One input I received while conducting focus groups and interviews about what managers want from the PMI NorCal Symposium 2008 is to hear about companies like Hewlett-Packard. As an alumnus myself (22 years at HP), I appreciate the unique contributions established by Bill [Hewlett]and Dave [Packard]. 
I still remember the frankness and honesty of a presentation Chuck House made to executives from a major customer during their HP factory visit. I first I was aghast at the “dirty laundry” he revealed. Then I came to realize that this honestly and willingness to put the “nasties” on the table is a real asset to address issues and make changes, especially when you do it sooner rather than later when problems tend to escalate. How can we get more companies to emulate these best practices?
David Packard presented engineer Chuck House with a medal for “extraordinary contempt and defiance beyond the normal call of engineering duty” for continuing with a project that Packard requested be discontinued: and which became a successful product. This entrepreneurship trait continued throughout Chuck’s career as an executive at HP and other companies, such as Science Policy and Societal Impact Director at Intel Corporation. 
His roles include inventor, intrapreneur, leader, manager, instructor, professional service provider, board member and coach for start-up businesses. Experience his outspoken insights about innovation and successful companies…and preview his new book on the topic.
Be inspired: be challenged: transform!
Randy Englund, Englund Project Management Consultancy, www.englundpmc.com
It is uncanny how many people will keep silent when they had a chance to raise some concerns and get problems out in the open to be addressed.
The water cooler can be a good place to do a little bit of socializing with colleagues, but unfortunately it also tends to be the only place where “dirty laundry” gets exposed.
Organizations really need some more Chuck House’s around.
Josh Nankivel
http://www.pmStudent.com