‘Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success’

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Trust is the bedrock of innovation, because ideas can’t be forcibly pulled from people’s heads.’

Smart leaders think laterally. They love to learn from innovative thinkers in different industries.’

Smart companies build alliances with other smart companies. They’re known by the company they keep.’

‘Trust, more than pay or perks, is the secret to making a best-places-to-work list.’

Smart companies encourage people to talk about their mistakes and what they learned along the way.’

Teams, even in large companies, tend to perform best when they’re at their leanest- eight to twelve people.’

Teams, when small, can move faster. Team members will sacrifice for other team members at a smaller size, but not at a larger size.’

‘Trust is easily destroyed by executive hypocrisy.’

Taste is more than design. It’s a sensibility that appeals to the deepest part of ourselves.’

Taste need not be original. It often borrows from successful products and services of the past.’

Taste is not the result of random genius. It takes hard work, discipline, and patience.’

Taste signals the deep intelligence of a product or service. Most customers will pay more to feel smart.’

Source

Rich Karlgaard (2014). The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success

‘Leadership Lessons From The Great Antarctic Explorer’

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Be bold in vision and careful in planning. Dare to try something new, but be meticulous enough in your proposal to give your ideas a good chance of succeeding.’

In a rapidly changing world, be willing to venture in new directions to seize new opportunities and learn new skills.’

Once you make a career decision, commit to stick through the tough learning period.’

Hire those who share your vision. Someone who clashes with your personality or the corporate culture will hinder your work.’

‘Motivate your staff to be independent. If you have been a good leader, they will have the determination to succeed on their own.’

Hire those with talents and expertise you lack. Don’t feel threatened by them. They will help you stay on the cutting edge and bring distinction to your organization.’

Take the time to observe before acting, especially if you are new to the scene. All changes should be aimed at improvements. Don’t make changes just for the sake of leaving your mark.’

Where possible, have employees work together on certain tasks. It builds trust and respect and even friendship.’

Create a work environment comfortable enough to entice professionals to spend the greater part of their waking hours there. Allow for some personal preferences.’

Give consistent feedback on performance. Most workers feel they don’t get nearly enough words of praise and encouragement.’

‘Get rid of unnecessary middle layers of authority. Direct leadership is more efficient in emergency situations.’

Source

Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell (2001). Shackleton’s Way: Leadership Lessons from The Great Antarctic Explorer