Experts use industry trends and activity to forecast future results. While this information is interesting, it is a global view that has little effect on individual companies. If you are listening to their depressing predictions and wondering how it will affect your business, stop wasting your time and hurting your business. Focusing on the negative [...]
Leadership
Management is hard. People do things that surprise even the most jaded manager. Sometimes the surprises are good, but often they undermine your faith in humanity. My first entry into the management arena was at the ripe old age of 25. The first lesson I learned was that I was a much better manager before [...]
Economic downturns are routinely blamed for lackluster corporate performance. Some of the blame is warranted. Growing a company is hard when people aren’t buying. Notice that I said “hard,” not “impossible.” History has shown that business can prosper even during tough times. In fact, several major corporations were started during recessions. Microsoft, GE, HP, and [...]
I was a much better manager before I became one. I knew who was doing a great job without recognition and who was taking credit for other people's work. I knew who should be fired and who deserved a promotion. I didn't understand how the people in charge of leading the company could be so blind. I promised myself that one day I would become a great manager who governed with the wisdom of King Solomon.
When people are resistance to change, forcing them to move forward creates resentment and reduces your chances for success. There are two reactions when presentations begin with "this will change the way we do business forever". The first is skepticism. The second is resistance. Not your standard "I don't think this will work" kind of hesitancy, but dig your heels in like my grandfather's mule on a cold day refusal to move. And, the more you encourage, plead, cajole, or beg, the less likely the success
