Sept. 27, 2012 – The next time you’re in front of senior leadership in a meeting, in the cafeteria, or in an elevator, think about the reality of their lives, and have a little empathy. That will create a relationship based more on collaboration than on fear. That will be good for the company and for your career.

Aug. 16, 2012 – Diversity on Boards of Directors can raise the collective IQ of the board as well as position the company for more advancement via social media and technology.

June 28, 2012 – In her first year of being the CEO of a division of Ford Motor Co., Stacey Coopes has learned a lot of things – including how to place dealer orders for new cars over the Internet. It’s been a part of learning how her customers spend part of their days – and how her company can make those days more profitable.

June 7, 2012 – A one-hour meeting with the top five executives of a $6 billion company costs about $30,000 an hour. CEOs have told us that 67 percent of their meetings with first time presenters are total failures. The first key to save your presentation and career: Know your audience and their pressures.

May 31, 2012 – Are your team members eager to work with and for you? Do they trust and respect you? Employees are craving good role models to follow and as you consistently act in a way worthy of emulation, they will begin to follow your lead.

Dec. 15, 2011 - Former U.S. Secretary of State and Gen. Colin Powell has often told audiences that effective leaders are made, not born and learn from trials and errors. Michigan’s business leaders are created the same way. Along the way, many become exceptional as they learn to persevere through hardships, looking for opportunities to succeed.

March 31, 2011 - Peak performance occurs when people are committed to the goals of the company and the team, and are also free to pursue their personal goals and work the way they want to work. Is it easy? No: less than one team in five ever gets there.

Feb. 3, 2011 - How many meetings have you attended where everyone was actively engaged? While it does happen, most businesses I speak with would like to see it happen rather more frequently than it currently does.

Jan. 6, 2011 - Not many companies are driven out of business by their competitors, rather they cause their own demise with cuts from a thousand knives.

Dec. 16, 2010 - AMACON has delivered a new book on management and leadership that’s sure to entertain and enlighten readers.