Getting Better is Tough

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Author Message Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1393 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Wednesday, May 08, 2013 - 11:12 am:    130508 GETTING BETTER IS REALLY TOUGH by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Cincinnati, Ohio Re-branding is very good idea! Staying with what works is really comfy! “Taking for granted” is a very fine program for failure. Overcoming status quo, inertia and complacency is “a tough row to hoe”! We’ve abdicated “perfection” in favor of “aiming for perfection” [never to get there!]. Oh, of course, we have occasional 300 scores in bowling and maxed SAT scores, but in general we are just aiming! And footballers [and others] are always trying to “move to the next level”. The first two chores are good for most everyone, and really indicate life, thinking with foresight, and using imagination as a working tool for progress, increase and expansion. We know so much, but each day adds to our dilemma that is to know more and more, new things, techniques and programs. Why are we stumped by new math? [I can solve their problem 5 different ways, including counting fingers, but not “their” way]. How is it that a granddaughter can stop you cold with a “Why Grandfather”? [They all use that long form—father or mother—when they have a really tough one for you.) Talk about specs being tough to write, how about concocting a decent answer to a 5-year-old? Remember they got the new technology cold-- we either don’t know it, or struggle! Read, study and experiment to hone skills and increase knowledge; then change, modify, adjust, take new direction based on increased knowledge, intelligence, equipment and result of others. Ball players practice---to get better, sharper, etc. Reps can [and should?] go over their presentations for better wording, checking voice [emphasis, inflection) sharper examples for PPT slides that are too complex and involved, too pale or light in color to be readable, too verbose without illustrations. Design professionals need to constantly look at new perspectives, planning, overall design, and the other functions of design to avoid stagnation and type-casting. We need not make big moves or completely re-design our skills, etc. Where we are, right now, merely needs a little attention to be better! In this not only what we do, but how we do will be changed. This will refresh us personally, and will present newness to our clients and customers. A presentation of a product or system with “new” or refreshed verbiage and approach will look brand new and will “excite” other interests and possibilities in others. This, in turn, will lead to other and new uses of products and new sales. Each day each of us needs to be better—even in the smallest way[s]. This is our daily challenge and will alleviate the mundane and routine in ourselves and our work and will both motivate us and will present a sense of difference to our clientele. Even a slight change in how we dress will make these changes as will better use of pictures and technical information. Put yourself in the other person’s place and make your presentation to suit their approach, needs and direction. Sell your product or design scheme in a new way. This may be tough if new approaches and information is involved. You may need to “school" yourself to really implant the data in your mind and facilitate your ability to present it in a better way. Takes innovation and dedication. But, EACH day, do your best, and make sure that it is a little [at least] better than yesterday. Tough to do, but hope you’ll see fit to try and check the results.