Category Archives: Productivity

4 Things You Should Never Reduce in a Lean Environment

Tim WalkerApril 6, 2015 Cut the Fat, Not The Muscle from Your Lean Environment Many organizations embrace lean methodology (also known simply as “lean”), a systemic approach to streamlining production, to make operations more efficient. Done correctly, lean methodology not only solves problems, but also provides value to customers better and simpler than before. Unfortunately, … Continue reading 4 Things You Should Never Reduce in a Lean Environment

“Just Keep Doing What You’re Doing?” Stop, Then Find Your Way

Vanessa DiMauroApril 6, 2015 I sometimes hear managers say to their reports “Just keep on doing what you’re doing.” As soon as I hear this, I begin to wonder: “Do they know where they’re going with what they’re doing?” When it comes to social business, “keep on doing” often means the firm’s online activities may … Continue reading “Just Keep Doing What You’re Doing?” Stop, Then Find Your Way

Setting Objectives at Work

Jannike OhstenApril 3, 2015 Managers and leaders at all levels are responsible for establishing targets, whether for a whole organization or a single employee. These targets will need to be both ambitious and realistic, capable of inspiring new achievements without intimidating and disengaging team members. Setting objectives at work should involve a careful consideration of … Continue reading Setting Objectives at Work

The Open Office Backlash

Cord HimelsteinApril 3, 2015 According to the International Management Facility Association, nearly 70 percent of corporate offices now have so-called “open-plan” offices, or work environments with no walls or cubicles. Google uses them, as does eBay, Yahoo, Goldman Sachs, and American Express. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg even enlisted famed architect Frank Gehry to design his … Continue reading The Open Office Backlash

Do Things You Can Sustain

James ClearMarch 31, 2015 In 1996, Southwest Airlines was faced with an interesting problem. During the previous decade, the airline company had methodically expanded from being a small regional carrier to one with a more national presence. And now, more than 100 cities were calling for Southwest to expand service to their location. At a … Continue reading Do Things You Can Sustain

How To Monetize Your Services And Excel As An Independent Contractor

Len AprilMarch 31, 2015 Freedom! For fans of the 1995 film “Braveheart,” it’s difficult to forget the image of Mel Gibson as William Wallace, his face slathered in the blue dye of the woad, galloping hard into battle to win Scotland’s independence. An image even harder to erase is Wallace crying out “freedom!” instead of … Continue reading How To Monetize Your Services And Excel As An Independent Contractor