Task Force

The thing about my company is that almost every issue leads to a creation of a Task Force of some sort. Every year, a third party consultant does an anonymous survey with some random employees about our Company regarding topics such as communications, compensation, and overall morale. This year, the survey results came back pretty negatively. So what happens? A task force is formed. The task force is basically a group of employees who get together on a regularly basis and try to problem-solve the issues. They come up with a bunch of recommendations, etc. I would say 90% of time, the recommendations never get executed. So basically, in my opinion, the task force is a big waste of time. It's formed for the sole purpose of proving that the company is trying. But in reality, everyone knows nothing ever changes with this company.

This week, another task force was formed. This one is an "Internal Communications" task force, which is to address how we can better communicate within the company, from the Corporate Merchandising office to the stores to Visual Merchandising to Consumer Marketing. How to get everyone calibrated on the same priorities and standards? The truth is everyone does their own thing -- trying to centralize how people communicate is too ambitious of a task in my opinion. I'm sure whatever "recommendations" the task force comes up with, will be put in the back burner 4-5 months from now.

Daiso Japan

This weekend, I brought SQ to the Daiso Japan store in Serramonte. Daiso Japan sells all sorts of houseware stuff, for cheap! Most items are priced at $1.50 each. It's kinda like your typical dollar store, except its much, much better. You get a lot more "choices" for the same product. For example, if you're looking for tape, Daiso offers over 20 different kinds. Everything is also nicely organized so it's easy to find.

It was SQ's first time there, so he was quite amazed. He spent literally 20 minutes in just the craft aisle! He picked up some wood chisels and a cutting board, all for $1.50 each. I had to 'scoot' him out of the store before he got a chance to see the hardware aisle...because it would have taken him 1 hour to get through that aisle! I have to agree, Daiso does offer a lot of good, cheap stuff!

Too bad that we don't have Muji (無印良品) in the Bay Area. That would be my favorite store!! Muji just opened a flagship store in New York. Maybe the next time I go to NY, I can find some time to sneak in there!!