Posted on December 31, 2012 by Ken Homza

Synthesis (December 2012)

The Random House College Dictionary defines synthesis as a “process of reasoning in which the conclusion is reached directly from given propositions and established or assumed principles.” When communicating (whether in business or your personal life) it is critically important …

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Ken Homza

Action (November 2012)

I am always amazed at the lack of action I see in companies that are in the midst of crisis. Problems abound and people generally know what they are but everyone seems to tolerate them for some reason or another. …

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Ken Homza

Are You Driving Business Away? (October 2012)

I know this sounds ridiculous but October seemed to be the month where retailers were determined to drive business away. Maybe it is just me but with third quarter economic growth just 2%, I’d think more businesses would be doing …

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Ken Homza

Thinking Beyond Tomorrow (September 2012)

Most businesses think that strategic planning is something that only Fortune 500 companies need to worry about. The truth is that all businesses need to think about their strategic direction. While the time devoted to the strategic planning process differs …

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Ken Homza

Exit Timing (August 2012)

Companies are sold for a variety of reasons. The driving issue can be strategic fit, capital needs, succession planning (especially in the case of family held businesses), duration (in the case of private equity firms) or others. Regardless of …

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Ken Homza

Effective Boards (July 2012)

The difference in company performance between one with an effective Board of Directors and one that is not effective can be dramatic. In the short run, it may seem like it is easier to have a lax board but in …

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Ken Homza

Push Back (June 2012)

It is important to strongly advocate your position. I don’t suggest arguing just to be argumentative (we all know people who do that). Rather, be a strong advocate for your position and beliefs. This was brought home to me recently …

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Ken Homza

C-Suite Skills Cont’d (May 2012)

Last month, I talked about the critical skills needed for an effective C-Suite. In addition to a broad cross section of domain expertise and well rounded individuals, I believe every executive needs to bring Seven Critical Business Skills to the …

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Ken Homza

Critical Skills In The C-Suite (April 2012)

I believe there are three things every C-Suite executive needs and these hold true whether one is operating in a very small or very large company. While the bar is much higher at the top of Fortune 500 organizations than …

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Ken Homza

Let The Numbers Be Your Guide (March 2012)

Business is based upon facts. Or at least it should be. Anecdotal evidence is fine in order to add some color commentary and improve the depth of understanding but it is no substitute for dealing with the cold hard facts. …