Friends of Dave #70: You'll Get Nothing And Like It!
Ever have one of those weeks?
I did, this week....so the intro is going to be light. Apologies to those fans of the longer newsletter opener.
The funny thing about this email: I find that I put in as much time writing the preamble each week as I do reading, bookmarking, arranging and summarizing each story I include. And, as I have said before, I do usually pick stories with certain subscribers (or groups) in mind. I also make sure to add some a hidden gem or two to each issue that I know a bunch of you are going to find (you know who you are)....and it definitely makes my day when you do.
So I know Spring has finally sprung. I know for many of you the weekend calendar is starting to get into full swing with your family activities. I know a few of you might either try to get in some golf, tennis, or even (gasp!) do some yard work. Do me a favor -- take a minute on the sideline or while you are line somewhere and really check out the stories this week. There is a very good chance that I picked at least one especially for you.
And speaking of golf, no doubt that the most astute Friends of Dave may have already picked up on the correlation between this week's subject line and our "Last Word" article. Too good for me to let it slide by.
Have a great weekend everyone. Hoping to make some time to record some new podcasts with a few of you over the next week or so -- email me at dave@slingstonegroup.com if you'd like to be included. Also, drop me a line if you have any suggestions for content you would like to see (or stop seeing) in the future.
XOXO
Dave
2 to Get You Thinking...
Happiness & the Gorilla — www.l2inc.com
WARNING: while this is pretty quick, it is definitely a little abstract and quirky. Some really interesting whiteboard thoughts and lessons regarding happiness though -- well worth the read.
The End of Reality — www.theatlantic.com
The collapse of reality isn’t an unintended consequence of artificial intelligence. It’s long been an objective—or at least a dalliance—of some of technology’s most storied architects.
The digital manipulation of video, like this recent one, may make the current era of “fake news” seem quaint.
4 For Your Day Job...
Empathy - a two-way street in customer service — www.bizcommunity.com
Personalization is essential in developing a successful customer experience. Great reminder here that while technology can assist us with getting to know our customers better, it cannot replace actual human interaction. CX is going to continue to be a hot topic for a while, Friends, so read up on it!
Create a Growth Culture, Not a Performance-Obsessed One — hbr.org
Perhaps the most fundamental lesson we’ve learned — including in our subsequent work with clients — is that fueling growth requires a delicate balance between challenging and nurturing.
At one time in my career I definitely subscribed to the "performance fuels growth" mantra. I'm starting to see that managing to "liberate energy" -- both challenge AND nurture -- is definitely key in today's workplace.
The Emergence of Data Marketplaces — hortonworks.com
As every business starts to recognize the value of the data they create, there will be an increasing need for secure marketplaces for this data. Get educated -- huge growth opportunity here.
Data-driven investing: Why ‘gut feel’ may no longer be good enough — pitchbook.com
The future of VC is going to be a mix of both old-fashioned gut feel and new-tech AI-enabled platforms.
The growing access and abundance of data is going to pretty much make ALL decision making data driven to a certain extent. But as with anything in the financial sector, remember it is usually evolution and NOT revolution.
Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
Nikola Tesla predicted the smartphone in 1926
Rumor has it he also predicted the Kardashians and Tide Pod eating too....
How ‘Rock Lobster’ launched the career of the B-52s — and revived John Lennon’s — www.washingtonpost.com
The song is “a tribute to Yoko,” one of the singers says....sums it up.
Why Myrtle Beach Takes Mini-Golf So Seriously — www.atlasobscura.com
Because taking NASCAR seriously is so 2003....
And The Last Word....
Caddyshack: An Inside Look at a Classic
An actual book recently came out chronicling the behind the scenes details of the making of this Hollywood classic comedy....I think this excerpt posted on Sports Illustrated's website should be plenty for those of you are fans. Creds to Friend of Dave Tom Burg for the share!