Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

As I'm finishing up my vacation, I just don't have the motivation to make you slog through a long blog post while I'm relaxing by the lake.  With that in mind, here are four interesting articles (well, one is a video) (well, actually two articles, a tool, and a video) that caught my eye.  

1.  What It Really Means to Dress for Success. (Forbes.com.)  Caroly Ginsey Goman makes some good points here.  

"Clothes make a strong visual statement about how you see yourself. Comfort may aid productivity but, in this era of “Me, Inc.” and “the Brand Called You,” are flip-flops, sweats, jeans, and flashy or revealing clothing part of how you want to be judged? You might think you are expressing your   individuality, but you could also be sending the message that you’re not a serious professional."

2. 10 Simple Ways to Cut Business Costs. (Openforum.com.)  I'm not sharing this article for the 10 tips, per se.  Rather, I wanted to share one simple tool that it highlighted - Focus Booster.  This free timer trains you to work in 25 minute bursts, with a 5-minute break.  I installed it, and it has really helped train me to focus on one thing at a time.

3.  Who is the Boss?  There Isn't One.  (WSJ.com).  Some workplaces have no bosses.  Seriously. I'm not recommending this for your credit union.  But it is a fascinating, thought-provoking read. 

"Valve, whose website says the company has been "boss free" since its founding in 1996, also has no managers or assigned projects. Instead, its 300 employees recruit colleagues to work on projects they think are worthwhile. The company prizes mobility so much that workers' desks are mounted on wheels, allowing them to scoot around to form work areas as they choose.

Welcome to the bossless company, where the hierarchy is flat, pay is often determined by peers, and the workday is directed by employees themselves.

So, how does anyone get things done?

"It absolutely is less-efficient upfront," says Terri Kelly, chief executive of W.L. Gore, the Newark, Del., maker of Gore-Tex and other materials. Her title is one of the few at the company.

"[But] once you have the organization behind it…the buy-in and the execution happen quickly," she adds."

4.  Tis the season for graduation ceremonies.  Here's one commencement speech you likely didn't hear, which is a shame.   (Buildingpersonalstrength.com.)

That's probably enough for a Thursday.  Have a great weekend, everyone!