Business Archives

Organizational Alignment: Fixing a Misaligned Company

What is organizational alignment? What are the signs that a company is “misaligned”? Organizational alignment refers to the degree to which different functions and departments of an organization are aligned in four key components: 1) strategic direction, 2) structure, 3) core processes, and 4) skill bases. When there is tension between any of these facets, the business cannot thrive. In this article, we’ll discuss the four components of organizational alignment, how to diagnose misalignments between them, and how to approach alignment efforts systematically.

Does Higher Efficiency Lower Employment Rates?

Does efficiency kill employment? What are the implications of the efficiency-employment trade-off for the economy? Contrary to a common misconception, efficiency doesn’t kill jobs. This myth is based on the idea that there is limited work to be done, and thus it must be shared strategically to maximize employment. In this article, we’ll take a look at why creating inefficiency actually hurts employment and national wealth.

How Do Tariffs Impact the Economy?

How do tariffs impact the economy? Does imposing import tariffs help or hinder the country’s internal industries? According to economist Henry Hazlitt, tariffs are not as benevolent for the economy as many people believe. Tariffs shift money, manpower, and productivity away from efficient industries in order to support inefficient industries. In this article, we’ll consider Hazlitt’s argument on the negative effects of tariffs on employment and the economy at large.

Early Wins: How to Gain Recognition in Your New Role

Have you just been appointed a new role? Do you want to do something impressive to prove yourself to the higher-ups? According to Michael Watkins, the author of The First 90 Days, the best way to get noticed and, more importantly, recognized is to secure some “early wins.” This will prop up your credibility and provide an opportunity to invest in key relationships that will be essential for a successful transition. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify areas for early wins and how to implement them effectively.

The Danger of Government Intervention in the Economy

Are there any negative effects of government intervention? How does government intervention in the economy influence the supply-and-demand equilibrium? When the government intervenes in the economy—even in an effort to help—it interferes with the natural equilibrium of supply and demand. This may create unintended ripple effects. Keep reading to learn about different types of government intervention and how they affect the economy at large.

Henry Hazlitt: How Does Saving Affect the Economy?

How does saving affect the economy? Do you think keeping your money in a saving account or in investments has a positive or a negative effect on the country’s national wealth? Saving is generally seen as a bad thing for the economy because savings deprive spending on goods and services, thereby hurting national wealth. However, this is a fallacy—savings do the exact opposite in the long run. In this article, we’ll take a look at what actually happens when people choose to hold on to their money.

Build an Effective Team: Learn From Google’s Example

What ingredients do you need to build an effective team? What can be learned from Google’s experience? In the early 2010s, Google began to research how to build an effective team. They learned that teams should have four key norms. What they discovered about team productivity can work for your team, as well. Read more to learn how to build an effective team.

Henry Hazlitt on the Negative Effects of Minimum Wage

How do minimum wage laws influence the economy? Are there any negative effects of setting a minimum wage? The minimum wage is generally seen as a good thing that benefits the workforce. However, according to economist Henry Hazlitt, minimum wage laws actually hurt employment and productivity. In this article, we’ll take a look at the negative effects of minimum wage laws on the economy at large.

Expert Advice for Starting a Business: Entrepreneur 101

Do you have a business idea in mind? What are some things you should consider before you embark on its execution? In his book Tools of Titans, entrepreneur and lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss shares the advice of 101 highly successful people he refers to as “titans.” Many of the titans he interviewed for the book are entrepreneurs of some kind. We’ve distilled their advice below. In this article, we’ll cover titans’ advice for starting a business.

How to Innovate: 4 Principles for Creativity to Thrive

Do you know how to innovate effectively? How can this skill lead to greater productivity and success? Productive people know how to innovate. In Smarter Faster Better, Charles Duhigg shares four principles that you can implement to create conditions for creativity and productive innovation to thrive. Read more to learn how to innovate, the Smarter Faster Better way.