Monday, March 20, 2006
Copy Cat
I have always had heroes and heroines - people that I have admired and have had so much respect for. Some of these are famous, some of these I know on a personal level. What I have found is that watching successful people is a brilliant way to develop yourself. Of course, you have to develop your own identity and allow your own character to shine but I have always added to this, by learning from others. In school copying is not allowed but in business it should be encouraged. When you see someone handle a situation well...look, learn and use that knowledge when you are in a similar position. Watch how successful people handle their teams, how they motivate, how they ensure that the team achieves their goals. Two skills worth watching are how successful people handle meetings, and how their handle one on ones - key aspects of your role. Watch, then copy. You don't have to learn from your boss, look out for other people around you, who you can learn from.... Tips I have got from "copying" are:- knowing people's names around the business, building diverse teams, using pauses in presentations for effect, don't just develop a product - sell the benefits....what tips have you got from people ?
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3 comments:
Good points. And a subject I have been reflecting on as well. I argue that great brands demonstrate a unique quality about them; the fingerprint of those that own the brand. But this does not rule out copying.
I have come to think of it like doing a musical cover. Bob Dylan wrote and performed "All Along the Watchtower" in 1967 and Jimmy Hendrix coverd it a year later. He copied it but at the same time made it uniquely his own. Many still are surprised to find out that the song is not original with Hendrix.
Successful people and successful companies are worth copying. But, as you note, let your own identity show at the same time.
Good points. And a subject I have been reflecting on as well. I argue that great brands demonstrate a unique quality about them; the fingerprint of those that own the brand. But this does not rule out copying.
I have come to think of it like doing a musical cover. Bob Dylan wrote and performed "All Along the Watchtower" in 1967 and Jimmy Hendrix coverd it a year later. He copied it but at the same time made it uniquely his own. Many still are surprised to find out that the song is not original with Hendrix.
Successful people and successful companies are worth copying. But, as you note, let your own identity show at the same time.
I am a huge IPOD user and that is a classic example...not the first MP3 player but one that captured the market because of its unique design qualities, it redefined the market. Ipod was a copy but its design actually made it seem unique ! First to market does not necessarily win...first to learn usually does....
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