Focussing on thought leaders and start-up’s – BizNews.com Entrepreneur is the place to find ideas, solutions and new ways of creating business and wealth
Entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den investor James Caan, a recent visitor to BizNews, has given us the nod to feature some of the wisdom and guidance he dispenses around the world to aspirant entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises. The right attitude and approach are vital to achieving success, says James. He calls it “A … Read more
Every position in an organisation – all the way up to CEO – should have a Primary Measurable Objective (PMO) that is clearly defined and understood… and, above all, adhered to says Mario Pretorius in his latest daily tip on successful corporate management. PMO provides not only structure to an organisation but also a pathway … Read more
If it can’t be solved, escalate it early. But know that the role of the next level up is to find the answer – not to do the job. At the same time, bear in mind that, while the escalation elevator must go to the top, it should do so one level at a time. … Read more
Never underestimate the power of “NO”. It can be a fantastic tool that raises the level of argument; generates more facts; provides greater perspective; and, ultimately, leads to a better understanding of the issue at hand. In a nutshell, it’s an invitation to “tell me more…and get better at it” says Mario Pretorius in his … Read more
Delegating tough stuff that is out-of-comfort-zone is the specific domain of a manager, and a mentoring instrument that is constantly being fine tuned. Minions who want to become “maxions” need to be identified and pushed to get there…not simply left to produce. Above all, make it a lifelong mentoring principle to resist all cries to … Read more
Don’t run out of ideas. Encourage ideas from your people – particularly those with bright eyes and “wanna-do” potential. But start them on the “cheap ponies” before “saddling up the thoroughbreds”. This will ensure that any failure is cheap to fix and that no tears are shed…including your own. That’s the sharp end of today’s … Read more
“I think…” is not an answer- it’s an opt-out. In fact, it is not only sloppy and unacceptable but downright dangerous. Put another way, it is an unsubstantiated guess that can unleash a horror (in the business environment) according to corporate management specialist Mario Pretorius. There is no shame in “I’ll find out” he adds … Read more
When it comes to bestowing privileges and rewards, be careful of what you promise; judicious when you give; and fair when you need to take them back, says Mario Pretorius. Furthermore, restoring them will be only one-third joy. Overindulgence in this giving process will result in spoilt brats. Conversely, being a boarding school master will … Read more
WIIFM! No, it’s not a new radio station. It’s the What’s-In-It-For-Me syndrome. And it is the first rule of motivation says Mario Pretorius in his latest tip. The sweet spot of motivation, he says, lies more in the status than the reward. Incentives can, and should, motivate – but do not ritualise the process. If … Read more
Beat the deadlines – and expect others to do the same…before the end of the day, says Mario Pretorius in the latest of his series of tips on corporate management. In the process, understand the enormous difference between ‘delegate’ and ‘abdicate’. Delegation requires a set time for feedback, evaluation and correction. All else is grenade-throwing … Read more