"Our Take" - Be Quiet

(Past Editions by: Date, Title, Topic)

 
About "Our Take" 
"Our Take" is a collection of daily vignettes covering a wide range of CRM topics. It's an attempt to add our own spin to the world of CRM. We will use the column to share our perspectives, opinions, epiphanies, web nuggets, or quite frankly anything that moves us. Get ready to expect the unexpected. And, don't be shy about sharing your thoughts.
 
 
12/3/07 - What Happened?
Without warning I took a break from writing this column. It has been about two weeks. I really enjoy the time I spend crafting these messages and I always appreciate the insightful comments from readers from all over the world.
 
So why did I take a break? Let me first eliminate some reasons that might be swirling in your heads. No, I did not take an exotic vacation to an Internet starved island in the south Pacific. No, I did not suffer from an overdose of Thanksgiving turkey. And, no I did stop because someone had kidnapped my favorite road bike holding it hostage until I agreed to stop writing.
 
I simply needed to recharge my internal batteries. I simply needed a break. So I am back rested and ready to go as we count down the days in 2007 and gear up for 2008. I've got my thoughts but tell me what is on your mind. That is what I really like to write about.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/4/07 - Be Quiet
I very much appreciate the kind notes of support from many readers regarding my recent break from writing this column. Many of the notes used the phrase "Welcome back." I never felt I was gone but since you didn't see my column, I was gone from your perspective. As you look toward 2008, let me give you a piece of advice. Be quiet.
 
More specifically, take time to be quiet. This busy world of ours often robs us of quiet time. Daily demands make us rush from task to task and we are constantly distracted by the noise around us. Your soul requires quiet time to reflect and listen. That is the only way to capture a peak into the things that really matter - things that matter to you and things that matter to your customers.
 
For many of us, December is the busiest time of the year. So my suggestion to "be quiet" might come at the toughest time. Stop. Consider the heightened chaos of this particular moment and why it may be exactly the best time to get off the merry-go-round for a few turns. Be quiet and see what happens.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/5/07 - Quiet Strength
Yesterday, I shared some of my personal thoughts regarding the need to find quiet moments to consider matters of importance. It seems my suggestion to "be quiet" struck a cord with many of you. I couldn't help but share the following response from one reader:
 
"It is interesting how comments bring certain images to mind. Some years ago I and several friends periodically visited a Benedictine Monastery in southern Michigan. When I read your comment on the value of 'quiet,' I was immediately reminded of the Monastery and its grounds, both of which are characterized by silence and appreciation of the life of the mind and spirit. Due to your reminder, I will go back, and take my 13 year old son."
 
I too remember a retreat I took many years ago on the grounds of a Southern Indiana Monastery. I grin a bit thinking my comments might spark action in someone I don't know. I grin even more that his reaction would further spark my commitment to re-visit the peaceful solitude I now recall. Maybe you will be moved to re-visit a place that once gave you energy and insights.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/6/07 - Step Outside the Tornado
The other day, I sat at my kitchen table listening to a friend talk about an issue weighing heavy on his mind. He had spent quite a bit time to understand the problem, ponder potential solutions, weighing the pros and cons of various options. Then he leaned over towards me, looked me in the eye, and asked for advice.
 
I leaned back and said that I didn't necessarily have the answer. However, I did have something he didn't have. Perspective. He was in the middle of his tornado. No amount of quiet time would help discern an answer because everything is flying around him creating distractions that cannot be ignored. No matter how smart we are or how much we focus on particular problems sometimes we lack perspective because we are caught in the middle of the whirlwind.
 
However, his friend (me) stood a mere three feet outside his tornado and I had a perspective of an uninvolved spectator. My vision was not clouded by swirling emotions. Now, while I had my opinions about what he should do, I simply offered an "outside the tornado" perspective so he could figure out a course of action. The point of the story is that complicated issue you are now dealing with might be confusing because you are in your own tornado. When quiet time doesn't help it might be time for you to seek a trusted advisor standing right outside your tornado? What customer experience issue needs an "outside the tornado" perspective?
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/7/07 - Thanks for Asking
It seems my thoughts for the week have created concern among some of you - if not concern, at least surprise. Indeed, my words this week have not dealt directly with the harsh realities of managing the customer experience vis-à-vis technology or strategy. Rather, it has been about quiet reflection, dealing with the whirlwind of issues, and seeking new perspectives. All inner reflection type stuff.
 
I enjoyed the following comment from one reader: "I hope you are well! I am not sure what is going on with you but something changed when you took your quiet time. It is like – you had an awakening! Whatever is going on, it’s refreshing and if you need any support in any way, I am here for you man!" Comments like this make everything I do totally worthwhile. Thank you to everyone that has sent such encouraging words.
 
I really am the same person and nothing of much significance changed when I took a break from writing this column. Sorry no big trek to the mountain to visit the swami. Nor was it the result of some great epiphany. Rather it was simply me sharing a side of me I have not offered in this column before. So to directly respond to some concerned inquiries, I am doing just fine, thank you - actually, better than I deserve. I appreciate your concern. Have a great weekend.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)