Where Does the Buck Stop?

Dan and Chip Heath composed an article entitled Why Customers Will Pay You to Restrain Them on Wed Mar 18, 2009. I found this article rather interesting on a couple of notes. I myself LOVE to spend money on wants and needs, but more so on wants. On one hand, I feel offering a service to lead people in living the life they desire is a great thing. If someone wants to lose weight, sure it would be easier to have restaurants deny them certain foods. But what are we teaching people? One problem in today's society is that things are too easy on some people. So if we start charging people to help them keep from doing certain things in their lives, we are sending the message of "if you have money, then you can be worry free." But in making life easier on some people, we are making life harder for those that are going to have to cater to them. So where does it end? When are we going to take responsibility and develop will power? Our society needs to learn things are not always easy and hard work eventually (and hopefully) will pay off.

Just 1 More Version Please!

I read an article on fastcompany.com written by Kit Eaton on Thu Mar 19, 2009 pertaining to and upgrade of Internet Explorer.
It seems that every time I get onto the Internet there is some new version of some program available! When is enough, enough? I think it is good to make improvements and software, I just think the creators take it and run! Not to mention that every time a new version of software is introduced I have to stop and take the time to find a compatibility package just to view a document or a window of the Internet. In my opinion, these are just ways to cause consumers, who honestly pay for the packages of software we use, to have to come out of pocket every month and its ridiculous! I always vow to abstain from buying new programs or uploading newer versions of software but in the end I am somewhat forced to do so in order to keep communication up. Leave it alone already!! Once every few years is ample for updates!!

Are Incentives Really A Good Thing?

Incentives, in my opinion, cloud the goal in today's business world. Although they are meant to drive business upward and motivate employees to work harder to reach a set goal incentives cause people to cut corners and in turn cause less efficient work to be produced. The business world, much like the everyday world, has become greedy and money focused. Yes, I agree making money is key but no at the expense of quality work and customer satisfaction. When you are employed by a company that is your team and you all should be working towards a similar goal, not under handing one another in order to get your promised "bonus". I am not saying incentives never work but they should not be what causes employees to come to work everyday. Incentives, to me, are rewards for quality work and are not supposed to be the focus of your job. Businesses should reevaluate the entire system of incentives and look for alternatives so they are not the main focus of the company and the people who work for them. One possible way to achieve the desired result is to offer incentives only after the target has been met. Surprise your employees and reward them for their good work only after you have seen the finished product. This will cause them to focus on performing well and can make for better, more efficient business.