It seems to emerge as a common theme. A business hits a rough patch when nothing they try seems to work. Then, when all the innovating and experimentation is exhausted, a move back to basics ensues. So it is for coffee giant, Starbucks. According to a recent...
It’s been said that “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” While I won’t argue against the importance of a high-performance culture, the fact is that organizations need both. Let’s take them one at a time, starting with culture. A recent Harvard Business Review...
The most recent issue of the Harvard Business Review features a cover story on the issue of conflict in organizations and the leader’s role in managing these inevitable disruptions. Timely to be sure. Of all the patterns I’ve seen in my work with organizational...
I read an interesting article recently about a pro sports team in the northeast. Seems they traded away their most talented (and most expensive) player. In return, they received what could generously be called “prospects”; that is, largely unproven...
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article (Reasons Why Managers Are So Miserable at Work by Ray A Smith, August 4, 2025) managers are frustrated and under more pressure than ever before. Tasked with translating strategic visions into operational...
One more comment on the many benefits of face-to-face meetings with customers. An objection I often hear is this: “My customers are too busy to see me…”. Well, that’s probably true, given the nature of most customer visits. Consider this: are you going there to...