Sunday, May 13, 2007

Currently Reading...

Now I'm reading David Allen's second book -- "Ready for Anything".

The sub-title is, "52 Productivity principles for work & life".

It's extremely easy to read and really helps bring the first book to life with all its examples.

It's been gnawing on me for a while why I've been met with consistent resistance as I've mentioned the concepts of GTD to various people at T-Mobile. I think there is a general response of fear when you ask someone to do a core dump of their consciousness onto paper. Of course, resistance is good because it shows that there is a great ongoing business opportunity to be had.

Their concern may be:

1. Other people will now know what I know and I lose my "special" place in the organization.
2. I may have to admit that I don't know as much as someone else (aka ego).
3. I'm too busy to be writing down what's on my mind.

What I'm realizing is that the GTD methodology IS for everybody, but requires a preamble of discussion and understanding of their current state, levels of self awareness, and committed interest in moving to a different state.

GTD is a profoundly basic system, hindered only by the human condition.

New Job -- Director of Technology (David Allen Co.)

I'm very excited to announce that I'm leaving the world of Retail (T-Mobile, 5 years serving the Marina del Rey community) and joining The David Allen Company (DAC) as its new Director of Technology. I will be reporting to Robert Peake, CTO and eventually replacing their current Consultant/DOT, Eric Mack. Of course, the objective will be to hang on to Eric for as long as possible -- there's always Skype...

The company (www.davidco.com) is based in Ojai, CA and I will begin effective 5/28/07.

This requires a move from Culver City up to Ojai -- a town I've dreamed of living in for years. I reviewed my Franklin Planner notes of January, 2003 and am astounded that everything I wrote has come true -- there truly is something in writing a statement of intention about what is important in your life.

My mother, Francisca Beach, is living with me (after numerous years apart, when she lived in the UK) and will be also relocating to Ojai. Stay tuned for theatrical productions coming to Ojai soon -- she is a very talented director.

My immediate impressions of DAC are extremely positive -- a group of very smart, dedicated people committed to delivering tools and systems that will ultimately transform their clients from being a Good Company to a Great Company.

While I have a couple weeks lead time, my self-created task is to lay a structured foundation upon which to layer the onslaught of information, processes, procedures and systems that their current consultant, Eric Mack, will share with me. My implementation of the GTD system will truly be put to the test, and I'm confident that all will work out.

In reading David Allen's second book ("Ready for Anything"), he has an uncanny talent for writing "the next chapter" that answers questions that pop into your head as you read the book. The key is, when a thought comes to mind, briefly stop what you're doing and jot it down. The mind seemingly fires off random thoughts that are sitting in "Psychic RAM" as David calls it.

As time goes on, I will be sharing my newfound skills and GTD experience with the world via company Blogs. My immediate focus will probably be IT Systems Support Managers, but will include all interested parties.