Tag Archives: Books

In search of life’s secret manual

Posted on 4 August 21 by Scot

Want to find that secret manual that tells you how to behave in all situations, overcome life’s challenges, reach your potential, and connect with those around you? I spent years looking for such a manual, one that I was convinced … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What exactly should managers manage?

Posted on 4 November 17 by Scot

At Facebook, moving into management is not a promotion. It’s a lateral move, a parallel track. Managers are there to support people and to remove barriers to getting things done. Managers focus on building a great team, creating a vision … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Great leaders: Are personal crucibles a prerequisite?

Posted on 6 November 15 by Scot

I’ve been reading the book Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath.  Like one of my favorite business books, First, Break all the Rules  by Curt Coffman and Markus Buckingham, Strengths Finders 2.0 relies on data gathered from extensive Gallup surveys to … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

On systems, processes, and paperwork

Posted on 21 December 11 by Scot

Lately, I’ve come across several proposed new systems, processes, and forms —  all developed to address an assumed real, but unstated need.  In most cases, I could see a useful purpose for the new system/process/form,  but it usually wasn’t provided … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Superficial pleasantries vs. honest relationship building

Posted on 30 June 11 by Scot

In my last post, I discussed some thoughts from reading Conger, Lawler, and Finegold’s Corporate Boards book. Here is something else that caught my eye in that book that has near universal applicability -not just to corporate (or observatory) boards. … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Balancing Two Boards

Posted on 19 May 11 by Scot

Gemini has two Boards – the Gemini Board from the international partnership agreement and the AURA Board. It’s actually a bit (well, OK a lot) more complicated than this. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is Gemini’s Executive Agency. They collect … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Another advocate for Openness, Transparency, and Accountable Management

Posted on 28 December 10 by Scot

Somewhat recently, I finished reading Employees First, Customers Second by Vineet Nayar.  It was a very easy read since the techniques the author talks about using to restore his company to an industry leader agree a lot with what I … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Healthy Conflcit

Posted on 24 October 10 by Scot

I recently picked up a copy of A Grand and Bold Thing by Ann Finkbeiner. It’s a book about the original Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). I actually haven’t read it yet, so I’ll probably say more about the book … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment