Change is scary, but growth requires change. Because of this leadership reality, there is no dearth of advice on leading change. One of the more novel ideas comes from organizational theorist Karl Weick. In a 1984 article, Weick laid out a method, the small wins strategy, for approaching large scale … [Read more...] about Small Wins for Big Results
Search Results for: Craig Van Slyke
Wag More, Bark Less
My very-dirty-this-time-of-year Subaru has a bumper sticker that says “Wag more, bark less.” As anyone who knows me even slightly, I love our two dogs, Maggie and Dallas. Both are good pups … mostly. I bought the bumper sticker because it was funny and dog related, but the more I thought about it, … [Read more...] about Wag More, Bark Less
Becoming Excellent
In some circles, the term “excellence” gets thrown around frequently, either explicitly or implied in phrases like “going to the next level.” Organizational gurus have penned dozens of views on what excellence means, and how to achieve it. (Anyone remember “In Search of Excellence?”) Excellence is a … [Read more...] about Becoming Excellent
Six for 2016
Here we are, at the beginning of another year. 2015 was eventful, but I’d be hard-pressed to think of an uneventful year. While we don’t know what 2016 will bring, I know a few things I’d like to see in the New Year. Since I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, I decided to simply describe what I … [Read more...] about Six for 2016
Local Retailers: A Jolly Season
Is this year's holiday spending brisk or just ho ho hum? That depends on how much confidence consumers have in the nation’s economy and what effect the November shootings in France will have. The National Retail Federation predicts sales in November and December to rise 3.7 percent to $630.5 … [Read more...] about Local Retailers: A Jolly Season
Leading NAU’s Business College During All Seasons
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been facing a number of challenges, both personally and professionally. These challenges led to much reflection about how to deal with times of difficulty. It comes to no surprise for regular readers, but I have some thoughts on the topic. Not surprisingly, my favorite … [Read more...] about Leading NAU’s Business College During All Seasons
Moving Forward with Promise, Purpose, Persistence at NAU
As I write this, we are almost at the beginning of another academic year. While I love the quiet of summer, around this time, I look forward to the buzz of a new year. The new years are especially exciting since I’ve been teaching a freshman seminar. The students are so excited (no matter how much … [Read more...] about Moving Forward with Promise, Purpose, Persistence at NAU
Embracing Impermanence
A few weeks ago, I came home from work and, much to my dismay, a house was being built on the lot next to us. When I left home that morning, the lot was, as always, vacant, with a magnificent, old tree smack in the middle of the space. Now the tree was gone, little more than a huge pulled stump and … [Read more...] about Embracing Impermanence
Dear Graduate: A Message from NAU’s Business College Dean
It’s graduation time again, which often leads me to ponder what I wish I’d known when I graduated so long ago. This month’s column is a letter to graduates sharing some thoughts that might help them on their journey through life. Dear Graduate, Graduation is an exciting time for you, your … [Read more...] about Dear Graduate: A Message from NAU’s Business College Dean
America’s Rib King Encourages Attendees: Never Give Up on Dreams
It was a morning devoted to looking ahead as a sold-out audience of more than 150 people filled a conference room at the High Country Conference Center to hear what presenting economic experts would predict at the tribal, state and local levels in Arizona for the economic year 2015. This new … [Read more...] about America’s Rib King Encourages Attendees: Never Give Up on Dreams