Leadership Theories

Keeping AmEx grounded top to bottom

July 22, 2016

Ken Chenault knows it’s tough to forge connections with over 50,000 employees. But that doesn’t stop the longtime CEO of American Express from trying.

Leadership Tips, Vol. 416

April 4, 2016

New ways to do things; Name a CEO; The worst passwords

Use 20/10/70 rule to woo staffers

February 12, 2016

Enlightened leaders don’t try to motivate everyone equally. They target their efforts for maximum impact.

Make a commitment that counts

February 5, 2016

When leaders say that they’re going to do something, they follow through. But that’s especially hard if they promise to tackle a tough task.

5 keys to gain a competitive advantage

December 8, 2015

In the 1970s, executives favored a technique called SWOT analysis to think strategically. But SWOT is now outdated, and there’s a more reliable way to devise strategy.

No Plan B for this young billionaire

July 3, 2015

“The minute that you have a backup plan, you’ve admitted that you’re not going to succeed,” says Elizabeth Holmes, CEO of Theranos, a health technology company.

Why do business cards still exist?

May 29, 2015

You’ve probably asked yourself this question. Business cards have been around for at least 500 years, but the issue is why they persist in the digital age.

Practice the ‘5 zeros’

April 15, 2015

Here are “five zeros” that will simplify your work.

CEOs at big corporations often let their marketing managers make local sponsorship deals. A company might wind up supporting Little League teams, arts festivals and other community events. David D’Alessandro rejects that approach. When he was CEO of John Hancock Financial Services from 2000 to 2004, he adopted a “go big or go home” philosophy.

Keep score to drive peak performance

January 14, 2015

At a football game, fans check the scoreboard to see whether their favorite team is winning or losing. Do your employees have an equally easy way to keep score?