It’s the same in every team sport. If you effectively attack but can’t defend, you won’t win. And if you vigorously defend but can’t attack, you won’t win.
It’s just as true in business. Either-or won’t do it.
Year: 2016
Why Business Will Become More Like Athletics
There are few environments as intensely focused on performance, and the factors that drive performance, as the world of athletics.
The unforgiving spotlight on winning and losing, extraordinary pay, and powerful psychological rewards all feed the drive
The Secret to How the Great Sustain Greatness
“Play ball!”
Yes, baseball season is now upon us and that familiar game-opening refrain will be heard in stadiums near and far.
Which got me thinking about great players, which got me thinking about how great players remain great
Andy Grove – In Praise of Paranoia
He may have started it. With the release of his 1999 book, Only the Paranoid Survive, Andy Grove may have triggered the now widespread view that paranoia is an essential part of a leader’s mindset.
Why Mastering Your Business Isn’t Enough
If your goal is to outcompete the Hiltons and the Marriotts, offer more room-nights than anyone in the world, then you’d better be expert at buying and developing real estate. Common sense. Until Airbnb came along.
How to Envision the Future
I remember back in 1997 when IBM’s Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Gary Kasparov. It was a big deal, a computer beating the best chess player ever. Well, now there’s an even bigger deal.
How to Blow Away Customer Expectations
I almost didn’t go. One of the last things I want to do in any country is wait for a retailer to prepare the tax refund documentation for the trip home. Most times I don’t bother.
But this was Selfridges, the UK retailer known for its innovation
The High Cost of Not Holding People Accountable
Like many leaders, you struggle with holding people accountable. Why? Plain and simple: the cost. It takes time. Mental energy. It’s awkward. Uncomfortable. It can get emotional. All these disincentives lead you to procrastinate or avoid.
How to be a Crap Manager
Let’s face it; there are a lot of crap managers out there. Which might cause you to think: How is that possible given all the available information about leadership, culture, engagement, and so on?
I know, it’s bewildering.
The Future of Design: Here’s What’s Next
Just over 10 years ago, Apple reminded us that design counts. The iPod, then the iPhone … products that are beautiful, not just functional, are products that attract.
Yet it’s more than just the esthetic of product design.
Should We Exploit Strengths or Overcome Weaknesses?
I’m on a small Mexican island reflecting on the Super Bowl in the midst of Mardi Gras on Chinese New Year.
Surreal.
Which of course got me thinking about strengths – the Denver Broncos defense – and weaknesses – the Denver Broncos offense.
Why Tomorrow’s Leaders Will Be Better Than Today’s
Soft skills are crucial to leadership effectiveness. No revelation there. Leaders who lack soft skills simply aren’t as good at engaging their people or inspiring a high level of performance. And they certainly aren’t as good at getting things done