It won't surprise anyone that CEOs are finding risk management at the top of their agendas these days as they move to survival mode. The Conference Board's recent survey finds that neither "global economic risk" nor "financial risk" were on the list of top ten concerns last month. Gone from…
The New York Times recently wrote an investigative piece about the ratings agencies, particularly Moody's, and their role in the financial debacle that has befallen Wall St. Lucifer smiled and opened his gates, I suspect, when Moody's started selling their services to the same parties they are rating, and did…
I have spoken frequently about making the tough decisions when they're presented and the painful process of the "death by a thousand cuts". Another perspective on making the tough decisions is how easily we fool ourselves into accepting as gospel that which we suspect isn't. It goes back to that…
Now, if this was a Knight of the Round Table, bearing the sword of Exkalibur, that would be one thing. Alas, not.
Rather, it’s an insidious invader disguised as a heroic force, riding to the rescue of American companies facing catastrophic economic ruin. So, as I watched portions of the Congressional hearings this week featuring the CEOs of America’s automakers, I couldn’t help but think: Where did the congressmen and senators learn about the auto industry?
How are they qualified to assess the business plans of the three U.S. automakers? (more…)
To many, the Harvard Business Review is known for both its rigorous scholarship and impenetrable prose. For me, their magazine and articles offer insightful strategies and concepts if you're willing to do a little work.In this case, they've designed an entire reference page, and collection, with various contributors offering comments,…
There's been an endless series of speeches and self-serving righteousness about executive compensation on Wall St., the value of golden parachutes and the egregious exit pay of chief executives.There's no doubt that there have been - and will be - excesses in executive compensation. This is also a "hot button"…
CFO Magazine summarizes what's on the minds of many CFO's as they look forward into what I'm calling the Double V Economy - BIG VOLATILITY and small visibility. It's noteworthy that most CFO's are STEPPING UP their forecasting efforts, not scaling back in the face of uncertainty. Learn this lesson…
Effective today, in cooperation with the Business Journal, we are launching a new feature entitled Surviving the Storm. Its express purpose is to your best ideas for revenue enhancement, cost reduction and general productivity improvement to share with other readers and business leaders during this demanding economic climate.Please email your…
Yes, I realize we don't cover the auto industry here . . . but I believe that whether and/or how we rescue the American auto industry will be a harbinger of what's coming in 2009. There's no lack of material about this but you should consider this Wall Street Journal…