The Core Problem: Why & How You Should Identify the Crux

An arrow hitting the bull's eye of a target illustrates the importance of identifying the core problem

What makes some problems so difficult to solve? How can you identify which challenges deserve your immediate attention? Every organization faces complex issues, but not all challenges are created equal. Richard Rumelt’s strategic approach helps leaders break down broad issues into manageable pieces and zero in on the core problem (what he calls “the crux”)—the most crucial challenge that needs immediate attention. Keep reading to discover a practical framework for making meaningful progress on seemingly insurmountable issues by identifying the core problem.

How to Implement a Strategy: Expert Tips From Richard Rumelt

A leader talking to his team in a conference room illustrates how to implement a strategy

What does it take to turn a brilliant strategy into real-world results? How can leaders navigate the complex challenges of implementing organizational change? Implementing a strategy effectively requires more than just a solid plan—it demands leadership skills, organizational awareness, and the ability to make tough decisions. Successful implementation involves multiple critical steps and considerations. Continue reading for Richard Rumelt’s expert advice on how to implement a strategy.

How to Be a Problem-Solver at Work When Others Just Gripe

A woman in a grey sweater standing in an open workspace while others are sitting depicts how to be a problem-solver at work

How can you appropriately take charge at work when no one else steps up? What’s the secret to leading effectively without a formal title? Impact players identify issues that need attention and take the initiative to resolve them. In her book Impact Players, Liz Wiseman explains that stepping up to handle persistent workplace problems can significantly boost your professional impact and team effectiveness. Continue reading to learn how to be a problem-solver at work by stepping up when no one else will.

Creating a High-Impact Team: 6 Practical Tips From Liz Wiseman

A high-impact team working together around a table in a conference room

What does it take to build a team that consistently delivers exceptional results? How can leaders create an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute their best work? Leadership expert Liz Wiseman shares practical strategies for building and nurturing a high-impact team. Her insights focus on creating a safe space for innovation, setting clear priorities, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel. Continue reading to discover proven methods that will transform your leadership approach and take your team’s performance to new heights.

Bringing Out the Best in People: Book Overview & Takeaways

A manager reading a book in her office

Do you want to unlock your employees’ full potential? What is the most effective management strategy? In Bringing Out the Best in People, Aubrey C. Daniels challenges traditional management methods, which often fail to improve performance, and instead proposes an approach grounded in science. Using behavior analysis, Daniels examines how managers can create a work environment that encourages employees to give their all. Read below for a brief overview of Bringing Out the Best in People.

How to Spot Good Management vs. Bad Management

Two people representing good management vs bad management

What makes someone a good manager or a bad manager? What are ineffective strategies that some managers use? According to Aubrey C. Daniels, when employee performance is subpar, the problem usually lies within the work environment, not the employee. Most mainstream management styles don’t account for this, so they tend to work inconsistently (if they work at all). Below, we’ll look at the difference between good management vs. bad management.

The First Steps to Starting a Business: 3 Tasks for Entrepreneurs

A professional woman looking at sticky notes on a board illustrates the first steps to starting a business

What market type should your startup target? How can you unite your team around a clear vision for success? In The Four Steps to the Epiphany, Steve Blank writes that the first steps to starting a business include understanding different market entry strategies, establishing foundational principles, and getting everyone on the same page. These initial decisions shape your entrepreneurial journey. Read on to discover how to position your startup for success and build a strong foundation for growth.

What Is Organizational Behavior Management? The 5 Steps

A manager performing organizational behavior management by observing an employee in an office

What is organizational behavior management? What are the five steps of this management approach? Using the organizational behavior management approach, managers systematically analyze the factors that influence employee behavior, rather than relying on intuition or trial-and-error methods. Then, they carefully optimize both antecedents and consequences to maximize what Aubrey C. Daniels calls “discretionary effort.” Let’s explore the five steps and examine Daniels’s tips for success at every stage.

How to Change Employee Behavior: 3 Factors to Target

A manager attempting to change employee behavior by talking to her with a clipboard of notes in her hand

How can you change unwanted employee behavior? What types of behaviors should managers target? The first step of Aubrey C. Daniels’s management approach is to identify the desired behavior by clearly defining your objective. The objective may be to solve a problem, like frequently missed deadlines, or achieve a goal, like heightened productivity. Keep reading to learn how to change employees’s behavior by identifying what you want out of them first.