Some time ago I came across one of the Schegge, articles written in 1971 by Giovanni Papini, a controversial Italian intellectual, for Il Corriere della Sera. Listen to this. Some say nothing but say it well. Others say a lot but say it badly. The worst are those who say nothing and say it badly. […]

I don’t think I need to add something. Do you?

The stratagem I’m going to present to you is from the book The 36 stratagems, a Chinese masterpiece that can be of interest to anyone involved in conflict situations: in business, politics and private life.   Literal translation Take advantage of the gap to intervene, and find ways to control the enemy’s key points, which must […]

Now tell me: do you think Montaigne is right?

Delegation is something very strange. Leaders are trying desperately to learn how to delegate and better manage their time, while their staff are real experts at delegating their responsibilities to the boss. Here is an example. Charles is about to enter the elevator when Mario, one of his staff, stops him. “Good morning, Boss. Do […]

What would you answer?

The stratagem I’m going to present to you is from the book The 36 stratagems, a Chinese masterpiece that can be of interest to anyone involved in conflict situations: in business, politics and private life.   Literal translation Instead of directly attacking the strongest part of the enemy, indirectly weakens the enemy’s momentum. That is to […]

Have you seen the cartoon? Now tell me: When does knowledge turn into power, in your opinion?

What is the link among job, salary, and fear of the void? Let’s see it together. In a 1960 study, US psychologists Eleanor J. Gibson and Richard D. Walk wanted to gather information about infants’ perception of emptiness. To achieve their goal, they used the visual cliff (see the picture), a tool designed to give […]

The one you see in the cartoon strip is a rather common situation in small and, sometimes, medium-sized companies. The business owner manages the company personally, is aware of his know-how and intends to protect it. The possibility that his staff member could strengthen the competitor’s ranks or even become a threat to his leadership […]