Profit and control have been the driving themes of the manufacturing industry over the past 150 years. However, as we get deeper into the knowledge economy, we find both of these concepts evolving. The issue of profitability is turning into the issue of sustainability. The issue of control is turning into the issue of empowerment.

MAKE SURE INCENTIVES ARE JUST THAT Incentives are designed to motivate salespeople to increase andimprove production; however, you should exercise caution when implementing an incen...

MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES by Jean-Pierre Potvin To direct the performance of individuals or groups of employees properly, managers need simple, efficient, and, above all, flexible methods. Manage...

Most agencies are automated, some even using their second or third generation of automation. Many agencies load their policy data into the system, interface with their carriers and rarely access their paper files. Few agencies, however, are taking advantage of a well-managed client database. Gathering meaningful data that you can regularly manipulate is the key to successful database management.

MANUFACTURING COMPANY EMBRACES EAP WORKING PARTNERS General Alum & Chemical Corporation in Holland, Ohio, manufactures liquid aluminum sulfate, a substance used primarily in paper manufacturing ...

MEETINGS, MEETINGS, MEETINGS! by Grace Bauer 'Meetings, meetings, meetings! How do they expect me to get anything done if I have to attend meetings all the time? I can't believe how many ...

NASCAR: SUCCESS CREATES CHALLENGES by Chris Burand Chris Burand compares agency management challenges with NASCARs: Learning to manage people and their emotions, while still succeeding...

OWNERSHIP, PERPETUATION, AND MANAGEMENT by John Jaques The succession of ownership and management for your organization for the mid and long term is as important to your firm as ...

One of the toughest financial decisions agency owners face is how much to pay themselves. It's especially tricky for agencies with multiple principals, because it's rare that all owners make identical contributions to the organization. Deciding what's equitable compensation for each individual may cause unnecessary conflict.

PERPETUATION: IS YOUR AGENCY PREPARED? by Grace Bauer ...