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Global Advisors is a leader in defining quantified strategies, decreasing uncertainty, improving decisions and achieving measureable results.

We specialise in providing highly-analytical data-driven recommendations in the face of significant uncertainty.

We utilise advanced predictive analytics to build robust strategies and enable our clients to make calculated decisions.

We support implementation of adaptive capability and capacity.

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Thoughts

Global Advisors’ Thoughts: Is insecurity behind that dysfunction?

Global Advisors’ Thoughts: Is insecurity behind that dysfunction?

By Marc Wilson
Marc is a partner at Global Advisors and based in Johannesburg, South Africa

Download this article at http://www.globaladvisors.biz/inc-feed/20170907/thoughts-is-insecurity-behind-that-dysfunction

We tend to characterise insecurity as what we see in overtly fragile, shy and awkward people. We think that their insecurity presents as lack of confidence. And often we associate it with under-achievement.

Sometimes we might be aware that insecurities can lie behind the -ias, -isms and the phobias. Body dysmorphia? Insecurity about attractiveness. Racism? Often the need to find security by claiming superiority, belonging to group with power, a group you understand and whose acceptance you want. Homophobia? Often insecurity about one’s own sexuality or masculinity / feminity.

So it is often counter-intuitive when we discover that often behind incredible success lies – insecurity! In fact, an article I once read described the successful elite of strategy consulting firms as typically “insecure over-achievers.”

Insecurity must be one of the most misunderstood drivers of dysfunction. Instead we see its related symptoms and react to those. “That woman is so overbearing. That guy is so aggressive! That girl is so self-absorbed. That guy is so competitive.” Even, “That guy is so arrogant.”

How is it that someone we might perceive as competitive, arrogant or overconfident might be insecure? Sometimes people overcompensate to hide a weakness or insecurity. Sometimes in an effort to avoid feeling defensive of a perceived shortcoming, they might go on the offensive – telling people they are the opposite or even faking security.

Do we even know what insecurity is? The very need to…

Read the rest of “Power, Control and Space” at http://www.globaladvisors.biz/inc-feed/20170907/thoughts-is-insecurity-behind-that-dysfunction

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Strategy Tools

Strategy tools: Effective transfer pricing

Strategy tools: Effective transfer pricing

So much has been written about transfer pricing. Yet it remains a bone of contention in almost every organisation. Transfer pricing is not merely a rational challenge – it often raises the emotions of internal service users and providers who argue regarding scope, quality, price and value.

We have found that effective transfer pricing relies on some fairly simple best practices and critical success factors.

Many organisations recover costs as a regular ‘below-the-line’ deduction from operating division income statements. In our experience, charge out is almost always preferable. This results in internal value judgements and negotiation regarding delivery happening closer to time of use.

Internal prices / cost recovery plays a crucial role within an organisation: it ‘price signals’ to the buyer and the supplier of the service. Buyers make economic use decisions and suppliers make resource and capacity decisions. This fundamental function and consequence governs the optimal implementation of internal pricing / cost recovery.

We have typically seen that the realisation that internal pricing plays this role and the consequences of poor implementation are not well understood.

Results of poor transfer pricing implementation

Sub-optimal economic use decisions

Where costs / prices are higher than they should be, buyers pass this on as an inflated cost to their customers, experience margin squeeze, or utilise less of the service than they might have.
Strategically this can lead to incorrect decisions regarding the provision of services to the market and loss of market share.
Where costs / prices are lower than they should be, this can lead to overuse of a product or service and poor cost recovery from external customers.
Strategically this can result in the over promotion and sales of products and services that are achieving lower margins than thought, or that might even be making losses.

Sub-optimal investment and resourcing decisions

Incorrect pricing can lead to over- or under-investment in capacity and product or service quality. Further, the resourcing decisions will be incorrect should the price signal to the supplier be incorrect.

Political and emotional argument

Where buyers are unable to obtain assurance that an internal price is correct, there is typically resentment regarding the cost of the internal product and service and the sheltered position employees of the internal service provider occupy – in the buyer’s eyes free from commercial pressures.
Buyers and suppliers typically also argue regarding the quality of the service or product relative to the price paid.
Suppliers may react to criticism claiming their product or service is strategic in nature and refute its availability in the external markets.

Poor product / service quality

Poor price signals will result in lack of comparable product and service quality benchmarks. This can result in ‘gold-plating’ or poor-quality product and service provision.

Read more at https://globaladvisors.biz/2021/01/06/strategy-tools-effective-transfer-pricing/

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Fast Facts

Selected News

Quote: Mark Cuban, American businessman

Quote: Mark Cuban, American businessman

“Leaders don’t look backwards to condemn what has already been done; they look forward to create a better future.” – Mark Cuban, American businessman

Mark Cuban (born 1958) is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known for being the owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the co-owner of 2929 Entertainment. Cuban has also been a prominent figure in the tech industry, founding or investing in several successful companies, including Broadcast.com, which he sold to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion.

Early Life and Career

Cuban was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a working-class family. He dropped out of college at age 19 and moved to Texas, where he began his business career. Cuban’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found several successful companies, including MicroSolutions, which he sold for $60 million.

Philosophy on Leadership

Cuban is known for his forward-thinking approach to leadership and business. He believes that leaders should focus on the future and creating positive change rather than dwelling on past mistakes or failures. His quote emphasizes the importance of innovation, adaptability, and a growth mindset in achieving success.

Key Teachings

  • Innovation and Risk-Taking: Cuban often advocates for taking calculated risks and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. He believes that innovation is essential for business success and personal growth.
  • Transparency and Honesty: He values transparency and honesty in both business and personal relationships, promoting the idea that open communication builds trust and fosters collaboration.
  • Continuous Learning: Cuban emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and self-improvement, believing that personal development is a continuous process.

Impact and Legacy

Cuban’s entrepreneurial success and outspoken nature have made him a well-known figure in business circles. He has been featured in numerous books and documentaries, sharing his insights on leadership, investing, and entrepreneurship. His quote about leaders looking forward to create a better future reflects his belief in the power of innovation and positive change.

Motivational Style

Cuban’s style is characterized by his emphasis on transparency, honesty, and continuous learning. He often uses personal anecdotes and practical examples to illustrate his points, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. His ability to connect with audiences on a personal level has made him an influential figure in the world of business and entrepreneurship.

Influence on Modern Thought

Cuban’s teachings have influenced many modern thinkers and entrepreneurs

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