When I was a nuclear missile officer at the start of my Air Force career, my commander used a technique that I still find useful today: The Two-Objection Policy. Controlling nuclear weapons can involve complex challenges that require quick decisions, and they better be the right ones, because the consequences can be a bit more […]

No matter how many changes and cost-cutting measures you implement when you are facing difficult times, you still may reach the point where you have to reduce your workforce in order to remain a viable company. This can be a useful option if it gives you a chance to get rid of some of your […]

I spoke recently with a digital designer from a Southeast Asian country, who works for the local office of a western MNC there. He told me how his new manager — who comes from another Asian country to the north — just does not seem to “get it” when it comes to the style of […]

Talking with someone recently, I heard him ask “wouldn’t you expect your boss to be the best in the firm at what you do?” Um, no. Personally, I’d expect that I’M the best in the firm at what I do. But that says more about my ego and ambition than my boss’ abilities. My real […]

Things happen that catch you off guard, and you cannot always control that. Many times, though, you can…you just don’t. Very often we get signs that something is happening or a trend is developing, but rather than looking into how it can affect us, we ignore it. It is kind of like getting sick but […]