The hottest Management Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

✅ Monday briefing: Understanding the impact of AI on public relations

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23

AI is changing public relations like the internet did. It can help improve relationships and reputations but needs attention from practitioners.
AI might replace some junior jobs in PR, but it will also create new roles, especially in advisory and policy work.
Historically, PR has been slow to adopt new tech. Many professionals aren't upgrading their skills to use AI tools, but ignoring them isn't an option anymore.

✅ Monday briefing: AI in PR, future skills, Coke adopts AI, PR education survey, broken news cycles, turnip for Brexit, Citizens Advice, Google misdirection, Artifact sign-up, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Media Public Relations Tools Management

AI is changing public relations in big ways, and it can be both helpful and harmful. It's important to be aware of how it can create misinformation.
Companies like Coca-Cola are starting to use AI for marketing, showing that businesses are becoming more tech-savvy. However, some organizations like JP Morgan are blocking AI tools for safety reasons.
There is a growing need for skills like fact-checking and critical thinking. As misinformation spreads, being able to separate fact from fiction is becoming really important.

January 2019 Data Update 6: Profitability and Value Creation!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 19

💼 Business Finance Management Investing Valuation Corporate Governance

The lowest standard for a business's success is just making money, but that's not enough to ensure long-term survival. Companies need a clear path to profitability to stay in business.
It's important to compare profits relative to the size of a company to get a clearer picture of its financial health. Looking at profit margins helps us see how well a business performs against its competitors.
Creating value goes beyond just making profits; companies should earn more than what could be made by investing capital elsewhere. Many companies struggle to meet this higher standard, making value creation challenging.

Explaining a Paradox: Why Good (Bad) Companies can be Bad (Good) Investments!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 17

💰 Finance Investing Management Valuation Market Analysis Company performance

Good companies can be bad investments if they are overpriced. It's important to consider both the company's quality and its market price when investing.
Management quality doesn't always reflect how well a company performs. A poorly managed company might make good investment decisions at the right price.
Investing successfully means looking for mismatches between what a company is worth and what it costs. This helps identify opportunities to buy undervalued stocks.

Management Matters: Facebook and Twitter!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 16

💼 Business Finance Management Investing Technology Marketing

Facebook has shown strong growth by successfully monetizing its vast user base and adapting quickly to mobile. This adaptability, coupled with strategic acquisitions, has positioned Facebook as a market leader in online advertising.
Twitter, on the other hand, has struggled to turn its large user base into profits. Despite having many users, its approach to attracting advertising has not worked well, leading to declining stock values.
The management strategies of these companies can greatly impact investor confidence and company performance. Good decisions lead to success like Facebook's, while poor decisions can hinder companies like Twitter.

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The Compressed Tech Life Cycle: The Managerial Challenge

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 15

💼 Business Management Finance Strategy Entrepreneurship Corporate Governance

Tech companies have a faster life cycle than other businesses, meaning they can quickly go from growth to decline. Managers need to adapt their strategies to fit this speed.
When managing a tech firm, it's important to accept the short life cycle and focus on growth, debt management, and returning cash to shareholders when needed.
To extend a tech company's lifespan, managers can innovate new products, change their business model, and create barriers for competitors, but they must be careful not to create public or legal backlash.

HP's Break Up : Value Enhancement, Pricing Game or Management Hype?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 30 Oct 14

💼 Business Corporate strategy Financial Analysis Management Valuation Market Dynamics

HP's decision to break up into two companies is partly based on the idea that it can cut costs and improve value. However, there are doubts about whether these cost-cutting measures could have been done without a breakup.
There is skepticism about whether splitting HP will actually lead to a significant price increase. The two new companies may still face the same challenges of low growth and declining profits.
The motivation behind the breakup might not be about real value creation but about taking advantage of how investors view the separate parts. It's possible that management is hoping for better market pricing simply by splitting up.

Growth (Part 4): Growth and Management Credibility

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 11

💼 Business Investment Management Entrepreneurship Finance Growth

Growth companies depend heavily on management's ability to have a clear vision and a solid plan to achieve it. Without the right strategy, even a great product may fail to capture the market.
Trustworthiness is key in young companies. Good managers share both good and bad news with investors, which helps build credibility and a strong relationship.
Investors should pay attention to how much input they can have in a company's decisions. If management avoids giving them a voice, it could be a red flag about their willingness to collaborate.

Checks and Balances: Eisner and Disney

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 17 Sep 10

💼 Business Corporate Governance Leadership Management Finance Partnerships

Good partnerships can turn around struggling companies, as seen with Eisner and Wells at Disney. They brought new energy and skill that saved the company.
Without checks and balances, even good leaders can make poor choices. Eisner's decisions worsened after losing his partner who helped guide him.
Strong boards of directors are important to keep management in check. They help prevent good leaders from making bad decisions that could hurt a company.

Behavioral Corporate Finance 1: The Objective in Decision Making:

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jul 09

💼 Business Corporate Finance Decision-making Investor behavior Market Efficiency Finance Management Investing Corporate strategy Behavioral Economics

Every business should have a clear goal for decision making. Traditionally, that goal is to make the company as valuable as possible, often by focusing on boosting stock prices.
Behavioral finance points out that investors can act irrationally, which means stock prices might not always reflect a company's true value. Managers should be cautious about making decisions solely based on stock price reactions.
It's essential for managers to aim for long-term value but also pay attention to market feedback. They can adjust their decisions to better connect with investors while still working towards the company's overall success.

MBAs and Ethics

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 31 May 09

💼 Business Ethics Education Management Corporate Governance Leadership Ethics Management Education Finance Corporate Governance

Ethical oaths for MBA students sound good but might not work in real life. When tough choices come up, someone will always be unhappy, regardless of the oath.
Self-interest isn't necessarily a bad thing. A balance is needed where individual goals can benefit the wider community instead of thinking serving others is the only way.
People who talk a lot about ethics might not be the most reliable. It's often the ones who boast about their values who struggle when faced with real ethical challenges.

The future of the MBA

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 09

💼 Business Education Finance Economics Management Market Trends Education Finance Management Market Trends Employment

The demand for MBA programs is decreasing, especially as the financial services sector struggles. Many students might think twice before leaving their jobs to enroll.
Business schools need to learn from recent financial crises and adjust their teaching methods. It's important to improve education rather than defensively hold on to outdated strategies.
Professors in business schools should focus on their unique skills and advantages. If their teaching is too standard, it won't justify the high costs for students.

The Yankee infield and debt...

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 09

🎾 Sports Finance Management Contracts Economics Teams Baseball Finance Debt Corporate Management

The Yankees have very high player salaries, which act like debt commitments. This means their financial situation looks worse than it might seem at first.
If someone buys the Yankees, they are essentially taking on more than just the franchise price because they will also inherit the player contracts.
Teams with long-term financial commitments should be careful about taking on more debt, as it can lead to financial troubles, similar to what happens in industries like airlines.

Buffett: Man or Myth

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 02 Mar 09

💼 Business Investing Finance Corporate Governance Market Strategy Value investing Investing Management Finance Economics Corporate Governance

Warren Buffett is a successful investor known for his philosophy of buying businesses rather than stocks. This approach has helped him make smart investment choices over the years.
Buffett prefers investing in well-managed, mature companies and avoids being an activist investor. He values companies with strong leadership and tends to stick to his area of expertise.
People often misunderstand Buffett's approach to risk. He does consider risk when investing, using conservative cash flow estimates to guide his decisions, so it's important to not ignore risk in your own investing.

The Quiet Power of Humble Leadership

Voohy Leadership Insights • 0 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Organizational Behavior Team Dynamics Work Culture

Humble leaders are open about their mistakes and limitations. This honesty helps build trust with their team and encourages a culture of learning.
They celebrate their team members' strengths and contributions, which boosts morale and fosters collaboration. Giving genuine praise is key to creating a positive atmosphere.
Humble leaders listen to others and are willing to adapt based on feedback. This willingness to learn makes their teams more engaged and adaptable to change.

Emotional and Social Competencies for New Managers

Voohy Leadership Insights • 0 implied HN points • 17 Aug 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Soft skills Employee Development Organizational Behavior

New managers need to build emotional and social skills since they shift from technical tasks to managing people. It’s important to understand that their success depends on how they relate to their team.
Many new managers initially feel unsure and frustrated as they learn their new roles. Over time, they realize that managing emotions and supporting their team is a key part of being effective.
Organizations should help identify potential managers early and provide leadership training to all employees. Mentorship can also play a big role in helping new managers grow their skills.

High Self-Awareness is Related to Better Leadership

Voohy Leadership Insights • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Emotional Intelligence Self-awareness Productivity

Self-awareness helps leaders be more effective. When leaders understand their emotions and impact, they can motivate and satisfy their teams better.
Practicing self-reflection is important for leaders. Regularly journaling or seeking feedback can help leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses.
The research on self-awareness and leadership is growing, but more studies are needed. Investing time in developing self-awareness can benefit leaders and their teams.

The Surprising Ways Employees React to Advice

Voohy Leadership Insights • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24

💼 Business Management Human Resources Organizational Behavior Employee engagement Workplace culture

Unsolicited advice is often seen negatively because people might think the giver is showing off. It's better to wait for someone to ask before sharing your thoughts.
When people ask for advice, they view it more positively. They believe the advisor really wants to help, which makes them more likely to use the advice effectively.
Creating a trusting environment where it's okay to ask for help is important. Managers should encourage open communication to ensure people feel safe seeking advice.

Star Players and Team Effectiveness

Voohy Leadership Insights • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24

💼 Business Management Team Dynamics Leadership Performance Collaboration

Having some star players on a team is good for performance, but too many can actually hurt it. It's important to find a balance.
When there are too many strong personalities, team members might compete with each other instead of working together. This can weaken collaboration.
Building a successful team is about more than just individual talent. It's also about creating a supportive environment where everyone can work well together.

Feedback Sandwiches: More Filling Than Effective?

Voohy Leadership Insights • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Communication Feedback Team Dynamics

Feedback sandwiches, which start and end with positive comments, may seem helpful but don't actually improve performance. They can confuse the main message of the criticism.
Students might feel more complimented with feedback sandwiches, but just feeling good doesn't lead to better future performance.
Instead of using a feedback sandwich, it's better to give clear and direct feedback that focuses on improvement and growth.

Strategies for different uncertainties

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24

💼 Business Management Strategy Innovation Decision-making Organizational Behavior

Organizations struggle to handle uncertainty despite it being crucial for success. They need clear ways to think and act when facing unknowns.
Even those who understand uncertainty need tools to persuade others in their organization to engage with it effectively.
Different types of not-knowing exist, and recognizing these differences helps organizations make better decisions and adapt more easily.

Effective Staff Meetings for Engineering Managers of Managers

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23

💼 Business Management Leadership Staffing Meetings Engineering

Transitioning to managing other managers is a key step in an engineering career. It's important to adapt to this new role for growth and success.
Establishing a weekly staff meeting is crucial for communication. It helps keep everyone on the same page and fosters collaboration among teams.
Effective meetings should have clear goals and agendas. This ensures that everyone's time is used wisely and discussions are productive.

How to Foster a Knowledge-Sharing Culture within Engineering Teams

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23

💼 Business Management Leadership Teamwork Organizational Culture Human Resources

Fostering a knowledge-sharing culture helps engineers stay updated with new skills and technologies. Regularly sharing insights can keep the team learning and growing.
Knowledge sharing involves team members exchanging expertise and information with each other. This collaboration can lead to better problem-solving and innovation.
Creating opportunities for sharing, like workshops or regular meetings, encourages more open communication. It helps build trust and strengthens relationships within the team.

Motivate your team tapping into intrinsic drives through Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23

💼 Business Leadership Motivation Teamwork Performance Management

Giving people more control over their work, or autonomy, can make them more motivated and engaged. When team members feel they can make choices, they often feel happier.
Helping individuals to become skilled or achieve mastery in their tasks is important. When people see themselves improving, it boosts their confidence and motivation.
Having a clear sense of purpose can inspire teams. When team members understand how their work contributes to a greater goal, they are more likely to feel driven and focused.

Collaboration Across Departments: A Guide for Engineering Managers

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23

💼 Business Management Collaboration Product Development Team Building Communication

Communication is key for teamwork. Regular updates and meetings help everyone stay informed and aligned.
Setting shared goals helps all teams move in the same direction. It's important to have clear objectives so everyone knows what to focus on.
Building personal relationships makes work easier. Taking time to know your colleagues can improve collaboration and trust in the workplace.

OKRs and Roadmaps: Understanding the Difference and How to Use Them Together

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23

💼 Business Management Strategy Leadership

OKRs are goals that help teams measure their progress, while roadmaps are plans that outline how those goals will be achieved. They work best when used together.
A Key Result should have initiatives attached to it, which are specific actions you can take to achieve that goal, like improving website load times.
Roadmaps help prioritize tasks and track progress towards OKRs. They allow teams to see how their projects contribute to overall goals, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Unlock Your Team’s Full Potential with OKRs!

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23

💼 Business Management Leadership Strategy Performance Goals

OKRs, or Objectives and Key Results, help teams set clear goals and measure progress. They keep everyone focused on what really matters.
Using OKRs can align your team with the company's strategy, ensuring everyone is working toward the same objectives. This alignment is crucial for effective execution.
Regularly reviewing your OKRs, like monthly check-ins, helps track how well the team is doing and allows for adjustments if necessary. It's all about staying flexible and learning from the process.

Create focus during a distracting time

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23

💼 Business Leadership Teamwork Productivity Management Vision

Having a clear vision can help your team focus and be productive, especially during tough times. It gives everyone a sense of purpose.
Be specific when creating your vision statement. It should clearly show what your team is working towards so everyone understands the goal.
Make sure your team's vision aligns with the company's overall vision. This connection helps everyone see how their work contributes to bigger objectives.

The Importance of a Strong Team Mission Statement

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23

💼 Business Leadership Teamwork Organization Strategy Management

A clear mission statement helps your team know what they’re trying to achieve and why it matters. It guides decisions and keeps everyone aligned.
It's important that your team's mission matches the overall goals of the company. This creates unity and ensures everyone's efforts contribute to the bigger picture.
Creating a good mission statement involves teamwork. Gather input from your team to make sure it reflects everyone's ideas and is easy to understand.

Building Codiga: Being a solo founder

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23

💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Management Leadership Culture

It's often better to go solo when starting a business. Having a co-founder can complicate things unless you really know and trust them.
Choosing the right people for your company is crucial. Bad hires can hurt your team and product, so it's better to avoid hiring them in the first place.
If you do have a co-founder, make sure roles are clear and ownership isn’t split evenly. Having a clear plan for what happens if things go wrong can save a lot of trouble later.

A team, not a family

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23

💼 Business Management Leadership Team Dynamics Startup Culture Organizational Behavior

A team focuses on winning and achieving goals, not personal relationships. Everyone works together towards the same objective.
Team members have different strengths and may need different levels of support to reach their potential. It's important to help each other perform at their best.
The leader of the team is responsible for its success. If the team isn't performing well, the leader must reflect on their decisions and make necessary changes.

Your job as a CEO: do not run out of money

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23

💼 Business Leadership Finance Startups Management Entrepreneurship

As a CEO, your top job is to make sure the company never runs out of money. This is crucial for keeping everything afloat.
When you raise money, always add an extra cushion to your target amount. This will help you cover unexpected costs while building your product.
Keep a close eye on your finances. Know your cash flow, how much you're spending, and how long you can operate before needing more funding.

Your job as a CEO: Hire and Fire

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23

💼 Business Management Human Resources Leadership Corporate strategy Organizational Behavior

Hiring is really tough because it's hard to know if a candidate has the right skills, work ethic, or fits into the company's culture. The best employees often show curiosity and a willingness to learn, which are more important than just having the right experience.
Firing someone is not about difficulty; it’s about the emotional pain it causes. It’s important to handle it with care since it can be distressing for everyone involved and can help the affected employee move on to a better opportunity.
Keeping your team lean is crucial for a company to run efficiently. If there are underperformers, it's better to let them go to ensure the company can move faster and be more productive, while also remembering not to cut too many key employees.

Good intentions don't work

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23

💼 Business Management Processes Corporate culture Decision-making Efficiency

Good intentions alone are not enough to achieve goals; having clear processes is essential. Relying on gut feelings or promises can lead to bad outcomes.
Good teams follow documented processes for tasks, decisions, and problem-solving. This helps everyone know what to do and ensures accountability.
Amazon's culture emphasizes clear procedures, which makes it a great place for engineers. Following these principles helps teams work effectively and align their efforts.

Writing Useful Performance Reviews: Making A Raise Recommendation

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24

💼 Business Management Human Resources Leadership Compensation

Performance reviews are really important for discussing raises. Managers need to be fair and thoughtful about how they recommend salary increases.
Salary decisions usually have to fit within a company's budget. Managers should understand how their recommendations affect the overall budget and be realistic.
Different companies have various systems for raising salaries. Some use fixed models to reduce bias, while others have more flexibility based on performance.

Writing Useful Performance Reviews: Evaluating the data and writing the review

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 24

💼 Business Management Performance Leadership Human Resources Data Analysis

Collect all relevant data before writing a performance review. This includes past reviews, feedback, and notes so you have a complete view of the person's performance.
Be clear and honest when writing the review. Avoid vague language or trying to balance out negatives with positives; it’s important for the person to understand their true performance.
After writing the reviews, check for patterns or biases. Make sure each review makes sense and supports your conclusions about each person's performance.

Building a Management Training Curriculum at Avvo

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24

💼 Business Management Training Leadership Corporate culture Organizational development

Involving everyone in the management training process makes them feel included and valued. It's better to gather ideas from the team instead of simply giving them a top-down list.
The group can identify essential leadership qualities through discussion and voting. This opens up conversations and helps everyone agree on what qualities are most important for their roles.
After deciding on key qualities, self-assessment can help managers identify their strengths and areas for improvement. This shared understanding can guide the future training curriculum.

The Spotify Model

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Organizational Culture Team Dynamics Innovation

The Spotify model allows teams to be created, dissolved, and mixed to stay flexible and innovative. This helps companies quickly respond to new opportunities without major disruptions.
Chapter Leads manage individuals across different teams instead of managing teams directly. This allows for better skill matching and helps team members grow by working on various projects.
Failing is part of learning. In the Spotify model, teams celebrate when they realize their mission isn't needed, as it teaches valuable lessons and encourages experimentation.

Protecting your team from layoffs

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Human Resources Workplace culture Employee Relations

Focus on what's important for the company. Always align your team's work with company priorities to stay relevant.
Make sure your top performers get recognized. Highlight their achievements to boost visibility and keep your team strong.
Don't hesitate to let go of low performers. It benefits both the team and the individual, and helps to maintain a positive environment.

Delivering Performance Reviews

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Human Resources Workplace culture

Performance reviews are crucial conversations in a person's career, so it's important to deliver them effectively. The way feedback is given can deeply affect how the employee feels and reacts.
Prepare for the review by having all relevant data and allowing the employee time to read their review beforehand. This helps reduce stress and makes the conversation more meaningful.
After the review, follow up with a note summarizing key points and agreed-upon growth plans. Regular check-ins can help maintain focus on goals and improvements.