Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World, the $3.5 billion retailer of RV’s and outdoor gear, says three types of honesty are critical for productive business relationships. As the star of “The Profit,” a CNBC series where Lemonis invests in struggling businesses to “save jobs and make money,” he’s become an expert at evaluating entrepreneurs and …
Category: The Sunday Snippet – good ideas to help you prosper
When praise hurts
When done right, praise primes the brain for higher performance. As a general rule, the more we praise, the more success we create. Psychologist and workplace researcher Shawn Achor confirms that the more you can authentically shine praise on everyone in your ecosystem, the better everyone does. The problem, says Achor, with home, work and …
No one is irreplaceable
Leaders and senior executives who abuse their influence and authority are easy to fire. They bully, they harass, they wreak havoc on an organization and no matter how smart or valuable they think they are, they end up getting themselves fired. They clearly deserve it. But what about less obvious or severe situations related to …
Solving persistent problems Dalio-style
Ray Dalio is the leader of the largest hedge fund in the world, Bridgewater Associates, and he’s become famous for his dogged discipline, radical candor, and relentless pursuit of insights and information. I recently picked up his book “Principles” and it’s about as blunt and unassuming on the outside as it is on the inside. …
Essentials of a winning pitch
No matter how great your product, service, cause, or idea may be, it will most certainly fail if not pitched properly. Whether it’s artificial intelligence software, bathroom remodeling, or the latest medical device, if you want to attract investors or customers, you’ve got to create a compelling story. There are many sources for this type …
Worrying the right way
Most of us know that extreme views, in any matter, are usually not healthy. They’re also not realistic. Very few situations are as easy as black or white, yes or no, and all or nothing. And that’s a good thing. Because the tension between two opposing views is where the best ideas originate. That’s especially …
Bewildered, boxed in, and breaking through
There are two main roadblocks when it comes to solving problems in business or life. The first is bewilderment: This is the sensation of not really knowing where to begin or what approach to take when it comes to sorting out a problem. The second is being stuck or boxed in: You know what you want to do …
Embrace friction and encourage debate
Meetings that go in circles or dance around decisions serve no one. Some people speak up. Some don’t. Tough things get discussed. Or they don’t. Some people focus on issues. Some resort to personal attacks. But a healthy debate, where friction is welcomed, and discussion is cultivated, helps everyone question assumptions, consider alternatives, and listen …
Question everything, always
The calendar and the cash register were reset to zero seven days ago and now it’s a matter of figuring out how to make the most of both. This can be one of the twitchiest times of the year. The promise and potential of the new year is exciting. Plans have been made. Resources are …
An easy New Year’s resolution
I’ve sat in judgement of panhandlers for many years. I’ve labeled them lazy, devious and dangerous. I’ve shunned them. And when asked for money, I’ve replied with my standard “no, thanks” for years. But all that changed for me earlier this year after reading an interview with Pope Francis from an Italian magazine (Tennis Shoes) …