Previously, on Leading Through Chaos: Chaos is hard because we can’t plan for it. Our protection? Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s “barbell strategy”: avoid ruin while finding opportunity. Use “effectuation” to find upside opportunity when planning...
leadership
Here are articles on leadership
Leading Through Chaos, part 1: What’s the Root Problem?
When change is too fast, we stop investing for the future. Consider college: Who wants to spend four years and thousands to learn advanced skills that might be obsolete in ten years? When college is a path to success, it’s a no-brainer. When the job market changes so fast that college is a six-figure gamble? Not so much.
We can’t plan long-term during unpredictability, so we have to settle for short-term tactics. But that’s dangerous. Because short-term gains often come at the expense of long-term health.
The way to deal with chaos is to find predictability wherever you can.
What do CEOs do? A CEO Job Description
The Chief Executive Officer is one of the most coveted titles, and least understood jobs in a company. Everyone believes that CEOs can do whatever they want, are all powerful, and are magically competent. Nothing could be further from the truth. By its very nature,...
Craft strategy from both inside and outside
The economic playing field has gotten complicated enough that it's foolish to step on the field without some idea of how you're going to win. In sports, you have a playbook, which lists the plays you can make. In business, we call these...
Why business models matter: Understanding health insurance
When you're making business decisions, one of your most powerful tools is to understand business models. A business model is, simply, how a company makes money. If you want an in-depth definition with examples, check out my article on business models that was written...
Mind Reading for Fun and Profit!
Want followers? Want to get more from a negotiation than you go in expecting? Want more loyal relationships with your employees? Want people to be committed to your cause? Want deeper friendships and romantic relationships? Empathy is the key. It’s the ability to...
President Trump, viewed as a CEO, part 4
President Trump CEO, part 4: Allocating Capital This is part 4 in a series on President Trump viewed through the lens of being a CEO. Part of President Trump’s great appeal is that he’s perceived as a successful businessperson. He’s even been talked about as...
President Trump, viewed as a CEO, part 3
President Trump CEO, part 3: Setting Culture This is part 3 in a series on President Trump viewed through the lens of being a CEO. Part of President Trump’s great appeal is that he’s perceived as a successful businessperson. He’s even been talked about as being...
President Trump, viewed as a CEO, part 2
President Trump CEO, part 2: Leading the Top Team This is part 2 in a series on President Trump viewed through the lens of being a CEO. Part of President Trump’s great appeal is that he’s perceived as a successful businessperson. He’s even been talked about as...
President Trump, viewed as a CEO, part 1
President Trump CEO, part 1: Setting Strategy Part of President Trump’s great appeal is that he’s perceived as a successful businessperson. He’s even been talked about as being a President with CEO experience. My article on the duties, responsibilities, and job...