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March 24, 2008

Fasten Your Seatbelts...

Interesting artilce by Matthew Barakat, Associated Press that appeared in USA Today:

"WASHINGTON — Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said Thursday he expects the next decade to bring even greater technological leaps than the past 10 years"...MORE

I have always said that my idea of the perfect computer is like the one they have in Star Trek. You know, the one that makes sure the ambient room temperature is just right for you and can make you the perfect cup of your favorite tea. A machine that is always to happy to answer questions like "Computer, tell me about the mating rituals or the Jagadomi?" or "How far from Octuras am I right now?" The computer then responds in a well modulated, pleasant voice providing you with a wealth of knowledge and insights and then make you another cup of tea.

If things progress the way Mr. Gates is suggesting, my ideal is close to being a reality. I always believe that the journey is half the fun of getting "there," I just hope I can keep up!

Posted by anna at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)

March 21, 2008

Are you a positive deviant?

NSLS usually sends some staff to the Pegasus Conference. This is an outgrowth of Peter Senge's work and involves various forms of systems thinking and leadership methods. As a result most staff get an e-newsletter called Leverage Points from Pegasus Communications. I was particularly intrigued by this issue and "positive deviance."

Here is a the quote that got me intrigued:

Jerry Sternin, a proponent of the change approach known as "positive deviance," has been quoted as saying about large scale transformation, "You can't bring permanent solutions in from outside. Instead, you have to find small, successful but 'deviant' practices that are already working in the organization and amplify them. Maybe, just maybe, the answer is already alive in the organization--and change comes when you find it."

I went to the positive deviance webpage and watched the film about the "Palmer Method" It is interesting how it captures the brilliance of doing something simple in an efficient and effective manner. I am sure Mr. Palmer does this a thousand times a day. How many things do you do that seem simple but are really brilliant? Try to keep track of them and think about how you can build on these successes. What kind of change might it bring to your organization? Tell me what you do?

This posting is dedicated to that person who responded to our survey and said they missed my blog. Whoever you are, Thanks!

Posted by anna at 2:25 PM | Comments (0)