Best-Practices Leadership

Don’t let bigwig use personality test as an excuse

September 20, 2017
Q. I work closely with the owner of a consulting firm. He’ll only let people ask a question, not explain what’s going on. He says that’s just his personality (he says he’s a “D” and an “I”) and his style is normal for his personality type. It’s driving me crazy. What good is it to have me here if I can’t provide information on the status of projects or situations?

Startup fever: Undone by ambition?

September 18, 2017
A recent spate of trouble for high-profile startups may have the business world rethinking Silicon Valley’s magic.

Welcome dissent from everyone

August 25, 2017
The highlight of engineering firm Burns & McDonnell’s Principals Day is when the CEO presents a specific business problem to the 120-year-old company’s top employees and gives them one hour to come up with five potential solutions.

12 inspirational bumper stickers about innovative thinking

August 14, 2017

We guarantee that you’ll feel emboldened to think more creatively and ambitiously when you get a look at these bite-sized reflections on innovation.

One man’s bold push for recognition

August 14, 2017
In the late 1800s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture under James Wilson was setting up scientific research stations all over the country. George Washington Carver put in a bid for a black research station.

Leonardo da Vinci would like a word with you

August 9, 2017
By looking at the world in unusual ways, da Vinci made his surroundings fascinating and found the many challenges and wonders within them. Your job is such a wonder-filled place, whether you realize it right now or not.

3 ways to generate profit with the data you already have

August 2, 2017
In order to monetize your data, you need a different approach, one that starts by turning the process on its head.

To win customer loyalty, get your eyes checked

July 27, 2017
Improving the customer experience, says Jay Forte, consultant and president of The Greatness Zone, starts with understanding the importance of noticing: aggressively examining the little things that are working and the things that are not.

Adopt ‘of course, but maybe’ mantra

July 19, 2017
Relying on what has worked in the past does not guarantee a better future. Sometimes, you need to buck conventional wisdom and start anew. Try Instacart founder Apoorva Mehta’s approach.

Post-it notes’ success, step by step

July 11, 2017
Many 3M engineers, production staff and salespeople doubted that any market existed for Post-it notes because scrap paper was already free. But Art Fry persisted, proving that all great ideas still must be sold.