The Power Of Scale

I work at IBM. So do over 400,000 others from around the world. The numbers are quite staggering. But more important than business metrics is the impact that large communities of people can have...when they work together.

In this, our 100th anniversary year, IBM has put a focus on the Celebration of Service program. This program unites IBMers, their families, and friends from across the globe, in an effort to impact our planet through community service. Sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? But how much impact can be driven through the efforts of just one company? Let's take a look at the stats...

So far this year, the Celebration of Service program has recorded over 3 MILLION hours of pledged and delivered service! Doing the math (and we LOVE math, don't we?), that equates to almost 380 THOUSAND 8-hour days. Assuming a full 7-day week (there are no days off when it comes to charity), that means this program has generated over 1 THOUSAND PERSON-YEARS of service! Wow!!

The number is hard to conceive. Imagine the impact this has had on communities, schools, local programs, etc. Last June, to close out our first 100 years as a company, IBM set ALL of its available staff on a mission of service. I was on business in Athens, Greece at the time, but I still did my part...picking up garbage at the Acropolis (and it's amazing how much trash can accumulate after 3,000 years). It was exciting to be part of such a large and impactful movement.

The program has received much praise and support from the public. Other businesses have even stepped up to raise awareness. Kathy Ireland, designer, former model, and CEO of kathy ireland WORLDWIDE, one of the world's most successful brands, even produced a touching video sharing her thoughts on the event. It's all a bit overwhelming.

So, with all IBM's corporate muscle, there certainly mustn't be any need for individual contributions...right? Of course, that's far from the truth. The power that IBM was able to unleash on this project was driven by the accumulation of many thousands of people, each dedicated to the cause. It requires individuals to be successful. People like you. That's the true power of scale!

If you want to learn more about this program, check out the IBM Celebration of Service Website.

   Don

I'm Thankful

As my fellow Canadians and I take the day to reflect on our blessings, it's difficult to know where to start. We live in such a bountiful country, with opportunity and prosperity, it feels like every day should be Thanksgiving. But it's not, so let's take the time on this day to fully appreciate what we have.

It's difficult to know where to start. I suppose I could say something trite, like, "I'm thankful I'm not a turkey.", but I'm sure some of my closer friends would take exception to that claim, so let's just dive into the real list...

I'm thankful for my family. It goes without saying sometimes, but never should, that my family is the key to my reason for being. My wife, my boys, my parents and siblings and in-laws. They provide strength, support, protection, comfort, knowledge, and most importantly, LOVE. They're very special to me. And I'm very thankful for them.

I'm thankful for the opportunities in my life. I have a very successful career. I believe I could have been and done almost anything that I wanted. It was up to me. But the opportunity was there. Not so for many others. You've got to feel thankful for that.

I'm thankful for my health. Sure, I could eat better and exercise more often, but I don't often get sick, or suffer pains. I can play with my kids. I can tour a foreign city on foot. I can use my arms and legs to their fullest abilities. I can type this blog. And I can read the results. All the parts work. That's pretty awesome.

I'm thankful for the curve balls in life. Imagine how boring it would be to wake up every morning knowing that nothing interesting was going to happen. I enjoy the twists in the road. It's an old cliche, and part of an Aerosmith lyric, "Life's a journey, not a destination.", and it's true. Enjoy it all, even the bumps.

I'm thankful that all my basic human needs are met. Food, water, air, shelter, etc. It sounds silly to say so, but how many people can't? There are literally BILLIONS! Safe drinking water is becoming a global issue today...and it's only getting worse. We should be thankful that we have it...and we should do something about making it available to others. It's a problem that's not going to fix itself.

I'm thankful for your connection. I've had some fantastic experiences, and met some very special people through an unlikely social interaction. They've changed my life...for the better. Maybe someone you interact with will change your life too. Maybe it will be me. I'd be honored. Just reach out.

On this day, and every day, be thankful that you are alive. Be thankful that you are in control of who you are inside. No one can take that away. Be thankful for everything you are, and commit to making the most of it. After all, you deserve it.

Thankfully,

   Don

Let the NHL Season Begin!

It's been a wonderful Summer...swimming, golfing, relaxing on the deck. But now it's time to put on the shoulder pads and the goofy looking pants, remove the front teeth you lost in a bench-clearing brawl in college, pull up your favourite chair, and watch some HOCKEY!

The 2011 / 2012 NHL season starts tonight, and promises to be another competitive battle for Lord Stanley's cup. One of the marquee machups tonight is a battle of Original Six rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs against this year's eventual Stanley Cup Champions, the Montreal Canadiens (get used to the attitude people, it's going to be a long season).

I know what you're thinking. "Don, can you give us some of your insightful predictions for this season in general, and the Habs in particular?" Well, since you asked so nicely...

The League

The league clamps down on the head-shots. Brendan Shanahan, the league's disciplinarian, is busier than Macy's on Christmast Eve, and gives out several multi-game suspensions, including some double-digit gamers. He's not popular, but teams adjust.

Sidney Crosby never quite regains his brillance of years past. He returns to the game, but always lacks the spark that made him great.

The newly reformed Winnipeg Jets start the season with some excitement, and quickly fade into oblivian. Bobby Hull contemplates a comeback.

Boston proves to be a one-hit wonder, never regaining the magic that brought them last year's Stanley Cup. (Hab fans try to feel sorry for them...but fail)

The Habs

Markov plays, off and on, but never has full impact on the ice. The rest of the defence pick up the slack, and his lack of productivity is hardly noticed.

P.K. Subban continues to get under the rest of the league's skin. His fresh, emotional attitude to the game lifts both fans and fellow teammates. His point total rises, and he's voted into the All Star Game.

Scotty Gomez puts the past behind him and pushes the 25 goal mark. People stop wondering what all the fuss was about as he finally claims his position among the team's elite.

Carey Price plays 2,000 straight games and when he finally takes a night off, backup Peter Budaj can't find his skates (he sold them on eBay at the start of the season, and nobody noticed).

In the Spring, Brian Gionta is presented with the Stanley Cup. The folks from Guinness immediately rush onto the ice with a measuring tape and declare a new world record in the height difference the cup was raised in successive years.

My sons are Lightning and Black Hawks fans, so just for them...

Tampa Bay's offence pops in goals like they're constantly on the power play. Unfortunately, their defence plays like they've pulled their goalie. They do okay in the standings but fade come playoff time.

Chicago tries to make up for last year when they were the reigning cup champions and barely snuck into the playoffs. They improve to 5th in the conference and get by the first round of the playoffs, then it's golf season for them again.

The best part about a new season is the possibilities. As in life, possibilites bring new hope and excitement to see how things play out. Anything is possible. Good luck to you and your team! I look forward to the battle.

   Don