Focus on Boeing and the State of Arizona Manufacturing is responsible for a great deal of pollution in our environment, extending as far back as the 1700s. Anyone reading this article can probably easily recall pictures from grade-school history books depicting the early American factories of the industrial revolution: Smokey, dirty, and dangerous.  The effects of these historic factories on the environment and those of the following centuries have created a negative stereotype that manufacturing [...]

Innovation is a hot topic these days in almost all fields. Pick up any business magazine, journal or newspaper and there are always a few articles on how to generate innovation and why companies need to be innovative. Unfortunately, this is not one of those characteristics that can be mandated.  It’s easy enough to build capacity through hiring more people or creating more brick and mortar, but the development of an innovative environment or an [...]

In looking at organizations, there have been many terms over the years to describe their behaviors. One such term is known as institutional isomorphism. Though this seems like a big term, if we all sit back and consider what it actually is, we will find it is something we have all experienced or can describe using different terms or ideas. Developed by DiMaggio and Powell (1983), institutional isomorphism seeks to improve and take on unique [...]

A widely accepted premise is that leaders should have a vision for their organization or group.  However, vision that is not based on reality is nothing but fantasy. Leaders’ vision, therefore, should be grounded on attainable ends, even if this grounding is speculative to some degree.  So, how can a leader have vision that is wedded to something firm in a rapidly advancing technological age?  A look back in history to a widely-acknowledged leader who [...]

The transformation of airports into cultural centers is already clearly underway.  Diverse shopping, dining, and retail options are just a few unique experiences airports offer to their passengers.  Most recently, Los Angeles International Airport announced that passengers will no longer need to leave the airport to experience regional flavors as HMS Host will open nine locally-inspired restaurants in the airport, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport announced the opening of a local microbrewery.  Technology within [...]

Dr. Daryl Watkins and I recently spent a few days in Mumbai, India with executives from the Indian Aviation community. Various airlines, airports and other related entities were represented in a seminar where we spent three days discussing the Indian aviation environment and ways of understanding the many environmental as well as internal forces these people are dealing with as the Indian aviation industry grows. One must understand that up until a few years ago, [...]

From the title and the timing of this column, you may have thought this column will be about the presidential election, state of the economy, or some other rant about our country’s future. But it’s not – I’ve learned long ago not to discuss politics with colleagues, friends, or even enemies! But in a way I am talking about our country’s future, because if we don’t think long-term within our organizations, we won’t have well-functioning, [...]

You often hear of new ideas firms use to help their firms succeed and fulfill the vision of leadership such as the CEO.  Successful leaders often are willing to take risks, think outside of the box, and try new ideas as they develop organizational strategies, implement those strategies and create the firms culture.  I recently heard a story about Zappos and how they offer to pay employees to leave the firm.  After a quick internet [...]

Last month we all said goodbye to a truly great American hero; Neil Armstrong, who achieved “living legend” status for being the first human being to ever set foot on the moon.  Although Neil Armstrong gets credit for the first footprints on the Moon, his feat was the result of the efforts of tens of thousands of individuals that contributed time, energy and resources to the effort. The ability to accomplish this event launched thousands [...]

Recently, CAAL was asked to address the Connecticut SBIR and Global Trade conference on the subjects of leadership and innovation. In the process of preparing our remarks I reviewed the 2012 IBM CEO Survey. Titled “Leading Through Connections”, IBM identifies a number of business imperatives that are upper most of CEOs’ business concerns (IBM, 2012). Prominently on the list are: connections, engagement, collaboration, analytical competencies, partnerships, and tolerance for change. All of these subjects are [...]