“Follow Your Passion”….. “Do What You Love”….. “Build It and They Will Come.” These phrases have practically become big laws of career wisdom; but do they really lead to success? Many would-be entrepreneurs have found that starting businesses by following their passion results in no one following them. Ultimately, passion matters but maybe not in… [Continue Reading]
Do Leaders Need Coaches?
August 3, 2017 by ·
All executives should heed Malcolm Gladwell’s warning that “No one — not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses — ever makes it alone.” A recent installment in Vistage Speaker Andi Simon’s new podcast series explores why “Leaders Need Coaches to Succeed.” Andi invited me explore this topic with her… [Continue Reading]
How to Fail In Public
July 13, 2017 by ·
Fear of failure can take a number of forms but the one that keeps many of us from taking a risk is the fear of failing where everyone can see. A few words from Richard Branson may help.
A Graduation Gift…
May 22, 2017 by ·
It’s commencement time and whether your child is in high school, off to college, headed to a summer internship, or off to conquer the world, here is collection of my favorite commencement speaker advice and a few other observations that you may wish to share with the young people in your life. You may recognize… [Continue Reading]
Your Eight Bad Habits
March 14, 2017 by ·
The most important person we ever manage is ourselves. To the extent that “habits are the magistrates of our lives,” taking a hard look at what gets in our way of adopting good ones and shedding bad ones seems a good prescription. This article from Forbes enumerates Eight Habits that don’t usually make most people’s… [Continue Reading]
Surfer Dude Sales Advice
February 6, 2017 by ·
Great advice can come from unexpected quarters if we are ready for it. To wit: check out this short story about how a father’s advice created a great salesman and how we often make our jobs harder than they need to be. Consider some surfer dude sales advice before you make your next sales call.
Got Peers?
January 30, 2017 by ·
If you’re reading this and have not availed yourself of membership in Vistage or other C-Level Peer Group, take a few minutes for an overview of peer power by a man who literally wrote the book on the subject. Leo Bottary, author of “The Power of Peers” was recently interviewed on a major Midwest radio… [Continue Reading]
I, Pencil
January 25, 2017 by ·
Those who are concerned that China’s economy will surpass ours should consider the following “required reading.” China just announced to great fanfare that after years of effort and millions in investment, it has managed to produce… a ballpoint pen! (This was accomplished in the US about 80 years ago). Before you read on, check out… [Continue Reading]
Some Obvious Advice and “The Dark Playground”
March 27, 2016 by ·
Remember the old adage of “How do you eat an elephant?” Answer: “One bite at a time!” But how do you get those massive projects started? Check out this obvious, but worthwhile advice in this one-page article from Inc Magazine. …and if today isn’t the day to stop procrastinating, soothe your conscience by taking fifteen… [Continue Reading]
Linking Business Performance to KPIs – Professionally and Personally
March 14, 2016 by ·
Every business leader needs to organize a set of KPIs. These KPIs have two purposes: 1) track the progress of business, and 2) motivate the organization to s t r e t c h, and achieve its maximum performance. Where Do You Start? Begin with a few KPIs; five is a good number. Choose KPIs… [Continue Reading]
