Video Games for the Rest of Us

One of the most disappointing things about my current job in a 3d modeling company is that I have no interest in computer games. This really is unfortunate, because when I go to industry events and talk with the enthusiasts about why they should use T-Splines to make their next game, they understandably reply by excitedly chatting about the latest and greatest games. When this happens I can only smile and wait for my programmers to come over and rescue the conversation, since they are more up on games than I am.

My disinterest comes from a few sources: I was a poor player as a child, some of the fantasy adventure titles don't interest me (I play sports games or Mario Bros. when I do indulge), and I don't have enough time to allow myself to be sucked into a game--it seems like all the high-end titles these days are complex and requires significant ramp-up time and learning in order to truly challenge and compete.

Given my attitude, I was very intruiged when one of the programmers here told me about the new Nintendo Wii that is coming out. This is an innovative new approach to gaming that is targeted at the marginal gamers--someone who doesn't have the interest to seriously get involved in games, but may occasionally play for 15-30 minutes at a time. The Wii features a very simple controller that can detect motion (they're coming out with a tennis game where the controller could be used as a racquet) and reportedly has new games that are easier to comprehend (perhaps along the lines of Dr. Mario?)

The Wii could be the device that helps video games shed their stigma.

Moscow School of Management

This article in the Financial Times caught my eye today. Russia's answer to the Harvard Business School, the Moscow School of Management, has been announced and is expected to open its doors in 2008. Russia has no internationally recognized business school at present, and this school, endorsed by Vladimir Putin, expects to fill a major need for developing home-grown Russian talent and attracting additional businesses to Moscow.

One of the challenges this school faces will be attracting top-flight faculty. China and India have filled their academic ranks with nationals from their respective countries who had been employed internationally. Russia does not have that luxury--there are not nearly as many Russian faculty members are prestigious business schools. Also, the Moscow School of Management will run itself as a business, without the tenure system. This idea is innovative, but it remains to be seen whether well-regarded business professors will accept a position on those terms.

At any rate, I will be watching the news closely on this subject, as it seems the school will be finished just when I'll be ready to attend business school. I speak Russian and this is a very intriguing program to me. In fact, so I don't miss any developments, I've just set up a Google Alert on "Moscow School of Management."

If you've never used Google Alerts, it's an easy mechanism that sends you an email whenever a topic you are interested in appears in the news. I use Google Alerts for many terms associated with my company, as well as my competitors, so it's easier to keep abreast about when we're in the news and when my competitors come out with new products. By using Google Alerts on this topic, I'll be able to track major developments in the story.

Schmoozing with Shostakovich

I just read a great article about Vivace, the Utah Symphony's social group for 20- to 40-somethings who enjoy classical music. I began participating in this group (they sponsor pre-concert lectures and post-concert parties at select Utah Symphony performances) because I like classical music. (I am now on their advisory board.) This article in Utah Business (free registration required) focuses on the networking aspects of Vivace: evidently a number of people have gotten jobs out of connections they made from this group.

I honestly hadn't thought of making business connections at the symphony. I attend to round out my life--to have conversations with people who care about concerti and Chopin; to get away from the office banter of charts and computers. I also like the fact that Crystal Young-Otterstrom, the coordinator, runs Vivace with one ear to the ground and is very responsive to input from attendees. It makes me feel like Vivace is my organization.

However, on second thought, it shouldn't be surprising that friendships born while enjoying the finer things in life would blossom into business relationships. The Utah Symphony attracts a very intelligent, discerning clientel. I have met a lot of fascinating people at Vivace--now I'll look forward to not merely handing off my ticket when attending, but handing out some business cards as well.

The next Vivace event is Saturday, October 28: Mozart Served Hot, with Awadagin Pratt.

Gen. MacArthur leadership principles

I received a list of questions today that Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the South Pacific during WWII, used to guide him in his responsibilities. I found many of them useful to inspire reflection in my own job. I've copied a number of them below; the complete list can be found on the Logoworks website.

Do I know by NAME and CHARACTER a maximum number of subordinates for whom I am responsible? Do I know them intimately?
Am I thoroughly familiar with the technique, necessities, objectives and administration of my job?
Do I act in such a way as to make my subordinates WANT to follow me?
Do I delegate tasks that should be mine?
Do I arrogate everything to myself and delegate nothing?
Do I develop my subordinates by placing on each one as much responsibility as he can stand?
Am I interested in the personal welfare of each of my subordinates, as if he were a member of my family?
Have I the calmness of voice and manner to inspire confidence, or am I inclined to irascibility and excitability?