Why Unions Matter...

Over the years, I've had to correct a mis-impression held about me and unions.  Most of my friends and acquaintances think that because I usually work for management, that I'm anti-union.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.  I strongly support unionism, collective bargaining, and upholding the human rights of the working person.  Today, union enemies like to pretend that unions bring no value to the workplace, that all they do is siphon dues dollars and destroy businesses.

While many union locals are, sadly, not as honest or transparent or professional as they could and should be, the alternative is demonstrably worse.

Here's a video to remind us what happened when workers had no union.  The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911 is one of the most horrific American labor stories.  In this new world of a race to the bottom for working people, it's important to remember that everything American workers value came to them first from union organizing and collective bargaining.  Workplace safety, weekends, overtime -- all creations of unions and negotiating.

Working people's history must be remembered.  The sacrifices upon which we have built modern workplaces deserve our honor and memory.


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The Power of Story

I've repeatedly counseled my clients that they cannot ignore the power of story.  Every good product has a great story.  The story is the shortcut to why someone should buy the product, even if that product is YOU!

Ben & Jerry's sells ice cream.  Lots of people sell ice cream, so why should you buy Ben & Jerry's?  Well, they'll say its the quality, but they'll also say its because of their mission to "create linked prosperity for everyone that's connected to our business."

Tom's Shoes competes in the very difficult shoe and apparel market.  They are not the low cost leader, so how do they attract and maintain sales?  One way is through story: "At TOMS, we believe we can improve people’s lives through business."  Tom's gives away a pair of shoes or eyeglasses to the developing world for every pair you buy from Tom's through their One for One program.

Story is crucial in allowing potential employers or customers to feel comfortable with you, and aligned with the same values and goals as you.  Shane Snow talks about this in a recent article, contending that good storytelling is currently the most important business skill you can have.

So, if you're looking for a job, a better job, or to sell your product, go beyond merely describing the product -- tell a compelling story.

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Focus is the Key to Achievement

We've all been told how important it is to multi-task.  I'm willing to bet that at any given time, you're juggling dozens of projects, ideas, deliverables, etc.  But what if all you had to do was focus on certain high-leverage projects to gain maximum benefit?  What if all that other stuff was just noise and clutter preventing you from actually achieving your potential?  In his article, The No. 1 Time Management Mistake Capable People Make, author Greg McKeown's core philosophy is captured by his reference to Warren Buffett’s philosophy, quoted by Mary Buffett and David Clark in The Tao of Warren Buffett, “You only have to do a few things right in your life, so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.”

So stop trying to get everything done; you're just raising dust.  Focus on key deliverables, and move mountains with minimal effort.

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