Opinion

Lifting national productivity is a goal that is universally supported, but it seems our leaders in Canberra either haven't really thought through what it means in practice, or just don't care.

The comfortable margin at last week's state election would have surprised some Liberal insiders.

WHEN you're asking an existing or prospective customer a question, the object is to get them to think and respond emotionally.

MUCH of a leader's power lies in their capacity to inspire others to action. To be able to do that, as noted by Napoleon Bonaparte, a leader must be a ‘dealer in hope'.

Bankers might have caused the never-ending global financial crisis but it is politicians who are perpetuating it as the latest European farce, a raid on bank accounts held in Cyprus, so brilliantly

Gina Rinehart's omission from a BRW rich list is perplexing, considering the ‘self-made' women who made the grade.

Colin Barnett should prioritise his ‘to-do' list as he and his ministers wade through their election commitments.

The reality on future iron ore prices may be somewhere in the middle of the most dire predictions and those of the eternal optimists.

Having listened to many winners and losers in the state election, there are some clear lessons emerging.

China's actions in the South China Sea have raised regional tensions, and should be closely watched.

LAST week I promised the answers to why lousy service occurs and how to fix it; the answer revolves around four words you already know -positive attitude, personal pride.

IT'S great to know the secrets of so-called ‘success stories' and their habits, but it's just as important to learn from failure.

Successful companies have a number of practices in common that enable them to succeed in the good times, and survive major downturns.

It's a good thing for the re-elected state government that the property market is rising, because without an increase in stamp duty from extra house sales, the state budget could develop a large ho

The head of Australian poultry producer Ingham has agreed to sell the 95-year-old family business to US-based private equity group TPG Capital.

Technology will play an ever-greater role in the nation's resources sector in coming years.

Labor may have set the agenda for the campaign in recent weeks, but the government holds the whip hand due to a combination of factors.

Award-winning author Anna Funder worries that the infamous East German Stasi have not been fully exposed.

When the big players start exiting a sector it's a fair bet things are on the slide; and so it is with with the Lowy family's decision to quit its retail trust.

Western Australians have a choice between flawed but strong leadership from the Liberals or an energetic, unproven alternative in Labor.

Ray O'Connor's role in helping Ric New develop the state's residential building sector is probably the least known of his many ‘achievements'.

I AM amazed at how many times someone in a service environment delivers lousy service.

A BUSINESS cannot move forward without continuously reviewing the past; not to be critical of our mistakes, but to ensure the journey forward continues to improve.

WHEN Gabe Fasolino was hired as a plant manager at a $7 million manufacturing company, he heard rumours that there were problems with drug and alcohol use among the workers.

Political and environmental pressure on the state government, whichever side wins on Saturday, will have no effect on the future of the onshore gas processing centre proposed for James Price Point

The Liberals may be on track to win the March 9 poll, but Colin Barnett and his team will be hoping voters don't see the result as a fait accompli.

Whoever wins in WA's March 9 poll, there is a chance to minimise payroll tax -collectively.

If any further evidence were needed that the commodities boom is over, management changes at some of the world's biggest resources companies seals the deal.

Voters need to remember that some of the most significant and positive changes in WA have come from governments doing less, not more.

Federal Labor's faction leaders need to think carefully before choosing the party's new leader after what's likely to be a devastating result in the September poll.

HOW do you define the word ‘reflection'?

WHILE having a strategy to grow your business is a good starting place, there are several key ingredients that go into making it a success or otherwise.