Duct Tape, Zip Ties, and WD-40
Before you go out and buy new stuff, look what's in your tool box...
Update and Interim Insights:
A quick update from Dan Evans, who is immersed in a project supporting a Federal Agency:
One big takeaway from this project reminded me of a practicum I took at New York University with Dr. Christian Busch. It was a 14-week consulting engagement for Reconstructed Living Labs (RLabs), a social enterprise in Cape Town, South Africa.
Throughout the course, we focused on bricolage, which means making do with the resources at hand. Dr. Busch had studied the RLabs business model and found something interesting: while bricolage is often seen as a stopgap that might limit growth, RLabs used it to successfully expand.
BTW: Dr. Busch is also the author of a fantastic book: The Serendipity Mindset.
Usually, US Government organizations like to "throw money" at problems. But with limited resources, bricolage was seen as just a temporary fix. However, when our team started exploring tools already available, like the Microsoft 365 Suite, we discovered that many powerful features were being overlooked simply because everyday users didn't know about them. This is not an endorsement of Microsoft, but the average user of this product at this agency does not know about the powerful capabilities inherent in MS Lists, Power Automate, and PowerBI.
A quick Public Service Announcement: Excel is for math, and databases are for data. Rant over.
This insight is a valuable lesson for all organizations: before spending on more complex solutions, assessing and fully utilizing what you already have is crucial. Often, existing resources, like the underused features of Microsoft 365, can be incredibly powerful if used effectively. Organizations can save money and spark innovation without extra costs by making the most of what's already available. This approach promotes resourcefulness and encourages a deeper understanding and utilization of current assets.
Memorial Day:
This weekend is Memorial Day in the U.S. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and began after the Civil War to honor the soldiers who died in that conflict. The tradition of decorating graves with flowers, flags, and wreaths started in the late 1860s. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. By the late 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30th across the country. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.
Our former colleagues and great friends from GCSEN in the Hudson Valley of New York have produced an amazing TV series called The Veteran’s Playbook, highlighting Veteran Entrepreneurs across the U.S. This series is being re-broadcast on local CBS stations in major cities starting this weekend. Check out their website to see the stations and times. We highly recommend catching Episode 1 to see the incredible work our friend “Iron Mike” Steadman is doing with Ironbound Boxing to support young adults in Newark, New Jersey.
As we remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation in the U.S., let's carry forward a spirit of peace and gratitude in our hearts. In the words of the Buddha, "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." Wishing you all a thoughtful and serene Memorial Day weekend.