It’s Not Just The Music
Posted: 29/04/2015 Filed under: Personal | Tags: Emotion, Results Leave a commentAfter a surprise meeting with an old friend at the @AmberRunUK gig in Oxford, I couldn’t help but write a blog post about music. But it’s not what you might expect.
This friend is a professional music composer, with almost 60 TV and film credits (including many of the BBC’s blockbuster series). He’s successful and wealthy. He has so much work he has to turn people away. Now you’d think that’s because of his talent (huge) and his creativity (unquestioned). But he made a really interesting comment. He told me that he consistently writes and produces one hour of music per week. Yes, PER WEEK. We all know that musicians can take years to produce an album that’s usually less than one hour long. So how does he do it? And, more importantly, why does he do it?
He does it because that defines his value. He knows that makes him distinctive. With TV producers running to tight deadlines they need trusted delivery. No-one would question his talent for writing music that meets the brief. But it’s not just the music. Even in the complex and creative world of composing, it’s about results. Being able to deliver on time and on budget is what gets you the reputation that brings you the work.
So why the blog post? It’s a universal truth. He’s in the creative industry, and you might expect some different rules. But that’s not the case. Fundamentally, all business is about results. And the combination of talent and results is what makes us #standout.
Hello World!
Posted: 21/04/2015 Filed under: Corporate, Personal Leave a commentAfter five years of observing, studying, reflecting and creating, I’m ready to go-live with Meritology. So what’s this all about?
Meritology makes you think, as you debate and define the real and perceived value you offer to customers, colleagues and communities. It’s a professional hobby that sits alongside running The Henley Partnership at the brilliant Henley Business School. The Meritology work is my own, and I’ll add Henley thinking when it energises the discussion (for example in areas like Leadership, Strategy and Marketing) or strengthens a viewpoint I’m taking. I will quote from elsewhere – this is not just about Mark Swain and Henley Business School. That broad perspective will take the discussion in many directions. If this was an airport, it would definitely be a hub. We’ll be coming and going to lots of places from here!
My intention is to take both a personal and corporate perspective – giving senior people and interesting businesses a much clearer view of their value (either today, or what’s needed tomorrow and future). Short-term and long-term, I believe having that clarity is critical. That’s why I created The MERIT Method℠. And along the way I’ll share my observations, of real-life situations that demonstrate #standout behaviour (good and bad). Then we’ll have a developing perspective on how to be distinctive and different, and increase value at a personal and corporate level.
And I’m looking to collect contributors and collaborators along the way. So please comment and get involved, and thanks for listening and reading!
P.S. And ask why I use the blue bow tie – it’s a simple and straightforward way to explain what Meritology is all about.
MERITology 