Last week I attended a conference in New York City hosted by the National Association of Corporate Directors.  Core to this organization is the belief in education of directors who serve shareholders and other important stakeholders. Here are some directional issues that will redefine standards and behaviors and will require boards to transform their governance […]

This past year IBM released it fourth edition of their biennial Global CEO Study series entitled,  “Capitalizing on Complexity.”  Over 1500 global CEOs were interviewed in person, throughout 60 countries and across 33 industries.   The insights gained from this study have major implications for how leaders should view strategic planning, valued leadership qualities and decision-making […]

I’ve spent the last two months with clients on the road visiting eight cities in the United States and making two trips to Europe. My meetings stimulated some thoughts that I would like to share with you. Michael Dowling (CEO of North Shore-LIJ) concluded his remarks to our Board retreat last week with the following […]

This past month, I was invited to deliver a leadership presentation to a group of international business students at Stony Brook University at the request of a business colleague I have known for over 25 years.  These exchanges of content are an enduring commitment we make to the community.  Our hope is that the fundamental […]

This past month, I was invited to deliver a leadership presentation to a group of international business students at Stony Brook University at the request of a business colleague I have known for over 25 years.  These exchanges of content are an enduring commitment we make to the community.  Our hope is that the fundamental […]

As the snow from this very harsh winter begins to melt, those of us who are golfers begin the transition from the winter doldrums to a hopeful new season.  One way to prepare your body and your mind is to watch professionals play on televised tournaments.  In analyzing the professional swings, I am always struck […]

In our many years of operating a strategic planning firm, one incredible truth has emerged. The commitment to continually learn defines whether people and teams have the energy to innovate and develop strategies that achieve results. As the world continues to evolve economically and politically, global and emerging markets become more competitive. Effective leaders understand their role in stimulating discussions that […]

There are countless books on best practices for employee motivation. An Amazon search yields more than 8,000 titles. Combined with lectures and journal articles, you could probably spend the next two years wading through all the information. Many of these writings were sound and offered excellent tools. I intentionally used the past tense “were” and […]

The economic recovery continues to be problematic for the county and, as a result, regulatory pressures on  public companies and their boards remain high with no signs of abating.  Instead of waiting until regulatory  bodies start weighing in on ways to maintain high quality board performance, let’s exert some common  sense and get out ahead […]

The new normal for many consumers includes eating out once every two weeks instead of every one, getting a haircut every eight weeks instead of six and turning off lights to save on electricity bills. Lifestyle changes and drastic cutbacks in spending have had a profound impact on businesses, including layoffs, pay cuts, unpaid time […]