In my last column, I revealed a variety of ways in which people sabotage their listening and the downside of doing so as well as some of the benefits of learning to listen with integrity. I suggested that listening effectively to others can be the most fundamental and powerful communication tool of all. And developing […]
Successful relationships, whether in life or business, rest firmly on the ability of those involved to effectively communicate. The reality, however, is that most of us aren’t taught how to communicate with the intention of building relationships and creating solutions. In fact, not listening and poor communication constitute primary causes of dysfunction in the business […]
Revenue, expenses and profit are all critical factors that demand attention when running a business. They require monitoring, decisiveness and allocation of resources if the company is to remain viable. Given the importance of a company’s financial reality, the “bottom line” can, and in many instances does, become the primary or even sole focus of […]
Human potential is an expandable resource that becomes static when it doesn’t receive the stimulation it needs to grow and develop. This is where the terms “I’m in a rut” and “I’m stuck” come from. Owners, team members and companies get in ruts, too, and this must be overcome if they are to reach their […]
It’s a common perception in business: Success is the result of selling as many products and services as possible at the highest price possible to make as much money as possible. In actuality, this is a very limiting view of success that, if followed, leaves everyone involved feeling used; taken advantage of; vastly undervalued; and, […]
It’s quite common for business owners and managers to feel they’re held hostage by one or more team members who play key roles. The belief is that these individuals possess sensitive information and perform vital functions within daily operations, and letting them go or taking any action that might upset them will leave the company […]
Would you like your business to operate with fewer errors and interruptions? Do you want to enjoy owning and running your business to a higher degree? Are you interested in greater efficiency and productivity? Do you want your business to be more successful? If you want your experience as a business owner to be more […]
We lead at home, at work and in our community. We lead by example through the act of living our lives. Our team members watch. Our kids watch. Our significant others, friends, extended family and people we don’t even know watch us for guidance on how to navigate successfully through work and life. Effective leadership […]
Change occurs on a regular basis in life and business whether we want it to or not. Economies change, business environments change, weather changes, team dynamics change and relationships change. Life in general is about change. And if we resist change, we limit the potential of all that’s available to us personally and professionally. Why […]
Without breaks to the routine flow of work and life, we become burned out, fatigued and overwhelmed, reducing the quality of everything we do on a daily basis. One of the keys to happiness and success is to keep yourself refreshed and at your best. Many business owners and their team members never stop working. […]