The World's Best Book Summaries
What are the main benefits of Scrum? Can the Scrum method really lead to happier teams? Scrum is a framework created by Jeff Sutherland made to help people and organizations efficiently solve complex problems with creative solutions. The Scrum method is also designed to create happy, productive, and creative teams. Here’s a look at the benefits of the Scrum method.
What is a tactical business plan? How can a tactical plan help you turn your business goals into reality? Identifying your business goals is important, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have a plan to execute those goals. In their book Execution, business leaders Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan teach you how to make a tactical plan to bring your business goals to fruition. Here’s how to create a tactical business plan.
What is Toyota’s company history? How did lean manufacturing become popular? In The Toyota Way, Jeffrey Liker recounts Toyota’s history as a car manufacturing company. He explains the beginning of the Toyota Production System, better known as lean manufacturing. Continue reading to learn more about the history of Toyota.
Does it feel like many of your applicants are underqualified? How can you find and retain talent at your company? With such a competitive job market, there’s an abundance of applicants to sift through. The problem is that it’s difficult to tell which of those applicants would be a good fit for your company. Additionally, once you’ve chosen to hire someone, it can be just as challenging to keep them. Here are some tips on finding and retaining talent from the book Execution.
Do people in your organization feel free to air their concerns? Do they trust each other? In What You Do Is Who You Are, Ben Horowitz draws lessons from samurai warriors on how to develop your organizational virtues. While he believes that you should choose virtues that are customized to your company, he argues that all organizations should have these three virtues: trust, freedom to speak freely, and loyalty. Here are the details on these three essential company virtues.
Are small teams more or less effective than larger teams? What are the benefits of working in small teams? Management expert and creator of the Scrum method, Jeff Sutherland, says that working in small teams is more efficient than in large teams—he says that the ideal team size is five to nine people. Small teams promote communication, expand roles, and increase efficiency. Here’s a look at the benefits of small teams.
Want to know how to set business goals that are attainable, rather than pipe dreams? Why is it important to create a strategic plan that’s grounded in reality? In their book Execution, business specialists Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan teach you how to put together a strategic business plan that establishes your business’s priorities and goals. They assert that business goals must be flexible, grounded, and accessible. It’s also important to intermittently follow up on the goals after you set them. Here’s how to set business goals that will help your company succeed.
What is Toyota’s “Respect for People” principle? How does Toyota treat its employees and supply chain partners? Toyota’s principle, “Respect for People,” is one of the two pillars of the Toyota Way. Jeffrey Liker, in his book The Toyota Way, illustrates how Toyota encourages this principle to build a better company. Read more on Toyota’s respect for people, most importantly its employees and supply chain partners.
Are you worried that your business could suffer from talent shortages in the future? What precautions can you take to prepare for potential staffing shortages? Talent shortages are sometimes unavoidable—especially in today’s world. If you’re not prepared, then losing employees could leave your business vulnerable. Here’s a look at the risks that come with talent shortages and how to mitigate them.
Are you having trouble setting objectives for your business? What is the key to knowing how to create a marketing plan? In The Marketing Plan, William M. Luther emphasizes the importance of setting goals for your business. He explains that an effective marketing plan should include three components: an outline of your business goals, the strategies you’ll use to achieve those goals, and measurable short-term objectives. Here’s how to create a marketing plan with Luther’s advice.