholic (their PC). AS it is booting they put their water bottle somewhere and decide to get a cup of coffee while they wait for the PC. They see their neighbor on the way to the coffee machine, say the courtesy hello and ask how the evening went with the kids. All is well and head to the java machine…..someone else is pouring coffee so I’ll squeeze in a bathroom break so they can really be focused and productive when they get back to their desk. Down with the restroom visit, grab a cup of coffee---say hey to the CIO on the way by and head back to the work space. Sit down at the desk and FINALLY the PC is waiting for log on, they log on and PC loads profile, start-up programs etc. They are ready to rock and roll for Conservation. Bottom right of the flat panel monitor says the Atomic Time is 8: 12 a.m.

Employee begins checking email and replies to a few, they check a few of the RSS news feed relating to their work and then get settled into serious work. Phone rings, it’s the kid, “Can I go to the pool with Jason today,” …..Sure kid be careful, obey the lifeguard, lock your bicycle at the pool and wear sunscreen! OK, now where was I….OH yeah, work….(bottom right says it’s 8:44 a.m.). The “work” begins in earnest now…a solid 35 minutes is spent head down, focused and getting `er done. Hmmm, what’s that feeling in my lower abdomen?....they glance at the time keep bottom right---it says 9:19 a.m….sure could use that second cup of “joe” and a quick potty break…off they go… Along the way, Charlie is in his office…a quick, polite shout out to him and they take the change to stab him a little about how poorly “his” Cardinals are playing. A little kidding and they move on to the task at hand. Finish the body functions, grab a fresh hot cup of liquid caffeine and back to work. Bottom right says 9:28 a.m. MORE work now….

They notice a few folks walk by their office door….they look bottom right….man it’s 10:00 o’clock already!! Time for my morning smoke break with the gang. They grab their smokes and head outside to the “permitted area” and inhale some carcinogens. Someone comments well, we better get back in there before the “time nazi” says something about our taking too long a break---back inside now and they sit down at their desk….bottom right says 10:19, close enough to 15 they think.

More work!...really focused this time, gettin` things done now. A few phone calls later, more PC work and one visit from the boss and they notice DANG! It’s already 11:55…I better take a quick potty break so I can get to lunch. Off to lunch they go….the Grub and Chub is really busy today so it takes a little longer than they expected, but you know what, the work ain’t goin` anywhere, it’ll be there no matter what time I get back. They finish the grub and head back to work. Sit down and begin the afternoon of chores…bottom right now says 1:14 p.m.

A meeting at 1:30 in the Conference room so they check the email quickly and reply to a couple and figure I better get to the meeting…but better visit the restroom first, it may be a long meeting. Meetings over and man it was a time waster! Back to the desk at 2:45. Check email again, that dang stuff really piles up! Cool I got one from Bobby---a quick shout out to him and confirm the plans for Friday night. A crowd shuffles past the door again….MAN it’s break time!!! Great, I’m ready for some fresh air after that boring meeting. Out they go….that cancer stick sure tastes good. Some dialogue with the others present, mostly about how fast their darn grass is growing and time to head in. They contemplate… how come breaks go so fast and work time just drags by…..?

Down at their desk and right on time…bottom right says 3:17 p.m. Back to the grind….recheck email to see if Bobby has responded and they reply to some work stuff. More work now…. They notice the room has darkened somewhat, they look over their shoulder and notice it’s darker outside….they hear a distant rumble….WHAT? the channel 8 weather goddess didn’t say anything about rain…they left their windows cracked so the heat could escape. A quick check on weather.com and sure enough a band or red is on the way. They select “map in motion” to see how quickly the storm has been moving…coming fast and looks potent. ON the way out, they announce to their friends…”rain is coming, if you’re windows are down…better get out there!” Out to the car, windows up and back inside before one drop touches the ground…Success!! They think, I better call home and see if Jason is back from the pool. They call, yes he’s home, a short visit about the scuffle in the restroom at the pool and the conversation ends. Bottom right 4:22

Martha stops by the door at 4:27 on her way home (she works flex time). She pokes her head in and asks if I’ve heard about John….NO, they say, what happened. A quick story is told about the horrible seafood incident that put John on the disable list for two days. She heads out complaining about not having her umbrella. Bottom right 4:35 p.m.

Another check of the email…crap, the boss wants to meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. to discuss projects---they wanted to come in a little “late” tomorrow as tonight is the poker game and usually is a long night. Oh well, suck it up….it is work. Scan the email….COOL! Bobby has replied….they read it and send a quick note back….no problem they think…it’s rare I do any “personal” stuff. They look bottom right thinking…”it has to be close to 5, this has been a long day”…sure enough the time keeper says 4:53 p.m. I better get ready to go they think….a quick potty break before the ride home, grab my stuff out of the fridge and back to my desk to shut down that dang machine that makes me work….They select the shutdown command and the last flicker bottom right says 4:58 p.m. They grab the umbrella and get out the door thinking…”I’m a couple minutes behind…I hate the traffic right at 5…”

….and the day is done! They have put in their “8”

Perhaps you’ve drudged through this long “tale” and are thinking….that’s a bunch of …..baloney. That’s horribly exaggerated and not true. If that is true and you are giving the Org. what they are paying for…they there is no issue. If you are not, now is a good time to rededicate your efforts to the job.

While the story, may be fictional….I’ll offer that it happens and without much guilt or remorse from the employee. The staffer and I further surmised that there is a mindset with “some” employees that they feel this Org. owes them….for whatever reason. Taking small liberties like in the story above, really don’t matter…”it’s only a few minutes a day…” Well those minutes add up over the course of a week, month, year…lifetime!! I read an article several months ago about worker productivity---their data showed that the MOST an employer could hope for would be a 75% worker productivity rate. Even though they are paying for 100%.....
Minutes do count and the fact is that we are being paid for a solid 8 and then some….

TAFN

Where Do You Stand....?

Where do you fit in with the age old adage?
LEAD-- FOLLOW-- or GET OUT OF THE WAY

Are you doing what you can to lead? Are you putting forth the effort to demonstrate you are willing to lead....willing to make the tough decisions--even if unpopular? Making the easy call is NOT being a leader...making the ones that may be unpopular, (but none the less best for the Org.), are tough but needed. Are you willing to change "your" idea/plan to make room for better ideas? Do you allow room for negotiations...do you invite in an alternate view in order to arrive at the best answer? Or do you hold fast only to your idea? ...or

Do you follow....are you supportive of those who do are willing to lead?...or perhaps you're one that smiles and nods your head when you are around a supervisor acknowledging agreement and then head back to your work space to criticize every word that they said? Or are you one that provides the support both in word and deed that respects the word and direction of your leadership. ...or

Are you trying to get out of the way? Just buying time, hoping the issue passes without you having to break a sweat. Do you try to keep things nice and orderly in your corner of the world---don’t rock my boat. I've heard it said MORE than once---"laying low", "trying not to be noticed..." I just don’t see how that is productive, nor do I think that is what the Org is paying for.

Well I'm willing to say that I want and need two of the previously mentioned folks on my teams; well intentioned leaders and supportive followers. Anyone else has a detrimental effect on the progress of the Org.

I like Leaders---those who lead for the good of the cause. Those who are looking for ways to challenge and improve beyond where and what we are today. I favor those who are willing to make a stand because it is the RIGHT thing to do---not just because it's an easy thing to do. Positions of leadership are not easy. Frequently they may be unpopular due to decisions that may vary from popular opinion or perhaps they have made a decision that didn't make it "easy" for others. If the decision is based upon what is right, then the decision is proper. I don't expect everyone to fully understand that line of thinking....I'll tell you why.

It's in part a matter of perspective, your view of the world and the situation. Not everyone can fully comprehend, nor appreciate, the sheer magnitude of being a good Leader. Throughout my life I have been blessed with reasonably good promotions and new challenges. Each time I progressed "up the ladder" I saw things in a different light. i.e. When I first started back in 1982, my task was to mow grass, camouflage blinds, check in waterfowl hunters and manage water manipulations on ONE Conservation area. That was my world.

I took on another job that involved similar tasks, but on several areas and now required that I supervise the work of others. Wow, my eyes opened considerably--I not only had to worry about me, but now about others and their struggles. Then I moved on again to take on responsibility for people and programs for an entire District---now even more things to consider. Competing thoughts, wants, desires. I had more people to be concerned with. My world grew some more.

Next I was provided the opportunity to supervise and manage a number of Conservation Areas in several counties. Then I moved on to providing my services and oversight of 1/3 of the state. Talk about an eye opener! My view had changed...what used to be important to me locally, now had to be evaluated on a much larger scale.

Skipping ahead, now my responsibilities include management and supervisor of a number of people, programs, and projects for the entire state. My perspective has grown even more. No longer can I consider just what is important to one small area or person in the State. I must consider what is best for the entire State---make my decision based upon the "greater good"...not just what is good for one small part of it. Yep, your decisions and perspective does change--I can vouch for that. It has too...but if you haven't experienced those leaps or in some other way gained that insight....likely you will continue to view and make your decisions based upon you own little view of the world.

Now, back to the point---Leaders make the call based upon the greater good---not what is happening in a small corner of the Org or what is best for one person. It must be bigger than that. At times, those decisions may be unpopular and perhaps some cannot even comprehend why that decision would have been made to start with....but perhaps that person should expand their horizons and try to look at it from another perspective.

And of course those who are defined as followers (supporters) are a good thing too. One who follows another typically does so for two reasons: 1) no other choice and 2) because they support the direction and decision of the Leader. I want the latter on this Team. I desire those who are willing to put in the sweat equity to make the program better. We don't need robots or zombies who blindly follow along. We need THINKING supporters who will do what it takes to make us successful...AND who are willing to speak up and offer suggestions and ideas to make it even better.

As for the "get out of the way" folks....they are just that...a hindrance. A road block to success and those folks are obvious to everyone, not just the Leader(s). Their time is short lived unless they decide to get off of dead center and take a position and join the TEAM.

We have a very bright future in the IT arena within this Org. I'm excited about the future technology tools that we can and will bring to bear. But it will take committed, fully engaged, supportive followers and Leaders to bring it all together. I, for one have signed up for that challenge....What Say You?

TAFN