In the Big Bang Theory episode, “The Herb Garden Germination”, Sheldon Cooper, the brilliant yet socially awkward physicist greets his roommate Leonard who has just arrived home with dinner: Leonard: Hey Sheldon: Hey Leonard: Hope you’re hungry. Sheldon: Interesting. A friendly sentiment in this country, cruel taunt in the Sudan. It’s a lesson in context. …

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I often recommend to leaders that their presentations or other communications tell a story.  I sometimes get some strange looks and reactions: “I’m just reporting quarterly sales, are you saying that I need to tell a story about how one of our customers bought the products?” or “My boss doesn’t have time for stories, he …

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With the election primaries upon us, we hear are hearing a lot about the youth vote and how to appeal to it.  Sometimes we may question what our young people are thinking.  However, if you listen closely, there is a lot of wisdom in their simple, straight-forward response to you and to life.  This entry …

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At some point, in the spirit of collaboration and dialog, leaders were taught that open-ended questions are more effective than close-ended questions.  In many instances that is true.  Open-ended questions promote dialog and discussion.  But, as with any rule, it is important to understand the context and assumptions underlying the rule.  Otherwise it is easy …

Read more “The power of close-ended questions. Sometimes they are ok.”

“You’re on the bus and running a little late for work.  In your hurry, you forgot your watch and your cell phone is at the bottom of your briefcase, so you ask the woman next to you what time it is.  She glances at her watch, which reads 8:33:46, and replies ‘Eight-thirty.’ Did she lie?  …

Read more “Accuracy versus precision”

Analytics and data-driven decision making have become major areas of focus for many leaders. In response, leaders are asking for more data and more tools to analyze the data.  Yet, despite the increased attention and increased data, decisions don’t always improve. Data and analytical tools are important.  However, they aren’t enough on their own.  They …

Read more “Your brain isn’t designed to be analytical”

Back by popular demand…and, it really does fit into the tune of the original song! And, the 11/28 USA Today reported that the price of the actual gifts for the twelve days of Christmas are up 4.4% to $101,119 based on the annual Christmas Price Index compiled by PNC Wealth Management.  The list below is …

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Last year’s Celebrity Apprentice finals pitted Academy Award Winning Actress Marlee Matlin against country singer John Rich.  Both celebrities had strong track records throughout the season.  Both showed tremendous leadership, creativity, and results.  But when the final curtain went down, John Rich was the winner. The final competition was to develop a marketing campaign and …

Read more “Don’t do what’s asked…do more”

Imagine this scenario. You’ve been given a sales target by your boss. You have three direct reports. You tell each one where you’d like them to focus and set appropriate targets. All three leaders exceed their targets but your department misses its overall target. What rating do you give them on their performance review – …

Read more “Hold people accountable for their decisions only”