today’s economy

Using Your Brain to Sell

    The human brain is a marvelous instrument. But, it has many built-in tendencies that can get in the way of making smart decisions and helping our organizations win. That’s why in today’s global markets, where everyone has access to the same information and technologies.  Using your brain more effectively is a critical leadership skill….

Read More ›

10 Lessons Learned from 2009

Wow, what a year! 2009 has come and gone, and many of us are taking a huge sigh of relief. Going through one of the worst recessions in U.S. history will certainly take the wind out of your sails. But we appear to have weathered the worst of the storm. And while the economy might…

Read More ›

The Return of Prudence?

At last, some evidence that suggests the economy is about to escape the doldrums. In its June 2009 Investment Outlook, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney pointed to a number of important economic signposts that have charted upward since the beginning of the year. And while many economists and financial experts have been predicting the demise of…

Read More ›

Thriving in a New and Uncertain Economy

Finally, some evidence that the economy is starting to show signs of life! In its June 2009 Investment Outlook, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney reported that eight of their nine economic signposts for 2009, which represent a varied mix of indicators from consumer sentiment to U.S. leading economic indicators, have posted an upward trend since the…

Read More ›

Do You Have the Right Stakeholders in Place to Profit from the Rebounding Economy?

With small signs of an economic recovery in sight, I have noticed many companies making preparations to shift back into high gear. But simply returning to old practices could extend the downturn if one’s business is not aligned with key stakeholders and their evolving needs. The recent economic turmoil has undoubtedly made customers, employees, suppliers…

Read More ›

Tips for Making Decisions

Uncertainty has become a norm today. The world is moving at a pace that is hard for us to manage physiologically and the future is less predictable than we ever imagined it would be. Our history (including our successes) is less and less predictable. Based on these constantly changing conditions, how do we make timely…

Read More ›

Key Leadership and Management Messages

What are you saying and who are you saying it to? Remember that, in a void, employees will fill in the blanks with meaning and interpretation typically much worse than the truth! They will MSU (make stuff up). We are all quite good at it; interpreting body language, tone and inflection and often jumping straight…

Read More ›

Leading Effectively in Uncertainty

Tips for being aware, asking the right questions, and making timely decisions One of the few commonalities of almost every article, study or book about leadership is an agreement that self awareness is critical to be a great leader. Today, more than ever, it is important to understand what is driving you – what is…

Read More ›