Author Archives: Adam Gartenberg

Siemens Survey Tallies Losses from Communication Delays

Siemens recently released the results of an independent study undertaken to quantify just how much money companies lose when employees sit around waiting for information or lack access to the communications tools they need to do their job effectively.  Not surprisingly, the figures add up fast.   Or, to be more specific, they add upContinue reading “Siemens Survey Tallies Losses from Communication Delays”

Seth Godin: Sheepwalking

I define “sheepwalking” as the outcome of hiring people who have been raised to be obedient and giving them a braindead job and enough fear to keep them in line. You’ve probably encountered someone who is sheepwalking. The TSA ‘screener’ who forces a mom to drink from a bottle of breast milk because any otherContinue reading “Seth Godin: Sheepwalking”

“Metaphor Deficient”

Here’s a phrase of the day:  “Metaphor deficient.” Time magazine ran a fascinating article the other week on record producer Rick Rubin.  After reading the article, he’s moved pretty far up my list of people I want to be when I grow up (more on this below), but one of the things that stood out for meContinue reading ““Metaphor Deficient””

No escape: US Airways to place ads on air sickness bags

Hey, if it’ll save me a couple bucks on the airplane ticket, I’m all for it.  (Of course, given how far from profitability most airlines are, I doubt the fliers will see anything from this initiative passed on to us anytime soon.) US Airways to place ads on air sickness bags PHOENIX — US AirwaysContinue reading “No escape: US Airways to place ads on air sickness bags”

…Or what about a Wiki to create the manual for the next release

Kathy Sierra does it again.  I just read her post on ignoring the competition and realized I’d asked the wrong question at the end of my last post.  We (companies) shouldn’t be putting out a Wiki to develop a manual for our current software, we should be putting out a wiki for the manual for the next release ofContinue reading “…Or what about a Wiki to create the manual for the next release”

When bad data happens to good ideas

My wife came home from some errands this morning to find a Terminix truck in front of the house.  They had paid us a visit because the Rashids, who used to own our house, had a contract with Terminix, and they were wondering if we wanted to continue the contract.  The only problem (well, otherContinue reading “When bad data happens to good ideas”

Quantified Athletes: Reducing Injuries through Analytics

Those of you who attended the IOD conference back in 2011 were treated to an interview with author Michael Lewis and Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, of Moneyball fame (amongst many other achievements). One comment that’s stuck with me was a question tossed in at the very end of the interview.  Billy Beane was asked how it’s possibleContinue reading “Quantified Athletes: Reducing Injuries through Analytics”