Quarterdeck retweeted
Why is business hard?
Because businesses = groups of people.
And people are COMPLICATED.
They build narratives and do irrational things.
So, in order to be successful in business, you need:
1. To spend most of your time studying psychology
2. Build exceptionally high EQ....
Quarterdeck retweeted
"The earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching."
- Assyrian tablet, c. 2800 BC
Readers added context they thought people might want to know
There is currently no compelling evidence that any one of the quotations listed was really inscribed on a tablet during ancient days in Assyria.
quoteinvestigator.com/2012/10/22/wor…
Quarterdeck retweeted
Unclear expectations cause 95% of problems at work.
Here's a simple playbook for managers and employees to get on the same page:
Quarterdeck retweeted
"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so."
–Mark Twain
Quarterdeck retweeted
When facing a tough decision I think to three very important points:
1. You are never wrong to do the right thing.
2. The right decision is often hardest in the short term.
3. This too shall pass.
Quarterdeck retweeted
Saying no is not as costly as you expect.
11 studies: people overestimate the relationship and reputation risks of turning down requests. People generally don't hold it against you.
Declining doesn't mean you don't care. It means you're taking care not to overextend yourself.
Quarterdeck retweeted
The case against collaboration:
Research at MIT found that brainstorming generally reduced creativity due to the tendency to incrementally modify known successful designs rather than explore radically different and potentially superior ones
paulitaylor.com/2022/05/06/t…
Quarterdeck retweeted
There’s a reason it’s called working as a team not working as a committee. A camel is a horse designed by committee. Teamwork is about individual talent as well as working together. Allow individual talents to shine but work together to achieve what someone alone could not.
Quarterdeck retweeted
Any Fool Can Criticise and Most Fools Do
Twice I did well, and that I heard never; Once I did ill, and that I heard ever.
It’s easy to criticise and it’s hard to give someone praise. Maybe it’s that simple.
🧵
Quarterdeck retweeted
Change in business is a certainty. Corporate governance will change, executive leadership teams change, industry dynamics will change, consumer trends will change, and technology will change.
Quarterdeck retweeted
Hope Isn't a Strategy
We don't become as good as we hope. We become as bad as our standards allow. Or put more formally:
“We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” – Archilochus
Quarterdeck retweeted
Remember to enjoy your success. Look how far you’ve come not how far you’ve got to go. A snippet of a pertinent Matt Groening cartoon. – at Harrogate, England
Quarterdeck retweeted
We all know our attitude is important. You’re company’s culture is your company’s attitude. – at Harrogate, England
Quarterdeck retweeted
What makes a great culture:
- Mission
- Drive to help people
- Pursuit of excellence
What doesn't:
- Jelly Beans
- Friday beer pong
- Free yoga classes
Quarterdeck retweeted
BS reasons why you're not delegating #1...
Time.
"I can just do it faster myself"
1) Actually you can't
2) You're not thinking in aggregate over time
3) Even if you can, you shouldn't
Quarterdeck retweeted
As your business matures, the CEO needs to as well.
What helps your company survive is not always what makes your company grow.
Quarterdeck retweeted
How To Trust Your Team:
1. Let go of perfection
2. Allow the team to make mistakes
3. Clearly communicate what areas can kill the business
4. Set guardrails so they can run without breaking the business













