I've received a couple of interesting comments from the article in the October FORUM wherein I discussed involving MARCOM early in the planning process. Both were positive and expressed agreement with a couple of the points raised, along with noting that a lot of what I referred to as common sense wasn't all that common. It got me thinking. How often do we get so wrapped up in making sure our organizations are looking to the future that we miss what's in the here and now? More to the point, how often do we spend time and resources reinventing solutions that others have already discovered, simply because we failed to take the simple step of talking to our peers?
One of the most important resources I have as a manager is the advice and counsel of others -- both in and out of my industry -- whose opinions and observations I have come to trust. It has been my experience that most of the challenges I encounter are easier met when I engage others for input and suggestions. Although it's not generally as easy as getting the precise answer I need at that moment, I do find that such conversation usually leads me down a path to a solution much more quickly than if I go it alone. Such feedback is everywhere. From the blogs to the industry pundits, to the learned colleagues and (most importantly) my own team, I am never at a loss for useful input and information when what I need most is a second opinion. The trick is to remember to ask.
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