Alan Gregerman

Greetings.  Having teenagers has its special rewards.  Wait...I'm trying to think of one.  But seriously, having two teenage daughters is a source of great joy and, at times, lots of emotion.  But it's also a wonderful opportunity to learn, keep up with the wisdom and challenges of their generation, strengthen my understanding of digital technology and the fast-changing world of entertainment and improve my colorful language skills.  It is also an opportunity to learn about some of the best practices of companies focused on young people that are working hard to earn their attention and purchasing power.  Companies like H & M, the fast-growing Swedish retailer, or Chipotle which has reinvented the world of fast food, or...

This holiday season it was hard to avoid the amazing growth of "gift cards" as a perfect giving option.  Gift cards for practically every product, service or retail establishment known to humankind...all tastefully displayed in drug stores, grocery stores, departments stores and the individual stores bearing their names and logos.  They've become almost ubiquitous--my favorite word from high school English class (and a word I have been hoping to use in a blog post)--and a highly desirable present because they allow recipients to buy something they really want instead of what we guess they might want.  Not that there's anything wrong with guessing.  But, then again, we might choose something that is quickly "re-gifted."

We leads me to a very simple and powerful idea about how to engage employees and bring out their real genius.  An idea so simple and logical that it drives most companies, leaders and human resource directors absolutely crazy--"because it's just to hard to...

Greetings.  I'm normally a very patient person, but after the latest round of delays in getting my Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" I'm starting to get a bit frustrated.  I realize that creating a state-of-the-art airplane is a difficult thing to do.  It involves lots of innovation in terms of design, technology, collaboration and production.  But let's be serious, we were promised this product originally in the beginning of 2008.  

Now, roughly three and half years later, most of us are wondering when ours will arrive.  And, some of us, including China Eastern Airlines have decided to cancel their orders and move on with older and less energy-efficient aircraft as Boeing tries to figure out how to ramp up its output.

Greetings.  Thanksgiving is a day when many newspapers offer upbeat stories about people in their communities who are making a real difference.  Neighbors helping other neighbors in a time of need.  People coming together to provide food for the hungry among us.  Soldiers coming home to the welcoming arms of family, friends and even strangers who stop to thank them for their service in protecting the freedoms we hold dear.  People overcoming great odds to achieve a dream that some thought was beyond reach.  It's a day to pause and be thankful in the face of challenges.  To count our blessings.  To appreciate the simple things.  To honor the people and things that really matter.

And on the front page of today's Washington Post is a wonderful story strikes a powerful cord.  It's a story about a remarkable young teacher and football coach...