10 minutes

‘The Scoville Scale’

January 22nd is the birthday of the renowned American pharmacist and author Wilbur Lincoln Scoville (Jan 22, 1865 – Mar 10, 1942). You’ll know him best for coming up with a scale to measure pungency: the ‘spiciness’ or ‘heat’ of various chili peppers. It is the Scoville scale.

The Scoville scale sees tame bell peppers (0) to the hottest peppers on the planet, some so blistering that they are barely ingestible. Such as the Naga Viper (1.359.000) that is like getting punched in the face. Can you just start to imagine what the Pepper X (3.180.000) would do… If you like to read more, go to CX, Jalapeños and Coffee

But for now, here’s a challenge. Did you consider to apply the Scoville scale to your own 2023 plans? Probably not.

Wait. What?

Scoville had an incredibly imaginative mind, curious and optimistic about possibilities, creative in seeking new ways where traditional paths failed him. And interestingly, heat is incredibly hard to measure. It’s a very subjective sensory experience. …See the link with CX?

But that’s not all. Adding some heat to the organisation is a good metaphor and reminder that bland things don’t cause a stir. Not for you personally, as you’ll be doing same old same old. And not for the organisation as you’d be just delivering. Never ever is that a good scenario.

So, do your plans have enough fire?
Because blandness serves no one.

10 minute focus

Drink a coffee or tea. And spend the time very deliberately. From your first sip (and realising it is still too hot) to the last drops. No more than 10 minutes, right?

Use that time to consciously assess the plans you made for this year if they have enough heat… or if they’re just bland.

Perhaps it’s simply changing some of your goals and objectives to some that are more challenging for you personally, out of your comfort zone. Or adding that one small thing that you know will ruffle a few feathers in the organisation. Or consider re-naming an initiative you have. Give it a bold title or an audicious, ambitious description so eyes will turn your way…

10 minutes. Good luck!

‘The end of the year’

We’re nearing the end of the year. Leaves have fallen from the trees. The weather is cold, rainy and gusty. There might even be snow. The year is coming to a close. You’ve already had your first flash forward. You started thinking about huddling up at the fireplace, presents, family dinners, the upcoming festivities…. A wonderful time in which you reflect, reconnect, tear up, give, share, laugh and look ahead to the new year.

Of course, till then you have a job to do. You know what needs to be done. Pushing for those final stages in your programme. Wrapping up the last initiatives you want to have completed at year’s end. Etc..

But here’s a thought. Did you consider you can use the upcoming festive period?

Wait. What?

No doubt there will be (more than one) Christmas Drinks half December. Maybe some local celebrations like ‘Sinterklaas’ in the Netherlands and Belgium. Perhaps your top management will host an End of Year speech for the entire company. Or host a Dinner. Or throw that traditional (in)famous New Year’s Eve party.

In short, loads of celebrations.
Shorter, your story needs to be in it.

This is the time to put the spotlight on what you’ve accomplished, to solidify budget or increase awareness. Make sure you are a ‘talking topic’ at those events.

10 minute focus

Drink a coffee or tea. And spend the time very deliberately. From your first sip (and realising it is still too hot) to the last drops. No more than 10 minutes, right?

Use that time to consciously focus how, when and where you can use this time of year to spotlight what you have done and what you are planning to do.

Perhaps it’s timing your presentation on your 2023 plans to management to be just a week before Christmas drinks. Getting a reference to your initiative in the CEO’s traditional speech. Or fun things like hosting a Christmas quiz, adding customer quotes to the Christmas menu, or a digital Happy New Year card with your team’s names on it to colleagues.

10 minutes. Good luck!

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