tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64989934035080381132024-03-19T01:10:33.431-07:00Places That MatterThoughts on important places, topics, and ideasAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-8554313836149632002016-07-06T09:11:00.001-07:002016-07-06T09:17:32.667-07:00The Seismologists and the Street Department<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A crooked curb in California is a perfect example of how
difficult it is to manage important places in our communities. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz_hwea7S_Wpg4fLwQabq1mIFeE3TXxXvqrBUInk4pm69cciGGrN3Q3WjxDZHZUOXdCIPSYgrz-GaY4NLkz8d3O3NaugRiHrpAm-UX7chGuh4qJJBfgW27LqW60rgi4wav_UxHsAP2Mew/s1600/haywar20.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz_hwea7S_Wpg4fLwQabq1mIFeE3TXxXvqrBUInk4pm69cciGGrN3Q3WjxDZHZUOXdCIPSYgrz-GaY4NLkz8d3O3NaugRiHrpAm-UX7chGuh4qJJBfgW27LqW60rgi4wav_UxHsAP2Mew/s320/haywar20.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo showing the offset in the curb along Rose and Prospect Streets caused by the movement of the Hayward Fault - photo from http://www.geologyfieldtrips.com/haywardresidential.htm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For decades, scientists documented the curb along Rose and
Prospect Streets in the city of Hayward, California as it was slowly pushed
apart by the Hayward Fault which travels perpendicular to the street. Geologists
and interested citizens frequently visited the curb as an active experiment and
perfect illustration of the forces constantly working along the fault. A
website called <a href="http://www.geologyfieldtrips.com/haywardresidential.htm">geologyfieldtrips.com</a>
shows how the fault has moved since the early 1970s. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this summer, however, a city crew decided to fix the
curb as part of general street maintenance. The scientific community was
stunned and disappointed, but the city of Hayward said they had no idea of the
significance of this curb. The city was simply acting on a mandate to provide
safe streets to the public. The city said they would likely have worked with
the scientific community had they been aware of the importance of this place. While geologists lament the loss of this
scientific landmark, they note that despite the city’s best efforts, the
Hayward Fault will resume its work separating the curb.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The curb in Hayward shares three things in common with many other
important places - <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
1 – It is meaningful to a specific
community – <i>Geologists considered this an
important site for observing seismic activity</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
2 – This significance is not
evident to those outside that community – <i>The
city of Hayward merely saw the curb as a hazard that needed to be fixed.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
3 – It lacks any formal mechanism
for protection – <i>The curb lacked markers
identifying the area, and had no regulatory restriction on activities such as
street repair.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The curb also teaches us some valuable lessons. People who
value places need to be aware of potential threats to these places, and should consider
any steps necessary to protect them. Regulations may be an option, but many
times simply reaching out to other members of the community can increase
awareness of important places and improve options for protection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Project proponents should consider the potential for their
projects to affect important places, no matter how mundane they may seem. Open
communication with the local community and other stakeholders can help avoid help
avoid unintentional impacts, project delays, and negative publicity.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-46868614820547049792016-06-17T06:05:00.000-07:002016-06-17T06:18:34.677-07:00 Being an expert doesn’t mean you have all the answers – or – “What a fisherman can teach an archaeologist.”<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyem1YK5fs8AfMMMq0m133qWpPiHCMQTdrkY1uU3AZwOjqPB0kW5RU10KV0Fjszh6ljOm4t3t7MhANnJ4d5bAOWvJvOaumRvuJe43PVayEgWA-L2Knsn49_PIS1CX2oAbHWYKO2Y2po774/s1600/Sling_bullet_of_lead_with_a_drawing_Roman_period.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyem1YK5fs8AfMMMq0m133qWpPiHCMQTdrkY1uU3AZwOjqPB0kW5RU10KV0Fjszh6ljOm4t3t7MhANnJ4d5bAOWvJvOaumRvuJe43PVayEgWA-L2Knsn49_PIS1CX2oAbHWYKO2Y2po774/s320/Sling_bullet_of_lead_with_a_drawing_Roman_period.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Researchers now believe that Roman troops used lead sling
bullets drilled with small holes to create a sharp whistling noise to frighten
their enemies (link to the full article <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whistling-sling-bullets-were-roman-troops-secret-weapon/">here</a>). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Previously archaeologists thought the holes were used to
hold poison, but experiments revealed this to be an ineffective technique. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The insight into the purpose of these holes came from an
unlikely source.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A<span style="background: white; color: #323232;">rchaeologist
John Reid</span> was discussing the problem of the sling bullet holes when his brother, an avid fisherman, suggested the holes would create a whistling noise
in flight. Reid, initially doubtful, soon realized his brother was on to something. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #323232; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">"I said,
'Don't be stupid; you've no idea what you're talking about. You're
not an archaeologist,'" Reid joked. "And he said, 'No, but I'm a
fisherman, and when I cast my line with lead weights that have got holes in
them like that, they whistle.'"</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #323232; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">"Suddenly,
a light bulb came on in my head — that's what they're about. They're for making
a noise," Reid said.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Archaeologists now believe that these sling bullets were
used to intimidate and frighten in close quarter combat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While this particular revelation is primarily of interest to Roman
Archaeologists, we can all learn a lesson from Reid’s experience. Consider his
position – he’s an expert, he’s spent his entire career thinking about history
and archaeology. If anyone can figure out the purpose of these tiny holes it’s
him. But all this knowledge, education, and years of experience failed to
provide the answer that was obvious to his brother, the fisherman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s easy to fall back to our comfort zone and rely on our
experience and training. And for good reason – we put in all this hard work to
get where we are. But we also risk missing something that seems clear and plain
from another point of view. The key is to recognize when our experience simply
isn’t enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Photo - attribution - Creative Commons - By Peter van der Sluijs (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-75348281535835914282016-03-31T12:46:00.000-07:002016-03-31T12:46:41.521-07:00How Bad Management can Sabotage Great Customer Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AfIoqR9BV9_Gbs89LFW2PdY9PpBgmDVeYwdfTN_PPHimO6ZJFOS8IWDde0ubrkEGBjBf4R95fs04KBX5QUz6MMrMXrctm6xP3kpgyHJgQ89uUzk3poXH1U1J6u5moTf18QrkXBatO0dX/s1600/customer-service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AfIoqR9BV9_Gbs89LFW2PdY9PpBgmDVeYwdfTN_PPHimO6ZJFOS8IWDde0ubrkEGBjBf4R95fs04KBX5QUz6MMrMXrctm6xP3kpgyHJgQ89uUzk3poXH1U1J6u5moTf18QrkXBatO0dX/s320/customer-service.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At Orbis we often need to travel for meetings or project work and like many companies we fill this need by renting vehicles. We have been primarily working with one "enterprising" company and the staff at the individual offices have been very helpful - they are accommodating, flexible, and generally pleasant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But we've had less success working with the corporate side of the company. The process of establishing our company account has been uneven at best. At times we've received inconsistent answers to questions, but at other times it's difficult to get any response at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently reached out to the corporate representative for our area to address some of these issues. After multiple messages she finally responded - we had a pleasant phone call during which she agreed to follow up with some information about our account. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A week passed, but no response. So I followed up and the representative claimed she thought she had emailed the information (if she did, I never received it), but promised to resend it (still nothing).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On our call she claimed that she was happy to have our business, but she's doing practically everything she can to lose it. To be frank, I would have already moved on, but this company has the only rental cars available where some of our staff are located. Nevertheless, we're considering all other options.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Frontline employees are often the face of customer service and can receive the bulk of attention when things go wrong between a company and those it serves. But if the corporate management isn't aligned with the frontline staff, it can severely damage the customer relationship, despite the staff's best efforts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ask yourself - as a business leader - are you treating your customers how you would like your employees to? Are your habits aligned with your corporate values? If not, you're doing more damage to your company than you know.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-60297088313550915672016-03-23T12:09:00.002-07:002016-03-23T12:09:40.668-07:00Insurance - Are you covered?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaAMDsz0b29AykmHxJDnLHxoIw3pLIqMxVlrsGUnEgtF6olalLaC9afkbGRw8HiJEGkFjoS2ypak5B_YTvsWwn9Z9gzuKuuRCnsFzHG2iYDF40-dYyaD_E9PTT92GHg-nDvLKXBdTiZKH/s1600/16540465893_76916a230c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaAMDsz0b29AykmHxJDnLHxoIw3pLIqMxVlrsGUnEgtF6olalLaC9afkbGRw8HiJEGkFjoS2ypak5B_YTvsWwn9Z9gzuKuuRCnsFzHG2iYDF40-dYyaD_E9PTT92GHg-nDvLKXBdTiZKH/s320/16540465893_76916a230c_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Many small business owners prefer to focus their energy on the external aspects of their business, rather than be caught up in the day-to-day minutiae. After-all, isn't the saying "Work "on" your business, not "in" your business"?<br />
<br />
While it's true that leaders at small businesses can fall into the trap of working on tasks better delegated to other employees, or subcontracted to outside experts, it's easy to take this mindset too far, and simply ignore important things, until it's too late.<br />
<br />
Take insurance coverage for instance. For small businesses, this can be a major expense, but coverage for general liability, workers compensation, auto, and professional liability are essential. Many times these, and other coverages are required by contract terms, and may protect your company from being ruined by an otherwise straightforward claim.<br />
<br />
Small businesses in particular, however, are vulnerable to the assumption that previous coverage remains suitable for the future operation of the firm. New, or fast growing companies can quickly outgrow current coverages by adding new staff, buying new equipment, or expanding into new locations, or adding new services. This growth, while positive, can expose your company to additional liability and unexpected costs.<br />
<br />
Here at Orbis, we're reviewing our current coverage with our insurance broker to identify any gaps in coverage, something we've done on an annual basis each spring. I recommend any small businesses do the same - very fast growing firms (>100% annual growth) may need to review more often.<br />
<br />
Don't let something that should protect your business become a threat. If it has been over a year since you have reviewed your current insurance coverage call your agent or broker today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-26309966335399846022016-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:002016-01-11T12:15:48.255-08:00What a Kicker can Teach you About your Own Mistakes<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
We all make mistakes. It's part of what
makes us human beings. We hope to learn from them, but without understanding
more about why these mistakes happened, this can be difficult. Sometimes it can
be hard to take an honest look back at a mistake, but often this is the only
way to find out why it happened in the first place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
This past weekend two National Football
League teams lost playoff games they could have easily won. A real time
statistic called Win-Probability showed that the Minnesota Vikings had a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/113338/seahawks-vs-vikings-in-game-win-probability">78%
chance</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to win with 22 seconds
remaining in their game, while the Cincinnati Bengals were even bigger locks to
come out ahead, having<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/113336/steelers-vs-bengals-live-in-game-win-probability">greater
than a 90% chance</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to win with
less than two-minutes to play.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
But both teams made crucial mistakes that
cost them their games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The Bengals had just intercepted the
Pittsburgh Steelers, and only needed to run out time remaining on the clock.
But shortly after fumbling the ball back to Pittsburgh, the Bengals were called
for two major penalties. What's important to know is that these were conduct
penalties given when a player loses his temper - essentially a mental error -
rather than for a physical mistake. Pittsburgh took advantage of the better
field position as a result and kicked the game winning field goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
In the other game, the Vikings were lining
up to kick a 27-yard field goal with 22 seconds left in their contest against
the Seattle Seahawks. A kick at this distance is virtually a lock, and was
something their kicker had done over and over again all season. In fact he had
only<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/113470/the-numbers-were-very-much-in-blair-walshs-favor">missed
once<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></a>at that distance in his
four year career, and only two kickers in the entire NFL missed a field goal
under 30 yards this season. But despite these odds, he missed badly, and the
Seahawks held on to win.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Today players and coaches from both teams
are asking themselves "what if?”, wondering if there was anything they
could have done differently. While most of us may not work for
professional sports teams, we can relate. If you work anywhere long enough,
eventually you're going to make a mistake. Maybe it's something small, but
maybe it's a big one. It could be embarrassing, cost your company money,
clients, or customers. You might find yourself in the same place as these two
football teams - asking "what if".<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
As I said earlier, it's important to step
back to look at why these mistakes happened. Both teams wish things worked
out differently, but these were two very different types of mistakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The Vikings had put themselves in the position
to win the game. Their kicker had made kicks like that one, over and over again
in games and practices. He could probably go out there today and make it right
now. His preparation and skill has made him one of the best kickers in the
league. He just missed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
But for the Bengals, there's more to it.
Despite a similar physical mistake - the fumble - they were still leading and
likely to win. But they lost control of their situation, and by committing
those penalties, put themselves in the position to lose the game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Look back at a recent mistake at your organizaiton. Did you put yourself in a position to be successful, or did you set
yourself up for failure? Be honest. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Sometimes you do everything you can, and
you just miss. Maybe a competitor underbids you, or maybe a quirk in the weather
affects your inventory. If your processes are good, trust in your experience.
Don’t overreact to a single miss.<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-51186276601822334322016-01-04T12:51:00.002-08:002016-01-04T12:51:34.350-08:00Organizational Health - Have a Plan - or - "How to avoid the rabbit hole"<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
This quote is often attributed to Lewis Carroll, the author of <i>Alice in Wonderland. </i>While it actually paraphrases longer dialog between Alice and the Cheshire Cat, the message remains clear. Without a plan, you're likely to end up just about anywhere.<br />
<br />
Consider two organizations. Both operate at the highest level in their industry. They are direct competitors, each with an extremely loyal customer base. But the similarities end there.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Organization 1</b> - This organization has been owned by the same family since the 1930s and has had only three changes in leadership since 1969. This organization is widely regarded as one of the most successful groups in its industry and typically performs well each year. It has been the top performing organization in the field six times since 1975.<br />
<br />
<b>Organization 2</b> - This organization has undergone numerous ownership changes and has changed leadership five times since 2008. The current owners have hired (and subsequently fired) nine individuals to fill their most publicly visible employee spot since 2012. This company tends to struggle, and according to a major metric, has had only one successful year since 1999.<br />
<br />
It's not difficult to see why one organization succeeds while the other struggles. The first group clearly has a well-defined organizational strategy, with support from ownership through the front line employees.<br />
<br />
The second group obviously lacks any cohesive organizational plan and has little alignment between ownership, management, and the employees. With that much turnover, everyone might need to wear name tags.<br />
<br />
Of course stability doesn't guarantee success, but chronic instability makes success very difficult, if not impossible. Imagine working for a company that institutes sweeping changes every few years, and each time the new leaders claim "This time, we're going to do it the right way." They do this while knowing that the last team was fired after only a year or two. This creates an unhealthy, toxic environment where people are focused on self-preservation rather than organizational success.<br />
<br />
The two organizations I've described above are two teams in the National Football League.<br />
<br />
Organization 1 - Pittsburgh Steelers<br />
Organization 2 - Cleveland Browns<br />
<br />
You might say - "Well, these are professional football teams, the talent of the athletes on the field is what really matters, not the health of the organization."<br />
<br />
Sure - any team may have a short run of success driven by pure talent and a bit of good fortune, but sooner or later, luck will run out. This holds true for professional sports, major corporations, small businesses, or any local organization.<br />
<br />
Well defined strategic goals, metrics to track performance toward those goals, and alignment throughout the organization to achieve those goals can help any organization be successful over the long term.<br />
<br />
Take some time to evaluate the goals of your organization and establish ways to track your progress. If you've created a solid plan, be patient, trust in the process.<br />
<br />
Otherwise you'll spend all your time falling down rabbit holes.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-90147903479994084742015-10-30T09:17:00.002-07:002015-10-30T09:36:04.713-07:00Responsiveness<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVUXmcZqyqWkdLX21vfkD-gnuCoKo6p2AaYTi_0YHZAj7Js4MMjzF-iq2kWdGWWEdbS5hYvE9b6hSAkrnj9E6ybteO1jrzt90C_kkggq8qb2ud3O4wBxc57RzazD7FwZIiM57DO-L4GJq/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVUXmcZqyqWkdLX21vfkD-gnuCoKo6p2AaYTi_0YHZAj7Js4MMjzF-iq2kWdGWWEdbS5hYvE9b6hSAkrnj9E6ybteO1jrzt90C_kkggq8qb2ud3O4wBxc57RzazD7FwZIiM57DO-L4GJq/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Doing one simple thing can help you stand our among your peers and competitors, while also improving your relationships - both professional and personal. No matter
where you work, or whether you are still in school; if you volunteer at a Not-for-Profit
or at a community organization; own a small business, or work at large
corporation; or belong to a hobby group; you can do one simple thing to stand
out among your colleagues, peers, and competitors. What is it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s it. Respond. Be responsive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">In an increasingly connected
world, there is relatively little ‘new under the sun’, but you can
differentiate yourself from the crowd by simply being responsive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Look – I’m not pretending that
I’m the first one to make this point, but if experience is any indication, many
people continue to struggle with this very basic act.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Think about the time you tried
scheduling a contractor for a project at home – and the genuine surprise you
felt (if you were fortunate) when the person returned your call, or more likely
the frustration (if you weren’t), as you left message after message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">A friend of mine recently
needed a floor refinished at his newly purchased home, but after agreeing to a
job with a contractor onsite, he found himself having to hire someone else
because the original contractor simply wouldn’t call him back. The company lost
not only the original project, but any subsequent work or referral jobs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">“I meant to call back, but I’m
too busy” – you say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Again – I’m not breaking any
news by saying this – we all have the same 24 hours in each day. By choosing not
to respond in a particular situation you’re simply deciding that situation is
not a priority for you. Maybe that’s fine, but be careful that your actions
align with your actual priorities. If you find yourself so harried and
disorganized that you are unable to be responsive, you risk damaging meaningful
personal and professional relationships at the expense of trivial interactions.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Stop prioritizing things that
detract from your true priorities and you’ll have time to deal with the
meaningful things in your life. By doing this one simple thing you’ll notice
improved interaction in all your relationships, professional and personal (no
more awkward Thanksgiving Dinners…).</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not suggesting you drop
everything each time the phone rings or for each app notification. If you are
truly busy, simply acknowledge the call, email, text, etc. and request a better
time to follow up. You will find that most people will be perfectly happy to
reschedule, satisfied in simple acknowledgement of their contact. This goes
both ways – people will be also more likely to help you if they’re not spending
all their time tracking you down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;">We've all had experiences where simple responsiveness helped to land a project, or avoid potentially damaging misunderstandings. And unfortunately, I'm guessing many of you have been frustrated by a lack of responsiveness - it may have even contributed to a larger problem. Feel free to share any stories in the comments. I'll respond - I promise.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-77413295727432116262015-08-13T08:11:00.000-07:002015-08-13T08:11:13.397-07:00The National Football League Increased Revenue to $12 Billion - But you can learn from their mistakes <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“<i>The single greatest
advantage any company can achieve is organizational health. Yet it is ignored
by most leaders even though it is simple, free, and available to anyone who
wants it” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>– </i>Patrick Lencioni
- <i>The Advantage.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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On Monday, Mike Rosenberg announced on Twitter that
there have been <a href="https://twitter.com/rosenbergmerc/status/630832007472263168">260 NFL
player arrests</a> over the last five years – which averages to a tidy, if
rather alarming, one arrest per week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This Tuesday, the New York Jets announced that their quarterback, Geno Smith, will miss <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13416881/geno-smith-new-york-jets-6-10-weeks-broken-jaw">6-10
weeks</a> while recovering from a broken jaw suffered during a fight in the
team locker room, apparently over a monetary dispute.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yesterday, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2015/08/12/tom-brady-roger-goodell-deflategate-suspension-judge-richard-berman/31530331/">a
federal judge met</a> with representative of the NFL and its players union, the
NFLPA in an attempt to reach a settlement that would head off a court case
between the league and Tom Brady, one of its most popular players, over what
ostensibly is nothing more than a minor rules violation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That's quite a week so far. They say all publicity is good publicity. We're about to find out.</div>
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The NFL is big business. The
league projects 2015 revenue to exceed $12 billion and it has no plans to slow
down with Commissioner Roger Goodell seeking to grow to $25 billion by 2027.
The NFL is the most popular sport in the U.S. No one would deny the NFL
leadership are experts in strategy, marketing and finance. In his book, <i>The Advantage</i>, Patrick Lencioni
describes these as characteristics of a smart organization. The NFL may be a smart
organization, but that is not the same as being a healthy one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unhealthy organizations struggle
with politics, dysfunction, confusion and bureaucracy. Anyone who has worked in
an unhealthy organization understands this all too well. Given the movies, television programs and
comic strips devoted to the topic, we certainly enjoy poking fun at these organizations,
but in the real world these problems have serious financial implications. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The amount of money that
organizations spend dealing with these issues and the money they have to spend
to recover from them is incredible. Sure the NFL has managed to increase
revenue to $12 billion, but one thing is certain, the league owners aren’t
likely to turn down the chance to make more money. But imagine the wasted time
and resources that the NFL league offices and individual teams spent dealing
with what amounts to a player arrest essentially every week for the last five
years! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But it’s much easier for those
owners to turn to metrics like television revenue, ticket prices, and other
hard data when they seek to grow the business of football precisely because
these things are easy to measure, while the impacts of a healthy organization
are more difficult to quantify. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The NFL
is a financial powerhouse, and despite its recent bad press, appears on track
to continue revenue growth. It's unclear if the arrests and other missteps are
affecting the growth of the sport, but recent numbers show a <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/zone-beginning-football-attack-youth-level-article-1.1963462">decline</a>
in youth participation in football. The NFL
offices are full of smart people and they will continue to work on increasing
revenue. But ery few companies, particularly those which operate on the
national/global scale, lack the intelligence necessary to succeed, but many
will not reach their full potential because they are unhealthy. Many others
will eventually make decisions that doom them to failure. History is littered
with companies that once dominated their industries. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As Lencioni argues “…don’t
underestimate the cost of allowing our organizations to remain unhealthy”.
Creating a healthy organization provides an incredible competitive advantage
and improved profits. It also has a tangible positive affect on the people who
work there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-55021924441114888422015-08-06T09:57:00.001-07:002015-08-06T09:57:46.022-07:00Top Ten Myths about Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Learning that your project is subject to review under
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) can seem daunting.
The many myths and misconceptions surrounding the process can trip up the uninitiated
and experienced practitioners alike – especially when it’s the very experts who
perpetuate the myths.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Here’s a list of ten of the most common myths and misconceptions
about Section 106 coordination.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1 - A Section 106 permit
is necessary before a project may begin.</b> Section 106 is a process for
determining how certain types of actions might affect important places. This process
may be a necessary step to obtain other sorts of permits, like those from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but there’s no such thing as a Section 106
“Permit”. Sorry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2 - The State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is the lead agency responsible for
administering Section 106. </b>Section 106 requires federal agencies to
consider the impacts of their actions on historic places and to consult with
organizations who may be concerned about these historic places. The SHPO is
only one of many possible consulting parties. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3 - The SHPO approves
projects under Section 106 review. </b>This is perhaps the most common
misconception in the entire industry -
The lead federal agency is responsible for completing Section 106
review. The federal agency must consult the SHPO, but it’s ultimately the federal
agency that is responsible, not the SHPO.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>4 - Section 106 is
all about archaeological sites. </b>Section 106 coordination requires that
federal agencies consider the effect of their actions on a wide range of
important places – described as “Historic Properties” – of which archaeological
sites are only one type. Others include historic structures, buildings,
objects, or landscapes. A Historic Property can be essentially any place –
natural or built – that has historic or cultural meaning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>5 - Section 106 coordination
must focus on where a project disturbs the ground</b>. This one goes
hand-in-hand with the fixation on archaeological sites mentioned above. Just as
the review process must consider a variety of Historic Properties, it must also
consider the range of impacts a project may cause – from visual, to auditory,
cumulative, and the like.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>6 - The SHPO will
tell you if there are important historic buildings, archaeological sites, or
other important places in your project area. </b>Even if the SHPO had the
resources to accomplish this, it is the lead federal agency that is responsible
for gathering the information it needs to perform Section 106 review - Though the
task is often delegated to the project proponent.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>7 - A place has to be
listed in, or formally nominated to the National Register of Historic Places to
be considered under Section 106. </b>Section
106 review involves all places that are eligible for listing in the National
Register, regardless of whether they have been formally nominated or listed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>8 - It is necessary to
find all Historic Properties in the project area to complete Section 106 coordination</b>.
Even if it were possible to do this, what Section 106 actually requires is that
federal agencies make a good faith effort to identify historic properties to
the extent necessary to make decisions about their eligibility for listing in
the National Register of Historic Places and how they may be affected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>9 - Section 106
review considers only unique, nationally significant, or rare places. </b>The
National Register of Historic Places is designed to include places of national,
state, and local significance. “Uniqueness” is not mentioned in the criteria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>10 - Section 106 prohibits impacts to historic properties. </b>It’s
perfectly legal to impact or even destroy any historic property, providing the
federal agency can show it has made a good faith effort to understand the
nature of these effects, and consulted with organizations concerned with the
historic property. This may be surprising or even off-putting to some, but it
is an important aspect of the law for two important reasons. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Because our modern world needs things like safe roads, access
to reliable energy, clean water, and other projects that tend to impact the
landscape, we would need to either, (1) be very selective about what was
designated as historic, or (2) place historic preservation above all other
interests. Neither option is desirable.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As currently structured the Section 106 process provides an
opportunity for the important places in our communities to receive some
consideration along with the other aspects of project planning. If Section 106 coordination is required for
your project avoid falling victim to some of these most common myths and
misconceptions.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-24093089203328164052015-07-17T10:36:00.000-07:002015-07-17T10:36:58.739-07:00It's the Little Things<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Last week we
needed some repairs made to our septic system.
I called the company who performed the original installation, but since this
was the second major problem we had in just over two years, I also called a
different company to get a second opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What transpired
over the next several days showed me that no matter what services or products
your business provides, poor organizational culture will damage your business. Here’s
a summary of what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Company 1 - </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When I finally reached someone (I had to
call twice…) the person speculated about all the ways the problem might be my
fault before agreeing to send someone out after I emailed them a photograph of
the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The employee
who arrived at my house did so without tools (you need to borrow my shovel?)
and worked without gloves (gross…). After trying to convince me to repair it
myself, he admitted he doesn’t normally do the repairs, but rather drives the
truck. He agreed to return to the shop, relay what he saw and follow up the
next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I called the
office the next day (they didn’t call me) and they suggested I call
distributors about possible equipment warranties. The person I spoke with again
began speculating on the cause of the problem – despite never having been
onsite. Most of their responses focused on how others were responsible – the electrician,
the health department, me..., but nothing about how the company might share
some accountability, or how best to proceed. They promised to have the Company
President come out to see the problem for himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I received a
voicemail later that day from the President promising to “fix this mess” - but no visit. The company emailed the next
morning asking how we would like to proceed (You mean other than fixing the
problem?!!). I replied that I had already hired another company to do the work.
I’ve had no other response from them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Company 2 – </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The person who answered the phone asked
me a few questions to help diagnose the problem and scheduled someone to take a
look. The employee who showed up diagnosed the problem, and offered additional guidance
about replacement and warranty options. They also provided a written estimate
for the repair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">They called the
next day with the information about the available warranties and replacement
options, and I scheduled them to perform the work. They arrived on time and
fixed the problem (using their own tools…). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I understand
that sometimes equipment breaks and projects don’t go how you may have hoped.
But the difference between two companies illustrates an important point. Both
companies would have purchased the same replacement parts from the same
distributor, so there was essentially no difference in the product they
provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">But while
Company 1 missed calls, deflected accountability, and arrived unprepared,
Company 2 won the job, simply by being responsive and solving my problem. The
disparity in customer service and professionalism between the two was incredible.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There’s nothing
new under the sun – in most cases your competitors can offer the same product
or service as you do. What are you doing to differentiate yourself from them? Believe
it or not, simple tasks like returning phone calls will move you automatically
to the top tier in almost any industry. Listen to your clients, provide what
your customers need. They’ll thank you for it.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-20488798928057744542015-07-14T08:05:00.000-07:002015-07-14T08:05:21.275-07:00Perspective from 3 Billion Miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Color image of Pluto." height="400" src="http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/images/NH_Approach_720.png" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider a bit of perspective the next time you face a
challenge at work (perhaps you’re in the middle of one right now). The New Horizons
space probe completed its closest approach to Pluto this morning after
travelling for over nine years across three billion miles. New Horizons arrived
at Pluto <a href="http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/display.cfm?News_ID=49503&linkId=15514646">one minute ahead of schedule</a>, travelling through its target window in
space which measured approximately 60 by 90 kilometers – <i>“the equivalent of a commercial airliner arriving no more off target
than the width of a tennis ball”</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unless you actually work at NASA, or are a brain surgeon,
you’re not working with those sorts of constraints or margin of error. Step
back, take a deep breath and deal with your problem in a thoughtful, intelligent
manner. What’s the worst that could happen? In reality, most of the time, it’s
a bruised ego. </div>
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To reach Pluto, New Horizons is the fastest space probe ever
made – travelling at over 30,000 MPH. At that speed, impacting a particle the
size of a grain of rice could incapacitate the probe. It’s unlikely the same
could be said about your project.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-68280134764282017162015-07-02T10:55:00.000-07:002015-07-03T05:47:49.572-07:00It's Pronouced "Atlatl"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEy10K66PSj4nIHMJn8yfMT3Dm-sGXxik9HwjtVQTAh3HpzldAawhdPbPuBpxdcsi_twnfd6-Ec9E2i9GWt2Wcf96gVKBfqbzqlOCgaFwnF5yiByuMRUY9KJg6emuJ5BW0mUsRJRYpPbO/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEy10K66PSj4nIHMJn8yfMT3Dm-sGXxik9HwjtVQTAh3HpzldAawhdPbPuBpxdcsi_twnfd6-Ec9E2i9GWt2Wcf96gVKBfqbzqlOCgaFwnF5yiByuMRUY9KJg6emuJ5BW0mUsRJRYpPbO/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When people learn I’m an archaeologist they often ask me about the artifacts I find, and many of these questions are about arrowheads. It's not surprising – they’re interesting, easy to identify, and fairly common.<u></u><u></u></div>
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But many of the objects that look like this – aren’t arrowheads at all.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmrC17eiAr3MpDsP3as7RoXwCGuFo8-l-oEpuvxM_6iQTQ-avKKMasq13vSTztbESZ7ixpqElxj-JitqHY5ba-Iggx84XN9BTIUEIX9vZO-cr0o9OtCCGWMBfMxyaCz5QCddYUxHT0ZQq/s1600/projectile_point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmrC17eiAr3MpDsP3as7RoXwCGuFo8-l-oEpuvxM_6iQTQ-avKKMasq13vSTztbESZ7ixpqElxj-JitqHY5ba-Iggx84XN9BTIUEIX9vZO-cr0o9OtCCGWMBfMxyaCz5QCddYUxHT0ZQq/s320/projectile_point.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What I mean is – many of these sharp, pointed stone objects, were never intended to be propelled through the air using a bow.<u></u><u></u></div>
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The bow and arrow was invented by different groups of people at different times, but it appears in the Midwest U.S. by around the year 700 AD. Before the invention of the bow, there were two primary means of launching a sharp projectile.<u></u><u></u></div>
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The first, and most basic, is throwing the object by hand, similar to a javelin or spear. This method, while simple, has obvious limitations of speed and distance. The second approach uses a similar throwing motion, but employs a tool called an atlal, which increases the velocity and distance a person can launch a projectile.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX2qdJyR0XtUyLFcVClrEc-xiEXdtbvdN9Ye60n8f67hZIcnmDPKk_fbb8uxjI7WAFBrf_LSnnMkBBLxNZuivmrPiZ0vrN3tCpkEacFj7MicW7YKp6jsCxKj4DPWE8hsNcGgiwxvYBJcU/s1600/amandaduddleson_5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX2qdJyR0XtUyLFcVClrEc-xiEXdtbvdN9Ye60n8f67hZIcnmDPKk_fbb8uxjI7WAFBrf_LSnnMkBBLxNZuivmrPiZ0vrN3tCpkEacFj7MicW7YKp6jsCxKj4DPWE8hsNcGgiwxvYBJcU/s400/amandaduddleson_5.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Note the dart flexing to store and release the energy provided by the atlatl</b></td></tr>
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An atlatl is a short shaft that holds and propels the butt end of a spear or dart. A person holds the shaft opposite the end holding the dart, which adds leverage to the arm during the throwing motion. This allows the dart to be launched further than with the arm alone. Skilled individuals can reach speeds approaching 100 mph, but as you can see in the sequence below, the atlatl can assist younger throwers as well.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintYr2BAes_1zwyBt1s6XC0nJ6HhQGU5_Jvf2_F_UR-e_4DHgnWvNNSNoGCaDSgx41dW87TcYiiNkrhWjlvWbXR5syX8R_5ldrHuox6LiBZFR20lzC4F6bv0uc3rnBoMkt3RDIpgRiTcc6/s1600/amelia_atlatl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintYr2BAes_1zwyBt1s6XC0nJ6HhQGU5_Jvf2_F_UR-e_4DHgnWvNNSNoGCaDSgx41dW87TcYiiNkrhWjlvWbXR5syX8R_5ldrHuox6LiBZFR20lzC4F6bv0uc3rnBoMkt3RDIpgRiTcc6/s400/amelia_atlatl.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u></u>Atlatl demonstration at a recent archaeology outreach event</b></div>
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The term atlatl comes from the Nahuatl Aztec language, but this tool appears in cultures all across the world. Most archaeologists agree that the atlatl was invented approximately 20,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic period, but various indigenous groups continued using the tool after the invention of the bow, well into the 20<sup>th</sup> century.</div>
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So can archaeologists tell if a sharpened stone point was used on an arrow, spear, or an atlatl dart? </div>
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It depends.</div>
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Based on what we know about a particular culture or time period we may be able to say that a particular point was probably used as a spear, dart, or arrow. <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Generally speaking, smaller points would tend to perform well if shot by a bow, while larger points would do well at the end of a spear or dart, but some experiments have shown that darts can be very effective using small points, and bows can shoot arrows with large points, so the size of the point is helpful guide, but it’s not definitive.</span></div>
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Also it’s important to know that many cultures have used spears, darts, and arrows without stone tips, but rather by simply sharpening the shaft, or using other materials, like bone, as pointed tips. <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The difficulty comes from the fact the point is part of a system - shaft, bow, atlatl - but since the stone point is only part that tends to survive, it's easy to lose sight of the rest of the system.</span></div>
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So remember the next time you see something like this – </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8n0K-NioGDjXzFwjpChQj4Qx_XN1yrTZAhCgEFb3QryW4x8j85lmtvG6o4CMXfB2wovhZPQQ2iJbPK1Bg42JDLRk3pEDT6EshMi35N7_RUZlfqtCMazZ73A3FsTitUHejeXFLHv2KtLL/s1600/Lorida%252C_FL_Thonotosassa_type.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8n0K-NioGDjXzFwjpChQj4Qx_XN1yrTZAhCgEFb3QryW4x8j85lmtvG6o4CMXfB2wovhZPQQ2iJbPK1Bg42JDLRk3pEDT6EshMi35N7_RUZlfqtCMazZ73A3FsTitUHejeXFLHv2KtLL/s320/Lorida%252C_FL_Thonotosassa_type.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Understand that its history might just be a little more complicated than you might think.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-74639956265304513202015-04-16T08:06:00.002-07:002015-04-16T08:07:50.082-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mU7yDM2XH5UVCxYVzTWif4CgNvlq1cbB_7fA9G7K0XWQFJFE5PG96KYrtgI3nISlw3JoNcNs9ZoZ3KDvu_grmWORRVPhRNg5tGWH5Tin8TH6aQV4EICYUWZQCEhYeuI2OUAmBeLLTg-8/s1600/In+the+news.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mU7yDM2XH5UVCxYVzTWif4CgNvlq1cbB_7fA9G7K0XWQFJFE5PG96KYrtgI3nISlw3JoNcNs9ZoZ3KDvu_grmWORRVPhRNg5tGWH5Tin8TH6aQV4EICYUWZQCEhYeuI2OUAmBeLLTg-8/s1600/In+the+news.jpg" height="51" width="400" /></a></div>
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Scientists have extracted DNA from a Neanderthal skeleton
found embedded in calcite deposits in an Italian cave. The remains may be up to
170,000 years old, making this the<a href="http://www.livescience.com/50458-oldest-neanderthal-dna-found.html"> oldest Neanderthal DNA</a> ever found.<o:p></o:p></div>
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New research shows that typical European traits of pale skin, tallness, and
the ability to digest lactose as adults, are relatively new developments,
<a href="http://news.sciencemag.org/archaeology/2015/04/how-europeans-evolved-white-skin">appearing only within the last 8,000 years</a>. </div>
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Why are humans the only primate species with a chin?
Researchers from the University of Iowa suggest that the chin became prominent
<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150413183745.htm">as modern humans evolved smaller faces</a>. This contrasts other arguments that the
chin developed in response to mechanical processes related to chewing. </div>
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Work in Kenya has yielded the <a href="http://news.sciencemag.org/africa/2015/04/world-s-oldest-stone-tools-discovered-kenya">oldest stone tools ever found</a>.
These tools, found near Lake Turkana, date to 3.3 million years ago, that’s
700,000 years older than any other recovered stone tools.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-42316660605066242512015-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:002015-04-07T08:25:48.317-07:00Adapt, Evolve, or Be Left Behind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ts8uUyMa3tudLCNtRzZgMwD9qS4r83uutOFdKVg4_loqoA9shJwiJvzTLPTLmEImLd9wtsnQwl6cs-5ejD4_LEyuRzhAFYPov9Anl7SXmLHE1bLPuO07MKF27QoeqYlzccWxwVD9S9ku/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ts8uUyMa3tudLCNtRzZgMwD9qS4r83uutOFdKVg4_loqoA9shJwiJvzTLPTLmEImLd9wtsnQwl6cs-5ejD4_LEyuRzhAFYPov9Anl7SXmLHE1bLPuO07MKF27QoeqYlzccWxwVD9S9ku/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" height="152" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
archaeologists we think a lot about adaptation and evolution – from analyzing
fossils of our early ancestors to studying changes in pottery styles over time.
But the ability to adapt and evolve doesn't just apply to people or objects in
the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Case in point –
Last night the Duke University Men’s Basketball team won the NCAA championship,
the fifth title for their legendary coach <span style="background: white;">Mike
Krzyzewski</span>. Hallmarks of Duke’s previous championship squads included older,
more established players, like Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Shane Battier.
The landscape of college basketball, however, began to shift, with rules
allowing schools to rely on highly talented young players who would often leave
college early for professional basketball, sometimes after only one year,
earning these players the label of “one-and-done’s”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Duke’s
Coach “K” has criticized this system, but he has also recognized that his
industry has changed and he and his team must adapt to remain successful. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: start;">Sports has more in common with other professions than you might think. The successful teams like Duke are particularly skilled at tracking their progress toward specific goals while also monitoring and adapting to significant trends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">We each face
challenges in our personal lives and careers. If we can learn to adapt to these
challenges, we improve our chances of being successful. Doing things simply
because “that’s how it’s always been done”, puts us at risk of missing
opportunities, and falling behind as our industry evolves. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-67802364283033700012015-03-20T08:20:00.000-07:002015-03-20T08:33:12.453-07:00Improve Your Meetings<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtnDs-YpSfslNQ4SL0LPUERItHc99KwC3X25OqNNIXzG-0N1SX8fveb5lqxwfAdwwHHx_OUc6tdNJwLIYZNfedJX5zAHL3RrLI4O7apvT5Mx3mkVFNi72rMPh4oLRaggv4tFOOmP83Glu/s1600/Meeting+in+progress+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtnDs-YpSfslNQ4SL0LPUERItHc99KwC3X25OqNNIXzG-0N1SX8fveb5lqxwfAdwwHHx_OUc6tdNJwLIYZNfedJX5zAHL3RrLI4O7apvT5Mx3mkVFNi72rMPh4oLRaggv4tFOOmP83Glu/s1600/Meeting+in+progress+sign.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
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Many people dread attending meetings, but that's only because their meetings are poorly run and unorganized...</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether in person, online, or over the phone, collaboration
can create amazing things that would be impossible for any single person to do
alone. A simple idea really, but like other basic truths we may take for
granted, meetings work, until they don’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plan your meetings with the purpose in mind. Create an
agenda. If possible, distribute it before the meeting, but at a minimum review
it briefly at the start – and please stick to it. This doesn’t need to be
overly formal, a basic outline will probably be enough, but have something in
place. A meeting without an agenda is like a boat without oars. You’ll end up
somewhere, but likely not where you want to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All need not apply. The agenda may not engage everyone equally,
but each person should have a relevant role and purpose. Anything else is a
waste of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pay attention! Unless you’re an on-call surgeon or leading
the mission to Mars, there’s no reason you can’t devote your attention to the
meeting. If you can’t participate without checking your phone or tablet I’m not
interested in meeting with you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If side issues arise, quickly delegate another time to
discuss in more detail and return the meeting to the original focus. Don’t be
hijacked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If issues will remain unresolved after the meeting, assign
any necessary tasks as needed and follow up. Whether you call it a to-do list,
action items, or something else, without this, nothing will happen and everyone
will end up right where they were at the start.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have all been to terrible meetings. Improve the next one
with a little careful planning. Meet with a purpose, invite the right people,
participate and follow up. You might just find that you can transform a waste
of time into a useful productive tool for your organization.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-90996585019725828982015-03-02T13:17:00.001-08:002015-03-02T13:17:13.128-08:00Starting a Business - Year One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJpWxHPKjoofikMK9DJnBvmr3t-p-BUrJE5hj0RZwEbN-_JlfMrFMfd3z7hk1eFcI0ikkinRmIRcbE4FKqtZ9K-b75TdcRMXFuxHLb_rwxbouuaeMhVQyGFbKm0nUXkTF6EUtAi9ovc4h/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJpWxHPKjoofikMK9DJnBvmr3t-p-BUrJE5hj0RZwEbN-_JlfMrFMfd3z7hk1eFcI0ikkinRmIRcbE4FKqtZ9K-b75TdcRMXFuxHLb_rwxbouuaeMhVQyGFbKm0nUXkTF6EUtAi9ovc4h/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
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Starting a business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A classic narrative beginning
with someone spending nights and weekends working on an idea alone in their
garage, basement or dorm room. You can even imagine this person being rejected
by banks over and over again until one finally decides to take a chance, and
then despite the doubts of friends and family, the company finally becomes
real, and sends the entrepreneur on down the road toward the American Dream.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The actual story is different and
more complicated. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our company, Orbis Environmental Consulting, provides a niche service to clients who need to manage sensitive
environmental or cultural resources, but many of the experiences of our first
year are not unique to our industry and might have happened to any startup
firm. I’d like to share some of what we learned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First, plan very carefully – establish
the systems you need to conduct your business before rushing out and actually
starting. This should include your legal
entity status, basic marketing materials, your web presence, and equipment. The
last thing you need is to fall short on your first piece of business because you
lack a key piece of equipment or system. But if you wait until you’re 100%
ready you’ll never start. Ensure the 80% you need is in place when you begin. You
can fill in the rest as you go. If you’re currently employed, you can work on
this after hours or on the weekends. Don’t use another company’s time or
equipment to work on your business – it’s unethical and could earn you a
lawsuit. If your new business will be in the same field as your former
employer, don’t try to steal clients. If you provide them real value, they will
know where to find you. Most businesses are based on relationships – if you
handle this transition well, your employer may be sorry to see you go, but
could very well be your first client.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Secure financing to cover your
expenses for a reasonable time – at least six months, but preferably a year.
Sure, money can be a motivating factor, but you don’t want to have the wolves
knocking on the door just as you’re getting started. The number one reason
small businesses fail is lack of cash. You need to be comfortable with taking
some risk – just be smart about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some small business owners will
say you don’t need to incorporate, or that you can wait until you’re a certain
size. That’s taking a huge risk. Incorporating your business protects your personal
assets from any legal action brought against your company. Legal entities can
also raise money, borrow money and own property. There are several available
options depending on the needs of your company. Don’t ignore this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tell everyone you know – everyone:
friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and other professionals. You’ll be
amazed at how many contacts you have, and at how many of them know someone who
needs the services you provide. Explain what you’re doing and the value you offer. The natural reaction might be to feel like you’re “bothering” these
people, or “trying to sell them something”. Get over it. You’re providing value
and trying to help. You’ve referred people to your doctor, accountant, or hair
dresser, and they would be happy to refer clients to you – if they only knew
what you do. </div>
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You might be surprised how many referrals you gain this way. If you don’t believe you can help others, no
one else will either. Work on your self-esteem if necessary. It's an important part of your toolkit. There
may be some grim days, especially early on – find outlets with professional
associations, colleagues, or volunteer groups in your field. Also don’t be
afraid to ask others who have succeeded in your field for advice. But don’t simply
copy them, take some time to learn what makes them successful and incorporate it into what you do.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t waste time doing what you
don’t do well. This is tough since entrepreneurs tend to have an attitude of “if
you want things done right…” . Hire professional help for your marketing
materials, bookkeeping and web design. Sure this brings upfront costs, but you’re
guaranteed to spend more time, make more mistakes and likely end up with an
inferior product if you try to do these things on your own. Moreover, any time
you spend on these tasks takes away from working on your core business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It may seem obvious, but be very
aware of your company culture. Once the initial enthusiasm of starting out
wears off, everyone has to understand and share the values and goals of the
organization. The day-to-day roles for each person must align with their
personal goals, up through the overall company goals. Company culture is
incredibly critical when hiring, particularly at the early stages of your
growth, when you’re first expanding beyond the “original” roster. Hiring the
wrong person will at best, cost you time and money, setting your organization
back. At worst it could cause irreparable damage to the company.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Communicate effectively. This is essential to the internal health of your organization and your relationship with
your clients or customers. Choose the correct tools from among the many
devices, apps, and other options, and use what works for you and your
organization. In the early days of your company everyone understands what needs
to be done, and is laser focused on doing it, but as time goes on and you begin
to grow, effective internal communication is critical to ensure everyone is on
the same page. Effective communication with those outside your organization is
equally important. Acknowledge and follow up as appropriate based on the nature
of the communication. Respond to emails within 24 hours, return calls if
possible within the same business day. This should go without saying, but it
can’t. Doing this well will differentiate you from most of your competitors
right off the bat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But don’t let this capacity for
availability be a curse. It’s your responsibility to manage your personal time
- respond when it’s convenient for you to do so – but within a reasonable
timeframe. If you’re busy, acknowledge the message and ask the caller to
schedule a more convenient time to follow up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Some will tell you to expect to
work long hours and travel extensively. Why would you work so hard to build
your skills and open a business to work at a sweatshop? Don’t get me wrong, you
need to be serious and focus on your craft, but not to the exclusion of
everything else in your life. Stop thinking in terms of “work-life balance” and
just think of your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Time is the ultimate level
playing field. Everyone has the same amount, but most think of their time in
terms of resources when they should be thinking in terms of priority. It may
sound harsh, but if you don’t have time to spend on training that would improve
your skills, or to spend time with your family, you’re simply choosing not to.
You’re prioritizing other tasks above these.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sure, sometimes you may need to
work long hours or on the weekends; in fact, my first day working for Orbis was
a Saturday, one member of our staff was out of town for 27 days straight, and
another worked a couple of 20-hour days. But balance this by working when it
makes sense. Sometimes I miss events when I’m out of town, but I also have
flexibility others in the corporate world lack - I’m having lunch with my
daughter at her school today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are several established
time management systems – choose one that works for you. But here are a few
tips to get started.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - Establish
priorities and goals for your personal and professional life. Review these
daily and establish milestones for achieving them.</span><br /><br /><o:p style="text-align: justify;"> - </o:p><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t waste
time with low priority decisions or on tasks outside your skill set.</span></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Work when it
makes sense – don’t feel trapped by the 8-5 corporate work day. Measure success
by your results, not the hours you work.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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</div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Allow for
occasional down time – Keeping some time open on your schedule enables you to
address inevitable emergencies or contingencies.</span></span><div>
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Looking back, it’s hard to
believe that a year has gone by, and at the same time, that first day seems so
long ago. Over the past year we have had
some success and made some mistakes, but we have learned that starting a business
requires proper planning, a financial base, careful time management, efficient
communication, confidence, and prudent risk tolerance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Like many things, the process of going
into business may not follow a tidy narrative. There is certainly no one “right
way” do this and ours is only one example. But, by taking the time to establish
the systems and framework your business needs, you can begin writing your own
story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book";">Copyright J
Ryan Duddleson 2015. All rights reserved.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book";"><a href="http://www.orbisec.com/">www.orbisec.com</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-6581249282759103132015-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:002015-01-15T10:55:48.265-08:00Say that again? Eleven easy ways to reduce stress, save time, and help improve your company through communication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3lyX6DX-ZjfJJ91wiUk762ysbOH2pwIvwgZGFIJ8bH3-0QraP-idVasdqBwx83ON-raP2e1PDGzE_njtgM8QGf6HSplCBrckWRsXLjs1nruEwAgTJAOehUBBVbRbQZh_ZHUP389QNjgd/s1600/Communication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3lyX6DX-ZjfJJ91wiUk762ysbOH2pwIvwgZGFIJ8bH3-0QraP-idVasdqBwx83ON-raP2e1PDGzE_njtgM8QGf6HSplCBrckWRsXLjs1nruEwAgTJAOehUBBVbRbQZh_ZHUP389QNjgd/s1600/Communication.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As organizations
seek improvement, employees spend a lot of time and energy on strategic
planning, budget forecasts, marketing outreach, research and development, and a
host of other graphs, tables, and charts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No doubt, all
important things, worthy of the attention they receive. But there is one thing we
all do every day that affects how our organization operates internally among
colleagues, and how it interacts externally with clients, customers, and the
public. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If done well, it can
make all aspects of your organization better, and help you reach your goals. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">If done poorly, your
organization will always struggle to reach its potential, doomed by inefficient
systems, unhappy employees, and dissatisfied customers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What could possibly
have such a profound effect on your organization?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are just a few
things you can start doing today to improve communication in your organization.
And best of all they’re all free!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Learn how people prefer to
communicate and use what works – some folks prefer a phone call, but some do
better with an email or a text. If you know Matthew in accounting struggles to
respond to emails because his inbox is a disaster, but he always answers the
phone, don’t press send! Just call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>All things being equal, if
you need to type more than a few lines, consider picking up the phone. No one
wants to read a two-page email (much less a text).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Also understand there are different
communication styles – some people like to know all the details and background
information, others just want facts (preferably in a short bullet list). Personality
tests like Myers-Briggs, or DiSC profiles can help, but usually just some
experience with a person can tell you a lot about how they prefer to
communicate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>“<i>Bonus tip</i>” – if you always
seem to struggle communicating with the same person – conflicting styles are likely to blame. Step back a minute, look for these potential differences in styles and
work out what you both need. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>When leaving a voice mail,
give your name and your number once at the beginning and again at the end -
your listener won’t have to replay the message just to get your information. Do
this even if you think they already have it. You never know if they have
changed phones or lost your contact information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Also, unless absolutely
necessary, please be brief. State the reason you’re calling and suggest a time
to reconnect. Having your half of the conversation in a two-minute voicemail is
a waste of time. You will only end up repeating yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> B</span>e responsive – with all the
platforms, devices, and apps available there’s no excuse returning a message
late (or not at all…yikes!). Phone messages should be returned the same business
day and emails should be acknowledged within 24 hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>But don’t let this capacity
for availability be a curse. It’s your responsibility to manage your personal
time - respond when it’s convenient for you to do so. If you’re busy,
acknowledge the message and ask the caller to schedule a more convenient time
to follow up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Consider the content –
digital communication is permanent. If you wouldn’t want someone to read it –
don’t write it. Even if they’re not copied on the message – emails can be
forwarded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Try to figure out who to
talk to before you simply throw darts and hope one sticks. You might be wearing
out your “go-to” source with questions that others could answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Talk to your clients, your
prospects, your colleagues, even if the topic is unpleasant. Don’t hide at your
desk, hoping the problem will solve itself before the phone rings. Make the
call, they will appreciate hearing from you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 21.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Above all, just do it– plain
and simple. A rule of thumb – if you think you might need to talk to someone, then
you do. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Copyright
J Ryan Duddleson 2014. All Rights Reserved.</span><span style="font-family: Gotham Rounded Book;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-54891222454999399732014-09-05T11:30:00.000-07:002014-09-05T11:36:27.285-07:00Who Owns the Past?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUSaDE8Z8Mt7pD1yqY6hEHvd82YE_mSrIqCbCoChgNdPbyQsTr0DX9bmI_xJKt_NhplXzIe4z4qEtRAkCHrFcfEdR3vSDBdFY2ATHiP3GkDOtCAxa1-28dc9P2CThz757N3FqKTsXnXlr/s1600/medium_5321572058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUSaDE8Z8Mt7pD1yqY6hEHvd82YE_mSrIqCbCoChgNdPbyQsTr0DX9bmI_xJKt_NhplXzIe4z4qEtRAkCHrFcfEdR3vSDBdFY2ATHiP3GkDOtCAxa1-28dc9P2CThz757N3FqKTsXnXlr/s1600/medium_5321572058.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our memories are some of the most
personal and unique things we can possess. We may share common experiences with
other people, but the idea that memories of our own past could belong to anyone
else seems ridiculous. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what about the objects and places that shaped those
memories? By providing a tangible link to the past, these items have meaning to
the people who value them by evoking important memories, and can serve a powerful unifying
function for people who share common experiences. They can also reach beyond
individual lifespans to help people, families, and communities understand their
past, and shape their identities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These things may be owned – but can also be bought, sold,
lost, destroyed or otherwise made unavailable – and due their very nature, often
cannot be replaced if lost, permanently losing their association with the past and the
people who value them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously the question of ‘who owns the past?’ is
complicated, and lacks a single, tidy answer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevertheless, after discovering a time capsule in
Edwardsburg, Michigan, a man is asking this very question. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While restoring his home, Kerry Jones discovered a time capsule
placed in the cornerstone of the former church when it was dedicated in 1892
(see the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HifTh20mAA">video</a> here for a short news story). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is asking the public for help deciding what do to with it – he lists
four options.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Sell it and keep the money;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Sell it and use the money for the current church,
which has moved down the road;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Donate it to the historical society or the
church;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Replace it and leave it for future generations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jones says he’s seeking input because the time capsule is
part of the history of the community despite technically belonging to him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first this situation seems fairly straightforward – after all, a time capsule is meant for someone else to find. The people who placed it in the cornerstone did so imagining what the world would be like when it was finally opened. But what happens after the initial excitement of discovery? After
opening the time capsule, who should decide what happens to the contents?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By asking this question, Mr. Jones realizes that he may own these
objects, but not their history. Think about your own family heirlooms, about
places that places important to you, or your family. It’s easy to imagine this
items as our “own”, but many times we’re just caretakers, temporarily holding
them until others come along to receive them, and their history.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-24597010975881103042014-07-16T07:10:00.000-07:002014-07-16T07:10:19.796-07:00The Role of Trees in Historic Neighborhoods<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Trees were on the minds of many
Michiana residents following the storms in early July. Fallen limbs and toppled
trees damaged homes and property, knocked out electricity, and required extended
cleanup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like many things in the
background of our day-to-day life we may not think about the trees in our
neighborhoods very much – until we’re forced to, either by storms, or the
calendar, when it’s time to rake – again…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s easy to think of our
neighborhoods as made of separate individual pieces - our homes, businesses,
streets, the open spaces, parks and trees - but in reality they are not
independent. All of these parts combine
to form the unique places we live and work. Think about recent changes in your
own neighborhood; the last time a new building went up, or one came down, think
about recent (or ongoing) road construction, or maybe look at the empty space
down the street where that tree stood until the last storm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These sorts of changes can affect
the entire neighborhood, for both residents and visitors. The impact can be
more dramatic in historic neighborhoods, where the trees themselves may be
historically significant as well as contributors to the overall character of
the landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was the case in many
historic neighborhoods in downtown South Bend.
The Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and Saint Joseph
County (HPC) documented damage in a
number of historic districts and local landmarks including downed trees and
damaged homes and cars. Just one example
is in Howard Park, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, where
efforts are underway to clean up several downed trees and repair significant
storm damage to the Works Progress Administration-era cottage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, safety, restoring
electricity, and repairing damage are top priorities in the recovery efforts, but
keeping preservation in mind when making these decisions goes a long way toward
avoiding any unintended impacts to our neighborhoods. Damaged limbs and other
tree hazards must be taken very seriously as a risk to public safety, but once
the immediate threat is addressed, several options are available to proactively
manage trees, balancing preservation and safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The HPC has prepared guidelines
for each of the nine local historic districts in South Bend (available on their
<a href="http://www.stjosephcountyindiana.com/departments/SJCHP/guidelines/guidelines.html"><span style="color: blue;">website</span></a>). These address the unique histories, buildings, and environment of the
individual neighborhoods, and include standards for maintaining elements that
reflect the district’s character, regarding both structures, and natural
elements. In general, the guidelines recommend removing trees only due to
damage, disease, or if the tree threatens a structure, or is otherwise unsafe. When planting new trees the guidelines also
recommend choosing certain tree species that reflect the historic character and
correspond to the ecological setting of the district. Preventative maintenance can extend the life
of a tree, some of which may be performed by homeowners or volunteers, such as
proper mulching, or simple regular inspections. Others, such as pruning,
cabling, or aeration should be performed only by a certified arborist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many properties in these districts
have trees, either individually in yards, standing along streets and sidewalks,
or in greenspace. Some of these trees were likely planted immediately following
the initial construction of homes, or individually chosen to remain in place by
the builders. Others though likely predate construction, such as the large
stand of oak trees in the Riverside Drive District that may date to the late
1800s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These trees contribute to the
character of these neighborhoods in many ways. The overhead canopy in the
Edgewater District creates the effect of an entrance to the neighborhood,
distinguishing it from the surrounding area.
The trees planted along the sidewalks in the River Bend District help
create a separate space for pedestrians by separating the sidewalk from the
street. Trees also help to link many of these neighborhoods to the St. Joseph
River, to open spaces such as Leeper and Shetterly Parks, and to adjacent
districts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether in a formally designated
historic district, or other neighborhoods, trees shape the character of our
community. Along with providing ecological benefits, shade, and space for
recreation, they also connect us to our past
- either by allowing us to stand in the same place as the French
explorer LaSalle at the site of the former Council Oak in Highland Cemetery, or
to simply climb the same tree that your grandfather did when he was young. By
incorporating a little preventative maintenance and enlisting a professional
arborist when necessary, we can help preserve the important places in our
community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Note - I would like to thank Elicia Feasel, Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend for her input and suggestions, including providing details about the storm damage.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-19057673772272573392014-07-02T11:39:00.000-07:002014-07-08T11:07:33.356-07:00Toward a Healthy Client – Consultant Relationship<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consulting is simple. But don’t make the mistake of
equating “simple” with “easy”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Gotham Rounded Book'; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You may have heard some version of the story where,
after quietly examining a malfunctioning machine, an outside expert marks an
“X” showing the machine’s owner where to strike with a hammer. The owner
follows this advice, and finding the machine fixed, happily turns to the
expert, asking “How much do I owe you?” The expert responds “$10,000.” The owner,
astonished, replies “All you did was draw an ‘X’, how can that cost $10,000?”
The expert then shows an invoice listing two charges: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Drawing an ‘X’ - $1.00.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Knowing where to put
it - $9,999.00.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The story illustrates the difference between the value
of an action and the expertise behind it. This is the essence of consulting –
providing expert advice. The expert in the story is paid for the results derived from his expertise –
the machine is fixed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Role of the
Consultant<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Put simply, the role of the consultant is to improve the
client’s situation – that’s it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Unfortunately many consultants are unable to
make the distinction between this concept and the less beneficial practice (to both the
consultant and the client) of “doing whatever the client says.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If the client can accomplish their objectives by simply
directing subordinates, why waste time and money hiring an expert? The
consultant is a peer of the client, a partner, working in collaboration to
improve a situation. Both parties benefit from this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Your project is
our priority” is a common theme of many consultant’s marketing materials. This sounds
good – but;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1 - Would anyone really claim otherwise? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2 -</span><span style="font-family: 'Gotham Rounded Book'; text-indent: -0.25in;">Generic platitudes like this
lack any kind of real meaning without the behaviors to support them.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The consultant’s priority is to stay in business (unless
it’s a hobby – and I’m not sure how many clients are interested in hiring a
weekend warrior). How well can a consultant focus on helping their client if the
consultant is worried about keeping the lights on? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To be clear, I’m not suggesting that consultants should
offer their clients a mediocre effort or avoid going the ‘extra-mile’. Quite
the contrary. To offer the best service, consultants themselves must carefully consider
their own role in the client-consultant relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As with any significant relationship, there must be
balance or the relationship will eventually break down despite the best
efforts, however well meaning, of either party. The following lists several productive (and
counter-productive) behaviors that consultants often employ in their client
relationships. Of course none of the ‘productive’ behaviors guarantee a successful
client relationship, but they make it more likely by helping to create balance. Conversely, spending too much time on the ‘counter-productive’ side leads to an imbalance in the relationship, putting it,
and ultimately the consultant themselves, at risk of failure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Productive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 217; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Counter-productive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Viewed by the client as a peer, an expert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Viewed by the client as a subordinate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Actually listens to the client<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Anticipates what the client will say – and replies
with prepared response<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Focuses on providing value<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Focuses on methods<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Focuses on helping the client<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Focuses on the sale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Provides a customized solution<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Provides a commodity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Focuses on the result<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Focuses on the deliverable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Provides what the client needs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Provides what the client wants<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 88.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 88.15pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When feasible, bases fees on the value provided,
allowing for fair compensation for the consultant and a great return on
investment for the client – both parties benefit from quality, speed, and
efficiency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 88.15pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bases fees on units – time, materials, or a combination,
creating a conflict of interest – a quicker or more efficient outcome
benefits the client, but is a detriment to the consultant and vice-versa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To have the best opportunity for success, you must put
yourself in the best position possible. As
with most significant relationships, there must be balance in the
client-consultant relationship. Without it, the relationship will eventually
decline, to the detriment of both parties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-11635797666037323372014-06-25T06:42:00.001-07:002014-06-25T06:43:59.849-07:00Integrated Management of Natural and Cultural Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Project planning and land management typically consider
cultural and natural resources independently, as if they are islands, alone on
the landscape. This can lead to isolated, and at times conflicting management
decisions. The landscape is the product of the collective interaction of human activities
and the environment (which also includes things like safe roads and a reliable
energy infrastructure).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An integrated management approach understanding that cultural
and natural resources co-exist can yield outcomes that benefit the resources
while acknowledging the realities of the modern environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6u76cghY3bHUzO2D795ylhKPUB2Bv4f0jVNnHFYX0S-E4YEmg0qUg8CSoO4s2qegqfOA8MQbvnZ8NnkDA0_meef79frTLr573Hwz14mPjvWJpY71OmDu5P5qNt9UoGgLfzXUjpi7XSBA1/s1600/Scott_Marketing_Delineation_KnoxCo_3_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6u76cghY3bHUzO2D795ylhKPUB2Bv4f0jVNnHFYX0S-E4YEmg0qUg8CSoO4s2qegqfOA8MQbvnZ8NnkDA0_meef79frTLr573Hwz14mPjvWJpY71OmDu5P5qNt9UoGgLfzXUjpi7XSBA1/s1600/Scott_Marketing_Delineation_KnoxCo_3_crop.jpg" height="150" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Places with natural or cultural value occupy a landscape containing <br />
numerous other resources, including modern elements. An integrated management<br />
approach considersthese resources in the context of this landscape, rather than in a vacuum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Definitions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before we go any further, allow me a brief digression to define some terms. Cultural
resources might conjure up images of archaeologists dusting off pottery on an
international dig, or a sign marking some historic battlefield, but in reality cultural
resources can be much more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are a just few examples:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Archaeological
sites,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Historical
objects,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Historic
structure or collection of structures,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Scenic
landscapes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spiritual
places, or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Any
place or object that has historic or cultural value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Natural Resources, of course, include things that naturally
occur on the landscape and possess ecological value, such as:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Plant
and animal species,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Habitats,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Water,
air, or land resources.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is important to understand that these categories aren’t
mutually exclusive – items that might initially be considered natural resources
could also be valued by a group of people as a cultural resource – for example certain
landscapes, or certain animals or plants have particular meaning to certain
groups of people. Places can also possess multiple resource types – for
instance, a designated scenic byway may travel past an historic battlefield, a
local cemetery, and historic downtown, all located in a river valley home to
endangered plant and animal species. All of which can present unique management
challenges in a world that needs things like safe roads, reliable energy, and
clean water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Integrated Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A proactive approach integrating the management of natural
and cultural resources can address these challenges. The benefits include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Increased Efficiency</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Specialists from multiple
disciplines can share data and coordinate work, reducing duplication and
overall labor intensity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Increased Consistency</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - This approach also allows
consistent use of data and reporting of results. This enables crews to easily
maintain up-to-date information regarding resource identification, project
details, and other rapidly changing information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Improved Collaboration</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Impacts of projects on a
particular resource are considered in the context of other resources and the project
as a whole, avoiding unintended impacts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The landscape is the product of the collective interaction
human activities and the environment. To act as if individual natural and
cultural resources occupy this landscape alone, or in a vacuum ignores this
connection and places these resources at risk. Developing an integrated
management approach for these resources, allows us to better understand threats
to our collective important places, while accounting for the needs of a modern
world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230393676674896536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498993403508038113.post-12926352227938795062014-06-19T09:53:00.000-07:002014-06-19T09:53:14.919-07:00Ten Sources for Background Research - why you shouldn't look for archaeological sites on your desktop<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Checking the list of
previously recorded archaeological sites at the State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO) is usually one of the first steps of a “Phase I/Class I, etc.
archaeological survey”. Background research
like this prepares the archaeologist for the types of sites that might occur in
the survey area. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The problem comes
when such lists make up the only source</span>
of background research. SHPO archives are full of these reports. <span style="line-height: 115%;">This is perfectly okay
of course, assuming that the only type of archaeological site you wish to know
about are those:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">located in
area of the previous surveys;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">recognizable
to the expertise and interest of the archaeologist who performed the survey,
and;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">properly
recorded as archaeological sites in the SHPO records.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the other hand,
if your goal is to develop better expectations about the types of sites that
might be expected in the project area, additional resources warrant
consideration. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The following
suggestions, shown in no particular order, do not represent an exhaustive list,
nor are they appropriate for every situation. Simply, they are additional
sources you can use to help provide a clearer picture of the types of
archaeological resources that may be present in a particular area. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">1 - Consider what types of resources that might be
affected by the project</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
first, and perhaps, most important source is the project itself. You may not be
an expert in archaeology, but you can make a good faith effort to think about
what types of archaeological sites might be impacted by your project.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will
the project create something very tall, or will it be something in the ground;
is it something long and linear, or something restricted to a small parcel?
Don’t forget about effects that might extend beyond your project boundaries –
like noise, visual, or atmospheric effects.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If your project involves extensive excavation, it has the potential to
impact sites that may not be visible on the ground surface. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Which
is important to know since during previous archaeological surveys in your
project area the archaeologists simply walked over the ground, looking for
sites on the surface, unaware of the prehistoric sites deeply buried by flood
deposits. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 - Consult historic maps<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Historic
maps can provide information about previous land use and the location of
features that may no longer be immediately obvious. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A
map might tell you that the lonely county road intersection once was a crossroads
town with a half-dozen structures, or that the cluster of trees in the farm
field is really close to the mapped location of a small family cemetery.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 - Consult local histories<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Local
histories can add more information about events that shaped places in your area.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><i>Perhaps explaining that the crossroads
town declined when it was bypassed by the railroad, in favor of the next town
over. Or that the family cemetery contained some of the county’s earliest
settlers.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 - Talk to local historians<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Similarly,
local historians can provide additional detail and information that may not be
widely available. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The historian might be able to show you sources
explaining that most of the buildings from the crossroads town were carefully
dismantled and moved after the railroad went in to the next town</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 - Talk to long term local residents<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Local
residents can provide perspective that is simply unavailable to someone from
outside the community. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>They can share their concerns about a particular site,
they can tell you the rectangular depression is a borrow pit for topsoil dug
within the last 20 years, not a historic feature. They can also tell you about
the stories their grandfather told them about the earthen mound back in the
woods. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 - Talk to tribal elders<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Federal
agencies have special responsibilities toward Indian Tribes because federally
recognized tribes are sovereign governments entitled to “government to
government consultation”. This is a formal process, but can be as informal as
the tribe and agency agree. Regardless of who conducts the consultation, tribal
elders can provide unique information about the history of your area. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The can communicate their concerns about parts of the landscape with
spiritual meaning. Particularly important if these areas lack the types of
artifacts or features recognizable to archaeologists.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7 - Conduct a “windshield survey”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simply
driving through the area looking for sites or buildings that look old can help.
Sometimes the intense focus on the specific project limits can cause you to
miss things that are just outside the boundaries. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A windshield survey can help
you spot the cemetery located downhill and around the corner from the area
planned planned for dewatering discharge.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8 -Talk to artifact collectors<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like
local residents, artifact collectors can know more about your project area than
any specialist. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>They can tell you about the artifacts eroding out of the creek
bed or how they used to find artifacts every time it rained before the local
farmers switched to no-till planting. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9 - Review environmental information<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Information
about the geology, physiography, and past climates is important to understand
where sites may occur. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>People in the past may have been using places that no
longer even exist – like the former banks of the now-channelized stream in your
project area.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10 - Conduct remote sensing<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remote
sensing provides information not visible from the ground. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Aerial photography,
satellite imagery, or other similar information can help locate the stream
bank, or reveal the presence of prehistoric earthworks leveled by years of
agricultural activity.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to
learning the locations of previously recorded sites background research can
also help you:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">determine
what types of sites might occur in your project area;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">understand
what these sites might look like;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">learn
what environmental, historic, or other factors might have influenced their
location;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">decide
what sort of expertise might be needed to locate and evaluate them, and;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">develop
sufficient expectations about how to manage them.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Background research
is integral to any archaeological project, but unless the information shows it
is nearly impossible for archaeological sites to be present, research alone
rarely eliminates the need for field investigation. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Field verification
is still necessary to confirm the background information, much of which may be
subject to error and bias. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">But comprehensive
background research can better prepare you to predict what types of
archaeological sites are located in your project area and equip you to manage
them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are just a few
of the places you can look for background information about your project area.
Each of these sources can provide unique information about the types of
archaeological resources that might occur in or near your project. Some of them
are more passive or are limited in the information they provide – historic maps
for example, either will or won’t show certain types of information by their
very nature. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The take home point
here is to take the information from these, or other sources, and actually
think about it. Put some genuine effort into the “good faith effort” necessary
for meaningful consultation. It will help identify aspects of the
archaeological record people care about and contribute to more informed
decision-making. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Copyright J Ryan Duddleson 2014. All rights
reserved.</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Gotham Rounded Book"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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