While any time is a good time to begin your strategic planning effort, the fourth quarter of the year (don’t look now, but it’s here) is an especi...
What’s a Customer Really Worth?
Few topics engender as much passionate debate as the the value of a customer. While most everyone agrees they’re important, there’s less consensus...
Leadership Competencies: Expense or Investment?
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” and similar declarations are prevalent in business journals. But what if systematic investment could help yo...
Strategic Organization Design: Getting the Basics Right
One of the most common concerns raised by employees is as simple as it is complex. Organization structure should be straight forward and well underst...
Three Critical Components of Your Complete Business Plan
In my NYU graduate business management courses, I’ve recommended a format for business plans that incorporates three vital components.
Ten Steps for Fast, Focused, Flexible Strategic Planning
Finding time, once each year, to take your team through this ten-step process can bring your organization to a higher level of planning, performance,...
Moving Ahead in the Face of Uncertainty
As we move into the early stages of 2021, it’s not time to retreat in the face of uncertainty. Now is the time to “double down” with disciplined...
Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles: A Planning Essential
A necessary but often overlooked element of sound strategic planning is the time spent identifying and understanding obstacles.