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
When we think of innovative companies — Apple, Google, Tesla, etc. — we think of dreamers who think big, and take chances. Upon Steve Jobs’ return to Apple in the 90s, the company even made “Think Different” their mantra. Most would agree that “thinking outside of the box” and taking chances leads to growth and innovation. So why do so few companies, and so few leaders, actually do it? We often consider the term “status quo” a negative thing, but the truth is that … Read More
How to successfully merge divergent cultures into a single, healthy unit In the world of mergers and acquisitions, financial accounting takes precedence over all else. When one company decides to buy or sell to another, the finance people work through the numbers to come up with an agreement acceptable to both parties. What tends to get lost in the initial negotiations, however, are the people. How will the new cultures fit together? Which employees will be retained, and which won’t? The answers to these … Read More