Sometimes it’s external factors. Sometimes it’s self-created. Yet every time, it keeps you from pursuing your goals.
Distractibility. Your susceptibility to getting distracted.
Focus
3 Strange Thoughts Every Leader Should Think
There’s no shortage of conventional wisdom about what leaders should do. Here’s some unconventional wisdom
Why Winning Teams (and Businesses) Play Offense and Defense
It’s the same in every team sport. If you effectively attack but can’t defend, you won’t win. And if you vigorously defend but can’t attack, you won’t win.
It’s just as true in business. Either-or won’t do it.
Andy Grove – In Praise of Paranoia
He may have started it. With the release of his 1999 book, Only the Paranoid Survive, Andy Grove may have triggered the now widespread view that paranoia is an essential part of a leader’s mindset.
Why Mastering Your Business Isn’t Enough
If your goal is to outcompete the Hiltons and the Marriotts, offer more room-nights than anyone in the world, then you’d better be expert at buying and developing real estate. Common sense. Until Airbnb came along.
How to Envision the Future
I remember back in 1997 when IBM’s Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Gary Kasparov. It was a big deal, a computer beating the best chess player ever. Well, now there’s an even bigger deal.
The Future of Design: Here’s What’s Next
Just over 10 years ago, Apple reminded us that design counts. The iPod, then the iPhone … products that are beautiful, not just functional, are products that attract.
Yet it’s more than just the esthetic of product design.
Should We Exploit Strengths or Overcome Weaknesses?
I’m on a small Mexican island reflecting on the Super Bowl in the midst of Mardi Gras on Chinese New Year.
Surreal.
Which of course got me thinking about strengths – the Denver Broncos defense – and weaknesses – the Denver Broncos offense.
The Surprising Truth About Innovation
When you think of innovation what comes to mind? Revolutionary products like the iPhone or the GoPro? While impressive, such revolutionary innovations are only one type of innovation.
The Big Danger of Big Data
It’s no exaggeration to say that Big Data is revolutionizing and will revolutionize how business is done. Dynamic pricing models, customized customer experiences, real-time adaptations in production and distribution
Why You Should Lease Your Assumptions
With the year-end fast approaching many companies are busy charting their course to the promised land in 2016.
New results require new thinking, and new thinking starts by questioning your beliefs about your company, your customers, your competitors
My Big Takeaways From the World Business Forum
Just got back from the World Business Forum in NYC. Two days listening to some very accomplished people in a range of fields. Stimulating, inspiring, cool.
Walter Isaacson, author of the acclaimed Steve Jobs biography, had this insight: “Innovation stands at the intersection of the humanities and technology.”
Carolyn Everson of Facebook showed us the future: “Mobile and video isn’t about marketing, it’s about your business model.” She added, “It’s critical to be a listening organization, and listening organizations breed curiosity, empathy, and collaboration.”
Mark Bertolini, CEO of Aetna, warned against “the terrorism of the spreadsheet” with which decisions are made without any consideration of the human and cultural implications.
Herminia Ibarra of INSEAD had this provocative thought: “Don’t change how you think to change how you act, change how you ACT to change how you think.”
Stephen Ritz, who’s working miracles with students in the South Bronx (GreenBronxMachine.org), turned the “Serenity Prayer” on its head: “I’m not willing to accept the things I can’t change. I want to change the things I can’t accept.”
And two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey reminded us: “Stories are the substance of our experiences. Because of technology, there’s never been a better moment to tell vivid stories.”
Go tell your story!
Your thoughts?
Michael