• The Law of Certainty=Uncertainty Sanford Kahn         posted in: Change and Organizational Development
    I believe it was Ben Franklin who stated that there are only two things in life that are certain.   These two things are Death & Taxes. Even in science there is no certainty.  This was best expressed by the late American physicist Dr. Richard Feynman who said, “If you think tha...
  • The 5 Blunders that can Sink a Business Sanford Kahn         posted in: Business
    Worshipping High Profit Margins—When you try to maximize your profit margins you will also maximize your competition. Instead of focusing on profit margins, focus instead of increasing your Free Cash Flow (FCC). This is defined as income from operations minus capital expenditures. Use FCC to obtain market share. Financially Starving the Opportunities & Feeding the P...
  • The surest thing about a Sure Thing Sanford Kahn         posted in: Change and Organizational Development
    The surest thing about a sure thing is that there is no such thing as a sure thing. When the sure thing turns doubtful, the damage done by a trend reversal is extensive.  Just think about the U.S. housing market.  People always thought that housing prices have only one direction and that was up.  Surprise! There can be no such thing as a sure thing because all m...
  • The Simple Law of Complexity Sanford Kahn         posted in: Management and Supervision
    This law states that the complication factor of a strategy or course-of-action is directly proportional to the square of the plan’s complexity. This Law almost guarantees that any plan or strategy (business or personal) that involves numerous players will go wrong. Complications will arise. A good example of this are large government contracts. The cost overruns ...
  • Is Rate-of-Return the Most Important Investment Criterion? NO! Sanford Kahn         posted in: Business
    We all make investment whether as individuals or businesspersons.  Therefore, with the maze of investment choices available what yardstick would be the most appropriate for both individuals and businesspeople to gauge each one?  Some people make their investment decisions based primarily on rate-of-return, while others deem safety of paramount importance.  Some others focus on the tax a...
  • Why U.S. living standards must Decline. Sanford Kahn         posted in: Business
    The paramount principle of economics is that there is no such thing as a free lunch. In order to have increasing standards of living a nation needs increasing levels of investment.  But, American capital is being driven overseas by a weakening dollar.  Why should any individual or business want to invest in a country whose currency is being debased–falling in value.  This will...
  • Why will there always be economic unease & conflict? Sanford Kahn         posted in: Conflict Management
    Why there will always be eternal economic unease and conflict? First,  you must understand that economics is not a science.  Using the classical definition of economics–it is the study of human behavior in its historical setting. In other words–economics is the study of psychology. Once you understand this, th...
  • The Positive Power of negative thinking Sanford Kahn         posted in: Business
    The positive power of negative thinking is an unusual topic especially in today's mental mindset society.  But, let’s delve outside-of-the-box for a minute. It is commonly accepted in western thought that a positive mental attitude is necessary and vital to achieve success and advancement. Not true! What is important is to take positive ac...