http://cpstrat.com/blog Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:15:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Are managers and leaders the same thing? While many employees have the potential to learn the processes and tasks it takes to manage people and resources, it takes an entirely different set of skills to be an effective leader. Leaders focus on the bigger picture and, instead of wasting all of ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/11/13/management-vs-leadership/ With the uncertainty of the current economy, most businesses are tightening their belts and cutting money out of their budgets for capital expenditures. Although on the surface cutting costs seems like the practical, correct coarse of action, it can also prove detrimental when it affects the effectiveness of business operations, ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/11/12/technology-spend-important-despite-tight-capital/ During this economic downturn, it is more important for companies to invest in their employees.  Allocating resources to training and current employee development is proven to be essential for a successful organization.  Ensuring that employees have the most up to date knowledge and skills, especially as so many companies are ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/11/06/investing-in-training-crucial-in-downturn/ According to this perspective, two primary needs drive talented job seekers: survival and meaning. How do you provide both to prospective employees? http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/10/17/recruiting-and-retaining-key-talent/ What does it take to recruit and retain today's top talent? According to these Microsoft employees, they chose a career at Microsoft because of the following reasons: Being challenged each day Autonomy: Creating your own goals and defining your own destiny The ability to be innovative and creative Freedom to experiment Working with intelligent people What ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/10/17/a-glimpse-at-recruiting-microsoft/ Are you having trouble attratcting and retaining the talent you need? Talent management strategies, if not effective, can slow business growth and effectiveness to a hault. I read an interesting article this morning that points out ways in which retention problems can begin during the hiring process: In most organizations the ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/10/17/how-hiring-can-affect-talent-retention/ I have talked a lot in this blog about motivation and influencing, because no leader - no matter what their position - can be truly effective without the ability to motivate others and influence change. As I wrote in a recent white paper on creating organizational change: "Have you had great ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/10/17/human-resources-needs-effective-leadership/ I read a great post today from Management-Issues.com discussing what leads to project failure within organizations: "New research carried out by training company VitalSmarts and professional services firm, The Concours Group, has uncovered five crucial issues –what they term 'crucial conversations' - that have an enormous impact on whether high-stakes business ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/10/03/what-causes-project-failure/ Having trouble motivating your employees? Have you had great ideas to improve your organization that you were sure would be immediately embraced by all employees? Were you left wondering why the idea withered on the vine lacking the enthusiasm and support you had anticipated? You’re not alone. Whatever the change initiative was, ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/10/03/the-employee-motivation-fairy/ The current water cooler buzz seems to be ringing with the financial distress surrounding AIG, Merrill Lynch and Lehmann Brothers. What business lessons can be learned from the respective companies’ financial disappointments, and how can you turn what may be deemed a failure into a lesson of success for your ... http://cpstrat.com/blog/2008/09/19/corporate-lessons-and-success-strategies-learned-from-the-aig-buyout/