I meet various key persons in business that are really good at spotting potential problems. They are the ones that, when colleagues present new ideas or propose new initiatives, are extremely prompt to put tough questions and point out possible risks. This immediately begs some critical questions. How can any business leader change the culture …
Market Research
The rapid decision-making power of market research and consumer insight is never more valuable than in times of crisis. It’s safe to say that 2020 was a year like no other and that 2021 will certainly not revert back to the old normal. In such a period of heavy and rapid change, the old adage …
Sales vs Finance?
I see various instances whereby friction exists between Sales Teams and Finance/Accounts Teams. Many times it is because goals are not aligned. CFOs are normally focused on cost and efficiency while Sales leaders give more importance to revenue and growth. They seem to be people from different planets. CFOs are trained skeptics, whereas Sales leaders …
Recharge Yourself
Over the past few days I was trying to have a few days of rest whilst bridging the public and easter holidays. Yet I kept getting calls, emails and messages from various clients, even on public and easter feast days, which made me reflect. I know Business Leaders have been trying to navigate a very …
How will your Business Model fit in a post-pandemic world?
It's a given that I see many companies focused on operational matters and hardly any on business strategy. This way of doing things, though coming with its various downsides, still allowed businesses to survive and in some instances thrive in a rather stable environment. However, that stable environment has now vanished. In order for any …
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Business Ethics
The tumultuous events that unfolded last weekend, should make every Business Leader reflect on the importance of Business Ethics. Leading our business organisations with the highest standards of business ethics should not only be a goal written on paper, but should be an integral part of the culture of the organisations we lead. This means …
Leadership in a Remote World
Tomorrow I turn 44. It's been one hell of a year. Many times I feel like I have been running on the spot for a whole year, as I find myself in exactly the same reality I was in when I turned 43 a year ago. This year has been tough on everyone. So now …
Being Able to Influence
I always remain surprised at the lack of skills and ability that various Business Leaders have when it comes to influencing the employees they are supposed to be leading. Influence can be defined as the ability to affect the character, development or behaviour of someone or something and it requires developing a strong emotional connection …
A 3-D Change!
Since last Thursday, when the new COVID-19 related restrictions where announced I have been living with a strong sense of deja-vu. I once again saw Business leaders, especially from the worst hit sectors, struggling heavily to address simultaneous and overlapping changes that have unfolded once again at top speed. Why is this? Covid-19 and its …
Family Businesses – The Need for A Strategic Mindset
Research constantly shows that Family Businesses are dominated by the so called "Operator’s Mindset". This is a mindset formed by specialised knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Those with this mindset attend diligently to all aspects of operations, prizing traditions while constantly tinkering to make improvements as they look for growth opportunities primarily within …
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A Business Blog for SMEs & Family Businesses 