Category Archives: Depending upon others

The lion and the ant: A managerial lesson

This story has turned out to be one of the most enduring posts ever for me, well worth repeating.  And what a lesson for us all.  I confess that our research cannot find its source.  So, with thanks to whomever … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Protecting the business, Surrounding yourself with talent | Leave a comment

How credible are you to others?

How do you define credibility in business? A friend of mine recently told me his story of how his very career rests on his credibility with his major supplier–partners.  He stated that everything rides upon his credibility when he declares … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Positioning | 1 Comment

VC investors: Don’t be greedy even if you can.

First, the marginal exit event: Sometimes the end game or sale of the company is not a happy event for the early investors, including the entrepreneur or the founders.  Especially when outside investors, venture capitalists or angels have put in … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, The liquidity event and beyond | Leave a comment

The four rules for motivating your employees with money.

We’ve debated this one forever it seems.  Should be overwhelm prospective employees with stock options and perks?  Or concentrate our available resources on just plain money as an attraction?   Well, here are rules to make money work for you in … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Protecting the business | 2 Comments

Reward success and failure. Punish only inaction.

Reward failure?  That may be a difficult concept for an executive. And there are limits of course. We wouldn’t reward a failure to follow laws, or protect lives, or deliberate endangerment of the company or its people. There are “good” … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Surrounding yourself with talent | 3 Comments

A tale of two CEO’s and the management of pain.

This is the tale of two CEOs, one of them unfortunately….me.   It’s a story of how people handle unusual situations when selling to the top – an executive of a prospective customer.  And the stories couldn’t be more different. … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, General, Protecting the business | 1 Comment

The shocking truth about employee loyalty

How we often handle employment issues today. When we accept the work commitment from a person we hire, we make a pact with the new employee that often stops at agreeing to pay for service rendered and to provide a … Continue reading

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

Do you tell someone “WHY” along with “WHAT?”

How to get more performance from your directives Empowering your direct reports with the reasons for your orders gives them incentive to act, motivation to accept authority, and purpose behind action.  I try to teach this with the simple phrase … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Surrounding yourself with talent | 3 Comments

Are you being watched at work?

Your past and present experiences Ever had a manager above you who said one thing and did another?  At least once?  Or in a pattern of repeats?  Well, you’re not alone.  Did you think less of that person for it?  Would … Continue reading

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

Why your investors may not respond when you need money

When do most companies communicate? Early stage company investors as a group have a common gripe – almost universal.  Information flows from the company irregularly, in fact most often when the company is urgently in need of more money. How … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Raising money | 1 Comment