VIdeo: 5 dysfunctions of a team

Visualizing 2011

Here's a store of what happened in the world in 2011 through amazing visualizations.

Browse the gallery here: http://www.visualizing.org/2011

Manager = strategic ass kisser

Consensus amongst the ranking team at UD is that a manager is a strategic ass kisser. Wonder where that came from...

source: Urban Dictionary

Twitter Digest

• The 10 Ways Tim Cook Could Blow It For Apple In 2012 read.bi/vLTPDA
• ERIC SCHMIDT: We Don't Talk About Occupy Wall Street In The Valley Because We Don't Have Those Problems read.bi/u9YkyC
• Graphic: Moore's law and stocks bit.ly/uRV77H
• The Management Secrets Of Kim Jong Il read.bi/tyHCu4
• For $40,000, You Can Clone Your Cat read.bi/s9ozgr
• The French Government Is About To Order 30,000 Women To Have Their Breast Implants Removed read.bi/rSrs7t
• Seth's Blog: No such thing as business ethics bit.ly/pqZnP3
• Graphics: Crazy work hours over Holidays? bit.ly/szsCYg
• Seth's Blog: The new lazy journalism bit.ly/vPaTfc #in
• Meredith Whitney And The Feel-Bad Story Of The Year
• www.businessinsider.com/institutions-bought-munis-back-in-february-2011-12#ixzz1hIDDdaHA

Why Should You Apologize?

One of the clearest ways President Obama has set himself apart from his predecessor is by demonstrating his willingness to apologize. He has apologized for using inappropriate language, making jokes in poor taste and even acting arrogantly toward Europe in the past few years. What exactly is Obama doing? He is disarming his opponents and paving the path for reconciliation. Next time you are ready to defend your actions and play your part in a knockdown fight, consider apologizing first. Demonstrate empathy, concern, and willingness to change. Ultimately, apologizing is not an admission of defeat but a humane gesture that can keep you out of a fight.


via: HBR

Stop working and get your Christmas on

Graphic: Emerging vs. Developed - Trading places

Now this is what I call globalization:

Graphic: Moore's law and stocks

Moore's law is something all of us have heard about..but comparing equity market performance with computing power is definitely new. This chart speaks to it: 

via: Economist

Reconnect After Giving Tough Feedback

Hearing that your performance is lacking can be harsh, even alienating. That’s why as a manager, you need be thoughtful when delivering difficult feedback to your employees. You probably know to do two things: first, articulate what your employee is doing well, and second, provide input on problematic behaviors. But don’t forget an important third step: reconnect. After hearing difficult input, an employee may avoid you or feel she can’t come to you for advice. Reestablish your relationship and reiterate what you value most. Point out her writing skills or thank her for asking tough questions during meetings. You can also check in on a personal matter: Ask, “How was your daughter’s play?” or, “Did your wife hear back about that job?” Do this at the end of the feedback session or wait until the next day. Just be sure to connect so she is comfortable continuing the relationship with you.

via: HBR

Buying something for the first time

Seth always amazes me with his talks. This 6 minute video talks about the experience of buying something for the first time.