Simply put, companies evolve or die. If GE had maintained the same product line it started with when the company was known as Edison General Electric (i.e. Edison bulbs and direct current), the company would never have grown to become the multibillion-dollar multinational conglomerate it is now. However, like New Coke and Crystal Clear Pepsi, some changes are just not warranted.
Read MoreSome people are just good at what they do. They have found their niche and that is fantastic. Other people are good at what they do but can do so much more. It is up to you as a leader to find those people, foster their talents, and help them to grow.
Read MoreAs a budget conscious business professional, I love to get a good deal for my company. If I can save $20/month by changing vendors--I’ll do it. No amount is too small. There is, however, one place I will never skimp—people.
Read MorePeople want to know what is expected of them. Failure to apply a consistent standard of delegation will deflate morale and inflate indifference. If your team isn't clear on what they can do, they will do nothing. Inevitably, prolonged exposure to inconsistent delegation will result in an inefficient organization--you will have to make the final decision on everything from which vendor use for coffee to what color ink is in the pens at the front desk.
Read MoreManagement does not equal leadership and leadership does not equal management. These two skills are as disparate as apples and oranges. Managing leaders must strive valiantly to maintain separation between the two and whenever possible, err on the side leadership.
Read MoreWe have all been put in situations beyond our control. We have all experienced a time where our fate or the fate of our organization rested squarely in the hands of someone or something over which we had no influence or authority. However, in my experience, there is always something you can do to improve the situation for customers.
Read MoreWhy surge pricing, aggressive recruitment practices, and competition with traditional livery services should be viewed not as unfair practices but rather as a sign that an innovative company is finally starting to shake-up an archaic market.
Read MoreInnovation gets you in the game. Strategy wins it. To keep your idea from becoming a commodity: Diversify. Differentiate. Dominate.
Read MoreSoftware companies accounted for 22.6% of Chicago's 38595% 3 year growth reported in the Inc5000 list released yesterday. IT services placed a distant second with 10.6% growth reported.
Read MoreWith 95 companies actually located in Chicago, the Second City has achieved 2nd place in the Inc. 5000. (Inc. puts them 4th by including the surrounding areas in its calculation but as an actual City resident, I like to keep things within city limits.)
Read MoreOf all the traits used to describe great leaders, humility is usually not the first that comes to mind. However, it is probably the most widely applicable and important of all leadership traits.
Read MoreLooking to increase productivity and encourage innovation in your organization? Start empowering your team.
Read More"So, what do you do?" This may be the most difficult question an operations professional ever has to answer and ops pros are asked a lot of tough questions... How do you respond?
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