In the outrageously funny movie, Office Space, there is a scene where the main character Peter Gibbons, a lowly cubicle dwelling worker, has to meet with a pair of efficiency consultants the company has hired to recommend cutbacks to define what he does during an average work day. One of Peter’s co-workers accurately describes the process as “interviewing for your own job”. It is a hilarious scene due to Peter’s honesty in telling the consultants (both named “Bob”) that in the course of any given week, he spends most of his time ... Continue Reading

It seems to happening everywhere for symphony orchestras: low ticket sales to concerts. Unfortunately, this has become an all too familiar headline and the really surprising news is when an orchestra has a full house of paying patrons! But if the New York Times article from December 28th has any merit the ticket sales decline could be connected, in part, to something in our human nature. The author of the article explains how humans tend to procrastinate pleasure.

A few months back I published an article that examined elements from Geoff Colvin’s book, Talent is Overrated. One of Colvin’s key points was how companies cultivate creativity and then use it to create better and more productive employees. Colvin used Google as one of his examples and wrote extensively about their philosophy behind fostering a very employee-friendly work environment and how it promotes and maintains productivity. Colvin’s example made me want to learn even more about Google. They provide so much to workers, I was secretly hoping to find an in-house ... Continue Reading

One of the most popular shows on cable television lately is Mad Men, on the AMC channel. Now on its third season, the show has captivated imaginations, history buffs, and is even starting to have an effect on current fashion. But what has me most interested in the show is the style in which the 1960’s Madison Avenue advertising agency works with various challenging clients. From Hilton Hotels to Marlboro, and Playtex to Kodak; each client needing something special and different. Of course, I couldn’t help but fantasize what the star of ... Continue Reading

The past few weeks have provided ample time for listening to audio books during longer commutes to rehearsals and concerts. For these extended times in car, books about business, stocks, investing, etc. are regular favorites so I can learn about various styles of investing and hopefully understand and streamline my own investing skills. The time feels like a guiltless way to spend hours learning that wouldn’t normally be devoted to these activities if I were home since practicing wins out more often than not.