Blogging is part of working

While I was watching Fred Wilson's talk at Google Talks, the thought of his blog has become part of how he works caught my attention.

How he work:

1. Before presentation, post slides on blog.
2. Blog readers give comments.
3. Review and incorporate comments into slides.
4. Thank readers.

This leads me to thinking one can shift from working alone or working with colleagues to working collectively with one's social networks. This proves that there is value in social networks for corporations.

Sense from:

Fred Wilson at Google Talks

1:55 - 3:50 mins

How do Alan Webber manage ideas

How do Alan Webber manage ideas?

1. Keep a stack of 3 x 5 cards.
2. Listen and observe.
3. When heard an idea that clicked with you, pull out a card and write it down.
4. Review the cards.
5. Catalog the cards into files.

Sense from:

The next big idea in management: 3 x 5 card

Alan Webber

8 characteristics of effective idea process

8 characteristics of effective idea process

1. Ideas are encouraged and welcomed.
2. Submitting ideas is simple.
3. Evaluation of ideas is quick and effective.
4. Feedback is timely, constructive and informative.
5. Implementation is rapid and smooth.
6. Ideas are reviewed for additional potential.
7. People are recognized and success is celebrated.
8. Idea system performance is measured, reviewed and improved.

Source:

Ideas are free

Alan Robinson & Dean Schroeder

Page 144 - 145

ISBN: 9781576752821

How to get ideas

How to get ideas

1. Just ask

Ask your people to come to their regular department meetings with one small idea that will make their work easier or improve the company in some way and that will not require permission from above or significant resources to implement. Have each person present his or her idea and ask the group to discuss it and build on it. If an idea is worthwhile, agree on who will implement it.

2. Offer lunch

Bring in pizza ( or whatever food is appropriate ) and collect and discuss your employees' ideas over an extended lunch. Hold the lunch off-site, if more appropriate. Such a lunch can become a regular activity.

3. When change occurs, ask for ideas

Whenever major change occurs or is anticipated, encourage your group to be on the lookout for the new problems and opportunities created by this change and to offer ideas to address them.

4. Look for that bigger problem or opportunity in a small idea

When an idea comes in that might have broader implications, explore them. Together with your people, identify the larger issues involved and decide what can be done to address them.

5. Work on reluctant participants

When a person is not offering any ideas, talk to him or her and find out why. Encourage and help this person until he or she feels comfortable and confident about giving in ideas.

Source:

Ideas are free

Alan Robinson & Dean Schroeder

Page 58

ISBN: 9781576752821

Show me the problem

Last Friday, I went to see an osteopath as I sprained my leg. On the way back, I was offered a seat in the subway.

What I observed:

I was offered the seat when I am feeling better rather than when I was feeling worst. The answer lies in the bandage on my ankle. When I was going to the osteopath, I was feeling worst with no bandage. When I was returning, I was feeling better with bandage.

This leads me to thinking:

Don't help only when people show us the problem.

Don't look at things on the surface only.

10 Google cultural norms

10 Google cultural norms

1. Focus on the user and all else will follow.
2. It's best to do one thing really, really well.
3. Fast is better than slow.
4. Democracy on the web works.
5. You don't need to be at your desk to need an answer.
6. You can make money without doing evil.
7. There's always more information out there.
8. The need for information crosses all borders.
9. You can be serious without a suit.
10. Great just isn't good enough.

Source:

How Google inspires innovation

Alfred Spector

Inc. 500 | 5000 Conference 2008