3 Secrets to Successful Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions can be a great way to grow a business. It is an effective way to grow market share, acquire technology or talent, expand into new geographic locations, increase economies of scale, etc. It also has drawbacks. Aside from it being an expensive way to grow, it is a marriage of two companies […]
What Is the Almost Inescapable Trap of Success?
In another conversation with the wisest man I know, he provided an insightful view of what it has meant to be human. From childhood, we are told what it means to be human. Except, no one knows how the idea of being human was created. And we live with the belief that what we have […]
The Boss’ Perspective on Being the Boss
Sometimes you hear about managers who do not communicate clearly or effectively. They may be concerned that people know they lack knowledge about a topic. As a result, the manager keeps thoughts to herself. Other times, a leader may be afraid of being wrong. So they do not allow for engaging conversations that promote disagreement. […]
How to Avoid the Yes-Man Culture
The dilemma for many CEOs is that they initially moved up the ladder because of their ability to solve problems and drive solutions. They are used to having the right answers and having their expectations met. While that is a great position to be in, there is a flip side. When you learn to trust […]
Do You Train for Your Profession?
A formal education is a great place to gather information. To ensure we memorize that information, we are given homework and class assignments. Then the instructor administers tests to see how much information we retained. If you pass those tests, many believe they have earned the title of being the best at their craft. What […]
Are You Stuck and Don’t Know It?
I often tell people they have nothing to do with what they think, say and do. As you can imagine, the overwhelming majority refute that statement. They make the claim they have everything to do with what they think and do. In fact, they believe they have control over themselves. I say control is a […]
Is It Ahead of the Curve or High on the Curve?
On June 14th, 2011, the Wall Street Journal published an article about Miracle Gro. They said “Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has long sold weed killer. Now, it’s hoping to help people grow killer weed.” Miracle-Gro generates 64% of their revenue from home improvement stores like Home Depot. However, with people hesitant about the economy, sales are […]
What’s Better Than Self-Actualization?
For most, constant improvement is satisfactory. It’s a way to become better over time and progress to self-actualization. For an extraordinary person, breakthroughs and world records are a source of empowerment. It is not simply about improvement. Most people explain those results away with things like luck, right place at the right time, genetics, family […]
What If We’ve Misjudged CEOs?
In the 1950s, the US was responsible for approximately 30% of international trade. Today, the US accounts for only 10%. After WWII, much of the world was in shambles. They depended on the US to supply capital, labor, services and materials. In the 21st Century, those same countries that depended on us are our competitors. […]
We Can’t Blame the Robber Barons
In a past article, I wrote about a conversation with the wise gentleman I know. In that conversation, he suggested people stop funding homelessness. With no surprise, many were offended. Why is that? Is it because helping the homeless has become synonymous with looking good? By that, it makes one look like an honorable person […]