Strategic Leadership

Solve strife to sell change

August 15, 2017
“I thought about what I had seen as a manager—what worked and didn’t work—and set three objectives for the integration: we’d get past the internal politics, we’d listen to all points of view and we’d make sure our senior folks were visible in all three departments—open and accessible to everyone.”

Will your ego kill your career?

August 14, 2017
The day of the aggressive know-it-all who steamrolls over colleagues is drawing to a close. In the future, success will belong to those who can quiet their egos, collaborate, and empathize with others.

When to settle a case

August 3, 2017
In the event of a lawsuit, the legal process can lead your business rather than the other way around.

Was JC Penney’s CEO doomed to fail?

July 26, 2017
In November 2011, JC Penney hired Ron Johnson as its CEO. At the time, Johnson was considered a bold hire. But his star faded fast. Within 17 months, Penney ousted him after the company lost $4 billion in revenue and its stock tanked.

A wellness program saved their sanity

July 25, 2017
After Mark Bonfigli and four colleagues co-founded Dealer.com in 1998, they poured their heart and soul into the startup. And they paid the price. They drove themselves so hard that they became ill.

Do you crack under pressure?

July 21, 2017
Many otherwise strong leaders have a glaring weakness: They buckle under pressure. To withstand pressure, you need to adopt the right attitude. Here are three keys to persevering when it counts.

4 common brand missteps

July 19, 2017
Larry Light, co-author with Joan Kiddon of Six Rules for Brand Revitalization, identifies some tips on how businesses can avoid making a mess of their brands.

For Bill Gates, tirades came at a cost

July 14, 2017
In February 1985, Ida Cole joined Microsoft as one of its first female vice presidents. Within months, her relationship with the mercurial Bill Gates worsened. His confrontational style created a tense workplace.

Cite hard numbers to prove your worth

July 13, 2017
Q. I’ve been a midmanager here for 10 years. Recently, I got a new boss who’s decades younger than me, and I’m suddenly an outcast. I’ve been treated terribly by this person, even though I’ve been supportive and made his job easier. When I asked what gives, he said, “You have to prove your relevance to me.” Outrageous!

Should you apologize?

July 9, 2017
For a leader, a public apology always involves risk. Here are some questions to help you walk the line between stonewalling and groveling.