THE STRATEGIC DECISION  

Paul J. H. Schoemaker just published Brilliant Mistakes: Finding Success at the Far Side of Failure (Wharton Digital Press). He serves as Research Director of Mack Center for Technological Innovation at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches strategy and decision making. He was previously at the Univ. of Chicago, from where he spent an extended sabbatical with the scenario planning group of Royal/Dutch Shell in London. Paul is also the founder and chairman of Decision Strategies International, Inc, a consulting and training firm specializing in strategic planning, executive development and technology solutions (www.decisionstrat.com). Schoemaker has written over 100 academic and applied papers, and is the (co)-author of several earlier business books including Decision Traps, Decision Sciences, Wharton On Managing Emerging Technologies, Winning Decisions, Profiting from Uncertainty, and Peripheral Vision.


6 Ways to Attract Top Talent

Even in today's economy, the most talented workers have plenty of choices. Here's how to make sure they join you, not the competition.  Read story

Why You Need to Play War Games

The military hones its strategies with role-playing simulations. The technique can help your business, too--but you have to make it realistic.  Read story

How to Know If a New Strategy Will Work

No matter how good your team is, a flawed strategy is hard to implement.  Read story

Does Your Team Match Your Strategy?

The only way to know whether there are serious gaps between your team and your new strategy is to step back and evaluate both.  Read story

Is Poker a Good Metaphor for Business?

When it comes to management, can the principles of poker be applied successfully? Beware the metaphor's blind spots.  Read story

How Metaphors & Analogies Influence Your Thinking

Metaphors can influence your thinking in powerful ways. But few appreciate how their seductive allure often obscures key elements that should be considered.  Read story

Election 2012: Undecided? Here's How to Choose

Taxes, spending, immigration--put the issues aside and examine your own decision-making process before you cast your vote this November.  Read story

6 Ways to Become a Credible Leader and Team

Sitting at the top of the ladder doesn't make you a great leader. Here's how to make sure you get support and trust from those you report to.  Read story

A Better Way to Work Technology Into Your Business

Technology is moving fast, and so should your company. Here's how to systematically instill a tech-savvy culture.  Read story

How a Simple Nudge Can Create Big Change

When it comes to your company's wellness programs, sometimes a simple "nudge" can be more effective than overbearing rules.  Read story

How to Control Your Emotions After You Fail

Everyone makes mistakes, and, typically, emotional turmoil follows. Here's how you can channel those negative feelings into an opportunity to learn.  Read story

Why Failure Is the Foundation of Innovation

Here's why you should celebrate your mistakes and foster a culture that dissects mistakes for learning purposes.  Read story

7 Ways to Apply Scenario Planning

How do you expect the unexpected? Check out how you can benefit from a little preparation.  Read story

How to Prepare for the Unexpected

Strategic thinkers see big changes coming before everyone else in their industry. Fortunately, it's an acquired skill.  Read story

How to Create a Positive Learning Culture

No one has all the answers--and that's actually a good thing. Here's how you should approach creating a better learning environment.  Read story

How to Rally Your Team Around a New Strategy

Before you can execute a new strategy, you have to align your team around this new direction. Here are a few ways to get everyone onboard.  Read story

Make Better Decisions: 3 Easy Steps

Want to feel more confident that you're making the right decisions? Check out how a few simple steps can dramatically improve your decision process.  Read story

A Hedge or Bet? A Matter of Perspective

JP Morgan’s recent multi-billion trading loss reminds us that matters of risk entail a healthy dose of consideration. Here's what you need to know.  Read story

Great Strategic Leaders Always Think Twice

Most people let old ideas influence current decisions. But true strategic thinkers interpret situations from many angles and come up with better solutions. E...  Read story

4 Secrets of Great Critical Thinkers

The best problem solvers see a complex problem through multiple lenses. Here's how to become a better strategic thinker and leader yourself.  Read story

9 Ways to See Change Coming (Before it Kills Your Business)

Great strategic thinkers have a gift for seeing threats and opportunities before anyone else. Here's what they look for.  Read story

6 Habits of True Strategic Thinkers

You're the boss, but you still spend too much time on the day-to-day. Here's how to become the strategic leader your company needs.  Read story

Failed? So What? 7 Ways to Bounce Back

Every entrepreneur stumbles, so get over it. The key thing is to keep thinking like a winner.  Read story

To Hire Well, Throw Away the Job Description

The traditional way to hire is to decide what Mr. or Ms. Right is like and then go find the closest match. There's a better way.  Read story

How to Make a Brilliant Mistake

The difference between a great company and a mediocre one isn't whether it avoids mistakes. It's how much it learns when it makes them.  Read story

You Need to Make More Mistakes

Many of today's best companies arose out of lucky mistakes. That's why fear of being wrong is the biggest mistake of all.  Read story