When ocean going ships enter closer to ports they normally take onboard a pilot. The pilot has expert knowledge of the area where they will be directing the quartermaster, Officer of the watch and even the ship’s Captain on courses and speeds in various areas of a channel or seaway. The pilot may have never steered this type of ship – ever. The pilot may have never climbed aboard this type of ship – ever. With a few quick orders to the helmsman and adjustments to the speed at early … [Read more...]
Can You Be Replaced By Automation?
Lighthouses have been the theme for this month. One of the topics within this theme has been the central figure all the way through history providing open fires, controlled wax burning frames, oil or coal based fires and ultimately electrical light. The central figure was the involvement of humans to control the light. Today, virtually all lighthouses are run by machines and remote monitoring. There are automatic sensors deciding if there is extra moisture in the air requiring the fog … [Read more...]
How Do You Navigate Uncharted Seas?
Although this Month the general topic will be around the International Rules of the Road. There are certain times where you are in ‘uncharted seas’. These 'uncharted seas' represent situations where others have not navigated before. If you are not familiar, the Bermuda Triangle, section of the North Atlantic Ocean off North America in which more than 50 ships and 20 airplanes are said to have mysteriously disappeared. https://www.britannica.com/place/Bermuda-Triangle When transiting … [Read more...]
Are You A Plumber?
Here’s the thing – yes I have a toolbox and some tools – yes there are things I am able to do around the house, the car and even more. However one thing I’ve learned the hard way, more than once or twice, is when to stop and get a professional. This is where I found myself recently. Through a contact in my local area I was able to get the name of a plumber. A few weeks go by and magically the time and date arrive for the appointment and the plumber shows up. The plumber said you need an … [Read more...]
Would You Like To Improve Productivity?
It might be your own productivity. Improve the productivity of your employees or co-workers. Potentially improve the productivity of your teammates. The question one might ask is how? How do we actually improve productivity? One of the common topics that surface when this improve on productivity subject is brought up is ‘the internet’. This is the catch all for the use of social media and everything online while at work. An often taken approach which resolves nothing is to ban the use of … [Read more...]
Is There A GAAP In Your Business Or Attitude?
Not a hiccup or a typo. GAAP as in the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. These are the accounting principles, standards, and procedures that companies... If a corporation's stock is publicly traded, the financial statements must also adhere to rules... Yes there are rules. One of the problems we are all dealing with today is there are a number of companies, organizations and people who do not care about the rules….any rules. A perfect example of this was just presented to the IPO … [Read more...]
