Desk Props at AddThis
The Scale of an Argument
Often times we’ll disagree at work. And some folks will argue just to argue. Sometimes I find myself guilty of this. The key thing is to give up the small battles to win the big ones. On a scale of 1 to 10, here’s how I rate the intensity of my arguments:
1. Let’s just hug it out.
2. I’m walking away.
3. Pillow fight!
4. I’m getting territorial.
5. I’m trying to negotiate with you calmly.
6. We’re flipping the bird.
7. I will take a slap to the face to win.
8. I will take a kick to the face to win.
9. I will take a kick to the nuts to win.
10. I stand in front of a train to win.
So, the next time you find yourself arguing with a coworker, use this scale (or a version of your own). You may find that you’re at a 5, and they’re at a 9… or vice versa.
Most arguments aren’t really worth the time. By letting go of the small ones, you build up social equity, and you can put that towards the big fights that matter.
Tour of Contactually
Over the weekend, Brandon (one of my old colleagues) showed me his new gig at Contactually. He’s got a pretty good thing going there, in terms of space and growth. I’m digging the culture and took some notes.
As you can see, the space is open. That little fence is to keep the dogs in. They’ve got about 6 or 7 roaming around during the day.
Here’s a pic of some of the future in their entrance. Apparently someone over there has a knack for cool stuff. The chairs aren’t comfortable, but boy they’re cool.
When you first enter, you notice that they’re packed in there like sardines. I can’t imagine how loud it gets there… but I bet it’s pretty crazy.
I’m serious, it’s pretty packed in there. I mean, if someone farted, the entire office would know immediately.
Here’s a pic of Brandon’s desk. I’m really impressed by how far he’s come in such a short time. I only expect great things coming from the things he touches.
I’m not entirely sure what their company does, but their culture starts to make sense by the barrage of posters around their office.
This one was great.
LOL. It’s nice to see that kind of environment. I kind of miss those days.
They have a pretty cool kitchen. Really nice layout… I’m going to have to borrow from this in the future.
And their conference rooms. These are pretty cool. Kind of reminds me of the photos of the pixar studios.
It definitely looks cooler on the outside. I think the inside needs some work. Hah!
This is where their engineers work.
One of their lead engineers is a cowboy. He broke the rules and built his own desk out of cardboard.
And they have a pretty cool basement. It’s probably too cluttered with furniture, but it has potential.
Anyway, thanks Brandon for giving me a tour of Contactually. You guys have an awesome space, and it looks like the sky’s the limit.
Monday Music: 10,000 Emerald Pools
Awesome way to kick off the week, even with gloomy weather. Hat tip: Behnaz
2015 AddThis Kickoff
Last night after all the kick off meetings, we had a company dinner at Sakura’s.
This is a stitched panorama of the party. Looks like people had a great time.
A picture of Josh and the gang, enjoying some hibachi.
Dave was 50% catch ratio. Not bad!
Here are the young bloods toasting to a great year.
Look at these trouble makers.
And the pic of the evening goes to Steve Donnelly.
It’s crazy to see how things have grown.
We’re getting to a size that I don’t know every single person. I guess photography helps me introduce myself—getting to know everyone is part of the job.
And there’s Jake. He was so shy.
And the product and marketing folks that make AddThis sing.
I know this picture is grainy, but I had to get a picture of the 3 wise men.
What a fantastic team. Looking forward to big things in 2015.