IDEAS

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While the articles here are not always related to our day-to-day work, the viewpoints represent much of our sensibilities. We are often skeptical of common wisdom, direct in our observations, sometimes provocative and take a broad perspective on issues commonly described as Human Resources related.

Guaranteed Severance Agreements? Employment agreements, with payments for separation without cause, remain common for CEOs. However, some Boards are reexamining the rationale for guaranteed executive severance. Read more	The Power of “Soft” Targets. “Soft” bonus targets are one of the more powerful tools a board and CEO can use to set priorities, reinforce corporate values, and develop the company’s leadership team. Read more.	The Impact of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform.  The Dodd-Frank Act will produce any number of unintended consequences and, although less likely, it may succeed in accomplishing at least one of its stated objectives. Read more.	Enough With Teamwork. Before putting together a team-based compensation program, it’s important to explore precisely how and when teams create value. Read more.
The New Rules Will Not Help. With a sense of resignation we can, with some certainty, make three predictions about the new requirements.  Read more.	How to Improve Your Bonus Program. Fourth quarter is when two of the more stressful, emotion-laden annual activities in white-collar America occur: bonus allocations and goal-setting. Read more.	How NOT to Design Your Compensation Program. Our firm was engaged by a CEO who was grappling with the issue of retaining key talent in light of declining equity markets laying waste to option and restricted share value. Read more.	Pay for Future Performance. When the going gets tough, companies are forced to face up to the reality of paying for future performance. Read more.
Executive Perquisites are Alive and Well. The resilience of perquisites highlights their potential business value. Read more.	Retrospective Leadership. What, if anything, we can do differently in our own businesses with respect to executive pay and risk management? Read more.	How the “Small” Business Owner Can Think Big. When it comes to developing compensation approaches to drive growth, the poor economy is bringing out the most innovative and optimistic instincts of the small business leader. Read more.	Resurrecting Cash in Executive Pay. Equity compensation has significant hidden drawbacks for non-executive shareholders. Read more.
Equity Compensation for Private Companies. Designing and implementing an equity compensation plan for a private company is not as complicated as one might think. Read more.	Six Shortcuts to Guide Your “Say-On-Pay” Vote. To get a sense of each executive-pay program’s fundamental design, I look for any of six company practices that I consider red flags. Read more.