Romulus, MI

Romulus Middle School

54:50.5 Running Time + 1-Lap Kick

Back in the Motor City. Romulus is where the airport is, and also where we have four distributors, so today’s run is industrial in nature. It is a nice day for a run – warm with a breeze. The middle school setting is a little sketchy – the track is old and wearing out, and the only open gate looks like the lock has been broken, but no one bothers me while I am there. I run the steps on the rickety aluminum grandstands.

Work has been very hectic. We converted to a new ERP system last month, and it has led to an avalanche of turmoil and mayhem. During the days on the road, I pause multiple times to read and answers emails. When I get to the hotel, or after my run, I spend a couple more hours going through emails. Then I have prep for the next days and random projects to catch up on. It is usually around 11 pm before I have a few minutes to read or watch the latest “This Old House” episode on the laptop, then to sleep.

A common rule in business is the 80/20 rule. There are variations, but the one I am most familiar with is that 80% of the people do 20% of the work, and vice versa. As I witness more corporate activity, I also think that 20% of the work force is qualified to do 80% of the work, and vice versa. Just because someone is above you on the corporate ladder does not mean they are more qualified to handle complex work than you are. You cannot trust that anyone knows what they are doing, unless you are working in close proximity to that person, and you see evidence of their competence.

Explaining the incompetence of your coworkers to your customer is one of the most difficult tasks a salesperson faces. It is wise to be diplomatic, but it is unwise to lie. No one likes to be lied to. People feel respected when they are told the truth, and many prefer to work with those who show them that respect, and to not work with those who do not. However, the incompetent coworkers do not like your transparency, and if the incompetent coworker is your supervisor or their management cronies, God help you.