Work
The economy is tightening up the business landscape. This is clear. I hate to say it but I'm old enough to remember the last economic slow down (no not the great depression). I find it amazing that as opportunities begin to dwindle new competition works its way out of the woodwork.
As we bid for business, increasingly we are finding ourselves bidding against technology firms that are bringing a single technology to the table as the solution to client needs. Sometimes these technology firms beat us because they tell such a compelling story about the functionality and benefits of their toolset and methodology. I don’t like this. First I don’t like losing, but second and I think more importantly, I simply cannot accept the fact that organizations hoping to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace can effectively allow their strengths to shine by pre-committing to a technological solution that inherently brings its own unique set of capabilities.
Before even thinking about technology, organizations need to take a big step back to figure out what their opportunity and objectives are. This step back needs to be informed by all of the real constraints confronted by the organization and they go well beyond technology – financial, regulatory, infrastructural, timing, and yes, technology. Clearly it would be a mistake to head into the process unaware of the existing and potential technological framework.
Do not allow technology to be a stumbling block, but also do not let technology lead your strategy. An effective strategic direction will lead your technology decision-making process. It is common and unfortunate that many organizations let their technology decisions drive or at the very least limit their strategic direction.

Life
South Western Ontario is a beautiful place to live when the snow melts and spring arrives. It is true that I would not appreciate spring nearly as much if we didn't have to live through a few months of cold dark snowy winter. This is our second week of warm sunny weather. All of the snow banks are gone, the trees are budding the grass is greening. It's really nice.
I do have a confession however. I was out running yesterday and it was quite warm (about 22 degrees). I was about 10 minutes into my run when the thought went through my head, 'Crap it's warm I wish it were a little cooler.' Canadians habitually complain about the weather. It took me officially 8 days to switch from complaining about the cold to complaining about the heat.