I attended a talk some weeks ago whereby the presented spoke how companies who wish to export need to behave like a Frilled Neck Lizard. For those not familiar with a FNL, this reptile has the ability to puff out a set of flats to make itself look considerably bigger than it is. The analogy focuses on the need to look bigger than you actually are to develop an export market. Further to this, the lizard is also agile and cunning which are also great business atributes. I enjoyed the presentation and appreciated the analogy.
This desciption resonated on a further level today when meeting people after a talk on innovation in Adelaide. I met one person who really inspired me and fitted the FNL analogy because he was able to take a product that he developed locally and now sells in over 122 countries. It was a fantastic chat and I really enjoyed meeting him.
The aspect that really drew home this analogy was actually the opposite experience that happened later in the 'networking' session later (I hate the term networking). After meeting a few people who are well established in SA business I really noticed how closed their minds were not only to me and the firm I work for but also the way they approached business. It was as though they felt the need to be negative to others was a way of establishing superiority. The actual fact is that these people I met haven't been as hugely successful as the first person I met that night who was more of an unassuming and personable character, no where near as successful.
By being negative and drawing in ones frills, you are less likely to be an agile business able to punch above your weight.
Interviews
I was recently appointed to the board of a Tertiary Student Scholarship Trust and as such now have the task of interviewing potential recipients of small, but not insubstantial amounts of money that will hopefully make their life at University 'easier'.
What was astonishing was the in-experience of the candidates in both presenting themselves well for the interview and also the content of their application. Part of the process of the scholarship is to provide a medium for candidates to learn about how interviews work and the preparation required however for a simple scholarship application the majority of candidates left a lot to be desired.
If I thought I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, then please help the candidates! I'm not aiming to be critical of those who applied. Those who have come to ask for assistance clearly are in need over and above those who have their life under control. I am probably being more critical of their support networks and education. With proper guidance the simple things could be avoided.
Some tips:
- Be on time
- Complete the application fully and to the best of your ability
- Be honest
- Relax, the interviewers are there to help and offer assistance. If anything the interview is all about getting to know the candidate past their application.
What was astonishing was the in-experience of the candidates in both presenting themselves well for the interview and also the content of their application. Part of the process of the scholarship is to provide a medium for candidates to learn about how interviews work and the preparation required however for a simple scholarship application the majority of candidates left a lot to be desired.
If I thought I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, then please help the candidates! I'm not aiming to be critical of those who applied. Those who have come to ask for assistance clearly are in need over and above those who have their life under control. I am probably being more critical of their support networks and education. With proper guidance the simple things could be avoided.
Some tips:
- Be on time
- Complete the application fully and to the best of your ability
- Be honest
- Relax, the interviewers are there to help and offer assistance. If anything the interview is all about getting to know the candidate past their application.
Timing is Rowing Vs Timing in Music
In rowing, TIMING really is an allusive factor the defines our crew's stroke. Out of time and the boat isn't efficient, in time and the boat moves seemingly effortlessly.
I've often talked to my crews trying to make them understand if you follow someone you will be late. You actually need to anticipate what is going on; then make it happen together. If you can't do that, you can't row! At least won't be able to row in a crew boat.
I found this podcast randomly. It is a really interesting of James Brown, the famous musician. If you haven't listened to his music then this podcast will inspire you.
In his podcast MTT queries James Brown on timing and how he gets his band to work in absolute time. NOW. NOW. NOW. With silence in between is perfect timing if the entire band can do it. James Brown speaks of timing in a variety of ways:
- The power of knowledge being "because I know when, and you don't"
- Art of feeling when and where
- Keep it mellow, hey hey...I feel alright...ah ah...we'll go together
http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/programs/mtt_files/mtt_07.shtml
I highly recommend it if you want a different perspective on timing in rowing.
I've often talked to my crews trying to make them understand if you follow someone you will be late. You actually need to anticipate what is going on; then make it happen together. If you can't do that, you can't row! At least won't be able to row in a crew boat.
I found this podcast randomly. It is a really interesting of James Brown, the famous musician. If you haven't listened to his music then this podcast will inspire you.
In his podcast MTT queries James Brown on timing and how he gets his band to work in absolute time. NOW. NOW. NOW. With silence in between is perfect timing if the entire band can do it. James Brown speaks of timing in a variety of ways:
- The power of knowledge being "because I know when, and you don't"
- Art of feeling when and where
- Keep it mellow, hey hey...I feel alright...ah ah...we'll go together
http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/programs/mtt_files/mtt_07.shtml
I highly recommend it if you want a different perspective on timing in rowing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)