Organizations are in need of a reboot.
Many of the old hierarchies and rules are holding them back -- way in the past -- when it comes to adapting to the new market realities. The disconnect between a stubbornly siloed internal culture clashes with the networked approach that the external conversation demands.
Culture defines a lot of things in organizations. How problems are tackled, priorities, rewards, and thus behaviors.
I don't agree with everything Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson put in Rework (Amazon affiliate link). For example, I think planning is important, especially if you're turning around an organization the size of the Titanic. And I know it does feel that way steering it in a new direction. Here's a thought, accelerate into the steering -- use its own mass.
I picked up this book over many others that crowded the shelves at my local Borders store because I was looking for an espresso shot, only in the mind. That it delivers in spades. Among the parts I fully embrace are:
- start making something
- no time is no excuse
- embrace constrains
- focus on what won't change
- interruption is the enemy of productivity
- make tiny decisions
- marketing is not a department
- sound like you
I particularly liked the bit on inspiration as I've experienced how much I can get done when I feel that way. Inspiration is not about yesterday or tomorrow -- it's about now, this moment, this action. Most of the people I tend to hang out with in the real world are inspiring. Thank you for that. You know who you are.
Having a clear purpose in business is a reflection of having a clear purpose in life. It takes work to figure it out, and when you do, it's much easier to make decisions. Also, if you're looking for a good example of uncomplicated language and conversational style in business, this is it.
Reading this book made me think better about what I do, the problems I'm solving, and opportunity costs of doing or not doing something.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to get busy and rework some stuff.
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