Fourth of July festivities always impress me. We really do know how to celebrate our liberty and our country! This year’s celebration got me thinking about business celebrations. And therein lies this week’s Lesson Found.
I’ve experienced many company parties and celebrations but two stand out in my memory. (more…)
Whether you’re an Apple fan or detractor, all can agree the iPod and iPhone technology are extraordinary successes. The stories of how Steve Jobs and Apple accomplished this are legendary. Organizational guru Simon Sinek summarizes it in one word: “Perspective”. When planning exit strategies, business owners should embrace Apple’s perspective to maximize their company’s valuation and sustain their legacy.
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For the fourth year in row, the NBA finals is a match-up between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. If the Cavs win, it will primarily be due to the super-human strength and talent of LeBron James. However, a Warriors win would further validate the management talents of Coach Steve Kerr.
A recent article in the New York Times focused on how Coach Kerr and the Warriors spend halftime. Looking at these 15 minute routines you begin to see how Kerr’s management style leads to success. (more…)
Wouldn’t it be nice if your staff worked with the precision of a fighter pilot and the efficiency of an operating room? If there was a method for reducing errors while increasing profitability? There is and that method is called “checklists”. (more…)
I recently met a plumber who told me a story I’ve heard many times before. This plumber started his company because he had a skill he enjoyed, enjoyed using that skill to help others and desired the autonomy of “being his own boss.” Like most of us who have started a company, this owner had the passion and motivation to strike out on his own.
As the plumber’s business grew, he started adding both skilled and office staff to keep up with demand. Before long, he found himself running a company instead of being engaged in the skill he enjoyed. (more…)
The president of a local company (and now a client) initially said to me: “I’d like to work with you but taking that time would be taking me off-mission.” That is not the first owner who expressed concern about going “off-mission” and letting things lapse back at the office. This always leads into a discussion on the different meanings or uses of “mission”: the standard or military definition versus when paired with the word “statement”. (more…)