02
Aug 2014Cultural Tipping Points
When companies are in start-up mode, headcount is small. Business is relational and CEOs typically engage at a more functional level. In this stage, communication is straightforward. Infusing personal values into your team is a natural outcome of your stage of growth. There’s a shared sense of purpose that leaves less opportunity for confusion or interpretation. As your company expands, you’ll cross several thresholds of...
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14
Jul 2014Topgrading for Better Hiring
Savvy leaders recognize the cost of a bad hire. For small to mid-sized companies especially, one bad hire in a key position can have far-reaching, even catastrophic results. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your leadership team from a poor hire is to improve your hiring practices. Topgrading is a powerful, effective tool that companies of all sizes can benefit from. Common Sense...
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01
Jul 2014Employee Recognition
There’s very little that has the positive, far-reaching, culture-building effects of genuine employee recognition. Rough economy? Difficult product launch? It becomes even more essential that you intentionally, consistently acknowledge the accomplishments of your team. Not only will your staff feel appreciated and motivated, it creates a natural platform that showcases the kinds of behaviors and outcomes that create your organizational culture. Send an Email Perhaps...
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28
Jun 2014A Balanced HR Scorecard
CEOs often have a single-minded focus on the bottom line. They assess financial performance, and tie outcomes to market trends. Many overlook (or avoid) recognizing that a leading indicator of financial results is a successful workforce. The truth is, competitive advantage begins with your human capital. Measurement systems – whether for your company as a whole or the HR function – create value only when...
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18
Jun 201418 Minutes by Peter Bregman
Do you feel as though there could ever be enough time in the day? I’ve seldom met an executive who doesn’t cite time management as a critical concern. Over the course of my career, there are several leaders who have stood out in this area. They seem to enjoy balance and productivity. They share a common trait: a hunger to discuss time management with others...
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01
Jun 2014The Go-Giver by Bob Burg
One of my clients shared this book with me a few years ago, and it immediately became a go-to resource that I regularly recommend to executives. It inspired leaders and challenged teams to reimagine outcomes by rethinking their business theology. The true value of The Go-Giver requires a shift in thinking which transforms the mindset of a ‘go getter’ into an entirely different paradigm of...
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25
May 2014Big Audacious Goals
I’m a big fan of author Jim Collins and of BAGs – Big Audacious Goals. After all – breakthrough ideas rarely emerge from small thinking. I believe that people – and companies – thrive when the bar is raised. Doing so pushes us to think differently, which brings about innovation. When implemented effectively, BAGs create a sense of urgency that reshapes culture. The Risk of...
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10
May 2014The Culture Catch
Before you’re ready to talk about organizational culture, you must recognize what culture is not. Culture is more than a logo, mission statement or well-articulated values. Culture is broader than your methodology of product development. Culture is more far-reaching than the strengths (and weaknesses) of your founder or even your unique value proposition. That’s not to say that all of these things cannot be influencers...
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