I read “The one Minute Manager” By Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson on the recommendation of a friend. I found the book interesting and straight forward in its approach. If you are looking for a book that provides a fundamental model for managing people this book could be of assistance. I found the method used to describe a one minute manager interesting and easy to read. The only flaw in the book is that it leaves a gap around leadership. It provides context for managing people but it does not lay out a context for leading people. I would recommend this book it should be in every manager’s library.
Sir Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” This quote at face value is nothing more than a commentary on architecture. The logic behind this quote is applicable across many endeavors not just the construction of a building. Its most profound applications arise when one considers the totality of ones life. That which we have constructed now holds and directs us. We must be mindful and exacting when composing the structures in our lives, for they can inspire us and imprison us.
I picked this book up in an airport bookshop, with no preconceived notions of what it might be. In my search to become a better leader, I found the book compelling and was unable to put the book down. I do not claim to be a biblical scholar and this book didn’t require it. Simply, this book is a good primer for a leader looking to understand what leadership is.
Pick it up, its worth it.
TC
There are many like, it but this one is mine. I have been in a never-ending search for the perfect pen. Ballpoints are cheap and dependable but in my humble opinion they write like crap. I just happened upon the Staedtler Pigment Liner. This pen comes in multiple sizes from 1 mm to .05 mm and colors.
The pen is intended for use in line art but works well as an every day writer. The pen is waterproof, lightfast and acid free, a perfect combination for Journals and sketching.
If you are interested in additional pen information check out Kevin Kelly. In his cool tools he lists pens that he finds satisfactory.
TC
Here is a cheap plug for Altoids. I personally enjoy the Tangerine Sours. I find the candy strangely addictive and satisfying. The packaging is original and cool.
TC
Well, is everything patented? The idiots at the US patent and trademark office are sure letting anyone patent just about anything. I think Amazon has patented everything dealing with shopping on-line. How can a business do anything if the outward process of doing something is patented?
One click ordering owned by Amazon, Fixed price auctions owned by some former CIA spook. Competition has moved beyond products into customer behaviors and desires. I don’t know if this is a good thing but it sure seems to restrain the marketplace.
Liberty is defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2002.http://www.merriam-webster.com (2 Apr. 2002) as, “freedom from arbitrary or despotic control” or “the power of choice.” I think I will try to patent Liberty. Looks like there could be a few people infringing.
TC
Today is my first full day with wireless broadband. A toaster-sized antenna delivers a torrent of bits to my home network. I get service from DLS, an ISP that provides wireless broadband in the northwest suburbs. My computer can now drink from a fire hose. After having IDSL from Speakeasy 144 up and down seems so inadequate. I can’t complain, Speakeasy provided excellent service.
When SBC started advertising Yahoo DSL I called to order, but to my dismay the sales representative told me that I had a digital Local loop. The sales representative told me that I could upgrade the local loop at my expense. Thanks SBC, just wait until I switch my local phone service at your expense.
TC
The jury has spoken and eBay has been found guilty of patent infringement.
BuyItNow was patented in 1995 by some former CIA spook. There has to be a conspiracy in there somewhere.
triple damages = 105 mil.
I wonder how many Pez dispensers eBay will have to sell to pay that bill?
Maybe the US Patent office should auction off patents for things like breathing and drinking coffee. The proceeds could be used for deficit reduction and or maybe increased funding for congressional staff and supplies.
I really hope Congress likes to use the BuyItNow feature.
T
Over at news.com there is an article about the EU, RFIDs, and bank notes.
My question is when will the EU mandate the cranial implant. Or even better a wedlock collar for everyone. No more national strikes in France or it’s off with your head.
By the way I can tell you have 5 Euros. I only want 3.
T
The site is up and slowly taking shape. It isn’t pretty, but it will do. There is nothing like Movabletype. Thanks to Ron @ Bieber labs and the Linux Journal for pointing out MT.
I will fine tune the site over the comming months.
More to follow……
T
Tom The Architect 