As you may have heard, the world’s most popular television show, Game of Thrones, is in the midst of its final season. The show—if you are one of the approximately 15 people on the planet who has not seen it—has an overriding theme of family and the importance of family legacy. Much of the characters’ motivation is derived from creating or leaving a legacy. The concept of legacy—in the show and in real life—is both abstract and incredibly powerful. And for family businesses in … Read More
Motivating employees is, in a word, complicated—especially in the modern world. I can’t tell you how often in my work as a performance coach I deal with business owners who are frustrated by their inability to properly motivate their employees to perform and to adhere to their company’s culture. The generation gap is often labeled as the culprit, but in essence, it all comes down to communication—or lack thereof. Good communication leads to good results, but good communication isn’t that easy to execute. As … Read More
The business of family is hard. A family run business is even harder. Family-owned and operated businesses are part of the American fabric. Whether it’s the Waltons of Wal-Mart or the family bakery on the corner, a family business instills a sense of pride. Creating something that can be passed down from generation to generation is a desirable legacy — and if done correctly, can ensure a family will thrive for generations to come. However, as anyone who runs or works in a family … Read More
If you’re the CEO or President of a company or organization of any size, you’ve probably spent some time reading about how you can improve both your leadership and your organization. In my work as a leadership consultant, however, I’m often surprised that many leaders fail to understand the “little” things (that are actually big things) when it comes to moving their organizations forward. With that, here are 9 unconventional — or at least uncommon — tips for leaders: Don’t Assume Everyone Sees the … Read More
In the hit 1999 sci-fi film The Matrix, Keanu Reeves’ Neo wakes up in an entirely new and unfamiliar world in which he must learn to adjust to his new surroundings, and eventually master his new domain in order to ensure his survival. If you have ever worked in or held a leadership position in a matrix organization, you may feel a bit like the newly awoken Neo — confused, disoriented and wondering what to do next. What Is a Matrix Organization? A Matrix … Read More