Articles on the negative aspects of “feedback” are appearing with increased popularity. Some argue that feedback doesn’t assure improved performance, others argue that it’s demoralizing. We were recently asked to perform a 3600 appraisal on a CEO, including his self-appraisal. Both the CEO and the chairman of the company’s compensation committee requested it. And, therein […]
It may be anecdotal, but we’ve got evidence that highly successful family enterprises are those that recognize a responsibility to contribute to the “greater good.” The source, of course, is the culture and values imbued within the family. For many, those go back several generations. The source also frequently lies within the motivation of current […]
Are you considering a transition of leadership to the next generation in your family enterprise? When is the last time you looked in the mirror? I mean really looked in the mirror. When is the last time you asked yourself who you are and what you stand for? So often, as we prepare for a […]
The cost of employee turnover may be the greatest unbudgeted expense businesses can incur. Steven Pearlstein, columnist for The Washington Post writes, “According to a survey conducted by Arlington-based Corporate Executive Board, nearly a quarter of all new hires leave within a year, while Gallup reports that half of those who do stay reported being […]
In his recent blog, Walter Chen challenges the theory of motivation presented 70 years ago by Abraham Maslow in his book, Hierarchy of Needs. Chen writes about autonomy, empowerment, the need for belonging, and the importance of positive reinforcement, citing research that shows how Maslow’s theory is incorrect. This makes us reflect on writings from […]
Several years ago, a cousin of mine who was founder and president of The Philanthropic Initiative, presented a program for a university based group that I ran for family members in business together. The title was THE BURDEN OF WEALTH: An Insurmountable Opportunity. With a wonderfully provocative title, the event was chock full of stories […]
Have you ever had a disagreement or argument with a family member or close colleague? Does it haunt you afterwards leaving you with either a lingering hurt or feeling of anger? One of the world’s greatest leaders has sage advice. And, for sure, he knows what he’s talking about. We’ve repeatedly said that the failure […]
I recently read an article in Fortune Magazine in which retired General George W. Casey Jr. spoke about articulating his vision to his subordinates. I found it very insightful and thought how well it applies to business. “Leaders need to ‘see around corners’ – to see something significant about the future that others don’t see… […]
You’ve been told you’re doing a good job. So what is “good?” Is it “fairly good,” “pretty good,” or “very good?” Is just “good” adequate? After all, it’s not “bad,” but it’s also not “great.” “Good” is good. It’s not perfect and isn’t expected to be. It leaves room for error. How about striving for […]
A friend recently sent us a video of a presentation of Harry Kraemer, Clinical Professor of Management and Strategy at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. His topic was “leadership” and he identified 3 characteristics and 4 principles of effective leaders. We think might stimulate some reflection. Characteristics: Leaders keep things simple. They see […]