Ridiculous Announcements
I love the gate agents in airports who manage the boarding process by announcing that people should remain “comfortably seated” until their group or row is called. If I wanted…
Are You Still Talking About A Recession?
I believe that fewer than 5% of financial and sports analysts have predicted the results of this year accurately, with about two months to go. None will be fired, or…
If You Can’t Pronounce Your Job Title Maybe You’re In The Wrong Job
You pronounce it this way: concierge: |känˈsyerZH| You don’t pronounce it this way: kan see air It’s French, with the hard “zh” at the end, just like Porsche has a “sha” at…
Is That Dog Ignoring Me?
A German-speaking man visited us and began talking to Bentley in German. Bentley, who’s quite good with English commands, was as befuddled as I was. “Odd,” said the man, “I…
I Don’t Dance (Don’t Ask Me)
At times you’ll be asked dumb questions. Don’t attempt to honor them (or prolong them) with a rational response. Don’t dance to their music. Point out the absurdity and move…
Direct Dialing
Do not work through your buyer’s subordinates. Tell that person: “I’m sorry, but ethically I can discuss project progress and issues only with my client, who is then free to…
The Prime Question
The title of this blog is “Contrarian Consulting.” Let me offer you the prime contrarian idea in this profession, which really shouldn’t be contrarian at all: First ask, “What is…
Making Time
If you can’t respond to an email within 24 hours or a phone call within four hours, there’s something profoundly wrong. You may think I’m talking about your response time,…
If You’re Proclaiming Good Health, Why Are You Driving Like A Moron?
I don’t know why, but I’ve started thinking about bumper stickers. It’s rare to find a car with just one. They usually come in multiple postings, ranging from politics to…
Magic Carpet Workshop
Alan Weiss conducting his rare Magic Carpet Workshop in the amphitheater where the Greek Carpetus Shagus the Elder first started the discipline in Mykonos. Rugs come from all over…