1,2,3 listen to me.
There is a bit of disagreement coming out today around the concept of charter schools.
Interestingly the PPTA is strongly against this idea and the thought of "unqualified" teachers getting hold of our kids.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
In general I would agree with Sir Ken Robinson that modern schooling is outrageously outdated.
Instead of recognizing this and embracing a new concept why can't the PPTA embrace a new idea.
They admit on TV that many school kids are not receiving the education they require. It's easy to blame the kids.
I would be very happy sending a child to a charter school that had good links to entrepreneurs or business leaders where they are taught by a mix of qualified teachers as well as the unqualified with more world experience - as a side note the best teacher I had at school was in his late 30's and had stopped working in the city to teach.
The PPTA reaction seems only to support the evidence that they are the ones out of touch here.
Share owners...or should we just share more.
Share owner is a bit of a of a misnomer.
Share implies making joint use of a resource where as really our intention from share ownership is to increase our personal wealth, not the community or collective wealth.
I work for a publicly listed company.
My company has been sued in the US on a patent infringement.
The share price goes down.
To counter the share price fall, sales need to go up to get investor confidence back, projects and resources are cut back and I lose commissions because my sales targets are now too high. Over all sales go up slightly and the share owners are happyish again.
Similarly a global competitor to my company guarantees 10% growth for their shareholders EVERY YEAR.
In a mature market where you have a large share of the market how do you acheive that. Sales targets up, resources and innovation down, redundancies.
If the effort to keep a handful of shareholders happy was instead focused on the company and the wider community it interacts with would we not have better work places and maybe a more profitable society?
Who really wins though. The tax accountants and lawyers.
Share implies making joint use of a resource where as really our intention from share ownership is to increase our personal wealth, not the community or collective wealth.
I work for a publicly listed company.
My company has been sued in the US on a patent infringement.
The share price goes down.
To counter the share price fall, sales need to go up to get investor confidence back, projects and resources are cut back and I lose commissions because my sales targets are now too high. Over all sales go up slightly and the share owners are happyish again.
Similarly a global competitor to my company guarantees 10% growth for their shareholders EVERY YEAR.
In a mature market where you have a large share of the market how do you acheive that. Sales targets up, resources and innovation down, redundancies.
If the effort to keep a handful of shareholders happy was instead focused on the company and the wider community it interacts with would we not have better work places and maybe a more profitable society?
Who really wins though. The tax accountants and lawyers.
Politicians. Discuss.
I briefly watched one of those droning political programs on Sunday morning where the two new Labour leadership contenders were waxing lyrical about how they were the right candidate.
Me, me, me is all I heard.
I can do this, I'll be the best, I'll do that.
"I am the first servant of the state"
This quote is attributed to Frederick the Great.
How different would it be in this day and age to have a humble leader that took this view.
Me, me, me is all I heard.
I can do this, I'll be the best, I'll do that.
"I am the first servant of the state"
This quote is attributed to Frederick the Great.
How different would it be in this day and age to have a humble leader that took this view.
Losing your culture
I recently went to Rarotonga.
Such a beautiful place, friendly people and rich culture.
Just though...
It was interesting talking to the locals however to see the effect that the world is having on this small slice of paradise.
The local government (in a modern parliamentary form) was globally ridiculed as useless and run by drunks.
The local culture from the top down is still being eroded since the first arrival of the first Europeans.
Some locals were saying that the local tribal leaders were gaining more traction and respect from the locals.
Wouldn't that be great to see a small Island reclaiming its traditional leadership structure.
Looking at how the NZ Maori are treated compared to Rarotongan or Cook Island Maori also creates some interesting thoughts.
Firstly the whole Treaty of Waitangi settlements is really laughable when you consider that the NZ Maori are descendants of the Cook Islands, so what now of the CIM's decide to seek payment from the NZM's!!??
This doesn't even take into consideration the fact that when the Maoris got here they ate all the Moriori who were at the point the technical indigenous population...
The minimum wage in Raro is $5. A loaf of bread is around $4... And yet you can stay in a beach side resort for $800 or more a night in a hotel that pays minimal rent.
Add to that the fact that ALL the food that is not produced locally is imported by ONE PERSON (a foreigner) you can see why the natives are restless.
The NZ Maori want their cake, eat it and want more.
Raro seems to be in a perfect position to adopt a New Barbarian mindset.
First off they need to cut all the processed food from the menu. They have tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and numerous other fish on tap, fresh mango, banana and kumara out of their ears.
You don't need a car to survive on Raro, it's 32km around. Ditch the western "need" for all the extra stuff and get back to fishing and subsistence farming of crops.
If the tribes got organised they could easily demand more than $5 an hour from these foreign owned businesses.
All this done in a positive way would surely spread more wealth ultimately and secure the culture that is as under threat as ours is from the Coca Colas and others of the world.
Such a beautiful place, friendly people and rich culture.
Just though...
It was interesting talking to the locals however to see the effect that the world is having on this small slice of paradise.
The local government (in a modern parliamentary form) was globally ridiculed as useless and run by drunks.
The local culture from the top down is still being eroded since the first arrival of the first Europeans.
Some locals were saying that the local tribal leaders were gaining more traction and respect from the locals.
Wouldn't that be great to see a small Island reclaiming its traditional leadership structure.
Looking at how the NZ Maori are treated compared to Rarotongan or Cook Island Maori also creates some interesting thoughts.
Firstly the whole Treaty of Waitangi settlements is really laughable when you consider that the NZ Maori are descendants of the Cook Islands, so what now of the CIM's decide to seek payment from the NZM's!!??
This doesn't even take into consideration the fact that when the Maoris got here they ate all the Moriori who were at the point the technical indigenous population...
The minimum wage in Raro is $5. A loaf of bread is around $4... And yet you can stay in a beach side resort for $800 or more a night in a hotel that pays minimal rent.
Add to that the fact that ALL the food that is not produced locally is imported by ONE PERSON (a foreigner) you can see why the natives are restless.
The NZ Maori want their cake, eat it and want more.
Raro seems to be in a perfect position to adopt a New Barbarian mindset.
First off they need to cut all the processed food from the menu. They have tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and numerous other fish on tap, fresh mango, banana and kumara out of their ears.
You don't need a car to survive on Raro, it's 32km around. Ditch the western "need" for all the extra stuff and get back to fishing and subsistence farming of crops.
If the tribes got organised they could easily demand more than $5 an hour from these foreign owned businesses.
All this done in a positive way would surely spread more wealth ultimately and secure the culture that is as under threat as ours is from the Coca Colas and others of the world.
You HAVE to be joking!
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10766634.
If you think for a second that you are not part of a post-industrial manufacturing complex that wants to squeeze every $ out of you surely this will convince you.
If the frozen food industry can convince a government that pizza sauce is a vegetable to protect their industry what the hell are the really nasty, globe destroying industries doing to keep them at max profit generation.
If you think for a second that you are not part of a post-industrial manufacturing complex that wants to squeeze every $ out of you surely this will convince you.
If the frozen food industry can convince a government that pizza sauce is a vegetable to protect their industry what the hell are the really nasty, globe destroying industries doing to keep them at max profit generation.
NZ Couriers - you are broken!
How can a service company make it so difficult to use them!!!
First of all they rely on finding the pick up location by a phone number. In it self not such a bad idea, unless you are on the road and don't have access to that information.
Second you can book a job on an account and you are given a reference number should you need to track it. However they can't actually track off that information - you have to ring your customer yourself for confirmation that it has been picked up.
Finally my client specified a location where all the couriers collect from. That's not good enough for NZ Couriers.
They want me to call my customer and get them to move the item from the location all other couriers pick up form to the one they would prefer.
Oh well at least now they have one less customer to be worried about!
BOZOS!!!!
First of all they rely on finding the pick up location by a phone number. In it self not such a bad idea, unless you are on the road and don't have access to that information.
Second you can book a job on an account and you are given a reference number should you need to track it. However they can't actually track off that information - you have to ring your customer yourself for confirmation that it has been picked up.
Finally my client specified a location where all the couriers collect from. That's not good enough for NZ Couriers.
They want me to call my customer and get them to move the item from the location all other couriers pick up form to the one they would prefer.
Oh well at least now they have one less customer to be worried about!
BOZOS!!!!
Pointless
I currently work for a California based company that has as a major part of its ethos a huge reliance on promotion of a certain corporate culture.
Well that is all well and good to a degree.
How much can you export a culture though internationally? Is that so healthy for non US employees?
For example we have to nominate someone in the company for any outstanding work that has been done. YOU HAVE TO VOTE. No exceptions. Even if you can't think of any reasons to nominate anyone.
Or even if someone who is generally not doing a great job does something out of the ordinary they can get an award.
Utter pointlessness.In the US I think that works. In NZ I don't think that works. You are just doing your job.
Well that is all well and good to a degree.
How much can you export a culture though internationally? Is that so healthy for non US employees?
For example we have to nominate someone in the company for any outstanding work that has been done. YOU HAVE TO VOTE. No exceptions. Even if you can't think of any reasons to nominate anyone.
Or even if someone who is generally not doing a great job does something out of the ordinary they can get an award.
Utter pointlessness.In the US I think that works. In NZ I don't think that works. You are just doing your job.
Arrogance vs Humility
Watching undercover boss on TV tonight I am amazed that a CEO of a company can be nervous about standing in front of a small room of people.
Similarly, I remember undertaking a presentation course with a group of sales people where one of them was also scared of presenting I front of 5 people - maybe you are in the wrong gig..?
In the wider business skill set I feel that I could take on most jobs or tasks with a reasonable chance of success. Is that healthy though? Is that arrogant?
Is it better to be arrogant and think that you can give anything a go? Is there a fine line between arrogance and confidence?
If someone asks you if you are arrogant you can't really win. If you say yes then you are, if you say no then that will more than likely reinforce the perception of the inquisitor that you are!
Self doubt in my mind is more destructive, and on balance I'd rather take on more than I can chew than say no because I don't back myself and do nothing.
That being said I think you can be arrogant internally to drive yourself further but you need to be humble in your dealings with others. Unless you are Gordon Ramsey...
Gordon Bennett.
I noticed Gordon Ramsey was on TV today.
Forthright, bolshy and arrogant?
Maybe, however, look at what he has and continues to achieve.
If we all channeled a bit of Gordon would the world function a bit better?
Imagine Gordon in charge of a large multinational or the country.
Not sure how Angela Merkel would appreciate being called "big boy" though...
Forthright, bolshy and arrogant?
Maybe, however, look at what he has and continues to achieve.
If we all channeled a bit of Gordon would the world function a bit better?
Imagine Gordon in charge of a large multinational or the country.
Not sure how Angela Merkel would appreciate being called "big boy" though...
Election time
What choice do we really have in the modern political landscape.
On the basis of how some of the EU countries have been run it does make you wonder what some of these political leaders are really in it for
Modern marketeer Seth Godin promotes the concept of tribes and standing out by being remarkable to build something that will inspire and amaze.
How far away are we from a remarkable political party with remarkable ideas that can inspire a population to work as a tribe to create one of the worlds best countries.
It shouldn't be so hard in a country of 4million and yet it seems so far away.
On the basis of how some of the EU countries have been run it does make you wonder what some of these political leaders are really in it for
Modern marketeer Seth Godin promotes the concept of tribes and standing out by being remarkable to build something that will inspire and amaze.
How far away are we from a remarkable political party with remarkable ideas that can inspire a population to work as a tribe to create one of the worlds best countries.
It shouldn't be so hard in a country of 4million and yet it seems so far away.
Goffy!!
It just seems staggering that Phil Goff can't see whats coming round the corner.
You can't fault him for perseverance but at what point does that become flogging a dead horse?
Maybe he is being paid by National...
You can't fault him for perseverance but at what point does that become flogging a dead horse?
Maybe he is being paid by National...
NZ tele viewing
Rant inbound -
It seems crazy that in 2011 we can't just have global access to all media available on the internet.
In NZ the layman is essentially bound to Sky TV for all content. Trying to source digital content online for viewing is next to impossible.
Why not free this up and let us enjoy what we want to watch, purchasing and downloading only what we want to see, not pumping out 100 channels of rubbish.
Having scanned some www's it appears that it is possible but you need some serious geekage to get it to work.
Second to that I guess is the lack of super fast internet in NZ.
Maybe if we had that we could more local digital content and help create more tech based careers and a thriving community of film makers selling content globally?
It seems crazy that in 2011 we can't just have global access to all media available on the internet.
In NZ the layman is essentially bound to Sky TV for all content. Trying to source digital content online for viewing is next to impossible.
Why not free this up and let us enjoy what we want to watch, purchasing and downloading only what we want to see, not pumping out 100 channels of rubbish.
Having scanned some www's it appears that it is possible but you need some serious geekage to get it to work.
Second to that I guess is the lack of super fast internet in NZ.
Maybe if we had that we could more local digital content and help create more tech based careers and a thriving community of film makers selling content globally?
Ethical Business
I recently heard about friends partner who was made redundant.
Well tough times economically - not a huge shock. Indeed my wife is about to be made redundant!
However the ethics behind the two stories are what irks.
My friends partner worked for a food distribution company that had a unique product line. As the sales person for the company she negotiated what she thought was a great deal with a supermarket brand to supply the chain exclusively and not seek any other retailers and to fully implement the launch to the supermarket in terms of point of sale and staff training.
Well most sales people would take that. Job done.
The next move however was just shocking. The supermarket contacted the manufacturer itself and negotiated to cut out the distributor completely.
The small distributor had to close down and all the staff were made redundant.
Was that really necessary? Just so that a can of beans can be 2c cheaper?
What are the real knock on effects to those employees that are now out on the street?
Just more reasons to avoid the large supermarkets for me...
Well tough times economically - not a huge shock. Indeed my wife is about to be made redundant!
However the ethics behind the two stories are what irks.
My friends partner worked for a food distribution company that had a unique product line. As the sales person for the company she negotiated what she thought was a great deal with a supermarket brand to supply the chain exclusively and not seek any other retailers and to fully implement the launch to the supermarket in terms of point of sale and staff training.
Well most sales people would take that. Job done.
The next move however was just shocking. The supermarket contacted the manufacturer itself and negotiated to cut out the distributor completely.
The small distributor had to close down and all the staff were made redundant.
Was that really necessary? Just so that a can of beans can be 2c cheaper?
What are the real knock on effects to those employees that are now out on the street?
Just more reasons to avoid the large supermarkets for me...
Holloween
The origins of Halloween are thought to date back to the Roman or even pre-Roman Celtic times.
Only in the later middle age did the concept of begging for food become common at the time of Halloween.
What are we teaching the children of today by letting them essentially go begging for sweets? The site of gangs of small children being guided by a reluctant Mum or Dad around suburbia for a Mars bar is a bit depressing.
Does it not just reinforce a sense of entitlement?
At least the kids get some exercise by walking around for the sweets - oh no cancel that they have just been driven up to the door...
Only in the later middle age did the concept of begging for food become common at the time of Halloween.
What are we teaching the children of today by letting them essentially go begging for sweets? The site of gangs of small children being guided by a reluctant Mum or Dad around suburbia for a Mars bar is a bit depressing.
Does it not just reinforce a sense of entitlement?
At least the kids get some exercise by walking around for the sweets - oh no cancel that they have just been driven up to the door...
Beaver!
Stephen Donald was cast aside due to one or two poor performances for the AB's.
The fact that he stuck around the set up and was happy and available for the RWC is one thing and provides a great lesson in ignoring the negativity that can surround your performance.
Equally the lesson must be that do you need a structured training plan for success?
Donald had been whitebaiting and drinking beers as his training and yet managed to turn up for the final, slot the winning penalty, make a few half breaks and kick for territory.
A great lesson on "off the cuff" and winging it!!
The fact that he stuck around the set up and was happy and available for the RWC is one thing and provides a great lesson in ignoring the negativity that can surround your performance.
Equally the lesson must be that do you need a structured training plan for success?
Donald had been whitebaiting and drinking beers as his training and yet managed to turn up for the final, slot the winning penalty, make a few half breaks and kick for territory.
A great lesson on "off the cuff" and winging it!!
The West Island.
There is a brilliant scene in the film "A Bridge Too Far" where the Germans arrive to accept the British surrender.
This is surely the mentality that NZ should adopt with Australia.
Frequently there is talk about a single currency (didn't that do well in EU) or worse NZ becoming the 9th Territory of Australia.
Wouldn't it be better if instead NZ's attitude was the same as in the video above.
We seem to manage it for a rugby test match and yet in business we kowtow all too quickly.
What can NZ'ers do from the grass roots to effect this change in mindset?
This is surely the mentality that NZ should adopt with Australia.
Frequently there is talk about a single currency (didn't that do well in EU) or worse NZ becoming the 9th Territory of Australia.
Wouldn't it be better if instead NZ's attitude was the same as in the video above.
We seem to manage it for a rugby test match and yet in business we kowtow all too quickly.
What can NZ'ers do from the grass roots to effect this change in mindset?
News?
What is going to be the future of the media.
At present we have it seems a fixed number of stories from a fairly fixed number of established companies that dominate the news for a fixed cycle until they are either not news worthy or the event/issue goes away.
We can then add to that the incredibly low standards of much reporting, often based on hearsay and rumour where each agency or media outlet scrambles to beat their rivals to the scoop (US news outlets the worst offenders, compounded by Facebook and Twitter which are used increasingly for tracking the trending and breaking news.
What hope is there then? How can we better use the current media or do we need a revolution in the way that new is presented?
What would it look like if instead of experts and commentators passing on their views we were merely presented with the facts?
At present we have it seems a fixed number of stories from a fairly fixed number of established companies that dominate the news for a fixed cycle until they are either not news worthy or the event/issue goes away.
We can then add to that the incredibly low standards of much reporting, often based on hearsay and rumour where each agency or media outlet scrambles to beat their rivals to the scoop (US news outlets the worst offenders, compounded by Facebook and Twitter which are used increasingly for tracking the trending and breaking news.
What hope is there then? How can we better use the current media or do we need a revolution in the way that new is presented?
What would it look like if instead of experts and commentators passing on their views we were merely presented with the facts?
The perfect job...
For most males it would have to be a mix of Mythbusters, Top Gear and the Crowd Goes Wild.
How the hell do I make that happen!!
How the hell do I make that happen!!
What can we learn from Welsh rugby?
- Strong management that has experience in the industry and is respected (Warren Gatland, Rob Howley, Sean Edwards)
- A magnificent leader who defines the motto serve to lead.
- No fear of failure and perhaps more importantly fear of the repurcussions of failure?
- Removing emotional baggage from decision making
- Management whilst providing some formulaic templates and a broad game-plan still allowing them to play their own game and make indiviual decisions (Mike Phillips' try)
- A team culture that promotes the above.
Au revoir Steve...but could his legacy have been greater?
Steve Jobs seems to have polarised many people in terms of their opinion of him and his legacy.
Undoubtedly he revolutionised the world of personal computing and the music industry.
At what cost however?
Although he always said it was never about the money (drawing a salary of only $1 a year) a MacBook Pro will set you back a couple of thousand in what ever currency you choose whilst those manufacturing the product were doing so for a pittance and often at extreme risk to their health and well being.
The cost of manufacturing an iPod can't be that high.
Would Steve's legacy have been better if rather than emancipating the developed masses from the shackles of Windows and IBM (who incidentally helped the Nazi Party create a super fast early computer system to track Jewish ancestry) he had instead paid a fair wage to those doing the work?
He talks in his Stanford address about the importance of not living someone else's life, emancipating ourselves to do what we love - not much chance of that in China.
Admittedly Apple isn't the only company but does this bring us back to the argument against share owning in a global corporation?
Undoubtedly he revolutionised the world of personal computing and the music industry.
At what cost however?
Although he always said it was never about the money (drawing a salary of only $1 a year) a MacBook Pro will set you back a couple of thousand in what ever currency you choose whilst those manufacturing the product were doing so for a pittance and often at extreme risk to their health and well being.
The cost of manufacturing an iPod can't be that high.
Would Steve's legacy have been better if rather than emancipating the developed masses from the shackles of Windows and IBM (who incidentally helped the Nazi Party create a super fast early computer system to track Jewish ancestry) he had instead paid a fair wage to those doing the work?
He talks in his Stanford address about the importance of not living someone else's life, emancipating ourselves to do what we love - not much chance of that in China.
Admittedly Apple isn't the only company but does this bring us back to the argument against share owning in a global corporation?
Australia the New USA?
It seems that Australians don't like the fact that a large number of Kiwi's are supporting any team other than Aussie.
More that just being sibling rivalry is there more substance to this?
Aussies are certainly better known for their can do attitude but is that now going to far and bordering on being boorish? It certainly can come across as that in business dealings with Australia.
It seems a shame that the ANZAC spirit isn't channeled more often and a more co-operative stance taken from Aussie rather than a rape and pillage.
As to the rugby it's all irrelevant anyway as Wales will be the Champions!
More that just being sibling rivalry is there more substance to this?
Aussies are certainly better known for their can do attitude but is that now going to far and bordering on being boorish? It certainly can come across as that in business dealings with Australia.
It seems a shame that the ANZAC spirit isn't channeled more often and a more co-operative stance taken from Aussie rather than a rape and pillage.
As to the rugby it's all irrelevant anyway as Wales will be the Champions!
NRL: We should've kept outgoing Cleary - Hart
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10755017
This kind of reaction is endemic in sports circles, especially the coaches.
However, what does this say about an organisation, especially when the chips are down, and more depressingly how many people have been in a similar situation or know someone that has?
In tough times having a leader that is passionate, committed and seeking stability in their future.
Great or epic results don't just happen over night.
Meanwhile the committee that had the meeting to elect the committee that had the meeting that got rid of Ivan trundles on in mediocrity...
This kind of reaction is endemic in sports circles, especially the coaches.
However, what does this say about an organisation, especially when the chips are down, and more depressingly how many people have been in a similar situation or know someone that has?
In tough times having a leader that is passionate, committed and seeking stability in their future.
Great or epic results don't just happen over night.
Meanwhile the committee that had the meeting to elect the committee that had the meeting that got rid of Ivan trundles on in mediocrity...
NZ's reputation among world's best?
"New Zealand has one of the top five reputations in the world, in the eyes of the globe's leading nations, new research shows.
The CountryRep study, produced annually by the Reputation Institute in conjunction with Australian research consultancy AMR, put New Zealand at fifth place overall for reputation, trailing behind Canada (1), Sweden (2), Australia (3), and Switzerland (4).
Freedman said New Zealand had a strong profile overseas and its reputation was consistent across multiple measurements.
"In order to continue this strong perception New Zealand would do well to focus on its social areas such as its commentary on world events, and involvement as a global citizen."
NZ Herald, Wednesday 28th September
However, is perception reality?
How much under the surface do we need to scratch under the 100% Pure image to accertain the truth?
Surely there are so many ways that NZ could improve to make that perception a much better reality.
The CountryRep study, produced annually by the Reputation Institute in conjunction with Australian research consultancy AMR, put New Zealand at fifth place overall for reputation, trailing behind Canada (1), Sweden (2), Australia (3), and Switzerland (4).
Freedman said New Zealand had a strong profile overseas and its reputation was consistent across multiple measurements.
"In order to continue this strong perception New Zealand would do well to focus on its social areas such as its commentary on world events, and involvement as a global citizen."
NZ Herald, Wednesday 28th September
However, is perception reality?
How much under the surface do we need to scratch under the 100% Pure image to accertain the truth?
Surely there are so many ways that NZ could improve to make that perception a much better reality.
This is broken!!
Seth Godin describes the concept of broken in his talk at TED here superbly well.
And yet so many of us accept broken in our daily lives especially in New Zealand, lets be honest customer service is hit and miss here at best...
How do we get to a point though that more than half of workers think that their work is broken!
My view is that HR departments in large companies are a factor, but general management has to take blame as well for allowing people to not feel that they can actually raise a point, challenge the status quo with out actually being marked as a rotten apple.
How can we challenge the concept of broken in our lives from the small concerns to the largest of them all? They can't make all of us reduntant!
And yet so many of us accept broken in our daily lives especially in New Zealand, lets be honest customer service is hit and miss here at best...
How do we get to a point though that more than half of workers think that their work is broken!
My view is that HR departments in large companies are a factor, but general management has to take blame as well for allowing people to not feel that they can actually raise a point, challenge the status quo with out actually being marked as a rotten apple.
How can we challenge the concept of broken in our lives from the small concerns to the largest of them all? They can't make all of us reduntant!
Can entrepreneurship be taught?
http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/blog/can-entrepreneurship-be-taught
I am inclined to agree with Sir Richard.
Most people that are drawn to being an entrepreneur have that inate desire for something more, different, better. To not be restrained by a large corporate structure.
Part of this is from our current Industrial Revolution based education system as perfectly described here in a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA's Benjamin Franklin award.
However how many entrepreneurs do we need and can we sustain. If everyone was an entrepreneur who would actually get down to managing the details and getting the job done!
I am inclined to agree with Sir Richard.
Most people that are drawn to being an entrepreneur have that inate desire for something more, different, better. To not be restrained by a large corporate structure.
Part of this is from our current Industrial Revolution based education system as perfectly described here in a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA's Benjamin Franklin award.
However how many entrepreneurs do we need and can we sustain. If everyone was an entrepreneur who would actually get down to managing the details and getting the job done!
It's not what you know...
http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/lifestyle/56820.html
Kiwi perfumer Isaac Sinclair had some great advice that would benefit all of us.
When asked how he rememberd all the possible scents in the world he said he didn't, rather he used his experience to connect fragrances, rather like a DJ can instinctively blend two songs.
Similarly we can't be expected to know everything about our work, but if you have enough experience and innate ability you should be able to connect up the dots or find the people that you need to fill in the blanks.
Kiwi perfumer Isaac Sinclair had some great advice that would benefit all of us.
When asked how he rememberd all the possible scents in the world he said he didn't, rather he used his experience to connect fragrances, rather like a DJ can instinctively blend two songs.
Similarly we can't be expected to know everything about our work, but if you have enough experience and innate ability you should be able to connect up the dots or find the people that you need to fill in the blanks.
Human beings...
We are called human beings.
We do and act but sometimes would we be better off if we were human thinkers first then human beings?
We do and act but sometimes would we be better off if we were human thinkers first then human beings?
Greed is good?
It seems that greed is endemic at least.
Why is it that T.V. shows such as Survivor and Big Brother are the most popular and yet reward behaviour that would be admonished in a playground?
Do we get anything for not being greedy other than the ability to take the moral high ground?
Is there an incentive other than self reward for being charitable?
How can we convince people that not being greedy is better or are we all best off being greedy and trying to outwit, outplay, outlast...
Why is it that T.V. shows such as Survivor and Big Brother are the most popular and yet reward behaviour that would be admonished in a playground?
Do we get anything for not being greedy other than the ability to take the moral high ground?
Is there an incentive other than self reward for being charitable?
How can we convince people that not being greedy is better or are we all best off being greedy and trying to outwit, outplay, outlast...
The New Barbarians?
What have the Romans ever done for us?
"Reg: All right ... all right ... but apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order ... what have the Romans done for us?" From Monty Python's Life of Brian
The point is that Reg and thousands since Reg think that the Romans presented us the peak of civilisation before we were plunged into the world of the Barbarians and the Dark Ages.
Increasingly, however, we have learnt that a large amount of what Rome gave was actually just stolen from the "Barbarians" that eventually pulled down the Empire.
Are we all in an individual post-Roman mindset where we accept so much the orthodox that we are spoon fed without actually questioning it?
What more could we all achieve if we adopted a Barbarian mindset rather than a Roman one?
"Reg: All right ... all right ... but apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order ... what have the Romans done for us?" From Monty Python's Life of Brian
The point is that Reg and thousands since Reg think that the Romans presented us the peak of civilisation before we were plunged into the world of the Barbarians and the Dark Ages.
Increasingly, however, we have learnt that a large amount of what Rome gave was actually just stolen from the "Barbarians" that eventually pulled down the Empire.
Are we all in an individual post-Roman mindset where we accept so much the orthodox that we are spoon fed without actually questioning it?
What more could we all achieve if we adopted a Barbarian mindset rather than a Roman one?
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