Author Archives: Dave Berkus

Gamify those otherwise dull work assignments

Most of us are driven by the competitive spirit, the desire or need to win.  It reinforces self-worth, provides closure at the end of a good effort, and energizes us during the effort to achieve. Being driven to achieve results … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Surrounding yourself with talent | 2 Comments

“What’s in it for me?” A motivational lesson

Ever wonder why one of your employees, shareholders, managers, suppliers, or board members sometimes behaves in a way you might consider irrational? Putting yourself in their shoes If you want to best describe the motivation behind the action, think “What’s … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Surrounding yourself with talent | 2 Comments

Do people follow when you (think you) lead?

Let’s get personal.  Do you think you’re much better than a marginal leader?  Well, here are a few tests for you to help come to an answer.  And a few tips for you if you fall a bit short. Why … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Surrounding yourself with talent | 1 Comment

Are your projections really realizable?

Here’s one for the ages.  How many times have you projected income and profits only to fall short, and make excuses to those depending upon you to perform? We know the answer of course. Lots of people do or will … Continue reading

Posted in Protecting the business | 1 Comment

Data collection is about to get much more dangerous

On January First, 2020, California will enact the toughest data protection laws ever, far outpacing Europe’s General Data Protection Act (GDPR.)   Called the California Consumer Privacy Ace (CCPA), few of us are even aware of this and need to know.  … Continue reading

Posted in Protecting the business | 7 Comments

Most of your big problems start as small problems.

Let’s talk about surprises. And whether to warn your superiors or your boards about these unraveling events early. You have a dashboard or KPI’s, don’t you? Every good executive has a set of critical data points that best alert him … Continue reading

Posted in Protecting the business, Surrounding yourself with talent | 2 Comments

Can you just tell little business lies?

Are any of these little lies worth worrying over? “He’s not in right now.”  “I am going to the doctor at that time.”  “I paid only two dollars a unit to your competitor.”  Whether not true and used to avoid … Continue reading

Posted in Protecting the business | 8 Comments

Are your chairman and CEO the same person?

Here’s one that targets most any company that has taken investments at any stage, as well as more mature companies. Why would you split the positions? More and more today, shareholder organizations recommend that the positions of chairman and president … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Protecting the business, Surrounding yourself with talent | 6 Comments

The best things about your company board

For weeks, we’ve highlighted both good and bad things about boards of directors for your company (or non-profit.)  This week, let’s focus upon number one – aside from the requirements of boards to protect the company itself (not the shareholders.) … Continue reading

Posted in Protecting the business, Surrounding yourself with talent | 1 Comment

So, your board is dysfunctional. What to do?

It happens. Boards are elected by the shareholders, sometimes with preferred shareholders holding seats by right of their investment.  In that instance, often the investor selects the board member and the CEO goes along with the choice, mostly out of … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Protecting the business, Surrounding yourself with talent | 2 Comments