Three Reasons Why Your Organization Needs Historians
Historians explain the development of elaborate structures we call cultures – one way that they do this is by examining businesses, non-profits and other communities where work happens.
Three Strategies for Effective Brainstorming
Creating an Awesome Brainstorm I love brainstorming. Whether we’re planning a camping trip, riffing on hilarious “what if?!” scenarios, solving a complex technical problem or strategizing for the upcoming school year, the creative exercise of collecting ideas is one...
Why We Should Strive to be Strange
I am not a normal person. It's pretty awesome to be comfortable with my strangeness because, in a world of conformity, this is a differentiator. One of the best things about being a dad is noticing and experiencing how my kids’ personalities and styles are developing....
Wasted Talent
You see, human beings are the only species on this planet without full employment. All the other ones – from worms to whales to walruses to wallabies – have jobs (or, more accurately, they all have work to be done). This is not a new concept – undoubtedly, the delicious jugs made me seem very wise at the time – but it should be noted that, according to the International Labour Organization, nearly one billion people on this planet are unemployed and countless others are underemployed.
Failing Builds Community
When you fail at something, what’s your next step? How do you deal with it? Do you humbly admit your mistake and troubleshoot a solution with those affected? Or do you hide and/or massage the results to spin it as success?
Etiquette Builds Community
When I was working at the highly regarded Sauder School of Business, I was consistently mortified at how many doors were slammed in my face by Vancouver’s future business leaders. I definitely don’t expect to have doors held open for me based on my gender, but I do expect it to happen based on my status as a fellow human being. It’s pretty easy to do a quick head-check to see if there’s anyone behind you before you swing the door like it’s an iron gate in a hurricane.
Bill Starr
Who are you? Bill Starr is a founding partner and CEO of My Life List LLC (www.mylifelist.org), a Boston-based new-media company. He is a graduate of Bishop’s University in Quebec and is originally from Rothesay New Brunswick, Canada. Starr is an avid life lister,...
What’s in a Ship?
Strangely, the economic crisis brought, mostly out of fear, a whole new respect and acknowledgment of shipping’s importance. In the months following Lehman Brothers’ stunning collapse, shipping languished at unprecedented levels.
Harvard: The Bishop’s of America
No, I didn't flinch or stutter as I wrote the title of this article. It should be noted and emphasized that Harvard is behaving a little like Bishop's University. Let me explain. Last week, up-and-coming "newspaper" the The Globe and Mail published a story about the...
Nanotechnology Secures Community
Aside from being just a downright cool indication of human innovation and, quite possibly, a hopeful idea about the future of the planet, I really love the biomimicry of this invention. The company’s Nano-Optic Technology for Enhanced Security (NOtES) product stems from an idea originating in the purest form of nature – insects using colorful markings to identify themselves. Sometimes animals just have the best ideas. Human communities learning from ecosystems within our natural environment is a true reflection of how inventors like Clint might just be able to save our planet. No pressure though…
Who’s better at fighting crime – Superman or Visa?
In the US, the crime rate is down. Significantly. While crime had once soared sharply in the late 1960s and early 1970s (does anyone remember the days of the "crack epidemic"), it has since declined steeply since 1993. The marked change in a trend that has an...
The Office Holiday Party
Over the next two weeks, communities of working people (and many of their cajoled spouses and partners) will be participating in (hopefully) festive holiday parties. Egg nog will flow, budgets will shrink and awkward dancing will ensue. I love parties. Approximately...
Matt Charleton
Who are you? I'm a 20-something internet enthusiast, former professional kickboxer (0-1) and loud sock-wearer. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure who I am as I hardly recognize myself since shaving my Movember moustache this morning. What do you do for fun? Funny...