Jeff Gau
Signing Off as CEO
When I started my career, I wanted what most employees want – a company with a good reputation, ethical bosses, high achievers, and a fun environment.
Leave Things Better
A job well done means we leave something better than we found it. This never seemed as paramount as it does for me now, as I prepare to hand over the reins and retire at the end of this month.
Feeling Risky? Assess Your Tolerance
Every day, as leaders we have to assess risk and make decisions. Some leaders have a higher risk tolerance than others or are willing to take a risk in one circumstance or another. The best leaders get good at calculating risks, evaluating consequences and taking timely action to…
Somebody's Always Better
As an organization, we’ve made a habit of finding and following the best. Rather than spinning our wheels talking about what a better practice, product or outcome could be, we go looking for it. When you’re serious about improving your company, your team or yourself, the first st…
Making Split-Second & Strategic Decisions
Not all leaders are effective decision-makers. So often, I watch good intentions get stuck. Leaders can be smart, they can be insightful, they can be bold, and they can even be strategic in their thinking, and still not be decisive when it’s needed. Effective leaders make these t…
You Can Be Innovative
What does innovation mean to you? Do new inventions and lofty plans come to mind? That’s common. So often we think we need to invent the next iPhone or Tesla to be innovative. But that’s just one type of innovation; as organizations, we typically have the most to gain when we con…
Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is
In a recent planning session with some Marco leaders, we discussed what words we hope people use when talking about our company. One of the qualities that rose to the top was “generous.”
Gifts in a Social Recession
Every year, I look forward to the holidays and Christmas shopping. For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed spending time looking for the perfect gift – something meaningful, usually practical and often an item that the person would not get otherwise.
Are You Getting Crispy?
It’s not uncommon to feel a little – or a lot – “crispy” after a busy day, week or month, especially these days. Even the highest performers, with the highest capacities, can get burned out and need a break. Those who are most successful know what they need to do to refresh and r…
Should Managers be Mentors?
High performers almost always credit good mentors for their development and success. I have had many mentors who have influenced me over the years. While I learned a lot from my supervisors, some of my best mentors were not my bosses.
