The Journal
Tools & frameworks for leaders.
Field notes on coaching, strategy, and leading well — written by Jay and selected colleagues.
Umpiring and Leadership
A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend umpiring a baseball tournament for 9 and 10 year olds. For two days, it was baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and…well, I don’t remember seeing any Chevrolet’s. Anyway, the weather was great, the teams were competitive, and after 13 games, there were no major confrontations with coaches…
A Different Take on the SWOT Analysis
Using this version of the SWOT Analysis will give you a different perspective on how to maximize opportunities for your company.
What Is My Brand?
About a year ago, I wrote a blog post entitled “What is a Brand?” In it, I reprinted an article that my father, Carlos Hidalgo, had written answering that very question. In the post, my dad calls out three parts of a brand: Character, Physical Attributes, and Style. (I won’t take time here to elaborate…
What Are You Being Called To Build?
I recently met with a young man (OK, he was in his thirties, but I’m pushing 50 so he was young to me) who is struggling in his job. He described his company as a place where ownership is building their empire on the backs of the rest of the staff; how he’s overworked, but…
What Drives Your Business?
Last week, I was speaking with a business leader at a consulting company. We were discussing his firm, and the growth challenges they were having. I asked, “What are the key drivers for the business, and what strategies are in place that focus on those drivers?” His response was, “We need more sales, and our…
My New Face
Last week, I spent 4 days with business and organizational leaders from around the country. As often happens at these gatherings, I was asked “What do you do?” Over the last two years, I’ve been asked that same question repeatedly. And over the last two years, although my answers have always been true, they’ve been…