According to 1976 Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman, the purpose of business is to increase shareholder value. Wait, what!? What about everybody else that contributes to a business’s success? If Friedman’s right, 80% of contributors are unimportant, or, at minimum, just replaceable cogs in a machine. “But, Neal,” you cry, “the shareholders provide capital.” Yeah, … Continue reading Friedman was wrong. Helping is the point.

“If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying enough.” How do you feel about that? I know a lot of people who chuckle at that thought and talk about there being truth in it. But I think it is indicative of so much that’s wrong in our world whether it’s sports, business, or any other endeavor. … Continue reading Doing right. What’s your guide?

Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini have written a new book called Humanocracy: Creating Organizations as Amazing as the People Inside Them. I knew when I saw a book with a provocative title like this that I simply had to read it. And it was worth every word. The essential premise of the book is that … Continue reading Book Review: Humanocracy: Creating Organizations as Amazing as the People Inside Them

Heads are for thinking and hearts are for feeling. Too much emphasis on one can be your undoing. When decisions are made by thinking about results without considering impact, you risk irreparable damage. When decisions are made by thinking about impact without considering results, you risk irreparable damage. Results AND impact must both be considered. … Continue reading Head or heart, which do you choose?

Walking is good, you see a lot that you miss when driving. You see details. Details can change your perception. Details can make you consider different options. I went to Disney and attended a class on service where they said the Disney difference was attention to detail. They were right, Disney pays attention to everything … Continue reading Contrary to popular belief, angels are in the details.