The SWOT Ledger
SWOT analyses are a much-maligned framework. And I confess to having been among the hecklers. In fairness, I respect the methodology, but I hate its use as a synonym for […]
Anchored to the Present
Peter Drucker famously said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Strategy manifests visions of what shall be, and builds the road to it. Over the […]
Director of Slide-Greasing
Hopefully, you had a spectacular summer and a wonderful holiday weekend. If you’re in the US, Happy Labor Day! Now, it’s back to work! In honor of Labor Day week, […]
The Case of the Shrinking Executives
In some organizations, people grow and expand. They become more powerful and effective. In others, they shrink–shriveling in impact, disempowered. When that happens, once influential individuals transform into shadows of […]
You Push, They Push Back
When things aren’t going in the right direction, how do you approach your team to get better results? Do you talk more, push harder, change managers, insist louder, impose longer […]
When You can’t Say No. Or Yes.
I’m terrible at saying no! The refrain is so common that I hear it in my sleep.. Usually, when clients feel overloaded that is their self-diagnosis. There are too many projects, deadlines, and […]
Favorite Things Summer 2023
Once or twice a year this newsletter abandons deep-thinking, strategy and business–for great content that is enriching, fun, engaging or simply beautiful. Today I have a bit of everything! Podcasts, […]
The Short Road to Ignominy
Every day we confront the consequences of actions taken in the past. It may be a slight inconvenience caused by a shopper who left their cart in a parking space, […]
Just One More Dataset!
In 1815, Napoleon was going to face the British and their allies in what would become the Battle of Waterloo. The French had many more troops, and certainly could have […]
Being an Extraordinary Leader
Leaders come in many varieties. Anyone over the age of 25 has already learned that through experience. The awful bosses stay with us in the form of cautionary tales. But […]