Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

The American Enterprise

A Contrarian’s Look at America’s Enterprise—Economy, Government, and Leadership—Minus the Public-Relations Gloss.

Dan's unique perspective on the economy, the government, and our country's leadership is not commonly found in mainstream media. Designed to enlighten and engage you with what he believes is a refreshing dose of truth, his articles challenge the narratives often presented by mainstream media and encourage critical thinking about the state of our country's enterprise.

Dan offers workarounds and solutions when possible. His aim is to provide actionable solutions to the challenges we may face in these areas.

Search Results

“Tough Nut to Crack”

Changing a Corporate Culture: A Change In Mindset

Mission Drift: A Leadership Vision of Change

The shift in organizational mindset from a process-driven to a results-driven culture first requires a change in leadership mindset: “Ownership of the Present,” and a “Solid Commitment for Sustained Change.”

Leadership Traits That Enable an Organizational Shift to a Results-Driven Culture:

The shift in organizational mindset from a process-driven to a results-driven culture first requires a change in leadership mindset: “Ownership of the Present,” and a “Solid Commitment for Sustained Change.”

What Happens When Bureaucratic Entrenchment Spreads Organization-Wide: Part II of II

Does Entitlement Consciousness Justify Some Employees and Staff to be Insubordinate?

Understanding Entitlement Dynamics

“You’ve Got to Change”—the Opening Line of Santana’s Hit “Evil Ways.”

Fiddling Around:

How a Musical Metaphor Became Our Word for Aimless Tinkering

Finding Another Job is Stressful: An Employee's Point of View.

It is natural to feel overwhelmed when considering leaving, especially when the easy option seems to be staying in a company quagmire. Recognizing this can help you feel understood and less alone in your decision-making process.

When Bureaucratic Entrenchment Spreads Throughout the Organization: Part I of II

When bureaucratic entrenchment spreads, it doesn’t just “add friction.” It changes the company’s operating system—how decisions are made, how risk is managed, how careers advance, and how truth flows. Bureaucratic entrenchment is a cancer on organizational effectiveness and its efforts to pursue its mission.

Town Hall Script (Ready-to-Deliver-Suggested)

Optimum Health Institute of San Diego (Nonprofit Health Retreat)

Red Flag, Blackball, Whitelist

Why We Keep Turning Colors into Judgments

How to Shift Employees from Fake to Real Commitments: The Long and Arduous Process

The Boss, The CEO, and The COO will need the qualities of a strategist, a mind reader, and a shrewd negotiator, while maintaining a compassionate presence

Optimum Health Institute of San Diego: From Rituals to Results:

A CEO’s Guide to Building a Mission-True, Outcomes or Results-Driven Culture at Optimum Health Institute of San Diego

Federal Securities Law Exemptions

(Plain English for Private Lenders & Investors)

Licensing Real Estate Loans in America:

The Hidden Patchwork Behind America’s Lending Laws

The Role of “Crisis and Chaos” in the Perpetuation of Power and Influence

Chaos can evoke feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, as citizens’ demands shift from process and transparency to quick results, leaving participants feeling the emotional toll on society. But it is a handy tool to gain power and influence over others.

September, by Earth, Wind, and Fire

Great Song With Great Dancers

Earth, Wind & Fire and the “Boogie Woogie” Spirit:

Why Boogie Wonderland Still Moves the Floor

Optimum Health Institute of San Diego: Below is a Results-oriented Operating Plan as a Model for the Institute

(OHI SD) is a 501(c)(3) religious nonprofit and healing mission of the Free Sacred Trinity Church, while preserving OHI’s distinctive “safe and sacred” program environment.

A Clear Distinction Between Process and Results Orientation

(often discussed in management, operations, sales, and performance culture).