Decision Making

How Google’s decision-making works

August 15, 2016

Eric Schmidt joined Google as its CEO in 2001. Even though the company was already a smashing success, he knew his job wouldn’t be easy. Schmidt, 61, understood the risk that founders take when hiring an outsider as CEO. Clashes can occur as founders chafe at the CEO’s decisions.

Leadership Tips, Vol. 616

June 10, 2016
Avoid stubbornness … Lead by example … Stop micromanaging.

Aflac CEO knew when to say no

March 18, 2016
It’s common to hear top executives discuss how they took someone’s advice and it paid off. But sometimes, leaders reject seemingly sound advice—and reap the rewards.

Classic approach to setting SMART goals

January 18, 2016
Figuring out how to set realistic goals has vexed leaders for a long time.

Who do you turn to?

November 16, 2015
Asked about their go-to person in making important business decisions, 750 owners of small companies admitted mostly going it alone.

5 steps to getting things done

October 28, 2015
Here, in a nutshell, is David Allen’s famous five-step process for getting things under control, whether what you’re trying to accomplish is through your team, your division or your organization.

Why leaders must be resilient

October 23, 2015
Have you ever worked with someone who was a manager but not a leader? Ever worked with someone who couldn’t make a decision?

Beware of the ‘new = better’ equation

July 17, 2015
Psychologically, most of us tend to favor hiring promising outsiders over people we know well. That’s because when we know very little about someone, we might envision a rosy future in which the candidate proves a superstar …

Boost your impact with bold moves

June 26, 2015
As vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Bill Owens was the second-highest-ranking military officer in the United States. But before he took that job, he aced a tough assignment in downsizing the U.S. Navy during the early 1990s.

Scared to make decisions? Watch out

April 16, 2015
Many would-be leaders fall into the trap of treating their decisions as moving targets, wavering after setting a direction or backing away from a commitment, leaving employees in a muddle. Do you?