We have entered what futurist David Houle calls, in his book of the same

name “The SHIFT-AGE”.  He suggests that the next twenty years will be “a transformation regarded by future historians as one of the most significant periods in human history.”  Implementing new technologies (such as telemedicine) is essential but will be difficult for...

If our nation is to heal, much needs to be done personally and politically

. In doing so let’s not unintentionally empower those who do not understand or honor the wisdom inherent in our constitution. Its tenet “that all men are created equal” and “guaranteed a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must be our cornerstone if we...

Observations made during my career as an executive coach suggests that

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successful implementation of strategic initiatives require cultural alignment

Quality is no longer a competitive advantage.  Today’s priority is to be heard in a “noisy” marketplace. What strategic imperative will set the pace tomorrow?  Whatever it turns out to be, rest assured that  strategic imperatives will continue to change at an ever increasing rate.  Without adjustment,  the capacity or willingness of employees...

structure a business with a scalable model that can accommodate the inevitable

I began my role as senior VP international operations, by reviewing the performance of offshore sites around the world.  Most were profitable, but a few existed only to serve large international clients who demanded  global capacity from their suppliers. The UK office employed a skeleton staff with  expenses cut to the bone.   Five people with...

Remaining competitive while coping with a never ending stream of financial

, regulatory, legal, and operational issues, presents business owners with an unprecedented array of challenges.  Pursuing tomorrow’s opportunities, while at the same time resolving today’s problems, will demand higher and higher levels of performance excellence—particularly...

Like an expert jazz group, successful small companies succeed when a limited

number of players are motivated by the founder’s vision. They know the team’s strengths and limitations, can cover for each other, are experts at shooting from the hip, can change direction on the fly and are capable of multi-tasking—in short, they do whatever it takes...

If  you’ve ever stood under a high-voltage transmission line, you know

the sound of energy flowing.  A similar snap, crackle, and pop can be heard in high performance cultures.  It’s evident the moment you step through the door. Every employee appears turned on—they are proud of what their organization contributes and are excited to be part...

Radically shifting markets, a plethora of price challenging products,

ever changing technology, and the unrelenting hand of time are making the aging owners of small to midsize (SMB) companies vulnerable. For many, this is a new and uncomfortable mindset. Fiercely independent, hard working, and resilient, a significant number are reluctant to consider...

Gary Griffin, is CEO of B&I Contractors in Fort Meyers Florida. 

 “Having skin in the game creates a different attitude” he said, “empowered employees have helped B&I weather severe recessionary pressures.  Like most businesses in Florida, B&I  had to make tough choices—but they survived and are now posturing for success in what is being called the shift age.  “ESOP is not all sweetness and...