One of the biggest problems I see is a growing tendency to think in black-and-white terms when the real world exists entirely in shades of gray. Simplicity has its limits. In reality, things are almost never as they seem. Virtually all the successful people I’ve known over the years are[…] Read On
People will always dangle carrots in front of you, only to yank them away at the very last second. You would not believe how many “sure things” and “done deals” I’ve had fall apart on me at the last minute. And I’ve been passed over for promised jobs and promotions[…] Read On
Most managers and business owners do what’s easiest, most beneficial, and least painful for them, not what’s best for the company. They kowtow to troublemakers and let dysfunctional situations fester instead of getting tough and dealing with them head-on as they should. That just incentivizes bad behavior. Like coddling whiny[…] Read On
I have a nasty habit of saying what’s on my mind. Actually, it’s a double-edged sword. Being fearlessly direct and opposing the status quo has played a remarkably positive role in my career. For that, I’m eternally grateful. And I highly recommend it. But my big mouth has gotten me[…] Read On
Our culture idolizes entrepreneurs — hoisting them up on impossibly high pedestals and demonizing them when they inevitably fall from grace. That dysfunctional dichotomy says more about our childish attitudes toward business leaders than it does about them. Last year, famed rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after making more than $100 million[…] Read On
When Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs first came out, executives and business leaders all over the world tried to emulate the man and his management style. They tried to imitate everything from the way he presented to his relentless attention to detail. They even bought copies of the book[…] Read On
Leaders are people of consequence. They set goals, make decisions, take action and get results. Goals-decisions-actions-results. That critical chain of events drives leaders, grows companies and advances civilization. Understanding what it takes to be an effective leader doesn’t get any simpler than that. It isn’t rocket science. And yet, the[…] Read On