August 2002 Flash Points

Contrast the concept of oobeya to the assembly line process. How is it an improvement? Is it possible to emphasize specialization without depersonalization?
Simulate oobeya in your office, or draw up plans of how you would do so. Who would be involved, what would you look to accomplish?

What is your group's strategy for vacation? Do members prefer several long weekends or one or two one-week trips per year. Do they relax more with family, friends, or both?
How do you reconcile vacation and keeping in touch with work? Is it easier to unwind in a resort-type place with other people on vacation, or somewhere more secluded away from other people?

Discuss the article among the group. Do you agree with Heffernan's assessment of modern-day office sexism? What evidence do people cite in their workplace?
Brainstorm ideas about how women can break through into the web of informal work networks to counteract sexism and harrassment.
Survey the women in your group. Do they see themselves in the 'geisha, bitch, or guy' tri-chotomy? Did any of those options actually work? Are they mostly leaving corporations like the article says or toughing it out? Are there women in your group who have started their own business? What was the result?
Discuss the 'second-shift' concept and how it is split among men and women in your group. Are women still doing most of the childcare? See if you can elaborate on the 'anti-woman realities' that the article says define the workplace.
Do people in your group agree that women work differently than men? Compare job descriptions in your group and evaluate that statement.

Does anyone in your group have TiVo? What has their experience been like? Does TiVo signal the death of traditional advertising and what is in line to replace it?
If possible, set up a TiVo party and discuss the experience.

How is power held in your company? Does it seem to reflect old-school business or new economy power structure? Is the power lurking in the middle?
Play six degrees of Vernon -- how is your company linked to Vernon Jordan through mutual board members? If you're near DC, see if you have better luck than Rubin and invite Jordan to a group meeting to discuss the changing nature of power.
What are the implications/potential conflicts of having board members sitting on multiple boards? Is this the coming of the new age of the robber-barrons?

Daniel Richards contributed this month's Flash Points.

August 2002 Connexus | Flash Points | Next Steps