A Beloved Christmas Piece Emerges  Out of Sorrow and Despair

A Beloved Christmas Piece Emerges Out of Sorrow and Despair

Charles Jennens was wealthy, well educated, unmarried, and pious. Pious, meaning he was a devout Christian. His younger brother had committed suicide while at school and left Charles heartbroken. In the mid 1700s suicide was considered damning one’s soul to hell....
The Problem Wolves That Change Rivers

The Problem Wolves That Change Rivers

The boss called me in and said, “This is the problem – and this is how it needs to be fixed.  Now fix it.”  The boss is a smart guy and has been here much longer than I have.  He also makes a lot more money than I do.  He is the boss and I need to do what he wants. ...

One Persistent Person, Innovation and Change

This is the story of how one persistant person overcame the conventional wisdom and groupthink in his organization to create one of the greatest household products ever produced. It all started […]
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A Short Team Lesson from 2×4’s

The construction industry is fascinating to me – from forests to lumber mills and on to the design and building of structures.   In the Northwest, most of the large, easily […]
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High Performance Organizations: Where Is The Proof?

High Performance Organizations: Where Is The Proof?

“Have you talked to [So and So], they are definitely into High Performance Organizations.” “Did you know [XYZ Company] is also doing HPO now? You should check them out.” “Well [C.D.] does High Performance – are you working with him?” Actually those were word-for-word...
Are Intangibles Necessary For Organizational Success?

Are Intangibles Necessary For Organizational Success?

“Tyfsak” said the cashier, as she handed the customer her receipt. “Next.” The next customer in line had his wares sacked then paid the cashier. Again the cashier said, “Tyfsak.” Next in line my husband was very curious as he approached the cashier, who had a very...
The Customer Is King – Maybe

The Customer Is King – Maybe

“The customer is king.” “The customer is the heart of the organization.” “The customer is always right.” Are these statements nice mottos or true principles? Mottos are wonderful encouraging statements to have on the bulletin boards to remind everyone why they have...
Inconsiderate Decisions and the Consumer

Inconsiderate Decisions and the Consumer

What a disappointment and a huge let down I was experiencing. We had been traveling for several hours and my mouth was watering thinking about a hot roast beef sandwich with real mashed potatoes, or maybe the chicken pot pie.  I was thinking about what else might be...
Leadership Value-driven Purpose People Processes Systems High Performance Culture