Tom's Favorites

• pictures with warren Mar 3, 2010

  Our images of great investors and business managers can impede our ability to objectively see whether they have a plan for the future that makes sense.

• structured myopia Feb 25, 2010

  The structuring of investment organizations often is done along lines that ignore the way that information flows through the markets.

• unpegged Feb 10, 2010

  In trying to determine what to pay for a stock, investors use all kinds of calculations and metrics. Unfortunately, one of the most common just isn't very good.

• thinking about doing Feb 4, 2010

  You have an investment task, be it a job or a hobby. How much time do you spend contemplating your approach versus executing it? An Olympic lesson for us all.

• situational awareness Oct 26, 2009

  As the plane went cruising over my head last week, I didn't know it would become an international story, but one quote led to inescapable metaphors worth pondering.

• first name basis Jul 16, 2009

  As market players gain fame, it is easy to identify too closely with them. You never know when they are going to lose their luster.

• the art of triangulation Dec 22, 2008

  To avoid the tunnel vision that accompanies much decision making, it is good to force a three-sided attack on the problem.

• the tide went out Dec 12, 2008

  The spectacular frauds that make headlines reinforce the need to apply exacting standards and processes to the due diligence of investment products and managers.

• in formaldehyde Sep 24, 2008

  The investment culture and the art world revolve around each other, and expose the battle between the tastes of the day and true intrinsic value.

• about that dashboard Sep 12, 2008

  What do the dials, gauges, and warning lights say about how you are meeting your goals and those of your firm?

• wall street runs this world Aug 26, 2008

  We are in a time of contraction and confusion in the financial markets, and at many of the most important firms. Maybe things could be done differently.

• out of position Jul 16, 2008

  An errant move has left you or your firm with what seems like an insurmountable goal; maybe it's time to think about golf.

• growth promises Jul 7, 2008

  The story of Starbucks is yet another in a long line of situations where reaching to meet Wall Street expectations has been a failed strategy.

• check your aspect ratio Jun 6, 2008

  A horse race on television provides a moment of reflection about whether the frame of reference that we employ matches the subject matter at hand.

• parabolic dreams May 28, 2008

  The emergence of price charts with a certain geometric look attract attention and spawn dreams of opportunity that may not come to be.