Awaiting the Prodigal Economy (p. 30)
FC Article

How does your group explain the bipolar nature of the economic recovery, where upscale goods and discounters are doing well, but those in the middle are still feeling the slowdown? What is needed to spur low- and middle-end jobs? Can those at the top of the economy help? Linda Tischler says we are being limited by a 'lack of nerve.' Who, if anyone, is showing 'guts' right now? Are companies acting to increase their stake against overseas competition or merely being complacement with the market share they have?

Are You a Polyolefin Optimizer? Take This Quiz! (p. 37)
FC Article

Encourage members to take a version of the Myers-Briggs test -- perhaps as a group activity -- and compare their classifications against their own guesses. Critique the questions -- are they too constricting or do they accurately match individuals' traits? Does your company administer any personality tests? Ask your group members to identify the four personality traits that best identify their company and its departments. Then design a few sample test questions that would help make sure new employees are steered in the right direction.

Smart Strategies: Putting Ideas to Work (p. 63)
FC Article

In Alison Overholt's article, one consultant says we are definitely not in a great era of strategy thinking. Do the people in your group agree? Is there one book or school of thought most of their companies subscribe to? Map out the blueprint of some of the major schools of strategy that companies are using. How could they be revised? As a group, discuss what the next great age of strategy should include. See if executives from local marketing firms and consultancies can join you for a broader discussion.

Daniel Richards contributed this month's Flash Points.

April 2004 Connexus | Flash Points | Next Steps

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