Invest in Research and Development but Avoid These 2 Practices

A female scientist investing in research and development

Is research and development important for every business? How much should you spend on these ventures? To create products and services that fulfill future demand, companies must continuously innovate. Therefore, Stephen Denning argues in The Age of Agile, companies must invest heavily in building capacity for research, development, and production. Here’s more on why every company should invest in research and development that’s beneficial to their strategy.

Leadership Identity: Balancing Authenticity & Adaptation

A female business leader standing next to her reflection, thinking about her leadership identity

What does it mean to evolve as a leader? How can you maintain authenticity while adapting to new leadership challenges? Leadership identity development is a transformative journey that requires both personal growth and professional adaptation. In her book Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader, Herminia Ibarra explores how leaders can successfully navigate this evolution while staying true to their values. Keep reading to embrace your leadership transformation and overcome common obstacles that emerge along the way.

3 Agile Management Practices That Help Companies Thrive

A business leader crossing his arms in the workplace who follows agile management practices

How can you apply agile management to your business plan? How can managers encourage a collaborative work environment? In The Age of Agile, Stephen Denning argues that to thrive, companies must ensure their management is as agile as their strategy. Denning highlights three important principles of agile management: small, self-managing, multi-disciplinary teams; networked coordination between these teams; and guidance from upper management. Let’s explore each of these practices below.

The 4 Benefits of Agile Team Management for Business

A group of employees working together at their desks under agile team management

Do you want to speed up development in your company’s timeline? Why are smaller teams better than larger teams? In The Age of Agile, Stephen Denning argues that companies can continuously innovate their products and services by organizing their workers into small, self-managing, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams work at their own pace and have the authority to make decisions on their own, rather than higher-ups approving things for them. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of agile team management.

The Benefits of Highly Sensitive People (HSP) at Work

A kind looking young woman with glasses sitting at a desk at work

How can being a highly sensitive person (HSP) at work benefit you? What are the traits of an HSP? High sensitivity is a genetic trait that enhances how deeply people process information and respond to their environment. Organizations that provide flexible work arrangements and create supportive environments help HSPs thrive while strengthening overall workplace culture and productivity. Here’s why being an HSP at work can be a superpower rather than a detriment.

Do Performance Improvement Plans Work? The Pros and Cons

A drawing of two managers in suits looking through a magnifying glass to signify an employee Performance Improvement Plan

Does your company use PIPs? Do Performance Improvement Plans actually work? What are the alternatives? Companies’ use of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to address employees’ work shortcomings is on the rise. Despite the dread they evoke and their well-known flaws, PIPs will likely remain prevalent as companies embracing AI demand greater efficiency from their remaining human workforce. Keep reading for a look at the pros and cons of PIPs, and some alternative management methods.

Product Brainstorming: Switch Between These 2 Different Methods

Three professional people thinking with light bulbs above their heads illustrates product brainstorming

What makes some product ideas better than others? Why do product development teams often settle for mediocre solutions? In Continuous Discovery Habits, Teresa Torres reveals the key to generating exceptional product solutions through strategic product brainstorming techniques. By alternating between individual and group ideation sessions, teams can maximize their creative potential and develop stronger solutions to customer problems. Keep reading to discover how product brainstorming can transform your team’s approach to problem-solving and lead to breakthrough innovations.

Leading by Alex Ferguson: Book Overview and Takeaways

A woman wearing a suit and glasses and reading a book in an office building

What makes a truly exceptional leader in today’s competitive landscape? What’s Leading by Alex Ferguson about? Leading, Alex Ferguson’s book about management, discusses the principles of effective leadership, from building high-performance teams to maintaining unwavering standards of excellence. His proven strategies provide a comprehensive framework for anyone aspiring to lead with impact. Read more in our brief overview of Leading by Alex Ferguson.

3 Successful Leader Characteristics That Drive Excellence

A businessman showing successful leader characteristics by talking in front of a group of people in a presentation

What drives exceptional leaders to achieve remarkable success? How do they maintain their influence while inspiring others to reach their full potential? Alex Ferguson’s book Leading reveals that a successful leader’s characteristics stem from a combination of unwavering determination and disciplined execution. These leaders demonstrate the ability to motivate teams, maintain high standards, and navigate through challenges with confidence. Keep reading to discover the fundamental traits that transform ordinary managers into extraordinary leaders.

How to Build a Cohesive Team: Finding Talent With Diverse Skills

A group of coworkers learning how to build a cohesive team by working together on a project

What makes teams consistently perform well year after year? How can leaders build and maintain teams that dominate their competition? In his book Leading, Alex Ferguson reveals the principles of how to build a cohesive team that achieves sustained excellence. His advice demonstrates the critical elements of assembling and leading high-performing teams. Keep reading for practical methods and leadership approaches that transform groups into extraordinary teams.