People problems in companies tend to boil down to one of two things. Wrong people hired, or right people hired, but then not empowered. We need to both (1) hire the right people to bet on, and; (2) place our bet. Doing either of those well isn’t easy. But I see so many businesses ruin […]
Bite Size Business Tips
Teams are good, but networks make them stronger
Suppose for a minute that there’s this country with a government comprised largely of an old boys’ network from the same schools, universities and degrees. Crazy, but just suppose. That’s the kind of scenario that (rightly) gives networks get a bad rep. But inside a company, networks can create real strength. Where we create multiple […]
Strategy Sessions are a waste of time
Strategy sessions (especially, bit not only) in SMEs are usually a waste of time. Mostly because they don’t turn into what the company does. In my experience, it usually comes down to a combination of these issues. No coherence. The strategy is a smorgasbord of ideas rather than a plan to get somewhere specific. It prioritises […]
Employees have the right *and responsibility* to be treated like adults
Employees have the right to be treated like adults. They also have the responsibility to behave accordingly. Today, I saw a post from one of LinkedIn’s beloveds (~4m followers) on the approach for new hires. “I hired you for a job and I trust you to get it done. Just let me know what you […]
Are your people resources or sources?
“Businesses must view people not as resources but as sources. A resource is like a lump of coal; you use it and it’s gone. A source is like the sun—virtually inexhaustible and continually generating energy, light, and warmth.” From Conscious Capitalism by John E. Mackey , Rajendra S. Sisodia, Bill George One of many gems […]