Where are all my choices?

Tad Smith is the CEO of Reed Business Information (RBI). He was interviewed by Hal Espo Wednesday at the SIIA conference and told this story.

Tad’s son Harrison is seven.  

He’s already in to social networking (on Webkinz) and spends a great deal of time online.

He rarely watches TV.  

One day, Harrison told Tad the TV was broken. Tad investigated and told Harrison there was nothing wrong with the TV.

To which Harrison replied, “But Dad, where are all my choices?” 

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The interview covered the creation of a centralized “e-group” at RBI, pricing on-line content, the "gentle decline" of print, and the differences between writing for online and writing for traditional media. 

What struck me was how many times the conversation turned back to people.   

What kind of people does Tad Smith look for as he builds an organization that offers RBI consumers a multitude of choices?  

He hires “utility infielders”. The people that can build customer relationships, understand and navigate technology, and develop content. 

When Tad’s looking for a senior manager he wants a results oriented, insightful individual that can articulate problems with clarity. 

But, what’s the single most important quality they must demonstrate?

According to Tad it’s “unquestionable and unimpeachable integrity”. 

John Blossom covered the complete interview at ContentBlogger.