Nesting Syndrome
Some of us build nests that are so comfortable we try never to leave them. Here are the conditions: Unconscious competency: We have insufficient self-awareness to realize what must be changed and/or improved. Allowing the continuance of what merely works
Labor
Visiting the Acropolis, we learned that the machine used to lift vast marble blocks and columns worked on the exact same principles (double pulleys, swiveling base) that the modern one does in the restoration work. The only difference is manual
We Don’t Sell Bananas Here
You know how the secret of consulting is when the client says, "It hurts when I do that," and you say, "Stop doing that. That will be $50,000"? Well, if you want to provide only advisory services, stop offering anything other
Out of the Way!
Since we acquired Puppy (AKA Coco) Maria has decided to keep both dogs in the kitchen when we leave the house. Bentley isn't accustomed to this. Maria accomplishes this by putting a movable wooden gate at the entry to the
How Much Is That?
A commodity is something generally purchased solely on price. It's undifferentiated, and no marketing heft is put behind it except for how inexpensive it is for the purpose intended. However, value is attached to non-commodities, including today: cars, pillows, hair coloring,
Give Me the Ball, There’s Still Time
The Boston Celtics won their opening round playoff series after losing the first two of the best-of-seven games at home. They won the next four in a row on the road and at home. Now they've won their first game
Coaching 601
I've been coaching for a long time, and I have three immutable principles to guide me: I can't help anyone who doesn't want to be helped, and I don't try. I give you my very best advice. Whether you accept
A Good Idea Until You Think About It
For many years I've been underscoring the fact that small businesses in the US (and Canada) are the primary generators of net, new jobs in the economy. Larger organizations tend to use automation and lean practices to reduce employment, and
Opening Lines
• What is it that prompted you to see me today? • Joan said that you do great work here, and that we could probably significantly help each other. • Let's use our time well: What two things would you most like
Making Time
If you can't respond to an email within 24 hours or a phone call within four hours, there's something profoundly wrong. You may think I'm talking about your response time, but I'm really referring to your philosophy about your business. This