Of Davids and Goliaths

Married to your job?

2007-02-07T00:16:00.000-08:00

People ask me, "How can I get our employees to be passionate about the company?" I get it all the time. Words like commitment, integrity, work ethics are used interchangeably. So how do I classify this question?

Wrong question.

Passion for your employer, manager, current job? Irrelevant.
Passion for your profession and the kind of work you do? Crucial.

In a company I own, I don't need employees with a passion for my company. I want those with a passion for the work they're doing. The company should behave just like a good user interface; support people in doing what they're trying to do, and stay the hell out of their way. Applying the employer-as-UI model, the best company is one in which the employees are so engaged in their work that the company fades into the background.

I would like a follow an unique model, where people come together with their respective skills and talents, and DO something. Make a web app. Create a book. Build a game. Develop and deliver learning experiences. The happiest moments of my work life were on projects where we pulled all-nighters because we wanted to, not because the corporate culture said we weren't a true team-player/trooper if we didn't.

Employees shouldn't be sleeping in cubes to prove they're "passionate employees." I want to work with people who have a particular set of skills (and interests) who view themselves and one another as either professionals/craftspeople (programmers, designers, engineers, animators, editors, scientists, authors, educators, architects, entertainers, etc.) or as producers and assistant producers (the people who pull it all together, support the craftspeople, and make it happen).

I realize these aren't mutually exclusive--one can be passionate about their employer and the work they do, but it's a matter of which one employers value. And all too often, it's the wrong one.

The simple 4-question test to see if someone has a passion for their work:

When was the last time you read a trade/professional journal or book related to your work? (can substitute "attended an industry conference or took a course")
Name at least two of the key people in your field.
If you had to, would you spend your own money to buy tools or other materials that would improve the quality of your work?
If you did not do this for work, would you still do it (or something related to it) as a hobby?

Tata-Corus

2007-01-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

India's Tata Steel outbids Brazil's CSN (608 pence/share against 603 pence/share) to bag UK's Corus Steel in an all cash deal. Tata-Corus Steel will be the 5th largest entity in the world, 2nd largest in Europe. Deal is pitched at $11.3 billion, 7 times Corus' forecasted EBIDTA. The final bid is 34% higher than Tata Steel's original bid to Corus Steel.

Brand India rules!

War of Desires

2007-01-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

Cia. Siderurgica Nacional SA (CSN) and Tata Steel Ltd. plan to bid at an auction in an hour from now for Corus Group Plc, the U.K.'s biggest steelmaker, in a contest that may lead to a sale for at least 5.2 billion pounds ($10.2 billion). First time for any steel player to be acquired through an auction.

We live in some interesting times, no doubting that!

Motivation

2007-01-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

After reading the following titles, "Small Is the New Big" and the "The Long Tail", I come to realize that there is a growing phenomenon that is pushing the nichification of markets even further to the edges. I'm a big believer of this trend. I refer to myself and the people around me who are exhibiting the same behaviours as the Boutique Generation.

You may be a member of the Boutique Generation if you:

Enjoy shopping at your local pharmacy, grocer, clothing store where you know the owners and feel yourself going out of your way to give them business even if their prices are higher because you prefer to have the personalized service over cost reduction.
Enjoy shopping at specialty stores, like Cheese Emporiums, Perfumeries, Tea Shops, etc. that carry a single, narrow type of product.
Will not pay much attention to the prices at these stores because the experience is worth it.
You were influenced to shop at the specialty stores as well as the local boutiques and shops mostly because a friend told you his/her experience with them.
You are starting to demand the same great experience from your online browsing. You prefer better designs, smoother UI, simple, streamlined checkout, some level of personalized service, or at least a community where you feel you ‘belong’ and you don’t mind paying for it as well.
Prefer smaller restaurants that have a beautifully detailed menu who serve interesting wine pairings, have ’stories’ for each dish and are a locals best kept secret (said restaurants don’t have to be pricey, but aren’t really a bargain). The service is personal and you can’t have dinner there in under 2 hours
Like to wear fashions by local designers, buy vintage pieces and buy clothing and jewelry when you travel that nobody else will have, but you always have a story for
Will travel way far out of your way for a special cup of coffee, tea or mixed drink and make certain you introduce good friends to the treat of the experience
Love farmers markets and prefer organic markets when the choice is presented
Pride yourself in being able to give these ‘insider tidbits’ to others and connect to fellow customers when immersed in the experience

The Boutique Generation don’t look at their habits as ‘better’ or ‘gourmet’ (although some do, it’s not part of the core experience, in fact, the less it is about the snobbery, the better the experience). The basic underlying thread is the desire for experience rather than just consumption. Craft over commodity. Boutiquers can enjoy a $7 bottle of wine with the right story and even more with the right $3 cheese, so it isn’t about money either.

It’s about connection. Community. It’s about caring about individuals and saying so with our spending (sometimes). It’s also about slow food, enjoying life and paying attention to the company we share it with (quite often). In pure business terms, your offerings can be boutique as there is really proven support by the Boutique Generation.

This blog is dedicated to writing about the boutique era who have a fight in hand against the organized established players. You can call it the fight between The Big and The Small. Expect this blog to carry all the observations and opinions on how the Davids and Goliaths survive in this new age economy.