March 01st
Corporate mergers present complex challenges. Most issues
get resolved before final deals are closed. Operating, financial, and HR policy issues typically receive the lion’s share of pre-deal attention...
Yesterday, I had a disastrous experience with a plumbing company that promotes itself as, “The Punctual Plumber”. They
were selected because of an appealing brand promise—a promise that was not kept. I’m sure that this company’s inbound marketing program, the script used by its out of state call center, a well practiced and obviously mandatory...
Many people dream without follow through. Whimsical thinking has its place but all too often purposeful visions never
see the light of day. Typically, the full impact of not acting on “what might have been” doesn’t hit until our later years—that’s when disappointment sets in. Jimny Cricket said it best, “when your heart is in your...
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...
February 20th
dangerous talk if not supported by the corporate culture
Cattle are branded to differentiate them from similar beasts grazing in overcrowded pastures. Individual animals (read: products/services) eventually die—but an indelible mark (read: brand promise...
Be kind, even to those who are being unkind. Kindness is about realizing that there is greatness in all of us–everybody deserves to be treated as valuable–even when it is not deserved. Kindness is intentional. In kindness mode, we bring the best of us to each situation. We listen more intently and connect honestly. The amazing thing about...
The deeply-held personal beliefs of employees must be tapped in order to build a brand-supportive culture. Culture is
A balanced approach to inspirational-leadership and process-discipline takes brand awareness to the next level—beyond communication to an attitude and behavior altering tool. Organizations that are truly brand focused not only attract customers, they know how to enhance the customer’s total experience and at the same time, maximize shareholder...
Researchers have proven that behavior is influenced by attire. For example, students improve academic
performance and get into less trouble after school, when they wear school uniforms. Esprit de corps in the Canadian military suffered when the Government tried to economize by standardizing army, navy, and air force uniforms. Traditions associated...
Classic sitcoms such as I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners earned their reputation
with parodies of inept male female communication. I have an embarrassing history when it comes to communicating successfully with women. Two sisters, a couple of grown daughters, my wife and every family pet I’ve owned speak in an estrogen based code—a language...
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...