Loonshots: Meaning and Key Characteristics

Loonshots: Meaning and Key Characteristics

What is the meaning of “loonshots”? What are some examples of loonshot ideas? Loonshots are ideas that are so original and ambitious that they and their creators are initially dismissed as crazy (e.g. radar, insulin, computer animation). Loonshots begin as flawed, incredibly fragile ideas that almost don’t make it, which is why they require special care. Here’s why loonshots are so fragile as well as why organizations tend to leave loonshots behind as they grow.

Benefits of Scrum: How Scrum Leads to Happy Teams

Benefits of Scrum: How Scrum Leads to Happy Teams

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.

How to Use a Tactical Business Plan to Reach Goals

How to Use a Tactical Business Plan to Reach Goals

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.

Tips for Finding and Retaining Top Talent

Tips for Finding and Retaining Top Talent

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.

The 3 Company Virtues Every Business Should Have

The 3 Company Virtues Every Business Should Have

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.

The Benefits of Working in Small Teams

The Benefits of Working in Small Teams

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.

How to Set Business Goals: Make Them Realistic

How to Set Business Goals: Make Them Realistic

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.

How Toyota’s Respect for People Goes Far

A Cooperative Business Model for Companies

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.

Talent Shortages: How to Safeguard Against Them

Talent Shortages: How to Safeguard Against Them

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.