Tag Archives: Books

On systems, processes, and paperwork

Lately, I’ve come across several proposed new systems, processes, and forms —  all developed to address an assumed real, but unstated need.  In most cases, I could see a useful purpose for the new system/process/form,  but it usually wasn’t provided … Continue reading

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Superficial pleasantries vs. honest relationship building

In my last post, I discussed some thoughts from reading Conger, Lawler, and Finegold’s Corporate Boards book. Here is something else that caught my eye in that book that has near universal applicability -not just to corporate (or observatory) boards. … Continue reading

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Balancing Two Boards

Gemini has two Boards – the Gemini Board from the international partnership agreement and the AURA Board. It’s actually a bit (well, OK a lot) more complicated than this. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is Gemini’s Executive Agency. They collect … Continue reading

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Another advocate for Openness, Transparency, and Accountable Management

Somewhat recently, I finished reading Employees First, Customers Second by Vineet Nayar.  It was a very easy read since the techniques the author talks about using to restore his company to an industry leader agree a lot with what I … Continue reading

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Healthy Conflcit

I recently picked up a copy of A Grand and Bold Thing by Ann Finkbeiner. It’s a book about the original Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). I actually haven’t read it yet, so I’ll probably say more about the book … Continue reading

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VWs in China and building relationships

Combining my interests in German cars, international relations, and general management, I recently read the book, 1000 Days in Shanghai, by Martin Posth.  The book is about Volkswagen’s initial journey to become the first international automobile manufacturing partner in China.  … Continue reading

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Are we too generous in hiring and keeping employees?

A recent article I read about how to hire the right people for the right jobs gives a statistic attributed to the US Department of Labor that 50% of all new employees are gone within the first six months of … Continue reading

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Some of my take-home thoughts from recent management books I’ve read….

I wanted to jot down some key points from some recent books I read, so decided here to give some brief summaries and key ideas from some recent readings in management. Continue reading

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