I continually collect articles, lists, notes, and ideas I pick up from reading, listening to speakers, or just talking with people each day. I urge everyone to do that as a habit. We evolve over our lifetime as managers, and there are always new ideas that can be helpful, or old ideas that suddenly apply to a situation in which we find ourselves.
As many of you know, my collection of quotes and ideas is usually called just “Morganisms.” I share them in my books, including Applied Wisdom for the Nonprofit Sector, and my less well-known 100 Definitive Morganisms.
I continue working on a nonprofit-oriented update to the 100 Definitive Morganisms, reflecting new ideas that I’ve collected over the last several years.
I also revisit the work I authored or shared when I was CEO of Applied Materials. One saying in particular stands out. Back in the 1980s I shared with my staff that we must:
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Lead from our strengths
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Concentrate our resources
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Have timely reporting, and
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Run a well-managed, low-cost business
I now change the word “business to “organization” when I talk to nonprofits today — surely these four simple principles apply to every organization.
Another saying from my Applied days was “On time, within budget, demonstrating technical excellence.” Drop the word “technical” and this too is solid advice for all nonprofits: “On time, within budget, demonstrating excellence.”
Here are three other sayings from my recent collection:
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When you know yourself, everyone will see you. — Victor Glemaud
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Culture is the way an organization gets things done. — Gary Burnison
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If you are less than five minutes early, you’re late. — Bear Grylls
What are some of your recent favorites?