Management

We live in strange times. Anyone can broadcast anything via the web and social media. Unsubstantiated and biased “news” quickly compounds in prominence through the magic of algorithms. Truth has become elusive.

Why do startups fail? We often get answers like “poor management” or “money ran out.” The real reason startups fail is founders build a product no one wants. Moreover, they find a solution to a problem no one has.

Running a business comes naturally to me, but managing a staff is still a challenge. It’s review time in our office and after 22 years, there is no magic formula to lead and motivate. Here are five tips to help those of you like me.

A manager friend often says, “I can’t solve a problem if I don’t know about it.” That’s his way of encouraging colleagues to inform him of issues as they arise.

I’ve worked with entrepreneurs a long time. One was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, another was a motorcyclist with a ponytail. Despite stylistic differences, successful entrepreneurs always have a vision and a plan.

Sir Francis Bacon is credited with the aphorism, “Knowledge is power.”

Unlike millennials, Generation Z (born after 1995) grew up in uncertain times, so they have different priorities. This is important for employers to know, because members of Generation Z are now seeking their first jobs.

Much like sports teams cycling through head coaches, companies often seem to constantly be changing CEOs.

Employee pay practices related to gender equality will be monitored like never before in 2017.