Business Commons^™

Everyday Gratitude In Times Of Uncertainty, Carol Wittmeyer

Business Faculty/Staff Publications

It’s worth reiterating: although Election Day has come and gone, political upheaval and uncertainty are far from over. And rather than drawing to a close, all evidence points to the Coronavirus pandemic gaining momentum before the arrival of a scarce vaccine requiring a demanding supply chain. Add ongoing (and perhaps escalating) racial tensions and economic disruption from which it will takes months and years to recover, and it’s no wonder so many of us are struggling to cultivate a positive outlook—and to help our employees, colleagues, students and families manage successfully through this time of complex, inter-related crises.

Planning Steps For Negotiations: An Important Strategy To Maximize Success, Carol Wittmeyer, David Kunsch

Business Faculty/Staff Publications

This is the first article in a two-part series on developing effective negotiation skills.

“Plans are nothing. Planning is everything.” — President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Negotiations are at the heart of our daily interactions. The ability to negotiate effectively may have never been so important as during the COVID pandemic. Whether re-negotiating business deals with vendors, landlords, employees or shareholders (including family members), the COVID pandemic has presented challenges and opportunities for retail owners to thrive by being creative and strategic in negotiation planning and execution. This first of two articles will focus on preparing for successful negotiations. The second …

Leadership Lessons Via Michael Jordan, Carol Wittmeyer

Business Faculty/Staff Publications

COVID-19 was a time that our stores closed to our customers, many for the first time in decades and even generations for the scores of NSRA members who are family firms. During the COVID-19 “work at home period,” when many owners and employees were hunkered down where they live, one of the interesting distractions was being able to watch “The Last Dance,” ESPN’s 10-part docuseries sanctioned by Michael Jordan about his and the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s. The series holds many leadership lessons to consider relevant to family firms and to organizations considering how to stay resilient in …

Transition Planning: Holding Ourselves Accountable, Carol Wittmeyer

Business Faculty/Staff Publications

NSRA members enjoy the benefits of owning their own enterprises and providing opportunities for themselves, family members, employees, customers and their residential communities. The NSRA Business Performance Report (BPR) provides owners a regular occasion to take stock, and to see how their performance compares to others, and to their past and future goals. The BPR also reminds owners that they are not alone in their successes and challenges in a changing and exciting industry.