A Business Six Pack
There are two aphorisms about history that I have found compelling. First, a quote attributed to Mark Twain that “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes;” and Harry Truman’s observation the “There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.” I think you’ll find these Six Very Short Stories about Business History […]
Civics Lesson: “The Nostradamus of Elections”
Dr. Alan LichtmanProfessor of History, American University Note: As with last week’s issue, between now and November 5, I will be sharing articles that I hope will be of interest to any C-Level executive about the election, and I do so without any intention to support any party or candidate but to share some aspects of the race […]
The New Boom
The bad news? Due to demographic factors, many believe the War for Talent will be with us for some time. Some sectors are struggling more than others such as retail or manufacturing. This situation makes a focus on productivity mandatory. The good news? Productivity and prosperity may be right around the corner according to Phillip Powell, an Indiana University economist. […]
Role Play and Eat Your Lima Beans
Legendary Vistage Speakers Jack Daly and Morne’ Smit tell Vistage groups around the world that sports teams are run better than most businesses. Why? Because of the emphasis on practice and preparation before the game. That said, it’s a paradox that more businesspeople, who are among the most avid fans and urge teamwork and winning, don’t demand the same thing from their […]
Resting Business Face
Colleen StanleyCEO, Sales Leadership We’ve all heard the term “Resting B….ch Face” (or RBF; the male equivalent is called “RAF”, see this link for more information about both. Psychologists actually study this, and so do some plastic surgeons) . Both mean “a facial expression that unintentionally creates the impression that a person is angry, annoyed, irritated, or contemptuous, particularly when the […]
Best Blogs
I resource material for your “edification, enlightenment, and enjoyment” from many sources. I will continue to provide specific recommendations as above for the content I think is worthwhile. But if you don’t find anything to your liking above, check out this list of the best (in my opinion) blogs, websites etc. for the C-Level Executive […]
A Predictable Growth Primer
Most companies want predictable growth but lack a rigorous process for creating it. Strategyn consulting firm Founder Tony Ulwick (who the late Clayton Christensen credits with “bringing predictability to innovation”} offers a short primer on the requirements for such a process…and three related functions for winning products and services. Maybe it’s time to ask in your organization “Who […]
Manufacturing’s “Shocking Reality”
For many people, the economy they see is IT, finance, and retail. But at the end of the day, we all need “stuff”….and “stuff” has to be manufactured. The American way of life has been made possible by the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century and further augmented by the application of computer technology to manufacturing in […]
Talent Tactics for SMBs
Small to Medium-size Businesses, often complain, not without justification, that large companies have an advantage when it comes to hiring. A group of middle-sized company executives recently met at the US Military Academy at West Point “from across a range of industries at the historic Thayer Hotel inside the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for […]
Civics Lesson: “A Bucket of Warm Spit”
John Nance Gardner: Vice President of the United States 1933-1941 One of the most controversial elections in decades will be held in less than 60 days. This missive has always striven to non-political, but there are aspects of the election that C-Level executives may find helpful, practical, or at least interesting to learn about regardless […]
