Spin-O-Rama » Observations

My “Days” Without My Smartphone

Steve — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:13:03 +0000

This past Saturday, my smartphone needed a software update that for some reason failed with a critical error. Simple solution for the service people was to say it needed a warranty replacement. Since it was late Saturday night, I would get one shipped out Monday for overnight delivery to me on Tuesday. My first thought was no big deal… Well, it is a frickin big deal. It plain sucked not having my smartphone.

Here is the laundry list of stuff I missed…

I have more phone numbers stored on my smartphone from my personal directory. That when I needed to make a couple of calls (unlisted numbers) during the day at work, I did not have the numbers. Getting them after hours only meant I will have to wait 24 hours.
Using unplanned time (or stealing time) for many things.. You know those times you are stuck in traffic, the supermarket, shopping or sitting at home and don’t want to fire up the PC.
- Emails – this is a great way to get the inbox under some control. Filling empty time with answering email. Or giving someone the answer to their question.
- Facebook – nothing like keeping family and friends up on your doings. Or finding out what is happening with them.
- Twitter – those random thoughts that pop into your head. Or those weird things that are happening out in the world that need to be shared. There is much that happens that is not planned.
- LinkedIn- since I am busy looking for employment after my retirement, I had 3 days without any instant contact. I don’t plan time to sit down and review LinkedIn and the groups I follow.
Foursquare- No checkin’s over the past 3 days. I was already ousted from one mayor-ship. Oh no, I may lose a few more… Maybe some of my “friends” may think I am stuck at the last checked in place for 3 days. Well, maybe not, no one came to rescue me…
No way to take down or record notes on potential blog posts. Missed opportunities!
Ran into an old friend while eating lunch on Monday. I did not have a way to just point and click – he has my contact information (and I get his). I felt pretty alone asking for a pen and paper…
Trying to locate a restaurant that you know the name, but just not the location. Search the web – get the directions or phone number to get directions.

It has been a rough couple of days… I missed my smartphone…

Can We Add to the “Do Not Call”?

Steve — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:24:58 +0000

Remember the Do Not Call Improvement Act in 2007, that later became law in Feb. 2008? How can we get some more of those annoying calls that we do not want added to that list?

The annoying calls that I am writing about at the wonderful political calls that are robo called to us around election time. The cheap and easy way to reach out to voters. When do they normally happen? Around dinner time or slightly after.. You know the time that you are supposed to be spending family time together. Interrupt family time! The topic of discussion switches over to the call and the purpose of the call, but not in a good way (usually a simple no way am I voting for “that” person!). How can we get those added to that law? Wait, that would probably mean that those exact folks that approved the list for those sales calls – would have to put their own campaigns on the list. Let’s not hold our breathe waiting for that to happen.

For our household, we are a house divided. So, we get to get both parties lovely phone calls. After keeping track of who called, who called for whom and which party called.. The loser party with the most calls were the Republicans. Senate John McCain topped the overall list – his voice was on my answering machine three times. Since this is computerized – did you really have to call me three times? I have to seriously revisit the party that I follow. In an earlier post, I commented that I was not going to vote for anyone that called or had some call with their support on a candidate. I lived up to my promise. I did not vote for any of those folks.

When will some of our law-makers step up and put an end to that behavior?

What Was said, What Was heard!

Steve — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:31:24 +0000

We all know that communication needs to be two ways. We have the sender that says something (“What was said“) and a receiver that hopefully heard the message (“What was heard“). They do get mixed up from time to time. Over the past, weeks I have been communicating, listening and adding some of my peers to this discussion. Below you will find a list of some of the more humorous “What was said, what was heard”.

What Was Said	What Was Heard
Be More Assertive.	Make them agree with you.
Scope is not clear.	That’s not what I meant.
Your data is misleading.	That data makes everything look bad.
You’re a bit too aggressive.	Being a “B” (male or female version)
Think out of the box.	Heard all your ideas before, get some new material.
Emerging Market Strategy.	Moving jobs offshore.
You always offer ideas on how to improve.	Too opinionated.
Viewed as a SME by peers.	Total Know It All.
Keeping it real for me, thanks.	Better use a “filter” (don’t say that) for others.
You’re doing great!	Probably has no clue how I am doing.
Fly under the radar.	Don’t tell anyone – what they don’t know will not hurt them.
That is not what I meant.	Bring me a rock exercises are fun, not!
Disagree and Commit.	Just agree with me, it is much easier.
You are too valuable to the organization.	No transfer for me.
Need to be more open-minded.	Have to get alone with everyone.
That will not work.	Not invented here, so of course it will not work.
Site strategy.	More compressed office time.
That *should be Zbb*	Nights and weekend work.
Only the best and brightest work here.	Someone is full of themselves.
It’s confidential.	It’s a test… Will I or won’t I tell someone?
Put your corporate hat on.	Suck it up…
Let’s bin that.	Ok, now that one is dead.
Take it off line.	Done listening or Shut the hell up!
That’s Steve being Steve.	Ignore him; he will eventually go away.
Not a good idea in this environment.	Didn’t think of it, so we are not going to do it.
You’re a solid team player.	You are not a leader.
Too foster better work/life balance involve teammates.	You’re too slow at this task.
You take a very direct approach.	You sometimes leave a trail of dead bodies.
You need to find a new outlet to support your career passion.	Your career desires don’t fit within this group.
One-way rotational	What the heck? (Trying to rotate me out?)
Is it done yet?	Moving a bit slow.
Sorry, I was on mute, what you say?	Not paying attention (mute your ears?)
Your Program or project is not strategic.	Time to update the resume.

We all know there are more.. Please share…

Cube Farm Etiquette

Steve — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:22:24 +0000

Maybe it is because I just got back from sabbatical or maybe it is just because the office area has more people around me.. But, I feel it is time to bring up a subject near and dear to most of our hearts – cubical etiquette.

Here are my basic simple rules that I would hope that we all can follow:

All cell phones are put on vibrate. There are a number of you all that think those ring tones are special or cute. Well, for many of us – not so much. Please when entering the building – place the cell phone on vibrate. If you can’t feel vibrate, place on the desk next to you. I bet you will see it moving across the desk..
Personal phone calls. Hey, we all have them from time to time. There is nothing wrong with them – just when the subject matter gets a little off base. I really don’t think you want to share some of the topics of you personal life with your cube farm mates. We are in a very open area… the walls have ears (and your voice carries).
Loud talkers (and that goes for me!) we need to remember that there are people in the office area (besides ourselves). If you are going to be the main talker in a meeting or decision – well, try to get a room. If unavailable – well remember your voice carries. Please use you inside voice… For those that forgot or never knew what that is – six inches should be the carry distance. If they can not hear you on the call – more the mic closer to your mouth or change the batteries in the headset.
Music in the office area to keep you focused is awesome, except when…
1. If I can hear you music over the cube wall (and you are using your headset) – you have that volume a bit TOO LOUD. Please take care of your health, turn the volume down and save yourself from some hearing loss later in life.
2. Singing along – please stop!
3. Whistling, humming and drumming in your cube… Maybe it sounds awesome to you, but the rest of us – not so much (again). If you are ready for American Idol – great, but practice at home.
Smells – We are in a confined space… We have to be very mindful of (and it is open to interruption):
1. Food – smelling burnt popcorn and some leftovers are not good.
2. Cologne or perfume – use in moderation.
3. Kickin off the shoes… Please don’t.
If you happen to be off for an extended period of time – SAC your phone, please!
Be professional and remember to be respectful to your neighbors… We all are working!

For the folks in their cubes – that are having problems getting work done or having their frustration level reaching boiling point. You have every right to – politely ask for people to do the right thing. No need to get angry.. We have one person in our area that comes by and reminds us about the cellphone not being on vibrate – she does this politely. Some of us have labelled her the cellphone police… In a nice way. Only takes one ring and watch us all scramble to turn our phones to vibrate… I am loud, I know that and have warned my fellow cube mates. Told them - if I get too loud they can shhhhh me.. or ask me to take it down…. I am quite okay with that.

Remember to just be respectful in letting your fellow cube mates know – they may not realize it!

The 150th Post…

Steve — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:35:50 +0000

Would the 150th post be considered a milestone? Who really cares, besides the author? Here it goes… When I started this back about 1 1/2 years ago, I really did not know how far I would go or for how long. I started with an idea that I wanted to write about a couple of my passions – Leading and Ice Hockey. I have added some book review, observation and travel to my personal space.

Leading and managing still have a huge spot in my heart. The other day, I announced (in my internal company blog) that I was going to retire after the first of the year. In that message, I stressed the importance of the people that I have led, worked with or coached over the years – taught me more than I have to them. They truly have challenged and help me grow! I hope to take those learning’s and apply them to the next chapter of my life.

Ice hockey is still of interest for me. Not like it was before the hip replacement surgery. I can not coach on the ice – so, I help out other coaches from a far. I probably will not be writing much about this in the future.

The new adds of Book Review, Observations and Travel will continue. Observations for sure – I am having some enjoyment from that one. With my recent announcement – I should have a little more time on my hands – hoping to add more travel… With travel comes more reading…

Here is to the next 150 posts! Cheers