Don't travel with Goats

Hello World-

Goggle Man is preparing to take a little time off and will be traveling to the magical island known as Maui.  We are going on this adventure with two of our friends met for dinner to discuss our agenda for our trip.   During dinner, I was sharing the Goggle Man story.   My buddy instantly said, " I've got a story for you".  He is a local firefighter and always has interesting stories to share.  

My buddy, "Mr. Firefighter" responds to a call of a car accident on a major road in town.  As they are on their way, his crew is expecting the worse situation.  Will it require jaws of life, CPR, a fire to put out?  When he arrives he sees a smashed car with all of the windows broken out.  He sees two groups of  angry people on either side of the car.  There was also a goat running around on the side of the road. His crew quickly responded and gathered as much information about the situation so they could help.   This is what they found:

A mom and her son got into an argument. During the argument, the Mom proceeded to take the son's pride and joy- his car.  Not only did she want to take the car, but felt that it was her right to take her goat along.   Since she was mad at him, it seemed like a good idea to start driving it into a pole to make a stronger point of how angry she was.   While she was trying to wreak the car, her goat jumped in and tried to help her cause.  The goat started kicking all the windows out of the car.  By the end of this stunt all that was left was a yellow, smoking, and windowless Mustang GT.

Once the crowd was calmed down, the one police officer make a monumental comment that will stick with me for the rest of my life.   He said, "It seems goats don't travel well."   You have to like the simplicity and candor of this statement.  

This story made me think.  How many occupations require processing a ton of data that is required to make split second decision.  Many of these roles I would never think of...  

How are you processing data in your role?  Do you have an awesome BI suite, or does it require you to go "old school" and use your brain?  I will leave you with this.  When you feel that everything is on fire, remember there are others in the world that are also making difficult decisions- some even involve mad goats. 

As I prepare for my vacation, I think that I will leave my goat at home since they do not travel well.

More to come from the Islands-
Until next time!

Goggle Man Out!

 

Friday Song Challenge- Goose is alive!

Hello World-
I was having dinner this week with some friends and the song "Danger Zone" came on in the restaurant.  Instantly, we all started rocking out to the song.   It took all of us back to the iconic Top Gun movie.  It is amazing how a song that is combined with the right visuals can create such a powerful statement.   The song by itself is just a song.  The visuals of the F14 Tomcats flying are just fighter jets.  Put the two together and magic happens.  Now everyone wants to become fighter pilots.   We can become instant hero's who want to save the world. 

Bogie at 10 o'clock!

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E

 

 

Within this same topic, my team had an offsite a few months ago.  We had a costume contest and Goose made a cameo appearance.   I was so excited that Goose is not dead.   He is alive and well and recruiting for Microsoft.  

 

 

 Hope you have a great weekend and this post brings inspiration.  Go have an adventure this weekend. 

 

-Goggle Man Out!

 

#PrimeDay- Did I miss something?

I was so excited for Amazon Prime Day to arrive.  I have been a prime member for a long time and think that it is a great service.  The two day shipping and no sales tax hooked me.   Hearing that Amazon was going to provide Christmas in July was exciting.  Even my Mom checked in with me to see what deals I was going to score.   I was ready and even informed UPS to start their trucks...




Prime Day was here, or was it?  I went on Amazon and looked around for the exciting deals.  Where were they?   There was a bunch of stuff that really was not interesting.   I cruised the site for 5-10 minutes looking for the hidden deal- it had to be here.   NOT!  This was a bust.  Why is their box guy mascot smiling.  Is he laughing at me because this is a joke?  I was glad that I was already a prime subscriber.  Think of all the people who joined for this promotion.

I went on Twitter and quickly learned that I was not alone.   PrimeDay was a bust across 99.999% of the worlds population.  PrimeDay was such a miss for Amazon that it started trending (in a bad way) on Twitter.   I started to think about how important it is to live up to the hype advertised events.  One miss and the entire world is your critic.   Social Media can make or break you in a matter of seconds. 

So what can we learn from PrimeDay?   I give Amazon credit for trying something new.  They forced their competition to react quickly to this event to try to keep up.  Walmart and other retailers were scrambling to compete.  Amazon was clearly trailblazing in unknown territories.   However, their miss might have been worse than not hosting PrimeDay.  Amazon has now lost a lot of people who would usually use their product if they found a great deal.  Now there are a lot of people with a $99.00 subscription to a service they do not believe in.

At Microsoft, we are not afraid to fail.  We all fail.  Amazon failed with PrimeDay. They will lick their wounds and try it again.  Microsoft had challenges when we tried something new with Windows 8.  We were trying to provide a desktop and tablet interface to an audience that was not really ready for it.  There were some quick fixes that needed to happen, but we were working on a better solution- Windows 10.   Windows 10 will be the version that will get all the glory. However, Window 10 needed the failure of Window 8 to make it better.

If we are not failing, then we are not trying. Test the boundaries.   Don't play it safe.  Learn from your mistakes and improve!


Go out and experience the world and don't be afraid to fail.  If Amazon can do it, so can you!. 

Until next time.  

-Goggle Man OUT!

All about perspective- Make it Epic

Hello World! 

Have you ever felt that things are so busy at work that you are only along for the ride? Have you experienced times at work that it feels like your hair is on fire?  Those days where you look down at you laptop and realize that it is 5 pm and it feels like nothing got accomplished?   It is one of those times for my team... 

It is a busy time at Microsoft for recruiters.   We just started our new fiscal year and hiring becomes a major focus.  However, this year is unique.  My team's workload has increased dramatically due to several new profiles that Microsoft has created to as part of our Mobile First, Cloud First focus.  We are simply very busy right now!

https://gopro.com/channel/favorites/summer-time-blob

The overwhelming panic feeling usually sets in when there is too much on a person's plate in life (or work).  It reminds me of a time when I was boogie boarding in S. California when I was 13.   I was enjoying the tide until I kicked something very large below me, which should have not been there.   I knew it was a shark.  Visions of JAWS flashed into my brain.   Panic quickly set in and I was off to the beach- so I thought.  I quickly realized that I was not going anywhere, simply going in circles in a frantic pattern. My mind was moving too fast and needed to process and focus on what was right in front of me.  Once I forgot about the shark trying to eat me and refocused, I made it to the beach.

In the video, the majority of the kids who are slowly inching out to the end of the blob were not truly embracing what was going to happen next.  They were not too sure of being launched 50 feet into the air.   Their brains are still in panic mode.   However, there was one kid who had a different perspective.  "This is going to be epic!"   That kid embraced the challenge and wanted to make the most of it.  He already had a vision of what was going to happen and met it with excitement.  

Goggle Man is challenging the world to be like that kid.   View challenges as "epic" vs. scary or too hard.  Charge into each adventure with an "EPIC" viewpoint.  

My team will be "EPIC".  We are going to change the face of Microsoft with the people we hire.   If you want to be part of this epic adventure, connect with us to discuss how you can help change the world!

Until next time- GO have an EPIC adventure

-Google Man Out!

Learn from Twiggy- Don't Give Up

I wanted to provide a quick post to help energize the world through the Goggle Man lenses.   Have you ever had times where things seem impossible?  Wanted to give up?   I have had those times and always hold onto stories that inspire me to give me hope that I can succeed.  I work at a company where everyday we are making the impossible, possible.  However, this is not easy.   


I wanted to provide some inspiration.  I don't know if anyone has tried to waterski or wakeboard.  It is not very easy to learn for many people.  It is not natural to be pulled by a boat standing on composite sticks.  

So I was cruising the YouTube channel and came across Twiggy.   How did a squirrel learn how to waterski.  Even bigger, who taught him?   Wait, who even has a pet squirrel?

https://gopro.com/channel/video-of-the-day/twiggy-the-waterskiing-squirrel


When life gets tough, think of Twiggy.  Round and round he goes in the pool.


Adventures are everywhere- even for squirrels. 

-Goggle Man Out!

A New Microsoft- "Reviews"

Hello World-
I hope you have had a great start to your week.  Life has been a bit crazy now that we have started our new fiscal year.  Our team has the largest amount of new roles opening as part of the transformation that is happening at Microsoft.  It is very exciting to see the organization you work for driving needed change that will make greater impact.  

Speaking of impact.    I want to write about the infamous "Microsoft Reviews".  Many of you might have heard about how Microsoft reviews their employees.  I have to be honest, it WAS a tough system.  When I joined Microsoft under the old review model, it was a scary time waiting for your review.   Since the review was on a scale system and was focused on only YOUR impact, it really came down to how your work stacked up against others.   This process produced an I-culture since everyone was out for themselves (self preservation).

With all the changes at Microsoft, I feel that the greatest change has been the new review model.   We now are rated on how we collaborate and leverage the work of others.  This simple change in the way that individuals are graded has transformed the company.   Our culture now seeks out others to collaborate and are rewarded for giving others credit vs. not sharing what you are working on in fear that someone will try to own it for themselves. 

Our culture reminds me of a solid rowing team.   The boat is on a perfect line on a glass lake.  Everyone is in sync.   The former Microsoft reminded me of my seven year old trying to row a boat for the first time, simply going in circles and fighting herself the entire time.  

I am excited about the future at Microsoft.   As one of many storytellers, we need to keep showcasing how exciting these changes are.   Microsoft is full of interesting and exciting people who love what they do.  We all want to change the world and do so in so many ways.  Microsoft supports us to do this by providing a new review system that makes us better people.  

Go have an adventure-

Until next time

-GoggleMan Out!

Day 10: Friday Song Challenge- Dont Worry...

Hello World-

Life is short and we all need to live life the fullest. We all know someone who is struggling with something right now.  It might be you personally or someone you know.  I wanted to encourage everyone today to enjoy each moment and live for today.  Since we spend the majority of time at work, I hope you have an environment like Microsoft that supports you like family!

 

Link is here:  https://youtu.be/EYi5aW1GdUU 

Here is a Goggle Man left turn.   I was up late last night entranced with the GoPro channel.   It is amazing what people create.    Here is something I found that I could not pass up.  

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2wenmy_gopro-twiggy-the-waterskiing-squirrel_travel

Take the Twiggy's lead and go have an adventure this weekend.  If a squirrel can waterski, you can try something new!

Until Next Time!

-Goggle Man Out!

Day 9: Feeling Small

Hello World! 

Sorry I disappeared for a few days.  I was enjoying some time off to recharge my batteries.  Cell phones and internet disappeared during my trip.   It is amazing how a little time on the water with my family can get you energized.   I hope you can experience a little downtime during the summer to enjoy the nice weather. 

Yesterday, I decided to take my own advice and explore before we headed home.   I went on a short hike with some friends to fly-fish an alpine lake that contained cutthroat trout.  As we started our journey, my mind started thinking about how this adventure is like a lot of situations that many of us face on a daily basis.

Q: Do we know where we are going?  
A: Kinda...

Q: How long is the hike?
A: I don't know

Q: What will it be when we get there?
A: I don't know...

My friends were not very sold on this adventure. I did not have a lot of answers and I was the designated guide.  Oh boy, we were in for it!   All I knew was that there were cutthroat trout in the lake and that was all I needed to motivate me to move forward.  However, this thought became weaker and weaker as the "short" hike was uphill for a mile and a half.   When I say uphill, it was a pretty brutal hike.    However, when we crested the summit, it was all worth it.  

This adventure was like a lot of situations that I have experienced at work.   A lot of unknowns that could have deterred me from moving forward.   However, how many times have we all experienced these situations where it seems easier to give up, but we are determined to keep moving forward?  When I thought that the trail would kill me, I remembered that there was a finish line.   It also helped to know that I was able to go downhill on the way back!

At Microsoft, we are a culture that thrives on taking something that is not 100% established and taking one step at a time to help develop it.  We are a culture that has a vision and will not give up until we see the alpine lake nestled within the mountain tops.    It is such a blessing to be able to experience exploring uncharted territories in both my personal and professional life.  

Continue to explore- Adventures are all around us, go find one!

Until next time!

-Goggle Man out!

Day 8: Mighty Mouse

Goggle Man hopes you have awesome plans for the 4th of July. The Goggle family is a bit slow this morning since we had a long day on the lake yesterday. I was very proud of my 7 yr old daughter who decided she was going to try wakeboarding. She was able to get up her first try. I will be sharing a video when I am back in town. Our new nickname for her is Mighty Mouse. The name stuck since she is super small, but a powerhouse with her determination.


Mighty Mouse reminds me of the core of what makes America who we are. We are determined people. Our country was founded on this notion of seeing a goal of being free. I hope that we do not forget this.


I am blessed to work with determined people. We just closed out our fiscal year and our sales teams did an awesome job. They were backed by industry leading product, program, and support teams that help make the magic at Microsoft happen. KUDOS to Microsoft
for a great Fy15!
Are you determined like Mighty Mouse was yesterday? If the answer is yes, Microsoft might be a great place to help you change the world.


Enjoy your weekend- eat lots of hotdogs, burgers, sodas (or adult beverages if that is your thing) and celebrate that we come from a long line of Might Mouse's who were determined to change their world.


Go explore and create an adventure!


-Goggle Man Out!

Day 7: Friday Song Challenge- Happy July 4th

I want to wish everyone a safe and fun 4th of July weekend.  Todays Friday Song Challenge embraces the sprit of this weekend!




To celebrate- Hope you enjoy a classic from Neil Diamond. 

https://youtu.be/T3S7mlRYL-8

You are in for a treat.  Goggle Woman shared that her brother went to school with a Neil Diamond impersonator known as Super Diamond.  You just can't make this stuff up.

https://youtu.be/qnu0NZdZamU


Remember that fireworks are not a toy unless you are over 21.  Be prepared and don't forget your goggles.  


-Goggle Man Out

Day 6: Super Salesman

My wife decided to spoil our family and take us out to an early breakfast before we started work.  We don’t do this much during the week, but since it is summer, it was nice to get out and start our day a bit differently.    We all ordered our drinks and our kids started playing a game with a fork and knife.   I looked at the two glasses of milk sitting next to them and thought the worst, but stopped myself since they are 11 and 7.   However, I forgot that this is the family of Goggle Man.   Yep, five minutes into the game, Goggle Girl knocked over her entire glass of milk all over Goggle Woman (my wife- you will meet her later), herself, and the table next to us.   If you have ever experienced this situation, it seems that the entire restaurant stops and stares at you since liquid has left the glass in a not traditional way.   I looked over at my wife covered in milk and could only shake my head at the crazy situation we had in front of us.

Goggle Man wanted to get mad at Goggle Girl for spilling her milk all over the restaurant.  However, I quickly remembered when I was younger doing the same thing to my Dad.   It is amazing how events can trigger past memories.

My Dad and I were taking a trip to San Francisco.  He had a very large meeting with one of his Federal customers in the city.   I tagged along to enjoy San Francisco while he was selling his solutions to his customers.  Since I support hiring sales professionals at Microsoft, I now really understand the sales process and the importance of a client meeting.   I wish that I would have known then what I know now.   If I did, I would have tried to avoid adding a major challenge to my Dad's meeting. 

Growing up in California, In & Out Burger was a big thing.  They started in Southern California and worked their way up the coast.  It was always a treat to enjoy a burger, fries and soda on a hot summer day.   As we were eating, I grabbed my extra-large soda. So I thought.   My soda proceeded to dump all over the table and my Dad.   As I looked up, my Dad's white dress shirt was no longer entirely white.  

The worst part about this situation, he did not have another shirt or time to get another one.   All my Dad could do was continue on to his meeting.   

As a top salesman, my Dad did not let this challenge get the best of him.  He went into his meeting and addressed his non-white shirt out of the gate.  He apologized  for the large stain on his shirt.  He told them the story of how he was having lunch with his son and how I spilled my drink on him.   His client asked, how old is your son (thinking he had a toddler).  My Dad in his witty way, said, no.... he is 20.  Everyone laughed and my Dad proceeded to close the deal.

Challenges.  The are always there.  The trick is how do we deal with them and use them to our advantage.  My Dad used it as a way to show he was human and to get a laugh and to bring his clients into his world.  How have you had challenges that you have used to for good?  Sometimes we think they are bad, but sometimes they might be exactly what we need to be noticed.  Like a guy walking around with a brown and white dress shirt.  

The more I think about my past, I realize I come from a long line of Goggle People who just take on situations as they come and bring humor to connect with people.   Feel free to leave a comment if you have a time that you have overcome a challenge.

Keep Exploring! Until next time…

-Goggle Man Out!

 

Day 5: A Picture Perfect Society?

I have been focused in deep thought this week. I know, that is crazy to think that Goggle Man can compose a thought for more than two minutes.   I have been pondering the concepts that our culture gravitates toward images.  Twitter, Facebook and Instagram all are image heavy and if anyone is like me, they skip over the boring words and look at the crazy cat post.  Images drive the curiosity within society but a lot of times does not tell the entire story.  This drives us to find out more to have it make sense. 

 

I guess the age old saying-  "a picture is worth a thousand words" rings true.  Dr. Seuss made a career of this concept- lots of pictures and small, easy words...

 

Some pictures can portray negative impression on the world and no one wants to wait to hear what they have to say.

While others influence the world to stop and listen and hold onto their words and want more. 



At Microsoft, we are focused on creating an image that people gravitate toward. 

Until next time.

Goggle Man Out!