Business Archives

Unproductive at Work? Here’s a Lesson From The Unicorn Project

Why are so many employees unproductive at work? How does poor management cause an inefficient work environment? The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim follows the narrative of Maxine Chambers, a lead developer in Parts Unlimited’s software development department within IT. Through Maxine’s eyes, Kim illustrates the characteristics of both unproductive and healthy workplace cultures, with an emphasis on how the former can be turned into the latter. Let’s look at the story of Chambers to inspire you to be more productive at work.

Anchoring in Negotiation: Should You Make the First Offer?

What’s the anchoring effect in negotiation? Should you make the first offer? If so, what should it be? According to Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman’s book Negotiation Genius, the anchoring effect refers to the first piece of information offered in a negotiation. This point determines how the rest of the negotiation will go. Learn more about anchoring in negotiation below.

How to Regain Employee Autonomy in the Workplace

Is there a lack of autonomy in your workplace? Do you want to change the culture at the company where you work? A company with little autonomy is a company that is likely going to fail. In The Unicorn Project, Gene Kim demonstrates how a lack of employee autonomy in the workplace almost destroyed a department, until employees started taking matters into their own hands. Keep reading to learn how to take back autonomy at work.

Logrolling in Negotiations: 3 Steps You Can Take to Create Value

What’s logrolling? How does it create value in a negotiation? Logrolling means trading negotiation items that both parties value. Understanding what each party cares about most is crucial to nailing down a deal. Continue reading to learn more about logrolling in negotiation.

Signs of a Toxic Work Environment: Living in Fear & Blame

What are commons signs of a toxic work environment? How do fear and blame break employees? The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim presents a fictional case study of Parts Unlimited, a once-mighty auto parts manufacturer that’s fallen behind the times and its competitors. This is mainly because of the soul-crushing work conditions it’s allowed to develop in its IT department. Let’s look at what Kim believes are symptoms of toxic company culture.

How to Prepare for a Negotiation So That You’re Ready for Anything

Do you have a big negotiation coming up? Do you feel ready? According to Negotiation Genius by Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman, the first step to effective negotiation is preparation. Before you enter a negotiation, you must have your negotiables ready and gather as much information as you can about the other party. Let’s look at how to prepare for a negotiation so that you’re ready for anything.

Increase Productivity in the Workplace: Focus on These 4 Areas

What are areas that will increase productivity in the workplace? How important is a manager’s encouragement at work? The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim’s recipe for a productive workplace contains elements that are applicable in any organizational setting. These include a focus on the needs of the customer, an environment in which candor is rewarded, a culture dedicated to improvement, and management that enables employees to find a sense of flow and pleasure in their work. Let’s dive into management practices that focus heavily on increasing productivity in the workplace.

Value Creation in Negotiation: 4 Steps to Getting What You Want

What’s value creation in negotiation? Why is value important for both parties? When negotiating, your goal should be to get the best possible deal for yourself while strengthening your relationship with the other party. To achieve a good deal and a stronger relationship, you must not only claim but create value. Keep reading to learn more about value creation in negotiation, according to Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman’s book Negotiation Genius.

The Importance of a Customer-Centric Approach in Business

What are the benefits of a customer-centric approach in business? Why is it advised to keep business strategies simple and straightforward? If you’re running a company, the customer should always be at the center of your focus. Anything other than that creates a complicated system that ultimately fails because projects grow out of control. Continue reading for a customer-centric approach that keeps things in moderation.

Negotiation Genius: Book Overview and Takeaways

What’s the book Negotiation Genius about? Are you ready to be an expert negotiator who gets the best deals? In Negotiation Genius, Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman give advice to prepare, create value, and maximize satisfaction in your negotiations. They also look at common obstacles you might face and explore ways to avoid them or use them to your advantage. Read below for a brief Negotiation Genius book overview.