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My First, Failed Foray into Venture Investing

Harvard Business Review

I was so confident in her idea that I convinced my former university professor husband to act as COO for the start-up, and we invested not only encouragement, but cash. As we vet investments for our fund, a key aspect of our due diligence is assessing our partners, particularly learning how they react under stress.

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How to Work for a Gossipy Boss

Harvard Business Review

It may also cause you to trust your boss less, says Nancy Rothbard, the David Pottruck Professor of Management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He has a really tough commute, and the fact that he manages to get here on time most days shows me that he is committed.” ” Defuse negativity. .

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Make It Easy for Decision Makers to Approve Your Deal

Harvard Business Review

Our understanding of how organizations think and act doesn’t always make this distinction between the interests of the enterprise and its managers. CEO, President, COO (Top Dogs): These highest order decision makers are the big picture thinkers. In other words, addressing the downside is more important than touting the upside.

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How to Tell If a Company’s Culture Is Right for You

Harvard Business Review

John Lees, the UK-based career strategist and author of How to Get a Job You Love , agrees that it’s important to do further “due diligence” on the company and its people to make sure it’s a place you want to work. Talk to the hiring manager about potential paths. Think beyond the initial offer.

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Case Study: Can Nice Guys Finish First?

Harvard Business Review

So now, in considerable distress, Adam was driving from downtown Washington to the suburban Maryland headquarters of Straus Event Specialists (SES), where he served, for all intents and purposes, as COO. She managed to say this with a lilt in her voice and a sparkle in her eye. Now, what were y'all talking about?". Call in Your Marker.