One of the things that happens when you agree to sit on the ASID board of the Missouri West/Kansas chapter as the Membership Director is being included in this annual event. Last fall when asked to fill this position – I simply could not come up with one reason to opt out. So the answer was yes. Glad I did. The 2014 event was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center convening at the same time as LA’s annual trade show event sponsored by Dwell Magazine.
One topic discussed at the conference was the transition from the largest demographic group dominating the work force as they move into retirement – the Baby Boomers, who evidently had a lot of kids. These kids are commonly referred to as the Millennial’s or Generation ‘Y’. Apparently, in 2015 this younger generation will become the dominate generation within the workforce. Say what?
Radical changes have been occurring with-in the National ASID office (American Society of Interior Designers). They have replaced 7 out of their 10 employees and sold the pricey real-estate located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC taking up residence in a temporary space until a new office can be acquired. The infusion of new talent into the organization has done quite a bit of digging into ‘where’ we are as an organization and how they are recommending proceeding. They have some pretty good insights.
Strategic Outcomes – Team Building Activity
‘LA Live’ District just beyond the courtyard at the JW Marriott (think Power & Light District downtown KC)
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We were given 20 strands of spaghetti, 1 yd of masking tape, 1 yd of string and 1 marshmallow with the objective being to build the tallest free-standing structure (meaning do not use your hands to hold it up) with the marshmallow on top – in 19 minutes. The record holders for this activity; a group of kindergarteners apparently reached the height of 34″ and even resisted eating the marshmallow! Can you find the 3 towers in the picture above (the picture with the laughter and smiles on their faces)? Then there is the other picture – below. Wasn’t it to stand on its own?
This was a team-building event on Strategic Outcomes. As such, it really was about ‘what showed up’ amongst your team members. Quite interesting. Who took the leadership role? Also, who did we show us as; the challenger, peacemaker, reformer, enthusiast, loyalist, helper or achiever? I was the challenger. Bringing to the attention a foreseeable problem, it would not be able to stand on its own that is….however, we just kept moving forward any way. Result in failing to accomplish ‘all’ the objectives.
Lesson number one is – know the answer before you start. We began working on the solution without asking the question – “will this work”? The other strategic objectives were: work within the time limit, work towards the deadline, be focused and goal oriented.
Stunning Reception Desk at the LA Hotel
LA’s Famous Louie’s Decadent Desserts
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