The Daily Alert from Harvard Business Review

 

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November 05, 2013 Harry Potter Found a Four Leaf Clover By The Daily Idea Harry Potter was a blockbuster hit. But why? What characteristics made it so special? Well, according to social-science research, nothing at all. Most big blockbusters are flukes, and luck played a much larger role in their success than many of us would like to believe. Chalk it up to the effects of social influence.  Since our decisions tend to be influenced by the tastes, choices, and preferences of other easily-influenced people, the hit-making business can... More »

Government How Foreign Backlash Against NSA Spying Hurts US Firms by Vinod K. Aggarwal and Simon J. Evenett Being in bed with the government (or seeming to be) rarely pays off abroad. Sales The Trend that is Changing Sales by Steve W. Martin Why more companies are shifting from field reps to inside sales. Decision making Learning from Bad Decisions in "Disaster Lit" by Dan McGinn Author Neil Swidey reflects on managing risky projects to prevent tragedy. Branding How the Redskins Could Ditch Their Name – But Keep Their Fans by Tim Halloran Resolving the team's branding problem. Talent management Case Study: The Costs and Benefits of a Strong Culture by David A. Garvin Leaders at an IT services firm contemplate whether its family-like atmosphere draws in talent or drives it away. Knowledge management Don't Let Data Paralysis Stand Between You and Your Customers by Harald Fanderl Looking at a wall of numbers? Here's how to prioritize. Managing yourself How to Make Use of Your Anxiety for Positive Results by The Daily Stat Channel your "high arousal" in a positive direction by being energetic and passionate. Sales Why Sales and Marketing Don't Get Along by Andris A. Zoltners, PK Sinha, and Sally E. Lorimer The good news: tension between these interdependent functions can spark creativity.

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