Rick Ross on Business, Technology and Life

Moving Beyond Performance Reviews

Performance reviews have a seductively logical appeal. There's no need to belabor the point by enumerating their obvious positives. And besides, aren't they essential as an "objective" basis for raises?

Despite their merits and ubiquity, there's a pervasive sense that this staple of company life is hopelessly flawed. Is his post, Do You Have a GOOD and SIMPLE Performance Evaluation Form?, bestselling business author Bob Sutton laments: "As many of you know, I have expressed considerable skepticism about whether performance evaluations are even worth using".

Innovation: Three Concepts You Can Apply Now

What follows is an example of how to apply three concepts to drive innovation. It is not intended to comprehensively address the stated objective.

Objective

Reduce fuel consumption

Concepts

1. Consider the system in which the target of your innovation operates
2. Look for ways to use or combine existing technologies, preferably ones that are inexpensive and easy to implement.
3. Address issues as problems to be solved, not dead ends

Applying Concept #1

Attempts to reduce fuel consumption commonly focus on efficiency. While this approach will continue to be important, its application requires decades to achieve meaningful impact. What measures can be applied to complement it?

Applying the first concept, consider the "system" in which cars operate. This includes roads and traffic lights. How can these be optimized so that cars use less fuel?

Mistakes New Managers, and Sometimes Experienced Ones, Make and How to Avoid Them

Many are thrust into their first management position with great fanfare, but without any idea of how to be effective. From family businesses to major corporations, there's an epidemic of manager's who, instead of enhancing results, leave their team members miserable and disengaged.

Effectiveness starts with an awareness of the most common and damaging problems.  

Is Repetitious Communication a Good Idea?

As you listen to the workplace conversations, what ideas and phrases are regularly repeated?

The Right Time for Change

Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final - Roger Babson

 

The company president's unwaveringly optimistic disposition seemed to be failing. He looked worried. "Sales have slowed to a trickle. I can only meet payroll for about 18 months." The technology on which the company's main product was based, and the associated business model, were hopelessly outdated. A major redevelopment effort was required at the precise moment when the company could least afford it. The demoralized staff made a comeback seem even more unlikely.

Troublingly, the problems weren't a surprise. No expensive consultants required, the inevitability of the needed changes had been obvious for years. But until recently, brisk sales made it too easy to put off the expense and effort.