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 [...]

There is no doubt manufacturing is experiencing a rebirth across the United States, and there are a myriad of real estate choices readily available for manufacturers.  Moreover, the rapid advances in aerospace and transportation allude that future transport will surpass all expectations, thus greatly expanding real estate choices (possibly short-term choices) for manufacturers.  Given these dynamic considerations, manufacturing leaders’ real estate decisions are vital for success. Where are these manufacturing leaders that are empowering the [...]

Dealing with and leading change is possibly one of the most challenging tasks a leader faces.  The leadership of change is made difficult because organizations have developed a culture to eliminate variation; to standardize processes— to resist the forces of change that tend to disrupt processes and create new and different ones.  If history of change is the judge, most organizations fail to change when they should, and those who do try, most also fail [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Do you manage people? If so, do you give regular performance feedback to your employees?  Performance reviews are fundamental to good leadership and organizational improvement. If your employees receive feedback now, they will have time to make use of it and improve their performance.  If, on the other hand, they find out in December that you think they need to improve upon something, they won’t have the chance for development and improvement. Communicate with your [...]

Anyone who has read Walter Isaacson‘s biography of Steve Jobs has to be taken aback by his portrayal of the personality of the late Apple founder. Certainly there is much to dislike when it comes to the way Jobs treated his associates and subordinates, not to mention his professional rivals. He was at times domineering, arrogant, crass and demeaning… and yet, after reading the book and monitoring the phenomenal performance of Apple products and the [...]