Feb
27
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
When bad employees and good performers are one in the same
by VINCE CREW
Maybe it’s the hard-working gal who just complains and gossips. Maybe it’s the high-producing sales guy who is a jerk and disrupts everyone else’s life. Maybe it’s the manager that just rubs her people the wrong way.
Regardless, it’s easy to get rid of pain-in-neck non-producers. But what about someone who truly contributes to the firm, yet whose behavior is disruptive and creates a hostile workplace? What do you do?
Well, “hostile workplace” is one of those euphemisms that indicate you had better do something – and the sooner, the better.
Jan
23
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
Seven questions to ask before you even THINK about starting a business
By VINCE CREW
At the beginning of a New Year, many find themselves “casualties of corporate downsizing” or just plain fed up with having someone else in control of their careers, income and daily lives. I know I did.
Starting your own business can be very tempting, but the results can be disastrous.
Franchising, consulting or turning a hobby into work is tough. Most fail. And those of us who have had any degree of success feel obligated to tell you what you’re getting into before it’s too late.
For each success story, there are literally – and I’m not exaggerating – millions that fail within a few months of paying the credit card bill for cool home office furniture and a PC upgrade.
So here are seven questions to ask before going out on your own: Read more
Dec
12
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
The ‘wrong’ consultant can derail your business
by Vince Crew
Home school versus public school. Being an employer versus employee. Being a voter versus a politician.
Where’s the real power and control? Clearly it’s when you’re in a position to take the greatest responsibility for your future. In our world of polls, research and consultants, it’s hard to avoid a “know-it-all” trying to convince you to follow his or her way. The key to success is following your way.
Having been a confidential adviser and executive coach to owners, executives and leaders in a number of sectors for more than a decade, I’m often torn between a strong recommendation and being viewed as a “know-it-all.” The reality is: I do know a lot about a number of things, and have a great deal of expertise in the areas of strategic growth, leadership development, staffing and everyday ethics. However, I always tell my clients, “It’s your company and your decision.”
Nov
21
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
What we refuse to learn from bailouts, bankruptcies and buffoonery
By VINCE CREW
“There is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur
America is the land of opportunity. The opportunity to succeed, be whatever you want to be – or not. In other words, failure is an option. In fact, it is the option of two extremes: those who see themselves as victims and those who see themselves above it all. The streets are filled with the homeless while unscrupulous ex-corporate chieftains are the heartless of our nation.
Writing this on the heels of the Bear Stearns debacle ($29 billion), the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac poster children of government efficiency ($200 billion), the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, and the world-spinning, $85 billion bailout of AIG, it begs the ethical question: When did the rules change on who wins and who loses?
Oct
24
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
The never-ending ethical mayhem of fiscal recklessness
By VINCE CREW
Question: How many brilliant MBAs, celebrity CEOs and expert legislators does it take to screw up a company or an entire economy?
Answer: We’re still counting.
One of the greatest perks about being a doctor, lawyer, CEO or consultant is that, regardless of the results, you still get paid – a lot. Add to that list government pinheads, think-tank researchers and investment managers.
Frankly I’m getting tired of hearing, “historically an investment in blah blah has outperformed yada yada yada and, while past performance is no indication of future results, blah blah blah.” Translation: Do what I tell you to ’cause I’m smarter than you.
Well guess what? In the words of Howard Beale (portrayed by Peter Finch in the classic 1976 movie “Network”), “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Oct
10
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Economic Development, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
The economic stimulus that nobody talks about
By VINCE CREW
Pssssssst, Mr. President (and Congress): If a bunch of checks for a few hundred dollars didn’t cure the ills our economy, neither will a trillion-dollar plan – but I know what will: Leadership. Hard work. Ethical conduct.
We’re losing sight of what the combination of direction, hard work and honesty can do for us individually and collectively.
It’s not about strategies-of-the-month, risky profit-making deals, or outright criminal activity. It’s about fundamental, proven progress toward reasonable goals by risk-prudent means.
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