OUCH…Tom Peters shoots himself in the foot
Tom Peters who is known for his ‘shouting in capitals’ in his varoius publications and who advocates being “mad at the world” shot himself in the foot during his recent seminar in South Africa.
I was impressed with Peters’ latest book ‘Re-imagine’ in its fresh, attention grabbing layout. Peters had abandoned his previous publisher Knopf in favour of Dorling Kindersley a London-based unit of Pearson best known for their travel and gardening books that are designed to catch the eye and have one reaching for the wallet. Peters, the champion of the WOW facto,r emphasis that the whole point in his new approach to his published work is to “make the medium as interesting as the message”. He goes on to say that, “You can’t write about WOW projects in Technicolour times without presenting the information that way”.
Well Tom, best listen then to your own message when presenting your material. Peters’ seminar in Johannesburg contained a mind-boggling number of powerpoint slides stuffed with words. He took ‘death by powerpoint’ to new levels. A pity as he has some valid points and is not regarded as one of the top management thinkers of his time for nothing.
A cheap shot at Peters? I hope not. More disappointed that the medium simply didn’t do justice to the message. And of all people Peters should know better.
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I wasn’t able to attend the seminar but was downloaded Peters’ slideshow from http://www.frontfoot.co.za I was also unimpressed at the “blandness” of the slides, but having not seen the actual presentation, wanted to reserve judgement under the assumption that Tom more than made up for it with his message.
Surely Peters has access to some of the best graphic designers and multimedia experts on the planet?
I attended the seminar in Joburg with a colleague, and we were also disappointed by how much text Tom tried to put onto one slide. Hey, I absolutely love Re-imagine and I always carry one of the Tom Peters Essentials pocket books in my handbag – inspiring stuff! But Tom’s presentation was to me proof that you can never be good at everything. Maybe Tom should think of utilising some of the BYTs he obviously has working for him, or maybe it is time for a brand new BRAND YOU-guy!! He mentioned that he travels months on end and do some updating on his presentations in the evenings when alone in his hotel room – that may be a reason why, but certainly he can afford an entourage of experts to accompany him? Come on Tom, time for some Re-imagination!
So, I wonder if Tom gets to ‘hear’ this blog and respond. Wouldn’t that be impressive! However I wouldn’t wager on it!