Don't you believe it . . . solutions are better than problems

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How many times have you heard someone say: 'Don't bring me problems, bring me solutions'? Yet the grain of truth in this aphorism is buried under a whole bushel of caveats. It may be good to encourage people to think on their feet, but it's very bad for bosses to suggest they aren't interested in problems. The reluctance of management to hear about problems was a major contributor to the Challenger space shuttle disaster of 1986, the explosion at BP's Texas City refinery in 2005 and the injury-free but chaotic launch of Heathrow's Terminal 5 in '08. Less dramatic consequences of this approach include . . .

Link
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/992231/dont-believe-solutions-better-problems/

MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Prevent Team Conflict From Breaking Out

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Is there tension brewing in your team? Follow their ten tips to prevent it from turning into all-out war..

Link
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1029232/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-prevent-team-conflict-breaking-out/

Coalition split on key business issues?

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Now we admit that we're already a bit bored with Coalition split stories (is it really a surprise to anyone to discover that some Lib Dems and some Tories disagree on particular policy issues?). But we're nothing if not self-interested, so we felt compelled to bring you the findings of a new MP survey by the British Chambers of Commerce, which found that the two sides appear to be split on some of business's biggest bugbears – viz., employment law, overseas trade and infrastructure. And although this might not matter as long as the front bench are on the same page, the latest musings of Messrs Cable and Alexander suggest that might not be the case . . .

Link
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1029442/coalition-split-key-business-issues/

Alexander launches 'ruthless' tax evasion clampdown

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The government is pledging to raise billions of pounds by clamping down on "morally indefensible" tax evasion, a senior Lib Dem minister has said.

Link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11359306

Decision not to join euro was right, says Alexander

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Senior Lib Dem minister Danny Alexander has admitted the previous Labour government made the "right decision" in not pushing to join the euro.

Link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11380431

University spin-outs spot spin-offs from recession.

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“The government is counting on universities to help the country recover from the economic downturn.”

Link
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/dec/01/research-higher-education

How to Get Your Business Plan Rejected by Venture Capitalists

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“When you are presenting your new or growing business to a venture capitalist firm, the first, and sometimes only, thing that the firm will look at when making a decision about your business is your business plan. If your goal is to be read, you need to avoid these things. They are the best ways to ensure that your business plan ends up in the trash!

First, remember that first impressions are important in the investment business. If the look of your business plan and cover letter do not represent your plan well, then you can be guaranteed that it will end up in the circular file! First, if you are struggling to fund your business, you may be tempted to ask the investor to send your business plan back in a prepaid envelope if they are not interested in what you present.

While this seems like an economical suggestion, it does not sit well in the minds of the investor. You are showing the investor that you are desperate to get capital for your business. So desperate, in fact, that you cannot even afford to draft multiple copies of your business plan for potential investors. Desperation does not lead to success in the mind of the investor.”

Link
http://www.fundingpost.com/investor-presentations/How-to-Get-Your-Business-Plan-Rejected-by-Venture-Capitalists.asp