I have spoken frequently about making the tough decisions when they're presented and the painful process of the "death by a thousand cuts". Another perspective on making the tough decisions is how easily we fool ourselves into accepting as gospel...

Now, if this was a Knight of the Round Table, bearing the sword of Exkalibur, that would be one thing. Alas, not. Rather, it's an insidious invader disguised as a heroic force, riding to the rescue of American companies facing...

To many, the Harvard Business Review is  known for both its rigorous scholarship and impenetrable prose. For me, their magazine and articles offer insightful strategies and concepts if you're willing to do a little work.In this case, they've designed an...

I have talked to many CEO's recently about pricing. There are a lot of good ideas around, too, about pricing and several articles that I recommend. The McKinsey Quarterly carried an insightful article about pricing in an inflationary economy that...

CFO Magazine summarizes what's on the minds of many CFO's as they look forward into what I'm calling the Double V Economy - BIG VOLATILITY and small visibility. It's noteworthy that most CFO's are STEPPING UP their forecasting efforts, not...

Effective today, in cooperation with the Business Journal, we are launching a new feature entitled Surviving the Storm. Its express purpose is to your best ideas for revenue enhancement, cost reduction and general productivity improvement to share with other readers...

Yes, I realize we don't cover the auto industry here . . .  but I believe that whether and/or how we rescue the American auto industry will be a harbinger of what's coming in 2009. There's no lack of material...

I must admit I feel strongly about both alternatives. My capitalistic tendencies - and virtually all of my business colleagues - say "let 'em die". There certainly is a lot of blame to spread around, none more poignant than the...

There are times when looking to customers for financing might be a valuable tool. This concept goes beyond getting extended terms from suppliers, although that is an excellent form of interim financing. A recent Business Week article outlines this concept...

I think I'm about done with the TARP program. Sure, I'll probably change my mind next week when another course correction occurs. In the meantime, reflecting on some of Secretary Paulson's recent moves, it's clear he's not sure what to...

Those of you who get a chill up your spine when CEO compensation gets scalded, should light up at the news that 175 of top American CEO's lost over $50 billion as a result of the recent stock market decline....

Some of you may be aware of the Wisdom Project, an effort produced in cooperation with Bishop Desmond Tutu. I had lost track of it and thanks to a colleague, was recently re-introduced to it. The Wisdom Project has assembled...

That's an old saw from the real estate industry . . . "you make money when you buy it – not when you sell it." It's a savvy insight that applies more than just to the sputtering real estate market....