Last Mile Worker

I still struggle , as do many, with the rationalization between building software and buying software. Microsoft Excel , likely one of the most widely recognized packaged software applications, was released over 30 years ago . My guess is not many people would consider building a custom piece of software which performs math and other worksheet related tasks. While this is an obvious example, it highlights an important factor for many in deciding between custom and configurable software solutions . Fact is, everybody understands how Microsoft Excel works. Let's mix it up a bit and add the opinions that you have regarding what makes your approach to business so special.   The things that you do, in an industry, which are totally unique to your competitors.   This is where it gets a bit murky, we must tease out the transactional components from the value add aspects of software.   For instance, you use a staffing system to help find, manage, and retain internal and...

Cloud platforms, with all of their interconnected tools and functions, are perceived by some as overwhelming.  Sure change is hard, yet it meets considerable resistance when the worker must deal with too many factors, such as: their anxiety related to computing having too many choices Both of these, along with many others not mentioned, make it too easy to revert back to comfortable habits.  This is the reason that so many organizations stop at email and file management on their transformation journey.  One solution to be considered is allowing the workers to get comfortable with a single point of entry (SPoE).  That is a single application that can serve as the launching pad for all digital tools.   A well executed SPoE provides value for the office and remote workers alike.  Imagine that you had just one business application, a single place that you would travel to and jump in to meaningful digital tools.  Sound familiar?  Sure, f...

I believe, for many organizations, that their digital world is flat. Satisfied with their transfer of Email and file workloads to the cloud. Our Platform Value Predictor (PVP) allows individuals and organizations an opportunity to understand the level at which they are extracting value from their cloud platform investments. This predictor focuses on modern workplace habits and provides the greatest perspective when completed by all members of your organization, regardless of role, from the office to the field and everywhere between.  Access the survey:      http://bit.ly/PVPSurvey    After you have answered this brief series of questions you will have seen your results and may compare them to the "norm" by following the link at the top of the results page ( http://bit.ly/PVPResults ).  If you would like to have a PVP configured for your organization, please don't hesitate to reach out, the results will astonish you. ...

originally published ARP2008 and still relevant 11 years later! It is hard to believe that this year I will be celebrating my 20th year working in an office environment. As many know from reading this blog I started as a field service technician, a position which is still dear to my heart. I have been carrying the same flag for many years, that flag is focused on creating a culture which shares and learns from one another. Facilitating a culture which is continuously evolving as it has matured to a point where the organization is self perpetuating success and opportunity for its members. The vehicle used to drive towards this perfect culture has always been collaboration.  [Collaboration: the act of working together with one of more people in order to achieve something]. At the root of my disdain for e-mail is the fundamental realization that e-mail is functionally opposite of collaboration.  [E-mail: computer to computer communication ...

As the steam from Avid Andy's coffee fogged his glasses on this crisp January morning, he reflected on last year and thought enthusiastically about the year ahead.   Sometimes the noise of business is deafening, we rarely take the time to contemplate our moves, instead are often thrown one direction or another.   Hey, face it, if you are reading posts to gain perspective you fall in the group of folks who pride themselves as obsequious hoop-jumpers.   We live to help others and expect that all of those around us feel the same way.   I just love Influential Irene.   Okay, it is out in the open, she is an inspiration for me and so many others.   Irene reminds folks every year, without fail, these three statements which she fondly refers to as "the punchline" (although this is no joke).   Businesses, of any size, will be successful if they remember that it is people that make a company.   Put this advice into practice, today: Sincerity |...

A quick allegory regarding digital transformation.   You have a thriving delivery business based in Rome, 345 AD.   Imagine that you are the first company to introduce, what will become Amazon delivery centuries from now, a package service.   Your route is a bit treacherous, filled with small rises and many rocks.   As he wipes the sweat from his brow, a glance to the right reveals the perfect route, straight, flat and rock free.   Each day, as you push and pull, you dream about one day figuring out how to cut through the thick vegetation and open a faster and more efficient path.   One afternoon, while eating lunch on the side of the road, your buddy Flavius sits down to visit with you awhile.   Quintus, my friend, you have to check out my new set of wheels.   Flavius continues; "my cousin returned from his long journey, back from Mesopotamia, where he found these round wheels".   Standing in complete shock, Quintus could not...

Ingenious Igor seemed to be perplexed when Avid Andy asked, "Igor how would you describe Innovation".   Andy, started Igor in a crackling voice, Innovation is anything where the output causes a shift in direction.   You see Andy, many assume that change and innovation are synonyms, that is not the case.   Instead, continued Igor, Innovation is the whole package; creative and often disruptive design, deliberate deployment, and absolute adoption.   After a pregnant pause Igor blurted out, Innovation is a tall order and success is only realized after the "I believe button" changes to an "I can't live without" admission by naysayers and supporters alike.   Depending upon the directional impact and breadth of the innovation, the transformation could take weeks, months, or years. Inspiring innovation across the organization is different for everyone; however, a few thoughts may help get you started: Undisputable destination | no su...

Respected Ron was starting his work day from the home office.   Making himself comfortable behind his beautiful mahogany desk, Ron settled into that oversized leather chair while contemplating which task he would jump into first.   He decided to start with taking a look at a handful of contracts awaiting his input.   Suddenly, that all too familiar feeling washed over Ron and he began to fidget in his chair, internally Ron was torn on how he should share his perspectives.   It seemed that he had so many things to consider in this digital age, Ron reminisces for a brief moment on how much simpler business seemed when folks met face to face.   However, at the current pace, there is simply not enough time in the day.   Given the single dimension of computer-based communication, Ron had to consider his approach, here are some of his thoughts: create a dependency | of course, I will spin a web that nobody can escape.   Darn, just then R...

Those millennial's just don't give a crap, blurted out old-timer Ollie during our weekly office meeting. Not sure I agree with you, replied tenacious Tahoe (yes that is his name). People in the meeting were surprised as Tahoe seemed to pretty much keep to himself yet that day, dressed in his khaki shorts, T-shirt and his hair in a man bun, Tahoe felt compelled to speak out. Aren't you the one Ollie that shared with me those days when people would "pencil whip" reports while sitting in their trucks? Could it be that this issue of just simply "checking the box" is not generational but instead evidence of a declining culture within our country? You could feel the mood in the room had escalated to a point that influential Irene felt that she had to stand up and say, "okay folks let's break this down". Individuals who feel that their only responsibility is to check that box could be the result of several issues. Certainly laziness does...

Sure, we get it, resilience is the new "buzz word", all of us must have the ability "to bounce back" when faced with a crisis.   You could see the eyes start to roll back in Frazzled Franks head, who always had a negative opinion.   Heck, come to think of it, Frank gives Natalie Naysayer a run for her money.   Frank, started Old Ollie, resilience is not that black and white.   Ollie, taking off his ballcap and resting his chin in the butt of his hand, started to reminisce about his days working at the refinery.   Back then, we had a process known as reliability centered maintenance.   It was pretty straightforward, take a look at the approach, rationalize what is the most important, and support your hypothesis with data. Ollie, you are talking about maintenance and we are trying to make sure that our building is resilient; blurted Frank.   Ollie continued; the trick is the balance between what areas will have the greatest impact on your custo...

"The prickly pears profile is most pleasant in the PM hours" , now that is the perfect phrase for the session this morning thought Influential Irene as she paraded (last one) around the office.   Avid Andy could not help but notice the smirk on Irene's face, not too different than that of the Chester Cat in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.   Irene, your expression has me most intrigued, what thoughts are running around your head?   A smile filled Irene's face as she shared; "this morning during our weekly meeting with the office and field folks, I am going to play a little game that I haven't played since I was a child - operator".   You could see Andy grinning and moments later erupt in laughter as Irene shared the phrase that would be put to the test in the game.     NOTE:   before the ridiculous number of digital distractions, we made up   games that involved humans interacting directly with one another…crazy right? Irene walked...

So which is it, inquired pondering Pete, do you believe that I have the answer to your problem or do you simply have faith in me as a problem solver? Legendary Lee responded; I think the answer to that question has changed over time. Years ago when a variable speed drive failed you most likely had to call an expert to repair that piece of electronic equipment. Yet today if I am electrically inclined, it is possible a search of the Internet may reveal ideas which will assist me in solving the problem myself. Not too different from those game shows that allow you "a lifeline" to call a trusted friend for assistance. Today our lifeline is a digital platform and its   seemingly   boundless search data, whereas yesterday with limited communication, all of the expertise resided with analog-isolated individuals.       Lee continued, so which is better the person that has all the answers or the person who can get all the answers? In some ways it boils down to ...

Damned if you do, damned if you don't, isn't that how the saying goes thought Trustless Terry.   It seemed like just yesterday when "Take it Easy" by the Eagles was playing on the radio, a time where a hand shake meant everything.    Add a bit of spit and you had a commitment that could not be broken, you know like a promise made by John Gotti himself.   My word is my bond. Just then Avid Andy walked into Terry's office.   Terry started to talk about using partners to fulfill customer requests.   Terry continued, "on one hand we know with all certainty that in order to provide the greatest value to our customers we will need to use partners. Unfortunately we also can still feel the sting of a partner who stole our customer after we introduced them to one another".    As Andy's head was nodding in agreement he decided to contribute an additional perspective. Terry, said Andy, I would like to believe that every business always had th...

Top promoter score, my ass proclaimed Anal Arnold;   explain to me why Chaotic Chris, who basically looks like an adult version of Pig Pen, consistently gets the highest overall scores where as Kempt Ken gets mediocre scores from his clients.   Admittedly, while Chris looks like he just took a bath in bong water, his customers absolutely love him.   Ken on the other hand, is a bit of an arrogant ass and turns off even the most accepting of customers.   Legendary Lee had always rambled on about how your company is always only as good as the employee which touches the customer.   Think about the bank teller, many financial institutions are similar; however, most people will go to banks where they like the tellers (your face, our face).   As organizations get larger and workers are spread far and wide, the influence we have on our key "money makers" dwindles.   "That is all good and well" said Arnold, but each individual is different and they own th...

The parallels between trips I made to Daqing, China two decades ago and behavioral observations today around digital transformation are surprisingly similar.   When I was last in Daqing the population was approximately 1 million.   The roads in this remote city were filled mostly with mule drawn carriages and bicycles, very few automobiles. One evening, while eating God knows what, I commented to Chung, our host and translator, "it must be difficult for people not to have automobiles".   Chung responded, it is hard to miss something that you do not know. That's it!   Most individuals in today's enterprises may only use a few pieces of technology; a transactional system (CRM, Accounting, Work order management), a communication system (typically email and or a messaging service, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and possibly a special purpose application (AutoCAD,etc.).   While I have my "broad stroke paintbrush" in hand we might as well throw out that odds ...