pass the kool-aid

We finished up our second interviews today. One of the questions that I asked the candidates was "How do you organize yourself?" to try to get a sense of how they keep track of contacts, conversations, deadlines, etcetera.

I consider myself a relatively organized person. You wouldn't know it by looking at my desk -- where the piles of paper stack up, disheveled file folders live, and post-it notes threaten the visibility of my computer screen -- but I can usually put my hands on what I need. I write notes to the file about conversations, track deadlines on two calendars, and keep contact information in various computer files. Perhaps not the most efficient way, but entirely functional and effective for me.

"How do you organize yourself?"

"I use the Franklin Covey system."

We smile and nod, and listen to her describe her color coded planner and why she doesn't use a particular computer program because it doesn't allow her to color code. And all the while, I am frightened.

Frightened by the red for volunteer board work, the green for personal, and the highlighted yellow for deadlines.

Frightened that she uses a "system." And that there's a name for that system. And that she thinks we know what she's talking about.

Frightened that an innoculous looking planner has obviously developed a cult. Because that's the only thing that can explain the smiling, doe-eyed young woman in front of us and her need for color.

Join the cult of Franklin Covey. Nikes and sweatsuits are optional.