Pulling free of competition with all its highs and lows, risks and rewards, in favor of the more fluid model of coopetition is like pulling free from gravity. It takes a tremendous force of will.

It is that mythical time of the year where businesses start trying to spread holiday cheer. In many cases, this is a pretty picture replete with one-time bonuses and upbeat messages. In other cases, this is another wonderful example of corporate hype.

Changing an organization's culture is hard. But as Peter Drucker famously said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast."

If you can find a way to unlock the primal mojo of your workforce, you won't need to manage as much as you do. You won't need to rely so heavily on incentive plans, performance reviews, pep talks, frowns, and punishment.

Winning attitudes do not emerge by chance. Leaders aligning their organization's strategy, posture and culture create them.

The core belief of The Conversation Company is that conversations between people are the key driver of business growth. A smart mind twist is the idea of 'unused conversation potential.'

Companies, like 3M and Google, that allow employees to carve off a certain percentage of their paid time for innovation are rare. Most other firms want their people to stay focused on today's business -- and only work on innovation in their spare time.

Here's my offering to help you create a corporate culture that works, hoping that you will give it serious thought for the sake of your employees.

What seems like wasted or unproductive time for many managers is actually fulfilling important personal and organizational needs.

If there's information out there about your negative financial background, your crummy criminal background, or your salacious sexual background, you're going to find it hard to find a job. Unless you're a CEO.

The businesses that can create a cultural movement among their employees are few and far between, but those who do have an incredible advantage that they should recognize and do everything possible to celebrate and preserve.

Now is a good time to look at some illusions which have remained more deeply embedded in our work culture.

During the meeting, I began to experience existential discomfort well before the first break. This manifests itself as an intense desire to leave the room and walk aimlessly about the executive floor.