Determing if a problem is a puzzle or a mystery

Is the challenge you’re currently facing at work a puzzle or mystery? Think about it.When asked myself this question, I decided this was the most provocative insight I’d heard in a very long time. A distinction that can have a profound impact on how you approach your job and the results that you can expect [...]

Trapped in an elevator pitch. The 30 second wonder idea!

How do your construct an elevator pitch?
Your Rant: I have a project that I want to pitch to a Venture Capitalist that I know. But I know how busy she is so I’ll only have a minute or two to make my pitch.

911 Repair
A gate agent at the airport told me a story about a [...]

Meetings stink and I don’t want to be fowl!

How do you conduct meetings
Your Rant In my new job I have to run a lot of meetings. I’ve never been a big one for committees, so what advice can you tell me to make my meetings worthwhile?
911 Repair
Do you remember the Mars Climate Orbiter? If flew 416 million miles over 9 months. So far, [...]

Partner picking paralysis in my small business!

What’s your strategy for picking a business partner?
Your Rant: My small business has gotten too big for me to run on my own so I’m thinking about bringing in a partner. What should I look for in a potential partner? 
911 Repair
Lucas Sibanda was walking to work when a huge python slithered in his path. [...]

Coming on too strong, keeping your strengths in check

What are your strategies for not letting your strengths get you in trouble at work?
Your Rant: I’ve always been good at closing sales, but now suddenly my boss is hassling me because I’m “too aggressive.” He actually asked me to call back a prospect and apologize for being too hard sell.
911 Repair,
I’ll never forget [...]

The big picture, strategies for thinking strategically

What are your strategies for thinking more strategically at work?
Your Rant: My boss criticizes me for not thinking strategically, but he doesn’t give me advice on HOW to think strategically. Help!
911 Repair:
When it comes to thinking strategically, David Phillip stakes the cake. Actually, he’ll take the pudding. Phillips, a civil engineer from Davis, Calif., [...]

Internot, making technology part of your strategy

What are your strategies for making technology part of your business strategy?
Your Rant: I keep hearing about how the Web is revolutionizing business. So far all it’s managed to do for us is create a small amount of sales. Where’s the revolution?
911 Repair,
It’s music! No, it’s a distress call! England’s Gloucestershire Airport was having [...]

Connect with your audience during a speech

How Do you connect with an audience?
911 Rant: I’ve been selected to make a presentation at our industry’s most important conference. I’ve always gotten good grades as a speaker, but this time I really want to knock their socks off. 
911 Repair,
When it comes to great presentations, I have a soft spot in my heart [...]

Q & A, tips for conducting a successful job interview

What are your strategies for conducting a job interview?
Your Rant: I’ve done a million job interviews in the course of my career. But now I find myself on the other side of the table interviewing candidates. What do savvy interviewers look for?
911 Repair,
This summer my wife traveled from the west coast to the east. [...]

Charles Decker on the keys to business success

What are your strategies for creating a more successful business?
Your Rant, Our business could be doing better. How can you do a better job?
911 Repair:
This week Workplace911 will be taking a coffee break so I can interview Charles Decker, the author of Beans: “Four Principles for Running a Business in Good Times and Bad” (Jossey-Bass, [...]