Entries by Patrick Thean

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Team Planning: How to do Team Planning for Team Focus & Alignment

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 27, 2023 @ 09:00 AM

It’s time to slow down and develop a world-class team execution plan for next year. When we don’t slow down to plan our execution, our..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How to Manage Hybrid Teams in 2023

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Jan 30, 2023 @ 08:00 AM

I get asked this question lately "How hard should I push employees to return to the office?" "Is this work-from-home thing going to last?..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Go the Second Mile, Recruiting Employees

Strategy vs Execution: Don't Confuse Strategic Thinking and Strategy Execution

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Jan 29, 2023 @ 08:42 AM

 

It is easy to confuse your strategy and your 3-year strategic plan. I have seen so many leaders tell me that they have a great strategy...

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

20 Ways to Achieve Your 2023 Annual Plan

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 17, 2023 @ 07:40 AM

What should you do if you cannot seem to come up with enough sales opportunities to hit the revenue target for next year?  This scenario..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

The Test of True Accountability (Updated for 2023)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Dec 21, 2022 @ 11:45 AM

This happens all the time. You are holding someone accountable to get something done. Yet you find yourself checking in and chasing for an..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Your Priority Areas for the Next Quarter: Effective Goal Examples

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Oct 27, 2022 @ 12:00 PM

A new quarter is starting. It is time to discuss, prioritize and choose your top priorities for the new quarter. How do you do this? How do..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Creating KPIs: How to Create a KPI in 5 Simple Steps (Updated for 2023)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Oct 25, 2022 @ 04:47 PM

The common mistake many companies make is to start creating a bunch of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for their company. They start..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution

A True Story of Creating a High-Performing Culture With "The Gift of Red"

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Oct 12, 2022 @ 06:00 AM

Companies are under pressure to deliver better performance at lower costs in today's competitive environment. This requires leaders to..

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2023 Annual Planning Process: Brainstorming 20 Ways to beat the Annual Targets

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Oct 3, 2022 @ 06:00 AM

We were working on a CEO's plan for the next year when I noticed his team fidgeting and looking uncomfortable during our planning session...

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Recruiting A Players: How to Find and Develop Topgrading "A Players"

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Apr 26, 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: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Updated Rhythm Book: A New Process to Help Leaders Convert Strategy to Action Plans

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Feb 8, 2022 @ 12:15 AM

For more than 20 years, I have had the joy and privilege of working closely with mid-market growth companies. Through these experiences,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Books

4 Ways to Improve Performance Culture

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Jan 27, 2022 @ 11:00 AM

When things aren’t going right and your business is in a slump, most people look to new ideas, adjust their KPIs (key performance indicators

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Mastering the Rockefeller Habits and One-Page Strategic Plan (OPSP)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Jan 17, 2022 @ 09:00 AM

If you are a Mastering the Rockefeller Habits fan, here are four tips to make your One-Page Strategic Plan work for you. Used correctly, it..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

7 Keys to Mastering the Rockefeller Habits One Page Strategic Plan (OPSP)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jan 5, 2022 @ 08:27 PM
I was in Jakarta speaking at Taipan 2013. We had the strongest showing at Taipan ever with 220 people! CEOs with their teams worked hard on..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

4 Signs Your Culture Is Affecting Performance

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Dec 23, 2021 @ 12:00 PM

When things aren’t going right and business is in a slump, most people look to new ideas, adjust their KPIs (key performance indicators) or..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Using Leading Indicator KPIs To Help You Make Adjustments

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Sep 23, 2021 @ 12:17 PM

Leading indicators and results indicators are both key performance indicators (KPIs). I love leading indicators. The right leading..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Are Your KPIs Leading Indicators? Does Your Team Know What Critical Adjustments to Make?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sat, Jul 31, 2021 @ 09:30 AM

Kaihan Krippendorff, master strategist and author of Outthink the Competition and columnist for Fastcompany interviewed me on the topic of..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Focus and Alignment: 4 Questions to Ask Your Team

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Jul 15, 2021 @ 09:00 AM

If you want your team to be focused and aligned on the right projects, you need to connect your strategy to execution.

Successful companies..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Strategic Growth Initiatives: Create Your 3 Year Strategic Growth Plan Wisely

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, May 27, 2021 @ 11:00 AM

In a recent Annual Planning session, one of our clients asked us to help them review and renew their Winning Moves, the 3 year strategic..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Predictable Results: How Successful Companies Tackle Growth Challenges and Win [Book]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 1, 2021 @ 06:26 PM

A best selling book written by Thean, Cosper, Gehringer, Chepul, Pruitt, McCullough, McBride, Skinner, Enriquez. This book provides a..

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Topics: Books

It's Easy to Start and Adopt the Rhythm Software [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 1, 2021 @ 02:59 PM

Steve Hoffa, CEO-Cannon Safe, and Mark Nussbaum, COO-Signature Consultants, talk about the ease of getting started and using the Rhythm..

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Topics: Videos

Rhythm Software Is For Everyone [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 1, 2021 @ 02:54 PM

A few of our clients talk about how our Rhythm business software can help any industry, CEO, Department, and Individual get more..

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Topics: Videos

What The Rhythm Software Solves [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 1, 2021 @ 02:52 PM

Listen to some of our clients talk about how Rhythm software has helped them solve problems from sales, tracking strategic initiatives,..

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Topics: Videos

Execute Without Drama [Book]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 1, 2021 @ 01:20 PM

Execute Without Drama is a book written by serial entrepreneur, Patrick Thean. Read Patrick's informative book on the power of the RIGHT..

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Topics: Books

Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth [Book]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 1, 2021 @ 01:00 PM

Learn How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth.

Patrick Thean provides practical tips and tools to help companies..

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Topics: Books

How CEOs Succeed - Achieve a Top Valuation through Strategy Execution [Client Spotlight]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Dec 6, 2020 @ 11:05 AM

Congratulations to Jeff Berstein, and the ImageFIRST Team! Calera Capital, a private equity firm, acquired a majority share of ImageFIRST,..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

How to Drive Revenue Growth Consistently [Case Study]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Nov 12, 2020 @ 11:00 AM

The problem with revenue-generating strategies, or Winning Moves, is that you don’t feel you need to work on them when things are going..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

How to NOT Treat Your Customers

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Nov 6, 2020 @ 11:03 AM

Apple just released the iPhone 12. It comes in various sizes, finishes and configurations as it enters the world of 5G. Of course I want..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

3 Year Strategic Plan: How to Achieve your 3 Year Strategy

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Sep 30, 2020 @ 04:00 PM
There are many views or definitions of strategy. Renowned Harvard Business School professor and strategy expert Michael Porter provided..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Customer Success KPIs: How to Measure Client Satisfaction with KPIs

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jul 7, 2020 @ 09:00 AM

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are key indicators used to measure the success or performance of a business and are most commonly used to..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, KPIs & Dashboards

Rockefeller Habits One-Page Strategic Plan: Strategies for Growth

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jun 30, 2020 @ 08:50 AM

I was facilitating a Rockefeller Habits mid-year planning session. As part of their regular Think Rhythm, the executive team was working..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Lack of Alignment Leads to Million Dollar Mistakes and Rework Waste

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jun 3, 2020 @ 11:03 AM

Rework is such a pain and such a waste of resources. It costs you time, energy and emotional distress. Nobody likes to clean up their..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

How to Build a Great Company with a High Performance Culture

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 21, 2020 @ 11:02 AM

We had a wonderful Breakthrough Conference this year that helped hundreds of middle market managers and CEOs achieve breakthrough..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

4 Tips for a Strong Annual Plan

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 14, 2020 @ 12:00 PM

It’s that time of year again when executives are thinking about their annual plan and asking themselves, “where do I start?” A lot of..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Awesome Results: Are Your Leaders Delivering Them? [SlideShare]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Jan 13, 2020 @ 11:00 AM

I am often asked about the impact of leaders on a company’s strategy execution. Sometimes we have process and execution problems. But just..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

13 Week Plan: To Execute Well, Run a 13-Week Race Every Quarter

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 07:53 AM

Every quarter is a thirteen-week race. It goes by fast. Before you know it, the quarter is over. And then the year is over. You are left..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Effective Meetings

Annual Strategic Planning: Reflecting and Planning for a Great Year

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jan 1, 2020 @ 11:03 AM

2019 is coming to an end. I find myself flying across the Atlantic Ocean to Singapore for my mother’s birthday. From Singapore, I will then..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Brand Promise - How To Build A Great Brand Promise

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jan 1, 2020 @ 06:42 AM

Build yourself a great Brand Promise.

What's a Brand Promise?  It is what you promise to deliver to your customer. It is more than a..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Annual Planning - Focus on Your Core Customer

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Oct 2, 2019 @ 05:32 PM

Not all customers are created equal.  Some are more equal than others.  We refer to these as our Core Customers.  Core Customers are the..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Why Weekly Synch Meetings Are Boring and A Waste of Time

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jul 17, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

Jack walked into his weekly team meeting thinking, “I have so much to do. I can’t believe I am going to burn two hours today in this status..

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Topics: Effective Meetings

How to Create and Use a Stop Signs Dashboard to Avoid Train Wrecks

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, May 29, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

Several years ago, I created the Stop Signs Dashboard to help one of my clients keep a pulse on the health of his company. For..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Why CEOs Fail and Why You Cannot Wait For The Right CEO To Save You

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Mar 11, 2019 @ 07:00 PM

In 1999, CEO consultant Ram Charan and Fortune's Geoffrey Colvin wrote an article on why CEOs fail. They studied over 40 failed CEOs and..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Breakthrough Execution: What Top Performing Companies Do Differently

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Feb 24, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

Sean K., one of our lucky Valentine's contest winners, asked, "What are the Top 3 characteristics of the companies you work with or study..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Culture is Key to Breakthrough Execution with Mergers and Acquisitions

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Feb 18, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

How do you define success when buying a company? People buy companies for a number of reasons: to increase revenue growth, to acquire new..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Mergers & Acquisitions

4 Tips to Use Dashboards Well for Stronger Execution

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Jan 7, 2019 @ 09:30 AM

Tip 1: Focus on the problem, not the people.

When Dutch Valley Food Distributors first used Red-Yellow-Green in their Weekly Team Meetings..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Use Your Core Values and Job Scorecards In Your Hiring Process

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sat, Jan 5, 2019 @ 07:45 AM
Having a set of documented core values that you live daily is a powerful Execution Tool for your company. Let's start with your hiring..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How Simms Fishing Engages Their Employees

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 1, 2019 @ 09:00 AM

We are proud to announce that Retail TouchPoints recently featured two of our long-time clients, Simms Fishing Products, and luxury..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How Successful Leaders Set Goals to Finish the Year Strong [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Nov 6, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

It’s time to plan your fourth quarter and finish the year strong! One of the reasons plans fail is due to poorly defined goals and..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Expert Annual Planning Tips [Interview]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Nov 1, 2018 @ 11:21 AM

During Q4, many companies begin to think and plan for the next year. To gain insight into the process and importance of planning for the..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

CEOs: Create a Strong Quarterly Plan to End the Year [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Oct 23, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

A new quarter is upon us. It is time to learn from the quarter that just ended and develop a killer plan to end the year strong. I believe..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Don't Just Spend the Budget: Design an Effective Annual Planning Process

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Oct 16, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

Many companies begin their annual planning process by first creating their annual budget. Then they bring the budget to their annual..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Adjust Like Elon Musk and Tesla to Achieve Your Dreams and Goals

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Oct 9, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

How badly do you want to achieve your goals? Many people quit too early, at the first sign of distress or the first pangs of pain. Tesla..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Why CEOs Must Solve People Issues to Achieve Breakthroughs

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Oct 2, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

My previous blog shared about how people issues might be mistaken for execution issues. There are a number of reasons why it is difficult..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How CEOs Should Diagnose the Root Cause of Missed Growth Strategies

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Sep 25, 2018 @ 11:00 AM
Jack   asked   me  to review his execution plan. His team was missing their profit and revenue goals, and he wanted to figure out the..
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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Leadership is Key for Breakthrough Results

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Sep 18, 2018 @ 11:00 AM
Leadership is critical to achieving breakthroughs. Breaking this down into something tangible, that means having strong managers who can..
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No, Your Strategy Does Not Suck - You Just Have Too Many Good Ideas [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Aug 10, 2018 @ 11:18 AM

“Patrick, my strategy sucks! I am not getting the results and growth that I want. What should I do?” I get this question quite often. On..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Getting Things Done and Dreams Executed

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jul 17, 2018 @ 11:00 AM
On a recent trip to Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to spend some time with David Allen, author of   Getting Things Done. David is the..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

Learn How to Use KPIs to Drive Sales [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, May 1, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working with hundreds of companies. Quite often, when I visit, I am asked, “Patrick, can you please..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Calling for Performance-Oriented CEOs

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Apr 19, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

People ask me all the time, "What is so special about Rhythm? Why do your customers have so much success?" I jokingly reply, "I don’t know,..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Should The CEO Facilitate The Company's Planning Session?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Mar 16, 2018 @ 11:52 AM

Who should facilitate your upcoming quarterly planning session?  Or any of your annual planning or strategic thinking sessions?

If you are..

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The Power of SMART Goals Made Simple [Video]

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Mar 13, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

SMART goals provide clarity and can accelerate your success. Conversely, poorly written goals will waste time and resources and frustrate..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Rhythm: So Simple a 14-year-old Can Explain It (Video)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Feb 6, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

Last summer, Nicole, my 14-year-old daughter, walked into my home office and asked “Daddy, can I intern with you this summer?” I replied..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Execute For Your Core Customer

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Feb 1, 2018 @ 08:27 AM
I was recently preparing for an Annual Planning webinar, which is focused on making the right decisions every year, month, week and day. I..
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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategies for Growth

The Power of Forecasting using Red-Yellow-Green Status

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Dec 4, 2017 @ 11:00 AM

I have received a lot of feedback from folks using the Rhythm softwaresharing how turning every quarter into a 13 Week Race™ has really..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Rhythm Client Achieved $1.4 Billion Valuation

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Jun 9, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

Yesterday was a big day for Michael Praeger, CEO of AvidXchange. No… Sorry, it was a huge day! Yesterday, Michael had press conference at..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

How to Use Dashboards for Flawless Execution

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Jun 4, 2017 @ 12:00 PM

Every quarter has thirteen weeks. It goes by fast. Before you know it, the quarter is over. And then the year is over. You are left with..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

3 Parts Of An Execution Ready Quarterly Plan (Video)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, May 25, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

Develop an execution ready plan for your quarter, each and every quarter! This will help you to have a successful quarter each and every..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

De-Suck Your Unproductive Weekly Status Meetings

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, May 9, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

Having great weekly meetings is the secret to increasing your speed of execution and getting more initiatives done.

"Wow! Really? Mine..

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Topics: Effective Meetings

Your Boring Weekly Meetings Need a Dead Body

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Apr 2, 2017 @ 12:00 PM

My wife and daughter are obsessed with Criminal Minds. If you have never seen the show, almost every episode starts with a killing or a..

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Topics: Effective Meetings

Annual Planning: Does Your Plan Include Winning Moves?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Mar 10, 2017 @ 10:50 AM

It is important to have winning strategies that drive your annual plan.  Don't just focus on revenues and profit and growth.  Also focus..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Planning

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Feb 23, 2017 @ 09:00 AM

I recently facilitated an annual planning session for a client. During our debrief after the session, the team shared that it was one of..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Do You Have A One Page Strategic Plan?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 10, 2017 @ 11:42 AM

Many companies have nicely bound and thick strategic plans.  Thick plans. What I call high "thud factor" plans.  So heavy that if you drop..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Who Should Attend My Annual Planning Session to Develop the Best Plan?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Dec 1, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

“Who should attend our annual planning session? Should it just be my executive team?” I get asked this question all the time. The default..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Congratulations 2016 Inc. 5000 Winners!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Sep 12, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

With the launch of new levels of our certification program, development of breakthrough software features, preparing for our second..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Use Your Think Rhythm to Grow Your Top Leaders

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sat, Apr 30, 2016 @ 09:30 AM

Do you have a Think Rhythm to work on the future success of your company? And, do you do it with your leadership team? Take an hour each..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Lose the Bad Habits and Rejuvenate Your Weekly Meeting

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Apr 24, 2016 @ 12:00 PM

I’ve been a good boy, eating right and exercising daily. My good habits were working. My weight was trending downwards (one of the few..

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Topics: Effective Meetings

How AvidXchange’s Strategy Rhythm Sky Rocketed Them to $48 MM

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

The fast growing Charlotte-based YPO company, AvidXchange, has grown from $12 to $48 million in the past three years and is shaping the..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Our First Breakthrough Execution Conference

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Oct 30, 2015 @ 02:22 PM

For the past five years, we've been dreaming of hosting a conference. This week our dream came true, and it was better than anything I..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

A Very Special Q4

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Oct 12, 2015 @ 09:14 AM

I was out shopping with my wife this past weekend and started seeing holiday decorations creep their way into department stores. Normally,..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Congratulations Fellow Inc. 5000 Winners!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Aug 26, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

With the launch of the Rhythm book, new breakthrough software features and 8 new hires, 2014 was a big year for us. Obviously, I was..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

How Rhythm Helps You to Control Execution and Stay Focused

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Jul 6, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

The job description of a CEO seems endless. He or she is responsible for the company’s vision, strategy, people, recruiting, product or..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

The Power in Taking Time to Think

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Jun 26, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

As a write, I am on my way to Chicago to meet with my forum group. A forum is a small group, usually 8 to 12 like-minded CEOs and..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

4 Steps to Get Your KPI Dashboards Back On Track

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jun 9, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

The most popular topic throughout our blog and social media, and what I’m most frequently asked about at speaking events or when meeting..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

How to Increase Urgency to Solve a Red Critical Number

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, May 14, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

A Critical Number is a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) that helps you keep track of the most important thing for the quarter or year.   For..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

How Leading Indicators Can Help You Win The 13-Week Race™

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Apr 26, 2015 @ 12:00 PM

Every quarter is a 13-Week Race™. It goes by fast. Before you know it, the quarter is over. And then the year is over. You are left with..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

How Frederique Contstant Keeps Their Employees Engaged

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Apr 16, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

We are proud to announce that Retail TouchPoints recently featured two of our long-time clients, Simms Fishing Products, and luxury..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Effective Meetings, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Marriott's Secret Weapon

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Apr 10, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

Typically, I am on the road between 20 to 30 days per quarter. Between speaking events and visiting my clients, it’s safe to say, I travel..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Accountable Leaders & Teams

As CEO, How Much Space Should You Take in the Room?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Apr 8, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

Many CEOs I work with struggle with this same issue, and some don’t even know that they have a challenge. They present an idea to their..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Effective Meetings, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How to Start Your 13-Week Race With Discipline

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Apr 1, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

CEO Mike Praeger just kicked off AvidXchange’s 15th year in business. They celebrated their explosive growth over the last few years and..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

How to Use A Culture of Execution as a Competitive Advantage

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Mar 16, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

AvidXchange, a long time Rhythm client, recently told me a story about how their culture made the difference in accelerating sales. A..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Introducing the First-Ever Breakthrough Execution Conference

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Feb 26, 2015 @ 09:00 AM
“Hey, we should have a conference for our Rhythm users. You know, a user conference,” I suggested. Ryan replied, “Yes, that would be a lot..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

The Best BHAG in the World Is...

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jan 28, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

"Patrick, can you please help me with our BHAG and get it done in our annual planning session?” I get this request frequently. The answer..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Breakthrough Execution - 4 Steps to Executing a Successful Quarter

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Jan 25, 2015 @ 12:30 PM

I recently facilitated a client’s quarterly planning session. They really do a great job, having the discipline to spend two days planning..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Why BHAG Posters Don’t Work & 4 Ways to Make Yours Work!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 20, 2015 @ 09:00 AM

I walked into the client’s conference room and noticed their BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) poster. I was impressive! It communicated..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth

Celebrate Your Victories and Bright Spots - It’s a 20 Mile March

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Dec 29, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

It’s the end of the year. We are finishing up this year and preparing for the next year. Are you a glass half full person or a glass half..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Breakthrough Execution - How to Inspire Your Team to Deliver Great Execution

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Dec 26, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

I was recently in Brunnen, Switzerland, facilitating an annual planning session for Veeam Software. Veeam is a hyper-growth software..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategy Execution

Help! My KPIs Don’t Work! 5 Steps to Make Your KPIs Work for You

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Oct 27, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

Jack asked me to help him with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). He had about 30 - 40 of them that his executive team was reviewing every..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Time to De-Suck Your Social Media Rhythm and Get Inbound Leads

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Oct 19, 2014 @ 12:30 PM

I had a great time at Hubspot's Inbound Conference. Hubspot says that they have a revolution going as they lead many people to shift from..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Oops, We Goofed! Execute A 4 Step Customer Retention Process

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Oct 13, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

I am in Boston at Hubspot’s Inbound 2014 conference. It’s been a long day and I’ve got to get back to my hotel. Instead of hailing a taxi,..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategy Execution

Is It Crazy to Rebrand and Launch a Product at the Same Time?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Oct 5, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

Actually... No, it is not. It sounded crazy at first, but we began to realize that many of the things we needed to do for rebranding were..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

5 Tips to Retain Customers When You Rebrand

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Sep 30, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

We are well on our way to owning the word “Rhythm” in our market. Our software is Rhythm, our blog is Rhythm Blog, and our book is also..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Introducing Rhythm Systems: Rebranding to Achieve Focus

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Sep 29, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

For the last 6 years, our team has worked hard with Rhythm software and coaching to help many companies execute well and achieve..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

4 Lessons from BMW on Turning Customers Into Fans

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Sep 24, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

I had waited for months. Finally, on September 3, 2014 at 3 pm, I walked up to a man waiting for me. Glancing at the screen to the right, I..

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Topics: Increasing Sales

How’s Your Quarterly Plan Coming Along? Pay Attention This Week!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Jul 25, 2014 @ 09:00 AM

Are you ready for weeks 4, 5 and 6? With more than 100,000+ priorities planned and executed in Rhythm, we’ve begun to apply Rhythm research..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

What Should CEOs Focus on During Quarterly Planning Sessions?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Jul 6, 2014 @ 12:30 PM

The quarterly planning session is a very expensive session. You've got your executive team out of the field for one to two days working..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

How to Connect Execution to Your Strategy

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, May 28, 2014 @ 12:30 PM

You may have a company purpose, but do your employees know why they do what they do?

Have you heard the famous story of Sir Christopher..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

How to Get into a Think Rhythm

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, May 21, 2014 @ 10:00 AM

I just finished a wonderful day and a half with my EO (Entrepreneurs Organization) forum. Our forum is a group of 9 founders who get..

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How Do You Know That Your Plan is Going to Fail Before It Fails?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, May 19, 2014 @ 10:00 AM

What are the early warning signs?

    • The team seems a little confused about what the priorities are. You say “A” and folks seem to think of..
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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

You Need a Plan B for the Big Stuff!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, May 14, 2014 @ 03:30 PM

We are almost done with the first half of the quarter. You have a 13-Week Race. How are you doing? Do you have big projects that are..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Why Quarterly Plans Fail: When You Don’t Listen, You Get Rewarded with Bad Execution, Rework and Waste!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, May 13, 2014 @ 10:30 AM

Most people think of “listening” as a leadership skill. Leaders need to listen to their people. Yes, it is a leadership skill. And it is..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Why Red-Yellow-Greening with Method 1 Does Not Work

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, May 7, 2014 @ 09:30 AM

Every quarter is a 13 Week Race.  Most of us have priorities to deliver and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure our progress. If..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, KPIs & Dashboards

Execution Newsflash! 5 Tips to Help You Pay Special Attention During Weeks 4, 5, and 6

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Apr 21, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

Every quarter is made up of 13 weeks. To be successful, run it like a 13-Week Race. So how is your 13-Week Race coming along? We are about..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

Going Back and Giving Back

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Apr 16, 2014 @ 10:05 AM

I was invited to speak on Rhythm and goal setting at Cornell University’s Engineering Leadership Certification class last week. It was..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

4 Pitfalls That Slow Down Execution and How to Fix Them

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Apr 9, 2014 @ 09:36 AM

How do you know if your company is set up for great execution? Most people would say that they want an environment that allows and..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

What Can an Amazing Winning Olympic Crew Team Teach You About Execution?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Mar 16, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

I was researching stories of great execution for my book Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth. I came..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Rhythm Blog by Patrick Thean – Launching Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Mar 14, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

These are very exciting days at Rhythm Systems. We are changing this blog from "Patrick Thean's Blog" to "Rhythm Blog - by Patrick." Over..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

The Power Of Writing A Book: The Author Learns The Most!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Mar 12, 2014 @ 07:00 PM

I thought it took me three years to write my new book, Rhythm - How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth, until I..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Rhythm - How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Mar 10, 2014 @ 07:00 PM

All companies that reach out to Rhythm Systems to explore how we might help them have one thing in common. They believe that they need to..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Make Your Intangible Assets Work for You

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Feb 25, 2014 @ 10:38 AM
My buddy Andrew Sherman is not your typical lawyer. He is an entrepreneur's lawyer with keen knowledge and experience in the area of..
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Are You Part of the Top 8%? 5 Tips to Create 3 Successful Resolutions for the Year

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 14, 2014 @ 09:30 AM

“It’s a new year, that means a blank slate, a new beginning! Last year is behind me and this year is ahead of me.” Jack tells me..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Annual Planning - Are You Winning on the Basics?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Nov 15, 2013 @ 09:30 AM

Great companies first win on the basics, then they wow you with something special. And that’s the cherry on top! But if you don’t first..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

It Takes Great Execution to Deliver World Class Customer Service

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Nov 11, 2013 @ 10:51 AM

It takes great execution to deliver world class customer service. I experienced it this past week at John DiJulius’ Secret Service Summit...

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Do You Have the Right Data and Insight for Your Upcoming Annual Planning?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Nov 8, 2013 @ 09:30 AM

How do you prepare for your annual planning session? How do you get the best data and insights to maximize the outcome of your planning..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

How Do You Coach and Develop Your Team to Manage a Company Twice the Size?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Nov 1, 2013 @ 09:30 AM

How do you grow and develop your team as your company grows? Are you grooming your people to play key leadership roles in a business twice..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Lessons on Execution: What Happens When You Ask an Entrepreneur to Run a University?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Oct 25, 2013 @ 09:30 AM

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Stephen Spinelli at Philadelphia University (PhilaU) where Dr. Spinelli serves as the..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Annual Planning: Know What You Want to Do Before You Do Your Budget

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Oct 20, 2013 @ 09:30 AM

What is your approach to developing your execution plan for next year?  Some companies will first develop their budgets and financial..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Is Your Team Building Skills to Manage a Company Twice the Size of Your Current Company?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Oct 8, 2013 @ 04:36 PM

Life was great. I was experiencing explosive growth. It felt like we were on a rocket going to the moon! Everything felt great. Then one..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Don't Forget the Human Touch When You Automate Customer Loyalty Programs

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 @ 09:44 AM

I got up on my birthday and took my daughter to our optician early in the morning. It's a normal day for everyone except for me. For me..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

4 Tips to Executing Well as a Team when a New Team Member Joins

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Sep 18, 2013 @ 07:20 PM

When you bring on a new team member, you do not have a new team member. You have a new team. The effectiveness of your team can go up or..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

KPI Webcast: Questions & Answers

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Sep 8, 2013 @ 11:50 AM

We had such a great webcast! There were so many questions, we could not answer them all.

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Execute Strongly by Being Accountable. Use Dashboards on a Weekly Do Rhythm

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Sep 5, 2013 @ 08:34 PM

Guest Satisfaction Scores. Hotels live and die by them. Hotel management and operating companies like White Lodging even more so. Dave..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Effective Meetings

How Do You Execute Through A Crisis and Come Out Stronger and Better?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Aug 2, 2013 @ 12:17 PM

Every company hits a crisis once in a while. It is not a question of whether you will hit one. It's a question of when you will hit one,..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How to Develop a Strong Plan for the Quarter Using Rockefeller Habits

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Apr 1, 2013 @ 06:10 PM

Q1 is over.  I like to think of every quarter as a 13 week race.  The only way to have a great year is to have 4 great quarters, one at a..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, KPIs & Dashboards

Does Your Customer Service "Take Off" Under Pressure?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Mar 18, 2013 @ 02:57 PM

"Where is he?" 

"Seat 7A!" 

"Sir, I am going to need you to get off the plane... now!  And if you resist, I will have to call security." 

..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Accountability + Adjustments = Execute with Speed!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Feb 12, 2013 @ 09:57 AM

From time to time I sit in on weekly meetings with clients to help them with their "Do" Rhythm.  The weekly meeting is key to make..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Annual Planning: An Inspiring Destination Postcard

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Dec 11, 2012 @ 08:51 AM

Simms Fishing is an amazing company with a truly inspiring year ahead of them.  Their uncompromising desire to put out the highest quality..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Are You Having Enough Discussions in Your Annual Planning Session?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Dec 3, 2012 @ 04:58 PM

So, it's annual planning time, and your folks are getting together for the much anticipated planning session.  The meeting begins, and we..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning

Sharpen Your Saw by Going Fishing

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Nov 14, 2012 @ 11:10 AM

Stephen Covey's 7th habit is to "sharpen the saw."  This habit is about rejuvenating yourself and your teams.  It's about working on being..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Great Execution Requires Persistence

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Nov 6, 2012 @ 10:03 AM
I was walking towards my gate at the Charlotte airport, and I heard a young boy ask his dad, "Dad, look!  Cinnamon buns!  Can I have one?"..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

Work On Your 20 Mile March During Annual Planning

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 @ 08:30 AM

Jim Collins talks about the 20 mile march in chapter 4 of his book "Great By Choice".  If you have not read this book yet, you should...

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning

Skate to Where the Puck is Going During Annual Planning

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Oct 4, 2012 @ 01:10 PM

We are getting into Q4.  It is a good time to begin thinking about what the plan for the next year is going to be.  Consider how you will..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Business Execution - Getting Focused!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Aug 1, 2012 @ 06:53 AM
It takes discipline to focus.  Many of us might fool ourselves into thinking we are focused.  Here are some signs that you may not be as..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

Remembering Stephen Covey - Thank you for your 7 Habits

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jul 18, 2012 @ 05:52 AM

Stephen Covey passed away this week on July 16th, 2012.  I was very sad to hear of his passing.  Hewas one of the great all time authors...

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Business Execution: Build an MVP (Minimal Viable Product)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Jul 12, 2012 @ 06:40 AM
Avidxchange is a software company working hard to provide the best ePayment (electronic payment) service to mid market companies.  Their..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

What's Your 20 Mile March? Do You Have Great Business Execution?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 @ 07:33 AM

It was great to catch Jim Collins at the last Leadership Summit in Atlanta.  Jim connected the dots of how his four books (Built To Last, ..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Key Learnings from the Entrepreneurial Masters Program in real-time

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 @ 08:12 AM
I am back at the MIT Endicott House in Dedham, MA, chairing year 2 of EO's EMP (Entrepreneurial Masters Program) this week.  This is one..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

UBA Breakout Session - Make the Right Adjustments in Your Weekly Meeting to Win

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, May 22, 2012 @ 06:34 AM
After my keynote session yesterday in Chicago at UBA's (United Benefit Advisors) 2012 Spring Meeting, we continued into a breakout..
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Topics: Strategy Execution, Effective Meetings

UBA Keynote - Differentiate, Execute, Win

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, May 21, 2012 @ 03:06 PM
I had a great keynote session today in Chicago at UBA's (United Benefit Advisors) 2012 Spring Meeting.  Thank you for the warm welcome! ..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Effective Meetings

Mastering the complex sale - Taipan Masterclass 2012

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, May 11, 2012 @ 07:30 AM
Jeff Thull, author of Mastering the Complex Sale, was my guest speaker at the Taipan Masterclass 2012 in Manila Philippines.  I first..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

Taipan Masterclass 2012 - Business Execution with Topgrading

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, May 10, 2012 @ 04:13 PM

I just came back from speaking at the Taipan Masterclass 2012, held in Manila Philippines.  We had a blast!  My hosts in Manila were such..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Get Aligned! Don't let Elephants Derail Your Business Execution!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Apr 13, 2012 @ 09:30 AM

Q2 has already started.  We should all be off and running on our 13 week race.  Strong business execution needs a good rhythm.  I like to..

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Topics: Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Leadership for Strong Business Execution

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Apr 12, 2012 @ 11:30 AM

Leadership is often one of the surprising missing elements in business execution.  You can have the best ideas and a strong desire to..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Picking A KPI That Motivates Your Team (Video)

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Mar 29, 2012 @ 05:25 PM
Krister Ungerboeck, CEO of Ungerboeck Software shared his learning with me on using KPIs recently "We're often faced with priorities where..
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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution

Business Execution: Are You Looking At Your Competition Correctly?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Mar 22, 2012 @ 07:10 PM

It is important to know who your competitors are.  Without clear vision of your competitors, how will you design strategies that make you..

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Topics: Strategy Execution

Your Last Touch With Your Customer Is The Most Important One

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Mar 20, 2012 @ 12:35 PM
I just got off a wonderful cruise.  My family played for a week and I wrote for a week.  It's what I needed to get into the zone to birth ..
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Topics: Strategy Execution

Is Your Business Execution "SMART"?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Mar 15, 2012 @ 08:33 AM
I was with a client, trying to accelerate his business execution and create a habit to be sure his priorities were not random but they..
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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution

Strong Core Values Drive Great Business Execution

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Mar 13, 2012 @ 11:14 AM
Great companies have great business execution in part because they have strong core values.  If you are motivated by Tiffany's post "8..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Do You Create "Yes" Or "No" Players On Your Leadership Team?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Feb 23, 2012 @ 11:45 AM

This came up during the webcast last week when I was discussing what to say no to in order to stay focused and execute faster each..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Is Your Execution Connected to Your Strategy?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Feb 9, 2012 @ 09:49 AM
How do you know if your execution is connected to your strategy?  Do you have 3 key winning moves in your company strategy that you are..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Are Your Decisions Tough To Make? Or Merely Tough To Execute On?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Feb 1, 2012 @ 06:11 AM
Many of us often struggle with making decisions.  The tough decisions.  I have found that there actually are only a few decisions that..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Focus On Learnings And Decisions In All Your Meetings

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Jan 19, 2012 @ 06:33 AM
Meetings are very expensive.  Especially executive team meetings.  Here is a quick tip to get the most value out of your meetings.  Focus..
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Topics: Strategy Execution, Effective Meetings

Build A Depth Chart For Your Key Execution Seats

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 @ 02:59 PM
NFL teams have a depth chart for their positions.  If the starting quarterback is lost to injury, the backup takes over.  If the backup is..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

New Year Resolution: A Better Version of Yourself

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 @ 08:13 PM
Daniel Pink's book Drive talks about what really motivates people.  His research shows that people are motivated by these 3 things:..
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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Annual Planning Tips

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Jan 6, 2012 @ 12:03 PM
Happy New Year to our friends and customers!  Here is to a great 2012.
 
As you begin your new year, here are a couple of ideas and..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning, KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution

Netflix - A Lesson in Mis-Alignment

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Nov 17, 2011 @ 07:27 PM

It is critical to have a clear execution plan aligned with your strategy.  Proof of alignment (or not) can be seen by your actions: 

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Continuing On Daniel Pink's 3 Things: Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Nov 9, 2011 @ 09:48 AM
Last time I wrote about Dan Pink's three things: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose.  Let's talk about Autonomy!
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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Do You Have A High Performance Team?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Nov 4, 2011 @ 12:27 PM
I recently heard Daniel Pink, author of Drive, speak at the Fortune Growth Summit.  Pink shared how the best way to motivate your team is..
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Topics: Strategy Execution, Effective Meetings, Accountable Leaders & Teams

When And How Do I Know I Can Fire With Minimal Business Impact?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Oct 12, 2011 @ 08:00 PM

Jack Welch, was the CEO of GE that made Topgrading famous.  He hired Brad Smart and they worked together to hire the top guys at G.E.  He..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Where Were You When Steve Jobs Died?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Oct 7, 2011 @ 09:51 PM
Where were you when you found out that Steve Jobs passed away?  I was on a plane on my way to Milwaukee to deliver a keynote for..
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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

Efficient Communication - Stop Duplicating Work

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Oct 3, 2011 @ 03:16 AM
Right People, Right Things, Right Results.  Weekly focus on Weekly Priorities

Stephen Covey says "Begin With the End in Mind."  Covey,..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Effective Meetings, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Invest And Coach Your "A Players" For Stronger Business Results!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Sep 22, 2011 @ 12:25 AM

People Lessons # 402

A few months ago I introduced our 2xPeoplePlan tool in a webcast.  I asked everyone on the webcast to pick one person..

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Topics: Accountable Leaders & Teams

How Would You Increase Leadership Team Urgency Around A Red Critical Number

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Sep 13, 2011 @ 07:34 PM

So... What do you do if your critical number goes red? How do you increase team urgency?

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Effective Meetings, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How To Execute With Autonomy

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Sep 8, 2011 @ 06:12 AM

Daniel Pink, author of the best selling book Drive, shared his insights on how we are really motivated on more complex things. The key, he..

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Execution Best Practice - The Power Of Using A Daily Question

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Aug 30, 2011 @ 07:00 AM

A client recently shared how amazingly well the daily question worked for them.  Their daily question this quarter is "How do I show my..

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategy Execution

Fire To Protect Your Core Values

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Aug 25, 2011 @ 06:49 AM
So you have an employee who really does not live your core values … he or she just does not seem to fit in.  You have discussed with him..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Got Rhythm? Ford (Alan Mulally) Certainly Does!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Aug 24, 2011 @ 11:05 PM
Rhythm.  Execution Rhythm.  Rhythm builds momentum.  When you have momentum, it is much easier build on your momentum and succeed...
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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

How To Set The Right Goals For Your Associate To Be Successful

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Aug 23, 2011 @ 06:45 AM
So how do you set the right goals and get someone to be accountable to those goals?  There are two reasons for someone to perform poorly...
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, KPIs & Dashboards

Testing Your Brand Promise - How Do You Know It Works?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, Aug 19, 2011 @ 06:44 AM

I was recently asked at a conference "How do I know that my brand promise is a good one?  How do I know it is working?"

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Topics: Increasing Sales, Strategies for Growth

Dig A Little Deeper And Solve The Root Cause, Not Just The Symptoms

Posted by Patrick Thean on Tue, Jul 26, 2011 @ 06:36 AM
Sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper for the answer.  Too often, when faced with a problem, we find a solution quickly, and..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

DO It Today... Not Tomorrow

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sat, Jun 18, 2011 @ 06:35 AM

Let's do it tomorrow....  Let's deal with it in our weekly status meeting tomorrow... Let's wait for his/her approval...  These are all..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Using A Start Stop Keep Tool To Make Your Mid Year Adjustments

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Jun 16, 2011 @ 12:17 PM
After our webcast on Mid Year adjustments, I received a couple more questions regarding using the SSK tool.  Thought I would share them on..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Annual & Quarterly Planning, Strategy Execution

2X People Plan

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Jun 15, 2011 @ 12:16 PM

I received some questions via email after the webcast regarding the 2X People Plan tool.  Here are some questions and my thoughts on it...

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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

The Power Of Executing On Customer Service With Speed

Posted by Patrick Thean on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 @ 06:35 AM

Speed... Speed... Speed.  Reacting quickly to a customer's need or issue can transform a customer issue into customer delight.  Especially..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

The Power Of Knowing Your Critical Question

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sat, Jun 11, 2011 @ 12:17 PM

I am in Singapore, enjoying great food and catching up with great friends.  One of my friends has a successful education and consulting..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

How Do You Say NO To The Wrong Things?

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, May 26, 2011 @ 12:14 PM

It takes courage, and it takes the support and backing of your team as well as your manager or partner.

Courage... does not come from thin..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

ROP Tip #2 - Measure Output Not Hours

Posted by Patrick Thean on Fri, May 20, 2011 @ 12:13 PM
Are you focused on how many hours your team is working or how much output and value they deliver?  The true measurement of ROP is about how..
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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Help Your Management Team Change... You Will Need A Lot Of Mangoes

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Apr 20, 2011 @ 12:01 PM
Transformation.  How does a company successfully execute and navigate through changes? What should the CEO do? How should the board..
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Topics: Strategy Execution, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Do Less And Get More Done! Look For "Minor Majors"

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Apr 17, 2011 @ 12:01 PM

Simplify!  Do less and get more done!  That seems rather difficult to achieve... doing less while getting more done.  Life has gotten more..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

How To Avoid Getting Blindsided By Sales Not Closing On Time

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Apr 10, 2011 @ 11:59 AM

Acetech was fantastic!  The folks there are so warm and nice. And Whistler is so beautiful at this time of the year.  I will be blogging..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

Having Trouble Building Habits? Get Into A Rhythm!

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Apr 3, 2011 @ 11:55 AM

It takes time, energy and focus to create habits.  We have all tried at some point to create a new habit and realized unfortunately that..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

How To Make Your Goals Exciting For All, And Challenging For Your "A" Players

Posted by Patrick Thean on Wed, Mar 30, 2011 @ 11:54 AM

Some leaders who are very driven and competitive plan goals that are often unreachable.  This is the optimistic guy.  Some are very..

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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards, Accountable Leaders & Teams

Strategic Decisions, The Fuel For Your Execution Engine

Posted by Patrick Thean on Sun, Mar 27, 2011 @ 11:54 AM

When you go to a gas station to fuel up your car, you have a choice of fuel quality based on octane level ratings.  You might have a..

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Topics: Strategies for Growth, Strategy Execution

Quality Over Quantity

Posted by Patrick Thean on Thu, Mar 25, 2010 @ 09:17 AM
I started my day today with a good 
P90X 
workout with Tony Horton.  If you have not tried this yet, you should.  P90X rocks!  Tony's tip..
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Topics: KPIs & Dashboards

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