In a recent conversation with an airline executive, he said that the process of creating a strategy is more important than the resulting document. This is because the executive conversations result in decisions on what they are doing, as well as what they are not doing. Popular strategy frameworks simplify and structure the strategic thinking…

Consider this letter of caution written on January 31, 1829 by future President Martin Van Buren to President Andrew Jackson: The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as “railroads.” The federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons: 1.     If canal…

Consider this letter of caution written on January 31, 1829 by future President Martin Van Buren to President Andrew Jackson: The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as “railroads.” The federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons: 1.     If canal…

The 3 C’s:  1.  Connection (about them),       –Build rapport – personalize/customize       — Build the highway before the car (communication message)       — Understanding/common ground       — Know audience perspective/frame of reference       — Create intrigue immediately       — Doctor with right bed side manner…ask questions     …

For more than 75% of companies, innovation is in the top 3 for priorities (Source:  BCG 2013).Innovation is based on an organizational mindset, which includes: 1.  Inspiration     o   Failure of imagination…Borders (Amazon), Blockbuster (Netflix)     o   Clarity of direction vs. empowerment 2.  Periscope – see threats/opportunities that are around corners     o   Risk taking…

As companies seek profit opportunities beyond their national borders, they encounter new issues:      · planning,     · resource allocation,     · management control,     · organizational strains,     · complexity,     · culture clashes,     · local competitors. Just looking at employees, a company must adjust their work environment and culture to match…

While facing increasing competition, this innovative company is known for:      1.  Retaining large market share            ·  CEO Tim Cook is not pursuing market share at all costs, saying, “Our objective has always been to make the best, not the most.”                This is…

Some think that 20% of an organization is ready for change, 60% can be swayed and trained, and yet there will always be 20% that resist. I believe this is an optimistic outlook, as social scientists and behavioral economists find that humans are biased toward the status quo. They say that humans resist changing assumptions…

There is not always an apparent right answer. Case studies are all discussed with hindsight knowledge. What would you do? How does your behavior act out?  One person told me to take the 3M test – would your behavior change if:      ·  Mentor was coaching you?      ·  Media – front page…

“Listen” and “silent” have the same letters. When working with people who speak different languages, we must allow time for them to translate in their heads and prepare their response; however, many Western based workers are not comfortable with the pause. In fact, in this culture we are practically starting our sentences before the other…