Content by Mike Figliuolo
How to Lead People Who Have Never FollowedTransparency and keen discernment pave a clear path
Mon, 03/24/2014 - 15:32
What’s the biggest risk facing leaders of most entrepreneurial ventures? It’s not closing that first round of funding or landing a cornerstone customer. As with most things, it all comes back to people—and your ability to lead those who don’t have…
Three Things You Should Never Say When Presenting How to get the decision or outcome you want
Thu, 02/13/2014 - 11:29
PowerPoint is the devil’s instrument, and when you use it, you risk becoming a musician in his demonic orchestra. All of us are required to give presentations in some form or fashion at various points in our careers. If you’d like to succeed in…
Three Secret Phrases All Leaders Must KnowSimple keys to enhance clarity and understanding
Mon, 01/20/2014 - 17:53
Leadership is inherently about communication. Your ability to communicate well with your team, your boss, your co-workers, and anyone else around you can make or break your career as a leader. Given the importance we place on communications, it…
Leadership Lessons from Han SoloTell it like it is
Thu, 01/02/2014 - 11:55
You have to admit, Han Solo could definitely pull off that leather vest. On top of that, he can teach all of us a thing or three about informal leadership. We’ve all been in a role at one time or another where we weren’t the “formal” leader of the…
What a Heart Attack Taught Me About BalanceTake it to heart before it’s too late
Mon, 12/02/2013 - 11:02
So I had a heart attack last month. No. Literally. And I’m using the word “literally” correctly here. I was just sitting there when out of nowhere I had a sharp pain in the right side of my chest (weird, right?). That pain started radiating out my…
Strategic PlanningHint: ‘Budget + 10%’ isn’t a strategy
Fri, 11/15/2013 - 10:01
Everyone wants a “strategy.” Everyone wants their stuff to be “strategic.” Strategic plan. Strategic facilities expansion. Strategic HR sourcing. Strategic restroom cleaning schedule. The word “strategy” is being abused so badly it needs counseling…
5 Keys to Successfully Allocate WorkTackle your highest priority projects with people who have the right skills
Tue, 09/01/2026 - 12:02
As the leader of a high-performing team, how you distribute and balance work for members of that team is a critical success factor. It needs to be done fairly. Note, I didn’t say equally. Work allocation needs to be done fairly because you want your…
The Importance of Remembering How to Be a Team MemberToo many times, leaders forget what it’s like to be led instead of leading
Thu, 09/03/2026 - 12:02
I tried to achieve some balance in my life by taking a few days off to go fishing on Lake Erie with my son. We chartered a boat for three days—just the two of us. If you’ve never been walleye fishing on a trolling boat (we hadn’t), it’s a bit…
Take off the Kid Gloves to Resolve DisputesSometimes you have to come out swinging
Thu, 01/29/2026 - 12:25
Business isn’t always pretty or civil. Either you can stand up and fight for yourself when the situation warrants it or you can be a pushover who everyone picks on and always takes your lunch money. You’re too nice. That’s why you’re getting your…
Solve Your Customer’s Problem If You Want the SalePutting your buyer’s interests first is the difference between having a customer or a client
Fri, 12/06/2024 - 11:07
Everyone has goals these days. The one that causes more disconnects than any other is a sales goal. It’s a number to hit (either units or dollars or both—the better ones are actually measured in profit dollars rather than revenue dollars). They’re…