What’s the job of an executive leader? So many thoughts come to mind. But in a nutshell it comes down two two things: they’ve got to define the choices to win in a company’s chosen marketplace (that’s business strategy) and make sure everyone’s vibing on the same frequency (that’s company culture). Crafting a Business Strategy […]
The Essence of Executive Leadership: Nailing Business Strategy and Culture Read Post »
This feature of Alex Brueckmann is part of Exeleon Magazine’s listing of The 100 Most Dynamic Leaders of 2023. Check out the entire issue and listing by clicking on this link. Brief us about your journey. What prompted you to shift from music to management studies and business strategy? Following 9/11, I had lost my job
100 Dynamic Leaders Award: Facilitating Strategies that Impact Businesses Read Post »
Wayne Gretzky, often hailed as the greatest hockey player of all time, holds a legacy that transcends the rink. Beyond his exceptional skills on the ice, Gretzky’s mindset and approach to the game offer valuable insights that resonate far beyond the realm of sports. His strategies, adaptability, and leadership qualities can be applied to various
What Wayne Gretzky Teaches Executives About Strategy Read Post »
Leadership demands not only vision but the confidence to act on that vision. Yet, many leaders find themselves wrestling with doubt, which can hinder their ability to make strategic decisions. Doubt is a natural part of leadership, and it’s how you manage and conquer it that defines your ability to steer your business toward a
Overcoming Doubts: 7 Challenges Leaders Face with Business Strategy Read Post »
Exceptional customer experiences are the bedrock of small and big businesses looking to stand out in the market. These experiences transcend mere transactions and create lasting connections with customers. To understand what makes these experiences exceptional, I share six success factors using inspiring examples from real businesses. 1. Empathy and Understanding Zappos is renowned for
6 Essential Ingredients for Exceptional Customer Experiences Read Post »
A business strategy typically addresses a mid-term time horizon of three to five years. Businesses should also explore what lies before and beyond this timeframe. To complement their strategy (mid-term), organizations need foresight (long-term) and signalling (short-term). Signalling addresses the immediate future, and foresight explores what’s beyond the planning horizon of the current business strategy. Identifying
Designing a Business Strategy – Between Foresight and Signalling Read Post »
When a client had just completed a merger, they were shooting for the top spot in the market. While the physical aspects of the merger, such as housing and IT, went well, the cultural merger was dragging behind. The company struggled to overhaul work procedures and create a general work philosophy across all units. As
How to Solve Your Company’s Communication Issue Read Post »
Executive Summary: The dangers of neglecting strategic skills in leadership development Leadership development programs have long been mainly about so-called soft skills. Participants learned how to communicate more smoothly, delegate better, or manage conflict in their teams. Programs taught coaching skills for leaders and explored emotional intelligence. The main promise of human resources (HR) functions
Building People Skills Is No Longer Enough Read Post »
Scaling a high-growth startup from $1million to a lofty 100 million is a monumental achievement. The path to such exponential growth is riddled with numerous barriers that founders and leadership teams must navigate, from market fit and scalability to leadership skills, strategic focus, and beyond. Here’s how to overcome the top 5 barriers that stand
From $1mn to $100mn: The Top 5 Barriers That High-Growth Companies Need to Overcome Read Post »
In the wild world of business, catchphrases run rampant, sparking debates and raising eyebrows. One such catchphrase that tends to get a reaction out of me is “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Now, hold on a second! Let’s dig deeper into why this phrase makes me cringe and explore the fascinating relationship between strategy and
Nurturing Success: The Dynamic Dance Between Strategy and Culture Read Post »
Purpose has become a popular buzzword in many organizations, with companies proudly proclaiming their commitment to noble causes. However, merely having a purpose is not enough to create real change. Purpose refers to an organization’s intent or reason for existing beyond profit. Impact is the effect an organization has on its stakeholders and the world.
Moving Beyond Purpose: Aligning Strategy and Impact for Meaningful Change Read Post »
Business strategy is a widely misunderstood concept – which is terrifying given that it is also one of the most important aspects of any successful company. No wonder so many business large and small fail each year. As a decision-making framework, strategy clarifies the key priorities and sets a direction for the organization. Unfortunately, many
What So Many Get Wrong About Business Strategy – And How To Fix It Read Post »
A few reasons stand out when we analyze why organizations fail to design and implement business strategy, from unaligned leadership to management systems that don’t support change. There is one reason for success – or failure – that I have witnessed both as a strategy manager for a large business, and as a management consultant
The amount of money businesses waste on poorly designed leadership development is staggering. Too often, it is only when business realize that there is no tangible impact from these training programs that they re-think their approaches. Let me share some advice based on over a decade of experience in designing strategically aligned leadership programs that
5 Tips to Ensure Your Leadership Development Efforts Support Business Strategy Read Post »
Preparing a meal and then eating it are two different activities. Both are needed to avoid going hungry. If you prepare dinner and then don’t enjoy the meal, you’ll still be hungry. Likewise, you cannot have a nice meal without someone preparing it. When it comes to business strategy and strategic planning, we are essentially
Business Strategy vs. Strategic Planning: Why Confusing Them Can Lead to Disaster Read Post »
Developing effective leaders is a critical component of any successful organization. But simply training individuals in leadership skills is not enough. For maximum impact, executive and leadership development programs must be closely linked to an organization’s business strategy. Thereby, capability building boosts business performance, increases individual engagement, and pays into talent management. Improved performance Organizations
Leading a business can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. To create a thriving business and build a fulfilling life, there are some critical skills and insights that every entrepreneur and business leader should develop: business strategy, pricing, sustainability, and certain elements of leadership. Business strategy is crucial for every business, regardless of their industry
3+1 Essential Success Skills Every Business Leader Should Master Read Post »
Serving as a board director for a for-profit SME is a significant responsibility. It requires a combination of knowledge, expertise, and experience. Board directors are responsible for overseeing the company’s strategic direction, financial performance, risk management, and other key areas, and play an essential role in ensuring the company’s long-term success. If you’re considering pursuing
So, you want to become a board director. Do you have what it takes? Read Post »
The term ‘strategic planning’ has become ubiquitous in modern business parlance, but the truth is that the two words represent fundamentally different concepts. In fact, it is precisely because they are so different that it makes little sense to combine them into a single term. First, let’s define our terms. Strategy refers to the overarching
Why ‘Strategic Planning’ is a Flawed Concept that Doesn’t Serve your Business Read Post »
As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to make your business better, stronger, and more successful. One important step in this journey is to consider forming a board of directors. This group of trusted advisors can provide valuable guidance and help your business navigate the challenges that come with growth and complexity. But
