Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 10/26/15
We grow best by building on strengths, not by constantly trying to correct "weaknesses." That's the essence of positive psychology. Yet the overwhelming feedback we receive—even when solicited—is about correcting some failing. Most self-help books assume the reader is somehow
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 10/19/15
If we can land on the moon, we can provide for reasonably priced college tuition. If we can receive messages on a watch, we can arrive at an intelligent solution for immigration. If we can create driverless cars, we can
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 10/12/15
We hit some very bumpy air at over 30,000 feet returning from Florida, and the pilot, in that stereotypical yet preternatural command voice, said, "Ah, we seem to have hit some minor turbulence, it shouldn't last long, please make sure
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 10/5/15
Symbolism can be extraordinarily effective and important. Many of our rituals are symbolic, whether a birthday cake with a wish or a wedding with a thrown bouquet. "God bless you" after a sneeze is symbolic, as is "How are you?"
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 9/28/15
The media are reporting that "Volkswagen installed software on 11 million of its diesels to cheat on emissions testing." That is called a "metonymy," because Volkswagen is a non-animate entity which can't do a thing. What is really meant is
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 9/21/15
My mother used to say when upset with me, "You don't have enough sense to come in out of the rain!" It occurred to me that "sense" was not a function of age, nor maturity, nor education. We were all
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 9/14/15
It was 14 years ago that a client manager, Leon Rawitz, and I decided to drive back from LA when we realized planes might not fly again for weeks. We drove back in 2.5 days to the east coast, spending
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 9/7/15
The entire point of bureacracy is the triumph of means over ends. The results don't matter, only that the rules are strictly followed. Filling out a form in the wrong color ink sends you to the back of the line.
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 8/31/15
This week's focus point: A question is a sign of interest. Whether in a meeting or addressing an audience, I've always welcomed questions. We're then able to deal with real-time concerns, calibrate our progress, and gain insights. There are two
Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 8/24/15
This week's focus point: One reader objected to my description of Nantucket last week, demanding that I provide more "practical help." The fact that this is a free newsletter was not apparently appreciated! Then a woman on Twitter admonished me