Why Splurging Is Good for Business

[image error]

Illustration by Frank Chimero

Nancy Lublin explains why shelling out for a little luxury may be the best investment a manager can make.

I don't take fancy vacations. I buy all my jewelry at Claire's. I can't remember the last time I went out to a fancy dinner. My family lives in a modest two-bedroom apartment, and my kids share a bedroom. But I do have one extravagant vice: shoes.

If most people were to take a moment to picture in their minds the average, not-for-profit, save-the-world girl...