Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The future . . .

Teleconference Tips 2

When holding a teleconference, set ground rules in advance. While it's best that the group determine the ground rules, here are a few suggestions:
  1. everyone turn off their cell phones
  2. everyone turn off their email and email reminders
  3. everyone open / print the agenda and have it in front of them
  4. no driving or engaging in any other activity (except perhaps drinking something)
  5. everyone put phone on mute except when speaking (so we don't hear you drinking!)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Teleconference tips

When holding a teleconference, ask everyone to call in from separate work spaces. When 2 or more people sit together, they engage in activities that reduce the team's effectiveness:
  1. passing notes or whispering -- excludes others who are not colocated. Often these other folks can tell there is some side conversation elsewhere even when the mute button is on -- suddenly there is dead air and no one is responding to their comments. Also, while the 2 or more people are engaged in their side conversation, they miss information others share.
  2. facial and physical gestures that imply disagreement or annoyance -- things that most people would not do in a meeting where everyone can see them
The optimum solution is to have everyone virtual.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Culture vs Strategy

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
Attributed to Peter Drucker

What do you think? I believe that the culture must support the strategy, or the people will sabotage (perhaps even inadvertently) the outcome. Yet, even dedicated people cannot make a really bad idea work.

I believe the two are interdependent. Neither can survive without the other.

What are your thoughts?

Sorry I've been gone so long

Hello everyone. I apologize for being "gone" for the last month +. I've been working 'round the clock but that is no excuse.

I'll try to share some useful information and if there are any topics you'd like me to investigate or comment on, please let me know. You an always comment in the "Ask Illysa" section.