The making of a Microsoft COO
The platform you stand on determines the height of your reach. Bob Herbold was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to a working class family. In 1942 no one imaged baby Bob would become the COO… Continue reading
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Polite meetings waste time
Yesterday I interviewed Robert Herbold, former Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft and author of “What’s Holding You Back.” Bob’s quiet, gentlemanly tone shifted toward disdain when the topic moved to wasting time in poorly… Continue reading
Full Steam Ahead!
“In our work with organizations worldwide, we have observed that the biggest impediment to managers becoming great leaders is the lack of a clear vision…,” Ken Blanchard and Jesse Stoner. A confession: I… Continue reading
Too many answers
The organization I lead is considering a new initiative. In the hallway, I was asked if we had plans to provide child care. We didn’t. I also assumed the person asking wanted child… Continue reading
How to define an opportunity?
Many people have more to do than they can get done. Translation, you’re spread so thin you can’t be great at anything. Your best is average when you’re over committed. Therefore, opportunities aren’t simply more… Continue reading
Stop asking “why”
I think you ask “why” too much and “what” too little. Asking “why” is a backward-facing activity that examines the past searching for excuses and someone to blame. Asking “why” may be useful… Continue reading