Web-Tones

Talent Wars: The Song Remains the Same

I have written on this topic in the past here and the more things change the more they remain the same. In a skills based economy, talent trumps! However, it is not clear that the majority of knowledge-based enterprises (which aren't?) "get it." But, even those that do, have the enormous challenge of growing, finding and retaining their fair share of talent.

Formerly, in the technology space, it was "superior technical skills" that were highly sought after. These remain important, but more important is the combination of "hard and soft skills" required to compete in the new economy. It is all about relationships and effective communications. It is all about story telling. But the billion dollar question is "where are the combination of these skills taught?"

Companies are forced to consistently find the "needle in the haystack" or create a learning environment where a constant supply of needles are "manufactured" over time. The latter is the ultimate differentiator but it is difficult to do in a hyper-competitive economic environment. The former (i.e. recruiting) will continue play a significant role. The right combination of the two is the challenge in the short run--that and ensuring you retain the talent once you acquire it.

YouTube Nation

Link: Chuck Newton: YouTube Nation. As is often the case, Chuck is "dead on" with respect to this post and I do believe that I will see Chuck on the tube real soon now. Why? Because Chuck is Chuck, a "third wave" kind of guy, and he WILL leverage the medium. But most attorneys won't, and for those that do, that is a reason for celebration (to the victors go the spoils--or some such similar nonsense)!

Video is not text, the medium is now within the reach of the masses but not without climbing the curve and "facing the camera." In other words, video (even good quality amateur video) requires a lot more work than blogging, and therein lies the rub and the opportunity. Early adopters are likely to enjoy a competitive advantage for the foreseeable future (i.e. next 3 to 5 years).

Search, KM and the Practice of Law

This paper contains my latest thinking regarding KM and the practice of law. A subsequent series of videos will cover topics treated at length in the paper. Other topics on Law Tech TV will follow a similar format--a paper with corresponding videos.

Enjoy!

In the Zone: Jamming in Business

The concept of flow has been around for a long time. Sports fans and participants know it as being in the zone--a magical experience for both the athlete and those fortunate enough to catch the performance. Many of us have these experiences in which our performance appears effortless, but which actually is produced, truth be known, from years of preparation. The interesting thing about "flow" is not that it occurs, but rather why is it so infrequent?

When flow occurs in a business setting it feels like the kind of jamming that jazz musicians are addicted to. Someone does/says something interesting or unusual and a spark is created--someone else riffs off the spark and more sparks fly. There is a kind of shared energy in the room that is palpable.

If only you could find a way to  "bottle it?"