The Secret of an Online Think Tank - How on Earth do They do it? |
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By: L. Winslow Posted: 2007-10-10 12:50:37 |
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Often, the Online Think Tank is asked what makes you tick, how do you come up with new innovative Aerospace Designs one moment and then re-design Third World urban slums the next? The answer to the question involves us giving away a secret. One which will seem simple once it is explained to you.You see we take in massive amounts of data from all types of sources. Sure like most Think Tanks we follow the news events and current happenings, yes of course, we also search the Internet and draw on personal experiences and observations. Yes, we engage in dialogues to attain various perspectives on the topics. But something else we do is to constantly read books written by others who are top in their fields or have achieved something and consider the implications of their words.Below is a list of the books we reviewed today with a small commentary following each to describe why the book matters or why the information presented is pertinent to solving problems in the present period. Enjoy the miniature book reviews and the dialogue which follows:"The Ten Percent Secret - Making an extra ten percent pay one-hundred percent" by Loren Dunton - 1969. This book turns out to be about all aspects of Financial Planning sales efforts to increase business. It discusses direct sales, commissions, talent, selling to executives, selling in the financial industry, selling as a science, selling the benefits (not the features), closing sales, attitude, technique and the 10% secret, which is simple. Improve your sales 10% per year and like compound interest you will outperform the industry and last long-term.It is often said that if you work 10% harder than everyone else you will stand out by 150%, now then what if you work 40 or 50% harder, well then folks will not even believe you. This book states what should be the obvious to anyone wishing to succeed and yet everyone wants to succeed and no one seems to wish to give the extra 10%, but why? And when you answer the question do it to your own mirror, tell yourself a convincing excuse as to why you will not go the extra distance. No need to tell us, we have already heard all the excuses, but you will have to deal with this on your own."The Workaholic Syndrome - Your Job is Not Your Life" by Judith K. Sprankle and Henry Ebel, Ph.D. - 1987. The authors describe the social implications of the 1970s - 1990s where people and there individualism came from their job. The American work ethic of the period increased productivity to an unbelievable point. The authors speak to the erosion of life priorities, commuter marriages, unmarried workaholics, decentralized families, ego involvement with salary, declines of volunteerism in the 1980s and the need for a balanced life.Okay I admit it, Hello my name is Lance and I am a workaholic. As I read this book, I thought to myself, that I like what I do, my life is completely balanced and there are too many lazy people in the world using this balance thing as an excuse to work less. You should work hard and smart when you work and when not working focus on what you are doing or just relax. I am fully willing to put my resume up against these authors of this book and their combined Ph.D.s. You see in the end, if you want to win, you are going to have to work at it. No excuses and no copouts, yet you must also take these authors advise, which seems to echo the average mindset in America."What It Takes - Good News from 100 of the Top Professional and Business Women" by Lee Gardenswartz, Ph.D. and Anita Rowe, Ph.D. - 1987. The book describes the reality of what it takes to be a leader in any field, and the truth that nothing good in life is ever easy. These authors appear to be psychologists specializing in human behavior and since business and leadership is about people their advise is quite relevant for career survival at the upper echelon of the corporation. The book has many examples of the basic qualities that the top women in top positions possess and how one might approach developing these qualities, talents and skill sets.The book dispels the myths and asks the top leaders straight out and describes how someone at the bottom of the ladder can climb fast. The skills are actually not as important as the basic life philosophy that the top women possess. They have compelling ambition and are driven women. They have an obsession about their work. They are visionaries, with mega-vision. They do not do excuses only focused on results. They are practical with common sense about people and numbers. None of these are things anyone else cannot do, unfortunately so few will.These women are focused "like a laser" and "driven like a 4-wheel drive." They work hard and long hours and are always on. They think in "360 degrees" and as big as the Grand Canyon or Mighty Tetons" and chutzpah is an understatement indeed. These women are not for sale at any price, their level of integrity is rarely matched. They are confident without any sort of display of arrogance and they laugh a lot. They are reality based and yet positive optimists.There are indeed super women in our society, that surprise even their most staunch supporters. Today as we approach the Presidential Election, we see a Woman vying for President who a heck of a chance of winning and becoming the first Woman President of the United States. Sure, it is only a matter of time and sure enough it just might happen this go around. How do these super women do it, one may soon be the strongest leader of the Free World."The CEO Paradox - the privilege and accountability of leadership" by Thomas R. Horton - 1992 - an American Management Association title. The book starts out, "you made it to the top, now what" and indeed, this book looks into that very question. Who should be on the board of directors, communication with shareholders, leadership skills, IPOs, delegation, financial reporting, intellectual capital, vision, trust, multiple hats, lawyers and number crunchers; discussed in detail with examples and case studies. One chapter "How to Lose by Winning" talks about greed, arrogance, and pride of being at the helm; beware.Then there are topics such as "Going Global" and handling all the stress while riding a rocket ship thru the marketplace, as you compete with the best of the best. The reality of Corporate Culture and how if you fail to recognize it you are doomed, it must be dealt with not ignored and why you cannot fake your management style, you must be you and make it fit. Dressing for the part, playing the part and what to do when it is time to "pass the torch" and implement a succession plan.The CEO paradox is not a single paradox, as it is a multitude of exactly the opposite of what we think it is. The more you are in control, they less you are and the more control you give out the better your final results will show and your excellence in leadership will be perceived. I also recommend; "From Good to Great" and "Built to Last" by Collins, the Stanford Business Professor. This book, "The CEO Paradox," was considered a contemporary classic in its day and its worthy advice is still viable today for anyone serious about their leadership position or anyone aspiring to be a CEO."Theory Why - In Which the Boss Solves the Riddles of Quality" by John Guaspari - 1986. This book is a classic, and a very quick read, worthy of every moment indeed. I put this book in the same context with "Who Stole My Cheese," "The One-Minute Manager," and "The E-myth" and needless to say it is recommended by our Online Think Tank. The book creates a fictional company Punctuation Inc., which was a rising star only to see its market share move to Process Inc. and the employees and management asked "WHY?" Ah ha, why indeed!One thing that should be noted is event the best marketing in the world and strongest brand name cannot last forever without quality control, productivity, efficiency and delivery on said promise. Resting on your laurels without improvement to the system, product, customer service means death in the market place. It takes more than just marketing and hype to capture and hold your market, your customer base and beat the competition. Whether you are selling a product, service or concept, you need to understand these basic truths."Fast Track - The Super Overachievers and how they make it to early success, status and power" by Mary Alice Kellogg - 1978. This book discusses the young and powerful, movers and shakers who have risen to the top and captured the trophy, societies rewards and what makes them tick. The author states that everyone can learn from their secrets to success.The book starts out with the desire of these young people to succeed, calling it the first step towards power. Their fast movement, is it planning or luck? The obstacles of status and how they overcome them or how hubris defeats them or the social jealousy and professional envy plots against them - if they keep moving great, but if they do not watch the increasing interaction and complexity, human politics has a way of building them up only to tear them down.Boy can I relate to this book myself:http://www.carwashguys.com/history/museum1.shtmlhttp://www.carwashguys.com/history/founder.html"Pushing Up People - The Secret behind one of the most exciting stories in American business" by Art Williams - 1985. Art starts out by explaining that the social programming tends to get people to believe that if you come from a rich family, you go to college and get a great job and will be successful. If you have a high-IQ you will get a great job like you deserve because you are brilliant, everyone else is to take remedial jobs and he says and I agree that is "Dead Wrong!"Many companies do have hiring committees that judge applicants for positions by colleges attended, degrees received and academic grades, and throw in a few references and recommendations, he shows how this is a really; "Dumb, Dumb, Dumb!" Companies demand resumes and if you have ever failed in business then you are labeled a loser. Well, this he calls ridiculous.Testing and test scores are also the wrong way to choose hires. They test for personality, aptitude, IQ, achievement, etc. Bad idea. A person's will to win and desire Art says is everything. Do you disagree with him? Well, I don't and before I even got past the introduction, I was shaking my head,yes, yes, yes, got it, right, okay, understand, of course. I challenge you to read the book and prove us both incorrect. Observation and experience tells me he is dead right! Ever heard of A.L. Williams, yep, Art Williams, so I see he knows too from experience and observation, what I know. You need to read this book if you do not see it too.Art states that everyone wants to be somebody and you must treat people good while building personal relationships and give recognition when it is due. You must not discount their families or your own as part of the equation. You must let people know you expect responsibility, you must stand for integrity as well, allow folks to make decisions and know that failure is sometimes not to be so feared. Shovel crap if you ask it of your team, do it first. Stand for quality, refuse excuses and most of all and last of all the book states; Never Give Up!In my personal answer to the question; What is the secret to success? I always state: "Work Hard, Work Smart, Make Lots of Friends and Never Ever Give Up!" You must always look for people in your organization who also agree to do the same. Opinion you ask? Perhaps, but it works, there are few shortcuts in life."Running Things - the art of making things happen" by Philip B. Crosby - 1986. Although this book was written two decades the prior, the advice is timeless, whether you are "running a boy scout troop or a multinational corporation." How to take charge, set objectives, organize, adapt and create a productive team are common themes throughout the book.This book talks about giving out titles, reducing turn over, time efficiency and allowing the creative folks in the group to perform at optimum. Philip works to dispel popular myths of leadership and the book is recommended for leaders of religious groups, companies, non-profits, sports teams, social organizations and government agencies. Philip Crosby has other great titles he has written such as:"Quality is Free"
"The Art of Getting Your Own Sweet Way" "Quality Without Tears" One of which I have read cover to cover and another one I had scanned and read a few chapters in, both excellent, indeed this book is also. Running a chapter for an online think tank is not much different and yes, there is a little more emphasis on innovation, but essentially it is the same. Having set up hundreds of franchises in the company I founded, I always knew a winner when I saw one, they knew how to run things - they got it. If you wish to make a difference in this world, you will need to learn how to run things, trust me."Songs of the Doomed - more notes on the death of the American Dream" by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson - 1990. This book is one of a multi-volume set, number 3 in fact. The author is an interesting character, as he left New York in the 50s, road with the Hells Angels in the 60s, investigated the Mob in the 70s in Las Vegas, involved in politics in the 80s and became an author in the 90s and wrote; "Character is Destiny."Thompson was involved in journalism in the 50s after a rather interesting military career. He has been on all sides of the law and around the world in the "passing lane" as he states. He is highly opinionated, real world, somewhat fictional at times and has put in far too much commentary for his own good, but it is a good read indeed. I confess, I bought the book merely for the title, but I am glad I did, it is worth the time to read.To fully understand the world we live in and how things actually run and how people really think, you need to get everyone's perspective and learn multiple points of view. You need to talk to the valet who parks the cars, the dog catcher, the homeless person, the teachers, the lawyers, the police man, the volunteers, the religious folks, the atheist, the sports star, the soccer kids, the soccer mom, the single mom, the CEO, the accountants, the civil servant, the military man, etc. Until you break bread or sit with them over a cup of coffee and listen to their perspectives and understand them you do not know half of what you think you do."Why Do You Care What Other People Think? - further adventures of a curious character" by Richard P. Feyman - 1988. Richard Feyman was an adventurer and a scientist, a very rare combination, of course, human history has had few scientists of his caliber. Why should you read this book, well so you can understand that academia is not all it is about, sure you need to know your stuff, but you have to life, observe and experience to really get it, Richard Feyman got it and his sense of humor showed.Anyone truly interested in science or the great scientists of our modern era need to read this book and then sit back and consider the implications of what has been said for a 100 or so hours, that is if you are truly serious in the forward progression of mankind. Think on this.Now do you understand the secret of the Online Think Tank and how they do it? The truth is there are no secrets really, just unknown things, which if you use a little stealth and ask a few questions and probe a little deeper for the answers you can know. So read, think, and act accordingly. Sincerely, Lance.L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur http://www.worldthinktank.net |
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