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Fall 2009 Newsletter

One of the odd byproducts of returning to an academic setting is that you find yourself discussing topics that are increasingly uninteresting to anyone but yourself.  Yesterday I found myself discussing with a co-worker the influence of Frederick Winslow Taylor’s philosophy of scientific management on how corporations view professional development.  The vacant stare and occasional yawn should have signaled a significant level of disinterest, but I ignored these telltale signs and pressed forward.  Sadly, having not learned my lesson during this test run, I will now repeat the mistake by sharing my thoughts for all the newsletter subscribers who have made the unfortunate decision to read this.

The aforementioned Mr. Taylor is most famous (in the late 19th Century) as one of the first industrial efficiency experts, proponent of the “scientific management” approach to business.  He proposed that by reducing the focus of laborers and increasing the number of managers, businesses could train workers to do increasingly specific, simple parts of the process rather than the more complex whole.  Then, reasoned Taylor, managers could handle the more complicated responsibilities of planning and organizing the work.  By doing so, managers could establish the productivity requirements and control knowledge and decision making.  Taylor believed that this approach would increase productivity and result in higher profits and better wages:  the proverbial win-win.  And it did!  It would also lead to some of the most violent labor disputes in our country’s history as businesses essentially “de-skilled” the employee.  In my mind, it was a significant blow to the concept of leadership in favor of the more autocratic notion of management.

So, why would workers revolt when asked to have less responsibility and make more money?  That, to me, is the important point.  In my opinion, we all want our profession to be meaningful.&n bsp; Unfortunately, we often confuse the pursuit of profits to be at odds with the pursuit of job enrichment.  Even today, many organizations use training only to provide specific instruction on how to do a specific task rather than educate the employee on concepts that would empower them to make better decisions. Only the truly delusional leader would argue against the notion that a more contented, satisfied employee will perform at higher levels for more sustained periods.   If an organization’s only true enduring competitive advantage is its people, do we really maximize that by simply teaching them how to do the task?  Can’t that approach be easily duplicated by our competitors?  Will this philosophy create content, high performing contributors to the company?  I think the answer is an obvious “no”!

I would argue that we have a responsibility to enrich and enhance the employment experience by providing ongoing learning opportunities within our organizations.  By doing so, we keep people engaged, increase their understanding, judgment and decision making skills related to our vision, values and goals and maintain our one unique competitive advantage.  More enlightened and educated employees are the precious resource that distinguishes the organization.  

While Mr. Taylor may have had a short term answer for increased productivity, I believe he failed to consider the end game.  Organizational success has to be enduring; and that is only accomplished with empowered, educated human resources.  If our present economic situation has taught us anything, it certainly has exposed those organizations that chose short term financial results over creating a model for enduring success.  I believe Frederick Winslow Taylor’s clients would be in line for a bailout in today’s world.Thriving During Challenging Times

What are clients saying about Dave?

Empathy is a powerful characteristic of leadership; one I have often struggled with as a person who values results and logic and undervalues emotions and appreciation.  Dave’s training has taught me to pursue a more balanced thought process, to always respect another person’s intrinsic needs, and to value their interactive style. 
Chris Rucker, Vice President, DaVita Clinical Research

Dave’s Faves – Wine Picks...that is

I love these calls. A friend of mine is standing in a wine shop and staring at the army of bottles that surrounds them, feeling more than a little threatened by the unflinching stare of the labels back at them. The wines appear to mock them. “Try me, I am whimsical and funny and just a tad sarcastic,” screams the Big Ass Chardonnay. “Hmph,” scoffs the Opus One, “Don’t even bother looking at me. You can’t afford me and you wouldn’t understand me if you tried.” Over in the corner the Rosenblum Zinfandel averts it eyes and mutters, “If you buy me you better be prepared for a big RED wine and not some fruity pink stuff.” Suddenly, my cell phone rings. “Dave, thank God, what should I buy?” 

While you can always head for our website and click on Dave’s perfect wine cellar for some of my faves (and you should – wink), here are a few wineries who have an amazing ability to produce great wines across several different varietals at an attractive price. Look for these labels regardless of whether you want a Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc. 

Vina Cono Sur – this remarkable Chilean label produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Carmenere, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and even a Brut sparkling wine. They are all very good! 

Chateau Ste. Michelle – Huge Washington producer who manages to knock it out of the park with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Semillon and even the fairly obscure Chenin Blanc.

Yalumba – Australia is still a good place to grab excellent value wines and this winery hits the mark with Shiraz and Shiraz blends, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. 

And as always, remember my wine tasting motto: “If you like it – drink it. If you don’t like it – drink it fast!” Laugh and learn!
Dave

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