Case Studies

“I got a call out of the blue last week from someone saying they were interested in buying my business,” opened Rich. “Wasn’t really thinking about selling yet, but if the price was right, I might be open to exiting now. How do I get a realistic idea of what my...

“I’ve been in this group a little more than a year now,” started Sarah. “Last year about this time you all started talking about your strategic planning / annual planning activities.  I didn’t want to speak up last year, because we really didn’t have an organized...

“I know this has come up before; but now it’s personal,” starts Rich. “A couple months ago an employee came to me asking for a raise mid-cycle. Now a second person has come demanding the same thing. I wasn’t exactly sure what to do the first time; now I’m concerned...

“Seems like we discuss this at least once a year” starts Martin, “Someone has a manager whose management style is not working and whose team’s morale is suffering from it… now it’s my turn. We promoted Joe to a management position about 9 months ago, but now I’m...

“This is not a topic that comes up that often,” starts Joel, “but has had me thinking for the last few weeks. I’ve had a successful relationship with one of my key vendors; they’re reliable, competent and provide great customer service. We’re vertically integrated...

“I happened to be walking down the hallway past Scott’s office, when I heard Jessica complain to Scott about my micromanaging”, moaned Mike. “The last thing I ever thought I was was a micromanager” ☹. Juan Carlos replied, “It’s hard for me to picture you...

Continuing with Scott’s frustration from just having too much to do, he sought some useful advice on delegating. “l know I need to delegate more; but so often it just doesn’t seem worth the hassle.  It takes longer to correct their work than just do it myself!  Anyone...

Scott sighed with exasperation ... “l didn’t think I was going to make it here this month.  Last night I didn’t get home until late and I haven’t made it to the gym in the last two weeks.  I keep saying I want better work-life balance, but I’m not making much...

Jack was frustrated ... “living through a closed office during Covid was bad enough; now there’s an endless stream of requests to work from home (WFH).  How can we possibly get our collaborative culture back?” he asked.  “Our history has been one of hiring new college...

Joe had only been in the group for a few months, but he already recognized the wisdom in the room.  Without a burning issue this month, Joe asked the group: “What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned in your time as CEO?  What key pieces of advice do you...