Mark Akerley - Articles

 

Since 1982 SIGMA Resource Group has been helping business leaders and their companies achieve their goals. We help business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs break through organizational and personal limitations and plan and lead their companies to long term success. Our one driving goal has been and always will be to help clients achieve results.

Mark Akerley – Mark has the unique ability to simultaneously be both an Advisor and Leader for his clients. Clients and colleagues point out his excellent listening and analytic abilities combined with his drive and know-how to get things done. For more than twenty years as founder and President of Sigma Resource Group he has worked with companies of all sizes and in many industries – including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GE, Penn National, EMC, AMA, American Automobile Association - and over 300 other organizations. Mark’s leadership has resulted in companies significantly improving service, quality, productivity, and operating results. Mark’s real passion though is working with small to mid-sized companies and their business owners and top teams to help them set and achieve realistic yet “stretch” goals. As he says, “it’s all about results and fulfillment for the business leader.”

Five Tips to Get Unstuck in Your Business

It’s a fact of business life that every so often the business leader gets stuck. It may be due to a chronic business problem, an external environmental condition or even a personal problem. Whatever the cause you know it happens and it doesn’t feel very good, e.g. that feeling of reaching a plateau, treading water or simply spinning your wheels. Again, it happens to every business leader, so don’t feel discouraged. As soon as you recognize your condition simply resolve to take action to get Read

By: Mark Akerley | 09/11/2008 | Management

Ten Tips for Better Problem Solving

It's no surprise to business leaders that solving problems is a huge part of business success. Some business leaders thrive on managing problems, others don't. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 30/09/2008 | Leadership

The Power of Neutral Thinking

Neutral thinking helps stop negative thinking right in its tracks. So when negative thoughts do enter your head (and they will) – e.g. when a colleague lets you down, when your new system crashes, or even when a car cuts you off on the highway - immediately shift to neutral thinking by asking questions rather than rushing to conclusions. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 30/08/2008 | Management

If You Can’t Solve the Problem, Manage it

Opportunities and challenges abound for business leaders. Finance, operations, people, sales and marketing are all dynamic issues requiring constant management attention; some more than others depending upon circumstances. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 18/07/2008 | Management

Lonely at the Top? How to Create Your Personal Support Network

As a business leader you’re constantly faced with challenging issues, opportunities and tough decisions. Managing such circumstances is what business leaders do of course, but some do it much better than others. The difference might be due to experience, skill or talent; but when that’s not the case evidence suggests the business leader has not established a broad enough support network. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 18/06/2008 | Management

Three Tips for Avoiding Complacency

Of the numerous articles on why businesses fail, I have yet to read one that cites “complacency” as a contributing factor. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 19/05/2008 | Management

Doing More With Less - Beware the Superman Complex

The life of a business leader is busy to say the least. Perhaps hectic is a better description for some. Without a doubt though running a serious enterprise of any size requires business leaders to engage in myriad activities and at varying levels of involvement. However, as a business leader you only have so much time and energy. Therefore, it is imperative you direct your time and energy to getting the results you want and not just completing activities. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 18/04/2008 | Management

How to Build Momentum in Your Business

One thing I find fascinating though, is the media’s focus on momentum, indeed an important factor in winning a campaign. There are certainly some parallels to business on this winning ingredient, and this month’s article addresses them from a “how to” perspective. So read on if you would like to gain some momentum in your business. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 10/03/2008 | Management

Four Tips for Better Decision Making

As a business leader you’re constantly faced with making decisions. Lots of decisions I’m sure, ranging from no brainers to complex and difficult.. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 11/02/2008 | Management

How to Create a Sense of Urgency

One way to increase focus is by creating a sense of urgency within all who work with you on your important tasks, and by increasing your own. This month’s article addresses that with a tip or two for everyone. Read

By: Mark Akerley | 04/01/2008 | Management