Typically, leaders build teams based on job title: CTO, CMO, VP of Engineering, Director of Sales. While functional leadership roles must certainly be filled, slotting talented people into an org chart will never unlock your company’s fullest potential. By thinking of your team only in terms of roles, you risk building a group with homogeneous … Read more
beckysue
Shy of becoming leader of the free world, winning a Nobel Prize is one of the greatest achievements imaginable. The prestige, economic rewards, and permanent place in history are the stuff dreams are made of. Millions of scientists, artists, and humanitarians devote their life’s work to chasing this highly coveted award. But not Bob Dylan. … Read more
You have a work flight. After rising early and fighting through the joys of rush-hour traffic, you’re treated to an especially long TSA line. You catch some emails while you wait in security and then again as you’re delayed 85 minutes at the gate. You’d planned to go through your presentation during the flight, but, … Read more
When I started my first company many years ago, I met with a local bank to explore a business loan. I had no idea what I was doing and could have easily been dismissed by the mid-level banker I visited. But instead of a cold rejection, Jennifer was warm and gracious. She extolled the benefits of … Read more
Zipping around the globe, I often find myself in the back of a taxi or an Uber. I used to painfully ruminate in frustration – sitting in traffic is a total waste of time, after all. But a few months back, I decided to look up from my mobile phone and strike up a conversation … Read more
“Stop pushing yourself,” your angry four-inch tall shoulder-Devil whispers in your ear. “Let’s blow off the day and hang on the couch. You’ll never amount to much anyway.” We all have that inner voice – the negative one that whispers fear, guilt, and laziness into our ears. The voice that tells us to take a … Read more
What do world-class athletes, prolific artists, and business titans have in common? What traits are shared by Picasso and Jay Z, Mark Zuckerberg and Leonardo DaVinci, Serena Williams and Mozart? I’ve been reflecting on this a lot recently, becoming increasingly curious to discover the commonalities of the most successful people in history. What makes a … Read more
What organization offers the absolute worst customer experience? National Customer Shame surveys list utility companies and budget airlines, wireless carriers and shipping companies. But the overwhelming winner: The good old DMV, The Department of Motor Vehicles. When you imagine walking in for your soul-crushing visit, you’re instantly filled with dread. Long lines, rude service, bleak environment. The … Read more
Lasers pound their target with high velocity, but the starship remains unfazed. A force field protects our heroes from the vicious attacks of evil intruders, allowing them the opportunity to save the universe from impending doom. Force fields sure work great in Sci-Fi movies, but what about in reality? The aircraft manufacturer Boeing was recently … Read more
We’re taught as children to extend a helping hand to those in need, but few of us follow this sage advice as the pressures of life kick into high gear. What sounds good in theory is rarely practiced, especially when self-interest is the driving force. By nature, The Olympic Games are about achieving personal bests. … Read more