Poor communication presents the largest obstacle to any successful relationship, and it all begins with listening. Not truly listening to others and ineffective communication are often at the heart of dysfunctional businesses, disgruntled team members, unsatisfied clients, failed marriages, disassociation with loved ones, frustration and anger, to name only a few. Stephen Covey — the […]
As a business owner, you face two options: You can create a job for yourself or truly lead your company. There’s a distinct difference. In the first scenario, you’re doing daily tasks that could easily be handled by other managers or team members — tasks that take away your precious time to be the visionary, […]
You’ve likely heard the saying, “Hire for skills and fire for attitude.” Simply put, this means bad attitudes far outweigh the skills people bring to their positions. Failing to take corrective action puts companies at risk. The typical business has a number of skilled team members, many with decent and even great attitudes. They come […]
Business owners and managers sometimes feel as though they’re held hostage by one or more team members who play key roles in the business. Owners and managers believe these individuals possess sensitive information and perform vital functions. Letting them go or, in fact, taking any action that might upset them would leave the company in […]
Internal barriers or blockages to business success come in many forms: ineffective hiring practices, bad management, poor on-boarding and training, lack of teamwork, a negative culture and team members whose lack of desire and negative attitudes prevent them from performing at consistently high levels. There are also less-than-effective systems and procedures, poor customer service, inconsistent […]
The effective and efficient flow of information is critical to consistently meeting and exceeding the wants and needs of customers, foreseeing challenges and overcoming obstacles. The smooth flow of information also is essential to the production and timely delivery of high-quality goods and services. When communication is limited or even impossible because of personality conflicts, […]
Wise business owners endeavor to reduce the high costs of turnover and maximize their return on investment with new hires. Still, businesses experience turnover for a variety of reasons, and the expenses associated with finding, hiring, training and developing new team members are very real. Studies have estimated the cost of turnover to range from […]
There are two ways to look at marketplace competition. You could focus on others in your sector and take you and your company away from the success you desire. Or, you could turn your attention toward your own company and your path to becoming better. The second is a self-disciplined approach that will position you […]
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’re a leader. You lead at work, at home and in your community. You lead by your example in all the areas of your life. Your team members are watching. Your spouse, children, extended family and people you don’t even know are watching for guidance on how to […]
Talented, motivated and competent people are at the very core of successful companies. It’s their skills and the strength of their mindset that allow them to operate at their highest levels on a consistent basis. Human capability and confidence expands, contracts or remains static depending on whether or not it receives the stimulation it needs […]