How to Measure Progress: 3 Metrics for Businesses

Building block bars progressively getting taller with an upward pointing arrow measuring progress

Why do businesses need to constantly measure progress? What are three vital metrics that leaders need to measure? Horst Schulze contends that leaders need to continually measure their progress toward success and adjust their strategies accordingly. Since the market is fierce and extremely competitive, measuring progress helps businesses know when to speed up or slow down. Continue reading to learn how to measure progress as a business leader.

How Innovation Comes From Good and Bad Surprises in Business

A woman in a suit waiting for good and bad surprises by holding an unopened present

Can bad surprises be a good thing in business? How should you take advantage of the unexpected? Innovation often comes wrapped in unexpected packages, such as unforeseen successes or failures. Companies must be ready to respond to these unanticipated events, as they can offer valuable insights into potential growth opportunities. Find out how to inspire innovation out of good and bad surprises.

What to Look for in an Employee: 2 Outstanding Qualities

A manager holding a clipboard that has what to look for in an employee on it, while interviewing a prospective employee

What are the qualities of a good employee? What does it mean when an employee has good character? To build a strong team, you must recruit strong people. However, Marty Cagan and Chris Jones argue that you shouldn’t place too much emphasis on hiring the perfect fit. Discover what to look for in an employee, and how these qualities will benefit your company in the long run.

How to Get Innovative Ideas: 4 Places of Inspiration

A person pressing a button with a lightbulb under the word "INNOVATION," figuring how to get innovative ideas

Do you know how to get innovative ideas? Where are key places to find innovation? Once you’ve achieved an entrepreneurial mindset and structured your business to reward innovation, it’s time to go out and find that innovation. To do this, businesses should adopt a systematic approach to identifying opportunities for innovation rather than relying on rare strokes of genius. Here are the places where innovation will come to you.

Why a Standard Web Page Layout Serves Your Users Best

A man looking at a website on a desktop computer illustrates the importance of using a standard web page layout

Is it more important for web pages to be creative and beautiful—or basic and predictable? What do your users expect? Designing a website that’s easy to navigate is crucial for user satisfaction. A standard web page layout can significantly improve your site’s usability. By following some simple guidelines, you can create a website that visitors find effortless to use. Keep reading to discover expert tips on crafting a user-friendly web design that will keep visitors coming back for more.

How to Empower Your Team to Make Their Own Choices

A manager who knows how to empower a team, giving a speech to employees during a meeting

When is it time to let your team do their jobs on their own? How can you empower your employees from afar? Marty Cagan and Chris Jones advise that leaders should give teams ownership of their duties, promote a culture of collaboration, and understand that mistakes are essential to success. Giving your team authority is positive reinforcement that empowers them to succeed on their own. Learn how to empower your team by letting them take control of projects and reassuring them that failure is okay.

How to Structure a Website That’s Intuitive for Your Visitors

A woman in a home office looking at a website on a laptop computer illustrates how to structure a website

Is your website user-friendly? Do you want to learn how to structure a website that keeps visitors engaged and coming back? Steve Krug’s insights on website design offer valuable guidance for creating an intuitive online experience. His approach focuses on making navigation effortless and ensuring users can quickly find what they’re looking for. Read more to learn how to build a website that truly serves your audience.

How to Identify Business Opportunities in Unexpected Places

A man looking up skyscrapers in a city, wondering how to identify business opportunities

How can discrepancies open up opportunities for innovation? How can you take advantage of a bottleneck in the market? The lesson learned from successes and failures is that opportunities to innovate can be found in unexpected places. In particular, Peter F. Drucker emphasizes mismatches in economic assumptions, customer value perceptions, and inefficient industrial processes as fertile ground for innovators. To find out how to identify business opportunities in these situations, keep reading.

How to Create a Product Vision That’s Strong and Flexible

A woman thinking of a product vision with lightbulbs, pens, and other office materials

What’s a product vision? How can your vision be strong but flexible at the same time? Before creating a product, a leader must define and articulate an overarching vision to guide their team. Marty Cagan and Chris Jones write that a product vision is the company’s mission, as reflected through its products and services. Continue reading to learn how to create a product vision as a leader of a business.

The Disadvantages of Inventions: Peter F. Drucker’s Opinion

A red on a lightbulb showing the disadvantages of inventions

Why is it so hard to sell a unique invention? What are the disadvantages of inventions? In Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Peter F. Drucker says that, while innovations can be successful, entrepreneurs need to be careful with them. Sometimes, a groundbreaking new product can prove difficult to sell. Take a look at why Drucker doesn’t recommend inventing from scratch.