I’ve discussed how the punk ethos grew out of a “thirst for reality” (in the words of Television’s Richard Hell). That punk concept illuminates a path to employee engagement. In a related vein, I’ve discussed how a company’s content creation must be “authentic.” If you need more proof that your marketing must reflect that, see BeReal. I believe the link …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Everyday People
Sly & the Family Stone are without doubt foundational to funk as a genre and to about a million other aspects of music and culture. Still, I wonder how these lyrics are perceived in today’s diversity-and-inclusion world. I’m reminded of U2’s not-so-brave stance against apartheid. Also: Who cares. What a great tune.
“Heroic in how we do business”
I’m still reading Alexis de Tocqueville. And I’m still blown away by how accurately his “Democracy in America” calls out what makes America great–and what someday might be our Achilles heel. Today’s post is just to remind Americans that we have some distinct qualities, things that rightly make us proud. Such as: cutting costs. Stay with me! There is no …
Podcast 103: Accountability is a two-way street.
Our fourth and final statement for building a culture that has both results and relationship: Accountability is a two-way street. Managers are expected to hold their people accountable. But notice there is an expectation for you, the manager, built into that statement! We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. …
Do customers see you as Ringling Bros. or Cirque du Soleil?
I don’t care which you prefer: One of them went out of business. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus closed up shop in 2017. I’ve had a note to myself since then to write an article about it. Since I procrastinated, here’s a well-written one from the Detroit Free Press. “As consumer preferences shifted, the circus stood still.” This …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Got to Get You Into My Life
A third Beatles song on this blog? Well, why not.
Collaborating … or just meeting? Empowering … or just coaching?
You know how we all joke about talking about something and having it show up as an ad on our phones? It’s creepy how it feels like we’re being watched. (Just kidding, you’re great Mr. Zuckerburg and Mr. Bezos!) Anyway, I had that feeling with email today. Two articles hit my inbox that are replies to conversations I’m having with …
Podcast 102: Clarity is kindness.
Our third statement on building a culture that honors results and relationship: Clarity is kindness. It unlocks productivity. It is at the core of behavioral change programs. It’s biblical. Easy to understand, hard to do! We would love your questions and comments for future episodes: Email Mike and Mark. Listen here … subscribe on Spotify, Amazon or Apple … or view …
Are you personalizing it or faking it?
Do you subscribe to my weekly email? If no, please do! If yes, you may have noticed I no longer address you by your personal name. There is a reason. A client called me on it. (Thank you Ali!) He said, “I know that’s slipped in there to get my attention.” That was a kind way of telling me, “I …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: My Father’s Gun
We are such wretched sinners. I recently posted about slavery’s effect on our early nation. Long before we killed each other over the expansion of slavery, the practice was already killing parts of our economy, killing the drive of citizens–and of course crushing the souls of slaves. I mentioned in the post that, though the North was opposed to slavery, …