The Fink Tank

“Complex systems that work invariably evolved from simple systems that also worked.”
In this episode Col Fink takes aim at lofty expectations for technology solutions.
It’s very common to underestimate how much time and effort will go into setting up a new, say, CRM. By trying to do too much, we risk ending up with a system that never does ANYTHING.
Better to start with something simple that actually works and actually does something. It can evolve later.
It reminds me of the early days of home computing. As a teenager with a 386 PC, installing and updating software was an emotional rollercoaster. Floppy disks, unwieldy operating systems, and no way to ask for help. A archaic land before the internet, barely imaginable now.
The cycle was comical. An exciting new program that *should* have taken two hours to set up ends up taking ten. And doesn’t even work. Not only that, the existing version now also doesn’t work. And the computer won’t even boot up now. At hour fifteen, a win was getting things back to how they were before I started.
Ah, the early 90s. Good times.
Anyway, if you're setting up a new workflow, PLEASE start with something simple that you can implement quickly. Or Col will be sad.

When a hundred and fifty people turned their heads and glared directly at me, my panicked response was “IT WASN’T ME!”

I didn’t directly cause the EAR-SPLITTING BLAST OF WHITE NOISE that shocked the crowd. But I was sitting at the sound desk at the conference, so it WAS my responsibility.

My first response was horrible. My next action was even worse. I can still feel the shame. It’s a techicolour memory.

What do you do in the uncomfortable spotlight when things going wrong? Are you an avoider?

In this Fink Tank Col and I discuss blame deflection, and the value of taking responsibility.

Cam knows exactly what his fingers SHOULD be doing when he plays the guitar left-handed. But they absolutely cannot do it. 

And nor should they. They’ve never practiced the other hand’s job! Expertise isn’t the same as muscle memory. 

You probably experienced a version of this the first time you got on stage or in front of a camera. You’re an expert and you know your stuff, why isn’t it coming out of your mouth the way it has hundreds of times before??

Muscle memory is very specific, yet we sometimes expect magical transference when taking our skills to new environments. 

In today’s Fink Tank we discuss what Col calls The Great Filter. The uncomfortable barriers we have to push through if we want to succeed. 

We’ve all been there. What do you do when you’re confrontingly crap?

A spontaneous riff (ha) on the value of pop songs. More specifically, YOUR pop songs.

Put on the spot, Col comes up with a great metaphor for choosing how to deliver great value.

Fittingly, this is a shorter, pop-song-length episode!

What do hundreds of ducks and chickens, 30 sheep, 20 goats, four alpacas, two cows, three dogs, and a hippie commune have to do with teaching public speaking?

In this episode we talk about the value - and difficulty - of sharing your real actual life in a professional context.

If you're brave enough to offer detail beyond the surface expectation of your job title, you create opportunities to form deeper and more rewarding relationships.

You can be more interesting, more memorable, and maybe more buyable.

Ah, if only it were that simple..

Your logo doesn’t matter.

But being someone who people can identify, recognise, like, and trust, absolutely does matter.

In today’s Fink Tank, Col and I chat strategies for improving your “human logo”.

I love Simon Dowling’s purple shirt vibe, and associate it with his beautiful comedic style. Col enjoys Joshua McKiterick’s black v-neck tee, and the understated intellectual sharpness that goes with it. Lisa O'Neill wears outfits that are basically a party invitation, and EVERYONE enjoys those.

Deviating from the sartorial theme, Col reliably laughs at his own jokes. It's a wonderful feature of his sessions.

Are you easily recognisable? Have you got a “thing” that is particularly you?

After a couple of decades in my social life, I’m trying out my colourful hat in the occasional work context. Mixed results so far!

What are you rocking?

How did Col end up on an episode of Thank God You're Here?

He didn't, but it did FEEL like he did. You might too if you make the call you're avoiding.

In this episode we talk about the difficulty of making that call. You know the one. You know the person, you know you could help them, you know they'd answer if you called.

But you don't.

We don't want to bother people. We don't want to be icky and sales-y. We fear rejection. By keeping ourselves "safe", we let huge opportunity pass us by.

If you call someone with curiosity and generosity in your heart, you might end up a) doing them a favour, and b) making some money. Even if neither outcome eventuates, they'll know you're thinking of them and care about their world. Still a win.

Even if you're presenting at the most presentery present-a-thon, your conversation voice is more likely to engage an audience.

In this Friday Fink Tank I stumble at the very first hurdle, utterly failing to find my conversation voice in the opening minute. Luckily Col guides me to safety (because he's good like that) and we discuss strategies to help YOU find your voice.

Your real, actual you voice. The one that people want to listen to.

I've looked at the word so much it looks weird now. Voice.

Voice voice voice.

Experience is the thing you get just after you need it. Don't let a lack of it stop you from firing. In this episode, Col and I talk about what it means to be "ready".

When learning a new skill, we often neglect a vital aspect of practice. Whether it's public speaking, posting videos, or delivering workshops, we need to practise not just the skills, but the act of performance.

To practice performance, you have to ACTUALLY perform. Even if that means sucking for a while. Just start. Aim and fire. You'll be "ready" later.

“Why are you doing this to me???” v “Why are you doing this?”

We’re often too quick to judge the “fairness” of an accusation or outburst. “How could you do this TO ME???”. 

We see ourselves as sole cause and entire target of the transgression. We jump to defence and denial, and rail against the injustice of it all. “It’s not MY fault!!” we cry, which usually leads to escalation and blame games.

What we feel as a personal attack often has more to do with our proximity than our contribution. And the human inclination to believe we’re more important than we truly are. But it’s hard to find compassion and empathy when the anger has been directed AT you.

In this chat Cam and Col chat about the wonderful technique of taking the last two words off the standard reaction “Why are you doing this to me?”. 

It’s not always easy in the heat of the moment. But it can quickly replace indignance with compassionate curiosity. It can help you find connection, forgiveness, and understanding far more quickly.

Although to be fair - and I can’t stress this enough - you might actually be an arsehole.