Leading Blog

JANUARY 14, 2019

I N AN IBM global survey of CEOs, the overwhelming consensus was that more than rigor, management discipline, integrity or even vision, successfully navigating an increasing complex world will require creativity. The Benchmarking Mindset. In a world where we must adapt or die, we need creative solutions. Focus and distance.

Creativity 268

Creativity Benchmarking Learning-by-Doing Construction 268

Harvard Business Review

SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

Incremental innovations can be managed at the operating levels where the people know the customers/consumers best and decisions can be made in a more consensus-driven way with input and agreement between all stakeholder functions. Because consensus and familiar metrics are death to breakthrough.

Process 15

Process Innovation Stage-Gate Net Present Value 15

Harvard Business Review

JANUARY 4, 2018

The ABU was set up as a centralized profit center with ambitious targets and with direct reporting to the chief operations officer; most often, similar units are organized as cost centers with no specific targets. The value generated by risk- and operational cost-abating analytics initiatives is measured by their impact on the bottom line.

Company 8

Company Chief Operating Officer Incentives Project 8

Harvard Business Review

JANUARY 11, 2011

for the quarter, just barely clearing the consensus estimates of $0.40. When what our colleagues and employees do every day becomes no more than a benchmark to beat (e.g. And to another: "Every day, I notice how meticulously you attend to operations. Had something catastrophic happened? The problem? They reported $0.42

Proposal 15

Proposal Benchmarking Consensus Morale 15

Harvard Business Review

DECEMBER 17, 2014

The biggest obstacle here isn’t calculating an accurate number; it’s reaching a consensus of what the ballpark figure should be. You can also use publicly available industry benchmarks. Our work with dozens of companies teaches us that individuals on the leadership team often have very different targets in mind.

Innovation 9

Innovation Company Venture Capitalist Business Model 9

Harvard Business Review

MARCH 21, 2013

Part of the problem is there isn't a clear consensus on what marks an innovative company. Return on equity (net income divided by equity) results from multiplying three key operating ratios: Profitability (net income over sales). Operating efficiency (sales over assets). But there are some measurements that try.

Innovation 15

Innovation Company Disaggregation Financial Leverage 15

Harvard Business Review

JANUARY 23, 2012

Trend lines, market sizing, and competitive benchmarks that served companies well during periods of gradual market evolution do little good in industries where new technologies create seismic shifts, demand is uncertain, and rivals emerge from left field. Industry upheaval often calls for tough choices, and consensus will not be possible.

Strategy 14

Strategy CEO Strategic Planning Consensus 14