Innovation Management: Radical Innovation (13 Jun 2006) One of the common concepts in innovation is the idea of radical creativity. That innovation is only truly innovative if it is radical. But how do we define radical?
Creativity and Innovation Management: The Value Of Due Diligence (13 Jun 2006) One consideration innovators should be wary of in the rush to market is to not forego due diligence. That is, the temptation to forego, among other things, investigation into an idea's feasibility, adequate market analysis and the questioning of the dominant assumptions. Due diligence is important for a number of reasons, including...
Creativity and Innovation Management: The Creative State (13 Jun 2006) Often the creative state is described in almost "spiritual" terms. However, these analysis are misleading and do not help to make creativity tangible, measurable and useable.
Creativity and Innovation Management: Incubation and Insight (13 Jun 2006) Two of the most common terms in the field of creativity include Eureka! Or Aha! Often these terms are used to describe that moment when an idea has occurred "out of the blue." This whole set of terminology and the inherent assumptions are misleading.
How to Create Trust (13 Jun 2006) Trust is the key to success. Here's how to win trust from others.
Survival of the Fittest: The Road to Human Extinction (13 Jun 2006) Was Darwin correct when he emblazoned the doctrine of "Survival of the Fittest" onto the Collective Consciousness of Humanity? In this article I challenge this doctrine outright and invite you to do the same. The very future of humanity, in my view, depends on us doing so.
The Thick Line Between Buddy and Boss (13 Jun 2006) I have made just about every business blunder you can imagine. I am like the Evel Knievel of the small business world, if Evel Knievel wrote a weekly column on motorcycle safety. One of the more unpleasant things I've had to do is fire a good friend who was not doing the job I hired him to do. He needed a job, I needed an employee, so I thought I would give him a shot.
Employee Turnover: Seven Reasons Why People Quit Their Jobs (13 Jun 2006) There are many reasons why good employees quit and go to another company, perhaps even your competitor. Most of the reasons start with management and most are preventable. Good people don't leave good companies, they leave poor managers. Here are seven reasons. Are they prevalent in your organization?
Employee Orientation: Get New Hires Off To a Great Start (13 Jun 2006) The good news is that a new hire orientation program offers an opportunity to build a lasting impression of the new company. The bad news is that that is going to happen whether you plan it or not. So why not get new hires off to a great start? Here are seven ways.
Performance Appraisal Checklist: Raise Not Just Appraise Performance (13 Jun 2006) It's that time again! Perhaps the most dreaded management practice is the annual performance review. Whenever the subject comes up, out comes the groans from both managers and staff no matter what industry or type of company. Many say appraisals are like having a root canal - only more painful. It shouldn't be. Use this checklist to guide managers and supervisors in preparing, conducting and following through on employee performance appraisal discussions.
Smart Hiring: What Makes the Right Employee? (13 Jun 2006) Good hires do not happen by accident or luck. In this economy, employers are finding a large pool of available workers. But finding the right employee for a position is still a challenge. Few managers, when asked, can describe "right." Others can't agree on what qualifies one to be qualified, at least in measurable terms. Learn the four critical questions to ask before hiring your next employee.
Leadership Style: What Makes A Good Boss? (13 Jun 2006) In today's competitive environment, companies realize that a good boss is one who can identify and build on the talents of the staff and knows how to retain top performing employees. Take this quiz and see if you are a good boss...
Quality Staffing: Stop Placing the Wrong People in the Wrong Jobs (13 Jun 2006) You can possibly teach a turkey to climb a tree - but it is a lot easier to hire a squirrel. Quality staffing means selecting the right people with the right skills for the right jobs and at the right time. A good hire can take the weight of the world off your shoulders. A poor one can eat up your time and energy and weaken an entire team. So, why do so many leaders place so many people in so many wrong places? Learn the five key reasons.
25 Great Ways to Find the Right People and Not Break the Bank (13 Jun 2006) Are you trying to hire dozens of hourly workers or a senior executive? Where do you look and how do you get the word out? There are many ways to find the right people besides placing want ads. Learn 30 innovative and inexpensive ways to expand the pool of potential applicants. Pick and choose the ones that "fit" your company and your budget.
What is Six Sigma? (13 Jun 2006) Six Sigma is a highly disciplined process focused on satisfying customers by delivering nearly perfect products and services. In today's competitive market, consistently maintaining satisfied customers is essential to growth and success. Major corporations such as GE, Motorola, Honeywell and Ford, have demonstrated significant savings and increased profits by implementing Six Sigma processes in their business.
Creating Advisory Boards (13 Jun 2006) Often the answers to complicated questions don't lie within those most affected. Frequently the leader will need to look outside the organization for advice and wisdom. Advisory Boards do not vote, nor do they have fiduciary obligations. But, as the name implies, they exist for the sole purpose of advising the CEO and executive team...
Dont Hire Squirrels to be Your Top Dogs (13 Jun 2006) Bad hiring decisions cost organizations, both in dollars and lost opportunities. But getting the right people in the right places doing the right thing is not easy. It requires painstaking efforts and objective information. Mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, and growth all require an unprecedented need for information about how to hire top performers and a framework for assessing the competencies required to lead people during extraordinary times. Therefore, hiring the right people involves more than guesswork and subjectivity. The formula is simple but not easy: know what a squirrel is and set a trap to catch them.
Getting the Most from Appraisals (13 Jun 2006) A look at how to make appraisals, or performance reviews, more productive. For managers, how to plan and prepare and handle them. for staff, what to do to make sure they are constructive for you. Some basic tips and ideas to improve the whole process...
Why You Should Hold One More Meeting (13 Jun 2006) One more meeting can help your business grow and change. One more meeting can give you new opportunities to explore and improve your results. Not just any meeting, more specifically, an idea meeting.
Unveiling the Value of Your Expertise (13 Jun 2006) All of us have knowledge, expertise, and experience that others can benefit from. We all can contribute to other's success with our expertise. Below are ways to improve our ability to succeed in having our expertise used successfully by others.
