Posted By Aly Juma / 18th February 2010
Open source has taken the world by storm, especially in the software market as we see more and more solutions everyday. Although currently the focus is software, the open source model is one that we will no doubt see in all aspects of life in the near future. One great example is Cameron Sinclair and his open source Architecture for Humanity project, which I think is a great example of the open source model in non-profit organizations. Don’t be suprised to see similar models being employed in the near future.
Courtesy of Focus.com, the following is an overview of the Open Source concept from its origins to more current applications. Enjoy! (references: Focus, Architecture for Humanity, Open Source)
Posted By Aly Juma / 8th February 2010
There’s all kinds of possible issues that could arise when you are starting a business with your friends or family, but truly, what matters most is the relationship between those involved because that’s the only real area where the dynamic is a bit different to any other business.
The key lesson here is when you are doing business with friends or family, you have to drop the ego and just put that relationship aside for the good of the company.
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and realizing and utilizing this fact is the key to success, but time and again this point is overlooked when it comes to business with friends and family. A lot of the time we get caught up with titles and whose CEO, whose President, whose in charge of this, whose in charge of that, when really it doesn’t even matter.
If everyone just focuses on what they are good at, you have the recipe for success. What difference does it make whose CEO? The person that is, should be suited to that position and have strengths of looking at the big picture and running a business, whereas someone tasked with COO would be more analytical, strategic, and capable of the day-to-day grind. And really, at the end of the day, it only benefits all of you because its your business, despite what your title may say.
So just drop the ego and be successful!
Posted By Aly Juma / 1st February 2010
I’ve been working in an office environment for the past 6 months, and under the stringent schedule of working hours, namely 9 AM to 5 PM, although it’s usually till 6ish. Although this is a standard in the business world, I must say I’m not a fan.
Taking Breaks
Working from 9 to 5 straight with just a break for lunch in the middle, is just not a realistic proposition for anyone and I know I certainly don’t adhere to this rule. I’m here from 9 to 5, but I have to take breaks, do other things throughout the day to keep my energy up and stay productive. I take breaks where I go through my Google Reader, update my social media, read the news, and so on, and these sessions of personal time are just as important as my time devoted to work and of course I still manage to get my work done.
Its pivotal t to allow your employees these privileges as well, because in the end it gives your brain a break from the constant grind of a working environment. Think of the alternative, you would see employees zoning out, not paying attention to their work, and just waiting for it to be 5 PM so that they can leave, not exactly the mindset you want employees to be adhering to.
The Open Office
Furthermore, this formula of arriving to work at X and leaving at Y kills our creativity and spontaniety. Everyone gets inspired to do their work at some point during the day, and why force it to be during set hours that the company determines? I feel that as long as the work that is assigned gets done by the deadline, then there’s nothing else we can ask for.
To clarify, I’m not saying to get rid of the office by any means, but allow it to be an open office, a resource that is utilized when necessary, and always an option. A few things would be needed to ensure this works: consistent reports/updates with deliverables that show progress in assigned task, a clear understanding of the employee on what is expected, a method to assess quality of work and time spent, and of course weekly meetings or discussions to stay on track. All of this is really just to keep your employees motivated and not slack on their work.
Now if we can ensure deadlines are met, employees are not procrastinating, and communication is open (not an easy task, but feasible), then what is to stop us from implementing this open office environment?
