Board directors tend to underestimate the importance of corporate culture when they should see it as among their top governance imperatives. Culture is inextricably linked with strategy and risk, and it can be an organization’s biggest asset or its greatest liability. Yet, recent studies indicate that more than 80% of directors don’t have a firm […]
Continue ReadingDon’t Confuse Execution with Strategy, or You’ll Jeopardize Both
Several years ago, I helped the president of a manufacturing company run a strategy initiative. When I walked into the room on the first day, twenty-six eager faces greeted me. Well-intended though he was, my client had inadvertently turned our strategy session into an execution-a session that promised to kill the strategy before it had […]
Continue ReadingLeadership Lessons from John McCain
Why do some people conquer the dragon, but others succumb to it? Why can some overcome adversity when it devastates others? I wanted to know the answer, so in 1995, I decided to study heroes, people who had overcome significant adversity and emerged healthy and hardy–people who had taken care of others while they coped […]
Continue ReadingGet Your Mind Right Before You Engage Your Mouth
Why do some people trust their instincts, push forward and win, while others stumble to erroneous conclusions and then steadfastly defend their bad decisions? Why do some people rush to make bad decisions while others take their time and then make bad decisions? Whether thinking quickly or slowly, we rely on our emotions, mindset, and […]
Continue ReadingTen Best Ways to Get Yourself Fired
Almost every year, a senior person in one of my client companies gets fired. Sometimes I’m surprised to learn of the firing, but more often I spotted troubling behavior years before. When the leaders or board directors must fire a senior person, the company suffers financially-often to the tune of a million dollars, but one […]
Continue ReadingWill Your Customers Invest in Your Strategy?
Memorial Day weekend 1977 opened with an intergalactic bang as George Lucas’ blockbuster Star Wars hit movie theaters across America. The incredible success of the first movie, which received seven Oscars and earned nearly $800 million worldwide, began with brilliant marketing of a groundbreaking thought: Let’s create a revolutionary movie-watching experience, complete with never-before-seen special […]
Continue ReadingThe Success Mindset
Mindsets shape the worlds we create for ourselves. They influence the lives we lead, the actions we take, and our future possibilities. Our mindset is our unique set of assumptions-our world view and philosophy of life. Any mindset starts with a simple belief about ourselves that guides our lives. Our beliefs about ourselves and our […]
Continue ReadingThe Henman Innovative Approach to Hiring
Recently, I began working with a very impressive construction professional named Parick. In his mid-thirties, Patrick has already distinguished himself as a seasoned top performer. He’s just not quite seasoned enough. With a few more years of experience-about five-he will be in a position to assume almost any leadership role in his company. Because this […]
Continue ReadingLeadership Lessons from the Coke Machine
My local burger restaurant recently installed a state-of-the art Coke machine. A big screen displays about ten different options for ice, Coke, its various forms, lemonade, and Sprite. Customers can even opt to mix the different drinks in whatever formula they like. Leaders should offer several options for people to get what they want from […]
Continue ReadingFive Ways to Encourage Discretionary Efforts
Years ago, I worked for a boss who would have told you how much he admired, encouraged, and inspired discretionary effort. And he would have been wrong on all counts. However, he would have also told you that he went to great lengths to hire highly motivated people who would ensure his success as a […]
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