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Tom Peters’Tom Peters’
EXCELLENCEEXCELLENCE !!
““THE WORKS”THE WORKS”
A Half-Century’s Reflections/1966-2016A Half-Century’s Reflections/1966-2016
ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN::
The “PSF”/Professional ServiceThe “PSF”/Professional Service
Firm “Model” As Exemplar/Firm “Model” As Exemplar/
““Cure All”Cure All”
01 January 201601 January 2016
(10+ years of presentation slides at(10+ years of presentation slides at tompeters.comtompeters.com))
Contents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCEContents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCE !!
ChapterChapter ONEONE:: Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%”Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%”
ChapterChapter TWOTWO:: EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?)EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?)
ChapterChapter THREETHREE:: The “Strategy First” MythThe “Strategy First” Myth
ChapterChapter FOURFOUR:: (REALLY) First Things Before First Things(REALLY) First Things Before First Things
ChapterChapter FIVEFIVE:: 34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious
ChapterChapter SIXSIX:: Putting People (REALLY!) FirstPutting People (REALLY!) First
ChapterChapter SEVENSEVEN:: Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++
ChapterChapter EIGHTEIGHT:: People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016
ChapterChapter NINENINE:: Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best,Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best,
It’s the Only Market That’s Not CrowdedIt’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded
ChapterChapter TENTEN:: Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./
Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++
ChapterChapter ELEVENELEVEN:: Nine Value-added StrategiesNine Value-added Strategies
ChapterChapter TWELVETWELVE:: Value Added/1Value Added/1STST
Among Equals/DESIGNAmong Equals/DESIGN
MINDEDNESSMINDEDNESS
ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN:: The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model”The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model”
as Exemplar/“Cure All”as Exemplar/“Cure All”
ChapterChapter FOURTEENFOURTEEN:: You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’”You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’”
ChapterChapter FIFTEENFIFTEEN:: Women Are Market #1 For Everything/Women Are Market #1 For Everything/
Women Are the Most Effective LeadersWomen Are the Most Effective Leaders
ChapterChapter SIXTEENSIXTEEN:: Leadership/46 Scattershot TacticsLeadership/46 Scattershot Tactics
ChapterChapter SEVENTEENSEVENTEEN:: Avoid Moderation!/PursueAvoid Moderation!/Pursue
““Insanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to NormalInsanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to Normal
Appendix:Appendix: Library of Best QuotesLibrary of Best Quotes
This—circa January 2016—is my best shot. It took 50 years to write!This—circa January 2016—is my best shot. It took 50 years to write!
(From 1966, Vietnam, U.S. Navy ensign, combat engineer/Navy Seabees—(From 1966, Vietnam, U.S. Navy ensign, combat engineer/Navy Seabees—
my 1st “management” job—to today, 2016.) It is …my 1st “management” job—to today, 2016.) It is … “THE WORKS.”“THE WORKS.” THETHE
WORKS is presented in PowerPoint format—but it includes 50,000++WORKS is presented in PowerPoint format—but it includes 50,000++
words of annotation, the equivalent of a 250-page book.words of annotation, the equivalent of a 250-page book.
The times are nutty—and getting nuttier at an exponential pace. I haveThe times are nutty—and getting nuttier at an exponential pace. I have
taken into account as best I can (there really are no “experts”) thetaken into account as best I can (there really are no “experts”) the
current context. But I have given equal attention to more or less eternalcurrent context. But I have given equal attention to more or less eternal
(i.e., human) verities that will continue to drive organizational(i.e., human) verities that will continue to drive organizational
performance and a quest for EXCELLENCE for the next several years—andperformance and a quest for EXCELLENCE for the next several years—and
perhaps beyond. (Maybe this bifurcation results from my odd adult lifeperhaps beyond. (Maybe this bifurcation results from my odd adult life
circumstances: 30 years in Silicon Valley, 20 years in Vermont.)circumstances: 30 years in Silicon Valley, 20 years in Vermont.)
Enjoy.Enjoy.
Steal.Steal.
P-L-E-A-S-E try something, better yet several somethings.* ** *** ****P-L-E-A-S-E try something, better yet several somethings.* ** *** ****
**********
*Make no mistake …*Make no mistake … THISTHIS ISIS AA 1717--CHAPTERCHAPTER BOOKBOOK … which happens to… which happens to
be in PowerPoint format; I invite you to join me in this unfinished—half century to datebe in PowerPoint format; I invite you to join me in this unfinished—half century to date
—journey.—journey.
**My “Life Mantra #1”: WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins.**My “Life Mantra #1”: WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins.
***I am quite taken by N.N. Taleb’s term “antifragile” (it’s the title of his***I am quite taken by N.N. Taleb’s term “antifragile” (it’s the title of his
most recent book). The point is not “resilience” in the face of change;most recent book). The point is not “resilience” in the face of change;
that’s reactive. Instead the idea is proactive—literally “getting off ” on the madnessthat’s reactive. Instead the idea is proactive—literally “getting off ” on the madness
per se; perhaps I somewhat anticipated this with my 1987 book,per se; perhaps I somewhat anticipated this with my 1987 book, Thriving on ChaosThriving on Chaos ..
****Re “new stuff,” this presentation has benefited immensely from Social Media—e.g.,****Re “new stuff,” this presentation has benefited immensely from Social Media—e.g.,
I have learned a great deal from my 125K+ twitter followers; that is, some fraction ofI have learned a great deal from my 125K+ twitter followers; that is, some fraction of
this material is “crowdsourced.”this material is “crowdsourced.”
********** I am not interested in providing a “good presentation.” I amI am not interested in providing a “good presentation.” I am
interested in spurring practical action. Otherwise, why waste your time—interested in spurring practical action. Otherwise, why waste your time—
or mine?or mine?
EpigraphsEpigraphs
““Business has to give people enriching, rewarding lives …Business has to give people enriching, rewarding lives …
or it's simply not worth doing.”or it's simply not worth doing.” —Richard Branson—Richard Branson
““Your customers will never be any happierYour customers will never be any happier
than your employees.”than your employees.” —John DiJulius—John DiJulius
““We have a strategic plan. It’s called ‘doing things.’ ”We have a strategic plan. It’s called ‘doing things.’ ” —Herb Kelleher—Herb Kelleher
““You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” —Wayne—Wayne GretzkyGretzky
““Ready. Fire. Aim.”Ready. Fire. Aim.” —Ross Perot—Ross Perot
““ExecutionExecution isis strategy.”strategy.” —Fred Malek—Fred Malek
““Avoid moderation.”Avoid moderation.” —Kevin Roberts—Kevin Roberts
““I’m not comfortable unless I’m uncomfortable.”I’m not comfortable unless I’m uncomfortable.” —Jay Chiat—Jay Chiat
““It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”
——John DiJulius on social mediaJohn DiJulius on social media
““Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones whichCourtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which
strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.”strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.” —Henry Clay—Henry Clay
““You know a design is cool when you want to lick it.”You know a design is cool when you want to lick it.” —Steve Jobs—Steve Jobs
““This will be the women’s century.”This will be the women’s century.” —Dilma Rousseff—Dilma Rousseff
““Be the best. It’s the only market that’s not crowded.”Be the best. It’s the only market that’s not crowded.” —George Whalin—George Whalin
First Principles. Guiding Stars. Minimums.First Principles. Guiding Stars. Minimums.
**EXECUTION! The “Last 99%.”EXECUTION! The “Last 99%.”
GET IT (Whatever) DONE.GET IT (Whatever) DONE.
**EXCELLENCE. Always. PERIOD.EXCELLENCE. Always. PERIOD.
**People REALLY First! Moral Obligation #1.People REALLY First! Moral Obligation #1.
**EXPONENTIAL Tech Tsunami.EXPONENTIAL Tech Tsunami.
GET OFF ON CONTINUOUS UPHEAVALS!GET OFF ON CONTINUOUS UPHEAVALS!
**Innovate or DIE!Innovate or DIE!
WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins!WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins!
**Women Buy (EVERYTHING)!Women Buy (EVERYTHING)!
Women Are the Best Leaders! Women RULE!Women Are the Best Leaders! Women RULE!
**Oldies Have (All of) the Market Power!Oldies Have (All of) the Market Power!
**DESIGN Matters! EVERYWHERE!DESIGN Matters! EVERYWHERE!
**Maximize TGRs!/Things Gone RIGHT!Maximize TGRs!/Things Gone RIGHT!
**SMEs, Age of/“Be the Best,SMEs, Age of/“Be the Best,
It’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded”It’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded”
**Moderation KILLS!Moderation KILLS!
NEW WORLD ORDERNEW WORLD ORDER ??!!
0810/2011:0810/2011:
Apple > ExxonApple > Exxon **
0724/2015:0724/2015:
Amazon > WalmartAmazon > Walmart ****
*Market capitalization; Apple became*Market capitalization; Apple became #1#1 in the world.in the world.
**Market capitalization; Walmart is a “Fortune**Market capitalization; Walmart is a “Fortune 11””
company—company—
the biggest in the world by sales.the biggest in the world by sales.
Phew.Phew.
Contents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCEContents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCE !!
ChapterChapter ONEONE: Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%”: Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%”
ChapterChapter TWOTWO: EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?): EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?)
ChapterChapter THREETHREE: The “Strategy First” Myth: The “Strategy First” Myth
ChapterChapter FOURFOUR: (REALLY) First Things Before First Things: (REALLY) First Things Before First Things
ChapterChapter FIVEFIVE: 34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious: 34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious
ChapterChapter SIXSIX: Putting People (REALLY!) First: Putting People (REALLY!) First
ChapterChapter SEVENSEVEN: Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++: Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++
ChapterChapter EIGHTEIGHT: People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016: People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016
ChapterChapter NINENINE: Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best,: Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best,
It’s the Only Market That’s Not CrowdedIt’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded
ChapterChapter TENTEN: Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./: Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./
Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++
ChapterChapter ELEVENELEVEN: Nine Value-added Strategies: Nine Value-added Strategies
ChapterChapter TWELVETWELVE: Value Added/1: Value Added/1STST
Among Equals/DESIGNAmong Equals/DESIGN
MINDEDNESSMINDEDNESS
ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN: The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model”: The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model”
as Exemplar/“Cure All”as Exemplar/“Cure All”
ChapterChapter FOURTEENFOURTEEN: You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’”: You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’”
ChapterChapter FIFTEENFIFTEEN: Women Are Market #1 For Everything/: Women Are Market #1 For Everything/
Women Are the Most Effective LeadersWomen Are the Most Effective Leaders
ChapterChapter SIXTEENSIXTEEN: Leadership/46 Scattershot Tactics: Leadership/46 Scattershot Tactics
ChapterChapter SEVENTEENSEVENTEEN: Avoid Moderation!/Pursue: Avoid Moderation!/Pursue
““Insanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to NormalInsanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to Normal
Appendix: Library of Best QuotesAppendix: Library of Best Quotes
ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN
TheThe
“PSF”/Professiona“PSF”/Professiona
l Service Firml Service Firm
“Model” As“Model” As
Exemplar/Exemplar/
““Cure All”Cure All”
It is the Age of Intellectual Capital. It is the Age of TemporaryIt is the Age of Intellectual Capital. It is the Age of Temporary
Organizations. It is the Age of Projects. It is the Age of Partnering.Organizations. It is the Age of Projects. It is the Age of Partnering.
We must pioneer our way forward.We must pioneer our way forward.
Or must we?Or must we?
There is a model—a more or less one-to-one model. Namely the …There is a model—a more or less one-to-one model. Namely the …
PSF/PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FIRM.PSF/PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FIRM.
Intellectual capital.Intellectual capital.
Permanent impermanence.Permanent impermanence.
Projects, projects, more projects.Projects, projects, more projects.
Partnerships with one and all.Partnerships with one and all.
I made my bones working for one of the best of breed: McKinsey & Co. (MyI made my bones working for one of the best of breed: McKinsey & Co. (My
McKinsey work, 1974-1981, was the wellspring ofMcKinsey work, 1974-1981, was the wellspring of In Search of ExcellenceIn Search of Excellence .).)
The similarity between the nature of our work and today’s “brave newThe similarity between the nature of our work and today’s “brave new
world” is “striking”—i.e., more or less “ditto.”world” is “striking”—i.e., more or less “ditto.”
Hence I have long thought—and think more and more so with every passingHence I have long thought—and think more and more so with every passing
day—that the “PSF Model” has widespread applicability.day—that the “PSF Model” has widespread applicability.
In fact it is more or less my greatest professional sadness that more folksIn fact it is more or less my greatest professional sadness that more folks
didn’t take to this notion—I’ve tried my damnedest since 1990—before itdidn’t take to this notion—I’ve tried my damnedest since 1990—before it
was professionally too late.was professionally too late.
Well, to a significant degree, there’s still time. The relevance is growing,Well, to a significant degree, there’s still time. The relevance is growing,
not shriveling.not shriveling.
All yours …All yours …
13.113.1 PSF-ing:PSF-ing:
FromFrom
“Bureaucrat”“Bureaucrat”
to “Rock Star”to “Rock Star”
HRMACHRMAC
HRMAC/Human Resources ManagementHRMAC/Human Resources Management
Association of Chicago. A seminar forAssociation of Chicago. A seminar for
that organization, almost 20 years ago,that organization, almost 20 years ago,
cemented some thinking that had beencemented some thinking that had been
percolating even then for years andpercolating even then for years and
years …years …
“ ‘“ ‘Disintermediation’ is overrated.Disintermediation’ is overrated.
ThoseThose
who fear disintermediation-who fear disintermediation-
outsourcing should in fact be afraid ofoutsourcing should in fact be afraid of
irrelevance; ‘outsourcing’ is justirrelevance; ‘outsourcing’ is just
another way of saying that …another way of saying that …
you’ve become
irrelevant to
your [internal]
customers.”
This is a cruel truth.This is a cruel truth.
One (One (ifif one is smart) does notone is smart) does not
“outsource” to save a few bucks.“outsource” to save a few bucks.
Outsourcing (and falling victim to AI)Outsourcing (and falling victim to AI)
to a frightening degree is a response toto a frightening degree is a response to
extant “departments” that, simply, addextant “departments” that, simply, add
damn little value to their enterprisedamn little value to their enterprise
customers.customers.
““A bureaucratA bureaucrat
is an expensiveis an expensive
microchip.”microchip.”
——Dan Sullivan, consultant and executive coachDan Sullivan, consultant and executive coach
Ha ha.Ha ha.
NOT.NOT.
Sarah:Sarah: “ Mom, what“ Mom, what
do you do?”do you do?”
Sarah:Sarah: “ Mom, what
do you do?”
MomMom :: ““I’m ‘overhead’—the
‘bureaucrat’ who runs
the ‘cost center’ called
‘Human Resources.”
Yup, hard-working Mom is referred toYup, hard-working Mom is referred to
as aas a “cost center”“cost center” oror “overhead”“overhead” … or… or
worse.worse.
She is, thence, a CDC/Certified Drag onShe is, thence, a CDC/Certified Drag on
the Corporationthe Corporation andand corporate earningscorporate earnings
—and seen as an unmitigated Disciple—and seen as an unmitigated Disciple
of the Devil by many of her customers.of the Devil by many of her customers.
What the hell, let’s outsource her. AtWhat the hell, let’s outsource her. At
least the “cost center” will cost a littleleast the “cost center” will cost a little
less.less.
Sarah:Sarah: “ Mom, what“ Mom, what
do you do?”do you do?”
Mom:Mom: “Sarah, my human resources“Sarah, my human resources
team and I are the ‘Rock Stars ofteam and I are the ‘Rock Stars of
the Age of Talent.’ We partner withthe Age of Talent.’ We partner with
our internal customers and driveour internal customers and drive
our division’s strategic success.our division’s strategic success.
We refused the limiting role of ‘HRWe refused the limiting role of ‘HR
cops’—and ‘went strategic.’ Hey,cops’—and ‘went strategic.’ Hey,
our reputation is so good that weour reputation is so good that we
even do some consulting to theeven do some consulting to the
company’s key external customerscompany’s key external customers
—we’ve become part of the overall—we’ve become part of the overall
sales pitch.”sales pitch.”
But mom and her group—But mom and her group— properlyproperly
conceivedconceived —ought to be, in an—ought to be, in an
Age of Intellectual Capital, a primaryAge of Intellectual Capital, a primary
engine of enterprise value added.engine of enterprise value added.
Department Head/“Cost center”/
“Overhead” to …
MANAGINMANAGINGG
PARTNERPARTNER,,
HRHR (IS, R&D, etc.) INCINC ..
PSFPSF !!
Mom and her group (properlyMom and her group (properly
conceived) ought to be a full-blownconceived) ought to be a full-blown
Professional Services Firm—noProfessional Services Firm—no
different from a McKinsey or Deloitte &different from a McKinsey or Deloitte &
Touche or IDEO.Touche or IDEO.
And mom herself should be “MD” ofAnd mom herself should be “MD” of
that …that … profit-generating,profit-generating,
client-WOWing,client-WOWing,
intellectual-capitalintellectual-capital
accumulatingaccumulating … “PSF.”… “PSF.”
The Professional Service Firm50: Fifty Ways toThe Professional Service Firm50: Fifty Ways to
Transform Your “Department” into a ProfessionalTransform Your “Department” into a Professional
Service Firm Whose Trademarks Are Passion andService Firm Whose Trademarks Are Passion and
Innovation!Innovation!
I don’t mean to denigrate the employees of anyI don’t mean to denigrate the employees of any
given “department,” but from my experience ingiven “department,” but from my experience in
and with many of the best “real” “PSFs,” theand with many of the best “real” “PSFs,” the
real deal’s approach to doing business isreal deal’s approach to doing business is
(monumentally) different than that of the(monumentally) different than that of the
average department.average department.
I have laid out some of the typical “real” PSFI have laid out some of the typical “real” PSF
beliefs—and indeed I wrote a whole book onbeliefs—and indeed I wrote a whole book on
the topic in 1999.the topic in 1999.
(I must say—and I repeat myself—that(I must say—and I repeat myself—that
it is one of the most profoundit is one of the most profound
disappointments of my professionaldisappointments of my professional
career. The book sold very well —career. The book sold very well — BUTBUT
THE NUMBER OF “DEPARTMENTS”THE NUMBER OF “DEPARTMENTS”
THAT MADE/TRIED TO MAKE THETHAT MADE/TRIED TO MAKE THE
TRANSITION TO “PSF” HAS BEENTRANSITION TO “PSF” HAS BEEN
ASTONISHINGLY SMALLASTONISHINGLY SMALL — which, alas,— which, alas,
13.213.2 Case inCase in
PSF-ing:PSF-ing:
HypotheticalHypothetical
and Realand Real
HCare CIO:
“Technology
Executive” (workin’ in a hospital)
Or/to: Full-scale,
Accountable (life or death)
Member-Partner of
XYZ Hospital’s
Senior Healing-
Services Team (who
The CIO of the hospital is transformedThe CIO of the hospital is transformed
from “the bloody IT guy determined tofrom “the bloody IT guy determined to
complicate life” into a …complicate life” into a … MasterMaster
Life SaverLife Saver … fully equivalent… fully equivalent
to her or his surgeon compatriots.to her or his surgeon compatriots.
Fleet ManagerFleet Manager
Rolling Stock CostRolling Stock Cost
Minimization OfficerOfficer
vs/orvs/or
Chief of Fleet LifetimeChief of Fleet Lifetime
ValueValue Maximization
Strategic Supply-chain ExecutiveSupply-chain Executive
CustomerCustomer Experience DirectorDirector
(via drivers, etc.)(via drivers, etc.)
““Purchasing Officer” Thrust #1:Purchasing Officer” Thrust #1: Cost
(at All Costs) Minimization
Professional ??
Or/to:Or/to: Full Partner-
Leader in Lifetime
Value-added
Maximization ??
So, too, the fleet manager at aSo, too, the fleet manager at a
manufacturing facility and “themanufacturing facility and “the
purchasing guy”—from “costpurchasing guy”—from “cost
minimization” (not all bad) to “valueminimization” (not all bad) to “value
maximization.”maximization.”
A …A … WHOPPINGWHOPPING ……
transformation!transformation!
Was Is
Credit Dept Financial Services
Hammer on dealers Make dealers
until they pay. successful so they
CAN pay.
AR sold to 3rd
party Trek is the commercial
financial
commercial co. Company
23 employees 12 employees
Oversee peak AR of $70M Oversee peak AR of $160M
Identify risky dealers Identify
opportunities
Cost Center Profit Center
No products Products: Consulting,
MC/Visa,
Stored value of gift cards,
Gift card
peripherals, etc., etc. …
Trek, the stellar bike folks, performedTrek, the stellar bike folks, performed
a “total makeover” on their “credita “total makeover” on their “credit
department”—creating no less than adepartment”—creating no less than a
strategic …strategic …
““center for customer success.”*center for customer success.”*
(*(*PSFPSF.).)
13.313.3 CorporationCorporation
as Mega-as Mega-
PSFPSF
Are you (Ms. PurchasingAre you (Ms. Purchasing
Poobah) a …Poobah) a …
““PrinciPrincippalal
EnEnggineine ofof
(Enterprise)(Enterprise) ValueValue
Added”Added”
Big Idea:Big Idea:
“CORPORATION”“CORPORATION”
ASAS
MEGA-“PSFMEGA-“PSF
””
The “departments”/“overhead” canThe “departments”/“overhead” can
instead become the (principal)instead become the (principal)
generators of value added—generators of value added— the mostthe most
important profit drivers in theimportant profit drivers in the
organizationorganization..
In fact the corporation or division toIn fact the corporation or division to
some extent becomes a …some extent becomes a …
Collection ofCollection of
SeriouslSeriouslyy Cool PSFsCool PSFs..
ThisThis
de facto is the UPS/Best Buy/IBM/de facto is the UPS/Best Buy/IBM/
Schlumberger strategy.Schlumberger strategy.
Iron Innovation Equality Law:Iron Innovation Equality Law:
The Quality and QuantityThe Quality and Quantity
and Imaginativenessand Imaginativeness
of Innovation (and “R &of Innovation (and “R &
D” per se) …D” per se) … shall be theshall be the
same in all functionssame in all functions —e.g.,—e.g.,
in HR and purchasing as much as inin HR and purchasing as much as in
marketing or product development.*marketing or product development.*
EverEvery “PSF”y “PSF”
mustmust havehave aa
formal &formal &
formidableformidable
R&D budget.R&D budget.
PERIODPERIOD..
““No brainer”: If our collective “PSFs” areNo brainer”: If our collective “PSFs” are
our primary engine of intellectualour primary engine of intellectual
capital accumulation:capital accumulation: Then theThen the
“innovation game” must“innovation game” must
played equally fiercely inplayed equally fiercely in
every corner of theevery corner of the
organization. In particular, inorganization. In particular, in
an Age of Intellectual Capital,an Age of Intellectual Capital,
said capital at it’s mostsaid capital at it’s most
imaginative must be exhibitedimaginative must be exhibited
…… EVERYWHEREEVERYWHERE …… ININ EQUALEQUAL
MEASUREMEASURE..
13.413.4 GREATGREAT
ProfessionalProfessional
ServiceService
FirmsFirms
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
In the process of working with several hundredIn the process of working with several hundred
partners at a professional services firm (legalpartners at a professional services firm (legal
services), I began noodling about my ideal versionservices), I began noodling about my ideal version
thereof. It’s a topic I’ve been intensely interestedthereof. It’s a topic I’ve been intensely interested
in for years—in for years—I see the “PSF” as aI see the “PSF” as a ggeneric model foreneric model for
addinaddingg valuevalue ((and savingand saving jobs)jobs) in an era dominatedin an era dominated
and defined by intellectual capitaland defined by intellectual capital . What follows is. What follows is
an “ideal,” but, on the other hand, I think it is alsoan “ideal,” but, on the other hand, I think it is also
an operational aspiration. Indeed, I thinkan operational aspiration. Indeed, I think
operationalizing an aspiration like this isoperationalizing an aspiration like this is
imperative for many firms and bits of firms—size 1imperative for many firms and bits of firms—size 1
to 10,001. (And, another hobbyhorse of mine, Ito 10,001. (And, another hobbyhorse of mine, I
“insist” that every internal corporate “department”“insist” that every internal corporate “department”
embrace some version of this professional-embrace some version of this professional-
services-for-profit model—do so or prepare,services-for-profit model—do so or prepare,
inevitably, to be outsourced or to fall victim to theinevitably, to be outsourced or to fall victim to the
AI Tsunami.AI Tsunami. In fact, this entire list de factoIn fact, this entire list de facto
emempphasizes the “liberal arts”hasizes the “liberal arts” ——value-addvalue-add
attributes that are virtuallattributes that are virtuall yy un-coun-copypyable bable byy
outsourced units or AI/software.)
In fact, this entireIn fact, this entire
list de factolist de facto
emphasizes theemphasizes the
“liberal arts”—“liberal arts”—
value-addvalue-add
attributes that areattributes that are
virtuallyvirtually
un-copyable byun-copyable by
outsourced units oroutsourced units or
AI/software.AI/software.
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
1. Stunning commitment to integrity.1. Stunning commitment to integrity.
2. Counselors/trusted advisors first.2. Counselors/trusted advisors first. (AI(AI
and outsourcing cannot match this!)and outsourcing cannot match this!)
3. We are3. We are not not not notnot not not not in a commodityin a commodity
business. (If it is a “commodity business,”business. (If it is a “commodity business,”
then I, Tom Peters, am a commodity. No!then I, Tom Peters, am a commodity. No!
No!! No!!!)No!! No!!!)
4. Stellar4. Stellar listenerslisteners—to our Clients.—to our Clients.
5. Stellar5. Stellar listenerslisteners—to our fellow partners.—to our fellow partners.
6. Stellar6. Stellar listenerslisteners—to our most junior—to our most junior
associates. (!!!!!)associates. (!!!!!)
7. Stellar7. Stellar listenerslisteners—to every member of—to every member of
staff.staff.
8. Insatiable8. Insatiable curiositycuriosity marks 100% of us.marks 100% of us.
9. We live to serve/9. We live to serve/ ExtremeExtreme service ethic.service ethic.
10. Our leaders are servant leaders. (Every10. Our leaders are servant leaders. (Every
StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to our—to our
Clients.Clients.
StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to our—to our
fellow partners.fellow partners.
StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to our—to our
most junior associates.most junior associates.
StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to—to
every member of staff.every member of staff.
We are …We are … NOTNOT
NOTNOT NOTNOT
NOTNOT … in a commodity… in a commodity
business!business!
(If professional service = commodity.(If professional service = commodity.
Ergo: TP/Me = commodity.)Ergo: TP/Me = commodity.)
This item did not come out of the blue.This item did not come out of the blue.
For example, the giant law servicesFor example, the giant law services
firm that triggered this list engaged mefirm that triggered this list engaged me
precisely because they are observing aprecisely because they are observing a
huge share of law services becominghuge share of law services becoming
commoditized.commoditized.
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
11. Deeply ingrained sense of fairness.11. Deeply ingrained sense of fairness.
12. Hustlers—but thoughtful to a fault!12. Hustlers—but thoughtful to a fault!
(Excise rude bastards.)(Excise rude bastards.)
13. “Service ethic” means service to one13. “Service ethic” means service to one
another as much as service to clients.another as much as service to clients.
14. Drop everything to assist a colleague14. Drop everything to assist a colleague
in need—central to our overall ethos.in need—central to our overall ethos.
15.15. A compensation scheme thatA compensation scheme that
unmistakably and visibly and dramaticallyunmistakably and visibly and dramatically
rewards partnerrewards partner
co-operation in developing and servingco-operation in developing and serving
and retaining clients.and retaining clients.
““Service ethic”Service ethic”
meansmeans serviceservice toto
oneone anotheranother asas
much as servicemuch as service
to clients.to clients.
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
16. Toss “lousy colleagues” (bad16. Toss “lousy colleagues” (bad
teammates) out on their derrieres (asses).teammates) out on their derrieres (asses).
We will not tolerate less than class-AWe will not tolerate less than class-A
supportiveness; we will toss out topsupportiveness; we will toss out top
“rainmakers” who do not subscribe to our“rainmakers” who do not subscribe to our
abiding teamwork ethic.abiding teamwork ethic.
17. Intellectual point of view that is17. Intellectual point of view that is
Distinct/Exciting.Distinct/Exciting.
18. We listen intently, but we also push18. We listen intently, but we also push
our clients to explore significantly newour clients to explore significantly new
approaches to doing business.approaches to doing business.
19. We insist, as best we can, that every19. We insist, as best we can, that every
client consider and test discontinuousclient consider and test discontinuous
change.change.
GREAT Professional ServiceGREAT Professional Service
FirmsFirms
20. We understand that implementing our20. We understand that implementing our
advice may require “culture change” inadvice may require “culture change” in
the client’s operation. We will not duckthe client’s operation. We will not duck
this topic—we will embrace it and willthis topic—we will embrace it and will
leave a practical framework-processleave a practical framework-process
behind to help the client comprehend/behind to help the client comprehend/
execute such excruciatingly difficultexecute such excruciatingly difficult
change.change.
21. We will stretch our clients to the21. We will stretch our clients to the
limits—but not suggest actions that arelimits—but not suggest actions that are
beyond the reach of implementation in thebeyond the reach of implementation in the
mid-term future. (“Never give an ordermid-term future. (“Never give an order
that cannot be obeyed.”that cannot be obeyed.”
——Douglas MacArthur.)Douglas MacArthur.)
22. We will intimately assist the client in22. We will intimately assist the client in
achieving near-term “small wins” thatachieving near-term “small wins” that
We understand thatWe understand that
implementing our adviceimplementing our advice
may require “culturemay require “culture
change” in the client’schange” in the client’s
operation. We will not duckoperation. We will not duck
this topic. We will embracethis topic. We will embrace
it (as a principal attributeit (as a principal attribute
of value added) and leaveof value added) and leave
behind a practicalbehind a practical
framework-process to helpframework-process to help
the client execute suchthe client execute such
excruciatingly difficultexcruciatingly difficult
change.change.
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
23. Every partner must have a point of23. Every partner must have a point of
view of note—and a point of view that isview of note—and a point of view that is
recognized far beyond our firm’s borders.recognized far beyond our firm’s borders.
24. The definition of the24. The definition of the veryvery best partnersbest partners
is that they are “insanely great” (thanks,is that they are “insanely great” (thanks,
Steve Jobs) mentors!Steve Jobs) mentors!
25. Equal compensation/recognition to top25. Equal compensation/recognition to top
“rainmakers,” “intellectuals,” and “magical“rainmakers,” “intellectuals,” and “magical
mentors.”mentors.”
26. We are all “rainmakers”—responsible26. We are all “rainmakers”—responsible
for making it clear to the client that he-for making it clear to the client that he-
she made a great decision in associatingshe made a great decision in associating
with us.with us.
27. Invest heavily in ideas—this means27. Invest heavily in ideas—this means
significant time and $$$$$$$. (Consider itsignificant time and $$$$$$$. (Consider it
“R&D”—it is!)“R&D”—it is!)
EqualEqual
compensation/compensation/
recognition to toprecognition to top
“rainmakers,”“rainmakers,”
“intellectuals,” and“intellectuals,” and
“magical mentors.”“magical mentors.”
Invest heavily inInvest heavily in
ideas—this meansideas—this means
significant timesignificant time
and $$$$$$$.and $$$$$$$.
(Consider it(Consider it
“R&D”—it is!)“R&D”—it is!)
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
28. Invest heavily in training and28. Invest heavily in training and
retraining. (Our training will featureretraining. (Our training will feature
working with clients to implement ourworking with clients to implement our
ideas, the managerial aspect of directingideas, the managerial aspect of directing
client engagements, the theory and artclient engagements, the theory and art
and practice of leadership, listening andand practice of leadership, listening and
presenting, and understanding thepresenting, and understanding the
“business principals” that are essential to“business principals” that are essential to
our economic survival.)our economic survival.)
29. Technology pioneers/fanatics.29. Technology pioneers/fanatics.
30. A decent/high-ish share of oddballs/30. A decent/high-ish share of oddballs/
disturbers-of-the-peace. (Often irritatingdisturbers-of-the-peace. (Often irritating
people; get over it.)people; get over it.)
31. Relatively high turnover and very high31. Relatively high turnover and very high
diversity (background, gender, etc.) in topdiversity (background, gender, etc.) in top
leadership posts and committees.leadership posts and committees.
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
32. Quality >> Quantity. (Big is fine as a32. Quality >> Quantity. (Big is fine as a
byproduct of Great Work. “Big for big’sbyproduct of Great Work. “Big for big’s
sake” is un-fine; scale economies aresake” is un-fine; scale economies are
wildly over-rated.)wildly over-rated.)
33. Significant portfolio of “interesting”33. Significant portfolio of “interesting”
clients—uneconomic engagements ifclients—uneconomic engagements if
necessary. (I.e. clients that lead us-dragnecessary. (I.e. clients that lead us-drag
us into new pastures.)us into new pastures.)
34. A clear understanding that the “middle34. A clear understanding that the “middle
market” is often the key to success andmarket” is often the key to success and
vitality—we will not be conned by somevitality—we will not be conned by some
specious/ego-centric need to bespecious/ego-centric need to be
associated with the likes of the “Fortuneassociated with the likes of the “Fortune
100.”100.”
35. Willingness to dump bad-demotivating-35. Willingness to dump bad-demotivating-
enervating clients (even big ones).enervating clients (even big ones).
36. Understand that we are running a for-36. Understand that we are running a for-
Significant portfolioSignificant portfolio
of “interesting”of “interesting”
clients—uneconomicclients—uneconomic
engagements ifengagements if
necessary. (I.e.necessary. (I.e.
clients that lead us-clients that lead us-
drag us into newdrag us into new
pastures.)pastures.)
““Big for big’sBig for big’s
sake” is un-fine;sake” is un-fine;
scale economiesscale economies
areare
wildly over-rated.wildly over-rated.
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
37. In love with our work! (Expunge those37. In love with our work! (Expunge those
who are not in love with their work—dumpwho are not in love with their work—dump
the burnouts.)the burnouts.)
38. Sense of fun. (Yes, damn it.) (Make it a38. Sense of fun. (Yes, damn it.) (Make it a
fun place to work—David Ogilvy.)fun place to work—David Ogilvy.)
39. Professional to a fault (we love the39. Professional to a fault (we love the
word “professional”) … but not pompous.word “professional”) … but not pompous.
40. “d”iversity—diversity of every flavor40. “d”iversity—diversity of every flavor
one can imagine. (This is huge and oftenone can imagine. (This is huge and often
honored in the breech.)honored in the breech.)
41. Notable-visible respect for the ideas of41. Notable-visible respect for the ideas of
young associates. (!!!!!!)young associates. (!!!!!!)
42. Practice-as-teamwork. (Teammate-ism42. Practice-as-teamwork. (Teammate-ism
rewarded, lack thereof punished withrewarded, lack thereof punished with
semi-haste and extreme prejudice.)semi-haste and extreme prejudice.)
InIn lovelove withwith
our work.our work.
Sense ofSense of funfun..
Practice-as-Practice-as-
teamworkteamwork..
Practice-as-Practice-as-
teamwork.teamwork.
(Teammate-ism(Teammate-ism
rewarded, lackrewarded, lack
thereof punishedthereof punished
withwith
semi-haste andsemi-haste and
extreme prejudice.)extreme prejudice.)
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
43. Deep bench. “Supporting cast,” notably43. Deep bench. “Supporting cast,” notably
starting with receptionist, must be ofstarting with receptionist, must be of
same quality as partners—there are no “bitsame quality as partners—there are no “bit
players” in our business.players” in our business.
44. Age gracefully gives way to youth—44. Age gracefully gives way to youth—
regeneration a deep-seated guiding belief.regeneration a deep-seated guiding belief.
45. Youth gracefully gives way to age—our45. Youth gracefully gives way to age—our
most effective elders have much to teachmost effective elders have much to teach
us when, especially, it comes to clientus when, especially, it comes to client
retention.retention.
46. Hard work expected and cherished—46. Hard work expected and cherished—
workaholism for workaholism’s sakeworkaholism for workaholism’s sake
assiduously guarded against.assiduously guarded against.
47. Proud of our culture, guard our culture47. Proud of our culture, guard our culture
zealously—but even “great cultures” age.zealously—but even “great cultures” age.
(And at the least become horribly(And at the least become horribly
Proud of ourProud of our
culture, guard ourculture, guard our
culture zealously—culture zealously—
but even “greatbut even “great
cultures” age orcultures” age or
evaporate.evaporate. (And at(And at
the least becomethe least become
horriblyhorribly
elaborated.)elaborated.)
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
49. Sky-high time investment in our49. Sky-high time investment in our
evaluation process.evaluation process.
50. My legacy (as a partner) is:50. My legacy (as a partner) is:
Being “of service.”Being “of service.”
Developing people.Developing people.
Being a good colleague—which absorbedBeing a good colleague—which absorbed
lots of my time.lots of my time.
Doing consistently superior (sky high)Doing consistently superior (sky high)
quality work.quality work.
Adding materially to the ideas base of theAdding materially to the ideas base of the
Firm.Firm.
Insuring the continuity of the firm—Insuring the continuity of the firm—
culturally and financially.culturally and financially.
Being a paragon of integrity and decency.Being a paragon of integrity and decency.
Leaving gracefully.Leaving gracefully.
My legacy (as a partner) is:My legacy (as a partner) is:
Being “of service.”Being “of service.”
Developing people.Developing people.
Being a good colleague—which absorbedBeing a good colleague—which absorbed
lots of my time.lots of my time.
Doing consistently superior (sky high)Doing consistently superior (sky high)
quality work.quality work.
Adding materially to the ideas base ofAdding materially to the ideas base of
the Firm.the Firm.
Insuring the continuity of the firm—Insuring the continuity of the firm—
culturally and financially.culturally and financially.
Being a paragon of integrity andBeing a paragon of integrity and
decency.decency.
Leaving gracefully.Leaving gracefully.
GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms
51.51. “Execution“Execution isis strategy.”strategy.”
(Thanks, Fred Malek.)(Thanks, Fred Malek.)
52. My word is my bond.52. My word is my bond.
53.53. Wow!Wow! (Why not? What else?)(Why not? What else?)
54.54. Excellence! PERIOD!Excellence! PERIOD! (Why(Why
not? (What else?)not? (What else?)
55.55. “Be the best. It’s the only“Be the best. It’s the only
market that’s not crowded.”market that’s not crowded.”
——George WhalinGeorge Whalin
““ExecutionExecution isis
strategy.”strategy.”
Wow!Wow!
Excellence! PERIOD!Excellence! PERIOD!
““Be the best. It’s theBe the best. It’s the
only market that’s notonly market that’s not
crowded.”crowded.”
13.513.5 PSF-ing IsPSF-ing Is
……
PSFPSF/Professional Service Firm/Beliefs/Professional Service Firm/Beliefs
PROFESSIONPROFESSION :: CALLING/PASSION TO MAKE ACALLING/PASSION TO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE/DIFFERENCE/
EXCELLENCE (ALWAYS)EXCELLENCE (ALWAYS)
POINT OF VIEWPOINT OF VIEW :: KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WEKNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE
STAND FOR/STAND FOR/
“DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE”“DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE”
CLIENTCLIENT:: ENDURING, TEST-THE-LIMITSENDURING, TEST-THE-LIMITS
RELATIONSHIP/“TRUSTED ADVISORRELATIONSHIP/“TRUSTED ADVISOR”
SOLUTIONSOLUTION :: ROCK HIS-HER WORLD/ “WOW”/ROCK HIS-HER WORLD/ “WOW”/
IMPLEMENTED “CULTUREIMPLEMENTED “CULTURE
CHANGE”/CHANGE”/
>>>>>> “SATISFACTION”>>>>>> “SATISFACTION”
Barebones specs.Barebones specs.
Our Mission
TO DEVELOP AND MANAGETO DEVELOP AND MANAGE
TALENT;TALENT;
TO APPLY THAT TALENT,TO APPLY THAT TALENT,
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,
FOR THE BENEFIT OF CLIENTS;FOR THE BENEFIT OF CLIENTS;
TO DO SO IN PARTNERSHIP;TO DO SO IN PARTNERSHIP;
TO DO SO WITH PROFIT.TO DO SO WITH PROFIT.
WPP
I am normally an arch enemy of missionI am normally an arch enemy of mission
statements. But I like this one. A lot.statements. But I like this one. A lot.
(WPP is one of the world’s largest(WPP is one of the world’s largest
marketing services PSFs.)marketing services PSFs.)
I like it because it puts talent first. II like it because it puts talent first. I
like it because it aims for profitability—like it because it aims for profitability—
there’s no other way to stay in business.there’s no other way to stay in business.
And I love it because it encompassesAnd I love it because it encompasses
the idea that …the idea that … profit isprofit is
derivativederivative … not the aim per se.… not the aim per se.
13.613.6 EveryEvery
Flavor!Flavor!
Photographer: Louise Roach
PSFs come in every flavor.PSFs come in every flavor. Wouldn’t youWouldn’t you
call a solo trucker in acall a solo trucker in a
magnificent self-designed vehiclemagnificent self-designed vehicle
like this one (who shows up onlike this one (who shows up on
time with a great attitude andtime with a great attitude and
does great work) a PSF of thedoes great work) a PSF of the
first order?first order?
I would and do.I would and do.
13.713.7 Universal Value Added:Universal Value Added:
TheThe WowWow
ProjectsProjects
SolutionSolution
(or bust)(or bust)
The Project50: Fifty WaysThe Project50: Fifty Ways
toto
Transform Every “Task”Transform Every “Task”
intointo
a Project That Matters!a Project That Matters!
This book was my third in the 1999This book was my third in the 1999
series,series, The Work MattersThe Work Matters. It accompanies. It accompanies
The Brand You 50The Brand You 50 andand The ProfessionalThe Professional
Service Firm 50Service Firm 50 . None of the three is a. None of the three is a
standalone—even though they can bestandalone—even though they can be
read as such.read as such.
We are a “PSF.”We are a “PSF.”
Our Players are “Brand Yous.”Our Players are “Brand Yous.”
Our activity/“product” is “WowOur activity/“product” is “Wow
Projects.Projects.
And the story line is “Not Optional.”And the story line is “Not Optional.”
The WOW Project 50The WOW Project 50
YOU/PSF =YOU/PSF =
WOW PROJECTWOW PROJECT
PORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO
The PSF is by definition (and alwaysThe PSF is by definition (and always
has been) a collection of projects. Nohas been) a collection of projects. No
more. No less.more. No less.
The …The … rockin’ rollin’ valuerockin’ rollin’ value
addin’ survivin’ PSFaddin’ survivin’ PSF is ais a
collection of …collection of …
WOWWOW ProjectsProjects !!
NO OPTION.NO OPTION.
Your Current Primary Project (Scale of 1-Your Current Primary Project (Scale of 1-
10)?10)?
1. Another day’s work/Pays1. Another day’s work/Pays
thethe
rent.rent.
4. Of value.4. Of value.
7. Pretty Damn7. Pretty Damn
Cool/DefinitelyCool/Definitely
subversive.subversive.
10.10. WE AIM TO CHANGE THEWE AIM TO CHANGE THE
WORLD.WORLD.
Innovation IndexInnovation Index :: How many ofHow many of
your “Top Five Projects” scoreyour “Top Five Projects” score
eight or higher (out of 10) on aeight or higher (out of 10) on a
“Weird” /“Profound”/“Weird” /“Profound”/
“WOW”/“Game-changer” Scale?“WOW”/“Game-changer” Scale?
WOW-ification IndexWOW-ification Index :: Move everyMove every
project (definition) that scores sixproject (definition) that scores six
or less two notches up on theor less two notches up on the
““WOW-ification Scale” within theWOW-ification Scale” within the
next two weeks. If your principalnext two weeks. If your principal
currentcurrent project scores six or less,project scores six or less,
bring it up one (or two!) notchesbring it up one (or two!) notches
by noon on Monday.*by noon on Monday.* (*This was from a(*This was from a
tweet written on a Sunday.)tweet written on a Sunday.)
Measure it.Measure it.
DAMN IT.DAMN IT.
13.813.8 PSF-ing as WorldPSF-ing as World
Beating: TheBeating: The
(ENORMOUS)(ENORMOUS)
(UBIQUITOUS)(UBIQUITOUS)
“Services Added”“Services Added”
OpportunityOpportunity
““Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce nownow
earnsearns MOREMORE
from tasks such asfrom tasks such as
managing clients’managing clients’
overall procurementoverall procurement
strategies andstrategies and
maintaining aerospacemaintaining aerospace
engines it sells than itengines it sells than it
does from making them.”does from making them.”
Aircraft engine maker-as-stellar-PSF:Aircraft engine maker-as-stellar-PSF:
Engines—to enginesEngines—to engines andand aircraft services.aircraft services.
Or, perhaps, aircraft services and, uh,Or, perhaps, aircraft services and, uh,
engines too?engines too?
(FYI: In my view, this, especially writ(FYI: In my view, this, especially writ
large, is pretty damned extraordinarylarge, is pretty damned extraordinary !!))
““You areYou are
headed forheaded for
commodity hellcommodity hell
if you don’tif you don’t
have services.”have services.”
—Lou Gerstner, when CEO, on IBM’s services—Lou Gerstner, when CEO, on IBM’s services
revolutionrevolution
IBIB MMtoto
II BBMM
In the 1990s, with its oldIn the 1990s, with its old
businesses in retreat, IBM began abusinesses in retreat, IBM began a
rapid & radical transformation fromrapid & radical transformation from
hardware to services.hardware to services.
““Never mindNever mind
computers and techcomputers and tech
services. IBM’sservices. IBM’s
radical new focus isradical new focus is
on revampingon revamping
customers’customers’
operations—andoperations—and
running them.”running them.”
—Headline/—Headline/BusinessWeekBusinessWeek
PlanetarPlanetaryy RainmakerRainmaker--inin--ChiefChief!!
““ [Former][Former] CEO Sam Palmisano’sCEO Sam Palmisano’s
strategy is to expandstrategy is to expand
tech’s borders by pushingtech’s borders by pushing
users—and entireusers—and entire
industries—industries—towardtoward
radicallradicallyy differentdifferent
businessbusiness modelsmodels.. The payoff forThe payoff for
IBM would be access to an ocean ofIBM would be access to an ocean of
revenue—Palmisano estimates it atrevenue—Palmisano estimates it at
$$500500 billionbillion aa yyearear —that—that
technology companies have nevertechnology companies have never
been able to touch.”been able to touch.” ——FortuneFortune
$50B*$50B*
**II BBMM Global Services/Global Services/
“Systems integrator of choice”“Systems integrator of choice”
IBM is the poster child of this “movement.” In theIBM is the poster child of this “movement.” In the
early ’90s, new CEO Lou Gerstner was ordered byearly ’90s, new CEO Lou Gerstner was ordered by
the board to break up the company. Beforethe board to break up the company. Before
complying, he made a round-the-world customercomplying, he made a round-the-world customer
tour. He discovered that his customers were not bytour. He discovered that his customers were not by
and large dissatisfied with IBM’sand large dissatisfied with IBM’s products—products— thetheyy
were uwere uppset that their vast arraset that their vast arra yy of IBMof IBM
pproducts had not been interoducts had not been inte ggrated in a warated in a wayy thatthat
allowed the client to achieveallowed the client to achieve ppromisedromised
enterenterpprise-wide gains in businessrise-wide gains in business
effectivenesseffectiveness..
Gerstner found a small extant consulting unit—andGerstner found a small extant consulting unit—and
recast it as IBM Global Services; its goal was to userecast it as IBM Global Services; its goal was to use
IBM’s manufactured tools to enable no less thanIBM’s manufactured tools to enable no less than
total enterprise transformation. In surprisingly shorttotal enterprise transformation. In surprisingly short
order, Global Services became the dog that wagsorder, Global Services became the dog that wags
the tail—athe tail—a $50 billion++$50 billion++ unit, essentially theunit, essentially the
world’s largest consultancy, that indeed assists re-world’s largest consultancy, that indeed assists re-
imagining/re-inventing/re-positioning their entireimagining/re-inventing/re-positioning their entire
firm!firm!
UU PPSS
toto
UPUP SS
What CanWhat Can
Brown DoBrown Do
for You?for You?
Source: ubiquitous UPS ad campaignSource: ubiquitous UPS ad campaign
UPS “PSFs”:UPS “PSFs”: ““ How can weHow can we
help your businesshelp your business
improve?”improve?” rather than,rather than,
“We’ll get your parcels from Point“We’ll get your parcels from Point
A to Point B with no muss andA to Point B with no muss and
fuss.”fuss.”
““It’s all aboutIt’s all about
solutionssolutions. We talk. We talk
with customers aboutwith customers about
how to run better,how to run better,
stronger, cheaper supplystronger, cheaper supply
chains. We have 1,000chains. We have 1,000
engineers who work withengineers who work with
customers …”customers …”
—Bob Stoffel, UPS senior exec—Bob Stoffel, UPS senior exec
““Big Brown’s New Bag: UPSBig Brown’s New Bag: UPS
Aims to Be the TrafficAims to Be the Traffic
Manager for CorporateManager for Corporate
America”America” —Headline/—Headline/BWBW
“UPS wants to take over the“UPS wants to take over the
sweet spot in the endlesssweet spot in the endless
loop of goods, informationloop of goods, information
and capital that all theand capital that all the
packagespackages [it moves][it moves] represent.”represent.” ——
ecompany.comecompany.com
““UPS used to be a truckingUPS used to be a trucking
company with technology.company with technology.
Now it’sNow it’s
a technoloa technologygy
comcomppananyy withwith
truckstrucks.”.” ——ForbesForbes
Growth driver flips: From packages (Growth driver flips: From packages ( “P”“P” ) to) to
integrated logistics/supply chain servicesintegrated logistics/supply chain services
(( “S”“S” ) including to be sure, some) including to be sure, some
non-trivial share of the time, physicalnon-trivial share of the time, physical
delivery.delivery.
UPS =UPS =
UUnitednited
PProblemroblem
SSolversolvers
Not attempted cleverness on my part.Not attempted cleverness on my part.
An official UPSAn official UPS
service mark.service mark.
Mega-PSF, anyone?Mega-PSF, anyone?
““THE GIANT STALKING BIGTHE GIANT STALKING BIG
OIL: HowOIL: How
SchlumberSchlumberggerer IsIs
Rewriting the Rules of theRewriting the Rules of the
Energy Game.”:Energy Game.”: “IPM“IPM
[Integrated Project[Integrated Project
Management] strays fromManagement] strays from
[Schlumberger’s] traditional[Schlumberger’s] traditional
role as a service provider androle as a service provider and
moves deeper into areas oncemoves deeper into areas once
dominated by the majors.”dominated by the majors.”
Source:Source: BusinessWeekBusinessWeek
IPM’s Chief:IPM’s Chief: “We’ll“We’ll
do just aboutdo just about
anything ananything an
oilfield owneroilfield owner
would want, fromwould want, from
drilling todrilling to
production.”production.”
A 2008 BusinessWeek cover story informed us that Schlumberger may well take over the world:
“THE GIANT STALKING BIG OIL: How Schlumberger Is Rewriting the Rules of the Energy Game.”
In short, Schlumberger knows how to create and run oilfields, anywhere, from drilling to fullscale
production to distribution. And the nugget is hardcore, relatively small, technically accomplished,
highly autonomous teams. As China and Russia, among others, make their move in energy, state
run companies are eclipsing the major independents. (China’s state oil company just surpassed
Exxon in market value.) At the center of it all, abetting these
new players who are edging out the Exxons and
BPs, the Kings of Large-scale, Long-term Project
Management wear Schlumberger overalls. At the center
of the center of the Schlumberger “empire” is a relatively newly configured outfit, reminiscent of
IBM’s Global Services and UPS’ integrated logistics’ experts and even Best Buy’s now ubiquitous
“Geek Squads.” The Schlumberger version of IBM Global
Services is simply called IPM, for Integrated
Project Management. It lives in a nondescript
building near Gatwick Airport, and its chief says
it will do “just about anything an oilfield owner
would want, from drilling to production.” That is, as
BusinessWeek put it, “[IPM] strays from [Schlumberger’s] traditional role as a service provider*
and moves deeper into areas once dominated by the majors.” (*My old pal was solo on remote
offshore platforms interpreting geophysical logs and the like.)
Oil-field services superstar SchlumbergerOil-field services superstar Schlumberger
goes the UPS/IBM/goes the UPS/IBM/ PSFPSF route—with aroute—with a
vengeance.vengeance.
It’ll manage the whole shebang.It’ll manage the whole shebang.
UTC/Otis + UTC/Carrier:UTC/Otis + UTC/Carrier:
boxes* toboxes* to
“integrated“integrated
buildingbuilding
systems”systems”
*elevators, air conditioners*elevators, air conditioners
Otis and Carrier—elevators and airOtis and Carrier—elevators and air
conditioning—go the same route.conditioning—go the same route.
(There is literally …(There is literally … NONO LIMITLIMIT
… to this phenomenon.)… to this phenomenon.)
I. LAN Installation Co. (3% local
market share)
II. Geek Squad. (30% local market share with name
change.)
III. Acquired by Best Buy.
IV. FLAGSHIP OF BEST BUYFLAGSHIP OF BEST BUY
WHOLESALE “SOLUTIONS”WHOLESALE “SOLUTIONS”
STRATEGY MAKEOVER.STRATEGY MAKEOVER.
The local (Greater Minneapolis) LANThe local (Greater Minneapolis) LAN
Installation Co. had a 3% market shareInstallation Co. had a 3% market share
in its area of business. Helped by thein its area of business. Helped by the
“experience marketing” gurus, Joe“experience marketing” gurus, Joe
Pine and Jim Gilmour, LAN changed itsPine and Jim Gilmour, LAN changed its
name to “The Geek Squad”—andname to “The Geek Squad”—and
watched market share soar to 30%. Itwatched market share soar to 30%. It
also began to do some work foralso began to do some work for
Minneapolis-based electronics retailerMinneapolis-based electronics retailer
Best Buy.Best Buy.
Eventually giant Best Buy bought theEventually giant Best Buy bought the
Geek Squad—and made the GS’sGeek Squad—and made the GS’s
“customer success”“customer success”
philosophy the epicenter of Best Buy’sphilosophy the epicenter of Best Buy’s
overall market positioning.overall market positioning.
IDEO’sIDEO’s
ProgressionProgression
Product DesignProduct Design toto
Product Design TrainingProduct Design Training toto
Corporate Innovation/Corporate Innovation/
CultureCulture
Training/ConsultingTraining/Consulting
PSFPSF becomesbecomes PSFPSF: IDEO is a lot smaller than: IDEO is a lot smaller than
IBM. But the progression has been about theIBM. But the progression has been about the
same—at the same time. Twenty years agosame—at the same time. Twenty years ago
IDEO sat atop or near the top of product designIDEO sat atop or near the top of product design
firms. Their issue was not a business problemfirms. Their issue was not a business problem
—but responding to continued requests by—but responding to continued requests by
clients to teach themclients to teach them “The IDEO“The IDEO
Way”Way” of design. IDEO did just that. But asof design. IDEO did just that. But as
their clients viewed IDEO’s string oftheir clients viewed IDEO’s string of
successes, they became interested in yet asuccesses, they became interested in yet a
higher order issue—IDEO’s approach tohigher order issue—IDEO’s approach to
innovating per se.innovating per se.
Next thing you knew, IDEO was “doing anNext thing you knew, IDEO was “doing an
IBM”—systemic work with giant enterprises onIBM”—systemic work with giant enterprises on
the overall process of innovation.the overall process of innovation.
Era #1/Obvious ValueEra #1/Obvious Value : “Our ‘it’: “Our ‘it’
works, is delivered on time”works, is delivered on time”
(“Close the sale”)(“Close the sale”)
Era #2/Augmented ValueEra #2/Augmented Value :: “How“How
our ‘it’ can add value—a ‘usefulour ‘it’ can add value—a ‘useful
it’ ” (“Solve”)it’ ” (“Solve”)
Era #3/Complex Value NetworksEra #3/Complex Value Networks ::
“How our ‘system’ can change“How our ‘system’ can change
you and deliveryou and deliver ‘BUSINESS‘BUSINESS
ADVANTAGE’ADVANTAGE’” (“Culture-” (“Culture-
Strategic change”)Strategic change”)
Source: Jeff Thull,Source: Jeff Thull, The Prime Solution: Close the ValueThe Prime Solution: Close the Value
Gap,Gap,
““The business of selling is not just aboutThe business of selling is not just about
matching viable solutions to the customers thatmatching viable solutions to the customers that
require them.require them. It’s equally aboutIt’s equally about
managing the changemanaging the change
process the customer willprocess the customer will
need to go through toneed to go through to
implement the solutionimplement the solution
and achieve the valueand achieve the value
promised by the solution.promised by the solution.
One of the key differentiators of our position inOne of the key differentiators of our position in
the market is our attention to managing changethe market is our attention to managing change
and making change stick in our customers’and making change stick in our customers’
organization.”organization.”
—Jeff Thull,—Jeff Thull, The Prime Solution: Close the Value Gap, Increase Margins, and Win the ComplexThe Prime Solution: Close the Value Gap, Increase Margins, and Win the Complex
SaleSale
WaaaaaaaaaaayWaaaaaaaaaaay ……
beyond the hard product—and evenbeyond the hard product—and even
the service.the service.
Selling success, repositioning, andSelling success, repositioning, and
assisting in implementing theassisting in implementing the
culture change necessary toculture change necessary to
support it and lock it in.support it and lock it in.
PSFs … ROCK & RULE.PSFs … ROCK & RULE.
Bottom Line/Bottom Line/
Conclusion:Conclusion:
CorporationCorporation
as Mega-as Mega-
PSFPSF
Are you (Ms. PurchasingAre you (Ms. Purchasing
Poobah) a …Poobah) a …
““PrinciPrincippalal
EnEnggineine ofof
(Enterprise)(Enterprise) ValueValue
Added”Added”
Big Idea:Big Idea:
“CORPORATION”“CORPORATION”
ASAS
MEGA-“PSFMEGA-“PSF
””
The “departments”/“overhead” canThe “departments”/“overhead” can
instead become the (principal)instead become the (principal)
generators of value added—generators of value added— the mostthe most
important profit drivers in theimportant profit drivers in the
organizationorganization..
In fact the corporation or division toIn fact the corporation or division to
some extent becomes a …some extent becomes a …
Collection ofCollection of
Seriously Cool PSFsSeriously Cool PSFs..
ThisThis
de facto is the UPS/IBM/Best Buy/de facto is the UPS/IBM/Best Buy/
Schlumberger strategy—seeSchlumberger strategy—see
immediately above.immediately above.

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THE WORKS Chapter 13 The "PSF"/Professional Service Firm "Model" As Exemplar/"Cure All"

  • 1. Tom Peters’Tom Peters’ EXCELLENCEEXCELLENCE !! ““THE WORKS”THE WORKS” A Half-Century’s Reflections/1966-2016A Half-Century’s Reflections/1966-2016 ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN:: The “PSF”/Professional ServiceThe “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model” As Exemplar/Firm “Model” As Exemplar/ ““Cure All”Cure All” 01 January 201601 January 2016 (10+ years of presentation slides at(10+ years of presentation slides at tompeters.comtompeters.com))
  • 2. Contents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCEContents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCE !! ChapterChapter ONEONE:: Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%”Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%” ChapterChapter TWOTWO:: EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?)EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?) ChapterChapter THREETHREE:: The “Strategy First” MythThe “Strategy First” Myth ChapterChapter FOURFOUR:: (REALLY) First Things Before First Things(REALLY) First Things Before First Things ChapterChapter FIVEFIVE:: 34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious ChapterChapter SIXSIX:: Putting People (REALLY!) FirstPutting People (REALLY!) First ChapterChapter SEVENSEVEN:: Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++ ChapterChapter EIGHTEIGHT:: People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016 ChapterChapter NINENINE:: Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best,Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best, It’s the Only Market That’s Not CrowdedIt’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded ChapterChapter TENTEN:: Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./ Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++ ChapterChapter ELEVENELEVEN:: Nine Value-added StrategiesNine Value-added Strategies ChapterChapter TWELVETWELVE:: Value Added/1Value Added/1STST Among Equals/DESIGNAmong Equals/DESIGN MINDEDNESSMINDEDNESS ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN:: The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model”The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model” as Exemplar/“Cure All”as Exemplar/“Cure All” ChapterChapter FOURTEENFOURTEEN:: You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’”You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’” ChapterChapter FIFTEENFIFTEEN:: Women Are Market #1 For Everything/Women Are Market #1 For Everything/ Women Are the Most Effective LeadersWomen Are the Most Effective Leaders ChapterChapter SIXTEENSIXTEEN:: Leadership/46 Scattershot TacticsLeadership/46 Scattershot Tactics ChapterChapter SEVENTEENSEVENTEEN:: Avoid Moderation!/PursueAvoid Moderation!/Pursue ““Insanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to NormalInsanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to Normal Appendix:Appendix: Library of Best QuotesLibrary of Best Quotes
  • 3. This—circa January 2016—is my best shot. It took 50 years to write!This—circa January 2016—is my best shot. It took 50 years to write! (From 1966, Vietnam, U.S. Navy ensign, combat engineer/Navy Seabees—(From 1966, Vietnam, U.S. Navy ensign, combat engineer/Navy Seabees— my 1st “management” job—to today, 2016.) It is …my 1st “management” job—to today, 2016.) It is … “THE WORKS.”“THE WORKS.” THETHE WORKS is presented in PowerPoint format—but it includes 50,000++WORKS is presented in PowerPoint format—but it includes 50,000++ words of annotation, the equivalent of a 250-page book.words of annotation, the equivalent of a 250-page book. The times are nutty—and getting nuttier at an exponential pace. I haveThe times are nutty—and getting nuttier at an exponential pace. I have taken into account as best I can (there really are no “experts”) thetaken into account as best I can (there really are no “experts”) the current context. But I have given equal attention to more or less eternalcurrent context. But I have given equal attention to more or less eternal (i.e., human) verities that will continue to drive organizational(i.e., human) verities that will continue to drive organizational performance and a quest for EXCELLENCE for the next several years—andperformance and a quest for EXCELLENCE for the next several years—and perhaps beyond. (Maybe this bifurcation results from my odd adult lifeperhaps beyond. (Maybe this bifurcation results from my odd adult life circumstances: 30 years in Silicon Valley, 20 years in Vermont.)circumstances: 30 years in Silicon Valley, 20 years in Vermont.) Enjoy.Enjoy. Steal.Steal. P-L-E-A-S-E try something, better yet several somethings.* ** *** ****P-L-E-A-S-E try something, better yet several somethings.* ** *** **** ********** *Make no mistake …*Make no mistake … THISTHIS ISIS AA 1717--CHAPTERCHAPTER BOOKBOOK … which happens to… which happens to be in PowerPoint format; I invite you to join me in this unfinished—half century to datebe in PowerPoint format; I invite you to join me in this unfinished—half century to date —journey.—journey. **My “Life Mantra #1”: WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins.**My “Life Mantra #1”: WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins. ***I am quite taken by N.N. Taleb’s term “antifragile” (it’s the title of his***I am quite taken by N.N. Taleb’s term “antifragile” (it’s the title of his most recent book). The point is not “resilience” in the face of change;most recent book). The point is not “resilience” in the face of change; that’s reactive. Instead the idea is proactive—literally “getting off ” on the madnessthat’s reactive. Instead the idea is proactive—literally “getting off ” on the madness per se; perhaps I somewhat anticipated this with my 1987 book,per se; perhaps I somewhat anticipated this with my 1987 book, Thriving on ChaosThriving on Chaos .. ****Re “new stuff,” this presentation has benefited immensely from Social Media—e.g.,****Re “new stuff,” this presentation has benefited immensely from Social Media—e.g., I have learned a great deal from my 125K+ twitter followers; that is, some fraction ofI have learned a great deal from my 125K+ twitter followers; that is, some fraction of this material is “crowdsourced.”this material is “crowdsourced.” ********** I am not interested in providing a “good presentation.” I amI am not interested in providing a “good presentation.” I am interested in spurring practical action. Otherwise, why waste your time—interested in spurring practical action. Otherwise, why waste your time— or mine?or mine?
  • 4. EpigraphsEpigraphs ““Business has to give people enriching, rewarding lives …Business has to give people enriching, rewarding lives … or it's simply not worth doing.”or it's simply not worth doing.” —Richard Branson—Richard Branson ““Your customers will never be any happierYour customers will never be any happier than your employees.”than your employees.” —John DiJulius—John DiJulius ““We have a strategic plan. It’s called ‘doing things.’ ”We have a strategic plan. It’s called ‘doing things.’ ” —Herb Kelleher—Herb Kelleher ““You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” —Wayne—Wayne GretzkyGretzky ““Ready. Fire. Aim.”Ready. Fire. Aim.” —Ross Perot—Ross Perot ““ExecutionExecution isis strategy.”strategy.” —Fred Malek—Fred Malek ““Avoid moderation.”Avoid moderation.” —Kevin Roberts—Kevin Roberts ““I’m not comfortable unless I’m uncomfortable.”I’m not comfortable unless I’m uncomfortable.” —Jay Chiat—Jay Chiat ““It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” ——John DiJulius on social mediaJohn DiJulius on social media ““Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones whichCourtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.”strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.” —Henry Clay—Henry Clay ““You know a design is cool when you want to lick it.”You know a design is cool when you want to lick it.” —Steve Jobs—Steve Jobs ““This will be the women’s century.”This will be the women’s century.” —Dilma Rousseff—Dilma Rousseff ““Be the best. It’s the only market that’s not crowded.”Be the best. It’s the only market that’s not crowded.” —George Whalin—George Whalin
  • 5. First Principles. Guiding Stars. Minimums.First Principles. Guiding Stars. Minimums. **EXECUTION! The “Last 99%.”EXECUTION! The “Last 99%.” GET IT (Whatever) DONE.GET IT (Whatever) DONE. **EXCELLENCE. Always. PERIOD.EXCELLENCE. Always. PERIOD. **People REALLY First! Moral Obligation #1.People REALLY First! Moral Obligation #1. **EXPONENTIAL Tech Tsunami.EXPONENTIAL Tech Tsunami. GET OFF ON CONTINUOUS UPHEAVALS!GET OFF ON CONTINUOUS UPHEAVALS! **Innovate or DIE!Innovate or DIE! WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins!WTTMSW/Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins! **Women Buy (EVERYTHING)!Women Buy (EVERYTHING)! Women Are the Best Leaders! Women RULE!Women Are the Best Leaders! Women RULE! **Oldies Have (All of) the Market Power!Oldies Have (All of) the Market Power! **DESIGN Matters! EVERYWHERE!DESIGN Matters! EVERYWHERE! **Maximize TGRs!/Things Gone RIGHT!Maximize TGRs!/Things Gone RIGHT! **SMEs, Age of/“Be the Best,SMEs, Age of/“Be the Best, It’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded”It’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded” **Moderation KILLS!Moderation KILLS!
  • 6. NEW WORLD ORDERNEW WORLD ORDER ??!! 0810/2011:0810/2011: Apple > ExxonApple > Exxon ** 0724/2015:0724/2015: Amazon > WalmartAmazon > Walmart **** *Market capitalization; Apple became*Market capitalization; Apple became #1#1 in the world.in the world. **Market capitalization; Walmart is a “Fortune**Market capitalization; Walmart is a “Fortune 11”” company—company— the biggest in the world by sales.the biggest in the world by sales.
  • 8. Contents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCEContents/“The Works”/1966-2016/EXCELLENCE !! ChapterChapter ONEONE: Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%”: Execution/The “All-Important Last 95%” ChapterChapter TWOTWO: EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?): EXCELLENCE (Or Why Bother at All?) ChapterChapter THREETHREE: The “Strategy First” Myth: The “Strategy First” Myth ChapterChapter FOURFOUR: (REALLY) First Things Before First Things: (REALLY) First Things Before First Things ChapterChapter FIVEFIVE: 34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious: 34 BFOs/Blinding Flashes of the Obvious ChapterChapter SIXSIX: Putting People (REALLY!) First: Putting People (REALLY!) First ChapterChapter SEVENSEVEN: Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++: Tech Tsunami/Software Is Eating the World++ ChapterChapter EIGHTEIGHT: People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016: People First/A Moral Imperative Circa 2016 ChapterChapter NINENINE: Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best,: Giants Stink/Age of SMEs/Be The Best, It’s the Only Market That’s Not CrowdedIt’s the Only Market That’s Not Crowded ChapterChapter TENTEN: Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./: Innovate Or Die/W.T.T.M.S.W./ Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++Whoever Tries The Most Stuff Wins++ ChapterChapter ELEVENELEVEN: Nine Value-added Strategies: Nine Value-added Strategies ChapterChapter TWELVETWELVE: Value Added/1: Value Added/1STST Among Equals/DESIGNAmong Equals/DESIGN MINDEDNESSMINDEDNESS ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN: The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model”: The “PSF”/Professional Service Firm “Model” as Exemplar/“Cure All”as Exemplar/“Cure All” ChapterChapter FOURTEENFOURTEEN: You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’”: You/Me/The “Age of ‘BRAND YOU’/‘Me Inc.’” ChapterChapter FIFTEENFIFTEEN: Women Are Market #1 For Everything/: Women Are Market #1 For Everything/ Women Are the Most Effective LeadersWomen Are the Most Effective Leaders ChapterChapter SIXTEENSIXTEEN: Leadership/46 Scattershot Tactics: Leadership/46 Scattershot Tactics ChapterChapter SEVENTEENSEVENTEEN: Avoid Moderation!/Pursue: Avoid Moderation!/Pursue ““Insanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to NormalInsanely Great”/Just Say “NO!” to Normal Appendix: Library of Best QuotesAppendix: Library of Best Quotes
  • 9. ChapterChapter THIRTEENTHIRTEEN TheThe “PSF”/Professiona“PSF”/Professiona l Service Firml Service Firm “Model” As“Model” As Exemplar/Exemplar/ ““Cure All”Cure All”
  • 10. It is the Age of Intellectual Capital. It is the Age of TemporaryIt is the Age of Intellectual Capital. It is the Age of Temporary Organizations. It is the Age of Projects. It is the Age of Partnering.Organizations. It is the Age of Projects. It is the Age of Partnering. We must pioneer our way forward.We must pioneer our way forward. Or must we?Or must we? There is a model—a more or less one-to-one model. Namely the …There is a model—a more or less one-to-one model. Namely the … PSF/PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FIRM.PSF/PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FIRM. Intellectual capital.Intellectual capital. Permanent impermanence.Permanent impermanence. Projects, projects, more projects.Projects, projects, more projects. Partnerships with one and all.Partnerships with one and all. I made my bones working for one of the best of breed: McKinsey & Co. (MyI made my bones working for one of the best of breed: McKinsey & Co. (My McKinsey work, 1974-1981, was the wellspring ofMcKinsey work, 1974-1981, was the wellspring of In Search of ExcellenceIn Search of Excellence .).) The similarity between the nature of our work and today’s “brave newThe similarity between the nature of our work and today’s “brave new world” is “striking”—i.e., more or less “ditto.”world” is “striking”—i.e., more or less “ditto.” Hence I have long thought—and think more and more so with every passingHence I have long thought—and think more and more so with every passing day—that the “PSF Model” has widespread applicability.day—that the “PSF Model” has widespread applicability. In fact it is more or less my greatest professional sadness that more folksIn fact it is more or less my greatest professional sadness that more folks didn’t take to this notion—I’ve tried my damnedest since 1990—before itdidn’t take to this notion—I’ve tried my damnedest since 1990—before it was professionally too late.was professionally too late. Well, to a significant degree, there’s still time. The relevance is growing,Well, to a significant degree, there’s still time. The relevance is growing, not shriveling.not shriveling. All yours …All yours …
  • 13. HRMAC/Human Resources ManagementHRMAC/Human Resources Management Association of Chicago. A seminar forAssociation of Chicago. A seminar for that organization, almost 20 years ago,that organization, almost 20 years ago, cemented some thinking that had beencemented some thinking that had been percolating even then for years andpercolating even then for years and years …years …
  • 14. “ ‘“ ‘Disintermediation’ is overrated.Disintermediation’ is overrated. ThoseThose who fear disintermediation-who fear disintermediation- outsourcing should in fact be afraid ofoutsourcing should in fact be afraid of irrelevance; ‘outsourcing’ is justirrelevance; ‘outsourcing’ is just another way of saying that …another way of saying that … you’ve become irrelevant to your [internal] customers.”
  • 15. This is a cruel truth.This is a cruel truth. One (One (ifif one is smart) does notone is smart) does not “outsource” to save a few bucks.“outsource” to save a few bucks. Outsourcing (and falling victim to AI)Outsourcing (and falling victim to AI) to a frightening degree is a response toto a frightening degree is a response to extant “departments” that, simply, addextant “departments” that, simply, add damn little value to their enterprisedamn little value to their enterprise customers.customers.
  • 16. ““A bureaucratA bureaucrat is an expensiveis an expensive microchip.”microchip.” ——Dan Sullivan, consultant and executive coachDan Sullivan, consultant and executive coach
  • 18. Sarah:Sarah: “ Mom, what“ Mom, what do you do?”do you do?”
  • 19. Sarah:Sarah: “ Mom, what do you do?” MomMom :: ““I’m ‘overhead’—the ‘bureaucrat’ who runs the ‘cost center’ called ‘Human Resources.”
  • 20. Yup, hard-working Mom is referred toYup, hard-working Mom is referred to as aas a “cost center”“cost center” oror “overhead”“overhead” … or… or worse.worse. She is, thence, a CDC/Certified Drag onShe is, thence, a CDC/Certified Drag on the Corporationthe Corporation andand corporate earningscorporate earnings —and seen as an unmitigated Disciple—and seen as an unmitigated Disciple of the Devil by many of her customers.of the Devil by many of her customers. What the hell, let’s outsource her. AtWhat the hell, let’s outsource her. At least the “cost center” will cost a littleleast the “cost center” will cost a little less.less.
  • 21. Sarah:Sarah: “ Mom, what“ Mom, what do you do?”do you do?”
  • 22. Mom:Mom: “Sarah, my human resources“Sarah, my human resources team and I are the ‘Rock Stars ofteam and I are the ‘Rock Stars of the Age of Talent.’ We partner withthe Age of Talent.’ We partner with our internal customers and driveour internal customers and drive our division’s strategic success.our division’s strategic success. We refused the limiting role of ‘HRWe refused the limiting role of ‘HR cops’—and ‘went strategic.’ Hey,cops’—and ‘went strategic.’ Hey, our reputation is so good that weour reputation is so good that we even do some consulting to theeven do some consulting to the company’s key external customerscompany’s key external customers —we’ve become part of the overall—we’ve become part of the overall sales pitch.”sales pitch.”
  • 23. But mom and her group—But mom and her group— properlyproperly conceivedconceived —ought to be, in an—ought to be, in an Age of Intellectual Capital, a primaryAge of Intellectual Capital, a primary engine of enterprise value added.engine of enterprise value added.
  • 24. Department Head/“Cost center”/ “Overhead” to … MANAGINMANAGINGG PARTNERPARTNER,, HRHR (IS, R&D, etc.) INCINC ..
  • 26. Mom and her group (properlyMom and her group (properly conceived) ought to be a full-blownconceived) ought to be a full-blown Professional Services Firm—noProfessional Services Firm—no different from a McKinsey or Deloitte &different from a McKinsey or Deloitte & Touche or IDEO.Touche or IDEO. And mom herself should be “MD” ofAnd mom herself should be “MD” of that …that … profit-generating,profit-generating, client-WOWing,client-WOWing, intellectual-capitalintellectual-capital accumulatingaccumulating … “PSF.”… “PSF.”
  • 27. The Professional Service Firm50: Fifty Ways toThe Professional Service Firm50: Fifty Ways to Transform Your “Department” into a ProfessionalTransform Your “Department” into a Professional Service Firm Whose Trademarks Are Passion andService Firm Whose Trademarks Are Passion and Innovation!Innovation!
  • 28. I don’t mean to denigrate the employees of anyI don’t mean to denigrate the employees of any given “department,” but from my experience ingiven “department,” but from my experience in and with many of the best “real” “PSFs,” theand with many of the best “real” “PSFs,” the real deal’s approach to doing business isreal deal’s approach to doing business is (monumentally) different than that of the(monumentally) different than that of the average department.average department. I have laid out some of the typical “real” PSFI have laid out some of the typical “real” PSF beliefs—and indeed I wrote a whole book onbeliefs—and indeed I wrote a whole book on the topic in 1999.the topic in 1999. (I must say—and I repeat myself—that(I must say—and I repeat myself—that it is one of the most profoundit is one of the most profound disappointments of my professionaldisappointments of my professional career. The book sold very well —career. The book sold very well — BUTBUT THE NUMBER OF “DEPARTMENTS”THE NUMBER OF “DEPARTMENTS” THAT MADE/TRIED TO MAKE THETHAT MADE/TRIED TO MAKE THE TRANSITION TO “PSF” HAS BEENTRANSITION TO “PSF” HAS BEEN ASTONISHINGLY SMALLASTONISHINGLY SMALL — which, alas,— which, alas,
  • 29. 13.213.2 Case inCase in PSF-ing:PSF-ing: HypotheticalHypothetical and Realand Real
  • 30. HCare CIO: “Technology Executive” (workin’ in a hospital) Or/to: Full-scale, Accountable (life or death) Member-Partner of XYZ Hospital’s Senior Healing- Services Team (who
  • 31. The CIO of the hospital is transformedThe CIO of the hospital is transformed from “the bloody IT guy determined tofrom “the bloody IT guy determined to complicate life” into a …complicate life” into a … MasterMaster Life SaverLife Saver … fully equivalent… fully equivalent to her or his surgeon compatriots.to her or his surgeon compatriots.
  • 32. Fleet ManagerFleet Manager Rolling Stock CostRolling Stock Cost Minimization OfficerOfficer vs/orvs/or Chief of Fleet LifetimeChief of Fleet Lifetime ValueValue Maximization Strategic Supply-chain ExecutiveSupply-chain Executive CustomerCustomer Experience DirectorDirector (via drivers, etc.)(via drivers, etc.)
  • 33. ““Purchasing Officer” Thrust #1:Purchasing Officer” Thrust #1: Cost (at All Costs) Minimization Professional ?? Or/to:Or/to: Full Partner- Leader in Lifetime Value-added Maximization ??
  • 34. So, too, the fleet manager at aSo, too, the fleet manager at a manufacturing facility and “themanufacturing facility and “the purchasing guy”—from “costpurchasing guy”—from “cost minimization” (not all bad) to “valueminimization” (not all bad) to “value maximization.”maximization.” A …A … WHOPPINGWHOPPING …… transformation!transformation!
  • 35. Was Is Credit Dept Financial Services Hammer on dealers Make dealers until they pay. successful so they CAN pay. AR sold to 3rd party Trek is the commercial financial commercial co. Company 23 employees 12 employees Oversee peak AR of $70M Oversee peak AR of $160M Identify risky dealers Identify opportunities Cost Center Profit Center No products Products: Consulting, MC/Visa, Stored value of gift cards, Gift card peripherals, etc., etc. …
  • 36. Trek, the stellar bike folks, performedTrek, the stellar bike folks, performed a “total makeover” on their “credita “total makeover” on their “credit department”—creating no less than adepartment”—creating no less than a strategic …strategic … ““center for customer success.”*center for customer success.”* (*(*PSFPSF.).)
  • 38. Are you (Ms. PurchasingAre you (Ms. Purchasing Poobah) a …Poobah) a … ““PrinciPrincippalal EnEnggineine ofof (Enterprise)(Enterprise) ValueValue Added”Added”
  • 40. The “departments”/“overhead” canThe “departments”/“overhead” can instead become the (principal)instead become the (principal) generators of value added—generators of value added— the mostthe most important profit drivers in theimportant profit drivers in the organizationorganization.. In fact the corporation or division toIn fact the corporation or division to some extent becomes a …some extent becomes a … Collection ofCollection of SeriouslSeriouslyy Cool PSFsCool PSFs.. ThisThis de facto is the UPS/Best Buy/IBM/de facto is the UPS/Best Buy/IBM/ Schlumberger strategy.Schlumberger strategy.
  • 41. Iron Innovation Equality Law:Iron Innovation Equality Law: The Quality and QuantityThe Quality and Quantity and Imaginativenessand Imaginativeness of Innovation (and “R &of Innovation (and “R & D” per se) …D” per se) … shall be theshall be the same in all functionssame in all functions —e.g.,—e.g., in HR and purchasing as much as inin HR and purchasing as much as in marketing or product development.*marketing or product development.*
  • 42. EverEvery “PSF”y “PSF” mustmust havehave aa formal &formal & formidableformidable R&D budget.R&D budget. PERIODPERIOD..
  • 43. ““No brainer”: If our collective “PSFs” areNo brainer”: If our collective “PSFs” are our primary engine of intellectualour primary engine of intellectual capital accumulation:capital accumulation: Then theThen the “innovation game” must“innovation game” must played equally fiercely inplayed equally fiercely in every corner of theevery corner of the organization. In particular, inorganization. In particular, in an Age of Intellectual Capital,an Age of Intellectual Capital, said capital at it’s mostsaid capital at it’s most imaginative must be exhibitedimaginative must be exhibited …… EVERYWHEREEVERYWHERE …… ININ EQUALEQUAL MEASUREMEASURE..
  • 45. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms In the process of working with several hundredIn the process of working with several hundred partners at a professional services firm (legalpartners at a professional services firm (legal services), I began noodling about my ideal versionservices), I began noodling about my ideal version thereof. It’s a topic I’ve been intensely interestedthereof. It’s a topic I’ve been intensely interested in for years—in for years—I see the “PSF” as aI see the “PSF” as a ggeneric model foreneric model for addinaddingg valuevalue ((and savingand saving jobs)jobs) in an era dominatedin an era dominated and defined by intellectual capitaland defined by intellectual capital . What follows is. What follows is an “ideal,” but, on the other hand, I think it is alsoan “ideal,” but, on the other hand, I think it is also an operational aspiration. Indeed, I thinkan operational aspiration. Indeed, I think operationalizing an aspiration like this isoperationalizing an aspiration like this is imperative for many firms and bits of firms—size 1imperative for many firms and bits of firms—size 1 to 10,001. (And, another hobbyhorse of mine, Ito 10,001. (And, another hobbyhorse of mine, I “insist” that every internal corporate “department”“insist” that every internal corporate “department” embrace some version of this professional-embrace some version of this professional- services-for-profit model—do so or prepare,services-for-profit model—do so or prepare, inevitably, to be outsourced or to fall victim to theinevitably, to be outsourced or to fall victim to the AI Tsunami.AI Tsunami. In fact, this entire list de factoIn fact, this entire list de facto emempphasizes the “liberal arts”hasizes the “liberal arts” ——value-addvalue-add attributes that are virtuallattributes that are virtuall yy un-coun-copypyable bable byy outsourced units or AI/software.)
  • 46. In fact, this entireIn fact, this entire list de factolist de facto emphasizes theemphasizes the “liberal arts”—“liberal arts”— value-addvalue-add attributes that areattributes that are virtuallyvirtually un-copyable byun-copyable by outsourced units oroutsourced units or AI/software.AI/software.
  • 47. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 1. Stunning commitment to integrity.1. Stunning commitment to integrity. 2. Counselors/trusted advisors first.2. Counselors/trusted advisors first. (AI(AI and outsourcing cannot match this!)and outsourcing cannot match this!) 3. We are3. We are not not not notnot not not not in a commodityin a commodity business. (If it is a “commodity business,”business. (If it is a “commodity business,” then I, Tom Peters, am a commodity. No!then I, Tom Peters, am a commodity. No! No!! No!!!)No!! No!!!) 4. Stellar4. Stellar listenerslisteners—to our Clients.—to our Clients. 5. Stellar5. Stellar listenerslisteners—to our fellow partners.—to our fellow partners. 6. Stellar6. Stellar listenerslisteners—to our most junior—to our most junior associates. (!!!!!)associates. (!!!!!) 7. Stellar7. Stellar listenerslisteners—to every member of—to every member of staff.staff. 8. Insatiable8. Insatiable curiositycuriosity marks 100% of us.marks 100% of us. 9. We live to serve/9. We live to serve/ ExtremeExtreme service ethic.service ethic. 10. Our leaders are servant leaders. (Every10. Our leaders are servant leaders. (Every
  • 48. StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to our—to our Clients.Clients. StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to our—to our fellow partners.fellow partners. StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to our—to our most junior associates.most junior associates. StellarStellar LISTENERSLISTENERS—to—to every member of staff.every member of staff.
  • 49. We are …We are … NOTNOT NOTNOT NOTNOT NOTNOT … in a commodity… in a commodity business!business! (If professional service = commodity.(If professional service = commodity. Ergo: TP/Me = commodity.)Ergo: TP/Me = commodity.)
  • 50. This item did not come out of the blue.This item did not come out of the blue. For example, the giant law servicesFor example, the giant law services firm that triggered this list engaged mefirm that triggered this list engaged me precisely because they are observing aprecisely because they are observing a huge share of law services becominghuge share of law services becoming commoditized.commoditized.
  • 51. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 11. Deeply ingrained sense of fairness.11. Deeply ingrained sense of fairness. 12. Hustlers—but thoughtful to a fault!12. Hustlers—but thoughtful to a fault! (Excise rude bastards.)(Excise rude bastards.) 13. “Service ethic” means service to one13. “Service ethic” means service to one another as much as service to clients.another as much as service to clients. 14. Drop everything to assist a colleague14. Drop everything to assist a colleague in need—central to our overall ethos.in need—central to our overall ethos. 15.15. A compensation scheme thatA compensation scheme that unmistakably and visibly and dramaticallyunmistakably and visibly and dramatically rewards partnerrewards partner co-operation in developing and servingco-operation in developing and serving and retaining clients.and retaining clients.
  • 52. ““Service ethic”Service ethic” meansmeans serviceservice toto oneone anotheranother asas much as servicemuch as service to clients.to clients.
  • 53. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 16. Toss “lousy colleagues” (bad16. Toss “lousy colleagues” (bad teammates) out on their derrieres (asses).teammates) out on their derrieres (asses). We will not tolerate less than class-AWe will not tolerate less than class-A supportiveness; we will toss out topsupportiveness; we will toss out top “rainmakers” who do not subscribe to our“rainmakers” who do not subscribe to our abiding teamwork ethic.abiding teamwork ethic. 17. Intellectual point of view that is17. Intellectual point of view that is Distinct/Exciting.Distinct/Exciting. 18. We listen intently, but we also push18. We listen intently, but we also push our clients to explore significantly newour clients to explore significantly new approaches to doing business.approaches to doing business. 19. We insist, as best we can, that every19. We insist, as best we can, that every client consider and test discontinuousclient consider and test discontinuous change.change.
  • 54. GREAT Professional ServiceGREAT Professional Service FirmsFirms 20. We understand that implementing our20. We understand that implementing our advice may require “culture change” inadvice may require “culture change” in the client’s operation. We will not duckthe client’s operation. We will not duck this topic—we will embrace it and willthis topic—we will embrace it and will leave a practical framework-processleave a practical framework-process behind to help the client comprehend/behind to help the client comprehend/ execute such excruciatingly difficultexecute such excruciatingly difficult change.change. 21. We will stretch our clients to the21. We will stretch our clients to the limits—but not suggest actions that arelimits—but not suggest actions that are beyond the reach of implementation in thebeyond the reach of implementation in the mid-term future. (“Never give an ordermid-term future. (“Never give an order that cannot be obeyed.”that cannot be obeyed.” ——Douglas MacArthur.)Douglas MacArthur.) 22. We will intimately assist the client in22. We will intimately assist the client in achieving near-term “small wins” thatachieving near-term “small wins” that
  • 55. We understand thatWe understand that implementing our adviceimplementing our advice may require “culturemay require “culture change” in the client’schange” in the client’s operation. We will not duckoperation. We will not duck this topic. We will embracethis topic. We will embrace it (as a principal attributeit (as a principal attribute of value added) and leaveof value added) and leave behind a practicalbehind a practical framework-process to helpframework-process to help the client execute suchthe client execute such excruciatingly difficultexcruciatingly difficult change.change.
  • 56. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 23. Every partner must have a point of23. Every partner must have a point of view of note—and a point of view that isview of note—and a point of view that is recognized far beyond our firm’s borders.recognized far beyond our firm’s borders. 24. The definition of the24. The definition of the veryvery best partnersbest partners is that they are “insanely great” (thanks,is that they are “insanely great” (thanks, Steve Jobs) mentors!Steve Jobs) mentors! 25. Equal compensation/recognition to top25. Equal compensation/recognition to top “rainmakers,” “intellectuals,” and “magical“rainmakers,” “intellectuals,” and “magical mentors.”mentors.” 26. We are all “rainmakers”—responsible26. We are all “rainmakers”—responsible for making it clear to the client that he-for making it clear to the client that he- she made a great decision in associatingshe made a great decision in associating with us.with us. 27. Invest heavily in ideas—this means27. Invest heavily in ideas—this means significant time and $$$$$$$. (Consider itsignificant time and $$$$$$$. (Consider it “R&D”—it is!)“R&D”—it is!)
  • 57. EqualEqual compensation/compensation/ recognition to toprecognition to top “rainmakers,”“rainmakers,” “intellectuals,” and“intellectuals,” and “magical mentors.”“magical mentors.”
  • 58. Invest heavily inInvest heavily in ideas—this meansideas—this means significant timesignificant time and $$$$$$$.and $$$$$$$. (Consider it(Consider it “R&D”—it is!)“R&D”—it is!)
  • 59. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 28. Invest heavily in training and28. Invest heavily in training and retraining. (Our training will featureretraining. (Our training will feature working with clients to implement ourworking with clients to implement our ideas, the managerial aspect of directingideas, the managerial aspect of directing client engagements, the theory and artclient engagements, the theory and art and practice of leadership, listening andand practice of leadership, listening and presenting, and understanding thepresenting, and understanding the “business principals” that are essential to“business principals” that are essential to our economic survival.)our economic survival.) 29. Technology pioneers/fanatics.29. Technology pioneers/fanatics. 30. A decent/high-ish share of oddballs/30. A decent/high-ish share of oddballs/ disturbers-of-the-peace. (Often irritatingdisturbers-of-the-peace. (Often irritating people; get over it.)people; get over it.) 31. Relatively high turnover and very high31. Relatively high turnover and very high diversity (background, gender, etc.) in topdiversity (background, gender, etc.) in top leadership posts and committees.leadership posts and committees.
  • 60. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 32. Quality >> Quantity. (Big is fine as a32. Quality >> Quantity. (Big is fine as a byproduct of Great Work. “Big for big’sbyproduct of Great Work. “Big for big’s sake” is un-fine; scale economies aresake” is un-fine; scale economies are wildly over-rated.)wildly over-rated.) 33. Significant portfolio of “interesting”33. Significant portfolio of “interesting” clients—uneconomic engagements ifclients—uneconomic engagements if necessary. (I.e. clients that lead us-dragnecessary. (I.e. clients that lead us-drag us into new pastures.)us into new pastures.) 34. A clear understanding that the “middle34. A clear understanding that the “middle market” is often the key to success andmarket” is often the key to success and vitality—we will not be conned by somevitality—we will not be conned by some specious/ego-centric need to bespecious/ego-centric need to be associated with the likes of the “Fortuneassociated with the likes of the “Fortune 100.”100.” 35. Willingness to dump bad-demotivating-35. Willingness to dump bad-demotivating- enervating clients (even big ones).enervating clients (even big ones). 36. Understand that we are running a for-36. Understand that we are running a for-
  • 61. Significant portfolioSignificant portfolio of “interesting”of “interesting” clients—uneconomicclients—uneconomic engagements ifengagements if necessary. (I.e.necessary. (I.e. clients that lead us-clients that lead us- drag us into newdrag us into new pastures.)pastures.)
  • 62. ““Big for big’sBig for big’s sake” is un-fine;sake” is un-fine; scale economiesscale economies areare wildly over-rated.wildly over-rated.
  • 63. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 37. In love with our work! (Expunge those37. In love with our work! (Expunge those who are not in love with their work—dumpwho are not in love with their work—dump the burnouts.)the burnouts.) 38. Sense of fun. (Yes, damn it.) (Make it a38. Sense of fun. (Yes, damn it.) (Make it a fun place to work—David Ogilvy.)fun place to work—David Ogilvy.) 39. Professional to a fault (we love the39. Professional to a fault (we love the word “professional”) … but not pompous.word “professional”) … but not pompous. 40. “d”iversity—diversity of every flavor40. “d”iversity—diversity of every flavor one can imagine. (This is huge and oftenone can imagine. (This is huge and often honored in the breech.)honored in the breech.) 41. Notable-visible respect for the ideas of41. Notable-visible respect for the ideas of young associates. (!!!!!!)young associates. (!!!!!!) 42. Practice-as-teamwork. (Teammate-ism42. Practice-as-teamwork. (Teammate-ism rewarded, lack thereof punished withrewarded, lack thereof punished with semi-haste and extreme prejudice.)semi-haste and extreme prejudice.)
  • 64. InIn lovelove withwith our work.our work. Sense ofSense of funfun.. Practice-as-Practice-as- teamworkteamwork..
  • 65. Practice-as-Practice-as- teamwork.teamwork. (Teammate-ism(Teammate-ism rewarded, lackrewarded, lack thereof punishedthereof punished withwith semi-haste andsemi-haste and extreme prejudice.)extreme prejudice.)
  • 66. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 43. Deep bench. “Supporting cast,” notably43. Deep bench. “Supporting cast,” notably starting with receptionist, must be ofstarting with receptionist, must be of same quality as partners—there are no “bitsame quality as partners—there are no “bit players” in our business.players” in our business. 44. Age gracefully gives way to youth—44. Age gracefully gives way to youth— regeneration a deep-seated guiding belief.regeneration a deep-seated guiding belief. 45. Youth gracefully gives way to age—our45. Youth gracefully gives way to age—our most effective elders have much to teachmost effective elders have much to teach us when, especially, it comes to clientus when, especially, it comes to client retention.retention. 46. Hard work expected and cherished—46. Hard work expected and cherished— workaholism for workaholism’s sakeworkaholism for workaholism’s sake assiduously guarded against.assiduously guarded against. 47. Proud of our culture, guard our culture47. Proud of our culture, guard our culture zealously—but even “great cultures” age.zealously—but even “great cultures” age. (And at the least become horribly(And at the least become horribly
  • 67. Proud of ourProud of our culture, guard ourculture, guard our culture zealously—culture zealously— but even “greatbut even “great cultures” age orcultures” age or evaporate.evaporate. (And at(And at the least becomethe least become horriblyhorribly elaborated.)elaborated.)
  • 68. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 49. Sky-high time investment in our49. Sky-high time investment in our evaluation process.evaluation process. 50. My legacy (as a partner) is:50. My legacy (as a partner) is: Being “of service.”Being “of service.” Developing people.Developing people. Being a good colleague—which absorbedBeing a good colleague—which absorbed lots of my time.lots of my time. Doing consistently superior (sky high)Doing consistently superior (sky high) quality work.quality work. Adding materially to the ideas base of theAdding materially to the ideas base of the Firm.Firm. Insuring the continuity of the firm—Insuring the continuity of the firm— culturally and financially.culturally and financially. Being a paragon of integrity and decency.Being a paragon of integrity and decency. Leaving gracefully.Leaving gracefully.
  • 69. My legacy (as a partner) is:My legacy (as a partner) is: Being “of service.”Being “of service.” Developing people.Developing people. Being a good colleague—which absorbedBeing a good colleague—which absorbed lots of my time.lots of my time. Doing consistently superior (sky high)Doing consistently superior (sky high) quality work.quality work. Adding materially to the ideas base ofAdding materially to the ideas base of the Firm.the Firm. Insuring the continuity of the firm—Insuring the continuity of the firm— culturally and financially.culturally and financially. Being a paragon of integrity andBeing a paragon of integrity and decency.decency. Leaving gracefully.Leaving gracefully.
  • 70. GREAT Professional Service FirmsGREAT Professional Service Firms 51.51. “Execution“Execution isis strategy.”strategy.” (Thanks, Fred Malek.)(Thanks, Fred Malek.) 52. My word is my bond.52. My word is my bond. 53.53. Wow!Wow! (Why not? What else?)(Why not? What else?) 54.54. Excellence! PERIOD!Excellence! PERIOD! (Why(Why not? (What else?)not? (What else?) 55.55. “Be the best. It’s the only“Be the best. It’s the only market that’s not crowded.”market that’s not crowded.” ——George WhalinGeorge Whalin
  • 71. ““ExecutionExecution isis strategy.”strategy.” Wow!Wow! Excellence! PERIOD!Excellence! PERIOD! ““Be the best. It’s theBe the best. It’s the only market that’s notonly market that’s not crowded.”crowded.”
  • 73. PSFPSF/Professional Service Firm/Beliefs/Professional Service Firm/Beliefs PROFESSIONPROFESSION :: CALLING/PASSION TO MAKE ACALLING/PASSION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE/DIFFERENCE/ EXCELLENCE (ALWAYS)EXCELLENCE (ALWAYS) POINT OF VIEWPOINT OF VIEW :: KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WEKNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE STAND FOR/STAND FOR/ “DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE”“DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE” CLIENTCLIENT:: ENDURING, TEST-THE-LIMITSENDURING, TEST-THE-LIMITS RELATIONSHIP/“TRUSTED ADVISORRELATIONSHIP/“TRUSTED ADVISOR” SOLUTIONSOLUTION :: ROCK HIS-HER WORLD/ “WOW”/ROCK HIS-HER WORLD/ “WOW”/ IMPLEMENTED “CULTUREIMPLEMENTED “CULTURE CHANGE”/CHANGE”/ >>>>>> “SATISFACTION”>>>>>> “SATISFACTION”
  • 75. Our Mission TO DEVELOP AND MANAGETO DEVELOP AND MANAGE TALENT;TALENT; TO APPLY THAT TALENT,TO APPLY THAT TALENT, THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, FOR THE BENEFIT OF CLIENTS;FOR THE BENEFIT OF CLIENTS; TO DO SO IN PARTNERSHIP;TO DO SO IN PARTNERSHIP; TO DO SO WITH PROFIT.TO DO SO WITH PROFIT. WPP
  • 76. I am normally an arch enemy of missionI am normally an arch enemy of mission statements. But I like this one. A lot.statements. But I like this one. A lot. (WPP is one of the world’s largest(WPP is one of the world’s largest marketing services PSFs.)marketing services PSFs.) I like it because it puts talent first. II like it because it puts talent first. I like it because it aims for profitability—like it because it aims for profitability— there’s no other way to stay in business.there’s no other way to stay in business. And I love it because it encompassesAnd I love it because it encompasses the idea that …the idea that … profit isprofit is derivativederivative … not the aim per se.… not the aim per se.
  • 79. PSFs come in every flavor.PSFs come in every flavor. Wouldn’t youWouldn’t you call a solo trucker in acall a solo trucker in a magnificent self-designed vehiclemagnificent self-designed vehicle like this one (who shows up onlike this one (who shows up on time with a great attitude andtime with a great attitude and does great work) a PSF of thedoes great work) a PSF of the first order?first order? I would and do.I would and do.
  • 80. 13.713.7 Universal Value Added:Universal Value Added: TheThe WowWow ProjectsProjects SolutionSolution (or bust)(or bust)
  • 81. The Project50: Fifty WaysThe Project50: Fifty Ways toto Transform Every “Task”Transform Every “Task” intointo a Project That Matters!a Project That Matters!
  • 82. This book was my third in the 1999This book was my third in the 1999 series,series, The Work MattersThe Work Matters. It accompanies. It accompanies The Brand You 50The Brand You 50 andand The ProfessionalThe Professional Service Firm 50Service Firm 50 . None of the three is a. None of the three is a standalone—even though they can bestandalone—even though they can be read as such.read as such. We are a “PSF.”We are a “PSF.” Our Players are “Brand Yous.”Our Players are “Brand Yous.” Our activity/“product” is “WowOur activity/“product” is “Wow Projects.Projects. And the story line is “Not Optional.”And the story line is “Not Optional.”
  • 83. The WOW Project 50The WOW Project 50 YOU/PSF =YOU/PSF = WOW PROJECTWOW PROJECT PORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO
  • 84. The PSF is by definition (and alwaysThe PSF is by definition (and always has been) a collection of projects. Nohas been) a collection of projects. No more. No less.more. No less. The …The … rockin’ rollin’ valuerockin’ rollin’ value addin’ survivin’ PSFaddin’ survivin’ PSF is ais a collection of …collection of … WOWWOW ProjectsProjects !! NO OPTION.NO OPTION.
  • 85. Your Current Primary Project (Scale of 1-Your Current Primary Project (Scale of 1- 10)?10)? 1. Another day’s work/Pays1. Another day’s work/Pays thethe rent.rent. 4. Of value.4. Of value. 7. Pretty Damn7. Pretty Damn Cool/DefinitelyCool/Definitely subversive.subversive. 10.10. WE AIM TO CHANGE THEWE AIM TO CHANGE THE WORLD.WORLD.
  • 86. Innovation IndexInnovation Index :: How many ofHow many of your “Top Five Projects” scoreyour “Top Five Projects” score eight or higher (out of 10) on aeight or higher (out of 10) on a “Weird” /“Profound”/“Weird” /“Profound”/ “WOW”/“Game-changer” Scale?“WOW”/“Game-changer” Scale? WOW-ification IndexWOW-ification Index :: Move everyMove every project (definition) that scores sixproject (definition) that scores six or less two notches up on theor less two notches up on the ““WOW-ification Scale” within theWOW-ification Scale” within the next two weeks. If your principalnext two weeks. If your principal currentcurrent project scores six or less,project scores six or less, bring it up one (or two!) notchesbring it up one (or two!) notches by noon on Monday.*by noon on Monday.* (*This was from a(*This was from a tweet written on a Sunday.)tweet written on a Sunday.)
  • 88. 13.813.8 PSF-ing as WorldPSF-ing as World Beating: TheBeating: The (ENORMOUS)(ENORMOUS) (UBIQUITOUS)(UBIQUITOUS) “Services Added”“Services Added” OpportunityOpportunity
  • 89. ““Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce nownow earnsearns MOREMORE from tasks such asfrom tasks such as managing clients’managing clients’ overall procurementoverall procurement strategies andstrategies and maintaining aerospacemaintaining aerospace engines it sells than itengines it sells than it does from making them.”does from making them.”
  • 90. Aircraft engine maker-as-stellar-PSF:Aircraft engine maker-as-stellar-PSF: Engines—to enginesEngines—to engines andand aircraft services.aircraft services. Or, perhaps, aircraft services and, uh,Or, perhaps, aircraft services and, uh, engines too?engines too? (FYI: In my view, this, especially writ(FYI: In my view, this, especially writ large, is pretty damned extraordinarylarge, is pretty damned extraordinary !!))
  • 91. ““You areYou are headed forheaded for commodity hellcommodity hell if you don’tif you don’t have services.”have services.” —Lou Gerstner, when CEO, on IBM’s services—Lou Gerstner, when CEO, on IBM’s services revolutionrevolution
  • 93. In the 1990s, with its oldIn the 1990s, with its old businesses in retreat, IBM began abusinesses in retreat, IBM began a rapid & radical transformation fromrapid & radical transformation from hardware to services.hardware to services.
  • 94. ““Never mindNever mind computers and techcomputers and tech services. IBM’sservices. IBM’s radical new focus isradical new focus is on revampingon revamping customers’customers’ operations—andoperations—and running them.”running them.” —Headline/—Headline/BusinessWeekBusinessWeek
  • 95. PlanetarPlanetaryy RainmakerRainmaker--inin--ChiefChief!! ““ [Former][Former] CEO Sam Palmisano’sCEO Sam Palmisano’s strategy is to expandstrategy is to expand tech’s borders by pushingtech’s borders by pushing users—and entireusers—and entire industries—industries—towardtoward radicallradicallyy differentdifferent businessbusiness modelsmodels.. The payoff forThe payoff for IBM would be access to an ocean ofIBM would be access to an ocean of revenue—Palmisano estimates it atrevenue—Palmisano estimates it at $$500500 billionbillion aa yyearear —that—that technology companies have nevertechnology companies have never been able to touch.”been able to touch.” ——FortuneFortune
  • 96. $50B*$50B* **II BBMM Global Services/Global Services/ “Systems integrator of choice”“Systems integrator of choice”
  • 97. IBM is the poster child of this “movement.” In theIBM is the poster child of this “movement.” In the early ’90s, new CEO Lou Gerstner was ordered byearly ’90s, new CEO Lou Gerstner was ordered by the board to break up the company. Beforethe board to break up the company. Before complying, he made a round-the-world customercomplying, he made a round-the-world customer tour. He discovered that his customers were not bytour. He discovered that his customers were not by and large dissatisfied with IBM’sand large dissatisfied with IBM’s products—products— thetheyy were uwere uppset that their vast arraset that their vast arra yy of IBMof IBM pproducts had not been interoducts had not been inte ggrated in a warated in a wayy thatthat allowed the client to achieveallowed the client to achieve ppromisedromised enterenterpprise-wide gains in businessrise-wide gains in business effectivenesseffectiveness.. Gerstner found a small extant consulting unit—andGerstner found a small extant consulting unit—and recast it as IBM Global Services; its goal was to userecast it as IBM Global Services; its goal was to use IBM’s manufactured tools to enable no less thanIBM’s manufactured tools to enable no less than total enterprise transformation. In surprisingly shorttotal enterprise transformation. In surprisingly short order, Global Services became the dog that wagsorder, Global Services became the dog that wags the tail—athe tail—a $50 billion++$50 billion++ unit, essentially theunit, essentially the world’s largest consultancy, that indeed assists re-world’s largest consultancy, that indeed assists re- imagining/re-inventing/re-positioning their entireimagining/re-inventing/re-positioning their entire firm!firm!
  • 99. What CanWhat Can Brown DoBrown Do for You?for You? Source: ubiquitous UPS ad campaignSource: ubiquitous UPS ad campaign
  • 100. UPS “PSFs”:UPS “PSFs”: ““ How can weHow can we help your businesshelp your business improve?”improve?” rather than,rather than, “We’ll get your parcels from Point“We’ll get your parcels from Point A to Point B with no muss andA to Point B with no muss and fuss.”fuss.”
  • 101. ““It’s all aboutIt’s all about solutionssolutions. We talk. We talk with customers aboutwith customers about how to run better,how to run better, stronger, cheaper supplystronger, cheaper supply chains. We have 1,000chains. We have 1,000 engineers who work withengineers who work with customers …”customers …” —Bob Stoffel, UPS senior exec—Bob Stoffel, UPS senior exec
  • 102. ““Big Brown’s New Bag: UPSBig Brown’s New Bag: UPS Aims to Be the TrafficAims to Be the Traffic Manager for CorporateManager for Corporate America”America” —Headline/—Headline/BWBW “UPS wants to take over the“UPS wants to take over the sweet spot in the endlesssweet spot in the endless loop of goods, informationloop of goods, information and capital that all theand capital that all the packagespackages [it moves][it moves] represent.”represent.” —— ecompany.comecompany.com
  • 103. ““UPS used to be a truckingUPS used to be a trucking company with technology.company with technology. Now it’sNow it’s a technoloa technologygy comcomppananyy withwith truckstrucks.”.” ——ForbesForbes
  • 104. Growth driver flips: From packages (Growth driver flips: From packages ( “P”“P” ) to) to integrated logistics/supply chain servicesintegrated logistics/supply chain services (( “S”“S” ) including to be sure, some) including to be sure, some non-trivial share of the time, physicalnon-trivial share of the time, physical delivery.delivery.
  • 106. Not attempted cleverness on my part.Not attempted cleverness on my part. An official UPSAn official UPS service mark.service mark. Mega-PSF, anyone?Mega-PSF, anyone?
  • 107. ““THE GIANT STALKING BIGTHE GIANT STALKING BIG OIL: HowOIL: How SchlumberSchlumberggerer IsIs Rewriting the Rules of theRewriting the Rules of the Energy Game.”:Energy Game.”: “IPM“IPM [Integrated Project[Integrated Project Management] strays fromManagement] strays from [Schlumberger’s] traditional[Schlumberger’s] traditional role as a service provider androle as a service provider and moves deeper into areas oncemoves deeper into areas once dominated by the majors.”dominated by the majors.” Source:Source: BusinessWeekBusinessWeek
  • 108. IPM’s Chief:IPM’s Chief: “We’ll“We’ll do just aboutdo just about anything ananything an oilfield owneroilfield owner would want, fromwould want, from drilling todrilling to production.”production.”
  • 109. A 2008 BusinessWeek cover story informed us that Schlumberger may well take over the world: “THE GIANT STALKING BIG OIL: How Schlumberger Is Rewriting the Rules of the Energy Game.” In short, Schlumberger knows how to create and run oilfields, anywhere, from drilling to fullscale production to distribution. And the nugget is hardcore, relatively small, technically accomplished, highly autonomous teams. As China and Russia, among others, make their move in energy, state run companies are eclipsing the major independents. (China’s state oil company just surpassed Exxon in market value.) At the center of it all, abetting these new players who are edging out the Exxons and BPs, the Kings of Large-scale, Long-term Project Management wear Schlumberger overalls. At the center of the center of the Schlumberger “empire” is a relatively newly configured outfit, reminiscent of IBM’s Global Services and UPS’ integrated logistics’ experts and even Best Buy’s now ubiquitous “Geek Squads.” The Schlumberger version of IBM Global Services is simply called IPM, for Integrated Project Management. It lives in a nondescript building near Gatwick Airport, and its chief says it will do “just about anything an oilfield owner would want, from drilling to production.” That is, as BusinessWeek put it, “[IPM] strays from [Schlumberger’s] traditional role as a service provider* and moves deeper into areas once dominated by the majors.” (*My old pal was solo on remote offshore platforms interpreting geophysical logs and the like.)
  • 110. Oil-field services superstar SchlumbergerOil-field services superstar Schlumberger goes the UPS/IBM/goes the UPS/IBM/ PSFPSF route—with aroute—with a vengeance.vengeance. It’ll manage the whole shebang.It’ll manage the whole shebang.
  • 111. UTC/Otis + UTC/Carrier:UTC/Otis + UTC/Carrier: boxes* toboxes* to “integrated“integrated buildingbuilding systems”systems” *elevators, air conditioners*elevators, air conditioners
  • 112. Otis and Carrier—elevators and airOtis and Carrier—elevators and air conditioning—go the same route.conditioning—go the same route. (There is literally …(There is literally … NONO LIMITLIMIT … to this phenomenon.)… to this phenomenon.)
  • 113. I. LAN Installation Co. (3% local market share) II. Geek Squad. (30% local market share with name change.) III. Acquired by Best Buy. IV. FLAGSHIP OF BEST BUYFLAGSHIP OF BEST BUY WHOLESALE “SOLUTIONS”WHOLESALE “SOLUTIONS” STRATEGY MAKEOVER.STRATEGY MAKEOVER.
  • 114. The local (Greater Minneapolis) LANThe local (Greater Minneapolis) LAN Installation Co. had a 3% market shareInstallation Co. had a 3% market share in its area of business. Helped by thein its area of business. Helped by the “experience marketing” gurus, Joe“experience marketing” gurus, Joe Pine and Jim Gilmour, LAN changed itsPine and Jim Gilmour, LAN changed its name to “The Geek Squad”—andname to “The Geek Squad”—and watched market share soar to 30%. Itwatched market share soar to 30%. It also began to do some work foralso began to do some work for Minneapolis-based electronics retailerMinneapolis-based electronics retailer Best Buy.Best Buy. Eventually giant Best Buy bought theEventually giant Best Buy bought the Geek Squad—and made the GS’sGeek Squad—and made the GS’s “customer success”“customer success” philosophy the epicenter of Best Buy’sphilosophy the epicenter of Best Buy’s overall market positioning.overall market positioning.
  • 115. IDEO’sIDEO’s ProgressionProgression Product DesignProduct Design toto Product Design TrainingProduct Design Training toto Corporate Innovation/Corporate Innovation/ CultureCulture Training/ConsultingTraining/Consulting
  • 116. PSFPSF becomesbecomes PSFPSF: IDEO is a lot smaller than: IDEO is a lot smaller than IBM. But the progression has been about theIBM. But the progression has been about the same—at the same time. Twenty years agosame—at the same time. Twenty years ago IDEO sat atop or near the top of product designIDEO sat atop or near the top of product design firms. Their issue was not a business problemfirms. Their issue was not a business problem —but responding to continued requests by—but responding to continued requests by clients to teach themclients to teach them “The IDEO“The IDEO Way”Way” of design. IDEO did just that. But asof design. IDEO did just that. But as their clients viewed IDEO’s string oftheir clients viewed IDEO’s string of successes, they became interested in yet asuccesses, they became interested in yet a higher order issue—IDEO’s approach tohigher order issue—IDEO’s approach to innovating per se.innovating per se. Next thing you knew, IDEO was “doing anNext thing you knew, IDEO was “doing an IBM”—systemic work with giant enterprises onIBM”—systemic work with giant enterprises on the overall process of innovation.the overall process of innovation.
  • 117. Era #1/Obvious ValueEra #1/Obvious Value : “Our ‘it’: “Our ‘it’ works, is delivered on time”works, is delivered on time” (“Close the sale”)(“Close the sale”) Era #2/Augmented ValueEra #2/Augmented Value :: “How“How our ‘it’ can add value—a ‘usefulour ‘it’ can add value—a ‘useful it’ ” (“Solve”)it’ ” (“Solve”) Era #3/Complex Value NetworksEra #3/Complex Value Networks :: “How our ‘system’ can change“How our ‘system’ can change you and deliveryou and deliver ‘BUSINESS‘BUSINESS ADVANTAGE’ADVANTAGE’” (“Culture-” (“Culture- Strategic change”)Strategic change”) Source: Jeff Thull,Source: Jeff Thull, The Prime Solution: Close the ValueThe Prime Solution: Close the Value Gap,Gap,
  • 118. ““The business of selling is not just aboutThe business of selling is not just about matching viable solutions to the customers thatmatching viable solutions to the customers that require them.require them. It’s equally aboutIt’s equally about managing the changemanaging the change process the customer willprocess the customer will need to go through toneed to go through to implement the solutionimplement the solution and achieve the valueand achieve the value promised by the solution.promised by the solution. One of the key differentiators of our position inOne of the key differentiators of our position in the market is our attention to managing changethe market is our attention to managing change and making change stick in our customers’and making change stick in our customers’ organization.”organization.” —Jeff Thull,—Jeff Thull, The Prime Solution: Close the Value Gap, Increase Margins, and Win the ComplexThe Prime Solution: Close the Value Gap, Increase Margins, and Win the Complex SaleSale
  • 119. WaaaaaaaaaaayWaaaaaaaaaaay …… beyond the hard product—and evenbeyond the hard product—and even the service.the service. Selling success, repositioning, andSelling success, repositioning, and assisting in implementing theassisting in implementing the culture change necessary toculture change necessary to support it and lock it in.support it and lock it in. PSFs … ROCK & RULE.PSFs … ROCK & RULE.
  • 121. Are you (Ms. PurchasingAre you (Ms. Purchasing Poobah) a …Poobah) a … ““PrinciPrincippalal EnEnggineine ofof (Enterprise)(Enterprise) ValueValue Added”Added”
  • 123. The “departments”/“overhead” canThe “departments”/“overhead” can instead become the (principal)instead become the (principal) generators of value added—generators of value added— the mostthe most important profit drivers in theimportant profit drivers in the organizationorganization.. In fact the corporation or division toIn fact the corporation or division to some extent becomes a …some extent becomes a … Collection ofCollection of Seriously Cool PSFsSeriously Cool PSFs.. ThisThis de facto is the UPS/IBM/Best Buy/de facto is the UPS/IBM/Best Buy/ Schlumberger strategy—seeSchlumberger strategy—see immediately above.immediately above.