If you are a Millennial this is what you need to know about me...

There was a time (which I admit seems like many lifetimes ago) where I was actively involved in hiring and working with people at the very, very end of the Gen X tail and at the very beginning of the Millennial generation (or in those days what we affectionately called the whY Generation) — frankly I'm not sure the distinction even matters because they all came to the table with great potential. It was a time of "high adventure"... with countless memories and stories that come with that kind of swashbuckling.

One such memory involved us in a classroom with everyone seated in that classic U shape arrangement listening to one of my colleagues at the front of the room; another colleague and I were seated at the back observing. As we were whispering to each other (which I will admit can be rude), a person close to us turned and said, "You're judging us aren't you?"

There was a moment of confusion and then I looked at her and said, "No we aren't". Then I motioned for her to pay attention to the front, looked back at my colleague, and stopped whispering (well for a little while at least) — again I will reiterate the whispering was a little rude. I will never forget the question though (or the concern that could be heard in her voice).

Now fast forward a little more than a decade when just last week I was talking to a Millennial about his website; when I asked for the web address he said sure, and then went onto ask me not to be "judgy". 

I think maybe it's time for some clarification, and to set the record straight when it comes to me.

For the record —

• Of all the generations I've worked with so far I like the Millennials the best. 
• I never judge when I'm having a discussion (or working) with Millennials — sadly, I wish I could say the same when it comes to Boomers.
• I'm not a "hater"; I don't "bully", and I'm generally not "mean".
• I'm respectful.
• I have opinions (and if I'm honest, more opinions than I have earned the right to have)
• I believe "candor" is important.

I think it's important to call out the last point because it's crucial to understand what candor is not. 

Candor is not "bullying", or being "judgy", or being a "hater", or any other word you decide to use when you don't like what is being said (or you disagree). If I candidly offer you constructive input and you say I'm being "judgy" or a "hater", et cetera, et cetera — well that's on you; not me.

I will always offer a safe and respectful place, and will not judge (or hate, or bully) — even when you don't like what I have to say.

That doesn't happen so much in the "real world" because as we all know, it's a "judgy" place.

Dedicated to L, R and A.

iamgpe

Moments — Are we letting people do too much for us?

If you ever get to drive a Subaru BRZ you will find it is a very tight car to drive — the steering responses quickly and so do the brakes, and the clutch is nice and smooth.

So when it isn't, you should appreciate something is wrong.

Recently I was driving along minding my own business when suddenly the steering wasn't as tight, and the brakes were just a little off — and at that moment, in classic guy style, I kept driving with the working assumption it would self-correct. As my tolerance waned for the "self-correcting to happen" I finally pulled over (just in case there was actually something wrong). I suppose in hindsight I really wasn't surprised I had a flat rear tire because as I said, BRZ's are tight driving cars. What surprised me was what happened next.

As I was assessing my options I said to myself, "I guess I should call a tow truck" — a moment later, I physically stopped myself and started an internal discussion that went something like this.

• Why would I call a tow truck when I don't need a tow?
• I have a spare and all the tools to change the tire myself.
• I can do it in a tenth of time it will take someone to get here.
• Other than laziness, is there any reason not to do it myself?
• I'm glad it's not really cold and it's sunny.
• It's a pain in the ass to empty the trunk.

It had been a while since I had changed a tire so I wasn't very efficient but it was changed in twenty minutes; I then headed off to track down a new tire. It's a fun little story to be sure, but what really resonated with me is why my first reaction would be to call a tow truck (when I obviously could do it myself)?

I appreciate the premise of "why do it yourself, when you can get someone else to do it?", and I also understand that it is "impossible to know how to do everything so you will need people's help"...  as well as the argument regarding opportunity cost and "how net/net it'll be more profitable to get someone else to do it".

But now I can't help ask the question, "When does it actually become detrimental to have someone else do it for you?"

I'm not suggesting I have any answers to this question (and frankly I only thought of it because I got a flat tire), but is does create the opportunity for a fine discussion (particularly if there is wine involved) —

• Are you getting someone else to do it because you're lazy?
• Is it something you just can't do or learn to do?
• Are you spending money you "can't afford to spend" to have someone do it?
• Are you denying your own development by letting someone else do it?
• Are you simply concerned with the consequences?
• Et Cetera, et cetera...

For me the biggest consideration is about "waiting". Are you putting yourself on hold because of someone else? 

Waiting is not active, and if you are not active, you are not getting things done. And if you aren't getting things done, you are not going to reach your goals. The waiting place is the worst place to be, and even a worst habit to develop because in the end you will find yourself always waiting to get something done (and in the end accomplish nothing).

As I mentioned I really don't have any answers to this other than it seems I hate to wait.

iamgpe

"In God we trust, everyone...

... else bring data."

I think the only reason I even bring this up is because I've been looking at many, many spreadsheets lately — and with that, an awful lot of data.

This pithy term comes to me honestly because many years ago I was developing my function excellence skills and participated in Six Sigma Black Belt training. This humbling affair still resonates when I think about the onslaught of statistical and functional excellence models, playing with toy catapults (and the statistical analysis behind what was seemingly child's play), and my disheartenment when I watched people much smarter than myself in a daze after class. In the end I completed my project and because of the experience carry the following three truths at my core when it comes to how I need to think about things.

Truth 1. "In God we trust, everyone else bring data" — it's a reminder that only data offers an objective view of things.

Truth 2. The DMAIC model is very useful when you want to improve something — Define, Measure, Analysis, Improvement, Control

Truth 3. What we "subjectively believe" tends not to be the same as what "objectively is" — and sometimes it's worlds apart.

I'm hard wired to be subjective, figurative, and broad thinking (and I suppose I'm really an artist stuck in a scientist's body) and because of this, I hold these hard earned truths with passion and appreciation. 

Data is the currency of real understanding and it trumps words like "I think", "I feel" and "I believe" and enables you to use the words " I know". Data brings objectivity to the understanding of a situation, what's really happening, and helps you drive better decisions and actions. While I'm thinking about this, here's another pithy saying that warrants consideration, "Lies, damn lies, statistics" — it's a reminder that even numbers need to be vetted and confirmed for accuracy because, although data is objective, it still needs to be validated.

It seems there is actually a fourth truth that I almost forgot about —

Truth 4. When you bring data make sure you aren't bringing data for data's sake but for reasons associated with an objective (hopefully to move your goals forward.)

Forgive me for not remembering it sooner but the training was a while ago, and as you may appreciate, a little traumatic.

iamgpe