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Bryce's Pet Peeves of the Week

"Never trust a person not having at least one known vice (eg, drinking, smoking, swearing)."
– Bryce's Law

INTRODUCTION

1st August last year, my "Management Visions" (MV) broadcast premiered on the Internet. MV is a free Internet broadcast (aka "Podcast") that is updated each week (Monday) and is made available in MP3, WMA, and Real Player file formats (the RealPlayer is accompanied by graphics). During the broadcast, I discuss issues related to Information Resource Management IRM), review upcoming events of interest and review e-mails from listeners. I also describe my "pet peeve of the week", which represents goods annoying me at the moment. This has evolved to a popular part of the show, and as such I am also including those of of you who missed the broadcast. Hopefully you will be able to relate to some of these Peeves. The aim is to offer some humorous insights into current topics of interest. I hope you enjoy them. Note that these are my own opinions and do not necessarily represent the opinions of my company or any other group.

August 8, 2005 – Bounty COMMERCIAL

My "pet peeve of the week" is an extra commercial I recently heard on the radio while driving into work the other day. Now that many of you know, Bounty is Procter & Gamble's "Quilted Quicker Picker-Upper "paper napkins, which I do not have a problem with as such. We use the bounty of our house. But the new radio ad described it as having" a new blue-dot quilting ", resulting in a" high-resolution track. "Honestly, when I heard this I burst into laughter. People in cars beside me must have thought I had lost my mind. "High resolution rail"? I think it seems funny for me to see something so prosaic as paper towels go "high tech". Ah, you have to love Madison Avenue I think.

August 15, 2005 – Microsoft Windows

My "pet peeve of the week" is Microsoft Windoze OS. I recently bought two computers for office, a laptop and the the second one desktop, both equipped with
the latest version of Windows XP. I had to move a lot of data on both machines, as casually, should not be a great deal. It was. Now I consider myself a technical guru of a stretch of the imagination, but I consider myself a "super user" who knows his way around a computer.

I have installed a lot of operating systems over the years, both beta and production versions. Now that a lot of you know me as an advocate for the IBM old OS / 2 Warp operating system, which I still believe the best 32-bit OS on the block. Nonetheless, my track record to go down a Windows operating system remains intact, because I had no end of problems and found it a very frustrating experience. I think I've been spoiled by OS / 2 with its object-oriented desktop system Object Model and preventive multitasking. I am still at a loss why IBM abandoned it.

But in my mind, I can not imagine why anyone would bother wasting their time inventing computer viruses and worms when you have something Windoze out there. The only thing that goes uninterrupted, Microsoft's cash flow. And no, Virginia, there is no monopoly of us out there is there?

August 22, 2005 – Software Testing

My "pet peeve of the week" Is software testing. As I mentioned in my essay, there is a simple bottom-up approach to test and install systems. But I am concerned about the way software vendors test their products in those days, if at all. The industry has fallen into the nasty habit to let customers try out products. For example, it is not uncommon for longer for people to get "beta" releases of software products play with it and report back to the manufacturer about the problems with it. Moreover, large versions of software products supplied by manufacturers to know
complete and the products are "Buggy". To pacify customers, and they offer free upgrades for the next version (which actually represents the final version).

This approach for testing of software is offensive to me.

I used to beta-test software products to resellers, but I no longer have the time or inclination to do producer's work for them anymore. Moreover, I no longer rush out to buy the newest version of "something" software product, I've been burned too too many times by vendors. As far as I am concerned, software vendors really need to clean up their act when it comes to testing. If they really want us to test their products for them,
Let us know where we should send the bill.

August 29, 2005 – micromanagement

My "pet peeve of weeks, "Is there something a little different: micro-management. There is a general tendency at work today for leaders to try to control" everything "; that nothing happens without the manager's personal stamp of approval. I have also seen this phenomenon occurs in non-profit organizations, everything from computer community that homeowner associations garden clubs, little leagues, and yes, even Masonic Lodges.

Micro Management represents a Theory X management style, which means that the organization is fundamental led by a dictator. Now, in some situations, I can understand the need for this. But the workplace in general and our charities, I am at a loss why people do it. A nasty byproduct of micromanagement is that people become complacent and will only do what they are told and nothing else. They develop into robots with little loyalty to the institutions they work for.

Has played football gridiron years ago, I learned a lot about the concept of teamwork. In any team-type environment you have multiple players, but only one coach who is responsible for the game plan. But trying to control acts of all players on the field is not only impossible, it can be counterproductive. I've always found it to be more efficient to empower people to make decisions and hold them accountable for their actions. People will not seek responsibility and will only put forward a minimum of effort if they do not get some width. I always liked Ronald Reagan's comment on his leadership when he said, "Surround you with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and do not interfere as long as the policy you've decided are being implemented. "

In other words, up slightly on micromanagement, empower thy people, give them direction, but not tell how to do everything in meticulous detail.

Bottom-line: Do more control and less control.

September 5, 2005 – university education

My "pet peeve of the week" are University programs that profess to offer a systems curriculum, but in reality, concentrate on anything other than software development. I am often asked to give an overview of "PRIDE" in universities, normally at the MBA level, and I am shocked how superficial colleges gloss over the fundamentals of real systems work. Normally, the curriculum offers an introductory course in systems, but little else. Instead, they have a tendency to focus on programming, network and computer trends. Small wonder when I start talking about "PRIDE", with its engineering / production concepts, see the students at me dumbfounded. Terms such as "Product Structure", "Blueprinting" "Bill of Materials, MRP and Production Control are foreign concepts to most systems students. Therefore, our universities are spitting more software people than we really need. Many of the clients I deal with are looking for students who can take business concepts, knowledge of interviewing users, know basic math to prepare proposal, understand the workflow and work measurement, and write effectively. Honestly, they are screaming for more systems people as opposed to the software graduates churned of colleges.

September 12, 2005 – THE DEAD courtesy

My "pet peeve of the week" is death of common courtesy. The second day we had a new FedEx driver making a delivery at our office in Palm Harbor. Since I happen at the front door, I opened it and saw him approach. He wore a scowl on his face as if he had had a bad day. I opened the door, greeted him warmly, shook his hand and asked how his day was going. When I signed for delivery, the driver looked at me weird. I asked him if there was a problem. He said no, it was just I was the first person that day to be kind to him and actually asks how he did. He said most companies he visits, he largely taken for granted and treated brutally.

I asked if he thought it was something unique to him as an individual. He said no, the other drivers often talk about the callousness of their customers. Come to think of what I've seen evidence of this elsewhere. For example, when I go to a restaurant, waiters and waitresses are often amazed When I kidded with them and ask them about their day. Often they look at me as if I might have some ulterior motives. But once they get past this, they warm up to me and we have good cooperation.

This made me stop and think about today's corporate workplace. Have we become so jaded and insensitive to ignore the interpersonal relationships our staff our customers and our suppliers? Have we become so self-absorbed and insensitive that we no longer care how we treat other people?

You know, I learned long ago that you can catch a heckova lot more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. A little courtesy and hospitality can go a long way with people. For example, I found the benefits of a solid handshake, some time ago. I can not just give them some slack handshake and look through the person. I see them entirely in the eye shake their hand and tell them how I am glad to see them. Something as simple as a sincere handshake can work miracles.

We must remember that we not carry out our work with dead things, but rather with people. Optimize our people skills are incredibly important to accomplish anything worthwhile in life. Simple common courtesy is a Much of this. Try it. Next time that FedEx or UPS driver comes to
your door or a waitress at your table, look up at them, greet them with a smile and ask them how they're doing, heck, even those often a handshake. You will be pleasantly surprised with the service you get in return. I will tell you this, and we have no problems with deliveries or deliveries at our office. What about yours?

September 19, 2005 – The computer PRESS

My "pet peeve of the week "is the Press. No, not the mainstream media distorted as it may be, but rather the computer trade press. Years ago we had a wide range of publications, you can expect to print an unbiased view of the industry. Publications such as "Info Systems", "Datamation", "Computer Decisions," and " EDP Analyzer "was able to give impartial journalism, while still generate enough advertising dollars to sustain
themselves. But something happened along the way in the 1990's with the spread of PCs at work. Suddenly, new interests and affiliations were formed, and the trade press basically sold his soul to upstart providers who now command the market. This resulted in the jaded reporting and unfortunately has the credibility of the various publications diminished. So much so that the circulation of publications is at a historic low. Even "InfoWorld" and "Computer World" are just shadows of themselves.

What is missing is a little integrity in the trade press. Instead of trying to invent the next dish, what, how about some honest reporting on actually happening in this industry, both right and wrong. I've got news for you, not everything is peaches and cream in this industry, regardless of what the press tells you.

September 26, 2005 – Solutions

My "pet peeve of the week" Is the word "solution" which has been widely used in the IT field in the last ten years. I tried to look up "solution" in both Webster's and The New Heritage Dictionary, and of course I could not find it. As
we all know, it is come to mean finding a way around a technical problem. That does not mean that a fix for a problem but rather a way to solve a problem. But make no mistake about it, workarounds "Ultimately represents errors or bugs in the system and we should refer to them as such. I am amazed by programmers when they proudly proclaim they have found a "solution" in contrast to admit they have a problem and do not know how to solve it.

An IT department should avoid the term "solution" as it tends to annoy end users and causes them to lose faith in the development of staff capacity to solve their problems. A mistake is a mistake, I do not care what you call it, not try to sugarcoat it, fix it.

As a side note, I was finally able to find the "solution" defined in a dictionary, the Redneck Dictionary. Its typically used to determine the location of the employees. For example, "Hey Y'all solution here?"

I do not know, I think I'm tired of the sloppy language in this business.

October 3, 2005 - MICROSOFT

My "pet peeve Week "Is Microsoft, which I refer to as the Howard Johnson of the computer business (with apologies to HJ). We call them because they offer products that are never state of the art, but they are not the worst either, just mediocre and very predictable.

Recently I read that Microsoft announced its Windows Workflow Foundation (Or WWF – which sounds remarkably like the World Wrestling Federation). Nevertheless, the WWF is a Windows technology that will enable developers to stitch together MS Office applications and in-house developed software for workflow applications. Also here is another example of "bottom up" system design. Instead of first determining the requirements and design the overall system architecture, they propose a way to assemble programs bottom-up. Vintage Microsoft. Honestly, I think they should stick to wrestling.

October 10, 2005 – CORPORATE attire

My "pet peeve of the week," Is corporate outfit. Back in In 1970 it was generally expected that a man wearing a suit and tie to work and women dressed well. In 1980, this code was casual, and you will see "dress down" day on Fridays. Of 1990's suit and tie had been replaced by golf shirts and trousers. But now, in 2005, we see t-shirts, blue jeans and shorts at work.

Ben Stein recently wrote an interesting piece in the New York Times complains sloppy appearance of corporate America, which I agree with. I think we have gone too far. Dress codes have influence on corporate culture in any business. If we dress sharp, we tend to think smart. If we dress sloppy, we are inclined to be lazy in our daily work. Show me a workplace without a dress code and I'll show you a pigsty, which produces questionable results. I know we like to promote
rugged individualism in this country, but there is nothing wrong with a little consistency and teamwork either.

Since we started our business in the early 1970's, our dress code was "business casual ", except when we knew customers came into the office where we were then expected to spruce up and dress professionally. Over time, we abandoned the business casual and a mandate at least a shirt and tie for men and appropriate attire for women. This had a positive effect, especially on our IT staff. What I found interesting even while we were in a small company, was to learn to "fix", corporate America began to "dress down."

Ben Stein was right in their critique of today's corporate dress codes. After all, who would you rather do business with someone who looks like a pimple or a person dressed for success and have together? I think the answer is pretty obvious.

October 17, 2005 – Mobile Phones

My "pet peeve of the week" are mobile phones. As you will remember, cell phones became popular with physicians and other members of the medical community, who rightly saw it as an important link between their patients and themselves. Next came the businessmen who needed mobility to talk to their office and customers. This included brokers, salespeople and service people. But then it landed in the hands of housewives and children under the clever ruse that it was a good way to get in touch with our loved ones in case of an emergency. And it is when all hell broke loose. Now it seems everyone has one, not only on their hips or in their ears, but in their cars on their motorcycles. I have even seen children talk about them while skateboarding, riding bicycles, and yes, even motorcycles. Its now more of an annoying habit than a tool or status symbol.

What I find amusing is how it has affected our social skills. Its now common to find people walking alone on a street or in a store apparently speaks for itself. Maybe they are, and the mobile phone is nothing but a clever ruse. But what disturbs me more than anything is how people jabber away on the phone while in traffic. Now you know darn well not everyone has something important to communicate all the time. It is now common to see 16 years old girls to talk to their girlfriends and make plans for the weekend, VAT chatting with their girlfriends, guys talking with their buds, and so on. We are doing everything but paying attention to the road. Have we become so weary of our lives that we find it necessary to talk to someone just to kill time while in traffic? I think so.

In 1967, James Coburn starred in a movie called "The President's Analyst" which has become a cult classic. If you have not seen the picture, Coburn uncovers a plot by the telephone company to implant a chip in everybody's head where everyone can send and receive phone calls (I would love to see how they will handle faxes). Nevertheless, the film is very prophetic in the form where mobile phones are coming. I'm just worried about the social consequences.

Please do me a slight advantage even if you find it imperative to talk to someone on the phone while you drive around, you can pull out to the side of the road and talk to the person as a rational human being. And yes, I am a great fan of laws that regulate use of cell phones.

October 24, 2005 – bloatware

My "pet peeve of the week" is "bloatware." Ever notice when you get a new computer, how fast it runs, but eventually begins to slow to a crawl. This is primarily attributable
what is called "bloatware" in the industry. Years ago, programmers were very careful in how they wrote the software. The code was very tight and there was concern about the efficient use of machine resources. But as disk space, memory and processing power grew, programmers were less and less concerned with machine performance. I remember a few years ago I was able to install the IBM OS / 2 operating system on a PC with 50MB of disk space, and it ran fine with plenty of room to spare on my hard drive. But times have changed, hardware improvements and the Internet viewing it. But programming will be sloppier and sloppier. If you have tried to install a word processor or a graphics program package lately you know what I mean.

I can not help feeling it's all a grand scheme to build-in obsolescence into our computers. Slower software means buying additional hardware. Understand what a computer considered as an antique when it reaches three years old. We will probably keep on our computers for longer if we had not so much bloatware is running on them. But I guess that would not be good for the economy.

October 31, 2005 – GUESTIMATE

My "pet peeve Week "is the word" Guestimate. "I have been involved in the IRM field for a long time now and it has always annoyed me how people try to invent new words in an attempt to meet cute and clever. One such word is "Guestimate" which tries to suggest to perform an assessment is simply a guess, I have to give a big DUH. Estimation is fundamentally an effort at projecting the future. Like all forecasts, will more facts and information available, the better estimate would be, but rarely is ever perfect. There is a natural human tendency to avoid making calculations, because the estimates are expressions of commitments and people tend to shy away from commitment and accountability, especially when they are not sure of his case. Look, lets keep it simple, an estimate is an estimate and a guess is a guess, let us not create more 3rd class words such as "guestimate."

Another word that bothers me is the "repeat" and you hear it just about everywhere in those days. Think about it, what does it mean? Repeat the word refers to a repetition of something. So what do we mean when we say repeat? An infinite loop? Language in the IT industry is sloppy enough without us having to add new words to our vocabulary. But I guestimate I repeat myself.

November 7, 2005 – COMPLICATIONS

My "pet peeve of the week is entitled" "Why are we doing things more complicated than they really? "Over the last 30 years I have been fortunate to travel around the world, visit with
many business customers, and hobnob with gurus at area. One thing I always found fascinating is how the IT industry tends to make things more complicated than they really are. For example, building systems and software really not as complicated as they seem. Systems consist of business processes, procedures and programs. We also have entries for the collection of data outputs for transfer of data files for storing data, records and data elements. Period. It has always been that way and it will always be that way. But the IT industry seems to reinvent itself even every five years or so. We now like to talk about apps, agile programming, data mining, SOA, business rules, meta data, and things that go bump in the night. The only reason I can give to change the vocabulary so often that it must sell a lot of books and magazines. Either that, or people using it to make himself look smarter, than they really are. The sad part is that this new vernacular is creeping into university studies, and we have to spend the next several years debriefing children. I do not know as I get older, I find the best things in life are the simple things. I guess I'm surprised that more people do not challenge the unnecessary complexity.

November 14, 2005 – SNOW BIRDS

My "pet peeve of the week" is the title "Snow Birds." November marks the beginning of Snowbird migration. This is where the Nordic people, mostly pensioners, are beginning to make their annual trek down here to Florida. Sure, their money is nice for our economy but we have to contend with some God-awful drivers. There are New Yorkers in SUV's who think they own the road, people from Ontario who believe they are always running in a school zone and others from the midwest that are just plain lost. It sure would be nice if we had a national driving standard. It would make it a heckova much easier and safer down here for us all if we did.

November 21, 2005 – SMOKING

My "pet peeve Week "is Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Society last Thursday, November 17. As many of you know I enjoy a good cigar. I have never acquired a taste for cigarettes, but I certainly enjoy a good cigar when I'm going about my business. I will not bother anyone with it. Its just something I do on my own time. Yes I am aware of the dangers of smoking, which I am sure that all smokers are. And No, I do not consider myself a smoking advocate. Having said all this, let me just say to all the anti-smokers out there: Would you please get off your back! Being a smoker does not mean we are demons or some misguided fools, but we're sure to get characterized in this way. Anti-smoking makes it harder and harder to find a venue for us to enjoy our joy, everything from aircraft and airports, restaurants and bars workplace, even cars. Next will be our home, where I definitely draw a line and tell them to mind their own business. I will continue to enjoy my cigar, regardless of browbeating I can take from anti-smoking lobby. I do not think they realize that as they become more obnoxious in their campaign, it stiffens my willingness to to enjoy a good smoke.

I also recall one of my more memorable Bryce's laws that says "Never trust a person who not have at least one known vice (eg, drinking, smoking, swearing). "I've always found that such a lily white person always has a dark side or something that they try to hide. As for me, I will continue to enjoy my cigars and keep my cargo aboveboard.

November 28, 2005 – micromanagement

My "Pet peeve of the week" is "micromanagement." Today we live in a Theory X world where leaders like to dictate the details of a given task, usually described as "micromanagement." Employees are told what to do and when to do it, without any interest in their input. Such an approach is basically saying to the employee, "Look, you're not smart enough to do this right, so I'm going me to tell you how to do it. "Therefore, micro-management tends to irritate and alienate people. More recently, I've noticed the same phenomenon occurs in nonprofit voluntary organizations such as homeowner associations, clubs, schools, organizations, sports clubs and even church groups. The people who run these groups can have the best intentions, but seldom do they know how to actually manage. Unfortunately, some people involved in such organizations to satisfy a petty power trip they're on. They have little regard for the organization and compliance with policies and rules. Instead they try to micromanage everything. People, particularly young volunteers, the a natural aversion to micromanagement and quickly lose interest in their work.

Instead, I recommend an approach where you delegate responsibility and hold people responsible for their actions. I refer to this as management from the "bottom up" as opposed to
"Top-down." By treating employees as responsible adults, there is a tendency to assume responsibility and see a task through to a successful conclusion. As President Ronald Reagan said, "Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and do not interfere as long as the policy you've decided are being implemented. "

Basically, Reagan said, "Do not micromanage; give your employees and get out of the way."

December 5, 2005 – replays

My "pet peeve of the week" is "reruns." Last week it was announced that the Rolling Stones were on their way to to perform the half time show for the 40th Super Bowl in February next year in Detroit. I found this notice something funny in that Paul McCartney of the Beatles when the half time entertainment in the last Super Bowl. Its not that I have anything against these aging rockers, which I have been a huge Beatles and Stones fan for the past 40 years, I would like to know how the new talents or if there really is no talent to replace my generation's music. We hear a lot about Rap, Hip-Hop, and Country, but there are musicians who really define this generation? Honestly, they are not our there. Oh, I do not propose talent does not exist, because I think it does, but it is tightly controlled by marketers who engineer every Tone admitted today.

In the old days it was not uncommon for performers to write their own music, sing their own songs and play their own instruments. This is hardly the case anymore. Instead of developing a generation of craftsmen as the Beatles and the Stones, the current wave of musicians is simply marketing "blink in pans "which does not have stamina. The Beatles and the Stones are great, but ultimately their music represents the reruns, which is indicative of the artistic vacuum is created by the media moguls. Take Hollywood for example, How many times must we remake King Kong, Pink Panther and almost every television show from the 1960s? Instead of computer generated graphics, how about some creative reasons and well-written scripts? I can not believe we have run out of ideas in Hollywood, so much that they consider it necessary to reproduce the old stories. Is the younger generation really lacks any creativity? I very much doubt it. They're just not allowed to express it, and instead we have to sit through reruns. I am more and more concerned about the impact of this stagnation in our culture will ultimately have on us. For me it represents complacency and signals a decline in our ability to strive to achieve. It also represents another indication of "micromanagement" takes place in the corporate world. Consider this, if the Beatles and Stones were to emerge in today's world, they probably would not be allowed to practice their craft.

Well, I think I'll go home turn on the television and listening to Led Zepplin sell Cadillacs.

December 12, 2005 – SERVICE (lack thereof)

My "pet peeve of the week "is" Service "(lack thereof). Recently I stopped by a new cigar shop to buy some cigars. I went into their humidor and controlled their inventory. There were several custom-rolled cigars made in the field and the usual commercial cigars from the Dominican Republic and Honduras. I came to find my favorite (Which is the Hoyo Monterey, Sultan / Maduro) and took a dozen of them up to the cashier for purchase. In front of me in line was a gentleman even to buy a dozen cigars all of same species. I noticed the cashier was painfully slow in scanning and recording each cigar. Beside her at the counter was the shop owner, who was busy reading a magazine. There were other customers also in the shop, all of which were of no interest to the cashier or owner.

What should have been a simple transaction in the guy before me took less than ten minutes. Fortunately, I was not busy, but I was beginning to become impatient yet a simple purchase. When she finally finished the transaction, cashier greeted me, took my cigar and began the laborious task of scanning and recording my order (again, a simple operation turned into a lengthy task). When she addressed last cigarette, I pulled out my wallet and gave her my credit card. She looked at it and said, "Oh, I'm sorry our credit card machine is down right now, you have the money?"

Of Of course, I did not, and suddenly I realized that after waiting twenty minutes to make a simple purchase I had come to the edge with her over the purchase.

I said: "Is there nothing that can happen?"

"No, we need the cash."

Interestingly, shop owner who had heard of our teasing simply kept scrolling through his magazine.

I asked, "Can you not take an imprint of my card and treat later when the machine comes up again? "

"Oh, no sir, we can not do it."

"With other words, instead of trying to find a way to make this sale happen, you tell me that I just wasted twenty minutes of my time in your store. "

She looked at me stunned and the owner turned another page in his magazine.

I told them this was the last time I would frequent their establishment and stormed out without cigars. Honestly, I do not think they cared one bit.

I am sure we all have seen similar situations where there is a lack of decent service, whether is in a retail shop, restaurant, automotive repair, in the corporate world or elsewhere. People are less and less sensitive to customer service. Its like they come down with a bad Case of stupid when it comes to customers.

When I was growing up, I was always taught that the customer was king, that if you took care of the customer they would return the favor with recurrent and give sparkling references to your company to others. But apparently the time changing and teaching good customer service is becoming a rarity. For those of you who really care about the customer, I will
remind you that everything starts with sales and the customer should never have to wait to pay the bill. Instead of finding ways not to make a sale, here is an idea, why not try to find ways to make it happen. But I guess that would require a little personal initiative is something that is also sorely lacking in those days.

December 19, 2005 – HOLIDAY madness

My "pet peeve Week "is titled" Holiday Madness ". December is the month where we celebrate a lot of things:

• Christians celebrate Jesus' birth, even The exact date of his birth is questionable.

• Jews celebrate Chanukah as representing a long battle in which the Syrians were driven out of Israel.
• Kwanzaa has been around since 1966, and unlike Christmas and Chanukah, which are religious in nature, celebrating Kwanzaa African culture.
• We then celebrate the end of one year, and the birth of a new one.

There is so much to celebrate during December, I always felt sorry for the people who were born during of this month and is typically gypped out of parties and presents they deserve.

Comedian Lewis Black recently commented on the intervention of Christmas on other holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Halloween, retailers will not be happy until Christmas include Labor Day and the 4th July. Lewis has a point. It's simple economics, which runs this year end holiday madness and much more. You do not really believe the people who fight in Walmart over a DVD player, digital camera or iPod really think "peace on earth, good will towards man "do you? Hardly. Ferien bring out both the best and worst in us all, which is a shame because it is not, what they were intended. It is supposed to be a time of reflection and renewal, no traffic jams and chaos in the shopping aisles. Ever wonder what these year-end holiday would be like if the exchange of gifts were removed from the formula? They would probably be so subdued and respectful as Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. But it will never happen as retailers and the media keeps us in their tight grip. We will now spend the next 90-120 days to pay everything out. I'll just be glad when the tinsel comes down the house cleared up, the relatives go home, and everything returns to normal. At least until April 16 which is Easter Sunday and the sales cycle starts again.

You can tune in "Management Visions" at:
http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mv.htm

About the Author

Tim Bryce is the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida, a management consulting firm specializing in Information Resource Management (IRM). Mr. Bryce has over 30 years of experience in the field. He is available for training and consulting on an international basis. His corporate web page is at:
http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/

He can be contacted at: timb001@phmainstreet.com

Copyright © 2006 MBA. All rights reserved.

Flying My Guilt Over a Quilt by Jason Mraz