MML Podcast 05-27-2005

The podcast that follows a newly promoted middle manager as he gradually loses his mind.

MML Podcast Show Notes
5-27-05

Show Open

GMail feedback

Most of the GMail this week surrounded a podcast that sort of "hijacked" the MML Podcast. Basically, we experienced one of the down sides of Indy Media (radio.indymedia.com). IRC makes it real easy to start a podcast, providing storage space and not limiting bandwidth. The big part is they also provide a search based RSS feed for your favorite podcatching client. For the MML Podcast, our search was based on both the words MML and Podcast. That worked fine until another podcaster gave a shoutout to our show in their IRC info. As soon as they did that, you received both the MML as well as FSCK - the Corporate Media Podcast. We at the MML have nothing against FSCK, but we have listeners who are interested in just our show.

At the same time, it was time for us to provide show notes and other reference materials. While we could do that on IRC, it's not easy to read.

The result? We're moving the MML to Liberated Syndication (www.libsyn.com). These guys have created an awesome model, allowing easy podcasting at a very affordable price. We now have easy to access show notes, and we will now show up in iTunes or your favorite digital jukebox as Middle Management Lobotomy Podcast instead of IRC Radio.

To make sure our faithful listeners won't miss a show, we'll be posting the MML to both IRC and Libsyn for the next couple of weeks. Current listeners should simply change the URL assigned to the MML to mmlpodcast.libsyn.com/rss in your favorite podcatching client.

Feedback is always important. Comments to mmlpodcast@gmail.com. Vote for us at Podcast Alley.

Management strategy

Capital projects and strategic investment. The initial effort worked well and was supported by many in our senior LT. Next comes the due diligence. I am working on a standard form that includes data categories for project category, project executive summary, background, competitive landscape, business benefit, resource requirements, and high level project stages. I also need to align fellow directors with specific targets to help distribute the workload.

New hire ramp up. Face to face meeting of 6 new hires went very well. Each solution expert presented background on their product, a demonstration of the product which highlighted key differentiators and a recap of what would be required to certify on the solution.

We held the event over a day and a half, so we needed an evening team building activity to allow them to bond as a group. We found the perfect solution at the local Major League Baseball stadium. They had an area called the "Party Porch", which allowed a private space that would hold up to 33 people. Catering services took care of our dinner and beveridges for the night, so all we needed to worry about was enjoying the evening. Everyone told us afterward that they felt they were able to learn a lot more about each other and had an experience they would never forget.

Management tactics

Personal development plans - having a tough time identifying long term goals of employees to align development with. Could really use some solid tactics on asking the right questions that allow you to get to the long term goals of your people.

Workload tracking - I have asked all employees to forward all requests requiring a turn around of less than two weeks. I will be gathering the information, then trying to use the data to analyze trends which may need to be addressed at a higher level.

Hope to get back to some tactical work of my own next week to work toward wrapping up a Six Sigma project. Need to revise timelines and action items.

Thought for the week

Last week's is still out there. How do you measure personal development progress? I also need the info on getting long term goals from your employees as noted earlier. Feedback to mmlpodcast@gmail.com.

Show wrap

Send your GMail, registered on ipodder.org and Podcast Alley. Provide any additional podirectories you use. See you next week.