With an acute labor shortage and increased operating costs, a significant percentage of skilled nursing facilities in the U.S. are functioning at a loss. Recent research shows that many of these nursing homes face shutting down if nothing changes. We look at what this will mean for health care — and for all of us — moving forward. — Introduction So, you think that you have a tough management job? Well, as challenging as it might be, it’s likely far, far easier than being a nursing home administrator these days. Now no doubt, managing a nursing home was hard prior to 2020. But throw in COVID and a crazy labor…

The spike we are seeing at the gas pump — and feeling in our wallets — is the result of a confluence of factors and forces from around the world. The bottom-line is that rising fuel prices show that the law of supply and demand is working, and that the only way out of the present situation is for consumers to slow down on their driving — and spending — that is fueling the fuel crisis. — Overview There’s very real pain at the gas pump today! It seems like every time you go to fill-up your vehicle, the price of gas has gone up not just a few pennies or even a couple of nickels, but by several dimes — maybe even quarters depending on how much…

It seems a bit weird to be writing about an experience having your cat put to sleep by your veterinarian. However, what happened to us serves as a reminder to all in customer-facing businesses to pay attention to the importance of not just first impressions, but last impressions with your customers and clients. — Overview: R.I.P. Manny Unfortunately, we had to put our cat, Manny, to sleep a few days ago. Yes, it was planned, as Manny, who was somewhere around 13–14 years old, had been obviously “going downhill” for some time as he had lost weight, lost much of his sight, lost his appetite, and lost…

Surprising stats on just how many Americans aren’t following professional sports — Attention is everything today, and across the board, recent research shows that all major American professional sports leagues are facing a very real problem gaining traction in our busy, modern and very cluttered world. Here’s a look at how bad their attention problem is, and some suggestions on what leagues can do about it.

The most recent surveys on the mood of American consumers show that inflation is affecting how we shop for, well, everything. Here’s some advice on how to best attract and sell to shoppers today, and it boils down to one word: Sales! — Have you been to the grocery store lately? Up and down every aisle, rising prices on seemingly everything are causing consumers to change what — and how much — they buy to feed themselves and their families. And almost everywhere we go today in our daily lives, from fueling up…

Recent research shows that COVID-19 is motivating more and more people, particularly younger adults, to be interested in and buy life insurance. This makes for a great challenge for the insurance industry in trying to strike the right tone in selling life insurance in the wake of the pandemic. — Overview Quick, name something good that actually came out of COVID-19? Well, if it takes a minute or two, or three, or four… for you to do so, you’re not alone. Maybe you could say that we discovered new ways of working from home that can save us — and companies…

Working in groups or teams is a big part of how all work gets done today. So here’s why what you learn about working together as a group — for good AND for bad — in college is so very important for your future. — Overview What is the quickest way to have your teaching evaluation fall precipitously on the very first day of class? Well, having been a management professor for now over three decades, I can safely say that the answer is easy — and it only takes saying 6 “un-magic” words in that…

The largest retailer in the world needs to find and train a new generation of management. It is promising college students and recent grads a path to become store managers in just two years and oh, make over $200 grand a year! — Overview How does $200 grand a year sound to you? Pretty good, eh? …

Why It’s in the Interest of All to Finally Deal with the Ultimate Threat — The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made the unthinkable prospect of the use of nuclear weapons suddenly thinkable, at least for Vladimir Putin. Here’s why it is vital to understand and deal with the ultimate strategic threat for all of us — including companies Introduction Every student who has ever gone…