Here's a fact from the high arts of management theory: It's easier to scare the crap out of your team than it is to inspire them with an exciting vision of the future.

Are mergers becoming irrelevant? Do two relevant businesses now equal one miserable marriage?

For every Fuji Xerox there’s a Sony Ericsson so below are my thoughts on the pros and pitfalls of merging your business.

Wedding bells are ringing. Business marriages seem to be in season. First there were the Microsoft-Nokia nuptials last year and now the blessed union of WhatsApp and Facebook. Even one-time retail rivals Myer and David Jones are flirting with the idea of engaging in consummation rather than competition.

Silos – they are a part of any large corporation – and they are the enemy of innovation & creativity.

Too often, in the big telecommunications companies, you will find marketing on one floor, distribution in a different building, sales on an entirely different floor, possibly even split across different states.

And what falls down the gaps? Genius ideas, a wealth of knowledge and team morale.

Why Financial organisations that work together do better

Ever come to the end of the week, looked at your in-tray and thought 'gee, I could really use an extra day this week'? Well, according to the global CEO survey, workers in knowledge organisations spend up to 25% of every day looking for information. Twenty-five per cent.

So there's your extra day, right there!