Quality Connections and High Standards

Yesterday I caught up with my good friend and colleague Lynette Simmons, North American Design Standards Manager for Starwood Hotels—a la W, Westin, St. Regis, Sheraton. As an ace graphic designer/brand steward, Lynette helps the corporation establish continuity in the look, feel and visual environment of the properties’ advertising, sales and collateral materials.

A consummate professional, Lynette is no-nonsense like me. That’s why we get along and have kept in touch over the years! As most of you who are reading this blog know, you cannot and should not keep up with everyone. No time; no need.

Why? Because everyone in your professional/social network isn’t a “quality connection with high standards.”

Lynette and I have known each other 10 years and always take solace in our Bryant Park catch up sessions; perhaps the best outdoor café in the city! Yesterday, we shared moments of joy regarding our son’s respective graduations, hers from kindergarten, mine from college. And, we talked about much we’ve evolved over the past decade. Basically, we’re new people, and it feels great!

Growth. That’s what life’s about.

Lynette shared a powerful statement from a 40-something copywriter friend of hers who lives in Jersey. “We’ve reached the age of intolerance.” Is that quote deep or what? It takes a while to realize that wisdom and maturity are a mindset, and not determined by age. While we still have much to learn, there’s a lot we do know.

This list sums up behavior that is “less than best practice”:

> Overall inability to communicate;

> Lack of professional standards or integrity;

> Inability to champion important issues or speak out/speak up;

> Inability to devise solutions/action plans;

> Not knowing strengths or weaknesses—and inability to spot them in others;

> Not being proactive;

> Lack of inertia;

> Not meeting deadlines;

> Overall disregard for time;

> Non-critical use of cell phones/Blackberry’s (poor etiquette);

> Lack of basic project management and leadership skills;

> Not realizing that being a “real” adult is hard work;

> Not understanding what’s important to some does not create a crisis for others.

We have grown; handle our responsibilities and businesses—and, manage to optimize opportunities. Anything less is not tolerated.

Moral of this blog entry—set and keep high standards. You’ll continue to excel and others will take notice!

>> MI