“Learn-it-all” will always do better than “Know-it-all” … and a few tips on dealing with the tragedy of the NorCal fires

I know our friends, colleagues and clients in the wine country of Sonoma and Napa are reeling today from the tragedy and devastation brought about by the raging fires in Northern California, which at this moment, are still not under control.


F EMA offers a valuable article, After the Fire! Returning to Normal which may be helpful for those who are experiencing property loss. I also hope an article offering self-care strategies to cope with the emotional distress created by such tragedies, will bring comfort and solace to those afflicted.

A Few Ideas ….

This week, I’ve discovered some articles I want to share with you that touch upon some of the most fundamental challenges facing business leaders …

  • How to make sure you’re staying on top of what’s best for your organization,
  • Why strategy execution almost never happens,
  • Why people can’t get anything done in the office, and
  • Why the least likely suspect is spending more on employee benefits than product.

“Learn-It-All” Will Always Do Better Than “Know-It-All”



In a WSJ joint interview with Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Madella and its founder, Bill Gates, Satya speaks glowingly about the book, Mindset, The New Psychology of Success: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential, which he said changed his life.

The book is about fixed mindsets vs. growth mindsets, and in this interview, Satya captures the essence of why I created Exkalibur University:

The “learn-it-all” will always do better than the “know-it-all”.

Implementing Strategy? Most Likely, Not So Much

One of the most daunting challenges leaders face is implementing strategy, and I don’t think I’ve found a middle market company yet that ever gets it done.

Take a look at ‘Launch and Abandon’ is Not a Strategic Option to consider some of the root causes of this phenomenon.

Trying to Focus? Not Working So Well?

In 8 Concepts to Focus & Get More Done Without Working 8 Days a Week, I’ve written about focus and steps you can take to get out of your comfort zone.

When you read To Win at Workspaces, Blur the Edges of the Office, you’ll learn a few startling statistics that reflect this challenge and will better understand some of the key drivers and disruptors in organizations today.

  • “A 2017 Gallup report revealed the most engaged employees spend 60 to 80 percent of their time working away from the office.”
  • “People are leaving the office because they don’t have the right places to get work done.”

Here’s A Final Interesting Tidbit

A simple but powerful lesson from Starbucks, which spends more money on employee benefits than it does on coffee.


Question: Which one of these issues is giving you the most trouble?

Hop on over to our Facebook Page to leave your comment or question. I visit it every day and look forward to hearing from you and expanding our discussion of these ideas and concepts.

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