Comments for OOBE

Comment on Take two of these and call me in the morning… by Troy Tolle

Troy Tolle — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:47:22 +0000

Great thoughts Tony. I think this is a struggle for any leader in making the vision, which can often just be coming into focus, simple and clear.

Comment on Receptivity in “Critical” Times by Bryan Rees

Bryan Rees — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:23:37 +0000

Scott, you make some really good points. Thanks for your input. I think Toby’s very personal and honest account of how criticism is often received is still a valid one, and not contradictory at all. I work closely with Toby on a regular basis, and I know that his point was that strong leaders do not respond in kind to roughly-delivered criticism, but rather take it in (even if it may hurt at first), digest it, and keep the good and ignore the bad.

We ALL should take special care in how criticism is given—absolutely. Respect for each other is definitely key, and as you stated, we take that very seriously here at OOBE. However, we all know we live in an imperfect world, and oftentimes, dissatisfaction will be expressed in not-so-kind ways; though, we still have to listen.

Comment on Receptivity in “Critical” Times by Scott

Scott — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:58:08 +0000

I find this article interesting, especially considering that you talk about how criticism can help you learn and improve yet it took “four nanoseconds” for someone’s criticism of your statement “to get under your skin.” Based on the rest of your article, “that act” only reinforced your opinion on criticism and caused you to immediately get defensive (“I guess our society has advanced to the point and we are so smart that we can now be selective as to what we are willing to learn based not on the value of the content, but the style by which it is delivered.”)

It seems you were more upset because of “the act” rather than considering what this person (obviously an employee) was trying to communicate. It also seems there is a deeper issue here of what is being communicated and how that is translated to an employee (i.e., fellow team member). If you’re on the same team, then your words should be “seasoned” and spoken out of love. Criticism that is not constructive does not exemplify love for that person.

Now it could be your original statement was meant as criticism from those outside the organization – those who perhaps don’t share the same values as Oobe. I don’t know, but the person who added “Constructive” may not know that based on seeing it in a conference room on a random flip chart for the first time.

The first line to About Oobe below says “How employees look and FEEL is key to any company’s success.” Isn’t that true when it comes to criticism?

It also says in the paragraph about comments below the article that you “reserve the right to edit or delete any comments that are unprofitable to the discussion” and to “keep others in mind when posting our comment.” Doesn’t that deal with criticism as well and doesn’t it ask those who comment to keep it constructive? It seems that way to me. I think I’m seeing mixed messages. I don’t want to elaborate on what that might mean but I say it to prompt you to examine it.

Comment on Are you afraid of change? by Bryan Rees

Bryan Rees — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:01:41 +0000

the “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it model” is dangerous for sure.

Comment on Are you afraid of change? by Nikki Chapman

Nikki Chapman — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:00:28 +0000

Great read! I find so often when talking with customers that they truly are afraid to change. Usually that change is seen as a way to improve, but the client is typically afraid that they may make the wrong decision and not have the full support of their team. Sometimes they subscribe to the “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it model”. The implications of that can be tremendous! It may not be broke, but how much more could you create and profit from by changing your thought process!?