Opinions & Items of Interest

A new way to search for and discover things apart from Google. The world described from a computational view.
www.wolframalpha.com

The marvelous speaking and writing school -the best, and read the staff bios for buried treasures
www.buckleyschool.com

On Consulting Firms

Consulting firms continue to struggle with combining process and content consulting:
Numerous publicized stories and the conversations I have with other consultants recount story after story of firms trying this out once again and then throwing in the towel.

For those unfamiliar with the concepts of process and content consulting, the difference can best illustrated by examples. Information technology consulting like implementing SAP is content consulting - exacting, precise, numbers and specifications driven. Change management, culture, or organization studies are process consulting - based on soft skills, sometimes with imprecise expectations of outcomes.

It's like combining oil and water. I am not going to say it will never work, but all of the models used to date that I know of have not worked.

Compensation and salary survey resources:

With some trying, Klemm & Associates has logged 62 Web sites that deal with salary and compensation surveys. There is lots of overlap with many of the sites serving as links to others. In general, to get to information that is usable for an employer, you will have to pay based on usage by one scheme or another.

Complex compensation and assessment systems:

I continue to get anecdotal evidence that backs up an earlier posting about the fading of practices such as competencies and broad banding. The usual causes are organizational resistance, administrative burden, lack of strong executive backing and push, and employees calling for simpler and more traditional practices. Much of this fits with Klemm & Associates' "tolerance for complexity" concept. Organizations have increasing low tolerances for complexity, especially when it is inwardly directed.

Clever ways of saying things that we have come across:

Brock's book will be persuasive to minds not sealed by the caulking of ideology. - George Will

(Alexander) Hamilton, at any moment had multiple schemes up his ruffled sleeve, concealed by layers of guile.

Undiluted by the tincture of humility.

(To gently express discomfort with some one) "He and I have not become close."

From an old friend of mine, Tom Dunham, in Golden, Colorado

Try this quiz:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They're the best in their fields.

But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Now here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name a half dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Wasn't That Easier? What's the Lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They're the ones who care.

Klemm and Associates
E-mail
314-846-2440
Mobile: 314-503-3562