Leading Edge

7 steps to help overcome execution problems
The biggest reason that companies underperform is that they fail to execute, writes Art Petty. Fixing this requires strong leadership and a long-term plan. "There are no silver bullets or simple solutions for business execution challenges," he writes. ArtPetty.com (10/29)

Leaders must take targeted action to help women get ahead
Leaders can't rely on assumptions if they want to address the problems that are making life more difficult for women in the corporate world, writes Susan LaMotte, founder of exaqueo. Instead, business leaders should uncover issues by collecting data from their employees and use carefully targeted initiatives to address these problems, she writes. Time.com (10/27)

Strategic Management

More money, more innovation? Not necessarily

(YouTube/Strategy&)

R&D success can't happen without spending, but money won't overcome a lack of leadership and customer insight, according to surveys and a study of 10 years of innovation spending. "[T]he disparities in innovation performance show that there are tremendous opportunities for getting more from your R&D spending, and for improving your competitive position and your financial performance," write Barry Jaruzelski, Volker Staack and Brad Goehle. Strategy+Business online (free registration) (10/30), YouTube/Strategy& (10/27)

Choice of 1960s Soviet rocket may have contributed to explosion
An unmanned Orbital Sciences rocket intended to carry supplies to the International Space Station exploded shortly after launch this week, raising questions about the company's use of modified Soviet rocket engines from the 1960s. The company has chosen a replacement but didn't plan on implementing it for about two years. Yahoo/The Associated Press (10/30), Bloomberg Businessweek (10/29), The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (10/29)

Smarter Communication

How to get people to listen
Effective, inspiring communication takes practice, commitment, honesty and a willingness to interact with the people you're trying to win over, writes Dave Pottruck. "Electronic communication is a tool for communicating information -- not for inspiring passion," he notes. Entrepreneur online (10/23)

Innovation and Creativity

The superconductor invention that came from a car company
The superconducting quantum interference device, or SQUID, can detect minute magnetic fields, making it a vital tool for materials, archaeology, astronomy and body imaging. Yet the inventor of this technology was a team at Ford, whose vehicles did not benefit. "These great institutions pursued research topics not because they were likely to contribute to the parent company's bottom line anytime soon," Ann Johnson writes, "but because the corporation believed that research for research's sake was something a real company did." IEEE Spectrum online (10/27)

Engage. Innovate. Discuss.

How to be a force for good in your company
Leaders need to make a point of doing "the right thing," writes John Keyser. That means the simple acts of leading with positivity and purpose, and treating others with integrity and respect. "Doing the right thing in business means being a source of positive energy, and only positive energy," Keyser explains. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (10/29)

Daily Diversion

New frog species spends time near Yankee Stadium
Researchers have discovered a new species of frog in New York City. The Atlantic Coast leopard frog, which differs from previously known species in its croak and DNA, was first found near Yankee Stadium and also lives in New Jersey and Connecticut. Wired.com (10/29)

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