"You Can't Direct the Wind but You Can Adjust the Sails"Written by Christophe Poizat
Guidelines: You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as bylines are included. A courtesy copy sent to article@itsm-made-easy.com would be appreciated.Format: 60 words per line Word count: 671 words (3926 chars) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- "You Can't Direct Wind but You Can Adjust Sails" © 2005 by Christophe Poizat - All rights Dear Friend, First of all, let's take a look at meaning of word "metamorphosis" and how it can possibly be of interest to IT Service Management. Metamorphosis: Noun (plural metamorphoses - say metuh´mawfuhseez) … “the change of form, structure, or substance, as transformation; structural or functional modification of a plant organ or structure during its development.” Applied to IT Service Management, this does clearly suggest a process by which we can possibly transform ourselves and adapt to an ever-changing and complex environment or marketplace with clear intent to become and remain successful. It's all about our personal growth and our ability to react to multiple challenges of life in general and modern IT world in particular. In a way, I am tempted to say it's all about metamorphosis of ITSM tadpoles into leaping frogs! Identifying and aligning all pieces of this complex puzzle takes time, quite a bit of thinking and determination. It also requires that we constantly reconsider our approach and refine our strategies. Transforming ourselves has been a necessity since dawn of humanity and it is not any different in modern world: if we want to stay in business, we have to evolve. Let's keep in mind that it is us who have to adapt to environment or marketplace and not other way around. This is a hard fact, it cannot be argued upon: no one can expect to win at any game without first knowing rules and principles. Life is a serious game where it is possible to have a lot of fun. It has strict rules though. First we need to study rules then comes fun. Likewise, IT Service Management is a serious game where it is possible to have a lot of fun in process. Again, first we need to study and master rules.
| | Brainstorming SecretsWritten by Steve Gillman
Have you been in a "brainstorming" session where each person just defended their own ideas? Worse is when people don't suggest ideas at all, for fear they'll be attacked. That's no way to brainstorm. Brainstorming is using power of many minds, and ideas should flow freely and trigger other ideas. How do you make that happen?The Key To Good Brainstorming You have to have a good leader to have good brainstorming. The leader isn't there to impose his will, though, but to stop imposition of anyones will. His role is to stop criticisms, arguments, and even strong opinions, at least in first part of session. A brainstorming session needs to be spontaneous, open and uncritical. "Bad" or "silly" ideas can lead to helpful ones, so suggestions have to be left un-judged at first. To brainstorm effectively, you can't stifle creative process. The leaders job, then, is to make everyone feel free to suggest any ideas. An Example Of Good Brainstorming The scenario: your business needs to cut delivery costs. The group throws out ideas and thoughts. "Let's not deliver," someone suggests, and when another starts to criticize, you remind him of rules. "Negotiate lower rates," somebody says, "Or just find a company with lower rates," another adds. Ideas like reducing package weight and charging customers more are suggested, and lead to other ideas.
|
