Nice guys and gals finish last. That has been the conventional wisdom, hasn’t it? That only sharks using cutthroat tactics can make favorable deals and negotiate effectively. I’m calling BS. Turns out, empathy is a secret weapon when it comes to negotiation and effective collaboration. And author, activist and strategic … [Read more...]
Why hibernate?
A friend of mine recently commented that your life cycles around metaphorical seasons of growth and change. Sometimes you are in the Spring, where ideas are blossoming, seeds are being planted and animals are poking up their heads as they venture from their winter lairs. For your business, this may mean new product ideas, connecting with potential partners, planning a brand facelift. Summer … [Read more...]
Innovation Recipe: Think Less + Bitch Less = Create More
You won't get to marketing innovation with rules, mandates, 25 must-do exercises or management rah-rah sessions. We need to innovate on an individual level before we can contribute to the team before we can contribute to the company before we can contribute to our customers and the world. A culture of innovation can be encouraged top-down but it needs to also build from the … [Read more...]
Are you walking only “on the left?”
My precocious Black Lab mix, Eddie, can be a handful. With his deep chocolate eyes, he stares into your soul thinking he can make you give him a treat or rub his belly. OK, truth be told, it usually works. But we have him fairly well-trained. One of the things we did with him immediately upon adopting him from the shelter was take control of the walk. This invoves keeping him on a short leash, … [Read more...]
Well, hello there, Rockstar!