One of my favorite video series on the web is Cliff Stoll on Numberphile.
Part of it is the subject matter, topology is totally mind twisting and I’ve always had a fondness for old technology, especially after my days in San Jose.
However, I think it’s mainly about him. He is just so joyful; he is enthusiastic, curious, and a bit impulsive. This force of personality is also rooted in a deep interest in science and reality. It’s this balance that makes it one hell of a joyride on the screen.
The fun question for me is how to channel this dynamic as a client. Exuberance doesn’t matter much if the client doesn’t have the basics down (firm decision making and holding the team accountable to high standards, setting up the conditions of success) But beyond the basics, I suspect being a client who is excited about the project does get that extra 1% out of the team. And if it’s gonna take ust as much effort to be dour, then why not, right?