5 Whys To Wisdom Way back in a 1996 Harvard Business Review article authors Jim Collins and Jerry Porras introduced me to the concept of “5 Whys.”[i] The idea is simple: Whenever you’re faced with a challenging situation, ask the question why five times to reveal...
Interleaving? Did you make that up? I know what you’re thinking: “What the %#a*$ is interleaving?” I know! I’ll answer that in a second. First, let’s talk about how some organizations go about developing OKRs. In my experience it’s not uncommon for groups to split the task...
OKR - Cart or Horse? OKRs have been proven to help overcome many vexing challenges that plague modern organizations. For example, they can: foster teamwork and collaboration, drive engagement through their mix of top-down and bottom-up development, and ensure your focus is fixed squarely on just...
Here's a podcast I just recorded with Corporate Governance expert Mark Nadler on Boards of Directors and strategy (and execution). Mark shares some incredible insights. Niven/Nadler Podcast...
Excess Access I recently heard a TV executive say that between broadcast networks, cable, and streaming outlets there are over 400 scripted shows running in the U.S. right now. Over 400! How are we supposed to keep up with them? Every time I chat with friends...
In a recent study highlighted in Harvard Business Review, strategy execution was cited as the number one challenge facing global CEOs, topping innovation, geopolitical instability, and top-line growth. Little wonder it keeps executives up at night when you consider that at least two-thirds (and by...
Take it To the Limit Fans of The Eagles – and really, how can you not be a fan of a group that has produced so many memorable songs on the way to selling a whopping 150 million albums over their 30 year span – will...