The QLog

What's Your Excuse?

On Thursday, I missed a flight by one minute. It was more like 17 seconds. This was a first for me and you are right to guess it was a very stressful moment. In fact, the plane was still boarding when I arrived at the check-in desk; however, since only 29 minute remained before take-off, it was determined that I would not clear security and make it to the gate within the time left. I knew I could do; however, the airline had certain policies and I did not receive a boarding pass. Passengers must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure: it was an absolute cutoff.

Of course, in my head, I started to blame all kinds of external factors: the extremely slow traffic I had encountered, the major accident on I-94, the road construction, and the desk clerk at the airline. Yet, after a few weak moments, I realized there were empty excuses. Excuses are mental tricks to protect oneself. Clearly, this was my fault: had a left my house 30 minutes sooner, this would have not been a problem.

I did get another flight; however, I had to wait to Friday morning. And I made sure to get there early!

What are your excuses? Time to re-think them. Take responsibility for your actions, your reactions, and their consequences.

What is Swissness?

I was in Switzerland early this week for an all day vision and strategy meeting; however, while visiting, I learned about the concept of Swissness that many businesses over there are beginning to use to define and differentiate themselves from other firms worldwide.

What is Swissness? It is a fuzzy and open-ended concept, but it implies quality, efficiency, value, and style. Just think about the traditional products and services that have characterized Swiss workmanship:

• Swiss Chocolate: Gourmet chocolate from Switzerland is considered by many to the best due to the highest purity and quality standards during production.
  
• Swiss Watches: These precision devices are also emblems of fashion. Time pieces from Switzerland fetch high prices on the market due to high-design and high-quality.
  
• Swiss Army Knifes: These multifunctional tools predate the PDA, as it was first developed in 1897. It is a value-add blade and a compact, many tools-in-one device.
  
• Swiss Banking: Swiss banks have a worldwide reputation providing sophisticated and discreet financial services, including customized offerings and tight security. There are about 400 banks in Switzerland, including Credit Suisse and UBS, as well as many smaller and private banks that focus on very exclusive clientele.

Overall, the traits of Swissness are what everyone and every organization should make their own, regardless of location. Products and services that possess high quality, high value, high style, and high efficiency are also highly prized and desirable.

Good Morning from Zürich

I am currently in Switzerland until Wednesday, enjoying the sites, sounds, and tastes of Zürich. Have a great Monday and more soon about my trip.