GreatRidge Station

This has been years ago, but the story bears repeating. It’s my classic example of leadership communication gone bad.
I worked with a guy named Dave, one of the most talented graphic/technical artists I have ever known. On one particular day, we had one project looming over both of us, as well as some things we were working on separately. Between separate meetings, we ran into each other in the hallway and had an impromptu conference on our shared project.

We had a decision to make, but we had to have a particular group approve before we could move forward. And while we both knew what they wanted, we both thought it was wise to have a final consultation with them.

Mind you, we were both in a hurry, so I cut communication corners. What was in my head was: “I think it’s best we get it straight from the horse’s mouth. I’ll talk to them about it.” That’s not how it came out, though. Imagine the look on Dave’s face when I said: “I’ll talk to the horse.”

I knew exactly what I meant. But I was the only one. It was worth a good laugh, and a few re-tellings.

Bob Harlan has spent the last 18 years serving as the CEO of the Green Bay Packers football team. His leadership over that time has been exemplary. This AP article highlights his approach, which is humble, effective, and collaborative. What a breath of fresh air; I’d like to clone this guy and put him into every organization with which I’m affiliated (hey, I’d work for him).

No, you don’t have to be a Packer Fan to be impressed with the kind of leadership Harlan has provided. But even if you’re not, you may find yourself wanting to cheer for the Packers’ executive staff, regardless of how you feel about the team.

Award an Honorary Doctorate to the Twin Cities’s  own Joe Soucheray. In a recent column, he coined the phrase “Post-Necessity Culture” to describe our current fascination with acquisition. He points out that there are certain shopping areas around the area that focus more on (focus moron?) style and cultural cache than in meeting people’s genuine, practical needs.

Years back, I made the observation of the much-touted Mall of America, “It’s a recreational shopping venue; just don’t look for steel wool.” The stuff we need for real life simply cannot be found. No steel wool, no broccoli, no postage stamps (there was a post office at MOA, but it closed), no blank CD-ROMs or paperclips.

Soucheray’s column is well worth reading.

Disclaimer: I do not always agree with Joe Soucheray (don’t tell him, he would be crushed), so don’t assume that this represents a wholesale endorsement of his views, or even of this whole article.