How metrics can drive bad behavior?

Abstract: We all establish once in a year the objectives for our employees in order to improve the overall company results continuously. Therefore metrics are identified which are measured during the year and which tell us how well our employees have been performing. However how sure are we that the overall company results are really…

Restructuring the Family Business

Restructuring the Family Business

Research about the survival rates of family businesses is extensive.  Historic data indicate that fewer than 35% of the businesses pass to the second generation; fewer than  10% pass to the third generation.  Very few survive into later generations as financial and talent requirements dilute the hold of the blood line.  These statistics highlight the…

The Decline and Resurgence of the U.S. Auto Industry

The Decline and Resurgence of the U.S. Auto Industry

Over the past 3 decades, the U.S. auto industry has faced multiple existential crises, illustrating both the cost of lost opportunities and the power of innovation as the archetypical industrial enterprise adapts to a post-industrial knowledge economy. In the light of this, a more holistic understanding of the industry is called for, for reasons that…

Shhhh! – Helping introverts thrive

Shhhh! – Helping introverts thrive

The Economist combines psychology and business in a brilliant and thought provoking manner here. This article expounds on Carl Jung’s original 1921 introvert-extrovert theory in the light of the modern day business arena, by showing how the empowerment of introverts can help a company thrive.  A refreshing discussion that remains mostly untouched, is finally addressed…

Don’t Let Your Company Culture Just Happen

Don’t Let Your Company Culture Just Happen

Alexander Osterwald, Yves Pigneur & Kavi Guppta examines why 7 out of 10 employees are not actively engaged at work. HBR collectively believes the answer has everything to do with the culture of a company- being the formal and informal values, behaviors, and beliefs practiced therein. The fact is that very few companies intentionally work on their culture, that…

The Outliers Inn; Operational Excellence in Government – an impossible dream?

The Outliers Inn; Operational Excellence in Government – an impossible dream?

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Outliers Inn podcast – Operational excellence in Government – an impossible dream? Topic: Despite Benjamin’s protestations, the pair and their illustrious guests are brought down by the challenges of operational excellence in Government. Ed Straw, former PwC partner, think tank and national relationship counselling organisation board member, and author of Stand…