Org-Fitness Today!

Organizational Assessment Tool: Infotool

The best tool I know to find out what is going on in your organization is Infotool. Infotool is a web based organizational diagnostic tool. It is very easy to use, can be customized, and provides results back almost immediately. Here are some of the features:

An advanced, on-line organizational development diagnostic tool:

• Design and build a unique survey for your needs -easily customizable
• Instantly sort and analyze millions of critical data bits
• In-house analysis in minutes-not days
• Immediately isolate, with targeted precision, barriers to workforce productivity by each demographic

Instantly measure how effectively employees are engaged, managerial effectiveness and where there are opportunities for improvement.

Infotool is a diagnostic tool which precisely identifies critical pathways for changing a corporate culture from one of mistrust to trust, narrowness to openness, staleness to innovation, silos to collaboration and dilemmas to solutions.

Click here to see a partial list of Infotool clients.

Let me know if you would like to learn more about this great tool.

Wait a Minute, What is Web2.0 ?

I recently mentioned Web 2.0 and it's potential impact on the workplace inside the corporate world and even for small business. Then I started to think, Web 2.0 could be one of those terms that some people clearly know what it means and other people might be in the dark about. Often times those of us who use technology as early adapters make the assumption that everyone else should know about this technology. Another example might be RSS technology. Sure RSS it bantered about all the time (it is is a Web 2.0 technology), however ask the average sales manager or HR director and they'll probably give you a funny look.

So, I did a bit of looking around and found the following links that define Web 2.0. Click here for a Wikipedia posting. The graphic at the start of this post is also from Wikipedia. If you click the graphic, it will get larger. This graphic shows many of the terms and technology that make up Web 2.0.

Click here for another take on Web 2.0.

Here's a link to an article by Pete Blacksaw where he argues the roots of Web 2.0 were really developed in Web 1.0.

So as in most things, a standard response might be; WIIFM?? Most business manager's might wonder What's In It For Me?? Connection, Communication, Sharing of Information, Customer Feedback: both positive and negative, Team Collaboration, Opportunities for Marketing and Sales, etc.

What are other reasons for corporations and small businesses to embrace this change and how can we as organizational development practitioner's (OD) help with this? Click Comments below to share your thoughts.

Web 2.0, OD, and the Shrinking World We Live In

Earlier today I came across one blog post that lead to another blog post. The subject: Organizational Development 2.0 Style on the blog, Successful Blogs by ME “Liz” Strauss. Liz is commenting on an analysis that Gautam Ghosh makes on his blog, Gautam Ghosh on Management in a post entitled, The promise of web 2.0 - True Organizational Development?

Essentially what they are talking about is how the use of Web 2.0 technology can perhaps lead to or help in the implementation of organizational development (OD) practices into the workplace. Or in other words, technology such as blogs, wiki's, and other 2.0 tools can help to connect people, improve communication, create more open and innovative work cultures, etc. We'll see...

I'm not sure a lot of U.S. companies are all that up on Web 2.0 technologies and their potential use. However one thing is for sure, the use of these tools sure make the world a smaller place. I probably would have never heard of Gautam Ghosh (though he does state he is an aspiring guru on his blog) were it not for Web 2.0 technology since he is from India. Cool tools and great to connect in today's world with similar thinkers!

Using Tech. and Team Building

I just completed a call using Skype, talking with Tom Heck of TeachMeTeamwork.com

Tom is based in Asheville, NC and the purpose of our call was for me to offer him some ideas and support around his blog--some coaching. However, I think it was me who ended up receiving the coaching, as Tom walked me through how he records and posts audio and video files to his sites.

I've been following Tom's work for several year's now. Tom is an expert on team building and recently opened access to his materials so membership is now free. Check out his web site and be sure to subscribe to his newsletter and his blog.

New Subscription Service: FeedBlitz

I have been busy with many other projects however one frustration has been solved. Bloglet subscription service has been very unpredictable and unstable. Customer service or support was non-existent so I am happy to announce a replacement service, FeedBlitz.

I became aware of FeedBlitz through Denise Wakeman (Build a Better Blog) and appreciate her locating this alternative service. I first contacted FeedBlitz a couple of weeks ago via e-mail on a Saturday and had a response back within a couple of hours. Very good service indeed, considering it was from FeedBlitz founder, Phil Hollows. Importing existing subscribers is easy and you should start receiving updates via FeedBlitz now. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Google Earth

My soon-to-be fifteen year-old son has introduced me to something pretty cool.

It is called Google Earth. It is something you download and then you can see 3D and topo maps of practically anywhere in the world.

I know this has limited relationship to normal topics on Org-Fitness Today!, however it is a very cool way to check out your favorite destinations.

More on iTunes and Podcasting

It looks like Apple has beat Microsoft again with this latest version of iTunes (4.9). I've had a few minutes to look into the podcasting area of iTunes and it looks really good and I am sure will improve over time. Lots of categories and varied topic or interest areas.

Interestingly, anyone can add their podcast to the iTunes directory. This all looks really good for those interested in what podcasting offers--time-shifting (listening to podcasts when you want) and place-shifting (listening to podcast where you want).

Let me know your favorite podcast.

Apple Builds Podcasting Into iTunes

This morning when signing on to iTunes I received a notice to upgrade to version 4.9.

Apple has released the newest version of iTunes (4.9) and included podcasting as part of the new version. Apple is claiming to have one of the largest library of podcasting directories with over 3000 free audio programs. This comes from an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.

Further evidence on the popularity of RSS technology and podcasting.

RSS Readers and More

As many of you know, I recently started another blog, www.SmallBizMarketingTips.com as a way to support clients who are interested in learning more about Internet technology and other marketing tools for small businesses.

RSS, which stands for Real Simple Syndication, is a technology that has gained lots of publicity recently. I have two posts over at my other blog that you may want to check out. The first post, RSS Feeds and Why We Can't Ignore Them will give you a good overview and some links to learn more about RSS feeds.

New Service Added: Small Biz Marketing Tips

At the suggestion of a few others and with my own personal interests, I am starting to offer a new service, Small Biz Marketing Tips.

Please visit and subscribe at www.SmallBizMarketingTips.com

This new service will offer consulting, coaching, and implementing of marketing processes for business results. Utilizing both traditional and new media approaches for the small business and independent or solo professional.

Please contact me directly if I can be of service to you along these areas.