How I Lost a $1.2M Deal

How I Lost a $1.2M Deal

was recently asked how I learned about the difference between stakeholder communication and stakeholder engagement. I remember the moment as if it were yesterday even though it is almost 17 years ago. I was a VP and Business Partner for a boutique consulting firm....
Confusion, Ambiguity, Tension and the Bottom Line

Confusion, Ambiguity, Tension and the Bottom Line

Confusion, Ambiguity, Tension and the Bottom Line Internal communication issues can cause big problems in your business Bob’s team wasn’t performing well. In fact, they were dead last in the nation in sales. “I need help on execution,” he told me. “My team just can’t...
Building a Beach…One Grain of Sand at a Time

Building a Beach…One Grain of Sand at a Time

Staying the Course – Does it really matter? A few years ago, I worked with a team who was implementing a new strategy for their global customer base.  Everyone on the multiple sub-teams was excited to be involved, and was committed to the success of the strategy. ...
The Chaos of Growth

The Chaos of Growth

I have a secret… I have four questions that trip up nearly every business leader I meet. I don’t actually want to upset these leaders, rather I want to point out potential pitfalls they are bound to encounter as they move through any growth stage.  Here’s how the...
How to Stop Doing EVERYTHING as CEO

How to Stop Doing EVERYTHING as CEO

If you want to annoy your employees, keep doing their work for them. Think you never do that?  When was the last time you “helped out” because you wanted to ensure work was done the right way?  Still nothing? Last week, how many hours did you spend doing anything that...