As I discussed in last week’s blog, leadership transitions are a lot like relay races. First, you have to make a good handoff. Once the baton is passed, the new leader needs to hold onto it, something that apparently isn’t easy to do. Research by the Center for Creative Leadership shows that up to 40 percent of newly promoted leaders are no longer in their roles within 18 months.

Because our Chairman Greg Downes has been involved in each of Gibson’s three successful leadership transitions, he’s in a unique position to comment on this issue.

April 2, 2014, marks the 10^th anniversary of National Employee Benefits Day. Although it may not be as widely recognized as other holidays, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans created this holiday to celebrate one of the most dynamic portions of the employee-employer relationship.

More businesses are shifting technology from standard desktops to tablets and smartphones. This means sensitive data stored on mobile devices. Unfortunately, the uptick in digital storage comes at a time when malware and phishing schemes are rampant.

As the right hand guy of Gibson founder, Dan Gibson, our Chairman Greg Downes witnessed almost daily battles between Dan and his son Dave on the direction of the organization. “One day after one of those shouting matches, Dan walked out and simply said, ‘Dave’s in charge now.’” Greg knew it could be done better than that.

“When it came time for Dave and I to transition, we did it better than he and Dan did, but there was still a lot of room for improvement,” said Greg.

After being away from my blogging desk for the last several months doing what accountants do this time of year, I’m ready to get back on my keyboard to continue my mission of singing the praises of Employee Stock Ownership Plans in general, ours in particular.

Gibson’s employee stock ownership plan (the GESOP) definitely makes an impact on all of our employee-owners and our corporate culture. Culture is a tough thing to define – it’s kind of like when you find your soul mate, and you’re asked why you feel so strongly about that person. It’s often squishy and somewhat hard to label – but you know it when you feel it. Culture is the same way for me. I just know a positive culture when I see it – it just feels right.

Did you know that one of the most important factors that contributes to workplace safety is also one of the most overlooked? Housekeeping (yes, housekeeping!) is key to achieving and maintaining a spotless record of workplace safety.

Wes and I walked out of the Denver airport. We were headed to visit a strategic partner in the Englewood area. Joey, our driver, introduced himself and immediately oozed charm. He was a gentleman in his 60s with a very youthful face. That and both ears pierced with gold hoop earrings. A warm and hearty greeting was followed by the usual banter as we pulled away from the airport.

The 2013 workers’ compensation insurance market shows a few emerging & concerning patterns. With costs increasing left, right and center it is looking like the workers’ compensation landscape will be a challenging one to navigate. All together, the outlook is rather bleak in some respects.

Rates

Rates are continuing to firm up. Generally they aren’t as flexible as they previously were and what’s more; it’s looking like they will remain fixed for a long time. Also the market is getting smaller and more competitive. These factors are making workers’ compensation insurance becomes a difficult market to be trading in.

Most people carry a risk in their pocket. That's right! Your cell phone may be a problem waiting to happen.

As I am sure you have figured out by now, one thing that occupies a large amount of my personal reflection time, or as my colleague Jerry Scott calls “sharpen the saw” time, is how to build a stronger Gibson over time. “Strong organizations grow, thrive, and find a way to reinvent themselves in changing times and market conditions,” says Jerry.

He’s right. They stand the test of time and provide support and a good living for their employees and families over the course of entire careers. They also contribute in very meaningful ways to the success and vibrancy of their communities.