While I am no Luddite, I do believe that consistent over-reliance on technology often has the effect of dulling human senses and locking the average person into the realm of the known and the measured. This would be devastating to Intelligence gathering that depends on human awareness of the red flag, the discordant note, the hunch… as well as the ability to report findings back to decision-makers in good time.

An article I recently read refers to inexpensive sensors attached to any object, human or otherwise, that easily communicate data/findings back to a network in any number of combinations - Sounds ultra cool, but I am guessing the sensors can only report back in line with known programming… What about stuff that has never been recorded or measured …Much like on-line customer service, the human attempt to report back is often thwarted if it does not fit into a pre-decided category. Worse still, will our awareness become so dimmed that we will not even notice anything untoward?

For the full article:

http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?sub=true&id=53030

The difference between Intelligence and Information cannot be more clearly illustrated than by the Globe & Mail article today entitled China speaks and the world finally listens!

For years, many have predicted that China’s emerging economic might would allow it to assert itself on the world stage. Preferring to bide its time, silently observing, yet keeping out of Western preoccupations and allowing others to think of it as an undeveloped nation,  a confident China has now stepped into the econo-political limelight as a major partner.    

This is information! For those who had hoped to curry favour with China, sew up cozy deals or even safeguard critical industry, the time is past. Any competitive edge would have been gleaned by those who, following good Intelligence, predicted this eventuality…and took action accordingly…In good time!  

The Project Management Institute, Southern Ontario has invited Rodger Harding back to address the PMI-SOC Monthly Meeting, on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:00 pm.

The title of the key-note will be

The Project Management Team: 
The Importance of Good Intelligence in Tough Times

For more information and to register for the event, please visit:

http://www.soc.pmi.on.ca/cde.cfm?event=239061

The interactive discussion Rodger Harding will focus on the competitive advantage of seeing, understanding and utilizing intelligence that others miss.

In times of crisis, original-thinkers, risk-takers and innovative strategists blink as a beacon for stalled business!

Dear Clients & Friends,

As 2008 draws to a close, I again reflect my good fortune in being able to follow a career path that enjoyably accommodates and utilizes not only who I am, but also what experience continues to teach me. The intensely diverse people that make up the mosaic of the professional and personal relationships built over the years without doubt give purpose to my work and meaning to my life.  

As an entrepreneur these relationships, for me, provide a distinct sense of community. At present the world is consciously faced with the prospect of the unknown in the immediate future. I thought it perhaps useful to share some of my thoughts, drawn from my own experience, on the incredible value of community & relationships in the navigation of difficult times:

·          The vibrant exchange of  random ideas oftentimes provides surprising clues to workable innovation, profitable new business and problem-solving

·          Enormous pleasure may be derived from disinterested contact with people that share common ground and past experience – Sustainable business relationships are not solely transactional, but rather founded on mutual interest, trust and flexibility

·          A good relationship understands and gives context to imperfection as a human phenomenon – There is nothing better than being able to honestly express fear, uncertainty and anxiety in a safe environment  - Being oneself at all times is key to initiating and nurturing a healthy relationship  

·          The ability to at times anticipate the needs of others, rather than a self-interested focus, even in times of difficulty brings great fulfillment

·          Asking for and receiving help/assistance with good grace is perhaps the ultimate test of a good relationship

·          Investment in like-minded contact will nearly always allow for easy access ....Paradoxically the more immersed we are in work and daily life the less time we have to spend with people we find enjoyable. That said ... I remain in awe of how pleasurable relationships may be renewed despite lack of recent contact!            

I take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support, inspiration and friendship. Despite the vicissitudes of business and life in general I have never felt alone in my endeavours. For this a huge Thank You!

My very best wishes for the Holidays and a happy, safe & prosperous 2009! I look forward to renewed contact in the New Year.

Warmest regards,

Rodger 

Despite fuel crisis alarms and environmental awareness drives since the 70’s, North Amerca has consistently deemed the production of electric cars a bad business prospect. Instead we forged ahead with the production of gas-guzzling traditional vehicles.

It would appear China reading the clues, analyzed future market requirements, decided to risk developing a product that is ready to roll at just the right time.

China’s Changan Automobile Group “will roll out 30 electric cars developed jointly with Electrovaya in Canada before the end of this year, potentially becoming the first Chinese auto maker to tap the North American market.” Eventually the made-in-China clean-energy cars will be shipped directly to “ the hotly-contested market”

“Other Chinese players, such as BYD auto, an automaking unit of Hong Kong-listed rechargeable battery maker BYD Co are set to tap the clean energy vehicle market at home and overseas. BYD Auto has signed up 10 distributors for its self-made plug-in hybrid car in Europe, well ahead of its targeted entry into that market in 2010.”

Quebec Hydro modernized its infrastructure with a view to provincial self-reliance after the power outings of 2003/4 is apparently now capable of providing electrical recharge to 36 million vehicles, Canada wide, without going off the grid – Remarkable foresight!

Ref: http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSSHA33460720081104