Make 2012 the Best Year Ever

For many years now, I have thrown away the concept of the traditional New Year’s Resolution.  In its place I have used themes that guide me through the year.  These themes are not specific destinations or goals, but are rather guideposts that help me make smart decisions.  In using this approach, I become more “present […]

Major Licensing Deal Signed

As some of you know, my 2012 business strategy is to license my content in a number of creative ways. We already licensed Personality Poker in a variety of languages and to a number of trainers.  The Dutch translation is the most recent version and will be available in January. And, just last week, we […]

Why Brainstorming is Stupid

I was recently interviewed for an article on Inc.com.  Due to length restrictions, only part of my interview was included in the article.  Therefore I am giving you the other half here.  But be sure to read the their article first as it sets the stage. I was asked by Inc.com why brainstorming, as usually practiced, is ineffective. […]

Ideas, Ideas Everywhere…

There’s an old tale that goes… Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink. Inside of organizations, there’s a corollary… Ideas, ideas every where, Nor any one can think. Um, ok, I should stick to my day job.  But the point is, organizations are drowning in a sea of ideas, yet they never take the […]

Southwest Airlines Magazine Article

Last month (November), Best Practices Are Stupid, was featured in Southwest Airline’s Spirit Magazine.  Now that it is no longer on planes and can’t be found on the internet, I figured it was time to share the article with the readers of this blog.  They did such a nice job, I feel as though their […]

Making Connections

One of my favorite topics is to discuss how breakthroughs are generated by looking for someone who has solved a similar problem in a different space. Some examples I talk about in my “Best Practices Are Stupid” books are: A company developed a new type of whitening toothpaste by studying the way non-bleach laundry detergent […]

"Best Practices Are Stupid" Named One of the Best in 2011

I’m pleased that the American Express OPEN Forum (via Matthew E. May) selected Best Practices Are Stupid as one of the top 15 books of 2011. Also, Best Practices Are Stupid  was selected as one of the “Top-Drawer Business Books of 2011” by the advertising agency, DDB. And, in case you missed it, there is […]

Silly Pricing Practices

Here is the first new entry under the “Silly Practices” umbrella. The other day I bought a television from Amazon.com. I buy everything from them and am a big fan. The TV was about 40% off the retail price and was $200 less than anywhere else. I thought was I was getting a good deal […]

Website Updated

You may have noticed that we redid this website.  The content from www.stupidpractices.com has been moved here.  We now highlight all 5 of my books on the top as well as more prominent links to buy them in the right sidebar.  And the overall design has been cleaned up and simplified.  I welcome ANY comments. […]

Ask a Different Question, Get a Different Answer

Today I want to test your mental muscle with an activity I conduct with my clients. If you are a college sports fan, you will most likely be familiar with the NCAA basketball playoffs. 65 teams in total compete. The games are organized into brackets like the one illustrated here. Teams compete with the hope […]