Exceptional companies stand out in a positive way in the hearts and minds of their customers. They accomplish this feat by delivering high-quality customer service on a consistent basis. Consumers have a variety of businesses from which to choose when they’re in the market for a certain product or service. They’re increasingly discerning with their […]
A lot of time and energy go into running a business. With everything there is to do, it’s easy for those who own businesses to sacrifice many aspects — if not the entirety — of their personal lives in the pursuit of success. Your business is only one aspect of your life, though. You also […]
Do you want to reduce costly turnover? Would you like your business to operate with fewer errors and interruptions to the flow of operations? Are you interested in greater efficiency and productivity? If you want your experience as a business owner to be more enjoyable and rewarding — and your company increasingly successful — you […]
Studies have estimated the cost of turnover ranges from several thousand dollars for entry-level positions to upwards of 150 percent to 200 percent of the annual salaries for executives. Costs are high because they include not only loss of revenue, productivity and training expenses, but also the time, energy and stress involved with hiring someone […]
Business owners and managers frequently ask me, “How do you teach people to think?” This is a powerful question, one that can lead to significantly better results. My answer: By learning to become a mentor and effective communicator and consistently encouraging your team members to think for themselves. If you want your company to operate […]
Competency and confidence expands, contracts or remains static depending on whether people receive the stimulation they need to develop — or not. The phrase, “I’m in a rut” is born of an individual’s languishing potential. According to GoHR.com, fully 40 percent of employees who receive poor job training leave their positions within the first year. […]
Business leaders focused on moving their companies to ever higher levels of efficiency, effectiveness, profitability and success constantly look for ways to improve their business models. This requires an awareness of what is — and isn’t — working in daily operations. There’s a potential pitfall if leaders fixate on what’s wrong at the expense of […]
I pointed out in my previous column the problems with bringing personal baggage to work. I described how even long-term top performers can stumble and fall when they’re unable to effectively manage personal issues in the workplace. I also elaborated on the domino effect these uncontrolled issues can have on other team members, workplace culture, […]
Some people believe a distinctive barrier separates personal and professional lives. An honest and discerning look at your experiences and those of others reveals that’s not the case, however. It’s common, in fact, for people to carry their personal baggage through the front door of a business, unpack and spread the contents throughout the workplace. […]
Most business owners dream of wealth, freedom and happiness — the opportunity to exert greater control over their destinies. They start their companies to achieve professional, personal and financial independence and often use these to travel, relax, give back and enjoy their lives. For many owners, however, this remains a dream because they lack the […]