Management Advice

stay interview employee retention leadership scripts

The Silence Before the Resignation: Mastering the Stay Interview

Learn how to retain top talent using the Stay Interview script. Practical questions for managers to uncover employee needs before it is too late.

6 min Feb 26, 2026

firing employees compassionate leadership management advice

The Compassionate Cut: why firing fast is actually the kindest thing you can do

Explore the logic behind 'hire slow, fire fast' with a focus on compassion. Learn why keeping a struggling employee hurts the team, the business, and the individual.

Ben Schmidt 7 min Aug 1, 2025

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What is an Angel Investor?

A practical guide for business owners to understand the role of angel investors, how they provide capital, and how they differ from venture capitalists.

5 min Jul 10, 2025

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The Resume is a Fiction: reading the invisible script in interviews

Learn to spot the subtle red and green flags in job interviews. A guide for managers on reading body language, pronoun usage, and emotional cues to hire the right person.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Jun 25, 2025

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Hiring for Slope, Not Intercept: the case for potential over pedigree

A guide for business owners on how to interview for high-potential candidates. Learn to identify fast learners and growth mindset over static resumes.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Apr 15, 2025

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The Courage to Turn the Ship: distinguishing between grit and delusion

A guide for business owners on identifying when to pivot. Learn to distinguish between healthy persistence and dangerous stubbornness to save your business.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Mar 8, 2025

reference checks hiring tips candidate screening

The Forensic Reference Check: digging up the truth before you sign the offer

Stop treating reference checks as a formality. Learn the psychological tactics and specific questions that reveal a candidate's true work ethic and potential.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Feb 22, 2025

The SOP they learned six months ago is already fading.

Death of the Binder