On Friday and Saturday, my APICS Chapter hosted the APICS West Coast Student Case Competition. I happened to lead the Student Case Competition committee as well, and so I was immersed. It was a popular event as we had close to 100 students from universities throughout Southern California, AZ, [...]
Published January 9, 2015 I started writing this about supply chain strategy, and I might go back to that topic next week as I was preparing to teach an APICS CSCP (certified supply chain professional) class tomorrow; however, I was diverted on a conference call that compelled me to [...]
Employees trust and follow proven leaders — those that motivate, communicate, and know what they’re talking about. As a tribute to my HR mentor who recently retired after a long and successful career in organizational development and HR (congrats Debra), I have to tip my hat (if I wore [...]
The best companies thrive because their employees are valued members of the company – everyone’s labor matters and they know it. Are you thankful for your employees? And do you see your employees as a cost line of your P&L or do you consider them an asset? In my [...]
Surviving and flourishing in today’s business environment increasingly demands more of the supply chain professional, including excelling at soft and technical skills. According to a 2013 Gallup poll, 70% of U.S. workers are not engaged. What a startling statistic! Through observation of clients, trade association members, and colleagues, I'd [...]
Published November 2, 2014 It just so happens that I've been on several trips this month for work and tourist stops/ getting together with good friends. Seattle is the latest in a series of enjoyable long weekends. It certainly has a different feel from New York and New Orleans [...]
Published October 10, 2014 I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal about the fast rise of manufacturing wages in some areas. The largest increase has been in Texas at 25%; however, wages are beginning to rise across the board. According to my skills gap research study, [...]
Customer service is no longer just a department. A thriving business will pay full attention to all customer points of contact and ensure positive experiences. Companies that create loyal fans of customers thrive and leave the rest in the dust! This has never been truer than it is in [...]
Identify and focus on how to nurture your higher performing employees to net a better return on your human capital investment. Since the beginning of 2014, the job market has been robust and employers are struggling to find high-skilled, qualified candidates for key positions. I've talked frequently about this [...]
Playing on the strengths of high performing employees can lessen skills gaps within your organization while motivating everyone to perform at a higher level. Not a day goes by when an employee, volunteer, Board member or colleague doesn’t retire, get promoted, move companies, change roles within the company or [...]
