The benefits-and limits-of decision models; Big data and models help overcome biases that cloud judgment, but many executive decisions also require bold action inspired by self-confidence. Here’s how to take charge in a clear-headed way

The benefits—and limits—of decision models

Big data and models help overcome biases that cloud judgment, but many executive decisions also require bold action inspired by self-confidence. Here’s how to take charge in a clear-headed way. Read more of this post

The strength of ‘weak signals’: Snippets of information, often hidden in social-media streams, offer companies a valuable new tool for staying ahead.

The strength of ‘weak signals’

Snippets of information, often hidden in social-media streams, offer companies a valuable new tool for staying ahead.

February 2014 | byMartin Harrysson, Estelle Métayer, and Hugo Sarrazin

As information thunders through the digital economy, it’s easy to miss valuable “weak signals” often hidden amid the noise. Arising primarily from social media, they represent snippets—not streams—of information and can help companies to figure out what customers want and to spot looming industry and market disruptions before competitors do. Sometimes, companies notice them during data-analytics number-crunching exercises. Or employees who apply methods more akin to art than to science might spot them and then do some further number crunching to test anomalies they’re seeing or hypotheses the signals suggest. In any case, companies are just beginning to recognize and capture their value. Here are a few principles that companies can follow to grasp and harness the power of weak signals. Read more of this post

Next frontiers for lean: Lean-production techniques have been revolutionizing operations for 50 years. Advances in technology, psychology, and analytics may make the next 50 even more e

Next frontiers for lean

Lean-production techniques have been revolutionizing operations for 50 years. Advances in technology, psychology, and analytics may make the next 50 even more exciting. Read more of this post

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

by Ben Horowitz  (Author)

Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley’s most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, offers essential advice on building and running a startup—practical wisdom for managing the toughest problems business school doesn’t cover, based on his popular ben’s blog. Read more of this post

A Conversation With Venture Capitalist Ben Horowitz on the ‘Hard Things’

MARCH 4, 2014, 12:01 AM  3 Comments

A Conversation With Venture Capitalist Ben Horowitz on the ‘Hard Things’

By NICK BILTON

Andreessen HorowitzBen Horowitz, the co-founder and general partner of Andreessen Horowitz, has written a book about management and start-ups. Read more of this post

A Powerful New Way to Edit DNA; A technique is stirring excitement while raising profound questions.

A Powerful New Way to Edit DNA

By ANDREW POLLACKMARCH 3, 2014

In the late 1980s, scientists at Osaka University in Japan noticed unusual repeated DNA sequences next to a gene they were studying in a common bacterium. They mentioned them in the final paragraph of a paper: “The biological significance of these sequences is not known.” Read more of this post

“What is to be salvaged of our hope for the final memories we leave to those who love us? The dignity we seek in dying must be found in the dignity with which we have lived our lives.”

Sherwin B. Nuland, ‘How We Die’ Author, Dies at 83

By DENISE GELLENEMARCH 4, 2014

Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland in 1996. His book “How We Die” won a National Book Award in 1994 and sold over 500,000 copies.CreditBob Child/Associated Press Read more of this post

Time to Try Compassion, Not Censure, for Families; If an objective is to help poor children and young people achieve better lives, it may be time to stop trying to reshape families into a platonic ideal

Time to Try Compassion, Not Censure, for Families

MARCH 4, 2014

Eduardo Porter

Nearly 50 years ago, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, assistant secretary of labor for President Lyndon B. Johnson, noted that nearly a quarter of African-American children were born to single mothers and proposed that this “deterioration of the Negro family” was “at the heart of the deterioration of the fabric of Negro society.” Read more of this post

Established Companies, Get Ready for the Collaborative Economy

Established Companies, Get Ready for the Collaborative Economy

by Alexandra Samuel  |   11:47 AM March 4, 2014

As more and more startups like Airbnb, Etsy and Kickstarter crowd into the space of the collaborative economy, big brands are starting to get in on the action, too.  Staples sells products developed on Quirky; Avis has acquired Zipcar; Walgreens has partnered with TaskRabbit for delivery. Read more of this post

Are You Too Afraid to Succeed?

Are You Too Afraid to Succeed?

by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries  |   1:00 PM March 4, 2014

Tim had been on the fast track. An Ivy League graduate, he had joined one of the premier consulting firms as an associate. He went on to take an MBA at INSEAD, graduating at the top of his class. Recruited by a pharmaceutical firm he rose quickly through the ranks, joining the executive team in record time. Within just eight years after joining the company he was appointed its CEO. Read more of this post