Beyond the Boardroom

My book described in John Agno's Leadership Blog

2012-02-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.coachingtip.com/ February 11, 2012

Coach John G. Agno is your own cultural attache; keeping you abreast of what's effective in leadership. People learn better and are positively motivated when supported by regular coaching.

Give Glory, Take Power by Building Community

Dr. Ritch Eich, author of "Real Leaders Don't Boss" tells us that inside a company, corporate culture and community are often intertwined. It is not a coincidence that many of the perennial "best places to work" today are in Silicon Valley, where companies such as Google, Facebook, Apple and others have impressive corporate cultures, strong community ties and unparalleled creativity. Their leadership fosters those strengths.

Back in Southeastern Michigan, David Brandon is one of today's real leaders and has been CEO of a company recognized to be one of the top 100 best place to work. He now heads up the "commercial division" of the University of Michigan where he is director of athletes and previously served as a regent. He was the former chairman and CEO of Domino's Pizza. Brandon stands out as someone who surrounds himself with the best people--people with high ideals, people constantly striving for excellence, people with morals and integrity, people who won't break the rules, people win the right way. He fosters that behavior in others by modeling it without pretension. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty (or clean when making pizzas) and never asks more of anyone that he does of himself, and he is a people person who's always there when you need him.

Howard Sumner Holmes was a real leader, both in his community within Southeastern Michigan and for his family-owned company, Chelsea Milling Company, which produces the grocery staples known as the Jiffy Mix brand. In her book, "Jiffy, A Family Tradition," Cynthia Furlong Reynolds writes, "Howard and Dudley [his twin brother] steered the company through family tragedy, the Great Depression, World War II, major ups and downs in the economy and the boom-days of the package-mix industry."

Howard Holmes had none of the bluster, egocentric characteristics, or false bravado of some chief executives. Instead, he had an innate comfort in his abilities and shortcomings that enabled employees and colleagues alike to relate to him. His humanity was one of the qualities that distinguished him from being a boss. He never made his employees feel they were inferior or less important.

Great leaders can be born into a culture of leaders--the Kennedys, for example--but birthright is no guarantee that someone will become the real deal. Real leaders are made; they learn through trial and error on the job and are nurtured and developed through time.

Honing those leadership skills can happen outside the workplace, too. One of the many leadership "laboratories" helpful to Dr. Eich and myself was our college fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. Serving our fraternity brothers and university community in different roles afforded numerous types of leadership training. We learned quickly how to deal with adversity and constructive criticism, as well as how to improve, grow and handle increased responsibility.

After I graduated from the University of Florida as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict Era, the country and Sigma Phi Epsilon was experiencing a segregation versus integration conflict. While on active duty, in a 70 officer leadership class, the first African-American member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and I became good friends as we brothers competed for the "top gun" [Honor Graduate] of our leadership class. He later became Bill Clinton's presidential campaign manager and after they won the election was the Secretary of the Commerce Dept. in the Clinton Administration. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown died in an airplane crash in Europe while serving his country. The Ron Brown Scholar Program today awards undergraduate college scholarships to academically talented, highly motivated, African-American high school seniors.

True leaders put service above self; empower, don't control; and serve rather than demand to be served. To develop your own servant leadership potential, practice the art of sacrifice for others rather than thinking of having subordinates or followers. Champion your team, troops or staff by always helping and promoting them. Set the most enviable example and let your actions demonstrate what serving others truly means.

Real leadership is not about amassing personal power; it's about the ability to unleash the strengths of others and in turn create a culture of success.

Sources:

Ritch Eich: Real Leaders Don't Boss: Inspire, Motivate, and Earn Respect from Employees and Watch Your Organization Soar

Cynthia Furlong Reynolds: "Jiffy": A Family Tradition, Mixing Business and Old-Fashioned Values

John Agno: Can't Get Enough Leadership: Book Notes & Coaching Tips

Exciting News! Book just published!

2012-01-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

My new book, Real Leaders Don’t Boss, has been published by the New Jersey publishing house, Career Press. Real Leaders Don’t Boss is an easy-to-understand, practical guide to leadership in the workplace and in life that can help anyone grasp what it takes to inspire, motivate, and lead. Click here for more information.

Proceeds from the sale of Real Leaders Don’t Boss will be donated to not-for-profit organizations that are caring for U. S. military men and women who were wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Miller-McCune Publishes Ritch's Article as a "Top Story" in Business

2012-01-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

"Ten Tips for Business Success in 2012" is rated as a Top Story in Miller-McCune Online for the new year. You can read the article at www.Miller-McCune. com and click on the header called Business near the top of the page.

Trader Joe's Goes To College

2011-12-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

By the time "The Pirate" (Johann Patterson) finished speaking to and answering questions from my Marketing students, practically everyone who met the indefatigable, highly personable and wonderful ambassador from Trader Joe's wanted to apply for employment. The Captain of the Agoura, CA Trader Joe's store shared with the CLU management and communications students the secrets of his success.

The hour long exchange covered a myriad of key business topics ranging from the unique history and management of Trader Joe's to its philosophy, "word of mouth" marketing, low prices, product ingredients, private brands, sustainable practices, corporate culture and neighborhood store dynamic. The discussion on the qualities Trader Joe's seeks in hiring its crew was also of great interest to the class. Many of the qualities Johann seeks in new hires are remarkably similar to the expectations in this Marketing course: integrity, punctuality, positive attitude, regular attendance, helping others, cheerfulness, industry, flexibility and more. It is clear that "The Pirate" loves his job, Trader Joe's and the customers he and his crew serve everyday.

Prior to the Pirate's voyage to campus, students read several articles about the company. We are very grateful to Johann and Trader Joe's for this excellent learning opportunity!

Procter & Gamble Site Manager Gives Outstanding Presentation

2011-11-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Chris Wolf, P & G's Site Finance Manager at their California Paper Making Facility for North America (Oxnard), gave an illuminating presentation to the Cal Lutheran University students in my marketing class.

The University of Notre Dame MBA spoke for more than 90 minutes which the students described as "awesome." During and after his enlightening remarks, Chris fielded a wide range of student queries. Drawing on his 14 years with one of the world's unquestioned global brand leaders, his meticulously researched talk was the capstone of the semester-long class.

Peet's--Savor the Flavor

2011-10-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

Dan Charoenrath, Store Manager at Peet's Coffee and Tea in Thousand Oaks, CA, gave a very interesting and enlightening "guest lecture" in my Principles of Marketing class today. The charismatic and charming Peet's leader did a superb job of engaging the management and communications majors in my class.

Using a variety of personal examples, Dan underscored the major reasons for the retail roaster's success including the importance of wise selection of the best people available, the freshness of the coffee and tea and the power of the Peet's brand including display expertise and signage.

Under Dan's leadership, the partnership between Peet's and CLU has grown substantially in the past couple of years, one of the most recent, sterling examples of "town-gown" relations we began in earnest while I was the university's first vice president of marketing and communications beginning in the 2002-2003 academic year.

Students benefit significantly when thoughtful business leaders volunteer their time in the classroom sharing their successes and failures. "Hats off" to Peet's and Dan Charoenrath for this lively, productive exchange.

I Hate To Say I Told You So...but

2011-10-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, Strategic Health Care Marketing published an article I wrote about branding the merger of two excellent health care organizations--Indiana University (IU) Medical Center ( comprised of Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University Hospital)--and Methodist Hospital. Based on substantial market information gathered from key "publics" across the Hoosier state at the time, the Medical Center Relations team I headed had strongly recommended that the newly merged organization be called IU Health. The named that was selected, however, was a "made-up" appellation called Clarian Health.

Now, a decade later, the leadership has decided to revert to the name my team and I had originally recommended; hence, the title of this blog posting. I've never been one to say "I told you so" but in this case had the name we suggested been adopted, several million dollars would have been used where the needs were much greater. That said, I still believe in this organization and am proud to have served as the chief marketing, public relations and business development officer for IU Medical Center for nine years.

I hope you enjoy reading this article. Please feel free to contact me at ritcheich@gmail.com if I can assist you.

Corporate Scandals ad nauseam

2011-09-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

To read the entire article, please contact me at ritcheich@gmail.com or 805.492-6010

It's A Reality--Ritch's New Book

2011-09-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Real Leaders Don't Boss will be released by the New Jersey publishing house, Career Press, in February 2012.

THE HILL Publishes Ritch's Article on the House's Page Program

2011-08-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

For the rest of the article, please go to:

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/lawmaker-news/178637-reform-dont-reject-the-house-page-program

Leadership for Peace

2011-08-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

We recently visited the Martin Luther King, Jr., Park near 17th and Broadway in Indianapolis which is named for the Civil Rights leader. On April 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy spoke to an inner-city crowd gathered to hear his campaign speech, but instead he had to break the news that King had been assassinated. Kennedy was strongly advised not to deliver his remarks; he refused and spoke instead about King. While riots occurred in other U.S. cities, Kennedy's comments about reconciliation between the races prevented riots from breaking out in the "Crossroads of America." The park is home to the Landmark for Peace Memorial (pictured here) which honors the contributions of both slain leaders.

Time For A New Generation in Hospital Boardrooms

2011-07-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

The July 4, 2011 issue of Modern Healthcare published Ritch Eich's latest article on leadership in U.S. hospitals and health systems. Younger, new talent must be sought for governance roles in our nation's hospitals as Ritch points out, utilizing his perspective and past experience as a hospital executive, trustee and board chair.

Currently, Ritch is writing his book REAL LEADERS DON'T BOSS which will be published by Career Press in January 2012. For more information, please contact him at ritcheich@gmail.com

Jiffy Mix CEO Leads Company to New Heights

2011-06-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

This summer my wife, Joan, and I had the opportunity to spend nearly three hours with Chelsea Milling Co. CEO, Howard S. "Howdy" Holmes.

A wide ranging interview with the highly respected and very personable Holmes was complimented by his extensive personally-led tour of their newest facilities.

Howdy's transformational leadership has enabled the family-owned company to thrive despite very challenging economic times and when households are cooking fewer meals than in past years.

Payers & Providers Features Ritch's Essay on CEO Visibility

2011-05-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hospital CEOs Cannot Be Wallflowers...Need to be in the Public Eye

The hospital or health system CEO is arguably one of the most important individuals in any community. This role has evolved over the years from primarily a financial expert focused on ensuring the institution’s fiscal viability to one who can also collaborate artfully with his or her medical staff, negotiate successfully with unions, navigate the independent hospital through a system merger or other collaborations, reach out to local businesses, assess patient satisfaction surveys and more. Because of this, the potential power of the hospital president’s voice as a community leader has never been greater.

Unfortunately, not unlike university presidents who were once striking figures on the public stage, too few hospital CEOs make it a priority to be visible outside the walls of their institution. Fewer still are comfortable jumping into the fray to share with their local public where they stand on the pressing debate regarding Medicare, Medicaid or health care reform in general. I find this troubling and believe that it is the role of today’s health care CEO to advocate for something beyond his or her institution’s necessary but parochial needs.

To read more, please contact Ritch K. Eich, Ph.D. at ritcheich@gmail.com

Change Leadership: Small Wins and Broken Windows

2011-04-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

My father was a teacher, coach and later a school principal in northern California from the 1940s through the 1970s. He was one of those who firmly believed in the separate theories of “small wins” and “broken windows” before they were formally advanced by such scholars as Karl Weick, James Q. Wilson and George Kelling.

I suspect that because my dad had such success with his own personal blend of these two practices in his career as an educator (especially in teaching mathematical reasoning and in teaching sports techniques), it was only natural that I would adopt them into my own career (first as a naval officer and later as a hospital and university executive) especially when participating in organizational change initiatives. These two theories have worked well for me in several ways.

For more information about this topic, please contact Ritch K. Eich at ritcheich@gmail.com

Miller-McCune's Focus: Ritch's Article on the Arts & Leadership

2011-03-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 17, 2011

TOP STORY IN BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Marching to the Beat of A Different Drum Major

In hunting for leadership potential, you might make sweet music by looking at marching bands — or at least the examples good ones set.

By Ritch K. Eich  March 13, 2011

To read complete article, please visit http://www.miller-mccune.com/

THE COSTCO CONNECTION Publishes Ritch's Article

2011-03-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

The following leadership article, "Business lessons for the family," was published in the March 2011 issue of THE COSTCO CONNECTION.

The Ronald Reagan Centennial Symposium

2011-02-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

The symposium "Leadership and Legacy" at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was a GREAT event! Co-sponsored with USC, the event drew a packed house in early February.

The keynote address was given by Tom Brokaw and the panel he moderated featured authors and historians Richard Reeves, Lou Cannon, former California Governor and U.S. Senator Pete Wilson and Douglas Brinkley.

The photos below capture the insightful educational program in Simi Valley, California.

Leadership San Francisco Celebrates 25 Years!

2011-02-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

Leadership San Francisco (LSF) held its gala "Silver Soiree" last week in the beautiful Rotunda of San Francisco's City Hall. Ritch, Class of 2002, and Joan, Class of 2003, joined several hundred San Francisco Bay Area civic leaders and fellow LSF graduates in paying tribute to area corporations and businesses who support this premier leadership training program.

Pictured below are several executives who have steadfastly supported LSF and its Executive Director Dianne Easton and continue to recommend their employees for participation in this 25 year old, 10 month leadership laboratory.

San Francisco's spectacular Rotunda at City Hall

Dianne Easton accepts tribute

Inspiring civic leader, Steve Mayer, Managing Partner of Burr Pilger Mayer greets the large audience. BPM was the "Presenting Partner" and has approximately 20 LSF graduates in its accounting and consulting firm.

Presidio Bank Chairman James Woolwine and President Steve Heitel are among the community leaders present. Presidio Bank, created by Bay Area business leaders, personifies the region's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality service.

2010 World Champions SF Giants President, Larry Baer, an exemplary leader and a fourth generation SanFranciscan, is a staunch supporter of Leadership San Francisco.

Joanne Hayes-White is Chief of the SF Fire Department.

David S.F. Chiu is President of the SF Board of Supervisors

The Ugly Executive

2011-01-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

William Lederer and Eugene Burdick’s prophetic book, The Ugly American, was required reading when I was in high school. The authors’ fictional account of why American diplomacy was failing in Southeast Asia created anger in our small, largely agricultural community. Little did I know at that time that the book would play a role in reshaping national policy. And, I never guessed that I would meet some of their cousins—The Ugly Executives—much later in the workplace as an executive and consultant.

Fortunately, the ones I’ve encountered are few in number but large in their degree of unpleasantness and repugnance. What is it you might ask that makes for an ugly executive? There are many types of behaviors that I’ve observed that fit this definition.

For more information, please contact Ritch Eich at ritcheich@gmail.com

Future Leaders from Unlikely Places

2011-01-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes talent comes from the most unlikely places. Though our future business leaders are apt to come from top MBA programs or perhaps even military branches, these should not be the only avenues to search, especially when looking for leaders with a different point of view.

An often-overlooked arena for leadership development is the arts. Theatre, music and the fine arts all require, undeniably, an above-average level of creativity. But they also require the type of discipline, passion and commitment that can be extremely valuable in many areas of business that are now floundering.

For more information, please contact me at ritcheich@gmail.com

Creating and Utilizing Your Own Personal Brand for Success

2010-12-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

City Councilmember and Mayor Dennis Gillette

Professor Herb Gooch

Thousand Oaks (CA) City Councilmember (and current mayor) Dennis Gillette and Cal Lutheran Political Science Professor Herb Gooch demonstrated to Ritch’s class how numerous, time-tested marketing principles were applied successfully for Gillette in his recent political campaign. Using proven market research tools and a diverse steering committee to develop a winning strategy, students learned how one’s image and record of community involvement can be leveraged effectively.

Detroit is down, but Michigan has the right marketing idea

2010-11-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

Trader Joe's Captain Began As "Box Boy"

2010-11-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Johann Patterson, the very personable Captain of the Trader Joe's store in University Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks, left an indelible, positive impression on students in Ritch's Marketing class today. Taking time from his busy schedule to be with students, the energetic, outgoing and inspiring store manager shared how he rose from his entry level job to manage the "neighborhood store" close to the California Lutheran University campus.

The Captain also spoke about the history, culture and products that comprise TJ's brand. Additionally, he gave examples which directly related to student interest in not just getting a job but also how to keep it. The Captain is a wonderful ambassador for the highly popular grocery with great natural products at reasonable prices.

Sparky Will Be Greatly Missed

2010-11-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

I first met George "Sparky" Anderson during a "Roast and Toast" reception for Domino's Pizza CEO Tom Monaghan, the then new owner of the Detroit Tigers. We held the special event in Crisler Arena on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor after the Tigers beat the San Diego Padres to win the 1984 World Series.

Many years later when I was recruited to spearhead the first integrated marketing and communications function at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Sparky and I recounted that wonderful experience. While many people knew him better than me, few admired him more. Like the great Tigers announcer, Ernie Harwell, who joined us for the dedication of Sparky's diamond on the CLU campus, he will be greatly missed.

Our community, our state and our nation have lost one of the most gracious, thoughtful, humble and knowledgeable baseball strategists we will ever know.

KevinRoss Public Relations' President Gives Students Real-life PR Lessons

2010-10-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

President Ross Goldberg helped Ritch's marketing students focus on the keys to success in the profession.

Drawing from his more than 30 years of marketing communications experience at such major companies as the Hyatt Corporation, CareAmerica (now part of Blue Shield of CA) and UniHealth, Ross talked about the important roles of public relations, marketing and branding.

He provided rich examples on how the three roles all need to work together to send memorable and consistent messages to an organization's many internal and external constituencies.

Ross also discussed how PR executives are really tested when crises occur and fielded a number of student questions.

Hail to Michigan

2010-10-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ritch and Joan were in Ann Arbor to help commemorate the 50^th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s famous speech suggesting the creation of a Peace Corps given on the steps of the Michigan Union at 2:00 a.m. on October 14, 1960.

Ritch shares some ideas with Alumni Association President and CEO Steve Grafton, University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, and Vice President for Development Jerry May

Ritch attended the two-day fall board meeting of the University of Michigan Alumni Association. One of the highlights was watching the Michigan-Iowa football game from the Alumni Association Suite and visiting with University dignitaries.

David Brandon, former Chairman and CEO of Domino's Pizza and newly appointed Michigan Athletic Director, and Ritch meet before halftime.

"Suite moment" during the Michigan - Iowa football game in the Big House.

Students Juiced by "Hands On" Learning at Limoneira Company

2010-10-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Harold Edwards, president and CEO of Limoneira Company in Santa Paula, CA and John Chamberlain, marketing director, ensured that Ritch's university marketing class were exposed to the global company's strategic vision and marketing prescription for the future.

For more than 116 years, Limoneira has been a model company committed to its employees, its community and its shareholders by producing the highest quality citrus while also being a pioneer in sustainability practices.

Students are duly impressed by the solar orchard that provides about 70% of the firm's energy needs.

"Behind the Scenes" at Four Seasons Hotel

2010-10-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

The leadership team at the Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village, provided a fascinating "insider" exposure to their luxury hotel business to Ritch's Cal Lutheran University marketing class. Pictured below are Rob Hagelberg, hotel manager, discussing how to deliver an extraordinary guest experience. Then, Stuart Burdette, sales and marketing director, huddles with Ritch as HR director Jim Cathcart listens. The next photo shows Jelle Vandenbrouche, executive sous chef, explaining to students the storage and preparation of his world renown meals while Purchasing's Henry Briseno looks on. In the final photo, Jim Cathcart discusses Four Seasons' selective hiring process.

2010-10-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

Sage Publications President & CEO Blaise Simqu, speaking recently in Ritch’s CLU marketing class, believes it’s vital to keep one’s commitments, whether it is to an employee, board member, supplier or manager. It’s what he calls “Calendar Integrity”and was part of his inspiring and engaging presentation entitled “From History Major to CEO: Lessons Learned along the Way.”

United Breaks Guitars Video

2010-09-16T19:36:00.001-07:00

Here's a customer satisfaction video I use in my marketing class, now on video #3 and a Harvard Business Review Case:

Effective leadership takes "guts"

2010-09-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

I was listening recently to newspaper columnists and former White House press secretaries debate the positions of national leaders on ABC’s pre-eminent public affairs program “This Week” and was reminded once again of a very important quality that makes for effective leadership.

In our politically correct world it is called intestinal fortitude; however, I much prefer the term my father used: plain old “guts.”

Today’s political climate has been accurately described as ugly. All sides on many issues often refuse to consider other points of view or to compromise for the larger good, and too many leaders on all sides of the spectrum seem fearful of making the tough decisions for fear of alienating their base of support.

It’s a shame they don’t see that this smacks right in the face of the wisdom described by management guru Peter Drucker: “Wherever you see a successful business, someone made a courageous decision.” Fortunately, we still find among us living examples of actions taken by true leaders who understand the need for the simple courage to make the tough decisions.

These are the generation’s “Profiles in Courage.” Among them are:

n Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, former President George W. Bush’s appointee whose tenure was wisely extended by President Barack Obama.

Gates made a difficult but correct decision to recommend that Gen. Stanley McChrystal be relieved of his position as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. Though he was a highly decorated and distinguished flag officer, McChrystal neglected to follow counsel offered by retired Marine Gen. James Jones, current national security adviser, to give his candid recommendations to the president in private. Senate Armed Services Committee members Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and John McCain, R-Ariz., quickly backed Gates’ recommendation and Obama’s decision to relieve McChrystal.

n Columbia University President Lee Bollinger made what he knew was going to be a controversial decision by inviting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at Columbia’s New York campus. A First Amendment scholar, Bollinger was severely criticized for the invitation and for his own remarks that day, but we learned much more about the Iranian leader as a result of Bollinger’s courageous decision to invite him to speak.

n Owner Aaron Feuerstein’s decision to continue to pay his employees after his textile factory in Lawrence, Mass., burned to the ground will long stand as one of the most courageous and thoughtful acts ever taken by a business leader. He truly embodies what reporter Rebecca Leung referred to as the “Mensch of Malden Mills.”

n While at GE, Jack Welch was legendary for jettisoning those General Electric businesses that, while highly profitable, were unlikely to ever be the best in their industries. It takes courage to commit to excellence and then ensure that anything less isn’t worth doing. Welch fostered a corporate culture of being fast, agile, lean and thinking like a small company.

n Joe Torre, the former Yankee skipper (now managing the L.A. Dodgers), surprised most everyone in 1996 by brilliantly managing the pinstripers to capture the World Series while courageously keeping the front office at bay. He is revered more in this corner for speaking out about his abusive father and establishing his Safe At Home Foundation for prevention of domestic violence.

There are many leadership qualities worth emulating. In the sports world, the line “no pain, no gain” is heard every day. In the military, those defending our country are taught “no guts, no glory.” Having played varsity sports in high school and college, and also having been a Navy officer, I have found that playing it safe seldom gets the strategic win.

A newspaper editor friend once told me that the hoopla surrounding management books on good judgment is overblown, and “common sense” is what is actually required. I agree, but I would also add “guts” to the equation.

Perhaps Albert Einstein said it best: “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.”

Ventura County Star

Reaching New Heights With Regular People

2010-09-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have always believed that organizations can be highly successful with normal people and don't have to recruit "bonus babies" or "all-stars" to reach new heights. Inspiring, motivating, developing, recognizing and skillfully utilizing existing talent are some of the essential building blocks.

Ritch meets with friend, Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker

2010-09-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Dusty tells Ritch that "honesty, integrity and consistency of personnel" are some of his most important leadership principles for success. What do you think?