The Wigder report has been hibernating. Last week we woke up and we are ready for a long run.

The Wigder Report is Out of Hibernation

by Harvey Wigder

Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in animals, characterized by lower body temperature, slower breathing, and lower metabolic rate. Hibernation conserves energy, especially during winter. Hibernation may last several days or weeks depending on species, ambient temperature, and time of year. The typical winter season for a hibernator is characterized by periods of hibernation interrupted by sporadic euthermic arousals wherein body temperature is restored to typical values. Hibernation allows animals to conserve energy

during the winter when food is short. During hibernation, animals drastically lower their metabolism so as to tap energy reserves stored as body fat at a slower rate. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In mid-2007 things were looking great for Fulcrum Resource Group and the Wigder Report. On the project side, Fulcrum had recruited two COO's, VPs of Engineering and Sales, a CFO and a Group Leader for a research company. We were also enthusiastic about progress on our book, which we highlighted last time we sent out this newsletter, about a year ago.

Then the unexpected happened and hibernation resulted. An electrocardiogram and a stress test showed that my genetically defective heart valve was no longer functional. I was rushed into open heart surgery and then began a slow recovery period. Finally after four months I was feeling very good. Just as I was getting back into the groove, my wife slipped on the ice two feet from the door behind our house and broke her ankle in five places. A quick transition then occurred. I went from being taken care of to being the care giver. Turnaround was fair, but believe me it was nicer being the patient. Think of Kathy delivering coffee and the paper to bed every morning as she went to work.

I was disappointed with myself because I felt so unproductive during this period. Yet, when I sat down a few weeks ago to get my house in order, I found how much had been going on out of awareness. Good stuff just kept pouring out.

First, it took a few hours of thinking and a few days of writing to get my website to say what I always wanted it to say. I guess I needed some time doing what I thought was nothing to get a clearer vision of my company and its mission. It is clear as bell to me now. If you have a chance, click to the revised website.

Second, I realized that my half finished book could be much better. I tore the half finished old one up and am starting over. The new title and a brief description are below:

7 Ideas about hiring for private and family businesses:
Make your company a winner in the war for talent.

This book focuses on ideas rather than techniques. We have worked with private and family businesses for more than twenty years and have learned that applying these seven ideas leads to more effective action than seeking to gain mastery of interviewing or recruiting techniques. We call our way of thinking the Fulcrum Method©. This book has seven chapters - one for each common sense, practical idea. Each chapter gives our recommendations for the most straight forward way for the reader can turn the idea to action.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Forget the two really bad ideas private firms have about hiring

• Understand the blind spots that hurt your company and minimize their impact

  • It is harder for Family Businesses; will that be your excuse?

• Look for talent with systematic intent; just don't hope for the best

• Create a winning hiring team; let your staff's pride show through

• Reasoned dialogue will be necessary to explore those changes which must occur to elevate your company. Accept the need for change in people and methods.

• Unify everyone's vision; involve staff in planning and set higher standards of performance

• Measure performance and give feedback that raises standards

  • Putting it all Together: Congratulations--You have a great company and will be a winner in the talent war.