Strategic planning about strategic plans

What is your strategy for creating a strategic plan?
Your Rant: I’ve never been part of a strategic planning process. What can you do to come up with a well thought out plan?
911 Repair,
Have you ever woken up during a road trip only to find your surroundings looking very similar to the scenery you passed hours [...]

How to test your assumptions

Dear WW: My company requires that each salesperson develop projections for the coming year. I have a new boss and she ripped my forecast saying my assumptions were too rosy. But I based them on sales from last year, so they should be accurate. IT’S SAFE TO ASSUME I’VE GOT A PROBLEM
Dear Safe,
If you went [...]

How to write a business plan

Dear WW: I’m part of a start up and am frustrated by people who seem to think writing a business plan is the most important step we can take. How necessary is one? (We’re not borrowing from banks.) And if business plans are so darned important, how come no two people can agree on what’s [...]

Problem SOLVING, how to spot solutions at work

What is your strategy for identifying solutions that work? 
Your Rant: My team is great at spotting problems. The problem is, I’m not sure if they’d know a solution if it bit them on the butt. How can I get people to focus more on the solutions?
911 Repair:
Your e-mail reminded me of technology company that was [...]

Alvin Toffler on how to predict the future

911 Repair: I recently sat down with Alvin Toffler, the author of “Future Shock” (Random House, 1970), which has sold over 8 million copies in the United States, and his latest, “Revolutionary Wealth” (Knopf, 2006). He’s a futurist who is anything but pie-in-the-sky. His insight is valuable and relevant to everyone.Working Wounded: Your book says [...]

To merger or not to merger…what makes sense?

What are your strategies for deciding if a merger makes sense?
Your Rant: I’ve heard rumors of a merger between my company and one outside our industry. I’m not involved in the discussions, but it got me wondering about when a merger might make sense and when it doesn’t.
911 Repair:
Ever heard of a Labradoodle? [...]

No sale, what to do when a product isn’t selling

What do you do when your product isn’t selling
 Your Rant: I’m feeling that our product isn’t selling like it should be selling. We’ve tried everything to boost sales and nothing works. Any suggestions?
911 Repair,
Your email reminded me of Tony Alleyne. He tried to sell his apartment for two million dollars. Why so pricey? Alleyne [...]

Getting past a conflict

What is your strategy when facing a conflict at work? 
Your Rant: I’ve had a long simmering conflict with a coworker. I’m not sure how I should proceed. Can you outline some options?
911 Repair,
Recently I read about two Arizona nursing home residents who got in a fist fight. Luckily neither was hurt and after they were [...]

Lost on the work field with no goals

How do you set goals at work? 
Your Rant: I achieved my first goal-I got the job. Now its time to set some new ones. But I don’t even know where to begin. Can you help me achieve my new goal? NO GOAL
911 Repair,
If you’re like most people today, chances are good that there is a [...]

Intrapreneurship, innovation at work with Gifford Pinchot

What are your strategies for increasing innovation at work?
Your Rant: Innovation-many people talk about it but few know how to achieve it. Gifford Pinchot is the leading innovation expert at work today. He is also the founder of the Bainbridge Institute, a new management training program on Bainbridge Island, WA. I spoke to him about [...]