WOW Word-Of-the-Week #484: Inquisitive
November 14, 2013 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #484: Inquisitive
Inquisitive – eager to learn.
Do you like to learn new things? Do you think of yourself as curious? Do you ever question how or why things are the way they are?
This week is a follow up to last week on the company WD-40. Since they were celebrating their 60th year in business, and they are located here in San Diego, the UT featured them on the front page of the Business Section in September.
The following are FUN-facts (for those inquisitive minds that want to know) taken from Jonathan Horn’s article titled, “RUST-FREE AT AGE 60.” Three scientists from the Rocket Chemical Company experimented with a rust-prevention solvent to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile. They failed 39 times to perfect that solution. But the 40th attempt was revolutionary.
They called it Water Displacement, 40th formula. And while it was meant to protect the intercontinental ballistic missile, the scientists found it worked well on squeaks at home, too.
They make 56,800 gallons each month of “secret sauce” as they call it. They have expanded to12 brands including 3-In-One-oil, Spot Shot carpet cleaner, and a line of products catering to bikes.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done with WD-40? So far, fans have come up with more than 2,000 uses, according to a list WD-40 keeps on its website. Some of the notable ones?
- Remove a boa constrictor stuck in engine compartment of cars
- Spray it on golf tees to penetrate hard ground areas
- Loosen strapping tape after a hurricane
- Remove crayon from walls
- Remove ink from blue jeans
- Remove gum from hair and fabric
- Free a naked burglar stuck in a chimney!
I don’t know about you but I have become more inquisitive as I have gotten older. I love learning all kinds of things. History and geography are two of my favorites. And children are naturally inquisitive. How many times have you been asked, “Why?”
This week’s focus is being inquisitive. Are you eager to learn? Are you open to hearing new ideas from co-workers or staff? Is it time to question why some things are the way they are?
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #483: Tribe
November 7, 2013 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #483: Tribe
Tribe – a group of people sharing an occupation, interest, or habit.
Do you feel a sense of identity and belonging at work? Do you feel valued by your managers or supervisors? Do you belong to any groups outside of work?
Before I left the country in September this article in the UT San Diego caught my attention. It was written by Allison Sampite-Montecalvo and titled,
WD-40 CHIEF PRAISES HIS STAFF ‘TRIBE’
CEO-president talks about creating a sense
of identity at annual economic conference
While speaking to business professionals and elected officials Friday during an economic summit in San Diego, WE-40 CEO and president Garry Ridge likened his employees to a tribe.
Ridge says, “A tribe makes more sense, based on psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theories on self-actualization and self-fulfillment. The first attribute of a tribe is creating a sense of identity and belonging, a place where most companies ‘miss the boat.’ People leave organizations because they feel they don’t belong.”
Also of significance is learning and teaching. “At WD-40 we love learning so much that we decided we’d take fear out of the organization by removing the word ‘failure,’ so we don’t make mistakes we have ‘learning moments,’” Ridge said.
On September 23rd, WD-40 celebrated its 60th birthday. Ridge says, “We don’t just sell oil in a can, but are in the memory-making business. Our vision is to create positive, lasting memories solving problems in homes and factories in the world. And we also strive to do the same for our employees. When we get up every morning and we put on the badge of leadership, we take responsibility for other people. Without our people, we’re nothing.”
This week’s focus is your tribe. Are you in a leadership position? Do you take responsibility for your people? Have you ever thought of your staff as a tribe? Do you feel your organization creates a sense of identity and belonging at work?
