Category Archives: values

Ridiculously Reliable

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

What are you willing to be ridiculously reliable for?

A Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Monday, September 17, 2012

Sometimes, it really is all about respect. Case in point: NBC missed the cultural significance of observing a 9/11 moment of silence in favor of a Kardashian yakking about cosmetic surgery. Viewers (and non-viewers) for whom 9/11 marks a special … Continue reading →

“Honey, I’m Your Cook, Not Your Doctor”

Monday, January 23, 2012

The dust-up between Southern cooking maven Paula Deen and bad boy chef Anthony Bourdain boils down to this: what is your core brand promise? In announcing her Type 2 diabetes, Paula had two ways to go: she could say “Honey, … Continue reading →

Teaching Thanks*

Monday, November 21, 2011

It’s the week of (American) Thanksgiving. Soon we’ll be eating turkey, watching football and arguing politics with our nearest and dearest. And hopefully we’ll stop and give thanks for all that we have. I’d like to suggest a special addition … Continue reading →

Visiting The Dark Side

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Rupert Murdoch brings us the latest example of what happens when you ignore the dark side of your brand. Synopsis: A The News of The World tabloid reporter hacked into the cell phone of a 13-year old murder victim, after … Continue reading →

Truth Seeking. Truth Telling.

Monday, March 28, 2011

I attended a delightful dinner party co-hosted by a highly experienced consumer market researcher. Listening to him was a mini master class in truth seeking and truth telling. No shrinking violet, Bob built his reputation on listening to everyday consumers … Continue reading →

Get Your Lincoln On

Monday, February 21, 2011

Few American presidents could best Abraham Lincoln in the pithy quotes department. Gems such as “What kills a skunk is the publicity he gives himself” or “No matter how much cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens.” … Continue reading →

What Fuels You?

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Life—and work—runs better with high octane fuel. The inevitable bumps in the road—frustrations with clients, partners and situations—are smoother when you’re burning the high octane stuff. Need a better fuel source? Generate your own supply by connecting the deep purpose … Continue reading →

Consulting Toolkit: Courage

Monday, March 1, 2010

  It’s easy to think small right now. The economy isn’t pretty: clients say no or wait weeks and months getting to yes. Salaried consulting jobs have disappeared, perhaps forever. Personal assets? We’re in nosedive territory. Being conservative and cautious … Continue reading →

What I Learned From David Maister

Monday, February 15, 2010

I read my first David Maister piece in the 90’s. And I was hooked. He was savvy, practical and unafraid to confront thorny issues inside professional service firms. Recently, David announced his retirement after 30 years serving the consulting, legal … Continue reading →