“Has IT process standardization gone too far?” by Kathleen Melymula is actually a Q & A with M. Eric Johnson (Computer World, 9 March 2009). Mr Johnson and Joseph M. Hall have an article published in this month’s Harvard Business Review. Maybe you’d also like to check out “When Should a Process Be Art, Not Science?”

While “artistic” has a nice buzz word-esque ring to it better words might be: agile, pragmatic or versatile. The truth is, if your company / brand is truly guest-centric then it is no surprise to you that  having too much standardization is often counterproductive. To say nothing of the fact of how it might effect the morale of your co-workers. More companies would benefit from putting more effort into “standardizing” the (internal) perception of their vision. When everyone shares a vision making the right decisions for the right reasons becomes second nature. Unfortuately too often management would rather push memorization over actually growth and learning.

At the risk of overdoing it with NY Times posts today. If this debut is any indication, they’ve started what looks to be a must-read section:

“Corner Office, a new Sunday Business feature, offers highlights from conversations about leadership and management. This interview with Greg Brenneman, chairman of CCMP Capital, was conducted, condensed and edited by Adam Bryant.”

Take a moment a read this article. If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration  Corner Office: Can You Pass a C.E.O. Test? is time well spent.  Kudos to Mr. Bryant for asking the right questions.

“The Secrets of the Talent Scouts” by George Anders (New York Times, 14 March 2009)

We said it before and we’ll probably end up saying it again… The economy might be slowing down but it’s certainly not coming to a complete halt. The smart money is pressing forward and looking for opportunities. The real danger is fear and in being one of those who insists on standing still.

Btw, we’d also like to point out how frequent the ideal of passion is mention by those interviewed for this article. Experience is what one has done. But passion is where one is going. The past can not be changed. However, the future – especially in the hands of the passionate – is an endless adventure. History proves that passion trumps experience 9 out of 10 times.

Verizon Customers – Just Say No! by Lidija Davis (New York Times)

One would like to think that this is shocking but sadly it has gotten to be the status quo. It’s outrageous what some companies will do to their guests that they wouldn’t want done to themselves. When it comes to making the wrong moves, do we really need another Facebook? What’s also difficult to understand is why don’t Verizon’s competitors use these snafus against them?