Category Archives: Simplicity

Agreement Isn’t Alignment

I’m in Rhode Island, USA, this week working with my mentor, Alan Weiss, and meeting some potential clients. Last night a small group of us went to a local restaurant that Alan had recommended called Siena, which is near our … Continue reading

Posted in Influencing, Simplicity | Leave a comment

Breaking The Cycle Of Poor Prioritisation

There is a downward performance cycle that affects many organisations. Have you seen this cycle in your business? An executive team raises the bar and sets stretching goals It then identifies the big initiatives that will – hopefully – deliver … Continue reading

Posted in Growth, Leadership, Simplicity | Leave a comment

Achieving More By Doing Less

Companies achieve more, more quickly, when they focus on just a few, clear objectives at any one time. At the heart of this is a paradox – we achieve more by doing less. Although few of us truly understand the … Continue reading

Posted in Growth, Simplicity, Strategy | Leave a comment

Focus And Pace: Part 2

Following on from my previous post about focus and pace, I gained a reminder of its importance from one of my clients yesterday. We have recently been working together on developing options for new growth for his business, and have … Continue reading

Posted in Growth, Simplicity, Strategy | Leave a comment

What’s The Breaking Point Of Your Business?

I have further developed my thinking on operational breaking points, and my article What’s The Breaking Point Of Your Business? has just been posted on BNET. © Stuart Cross 2009. All rights reserved.

Posted in Performance Improvement, Simplicity | Leave a comment

Testing Your Operations To Breaking Point

When Boeing and other aeroplane manufacturers are developing new aircraft they test them literally to destruction. This ensures that the planes will still operate effectively in the most extreme situations. It is a concept that I think should be applied … Continue reading

Posted in Growth, Simplicity | Leave a comment

The McSecrets Of McSuccess

Click on the link to read my article, The McSecrets of McSuccess, which has just been posted on BNET. © Stuart Cross 2009. All rights reserved.

Posted in Growth, Simplicity, Strategy | Leave a comment

The Real Performance Curve

I see it with my coaching clients as they develop new skills, I see it with my eldest son as he avoids practicing the piano, and I see it with myself as I struggle to stick to a reasonable exercise … Continue reading

Posted in Growth, Simplicity | Leave a comment

Do You Pass The Simplicity Test?

How do you measure up on the Simplicity Scale? Score yourself from 0 to 5 for each of the statements below. Focus primarily on the area of the organisation for which you have direct responsibility. We have a clear strategic … Continue reading

Posted in Simplicity | Leave a comment

Focus And Pace: Lessons From General Patton

I have just finished reading Anthony Beevor’s excellent new book, D-Day: The Battle For Normandy. It’s a fascinating and insightful account of the three-month war of attrition following the D-Day landing, culminating in the German surrender in Paris. But one … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Simplicity | Leave a comment