How are you implementing TAGFEE?

[jcolman]

Hilarious indeed, sir!  Actually, I'm more curious about what you're saying about empathy.  It takes time and energy and a careful hand and lots of attention to detail.  But like you said, it's really, really hard to scale.

So beyond producing high-quality products (your Bing Quality Score research, for example) that meet the needs of your audience, what are some other tips for scaling up empathy.  Or is it something that simply cannot be stretched beyond individual interactions?

[jcolman]

Wow, I love what you're saying about feeling a sense of relief and boosting personal health with TAGFEE.  I agree that there's a strong correlation (if not causation) between following the TAGFEE principles and reducing stress, building better relationships, and getting the most out of life... all of which boosts mental health and brings a positive outlook.

The interaction on this thread makes me giddy, too!  In all my interactions with Mozzers in and out of your office and events, I see TAGFEE in action and it's inspiring.  I hope to get to the Jedi-like level of well-being that you're at someday.  

[jcolman]

I LOVE THE DUCK OF AWESOMENESS!  I'm about to give special recognition to one of our front-end developers here and your post has inspired me to start a similar effort at REI... maybe something like "The Carabiner of Awesomeness" or something...

Many thanks for the great tip, Will!

[jcolman]

I can't decide if I want a "TAGFEE" wrist band or a "WWRD?" wrist-band.  How about one for each wrist?  

[Dr-Pete]

I learned that they'll print one word on each side, and so a test batch of wrist-bands with "TAGFEE" on one side and "WWRD" on the other side is in production. I'm ridiculously excited about seeing how they turn out.

[HallStigerts]

Thanks for sparking this great thread, Jon! It's exciting to see Mozzers implementing TAGFEE in their own personal and professional lives. Many companies have value statements, but TAGFEE are guiding tenets that helps us keep our compass pointed in the right direction. Like Joanna mentioned, it's not always easy and we're not perfect--being truly TAGFEE is a lifelong process.

I think there are not-so-obvious positive side affects when you focus on being TAGFEE. The benefits of true transparency and authenticity are apparent, but if you're lucky enough to get the honest story from someone, you develop thick skin. You learn how to receive feedback (and criticism) gracefully. You're more sensitive to your limits (being generous and fun, but enough to get the job done) and how to effectively provide feedback. It's also a reminder to keep yourself balanced (all work and no play...), and to not only be empathetic to others, but also to yourself (stop beating yourself up--we all make mistakes).

[jcolman]

w00t - someone please send Dr. Pete a Duck of Awesomeness ASAP!  

ducks.jpg

[jcolman]

I see that this conversation is happening broadly in our industry under different names.  For example, this recent post on Ethics and SEO is largely a demand for transparency and authenticity.

[KeriMorgret]

For anyone interested, here are the TAGFEE bracelets that Dr. Pete had made:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150291508411246&set=a.293920196245.153433.8489236245

[wp2013]

My paymasters in the Kremlin frown upon your TAGFEE. One comrade was taken out and shot just for suggesting it. Now we stay quiet

[Cargo]

It has no place in news industry! You know this!!!

[flowsimple]

In being transparent and holding yourself accountable, don't forget to also be generous with yourself!

My teachers/coaches/ and friends have adeptly pointed out that being passionate and driven can make us our own worse critic, and then we are hardest on ourselves. In the very act of practicing generosity with yourself you become more generous and empathetic with others. It may be more difficult to practice that type of generosity than to hold yourself accountable.