Commander’s Intent first appeared in the US Army Field Manual 100-5, Operations in 1982. However, it wasn’t original with them. It was borrowed from the Germans who developed it as they fought Napoleon during the French Revolution. The Germans called it Aftragstaktik. So, what does this 225 year-old methodology have to do with your organization…
I have one of those jobs – Strategy Consultant. Even after following the advice of branding and messaging experts, what I do doesn’t seem to be crystal clear to the people I want to reach the most. Thankfully, I got some help recently from one of those very people. This potential client and I have…
For those of you who had a quick flashback to high school sports complete with cheerleaders, sorry about that. But, in the age of POS systems, big data, analytics and visualizations, it’s hard to believe we’re still asking this question. Most of our businesses, even small businesses, are awash in data – transactional data from…
There’s not a better job in the world than being a consultant. I have the opportunity to see the inner workings of multiple industries and competitive companies inside those industries. And, I get to work with great, smart people all the time. The one thing I can’t do, however, is make decisions for clients. I…
In my work as a business consultant and grad school adjunct professor, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve invoked Dan Pink’s three-point outline from his brilliant 2009 book, Drive. Employees want three things in their work life – Autonomy – the ability to control what they do, how they do it, when they…
Sorry to bring this up, but in just a couple of months it will be tax time. Very soon the Finance folks will be talking with us about deductions, assets, 1099s and more. One of the conversations will likely involve depreciation. Depreciation is the mechanism that allows us to account for the portion of an…
2016 marked the 40th anniversary of Rocky – the story of a down-on-his-luck boxer who won the heart of Philadelphia when he went the distance with the undisputed heavyweight champ, Apollo Creed. There’s no question that Rocky was a compelling character and the star of the movie. But let me make the case for a…
Know anyone that could use a second set of eyes for their small business? This is a chance for you to give your business owner friends a free business assessment. To celebrate the 10th birthday of ClearVision Consulting, I’m giving away three free Business Report Cards. The Business Report Card is a one-day assessment focusing…
This month marks 10 years in consulting and therefore the 10th birthday of ClearVision Consulting. I count myself one of the fortunate few who get to make a living doing what they love. A giant thank you to dozens of clients who have invited me into their businesses and trusted me to help them build…
You’re making money, customers are buying your products or services and your employees seem happy? Do you really need a strategic plan? Isn’t strategic planning for big companies with lots of money and lots of employees? Or maybe for companies that are struggling? If things are going great, why mess with it? Read the ten…