Entries by Alan Gehringer

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Listening Strategies - Expert Tips for Effective Listening Skills

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Feb 27, 2023 @ 09:00 AM

One of the things I have to do as a business consultant is to be a great listener. This is a key leadership and communication skill for..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Core Customer Value: 3 Steps to Identify and Define Your Core Customers

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Feb 20, 2023 @ 12:00 PM

Philip Kotler implores us to do a better job of understanding “who” our valuable customers are and then to deeply please them, rather than..

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Topics: Increasing Sales

Why an Execution System Can Drive Your Strategy and Get You Results

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Feb 9, 2023 @ 12:00 AM

I have been helping companies develop their strategies for growth and profitability for over twenty years. As with many consultants, I..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

On-Time Delivery KPIs: On Time Delivery Goals Examples to Improve On-Time Delivery Manufacturing

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 25, 2023 @ 11:05 AM

I previously wrote a blog titled 21 Production KPI Examples to Improve Manufacturing Performance, and many people were interested in..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution

CEO Planning for 2023: How to Avoid High-Cost CEO Mistakes

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 24, 2023 @ 12:00 PM

We are coming into that time of year where a lot of companies are gearing up or doing their annual planning to prepare for next year. In..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

Personal Path of Progress: The Secret to Reach Your Full Potential

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jan 20, 2023 @ 12:14 PM

I have made it a priority to be a lifelong learner which aligns well with one of our company’s core values of “Keep Smart.” As an employee,..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Employee Engagement in 2023: 6 Ways to Keep Employees Engaged

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Jan 5, 2023 @ 09:00 AM

Financial rewards are just the beginning of what keeps employees active in their job role. Another, more overlooked factor, is job..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Family Business Succession: Expert Tips To Ensure Your Family Business Makes It To The Next Generation

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 3, 2023 @ 09:00 AM

As a leader with decades in the business, I attended the Galliard Group National Gathering, where I had the privilege of spending two days..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Power SWOT: Harness the Power of a 2023 SWOT Analysis!

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Dec 21, 2022 @ 12:31 PM

A common tool used in planning sessions is the SWOT analysis.  The acronym SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

How Middle Market CEOs Execute on Strategy for Success (Updated for 2023)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Dec 14, 2022 @ 10:03 AM

Most Companies Fail Due to Poor Strategic Execution

As a fan of Blue Ocean strategy, you already know how important it is to have the right..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning, KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution, Mergers & Acquisitions

How to Win and Retain your Core Customers (Updated for 2023)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Dec 1, 2022 @ 11:00 AM

Customer retention is a routine, where you rinse, repeat, and rise to perfection over time. In 2018, winning new customers and keeping..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategies for Growth

How to Set Clear Goals, Priorities, and KPIs with Examples to Hire, Retain and Grow Your Employees

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Nov 14, 2022 @ 08:40 AM

You have probably heard the old saying, what gets measured, gets improved. Very much an old engineering phrase from back in the day, but as..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Employee Health and Retention, Recruiting Employees

Manufacturing KPIs to Improve Production KPI Performance (Updated for 2023)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Nov 2, 2022 @ 11:00 AM

It is important to grow the top line of your business on an annual basis, but you also need to make sure the bottom line is healthy which..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Productivity vs Efficiency in Manufacturing

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Oct 28, 2022 @ 09:00 AM

Two key concepts in manufacturing that often get misconstrued or even used synonymously are manufacturing productivity and manufacturing ..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Your Customer Has Changed: Have You?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Sep 26, 2022 @ 06:00 AM

No matter what business your company is in, it's a safe bet to assume that you'll need to be able to adapt to the changing conditions..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

How to Improve Meeting Effectiveness: 27 Ways to Upgrade Meetings

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Aug 30, 2022 @ 09:30 AM

How often do you attend meetings where nothing gets accomplished? If you're looking for ways to improve meeting effectiveness, then look..

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Topics: Effective Meetings

Planning for an Uncertain 2023: Tips to Create Plan A and Plan B

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Aug 28, 2022 @ 11:03 AM

We recently held our 6th annual Breakthrough Conference, although it was our first ever virtual conference, and I want to share a few ideas..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

What is the Difference Between a Primary Customer and Secondary Customer?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Aug 23, 2022 @ 12:00 PM

I have written previously about the importance of Identifying your core customer because I have seen far too many companies waste their..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

CEO KPIs: 23 KPIs Every CEO KPI Dashboard Should Consider

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Aug 8, 2022 @ 11:03 AM

Having the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on your CEO dashboard is very important to ensure you are driving the right behaviors in..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Strategic Planning Tips: 17 Expert Tips for Effective Planning

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jul 29, 2022 @ 10:57 AM

Strategic planning is a critical part of running a successful company or organization. Yet, too often, companies don’t take enough time to..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Rhythm and Planning Cadence to Help New CEOs Succeed

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jul 26, 2022 @ 11:01 AM

"People come to work with the best intentions to give it their best and work on the right things. If we don't plan effectively together,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, New CEO

Leadership Team Alignment: How to Align Your Leadership Goals

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Jun 30, 2022 @ 09:00 AM

If you have ever downloaded any tools or other resources on our site, you know that we usually ask you about your Biggest Business..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Employee Engagement Ideas for Manufacturing Industry: 11 Actionable Tips from our Experts

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Apr 27, 2022 @ 09:00 AM

I grew up in a manufacturing family. My grandmother had her own manufacturing company, and my father was a partner in a local manufacturing..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

You Have to Give to Get!  7 Tips to Get More Sales Referrals

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Mar 2, 2022 @ 02:39 PM

How Well are Referrals Working for Your Business?

We have all heard the old saying, "You have to give to get." This principle remains valid..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Scaling Growth: How to Scale Growth without Drama

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Feb 28, 2022 @ 11:04 AM

Your business is experiencing strong growth – now what? Double-digit growth brings with it a host of new challenges, particularly how to..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Create Your Personal BHAG [Examples]

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Feb 22, 2022 @ 09:00 AM

It is very common to develop a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) for your business. What is not so common is to develop a BHAG for your..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Does Your BHAG Connect to Your Company's Hedgehog?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Jan 29, 2022 @ 08:05 AM

I recently prepared for an annual planning session with a client and one thing the client wanted to work on was their Big Hairy Audacious..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

5 Signs That I Need Executive Coaching

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 25, 2022 @ 01:26 PM

The greatest athletes and business leaders in the world have coaches. No matter how good you are,  and you are probably really good, there..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Sales KPI Examples and Leading Indicators That Drive Revenue Growth

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 25, 2022 @ 11:00 AM

Driving new sales revenue is a common theme that comes up with the clients I work with. In fact, I can’t think of many companies that have..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, KPIs & Dashboards

20 Mile March: My Introduction

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Jan 15, 2022 @ 06:46 AM

I am a big fan of Jim Collins and have used his book “Good to Great” as a business tool for many years. I was recently introduced to the..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Using Zoom to Facilitate Your Strategic and Execution Planning Meetings for Stellar Results

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 12, 2022 @ 11:03 AM

As in the past many years, I entered 2020 with a full schedule of strategy and execution planning work with my clients. Then the pandemic..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Effective Meetings

OPSP: One Page Strategic Plan Template for Scaling Up and Rockefeller Habits

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Jan 6, 2022 @ 05:52 PM

I have recently been involved in a few conversations with clients that are new to the Rockefeller Habits or to long-range planning. The..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

5 Steps to Integrate Your Employee Culture After a Business Acquisition

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 5, 2022 @ 11:00 AM

You just completed an acquisition in business, time to celebrate and break out the champagne. For some companies, acquiring businesses..

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Topics: Mergers & Acquisitions

Strategy Validation: Have You Validated Your 3-5 Year Strategic Plan?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Nov 30, 2021 @ 09:00 AM

You had a great annual planning session.  You worked hard developing your 3 year strategic plan for revenue growth and profit (scaling up)..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Keep Smart in 2023: Nine Ways CEOs and Leaders Can Learn, Lead and Grow

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Nov 29, 2021 @ 11:03 AM

Learn as much as you can to energize yourself and bring your best to the business!

I am a big fan of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates (even..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

How to Be a Fit Mid-Market CEO for 2022 and Beyond

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Nov 26, 2021 @ 09:00 AM

To give your business an edge against the competition in 2019, you might be considering some ways to level yourself up in the process...

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

3 Things to Do when Yearly Planning

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Sep 29, 2021 @ 11:03 AM

 

2020 was an extraordinary year on many fronts. Most people I know are very glad it is behind them, and now that it is and we are a month..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Leveraging Your Core Competencies to Create a Competitive Advantage with Examples

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Jul 31, 2021 @ 12:00 PM

I have helped many companies identify and leverage their core competencies through the years, and doing this can really make a difference..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Personal Accountability Exercises - How Does Your Team Stack Up?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Jul 31, 2021 @ 09:30 AM

Quite a few years back, a good friend of mine introduced me to John Miller and his book “QBQThe Question Behind the Question.”  I had..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Growth Strategies: Are There Gaps in Your Business Strategy?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Jul 24, 2021 @ 11:03 AM

Your company is not alone if there are gaps in your business strategy. I have worked with third generation companies that just never took..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Succession Planning: Are You Building A Business for the Future?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jun 11, 2021 @ 09:00 AM

 If you have ever downloaded any tools or other resources on our site, you know that we usually ask you about your Biggest Business..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Business Strategy Coaching: The Best Questions to Ask before Hiring an Executive Coach

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, May 7, 2021 @ 11:04 AM

Take this quick quiz to determine if you are ready to engage with an executive coach and take your game to the next level.  An executive..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Quarterly Rocks: The Difference Between KPIs and Quarterly Rocks

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Feb 24, 2021 @ 09:30 AM

What's the difference between KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and Quarterly Rocks? This can be a very confusing question, especially for..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, KPIs & Dashboards

21 COVID-19 KPIs to Monitor Now

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Jan 28, 2021 @ 12:03 PM

These are crazy times we find ourselves in right now. I have heard more than one person say that they have never experienced anything like..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Tips to Help You Prepare to Facilitate a One-Day Quarterly Planning Session

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jan 1, 2021 @ 07:00 AM

Who is facilitating your next One-Day Quarterly Planning Session?

Whether you are doing it yourself, bringing in an outside facilitator,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Hedgehog Concept Examples: How a Hedgehog Supports a BHAG

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Nov 27, 2020 @ 09:00 AM

Does your who do what? It sounds somewhat funny, but this is really a serious question. Many people know what these terms are, but for..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Do You Need a Strategy Refresh?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Oct 28, 2020 @ 11:03 AM

There is no better time than the present to work on completing your strategy. You may have wanted to nail down your work on core customer,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Don’t Let COVID-19 Disrupt Your Strategy and Execution Planning Cadence!

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Aug 12, 2020 @ 12:12 PM

Most companies we work with are still operating in a virtual or semi-virtual world, and fortunately, employees are adapting well. It is..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Effective Meetings

10 Questions to Determine if Your Team Needs a Virtual Planning Session

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jul 31, 2020 @ 04:34 PM

I facilitate a lot of strategy and execution planning sessions throughout the year. The majority of the time, I do this on-site with a..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Have You Defined Your Company Core Purpose Statement? CPS Examples

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jun 30, 2020 @ 08:48 AM

Peter Drucker stated that ”the best and most dedicated people are ultimately volunteers, for they have the opportunity to do something..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Meeting with Yourself: The Key to Personal Productivity

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, May 20, 2020 @ 12:00 PM

If you do not operate your business using Rhythm or the Rockefeller Habits, you might be asking yourself "why would I have a meeting with..

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Topics: Effective Meetings

Achieve Synergy with Your Team: A Tribute to Sir George Martin

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Feb 28, 2020 @ 09:00 AM

Synergy is an often overused term, although incredibly effective when actually achieved. Merriam-Webster defines synergy as "a mutually..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Creating A Culture of Innovation: 5 Ways CEOs Can Drive a Culture of Innovation

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jan 31, 2020 @ 11:00 AM

We have all heard the saying "A fish rots from the head down," right? Not that I am comparing my CEO friends to fish, but it does drive the..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, KPIs & Dashboards, Accountable Leaders & Teams

3 Year Strategic Plans to Grow Revenue and Stay Competitive

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jan 17, 2020 @ 09:00 AM

Has your growth stalled or have you missed your revenue and profitability targets the last few years? 

There is a solution. But before we..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Use Smart Thinking to Innovate and Solve Problems

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 11:26 AM
I recently watched an interesting webinar by Art Markman, PhD, explaining the highlights of his book “Smart Thinking.  I found the..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth

When is the Last Time You Audited Your KPI Dashboard?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 10:00 AM

Have you performed a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) audit in the past quarter or two?  This is something I recommend to clients on a..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

3 Must-Do's for Strategic Planning (and 1 Thing You Should Never Do)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 8, 2020 @ 11:51 AM

Planning is very important to set your company up for a successful year. You have probably heard the saying, "If you don't know where..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Richard Branson's Business Strategy: Proper Risk Taking

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jan 3, 2020 @ 12:00 PM

I have this great book I picked up ten or so years ago titledThe Book of Entrepreneurial Wisdom edited by Peter Krass. It is full of short..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Why Implement the Rockefeller Habits using the One Page Plan?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 1, 2020 @ 12:59 PM

If you are like many company leaders, you may be skeptical about working on your business strategy and developing strategic plans.  I..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Customer Retention: Are You Keeping the Customers You Want?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Dec 29, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

According to the Harvard Business Schoolincreasing customer retention rates by 5 percent increases profits by 25 percent to 95 percent.

..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, KPIs & Dashboards

Importance of Continuous Improvement: Stay Ahead of Your Competition

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Dec 12, 2019 @ 11:00 AM

How effective are your continuous improvement efforts? 

I focus a lot of my attention on top-line growth these days, but that by no means..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

What is Your Favorite Habit of the 7 Habits of Stephen Covey?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Sep 15, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

Our team recently completed a leadership development training on the “7 Habits of Managers.” The material is based on Stephen R. Covey’s..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

How Well Do You Know Yourself, or Your Teammates?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Sep 2, 2019 @ 09:30 AM

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” - Lao Tzu

I think this quote sets the stage.  I believe I have taken..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

10 Keys to Being a Great Leader

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Aug 16, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

If уоu aspire to be in a position of leadership (or even if you already are a leader), thеn understand thаt a leader knоwѕ hоw tо lead аnd..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Being A Better Listener Can Improve Your Leadership Skills

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Aug 7, 2019 @ 09:55 AM

As an executive coach, part of my job is to be a good listener.  Some of this coaching is done in person while a lot of it is done on the..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Don't Give Away the Farm: Get Paid for the Value You Provide

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jul 24, 2019 @ 12:00 PM

I came across this quote of a story that really resonated with me.

Legend has it that Pablo Picasso was sketching in a park when an..

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Topics: Increasing Sales

Brand Promise and Guarantee Differences between BMW, Hyundai & Toyota

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, May 1, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

To support growing your top line, you need to have an effective Brand Promise and Brand Promise Guarantee. The Brand Promise should help..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

How Is Your Manufacturing Innovation Engine Running?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Feb 28, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

I have spent most of my life working in the manufacturing sector. My first experience began as a young boy in my Grandmother’s sewing..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

5 Wауѕ to Imрrоvе Your Cоmраnу Culture

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Jan 21, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

Iѕ уоur corporate сulturе роѕіtіvе or is it сut-thrоаt?

Cоmраnу culture іѕ оnе of thоѕе thіngѕ thаt just еvоlvеѕ organically... rіght? Not..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Use Think Plan Do to Discover and Validate Your Hedgehog

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 9, 2019 @ 12:00 PM

As part of Jim Collins’ Good to Great work, he introduces us to the concept of a Hedgehog.  The term comes from the famous essay by Isaiah..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Have You Defined Your Strategic Direction? Doing So Can Help You Clarify Your Focus and Dominate Your Market!

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 1, 2019 @ 09:30 AM
As a business coach and strategist, I use many concepts to help companies develop the most effective plans for profitable growth.  Some of..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Fire Bullets Then Cannonballs to Get the Most from Your Strategy

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Nov 24, 2018 @ 09:00 AM

As we approach the busiest season for annual planning, I am encouraging clients to spend more time working on their strategic priorities,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

How Much Time Should I Allocate for My Quarterly Planning Session?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Sep 28, 2018 @ 12:00 PM

By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail – Benjamin Franklin

It is that time of the year again: time to prepare for your quarterly..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Are Your Annual Plans Really Strategic? Your Results Depend on It [Video]

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Aug 7, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

I would challenge you to think very hard about this question as it’s not an easy one to answer based on my experience as a facilitator,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Are Benefits Enough to Attract and Engage the Best People?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jul 3, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

While a lot of companies say that employees are their most valuable assets, not all walk the walk. It takes a lot of time and effort to ..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Five Key Leadership Skills Every Leader Must Master

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Apr 16, 2018 @ 09:30 AM

I was going through some materials and came across a file that one of my good friends and mentors had given me in a training session a..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

The 4 Most Common Reasons Revenue Initiatives Fail [Video]

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Mar 15, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

You worked hard with your team to develop a winning annual plan. Everyone is optimistic going into the year that this plan is going to..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Do You Have a Line Item in Your Budget for Innovation? Your Success Depends on it!

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Nov 17, 2017 @ 11:30 AM

It’s that time of year to create a winning plan for next year. As part of the Annual Planning process, you will be reviewing last year’s..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Harness the Thinking Power of Your Team to Create Great Annual Plans

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Nov 11, 2017 @ 09:30 AM

“Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one you have.” - Emil Chartier

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

A Better System to Successfully Integrate Business Acquisitions

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Oct 15, 2017 @ 12:00 PM

I recently wrote a blog highlighting the first differentiator for the webinar I presented for the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

How to Acquire a Business Without the Drama

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Aug 31, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

I am very excited to share that I facilitated a webinar for the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) in July, and we had over 500 people..

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Topics: Mergers & Acquisitions

Do You Have a Culture of Innovation?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jun 28, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

It is that time of year again when I am developing a workshop for our annual Breakthrough Conference. This year, I am working on a topic..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

6 Productivity Tips You May Have Never Thought Of

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jun 14, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

Business is all about getting as much done as possible because time is essentially money. In order to seize the day and pull ahead of the..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Productivity Every Day

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, May 18, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

The average worker is only productive for 2 hours and 53 minutes a day. It is hard to believe most people are productive for less than 3..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Increase Your Focus and Gain a Competitive Edge

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Feb 28, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

Getting more focused, more productive, and more accountable. 

We all talk about doing this as a New Year's Resolution for our companies...

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Have You Determined What Sandbox You Want Your Company to Play In?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Feb 3, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

Determining your Sandbox is the first step in the five step process to develop your Brand Promise and a very important one that will have a..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Do Your New Hires Have a Plan to Succeed?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 24, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

I help develop and review a lot of annual and quarterly plans, and one thing I see in most of them is an initiative or priority around..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Did Curiosity Really Kill the Cat?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Jan 8, 2017 @ 12:00 PM

Merriam-Webster Definition of Curiosity

  1. 1:  desire to know:      a:  inquisitive interest in others' concerns :  nosiness      b: ..
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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Go on Muda Walk to Identify the 7 Deadly Wastes

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Dec 13, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

We have an internal team that meets weekly and goes by the name “CANI." Although I was trained as an industrial engineer, this was a term..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

What Do You Think the Role of A Leader Is? (Poll)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Dec 6, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

I am taking a poll on what you think the role of a leader is. There are a lot of good answers to this question that I have heard, read, and..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

5 Tips for New Leaders from Sandler Training’s CEO

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Nov 29, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

I recently attended a regional leadership forum held by my friend, John Moore. I always enjoy the opportunity to network with local..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Rethink Your Role as an Entrepreneur

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Nov 13, 2016 @ 12:00 PM

A few уеаrѕ аgо, I rеаd The E-Mуth Rеvіѕіtеd. It was аn еntеrtаіnіng eye-ореnеr thаt hеlреd сhаngе my thoughts on how to run a buѕіnеѕѕ. I..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

The Right Coach Can Bring Out the Best in You and Your Business

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Oct 25, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

Two-thirds of CEOs don’t receive any outside advice on their leadership skills, and yet almost all would be receptive to suggestions from a..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

How to Use Goldratt's Thеоrу of Constraints for Personal Growth

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Sep 6, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

I nеvеr сеаѕе tо bе аmаzеd at the extent tо whісh ideas developed fоr industrial аnd business settings ѕееm so fit fоr реrѕоnаl..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

10 Secrets of Success

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Aug 28, 2016 @ 12:00 PM

What іѕ іt that mаkеѕ some реорlе truly ѕuссеѕѕful contrasted with the majority of the population? Is it safe to say that they are ѕmаrtеr,..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

How tо Imрrоvе Yоur Wееklу Mееtіngѕ

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Aug 23, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

Jасk Wеlсh оnсе said, "Whеn mаnаgеrѕ аѕk quеѕtіоnѕ, they aren't lооkіng fоr answers, thеу'rе looking fоr vаlіdаtіоn." Quеѕtіоnѕ аrе a..

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Topics: Effective Meetings

9 Strategies fоr Mаnаgіng Employee Turnоvеr

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Aug 12, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

Tоdау'ѕ wоrkfоrсе ѕееkѕ development, орроrtunіtу, and jоb ѕаtіѕfасtіоn. At оnе tіmе, іt wаѕ mоrе соmmоn fоr wоrkеrѕ to remain with one..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Sleep Your Way to Improved Focus and Performance

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Jun 12, 2016 @ 12:00 PM

Are you getting enough sleep? Doing so can really improve your focus and performance. 

According to a Gallup Survey, fifty-nine percent of..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Focus: Are You Reaping the Benefits?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jun 7, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

Getting - and staying - focused can make you a lot more productive and happier. Of course, doing so is easier said than done. Some days I..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Keep it Simple and Think Different: Apple’s 3 Point Turnaround

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Apr 5, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

I came across a video on YouTube titled "Steve Jobs on 'Think Different' - Internal Meeting Sept. 23, 1997." I believe any company that has..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Are You Running the Best Company in Your Market?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Mar 21, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, former commander of the USS Benfold. He took the worst..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Winning Moves Breakthroughs at the Breakthrough Conference

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Mar 10, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

In the fall, we had our first annual Breakthrough Conference in Charlotte, NC. The gods did not provide us with abundant sunshine for the..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

How Do You Rate Your Trusted Advisor?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Jan 21, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

I pulled a book out of my library that one of my consultant friends gave me as a gift about seven years ago, and I found a great list I..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How Does Your Customer Service Stack Up?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 5, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

Do you offer ultimate customer service when it is really needed? I just returned from an annual planning session with a client. I had a..

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Topics: Increasing Sales

4 Ways to Strengthen Your Creative Muscle (Video)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Dec 20, 2015 @ 12:30 PM

“Creativity is a muscle. You have to work it continually. If you do, it will get stronger and easier to use.” Tom Kelley, Partner at Ideo

I..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Make the Most of Your Travel Time

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Dec 6, 2015 @ 12:00 PM

I travel often to consult with clients and facilitate strategy and execution planning sessions. This results in a lot of time spent in..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Could You Become the Next CEO of the Year?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Jul 31, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

I just finished reading the latest edition of Chief Executive Magazine, and the article that really caught my attention was the selection..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Are You Motivating Your People and Bringing Out the Best in Them?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jun 30, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

If you have ever downloaded any tools or other resources on our site, you know that we usually ask you about your Biggest Business..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Are You Achieving Your Desired Profitability?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Thu, Jun 18, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

If you have ever downloaded any tools or other resources on our site, you know that we usually ask you about your Biggest Business..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

You Think You're Smart, but How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Jun 1, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

I have to share a funny story. A couple of weeks ago my wife placed a copy of a New York Times article by Daniel Goleman on Emotional..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Produce Breakthrough Ideas by Encouraging Employees to Fail

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, May 11, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

Do you encourage your employees to fail? Doing so can produce some breakthrough ideas and products.

I am reading Exponential Organizations,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Have You Nailed Your Business Strategy?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Apr 3, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

I recently read a great abstract on Elevate: The Three Disciplines of Advanced Strategic Thinking, by Rich Horwarth. Here are some of the..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

How to Train a Team Member to Facilitate a Quarterly Planning Session

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Feb 27, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

Our next Valentine's Day contest winner is Cara R. Here's her question: "What is the best way to train someone on our team to facilitate a..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Effective Meetings

A “Minor Major” to Make Your Weekly Meetings More Effective

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Feb 4, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

So if any of you have spent time around Patrick Thean or read his book Rhythm, you have heard him use the term “minor major.”  It refers to..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Effective Meetings

Ready, Set, Go! 8 Tips to Start Your Year Off Right

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 21, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

Many companies I work with are on a calendar year and have completed their annual planning sessions and developed a new Q1 plan to start..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Calling All CEO’s – Are You Sitting Behind a Desk All Day?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Dec 19, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

I recently attended the Fortune Growth Summit in Las Vegas.  One of the speakers was Jack Daly.  Jack is the author of Hyper Sales Growth..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

When Is The Last Time You Showed Gratitude to Someone in Your Company?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Dec 14, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

As we enter the holiday season, it is always a great time to pause and give thanks for those around us, what we have accomplished as an..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

When Was Your Last Trip to the Circus? An Example of Amazing Execution

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Dec 9, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

We recently attended the Fortune Growth Summit in Las Vegas.  It was two days of great learning with a line up of excellent speakers and..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Enter an Entirely New Market Space & Catch Your Competition Off Guard!

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Nov 16, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

A running joke among my friends and family is that I never met an internal combustion engine I did not like!

I started riding motorcycles..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Four Strategies for Innovation

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Oct 28, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

“Innovation is seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought.” 

- Albert Szent-Guorgi, 1937 Nobel Prize for..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Are You Effectively Coaching Your Team?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Oct 20, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

For those of you that have children, you have no doubt experienced the effect a good or bad coach has on your child’s success in sports.  ..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!!! (Let’s Celebrate)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Fri, Oct 3, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

This is one of those songs that sticks in your head and you can’t get rid of it, right?  However, you have to admit, it really sets the..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Innovate or Die! Have You Developed an Innovation Strategy?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Aug 10, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

“In war, there is no prize for runner-up.” - Omar Bradley, U.S. General

The last blog I wrote asked questions about how your company’s..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Hiring the Right People? Avoid a 15x Base Salary Hiring Mistake!

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jul 29, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

Like many of you, I have found that finding and hiring the right people can be a challenge. Most of us use traditional methods of hiring..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Have You Assessed Your Organization by Asking The Five Most Important Questions?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jun 24, 2014 @ 11:30 AM

I try to keep up my monthly intake of business books, and I am always looking for those gems that provoke thought, provide a new way to..

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Are You Doing Too Much?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jun 17, 2014 @ 11:00 AM

Try optimizing, automating and outsourcing to reduce your stress and improve your performance.

I recently attended the Fortune Leadership..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

7 Indispensable Leadership Characteristics and Qualities (Video)

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Jun 15, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

I recently had the pleasure of hearing Pat Williams speak at the Fortune Leadership Summit.

Pat Williams is a basketball Hall-of-Famer,..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

What Makes You Different and Does It Support Your Brand Promise Guarantee?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Mar 25, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

I have been coaching more and more clients on developing their Brand Promise and Brand Promise Guarantee.  There are many components of..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Are You Monitoring the Right KPI’s to Ensure Your Employees Are Fully Engaged at Work?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Mar 18, 2014 @ 10:15 AM

As a Rhythm consultant, I work with many clients to help them develop their KPI’s and Critical Numbers.  One of the goals is to have two..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Developing and Using Critical Numbers to Drive Success

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Feb 18, 2014 @ 09:30 AM

Are your critical numbers working for you?  The key to accomplishing your goals is execution.  Critical numbers help ensure you are..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution

Have You Tested Your Emotional Intelligence Lately?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Jan 22, 2014 @ 09:30 AM

I have always been interested in learning more about myself and how to interact better with others.  As human beings, we have many things..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

The How of Growth

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jan 21, 2014 @ 09:35 AM

I attended the Fortune Growth Summit in October and heard Ram Charan speak.  Ram is a world-renowned business advisor, author and speaker..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Six Strategy Tips and Traps

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sat, Jan 11, 2014 @ 02:00 PM

A client of mine recently asked me if I had read Playing to Win – How Strategy Really Works by A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin.  Lafley is..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Think Outside the Box to Develop Powerful Growth Strategies

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Jan 5, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” Mohandas Gandhi

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Focused, Aligned and Accountable – Unclutter Your Mind and Set Yourself Free!

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Dec 29, 2013 @ 12:00 PM

At Rhythm Systems, we coach our clients to develop simple, powerful, long-term, annual and quarterly plans.  One of the ways we do this is..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Give Thanks and Ask the Right Questions to Retain Your Valuable Employees

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Dec 17, 2013 @ 09:30 AM

The holiday season is always a good time to pause and give thanks for the people in our personal lives.  We do this by hosting holiday..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How Successful Are You at Influencing Others? Some Tips From the Master of Influence

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Sun, Nov 10, 2013 @ 12:00 PM

I just finished listening to Robert Cialdini’s work on “Principals of Ethical Influence.”  Mr. Cialdini is the Regents' Professor Emeritus..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Say No and Do Less to be a Superachiever

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Oct 22, 2013 @ 09:30 AM

What does it take to go from being an overachiever to a superachiever?  Darren Hardy, Publisher and Founding Editor of Success magazine..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Planning Sessions?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Oct 1, 2013 @ 08:03 AM

How are your quarterly and annual planning meetings going?  Are you the one who has to facilitate the meeting each time?  Here are some..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level by Removing the Limiting Habits

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 @ 10:41 AM

Do you ever ask yourself if what got you here will get you where you want to grow as a leader or entrepreneur?  I find myself asking that..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Employee Behavior

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Aug 13, 2013 @ 03:01 PM

Are your employees consistently demonstrating the behaviors necessary to accomplish the company's goals?

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Have Holes in your Rockefeller Habits Implementation & One-Page Strategic Plan?

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Aug 12, 2013 @ 01:12 PM
If you are like a lot of companies that adopt a new methodology, you want to do it all at once.  The problem is that it's just not..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Perform Like a True Corporate Athlete to Maximize Your Performance and Execution

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, Aug 5, 2013 @ 06:08 PM

I recently attended the Fortune Leadership Summit in Orlando, Florida and had the opportunity to hear some phenomenal speakers share their..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Tips for Building and Using Your KPI Dashboard

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Tue, Jul 30, 2013 @ 02:31 PM

“Today’s managers recognize the impact that measures have on performance.  But rarely think of measurement as an essential part of their..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, KPIs & Dashboards

Evaluating Your Measurement System & KPI's

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Mon, May 20, 2013 @ 05:36 PM
Evaluating your measurement system and selecting the right KPI’s and critical numbers is essential to ensure you are monitoring the right ..
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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Finding Hidden Assets in Your Business

Posted by Alan Gehringer on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 @ 07:01 PM

Have you performed an inventory and explored what internal assets you have in your business lately?  Most companies have assets that can..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

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