Return on Investment (ROI), or the measurement of how effectively something will pay for itself, is a classic business metric. The calculation defines gain in financial terms. In today’s world, financial measures alone are too narrow. Revenue, profit, productivity, etc. are only parts of the picture. We need to consider intangible returns – gains in […] Read more… Read More»
Humans tend to model the behavior they see. When leaders appear to be in control, know everything, never doubt, or never ask for help or input, employees think they have to do the same. The behavior they see and deem as acceptable is to be strong, not question, never be wrong, and always know. The opposite behavior is a sign of weakness and is unacceptable…. Read More»
While much has been written about the relationship between integrity, trust and profitability in the last few years, there are companies who have lived this for over 100 years, like a 165 year old, billion dollar plus, 6 generation family business in Wisconsin, Menasha Corp. Last year, in a discussion on the paradox of integrity, […] Read more… Read More»
Being a leader requires taking the right road, not the easy road. Treating our people fairly requires judgment, subjectivity, and clear communication of expectations and goals on an ongoing basis since the world around us changes all the time. When we treat our people equally but not fairly, we tell people it’s ok to underperform and under contribute undermining the morale of our dedicated and passionate people and are then surprised when we get mediocre output and outcomes…. Read More»
Once upon a time, NYFM (Not-Your-Father’s-Manufacturer), a very old, established company, decided they needed to drastically change in order to grow and be around many more decades. So, they created a highly disruptive ‘bet-your-career’ strategic plan. And they lived happily ever after.
Really? How many stories like this have that happy ending? … Read More»
My first boss in the ‘real’ world was a yeller. I’d never really been yelled at in my life. So, picture this: I’m 20 years old, right out of college, ready to take on the world at Bell Labs, and in my boss’s office for one of our team meetings. I was the youngest […] Read more… Read More»
Ah, New Years hype! New resolutions, habits, goals, priorities. We make it so grand and complicated that we set ourselves up for failure. Seriously, what’s the difference between December 31st and January 1st? Is it really different than June 30th and July 1st or October 31st and November 1st? And really, January 1st as the New Year is a […] Read more… Read More»
My mom and her parents fled Eastern Europe from the Nazis. In those days you needed someone in the United States to sponsor you to be granted a visa. My great aunt had come over earlier to NYC and sponsored them. They got the last boat that made it across the Atlantic and all the […] Read more… Read More»
I don’t lean in, lean out, lean sideways, lean back…I stand up straight. As a kid, my parents kept telling me to stand up straight and strong. It created an aura of confidence, self-assurance, and supposedly, it was better for your back. In fact, we now know that standing strong can actually change your mood […] Read more… Read More»
I grew up in Bell Labs and AT&T, blessed with incredible bosses and mentors. Because of their recognition and support, my career, influence and impact took off rapidly. So, when I was asked to be on a special project (the kind that are special and not parking lots for people you want to fire but […] Read more… Read More»
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