Articles by Michael Echols

Innovation is more likely when organizations use diverse perspectives to find solutions to common problems.

Take advantage of skilled young leaders returning to civilian life.

Innovation leads to improvement only when it’s measured. Without metrics, it is not clear that change is going in the right direction.

Top companies follow rigorous scientific inquiry, not crowd beliefs. It’s not only about selecting the best. It is also about avoiding the worst.

With such great personal assets, why aren’t these young citizens getting hired?

Without standards-based reporting on human capital expenditures, it is impossible to do the financial analysis CEOs say is so important.

Employers continue to lack vital skills necessary to compete. When it comes to learning and development, it should be a priority to ask how the curriculum addresses critical thinking, innovation and problem solving issues.

Seventy percent of learning during a lifetime is the result of experience, not formal training. Innovation, critical thinking skills need to be developed post-hire.

Mutual of Omaha found that employees who participate in a tuition reimbursement program are more likely to advance and remain with the company.

The most successful long-term investment approaches make the investment before the need is apparent.

Organizational strength is grounded in tacit knowledge. Knowing who our leaders are as human beings helps motivate and align our organizations.

Some CFOs believe learning is a good investment and some don’t. They need more data and analysis to make more productive investment decisions.