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Helping business owners grow their companies and transition with confidence, added value and complete control.
Category Archives: Leadership
Never, never, never, never give up.
I kind of see everything as connected. Last week we hosted Larry Linne, author of “Make the Noise Go Away,” a book about the roles of first-in-commands and second-in-commands. I will be writing about a couple of things Larry said in his … Continue Reading
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Managing Employees
Tagged business ownership, entrepreneurship, leadership, management
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Fighting on Level Ground
Poland has been conquered numerous times in history. Since the 11th century, it has been partially occupied, partitioned, or fully subjugated by the Germans, Russians, Austrians, Mongols, Tartar Muslims, French (under Napoleon), Prussians and Hungarians. The Poles aren’t a timid people, … Continue Reading
“Intuitive” Doesn’t Work for Organization
Apple Computer has become the most valuable company on the planet by making products that are “intuitive.” Most Apple fans brag that you don’t even need a user’s manual to get started on their products. Intuitive is a relative term. … Continue Reading
Posted in Leadership, Managing Employees, Technology
Tagged business planning, employees, management, small business advice
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Leadership vs. Management
What is the difference between a leader and a manager? We talk a lot about managing employees, but no amount of management will direct employees who don’t know what they are supposed to be doing. Simon Sinek on TED.com talks about the … Continue Reading
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Managing Employees
Tagged entrepreneurs, leadership, management
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Performance Reviews- Best Practices
Performance reviews are a pain. In my nearly 40 years in business they have always generated the same complaints. Managers hate to do them. As a consequence, they are frequently over due. They provide the employee with little information on … Continue Reading
It’s Time for the Boomers to Step Up
Why I Need to Say This Three years ago I wrote an open letter titled “Last Chance to Save America” and sent it to my entire email list. It went viral, and I received almost a thousand emails in reply. … Continue Reading
Employee Communication- “Why is it so difficult?”
I facilitated a recent meeting of business owners where the conversation turned to internal communications. It was a hot button for everyone in the group, and most of them expressed considerable frustration. “I do everything I can think of to … Continue Reading
Posted in Leadership, Managing Employees
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Who are the Real Business Performers?
A business owner told me a story the other day… “After I was in business a few years, a large corporation made me a terrific offer to come work for them. I left my company in the hands of my … Continue Reading
Posted in John's Opinions, Leadership
Tagged business ownership, entrepreneurship, leadership
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The Third Factor- A Third Eye?
For several years my writing and speaking has focused on two factors that are indispensable for entrepreneurs; creativity and tenacity. Creativity is the drive that not only makes entrepreneurs see opportunities, but also makes them consider every problem or challenge … Continue Reading
When a Good Employee Fails
One of the most difficult challenges facing any entrepreneur is correcting a prior promotion that didn’t work out. Sooner or later it happens to every business owner. You promote employees because they’ve worked hard, were senior in their position, or … Continue Reading
Posted in Leadership, Managing Employees
Tagged business ownership, entrepreneurship, management, small business advice
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Cancer in the Workplace
It was my first ownership of a business. I had moved to California to take over a failing auto parts distributor, and the deal came with a minority share in the business. I was just 30 years old. The housecleaning … Continue Reading
Posted in Leadership, Managing Employees
Tagged business ownership, employees, leadership, sales management
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Your Fault. My Consequence.
My friend Larry Linne, the author of “Make the Noise Go Away” has a great saying about employee mistakes.”Your Fault. My Consequence.” A good employee will accept responsibility, and be accountable for screwing something up. Unfortunately, it is still the owner’s … Continue Reading
Posted in Leadership, Managing Employees
Tagged business ownership, employees, leadership
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