Best-Practices Leadership

Once, Sears was the whole world

June 13, 2019
While the Amazon model is unique and modern, there have certainly been other companies that have strived to be all things to all people. In 1908, that company was Sears.

‘I invented this!’ ‘No, I did!’

June 13, 2019
Throughout history, there have been many cases of inventions and discoveries made independently by different people at the same time. Here are some examples.

The problem with ‘dream teams’

June 13, 2019
When it comes to assembling a team, most people look for the best talent. But what actually happens when you have a whole team of stars?

In business with friends: A mistake?

May 9, 2019
For every warning against doing business with your friends, there’s also plenty of expert advice and evidence to argue the contrary.

Should your company close for a week to innovate, plan?

April 25, 2019
Even if a leader advocates for employees to be creative and pursue new ideas, organizations rarely allocate time and resources. Enter the “organizational charrette,” a new management practice in which the entire company closes shop for one week so every employee can focus on innovation and future planning.

Don’t worry about motivation; hire self-motivated people instead

April 22, 2019
There’s a philosophy out there that you can motivate almost anyone to do their job. It implies we can motivate someone, as well as take away their motivation. Although this viewpoint is typically well-intended, it is counterproductive to greater success.

Another look at brainstorming

April 11, 2019
Sure, you realize brainstorming can yield some results, if you can get your team—and for that matter, yourself—past that initial “groan” phase.

Should you reveal your side job?

April 4, 2019
Many people have another gig in addition to their full-time job. Should you disclose this to your employer? There are several things to mull over before deciding on taking this step.

8 quotes about innovation you’ve never heard

March 14, 2019
From the editors of Leadership Briefings.

5 apps to run meetings more efficiently

March 14, 2019
“We could have wrapped this meeting up with an email,” is a phrase often uttered by exasperated employees whose productivity has taken a hit after spending a part of their working day stuck in meetings. Here is a list of five apps that can assist with hosting a successful and productive one.