I've been working away on an array of different projects, including teaching our d.school class on Creating Infectious Engagement (stay-tuned: We are going to have a mini-conference with some cool speakers on the afternoon of May 1, which is open the public).
We've had some great in-class guests this term, including Chip Heath talking about his smash hit Made to Stick and the amazing Joe MacCannon from a non=profit organizational called the Institute for Health Improvement -- Joe told our class how his organization identified a set of simple but effective practices (hand washing and raising the bed at least 45 degrees when people were on respirators) and then led a political-style campaign to spread the persistent use of the practices in U.S. Hospitals. Joe's group recruited about 2000 of the 3000 or so U.S. hospitals to participate, and an initial analysis for the evidence suggests that the campaign did indeed save over 100,000 lives. IHI is a mighty ambitious organization; they are now onto a campaign to save 5 million lives!
I am also doing some very early work on my next books (it is too early to talk about the content now, but my current theory is that it is easier form me to work on two books rather one) and I continuing to give talks about leadership, innovation, and the no asshole rule to various groups.
Meanwhile, The No Asshole Rule keeps bumping along. There were three interesting stories in the past week or so. First, as Polly LaBarre reports on her Mavericks blog, she interviewed two of my favorite anti-asshole CEOs: Lars Dalgaard from SuccessFactors and Paul Purcell from Baird for a story on "Nice Guys Finish First." I am trying to find the video, but Polly's post is pretty entertaining and detailed. Second, a story on workplace bullying called "Fight or Flight" came out last week in the American Chronicle. I was pleased to see that the author described how one of her friends who was a victim of workplace abuse found the book to be "a soft comfort to her battered spirit and troubled mind" and "The book totally made her awestruck as it discusses everything that she had been experiencing and witnessing at work like an oasis on a dry dessert, she said." It is awfully nice to read stories like that, and I do appreciate the nice words. There are, of course, other books that she might have found equally helpful, including Taming the Abusive Manager. Finally, lawyers continue to discuss the need to apply the no asshole rule in their workplaces; the most recent story No Jerks Allowed is on Law.com and is about why and how in-house lawyers should apply the rule in their organizations.
P.S. Speaking of Polly LaBarre, when she was a guest lecturer in my class last year, she had the greatest term if ever heard for the tired, meaningless, and convoluted language that plagues business: Jargon Monoxide. I love that phrase.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for mentioning me and quoting excerpt from my article in American Chronicle. I feel elated that you appreciated what I have shared.
It true that your work is a blessing to those who are victims of harassment and mobbing at work.
I wish that more bosses are reading your books so they could learn a lesson or two.
More power to you!
All the best,
JOY
[email protected]
Posted by: Joy Filipovic | April 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM