Is making points with your boss a game you should play? For several years, I've heard we should manage 360, meaning to manage peers, direct reports, and our bosses. Although this sentiment may have some merit, it can be destructive when used to manipulate others. If you want to influence others, the best approach might be [...]
Is it process or procedure that needs improved? When expectations aren’t met, too often managers jump to conclusions before gathering and analyzing information. I've seen procedures changed when, in fact, the problem wasn't the procedure. It was because the procedure wasn't being followed. And processes (the act of doing the procedure) that were micromanaged when, [...]
This post, 6 steps to communicating about communication, began when a friend asked for my advice on a panel discussion she is chairing and organizing. The topic of her panel is communication. The discussion is part of a regional seminar for a large not-for-profit organization with many participation layers. I thought about it and offered [...]
How to follow up on team goals is the fourth post in a series on goal setting. How to Set Team Goals in 15 minutes, Six Ingredients of a Goal, You Cannot "Do" A Goal – You Can Do Activities. These three focused on goal-setting procedures, but after you've set the goal, now what? How to Follow Up [...]
So, does your business attract or repel customers? Before you answer read this. Last week one of my co-workers was put on hold for ten minutes then sent to voice mail. His next step was to visit the organizations’ contact page on their website—it wouldn't open. Finally, he connected to a live chat and was [...]
I learned one reason why checklists fail last week when I facilitated a meeting about checklists with a group of foremen. This group had previously created checklists for daily tasks. I had helped them with the project, but it was their creation. It was almost a year ago. The checklists were in a file organizer [...]
It's not who is right; it's what is right, is something I try to live by. The keyword in that last sentence is try. I don't always succeed. A friend recently asked for inspirational sayings to share with their artwork. It was the first I thought of, but then I realized I'd only put a [...]
Have you conducted a SWOT audit on yourself? I've facilitated SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis for organizations and teams, but I recently had an epiphany — why not perform a SWOT analysis on myself? Would it work? A SWOT analysis is an auditing tool to determine possibilities, direction, and help define the mission [...]
Knowing how to control and limit interruptions is essential, particularly during critical times when you need to focus on important tasks. Uncontrolled interruptions can be devastating to your time management. Consider establishing a system to take messages from team members, vendors, and clients to minimize interruptions. Interruptions can significantly impact productivity, leading to mistakes and [...]
So, are you holding your business back? Most entrepreneurs would only attempt to start a business familiar to them. If your background is shipping, it's unlikely you'd consider starting a web development firm. It's doubtful you'd have the connections, hours of experience, and know-how of a web developer. But knowing your product and service is [...]
