I had a chance to speak with a growth leader at a mid-sized firm last week who was working on a cross business unit breakthrough program. He asked a great question: how do I know when a firm has chosen the wrong project? Here are five of the key indicators that you are on […]
Just as a golf course designer lays out a course that challenges the skill of the player to place the ball around sand traps, executives that undertake growth initiatives will have their skills challenged in predictable locations that require anticipation, preparation and skill to deliver results. These three common “sand traps” come to the growth […]
We have heard in the news recently that Yahoo is joining the list of firms that has lost momentum and is now reducing headcount in a big way. Many other firms are in this box as well, including names like IBM, HP and Cisco. The path to events like this is paved by organizations that […]
You know the feeling: you’ve started something big in your firm, with much promise of growth, and the ball is rolling well. You have the sponsorship, you’re working through the issues and then you hit the wall – the sales team refuses to give you the time of day. I have good news. While your […]
I’m just leveling off at 34,000 feet after running a workshop with a great team from a major consumer products firm. It is very satisfying to hear during the debrief of a Right Project session that the senior leader in the room is positively surprised by the ability to draw out significant new areas […]
We read the headlines every day: large, well-respected companies are investing in waves of programs that have a low return on the investment it takes to get them into your hands. The decisions being made in strategy sessions today about products and services will be in the earnings headlines for the next 24 months […]
I often have the opportunity to speak with high-potential, mid-senior level leaders who are part of my “Growth Leaders” coaching program. Through these talks, I’ve discovered an emergent trend that I believe will have great value for mid-level leaders and their senior management team: Middle managers play a large role in developing the right growth […]
Let’s start with some statistics: not tending the future has big consequences. According to author and researcher Richard Foster, 75 percent of the S&P 500 will be replaced by 2027. In working with a C-level client this fall, I’m reminded that today’s hard-driving operational environment leaves precious little time for future building. I see […]
It’s fourth quarter and in conference rooms worldwide, plans are being locked in for new growth programs. Even as this activity takes place, one of the most frequently asked questions in my workshops and coaching sessions is: How do you go about diagnosing the reasons for a stalled innovation team? To answer this question, let’s […]
Each year as we head into football season, I look forward to watching my team of choice, the Green Bay Packers. Having been a long-time fan, I’ve lived through the ups and downs for years – and am relishing their long streak of great performances. The background on this big performance shift has a lot […]
