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November 2011

Sometimes words fail me. That's why the feature article this month is focused on visual communication—how pictures, graphs, charts, and sketches so often have far more meaning than "mere" words.

I've been listening carefully to my clients and colleagues recently, trying to tune in to their visions of the future of work, both broadly speaking and in their own organizations. I've been struck by how frequently many of them rely on images and even photographs to communicate their ideas, hopes, and beliefs (often unconsciously, using words to describe the visual images).

Yet most of us are almost illiterate when it comes to understanding the power and the value of images. We tend to take them for granted. With some unfortunate exceptions we all see the real world through our own eyes all day, every day. We use visual metaphors all the time; after all, when we talk about the future we usually speak of our "vision" (as I did just now to refer to how people think about the future of work).

Why then do so many of us resort to words, words, and more words when we prepare reports or make presentations? Heck, I am guilty of it right here. I just can't seem to avoid writing a newsletter without relying almost completely on words.

Sure, if you are an architect or an interior designer, or a graphic artist, your visual sense is highly trained, and you are "tuned in" (to use a radio metaphor, not a visual one) to pictures and other kinds of images. But you are in a distinct minority.

Anyway, I hope all of you will find my feature article ("Picture That!") useful and even provocative. And, please, strive to use more images and fewer words in your presentations!

I have also included a report on the October "Quick Poll" in which I asked you to identify how much time you spend during a normal work week paying attention to the world outside your own organization, to the future, and to sharing your ideas about the future with your colleagues. The responses to the survey were more than a little surprising, and a bit discouraging as well.

Then, in The Readers' Corner, I've reprinted a strong response—and rejoinder—to last month's article on essential skills for the self-employed. I hope you'll read David McCarty's thoughtful comments.

Finally, I share with you my recent and impending comings and goings—the events and projects that are filling up my calendar these days ("What's Happened/Happening").

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1. Feature Article: Picture That!

It's been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. But the vast majority of business presentations and meetings seem to depend far more on words than on visual images. Why does the business world ignore one of the most powerful tools for communicating, persuading, and creating memorable experiences?

2. A Future of Work Quick Poll

How much time do you spend thinking about, and talking about, the shape of the future that your own organization will experience? Please help us develop a deeper understanding of the state of strategic planning and your own views by completing a very brief survey.

3. The Readers' Corner

In October we published a short article by Lauren Bailey on the skills needed by entrepreneurs and the self-employed. To our mild surprise Lauren's suggestions prompted a vigorous rejoinder from David McCarty. We document the "debate" here.

4. What's Happened/Happening?

Brief announcements and notes about where we've been, and will be, holding forth in public conversations and other activities.

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