Every business has its core product/service delivery operations and its support functions. There needs to be a process-based approach to working through a value chain delivery model to service your core customers/clients. The goals should be to maximize both profit margins and end user satisfaction; efficiency and quality are key. In all organizations, most people work in an operational role, so this category has the potential to make an enormous difference to your success.
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein Running a business is never a straight line. Some years, things hum along smoothly. Other times, the landscape changes—customers evolve, the competition stiffens,
Achieving organizational alignment is more than just getting everyone on the same page—it’s about creating a culture where strategy, structure, and people work seamlessly toward common goals.
As a small business owner, achieving and maintaining success requires a clear strategy and a commitment to continuous improvement. One effective way to ensure your business remains aligned and driven toward its goals
Not all risks are equal. Prioritize them based on their likelihood and potential impact on your business. Focus your resources on high-probability risks that would leave you significantly vulnerable, while having contingency plans
As a leader, it is essential to consider all three options—building, renting, and buying capacity—continuously. Rarely will a single path suffice at all times. When faced with the operational challenges of adding labor
Growth is hard work. For the past 27 years, I’ve worked as an executive coach, Vistage Chair, trainer or management consultant with hundreds of organizations. They have varied in size from just under
At times, it’s hard to know what to do as you pivot and adjust to every new business challenge. Well, there is hope and time-tested principles that you can use to help you
There’s no shortage of software solutions available for midsized businesses today. As your company enters the mid-sized market, avoid overspending on tools you’ll never use, and instead, take the time to choose the
Far too many organizations depend on far too few people to succeed. I often ask my clients, “What happens to your business if something happens to you?” The answer is usually less than
Business ownership has never been for the faint of heart. Ongoing change and adaptability are part of the success equation. Even when things go well, there are problems you will have to navigate.
When Execution was first published, it changed the way we did our jobs by focusing on the critical importance of “the discipline of execution”: the ability to make the final leap to success by actually getting things done. Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan now reframe their empowering message for a world in which the old rules have […]
Read morePlease click on this link for The Four Disciplines of Execution Book Summary. For fans of Good to Great and The First 90 Days, The Four Disciplines of Execution is the book “every leader should read” (Clayton Christensen, Professor, Harvard Business School, and author of The Innovator’s Dilemma) for creating lasting organizational change. A #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller with more than 500,000 […]
Read moreLeaders who prioritize execution create a culture of focus, accountability, and continuous improvement. By implementing the strategies outlined in "Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done," organizations can build a resilient and motivated workforce that drives long-term success.
Read moreBy following these disciplines, teams can achieve better results and avoid being overwhelmed by too many goals. The authors emphasize that these disciplines are not a one-time effort but rather a continuous process of improvement and refinement. By staying committed to the Four Disciplines, teams can achieve sustained success over time.
Read moreSee the Bigger Picture: Strengthen Your Business with Systems Thinking In today’s fast-moving and interconnected world, running a business is more complex than ever. Challenges don’t exist in silos—they ripple across teams, customers, finances, and strategy. That’s why successful small and mid-sized business owners don’t just react to problems—they think in systems. The Systems Thinking […]
View moreEvery organization, whether a startup, small business, or established enterprise, thrives or struggles based on how well it is structured and managed. The key to sustainable growth and efficiency lies in choosing the right organizational design. But with numerous frameworks available, how do you know which one is right for your business? Our Comprehensive Guide […]
View moreMomentum is the lifeblood of any successful business. Maintaining it requires intentional effort, strategic focus, and consistent evaluation. The Small Business Strategies to Keep and Build Momentum Scorecard is a powerful self-assessment tool designed to help you identify strengths, uncover areas for growth, and create actionable plans to propel your business forward. This scorecard enables […]
View moreKPI.org is an online resource for KPI practitioners sponsored by the Balanced Scorecard Institute (BSI), a Strategy Management Group company. BSI provides consulting, training, and professional certification services to commercial, government, and non-profit organizations worldwide. BSI specializes in helping organizations: Become a high-performance organization Increase focus on strategy and results Improve organizational performance by measuring what matters Align the […]
View moreResource dedicated to business model analysis that also provides downloadable tools
View moreRisk management is a process in which risks are identified and controlled proactively. It allows businesses to improve their chances of success by minimizing threats and maximizing opportunities. Risk management is essential to a business as it helps prevent financial losses and increase revenue. Other benefits of risk management include, Help to identify projects that […]
View moreGreat summary of the book: The Four Disciplines of Execution. 4DX® is not theory. It is a proven set of practices that represents a new way of thinking essential to thriving in today’s competitive climate, making this 2nd Edition a book that no business leader can afford to miss. The 2nd Edition provides more than 30 percent […]
The most successful companies don’t just compete—they leverage unique strengths that set them apart and drive long-term growth. But how can businesses develop their own “superpower” to achieve sustained success? In this McKinsey & Company article, discover how organizations can build institutional capabilities that create lasting competitive advantages. Key insights include: ✅ What defines a […]
Read moreHiring a chief operating officer is a huge moment and one that requires a lot of thought and planning, particularly for small businesses: A good COO can work wonders for a company, while a misstep in hiring can cost you time, as well as generate a great deal of frustration for everyone involved. As you prepare to start your search, […]
Read moreThe Chief Operating Officer, or COO, is a C-level executive responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. The role varies from business to business, but in general, the COO is tasked with ensuring that all departments are working efficiently and effectively towards achieving the company’s goals. One of the primary responsibilities of a COO is […]
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