Hurry Up And Sign Up For Another Book Club!
A few months ago we started a book club and we weren’t exactly sure if it would work…but it did (yes a little to my surprise). The participants seemed to really enjoy the experience and contributed along the way. For me it made the book a little more enjoyable to read, and hearing different perspectives was fantastic and really made me think. Amazing! Just another way to leverage the Web for personal interaction and collaboration when it probably wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
The time feels right for another book to be read. With the research conference season upon us, I thought people might be looking for a book to read, and why not have us provide that to them?
Last night I actually raced down to Barnes & Noble with a book in mind for the club, but once I reviewed it I wasn’t 100% sure it would work. So after a few more minutes — 15 to be exact — I found one that I am hoping people will enjoy.
Work Like You’re Showing Off: The Joy, Jazz, and Kick of Being Better Tomorrow Than You Were Today. I love the title and more important, the last three speeches I have given at conferences I always say “get better at something every day.” So I thought this might be the perfect book for people who want to improve. Not sure about the first part of the title, “Work Like You Are Showing Off” but that added to the intrigue. I have never read anything by Joe Calloway, so I am really looking forward to this book.
Here is what you are committing to do:
- Read the book within 30 days
- Post your comments along the way
That’s it — that’s all you need to do.
What we are looking for are fifteen people to be members of a book club. Once we have fifteen volunteers, they will be contacted by email and asked to supply an address (which will NOT be posted on the blog) where we should ship the book. There is NO charge for participating in this book club. We are just asking you to make a commitment and read the book in the next 30 days and comment when asked. If we have more than fifteen participants, we will randomly pick the people. You are not committing to reading any more than just the one book that we will supply to you.
I believe this book should be an easy read and appropriate to everybody
I look forward to hearing from you and having you participate.
October 5th, 2007 at 9:47 am
This book sounds very interesting - and the title is definitely intriguing! I would love to join. Thanks!
October 5th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Reviews of this book are great. Please count me in and thanks for the opportunity!
October 5th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I’ve got to admit, I’m intrigued. Count me in.
October 5th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
i’m in.
October 5th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Count me in!
October 5th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Sound advice in my opinion - the title of the book.
I’d be very interested in participating in this book club. If room, add my name to the list
October 5th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I’ll participate if you are accepting alumni.
October 5th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Count me in.
-Laurie
October 8th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Sounds interesting.
I’m in.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:14 am
I would really like to join
October 8th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I would like to participate. This is the best sounding book title since “Who Moved my Cheese?”!
October 8th, 2007 at 9:13 am
I’m in, sounds great
October 8th, 2007 at 9:30 am
Great idea! I’d be happy to participate, if there is room.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:56 am
I would like to participate again. The last book was a lot of fun.
October 8th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Would love to be involved if you have room for one more.
October 8th, 2007 at 10:26 am
The West Coast is awake now… and I’d really love to participate if you are okay with us doing this for a second time!
October 8th, 2007 at 10:37 am
I’m interested and ditto Danielle about the West Coast.
October 8th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Merrill, count me in - or if we go buy one can we still participate in the discussion? Thanks.
October 8th, 2007 at 11:07 am
Count me in, please!
Thanks again,
Fee
October 13th, 2007 at 9:39 am
If it’s not too late I’d like to participate.
Joe
October 19th, 2007 at 8:00 am
First of all thank you so much for your participation in the book club. We had some great comments with the first book and I am confident that will happen again with this group. There are 20 people who will be reading along with us. The way this will work is every so often you will get an email with some comments discussing the book. I try and send them out once a week with a goal of finishing the book in the next 30 days.
The book is Work Like You’re Showing Off: The Joy, Jazz, and Kick of Being Better Tomorrow Than You Were Today.
Prior to starting the book:
• Is there something specifically that you hope the book addresses?
• Do you have any best practices that you use to get better today than yesterday?
• Can you list a few ways that you stay current with what is going on in your industry or the economy?
Thanks – I look forward to hearing from you and enjoying the book together.
Merrill
October 19th, 2007 at 11:20 am
I don’t know what i am hoping the book addresses, i just really enjoy reading books that open my eyes and give me new perspective. I am hoping i can take away something that i can apply everyday and help me step up even more. i believe you are always learning, and that reading is a key component to that.
as far as keeping up with the industry. i rely on my colleagues, MRA conferences and webinars and trade publications.
October 19th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I was intrigued by the title “work like you are showing off.” I believe in giving 110% everyday, but not necessarily drawing attention to it. So I am interested in learning if the title is just a flashy catch or if there is a unique idea there. In general I hope to learn something new.
to keep up with the industry, i read the news sites, attend conference and local chapter events and talk to others in the industry.
October 19th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
My perception of “showing off” is negative, so I’m interested to read his interpretation of showing off, and how to apply it to getting better.
To grow I try to surround myself with people who are better than I at the things I want to be better at. I have a natural inclination to play it safe, but all of the experiences that have really helped me grow are the ones where I was forced to take a chance, because things I regret are the things I didn’t do, not the things I did. And then I try to maintain a few moral rules like “do unto others…”, “don’t do it if it wouldn’t make my Mom proud,” and “take responsibility for everything in my life.”
I stay current with the industry and the economy through Marginal Revolution (blog), membership in International Institute of Forecasters, market research and consumer research academic journals, and I stay active with my old university and classmates.
October 21st, 2007 at 11:34 am
My expectations of this book are that it will lead me to new insights I can apply both in my own performance and to influence and inspire those I work with.
I’ve worked with show-offs who were supremely competent and downright inspirational, and I’ve worked with bad show-offs who were overbearing, egoistic and counterproductive. I’m hoping this book helps define the line between the two.
To improve my performance, I reflect on how I’ve done things and observe how others have approached similar tasks, comparing the outcomes, identifying best practices.
I stay current with the marketplace through networking with others in MR and many other industries. I am often surprised by the relevant information can pick up from casual conversation when I listen carefully and take the initiative to ask follow-up questions. The UPS manager I talk with at my daughter’s soccer practice, the accountant who does the books for my husband’s business, my cousin who promotes vaccination for an international aid agency, a stay-at-home mom friend who runs an online business — they’re all studying the marketplace from different perspectives and have valuable insights I can incorporate into my own. I also read the Wall Street Journal, listen to NPR, set up Google alerts and use the web to dig in for more information on topics I think are important.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:44 am
Merrill, thanks for sending along the book.
I’d like to be able to cull some simple rules to share with business personnel and friends and family to help in enriching their business and personal lives.
As far as business practices to get better today than yesterday, I always suggest that we learn from our experiences both positive and negative. Be sure to build on the positives and try to learn from the negatives.
I also believe it if you expect people to be accountable for their actions you must empower them. It is not always easy to do that and it’s important to recognize when people need to be directed in that area.
It is also important to recognize effort and superior performance on an ongoing basis. This will encourage people to continue to excel at what they are doing.
In terms of staying current with the economy and the industry I try to stay informed by maintaining dialogue with colleagues, reading the industry newsletters and journals and also watching the world news every evening and subscribing to the Wall Street Journal online.
Joe
October 24th, 2007 at 6:07 am
Good morning. By now you should have received the book and hopefully started to read it. For me it has been an easy read so far. With a blink of an eye I was already at page 35.
With each short chapter I am starting to understand what Joe Calloway means with the title “Work Like You Are Showing off” and frankly feeling a little more comfortable with it.
A few questions came to mind as I read the first 7 chapters:
• When was the last time you “showed” off?
• What % of your friendship family do you think show off during an average week?
• Joe talks about letting go – is there something you can share that you should let go?
• Seems like every company wants every employee to be The Gold Standard – is that realistic? How hard is that to achieve?
• I love when Joe states that Tiger Woods has a coach. That really puts things into perspective for me. Do you have a coach or mentor? Please describe the person.
I look forward to reading your comments please post them in the next few days on the link below.
Hurry Up And Sign Up For Another Book Club!
Thanks again for your participation.
Merrill
October 24th, 2007 at 6:55 am
Showed as in the last time you “showed” off? Just last evening when I arrived in Atlanta, (for the MRA Fall conference) while my luggage stayed behind in Philadelphia “due to a full aircraft and weight balancing issues”!!!!!! Needless to say, thank you Merrill for sending along and enrolling me in the book club. I took direct advice from page (5) and proceeded to have the counter lady win! She had a great time, I had a great time, the people at the MART booth had a great time and so my whole afternoon could have been ruined had I not chosen to have that initial person win! Guess what! It all arrived at 9:30pm, just in time for me to brush my teeth and the luggage didn’t suffer at all either!!
What % of your friendship family do you think shows off during an average week? 1%.
Joe talks about letting go – is there something you can share that you should let go? Frustration. Letting go of frustration when things don’t go. Whether right or wrong as in the example I gave about my luggage, that had the potential to provide an enormous amount of suffering and frustration, but given the choice to have the baggage carriers win, completely altered that dialogue for me and “saved” me from the path I may have ordinarily taken!
Seems like every company wants every employee to be The Gold Standard – is that realistic? How hard is that to achieve? I feel it would be something that can be accomplished and in fact very nurturing to the organization as a whole. It would be challenging, given we all carry our own nuances and energy levels, but I’d like to think if we got rid of all the muck we carry, we could take on such a standard.
I love when Joe states that Tiger Woods has a coach. That really puts things into perspective for me. Do you have a coach or mentor? Please describe the person. I don’t have a formal coach or mentor but I have people I look to and emulate, you being one of them. I seek out individuals with energy levels similar or better than mine, with integrity and focus and the ability to not be content with the norm. I seek out people with passion and a caring that what goes on in their world and around them is a part of them and not void of an opinion, caring or compassion, from them.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Merrill thank you for including me in the book club! I am not sure what I expected of this selection but am through the first few chapters and have to agree with some of the comments. I think I perceived showing off as a negative but agree with Laurie that maybe more so there is the right way and wrong way to show off.
I was surprised by the “letting go” chapter - not something I was expecting or would have consider in this process. What was interesting for me was that I almost immediately had a handful of things I knew I should let go of but hadn’t - most importantly spending too much time in the past and not focusing enough energy on the future. I am definitely in my comfort zone and a little apprehensive to take that step or let go of that proverbial ladder rung. This sounds so goofy but all I can think of is Indiana Jone’s taking that “leap of faith”.
So are those that have the ability to let go and take the leap more successful? We have all heard the stories or people with $2 bucks in their pocket, leaped and changed the world.
Back to book!
October 28th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
In terms of the last time I showed off. I like to think that every day in both my personal and business life I try to excel and exceed expectations.
About half of my friendship family shows off in an average week. I believe that too many people are happy with the status quo and are afraid to push the envelope.
Unfortanately not every employee can achieve the gold standard. Many years ago my business mantra was ” grow or go “. Over the years I learned that there are roles in life and in business that can be filled with
people who are happy with where they are at. It causes management to manage differently but it is not the worst situation to be in.
Over the years I have had a number of mentors. In business I have had 3 bosses who served as mentors and taught me valuable lessons in Research, Management and Salesmanship.
Since starting my business I have continued to learn valuable lessons from CASRO colleagues and client friends. They have shared their successes and failures and ways that they dealt with them.
Joe
October 29th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Before starting the book, I also had a negative perception of showing off and it was refreshing to be told we can and should. About 30% of my friendship family show off during an average week.
The chapter on letting go was great. I recognized that there are things that I should let go. Things such as being too comfortable, not taking chances instead of focusing on solutions and adding value. As for The Gold Standard, personally I believe that every employee should strive to be someone who can be counted to deliver every time.
Relentless improvement, not continuous improvement, but relentless - that really does make a point. Such a great concept too, imagine improving even one small thing daily and patting yourself on the back - what a boost.
October 31st, 2007 at 6:58 pm
I started to read the book with a bit of skepticism, anticipating that it was going to be just a motivational luncheon speech in written form. However, I was delighted to find that it had many relevant points that prepared me for the completion of employee evaluations that I was doing for some of our key staff.
The book helped me realize that a couple of my direct reports are exactly the type of people the book urges us to be; Although neither has a college degree, nor ownership in our company, they consistently ‘work like they’re showing off’. They are what I consider ‘The Gold Standard’.
Each of these people has continuously found ways to advance their knowledge of Market Research, hone excellent communication skills and always contribute to our company’s success. They have outstanding leadership qualities and inspire motivation and teamwork. They establish priorities, meet schedules, and best of all, understand that client service is the most important function of our company. I have watched them become involved with the MRA and am always proud to be on their team.
I guess if I had to give statistics, I would say that 25% of my friends/family show off during an average week. Last week my son became a finalist in BusinessWeek.com’s ‘2007-America’s Best Young Entrepreneurs 25 and Under’. He and his company of 8 show off every week so they help raise the incidence in my circle.
Although the book is about personal excellence, it validates the idea that no matter how good you are, you need to have strong, capable people on your team to be your very best.
November 1st, 2007 at 11:27 am
Good morning. Hopefully by now you have not only started the book but enjoying it and the book club experience. I am trying to read it in sections and my comments will take us up page 73 and chapter 15.
I am actually enjoying the book – yes it is an easy read but also I am learning a few things. Some of my questions from chapters 8-14 include?
• Problems and setbacks that people have and how they overcome them. I found this very appropriate and interesting. Everyone is different – in your life how have you been able to deal with setbacks and overcome them?
• Joe Calloway talks about “What some people call positive attitude is really about toughness, creativity and courage.” What do you think he means and do you agree?
• Joe talks about stupid promises - how do you fell when colleagues make promises they can’t keep? How do you handle this situation – do you confront the person?
• Joe talks about Southwest Airlines doing a nice job of managing their customer expectations. What happens when a company doesn’t do that with you?
• How long does it take you to trust that company again?
Joe has a very good style of writing. I enjoy the stories and quotes.
I would appreciate if you could please post your comments on the link below by Tuesday November 6th, 2007.
November 1st, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Loved the book. I found the pace a bit too fast at first. As Merrill notes, it is a quick read. Then I made a point to stop and reflect more often and let the wisdom Joe imparts sink in. This is all stuff we’ve heard before, but a lot of this really hit home with me, so I guess that tells you I needed to hear it again.
Now that I understand better how Joe defines showing off, I think I show off a little every day, but hope to apply these principles to show off more often. I really like Joe’s examples of showing off by being the coolest person in the room when the easy route is to get mad and raise hell… in other words, making a decision to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Around the same time I read the chapter on letting go, I noticed this “quote of the week” posted at the entrance to a yoga studio, attributed to some great yogi, “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” This takes Joe’s point a bit further, and I wanted to share it with the other readers.
To your question, Merrill, about letting go: I’ve always held on to some internal clutter that I’m now going to focus on releasing. One piece of this is my reliance on analysis, analysis and more analysis (looking for the devil in the details). I want to start to trust my instincts more often and step back from the details to take in the big picture.
Regarding The Gold Standard: As Joe describes it, the gold standard is a person who can be counted on to carry out assignments “correctly and on time, every time.” This seems unrealistic to me — unless the tasks are quite routine, and even then, one would have to be pretty lucky. What Joe describes is perfection, which is, almost by definition, unrealistic. I don’t know anyone who meets that standard, and I’ve worked with (and currently work with) some people I consider to be as close to a gold standard, in their respective roles, as I could ever hope to meet. (This is the point in the book where I stopped reading for a while. My feeling of inspiration was giving way to annoyance.) I think a more realistic standard we should aspire to would be someone who approaches every challenge with determination and skill, can assemble the people, tools and techniques to get the job done, can roll with the punches, and can acknowledge and learn from setbacks… something along those lines. Basically, all the other traits Joe describes in the other chapters.
November 1st, 2007 at 4:51 pm
This book has turned into a very good read. I particularly like the chapter on “the Gold Standard.” I don’t think the gold standard is achieving perfection in my actions, but being perfectly dependable in delivering what I say I will deliver. This requires acknowledging the limitations that I have—time, experience, knowledge—and addressing them and still getting the job done. Because when all’s said and done, all I really have is my integrity. (I had one of those aha moments when I got this in this chapter.) And if I don’t do what I say I will then I have nothing. Not even if I partially deliver what I say I will. I think striving for the gold standard is a reasonable goal for every employee in a company just because I think everyone should be expected to show up on time and do what they say they will do.
The fear of failure is probably the biggest thing I need to let go of. I think there’s a fine line between prudence and the fear of failing, and it’s easy to hide the fear under the guise of prudence.
What I’ve learned from the book so far is that being better today than I was yesterday requires that (a.) I consistently deliver what I say I will by acknowledging the limitations I face; and (b.) I consistently work to eliminate the limitations I face. I guess that’s why Tiger Woods has a coach, and especially why I should too!
A coach seems different to a mentor in that a coach will offer unsolicited advice, whereas a mentor offers advice only after being asked. I have several people I ask advice from in different areas like work and finances, but none (other than my boss and my wife) offer unsolicited feedback.
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:02 am
Like Jane Rosen, i was afraid this was going to be another one of those self help cheerleader type books that tells you what you already know. I was mistaken. I really love that Joe Calloway has the nerve to say the things most people never dream of saying.
I believe in the research industry, especially data collection, facilities are asked to make promises about their recruiting capabilities. I bob and weave on that question all of the time. Of course we all want the work, but what good is it to take a project you can’t deliver on? You do nothing but tarnish your reputation.
I was in Atlanta for the MRA Conference and attended a session called “We’re on the same team: Best practices for client / supplier collaboration” with Ed Erickson and Jon Last. My favorite message that was delivered during that session was not to over promise and stop saying, “yeah, we can do that” when you really can’t. That’s exactly what Joe is telling us too. Instead of broadening your scope, you should sharpen your expertise. I like it.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I absolutely loved the chapter “We See Things As We Are.” I so much agree with this and have seen it and experienced it. I am thinking about making a copy and giving it to everyone I know (Christmas might be a good time). It could be life-changing for anyone.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:55 am
This is a great book. I have really enjoyed reading it. Although I have to agree with the others that it is such a quick read, you have to force yourself to stop and reflect.
I was particularly intrigued when Joe talks about “What some people call positive attitude is really about toughness, creativity and courage.” I think this is a great point he makes. I am the eternal positive thinker, I always see the silver lining, the bright side, the good part of every situation. But I also think that this is a trait some are born with and some need to cultivate. To cultivate it (even if you are born as an optimist and need to hold on to it) takes effort and creativity. Sometimes it is hard to look beyond and really search out the positive. But I am a firm believer in the idea that a positive attitude can move mountains.
In regards to your earlier comment about letting things go, I thought this was an interesting take on things and enjoyed reading this chapter. The idea plays in well with chapter 11, “Imagination will take you Everywhere.” It is a neat idea to realize then it may be better to let go of an idea, challenge, or process instead of trying to make it work.
Great book, one I am sure I will continue to pick up and flip through.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Wanted to share an article that Lorri Sidotti sent me.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/WhatSpringsteenCanTeachCEOs.aspx?GT1=10621
Merrill
November 6th, 2007 at 6:11 am
I joined the book blog thinking the book entitled “Work like you’re showing off!” would have something to teach me. I’m not much for showing off. I prefer to be somewhat behind the scenes doing my job and helping to inspire others to do theirs. As I read Calloway’s book I find I am learning – and re-learning – a few things, but the focus is different than what I expected. Calloway’s description of “The Gold Standard” is a great reminder of an idea I’ve been exposed to in other arenas: DWYSYWD. DWYSYWD is an acronym I first heard about during my Master’s of Organizational Leadership classes, and I have seen in numerous places since then. DWYSYWD = Do What You Say You Will Do. The Gold Standard. This wasn’t what I expected when thinking about “showing off” but I find it all makes sense as Calloway describes. Doing what you promise builds trust. It builds credibility. When others view you as credible and trustworthy, they are willing to forgive you in the rare instances when you simply can’t follow through – because you have been reliable so often in the past. This is important! If we could all bank this kind of forgiveness with our clients and colleagues for when we’d need it, we’d be in a great place, indeed.
I also really enjoyed the chapter on “Expect to Connect.” I think every one of us, as human beings, likes to have the healthy attention of other human beings. Yet, as Calloway states, we don’t typically discuss the idea of “love” in our daily work lives. This idea challenges me to think of ways to bring the “love” into how I interact with colleagues and clients every day. As I contemplate how to do this, I think of the art of listening. By truly listening, I think we can move a long way toward connecting. If we can really connect with the people around us, it’s a powerful tool.
I am still finishing the book, and I have enjoyed what I’ve read thus far. I also appreciate reading everyone’s feedback on the book, as these writings inspire me to further thought. This book blog is a great idea!
November 6th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Stupid promises! I completely related to this and believe this is one of the most critical elements to establishing a great relationship. Don’t over promise, do what you say you will do - simple? right? Ok, not always that easy. Let’s face it things go wrong, mistakes happen but it is the way you react to those situations and how you recover.
November 6th, 2007 at 8:51 am
I am up to chapter 13 (sorry, I’m falling behind) and, thus far, it has been quite inter sting. I too enjoy Calloway’s writing style. He presents his point of view directly and his examples and analogies are creative to say the least.
I have learned a few things and also found the author re-affirming things that I tend to think should be givens in the business world. One of the things I learned is:
- “I know that I don’t know…therefore I know.” I love this line! In fact, I will probably quote this line to people for the rest of my life! If life is anything, it is uncertain. To me this means making a reaffirmation of the old Boy Scouts motto - “Be Prepared”. But how does one prepare for the unknown? Is it possible to prepare for anything that might befall us? No. But it doesn’t hurt to try!
Some chapters in this book touch on things that I would think should be obvious to anyone in the business world. However, it seems that many times that is not the case. Making promises that you can’t keep (aka Stupid Promises) is often a death blow to businesses yet it seems that they happen more frequently than I care to imagine! After reading the chapter on stupid promises, I was admittedly a bit dumbfounded. How hard is it to deliver what you say you will, when you say you will, and for how much you say you will? Easier said than done I suppose.
As far as setbacks and failure goes, Calloway hits the nail right on the head. Showing off starts with letting go. Letting go (and getting in the damn boat and going) inevitably opens the door to mistakes, setbacks and sometimes failure. However, true success comes not from making mistakes, but from not making the same mistake twice.
To relate a personal analogy…when I was in college, my dad gave me a piece of advice that I still remember. He told me that the worse thing that could ever happen to me in this life was to have to start over. I think about this daily. Suppose that tomorrow there was no more need for market research (OK don’t really suppose that!)? I would have to start my work life over again. It would not be the first time. In my work life I have been a zoo keeper, gas station attendant, paper boy, professional soldier, pizza delivery guy, courier, ice hockey referee, and it seems I have finally found my calling as a market researcher. Who’s to say what I could be tomorrow? Setbacks, transitions, mistakes, and failures are a part of life and, as Calloway states, “seldom fatal”. In fact, many times it opens our lives up to re-invention. How can that be a bad thing?
November 6th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Like veryone in life I have had setbacks both personally and professionally.
It has always been important to me to face the reality of those setbacks and quickly strategize how to deal with them. In business I have been faced with key personnel leaving and the loss of key clients.
When that happened I immediately sprang into action by first analyzing the situation and in some cases seeking counsel from colleagues and setting out to address the situation while thinking as clearly as possible.
Who were the most likely successors to the person leaving ? Should the replacement be from within or from the outside ? Is this an opportunity for an upgrade, etc ?
To replace a key client I challenged myself and others to identify who the most likely clients would be to replace the lost client and to come up with the strategy we would employ to go after those clients.Again an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and also the potential to add an upgrade to our client roster.
Toughness, Creativity and Courage, three qualities I would like to be identified with.Mental toughness allows one to have the courage of their convictions to make the hard decisions. The willingness to fail and learn from that failure.
Creativity, thinking outside the box is so important in this competitive environment. Pushing the envelope will set you apart.
Courage , to me is the ability to feel comfortable being a champion of creativity and knowing that there is the possibility of failure.
Stupid promises are just that, stupid.I like to think that those of us in management are smart enough to recognize an overpromise and would have the conviction to cut it off at the pass. If it is the first time it happens I think it’s important to make it clear to the person that there is no upside and only downdide in overpromising. If it happens more than once that person should be taken to task.
Managing expectations is very important to me. as it is important to me to manage the expectations of me in life and in business.Recognizing that nothing is perfect I try to exercise tolerance the first time around. A repeat of non performance will lose me as a customer.
Unless I find it impossible to replace that company I am inclined to stay away until someone addresses me to find out what it will take to get me back.
Merrill, I like Joe’s writing style and am finding that we have very similar business philosophies.
Joe
November 7th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Good morning.
Hopefully you are enjoying the book. Anytime I present at a conference my hope is that the attendees learn one thing that they can apply to their personal or business life. This book club is no different. If you haven’t learned one thing perhaps I chose the wrong book or focused on the wrong questions - my hope is that wasn’t the case.
I must admit that I am enjoying the book – I like Joe Calloway’s style more and more with every chapter. This has been a challenge for me not to read the book in an hour or so rather than five or six fifteen minute sessions.
Ok let me start by saying yes the New England Patriots show off - at least this year every Sunday. Joe discusses athletes in chapter 15 and mention a few “show offs”. For me Walter Payton was always my favorite football player and went about his business in a quiet way and was the ultimate professional. He was my choice for an athlete ‘showing off.”
• Do you have one?
Joe talks about being you instead of somebody else. He stated “Be you. We haven’t seen that.” That struck a cord for me.
• How would your friends or family describe you in three words?
For me it might be outgoing, thought provoking and funny.
• Chapter 17 Joe mentions the pursuit of happiness. That means something different to everyone – what does that mean to you?
Joe makes a great point about spending as much time as possible with people who are different than you.
• Do you do this?
• Isn’t this really hard and very uncomfortable?
I look forward to hearing your comments.
I would appreciate if you could please post your comments on the link below by Tuesday November 13th, 2007.
Merrill
November 7th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Regarding problems and setbacks, we all have them but how we react to them affects the ultimate outcome. I prefer to acknowledge that it has happened, resolve to learn from it and move on. I agree with his view that there are two ways to look at any situation, if you can focus on the positive and the potential opportunity, things don’t seem quite so bad.
I completely agree with Joe’s belief about positive attitude being about toughness, creativity and courage and for me it means being able to let go and see things in a different way.
When colleagues over promise, the first time through I tend to give the person the benefit of the doubt but after that, I lose faith in that person’s ability to accurately assess the task and the timing AND my expectations are lower going forward. Do I confront the person? I am embarrassed to say that I usually do not (I dislike confrontation). Clearly an area that I should work on!
When companies do not live up to their expectations, I tend to give one more chance before taking action (complaining, boycotting, canceling service, etc.). It takes a while to win me back. If I complain and am not contacted by a manager or customer service, they are off my list for good.
November 8th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
I think the Olympic Gold Medal ice skater, Kristi Yamaguchi, is a true ’show off’ in the world of sports. Not only did she manage to win the Gold, but she did it with quiet grace and elegance, at a very young age and has gone on to give back to society. She founded the ‘Always a Dream Foundation’ which supports organizations that have a positive effect on children. She grew up in this area and contributes to many worthy causes and makes personal appearances at some of the fund raisers.
3 words that people would use to describe me would be committed, enthusiastic, eclectic
The things that make a person happy evolves throughout a lifetime. When you are young certain things make you happy and as you age, experiences and relationships change your view of happiness and fulfillment. The important thing is to recognize that what makes you happy. I think this is a point that Joe emphasizes in Chapter 17.
I love to spend time with people who are different than me. Life would be totally boring without diversity. There is so much to be learned from people who are unlike you and those with unique perspectives. That is what I love about living in Northern California. Everyday I interact with people who are Asian, East Indian, African American, Mid-Eastern and Hispanic; Protestant, Catholic, Muslim and Jewish; Gay and Straight. There is variety in my neighborhood, my workplace and in my kids’ schools. I think I am somewhat unique in that Chinese, Filipino, Persian and Indian friends help me make latkes at my annual Hanukkah parties. As business continues to become more global, understanding, accepting and embracing people who are different than you will become increasingly more important.
November 9th, 2007 at 7:48 am
Hello Merrill,
For me, I could not read the book in an hour! There were too many rich points that resonated with me, that I had to absorb and practice that last chapter and or if it was already true of my actions and way of being, to hone it acknowledge it and adopt it fully, if necessary.
A true artist and one that I would categorize as a “show off” is Michael Jordan. Certainly not in the way Mohammad Ali was and Terrell Owens is, with that in your face, ram it in you attitude, but a truly gifted athlete who set the bar where he could and everyone else had to either play at his level or lose.
How would your friends or family describe you in three words? Count-on-able, passionate, upbeat.
Pursuit of happiness is an interesting one as there is no pursuit necessary, for me. It’s truly as simple as: if I have fulfilled all that I have promised and am living my “word” then all are well and all, including I, are happy!
The perusing a life with differences from yours, manifests itself very differently for me as I get along with most everyone and can hold a dialogue in most communities. I struggle to put myself in a place, where people are more educated and more successful than I, and that truly is the arena I need to improve on.
There is a great deal to learn and great lessons to be had. As he states in one of the chapters, for me it’s not about money, it’s the passion for meeting new people and making a difference in their lives, or them in mine, with the services or experiences we each offer or the networks and communities I’m aware of. As he states in another chapter the more you give away the more you get back and for me, since I have not created a “thing” to give away, all I have is myself to contribute and be passionate about and lend a hand, and hopefully that will impact the world in a fluid more healthy, harmonious manner.
A quick share: I am visiting San Francisco and staying in Walnut Creek. Yesterday I got off BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from my trek into the city and decided to ride the free trolley to my hotel, as advised by the front desk clerk. I was so engulfed and absorbed by the driver and his ringing on his rope bell as he waved to one and all walkers by, and the passengers that got on and off as though they had done this routine for a millennium, that I missed my stop, as it was the first stop! The point being that I would have ordinarily been upset that I did that, but I had no specific agenda to follow and had I gotten off at the first stop, I would not have gotten to see the center of town and the two dozen or so folks, of all walks of life that very fluidly streamed through this extremely nostalgic means of transport. Nor would I have experienced the smile of the diver, an elder gentleman, who very elegantly served up a booklet/album of his four month old grandchild with all the seasoned women who sat up at the front, propped up on the higher bench and giggled passionately as they shared their day and their children, with him.
Joe mentions in one of the chapters that you have to stop and look at what really matters, in life and all else will work around that as the example he used with the CEO, who put his family and values before anything else and managed to be successful despite the seeming sacrifices.
It’s truly a gift to be able to be touched by all that surrounds us!
November 9th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Fee,
Thank you so much for sharing your comments and stories from San Francisco. I am glad you pointed out something else that Joe mentioned that I didn’t comment on. Life is very short and all of us should focus on what really matters - I for one at times need to do a much better job at that.
Thanks for teaching me something this morning.
Merrill
November 9th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Merrill, I took the liberty to finish the book because I will be out of town next week and wanted to respond to your latest questions and also wanted to share my thoughts on the rest of the book.
To answer your questions:
There are a number of sports figures who come to mind as Show-offs.
The two most prominent in my mind are Lawrence Taylor and Willie Mays.
As I’m sure most will agree two very different personalities but as skilled as they come. Taylor integrated the element of fear and intimidation into
his game and combined with his skills succeeded in showing off throughout his career.
Mays on the other hand had this wonderful outgoing personality that ingratiated him to his foes while continuing to excel at what he did.
Both of them were also astute enough to adjust their approach to their job as their skill level tapered off.
I would hope that my family and friend would describe me as someone who is FIRM, but FAIR and as a person who has INTEGRITY.
I terms of the pursuit of happiness, I want to be able to be a person who has a positive impact on those I come into contact with in my personal and business lives.
In terms of spending time with different types of people it’s interesting to note that my children often remark about my ” eclectic ” group of friends. I know they mean that positively.
It is a very positive experience for me to continue to interact with friends from 60 plus years in my life who have taken diverse paths in life and for me to get together with them and to be enriched by these differences as well as the similarities we shared many years ago.
I continue to be blessed with having a circle of friends that is very diverse
in both my personal and professional life. Something that I am very proud of is my ability to bring groups of people together from various walks of life and watch the positive interaction that results as well as the learning I take from it..
As far as the rest of the book goes it’s interesting to note that at a point I said to myself I wish Joe would give some more concrete examples. Lo and behold, Chapter 26 Your Next Best Idea Is Everywhere more than delivered. Some wonderful examples of thinking outside the box and being counterintuitive.
My net is that it was a very enjoyable book and worth passing on to colleagues.
Thanks so much for allowing me the opportunity to participate.
I will be happy to be part of the group again if you feel that works.
Joe
November 9th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Joe,
Thanks for your comments and participation. I love your comment about the pursuit of happiness.
“I want to be able to be a person who has a positive impact on those I come into contact with in my personal and business lives”. That is a fabulous description and speaks volumes to the person you are.
have a great weekend.
Merrill
November 13th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
This book is fantastic. I have been unable to respond as frequently or as detailed as I would like but I have to say that every chapter has been phenomenal. Just when I think it can’t get better or that the author has imparted all he has to teach us…there is more. Great choice, Merrill! I have been sharing this great stuff with those around me.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Joe’s writing style is great, the book is very enjoyable.
In terms of athletes who are show offs, I don’t follow professional sports very often but would consider Ali probably one of the best examples.
My family and friends would describe me as solid, generous and funny. I am who I am and I’m ok with that, this concept is difficult for some. I agree with Joe about the pursuit of happiness, there is no greater satisfaction than helping someone else.
November 14th, 2007 at 7:16 am
I have enjoyed everyone’s comments as much as I have enjoyed the book! I do have to protest slightly! Why is there always a sports analogy? Not that I am not a sports lover but geeze there is always a sports analogy!
Ok I admit it. I teared up when Rudy was carried off the field on the shoulders of his team mates, I remember Nadia scoring her 10s at the Olympics and cheered out loud when the Giants beat the Bills in Super Bowl 25.
I cheered louder when by son made a basket in a game where they didn’t even keep score and was thrilled when he faced his fear and performed the most ungraceful belly flop off the diving board. It didn’t matter if he won or if it was the most graceful routine, the point is that he did it. He committed to it and did it.
So why is there always a sports analogy? I think it is because we also need to think about how we measure success. Sometimes being a show off is your commitment and dedication to a job as well as you making that connection. I hope I can be a show off! I really enjoyed the book. Thank you Merrill for including me in the group!
November 14th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Hello, fellow Book Club Members, sorry I’ve been so silent.
The three words that (I hope) my friends would use to describe me are: jovial, passionate and sincere.
As far as athletes go: David Ortiz, certainly, but I’ve also got some examples from UMASS. I was an undergraduate at UMASS during the Dr J years (we were actually in the same Biology lecture, along with about 498 other people). The slam dunk was “illegal” in college basketball in those days, but that didn’t stop the Dr from doing them in the pre-game warm up. My other choice is a bit more obscure: Lou Roe from the great UMASS teams of the mid-90’s. Dick Vitale used to refer to him as “TV Lou” because he always knew when the camera was on him and he played accordingly. The funny thing, though, is I met Lou in person when he played for the Pistons and he’s one of the shyest people I’ve ever encountered. Get him on the court, though, and he’s a monster.
My idea of happiness, as I think I’ve posted before, is walking through the woods with my family and dogs during a magnificent New England Autumn. After more than 50 years on this earth, I’m still not exactly sure what happiness is, but I know it when I feel it.
As for hanging out with different types of people–hey, I am a Northeastern Liberal Baseball fan who lived in Texas for 25 years– I had to hang out with different types of people! I do enjoy the company of others and can usually find some common ground for friendly discussion.
Finally, I have a little present for the members of the club: the musical number “Show Off” from the Broadway musical “The Drowsy Chaperone”. It’s a catchy tune, and I think you’ll enjoy the actress singing “I don’t want to show off no more” when that is exactly what she is doing. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ5G6FoX1sg
November 15th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Bob,
Thanks for your comments and the link to the video. It is a great example about showing off when you aren’t showing off. For those of you who haven’t watched it - certainly worth the time commitment.
Merrill
November 16th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Good morning.
As I was traveling back to Dallas earlier in the week I finished the book and I must say I really enjoyed it. The book had so many life lessons that I probably will try to read it every year.
In chapter 22 Joe discusses making decisions very quickly and than making the next decision very quickly. Because everything in the world appears to be changing so fast does that mean all company and executives are making only short term decisions?
What does that do to long term planning?
Letting go of preconceived notions is very hard. Most people can’t do this – not sure everyone (including myself) thinks they are doing this but clearly most people do. This happened in a meeting yesterday when we were discussing an employee who used to work at M/A/R/C. This person was here over 7 years ago – shouldn’t preconceived notions be tossed out of the window?
Please describe a preconceived notion that you have regarding a food, activity or person that maybe you should evaluate a little closer and perhaps your thought would change.
Very powerful statement by Joe – “if you haven’t changed your opinion on a significant issue in the past few years, you might want to see your doctor for a check up. It’s possible that you’re brain-dead.”
Joe described NetFlix as a company that shows off – please give an example of a company that shows off in your mind?
Joe ends chapter 24 with this statement – “if you take one idea from this book, I’m happy if it’s this one. Be quick. Do it now. Be on time. Keep your promises.” Aren’t these basic concepts to live your life by? Didn’t our parents and teachers pound these things into our head?
It is my belief that most people don’t do these things.
Do you agree?
Why is that?
In one of the last chapters Joe talks about asking for the business – he is SO right. This has had an impact on my career. A basic concept that few people will actually do can really improve sales.
Was I the alone when I think chapter 26 has great ideas! The 12 ideas he lists and explains are all terrific points.
I hope you enjoyed the book and experience. I would appreciate if you could post your comments on the link below by November 21st.
Enjoy the holiday.
Merrill
November 21st, 2007 at 11:40 pm
The first company that came to mind as one that exemplifies “showing off” is JK Rowling (& Co.?) and her Harry Potter books. I have never heard one of her customers complain! In fact, everyone I’ve heard discuss the books agrees that each one is better than the previous.
You’re absolutely right about chapter 24 being basic concepts to live your life by. I always understood timeliness to imply integrity and courtesy, but he points out in this chapter that it also requires a sense of urgency.
Today I was invited to be a friend on a social networking website with an old roommate who I really didn’t get along with. This was 10 years ago. I’ve changed, I bet he has to. This is a “preconceived notion” I get to reevaluate.
Thanks for letting me be a part of this group. I’ve really enjoyed the book and everyone’s comments.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Thanks again for including me in this book club. I really enjoyed the book and know I will refer to it again. Your comment about Joe’s idea of letting go preconceived notions is very timely for me because I just attended my high school reunion. I won’t mention how many years it has been. I had a wonderful evening catching up with so many people I have not seen in years. I have changed a lot since high school and figured most of us have. However, I did find myself through the evening having to consciously put aside those preconceived notions of who somebody was so that I could learn who they are now.
I think people hold onto preconceived notions because it makes us feel safe. Joe makes a good point that not only do we need to let go of preconceived notions, but we have allow ourselves the opportunity to change our minds. The point he makes about “changing your opinion on a significant issue” to me is one of the best points he makes to being better tomorrow than you were today.
I don’t fully agree with Joe’s takeaway “Be Quick. Do it now. Be on time. Keep your promises.” I think a better directive is “Be Timely or Be Responsive”. Quick is not always better. And I think he should have added one more thing, “Do it with a smile.”
November 27th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I enjoy all the comments too but did finally finish the book.
About Chapter 22 and making decisions quickly - I took from this chapter that he meant we need to be flexible, think on our feet, expect the unexpected. Sure, we can have long term plans but the process may have to be changed along the way to allow us to get there.
Preconceived notions - difficult to ignore. It would be nice to be able to drop these and approach every situation with a more open mind. I am usually pleasantly surprised by what I learn when I do. Broccoli was one of those things that was the most disgusting things in the world until I tried it - turns out it’s really very good and good for me. Who knew?
Sometimes I think I am nuts judging by the number of times that I change my opinion about something - I just cannot land in one place or another with the issue. And I am OK with that. Lots of times, given a rational argument, I can be swayed to change my position.
The dealership that I use for car maintenance is an example of showing off. I had several bad experiences with them last December. Because they are the closest to me, I went back to have maintenance performed on my car. They really took care of me this time- took a full 10% off the bill, washed and waxed my car and was done in about 2 hours. I was impressed to the point that I won’t consider going elsewhere.
Joe’s ending was so simple but so important and I would agree that most people probably do not do those things (Be quick. Do it now. Be on time. Keep your promises). I believe we have so many other priorities in our lives, that they get lost in the shuffle. Daily affirmation of the concepts might help. I think I will post these on my monitor along with my “Life isn’t an emergency” note.
A great book, I hope to reread it within the next month. Thanks for the opportunity.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Chapter 22 really hit home for me. Joe describes the classic situation facing managers who find themselves between two seemingly opposing forces. Operations teams want clear and consistent direction so they can execute a project efficiently, on time and within budget. Business leaders, market strategists and the like see the shifting landscape and adjust accordingly, often throwing the project off timeline, shifting the scope, and blowing efficiency out the window. In this environment, the show-off accepts this as the norm and manages others’ expectations accordingly.
To Merrill’s musing about what this does to long term planning, I think a true long term plan stays above the fray and withstands the day-to-day fluctuations by focusing on the enduring mission and high-level goals. But that’s another book…
December 4th, 2007 at 7:16 am
The New england Patriots continue to show off - all they do is win and win and win. After they score they hand the ball to the Ref - very few players do that - most of the players in the NFL have a pre-meditated celebration but not the 12-0 Patriots.
They are simply amazing
Merrill
December 5th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
My nomination for a company that shows off is Staples. They really seem to walk the talk when they say they make it easy for their customers, particularly by streamlining the rebate process. They also seem to be knowledgeable and friendly, something that you don’t always find at a retailer.
I know I’m in the minority here, but I found myself somewhat disappointed by the book. I felt that many of the observations were superficial and there wasn’t enough practical information for people who weren’t used to showing off to get them started.
I also felt that some of the observations were not well thought out. I disagree with his advice to make snap decisions. He cites 7up as an example of being different because they marketed themselves as “caffeine free”. That’s true and it was successful for a while, but 7up didn’t take into account what would happen when their competition introduced caffeine free soft drinks. They had so much invested in a single idea, that they were vulnerable. Once Coke and Pepsi introduced caffeine-free versions they regained market share and 7up had to try to reinvent itself again–something that it has not yet been successful at–their most recent failure being the “Make 7up Yours” campaign.