
Get Good Work, Get Good Times, and Utilize the Technology You Pay For
My number one priority is to guide good work and have fun in the process. I mean it. That’s it. That’s all I really care about. Good work equals effective work that makes money and doesn’t waste money. The goal should always be to do work that stands out, sends the right message, and does its job. The “having fun” part is just as important. On that front, I take my cue from Bob Schneider and his song Captain Kirk. He says, “I just want to get a good time out of my life.” To me, that means laugh – and belly laugh until you cry. Be pleasant, constantly absorb, listen, share, and be real to the bone.
Getting good work and having fun is different now that we’re mostly virtual. Still, there are common themes and tech tools that can make good work and fun a reality every day. The solution is a mix of thinking, connecting, planning, writing, and other types of work done by humans and using technology to implement it all. Here are five different themes you can apply to your work and how technology supports them.
Work Theme 1: GET ‘ER DONE
When communicating with clients and prospects, find the sweet spot between average and thoughtless and value and entertainment. Keep something out there on a consistent basis. If you lack the time or resources to be super creative, then go with something simple and straightforward that gives new information, teaches your audience how to do something, or connects them to something helpful.
Work Theme 2: THEY’RE JUST PEOPLE
Regardless of the industry you work in, you’re just talking to human beings. Behind the developer’s pocket protector, doctor’s mask, or banker’s suit are mothers, fathers, children, and friends. They have the same wants and needs as you do. In addition to what people need (e.g. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization), most want to be recognized, rewarded, and save the day by bringing in the big idea. Help others and it will benefit all. Win. Win. And win. Plenty of winning to go around.
Work Theme 3: VISUALIZE AND PLAN FROM BEGINNING TO END
Take all the steps. Don’t skip even if moving fast. Start with the need or problem, generate the idea to solve the problem, plan the follow-up, and how you’ll track results. Choreograph the project or event from beginning to end. Circulate the plan for feedback from other groups, then adjust, build, test, implement, and track. At midpoint and afterwards, look at it again and ask questions. What did we get? Would we do it again? How would we change it next time?
Work Theme 4: NO BABYSITTING REQUIRED
Be a steward of good work and not a timekeeper. People can work from anywhere, anytime, so flexibility is the new norm. Fortunately, I’m not experienced with working with people that don’t manage themselves. If we’re talking about why something is late, why you’re late or where you are or need to be, or how many days you’ve been out, we aren’t focused on good work. And that’s a problem. If the work is good and getting done, that’s all that matters.
Work Theme 5: GO EASY ON YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Fast, cheap, and perfect. That’s what we all expect now. So, during that process, be kind. Unless it’s actually brain surgery, we don’t want to treat our projects as if they are life and death. We want to get our work done right, and on time, but never forget to “Whistle While You Work.” You’ll be much more creative and ultimately engaging in the long run.
There’s a common thread here that people work harder to support others after experiencing and going through things together. The ways to do this are all different now that we don’t have water cooler time and happy hours.
My hope is these quick tips inspire you to use the technology you have to get ‘er done, treat people as people, choreograph your projects and events from start to end, enjoy the freedom of being virtual, not take work too seriously, and HAVE FUN.
Thx, kh
Bob Schneider – Cap’n Kirk
I want to be like Captain Kirk
Get up everyday and love to go to work
Don’t want to be like Mr. Spock
Want to kick out the jams and rock the block
I just want to feel good
I don’t want to hurt nobody
I just want to get a good time out of my life
I want to be like Cassius Clay
I want to change my name and go all the way
I want to be like Marilyn Monroe
Be loved by everybody that I know
I just want to feel good
I don’t want to hurt nobody
I just want to get a good time out of my life
I want to be like Jesus Christ
Keep the party moving giving good advice
I don’t need to be no Superman
I just want to do the best I can
And I just wanna feel good
I don’t wanna hurt nobody
I just wanna get a good time
Out of my life
Get a good time, get a good time