Wisdom And Books From Forrester’s Board Of Clients

Every year, Forrester hosts its Board of Clients — executives from our top clients that convene to advise us on strategy, product, packaging, marketing, and research coverage. Verticals represented included airlines, insurance, banks, technology, food distribution, energy distribution, and healthcare. This was the 26th year of the Board, and it was one of the most creative and dynamic meetings in its history — not surprising given that all of us are living in the emerging world of AI.

At the dinner the night before our meeting, we discussed two things: 1) how we keep ourselves and our teams centered and productive in these turbulent times and 2) what books we are currently reading and would recommend. Here are some of those thoughts:

“I use the tools on my iPhone to limit how much time I spend on social media. One hour per day is a good number.”
“I have my phone revert to black and white at 8 p.m. every night — so it’s not that fun to look at.”
“I encourage my team members to be with their families. Families keep people happy.”
“I make a point of not listening to the media in the morning — with newscasters talking about the end of the world. Instead, I listen to a book or a great podcast in my car.”
“I have set aside one hour per week where members of my team come together to talk about the biggest problems they are trying to solve. It’s a ‘no judgment,’ ‘free speech’ environment where we don’t hide anything and we are all helping each other.”
“I read 1440 instead of the mainstream media. 1440 is an email news source that is short and unbiased.”
“A third of the day is my time, a third is coaching and investing in my team, and a third is working on my direct responsibilities. That structure keeps me and my team balanced.”
“I make a point of taking personal time off. Vacations are important.”
“On Thursday from 1 to 5, my entire team focuses on training and development — no meetings.”
“I cycle to work one day per week. It keeps me sane.”
“Once per month, I hold a brown bag session for my team where one member explains what they do in the company and their stories. This has broadened our understanding of what we are all trying to accomplish.”
“I talk to my parents every week. Family helps keep me OK.”

And some of the books recommended by Board members:

Wonderful meeting — the Board keeps Forrester customer-obsessed.