SPRING TRAINING, BASEBALL AND BUSINESS. This week Bob examines the similarities and differences between baseball and business.

Just as Spring training gives rookies an opportunity to show their stuff and ultimately shine their light, so too does being on their first big project give newer employees a chance at sharing the limelight. And that’s just one of many comparisons between baseball and business. Recently, Fast Company interviewed baseball columnist Jeff Angus The…

WHAT MAKES A GREAT LEADER? This week Bob acknowledges two great presidents with February birthdays and discusses the role of a leader.

Each February we celebrate Presidents’ Day as a national holiday that honors two of our country’s greatest presidents: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both men were great presidents because, despite their vast difference, they shared similar leadership traits that are just as important today — in the private and the public sector — as they…

IS LOVE ALL YOU NEED? In honor of Valentine’s Day, Bob offers some thoughts on how to maintain good relationships with customers and employees.

In any relationship actions often speak louder than words. Sometimes it’s easier to say “I care” than to show you care. For example, losing a customer is always difficult. Sometimes the loss happens through change: a business acquisition, a change in direction, or a change in personnel. That’s why, at Shamrock we follow the rule…

“HOW’M I DOING?” This week’s post is one Bob developed in 2011. In this post Bob discusses why it’s critically important to get client feedback regarding the work you’re doing for them. Because what you don’t know can actually hurt you… and your business.

During his three terms as New York’s mayor, Ed Koch was known for asking just about everyone, “How am I doing?” Koch tackled a problem head-on, asking that dreaded question, and expecting an honest answer. He was known to immediately address an issue before it became a major problem. Koch was one of the most…

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGE. Reflecting on the past and seeking change is common in the New Year. Bob reflects on changes at Shamrock.

Change is inevitable, in business and in life. Actually, change in business is good since it’s a reflection on growth and movement, which, I believe, are two things that keep a business vital and poised for sustainability. Since 2010 we at Shamrock have seen lots of change. First, spurred on by a lagging economy, Shamrock,…