There’s a tendency among business owners and managers to supply answers rather than help team members find answers. There’s a prevailing belief this saves time. While that might be accurate in the short term, this approach actually costs more time over the long run. It also weakens your business and adds to your responsibilities as […]
Business owners typically dream of freedom, wealth and happiness as they exert greater control over their destinies. They start ventures to achieve financial, professional and personal independence, then use that independence to give back, travel, relax and enjoy their lives to the fullest extent. These dreams never come true for many business owners, though, because […]
In my previous column, I outlined the problems that occur when people bring their personal baggage to work. I described how even top performers stumble when they’re unable to effectively manage personal issues and the effects these issues exert on customers, other team members, workplace culture and, ultimately, the business. In this column, let’s consider […]
Some people believe a barrier separates their personal and professional lives. An honest and discerning look at your experiences and those of others you’ve worked with reveals this isn’t the case. It’s quite common, in fact, for people to carry their personal baggage through the front door of a business, unpack and spread the contents […]
With every interaction and transaction, a business gives customers a good, neutral or bad feeling. The last two have no place in a thriving company. The first is a prerequisite to happiness and success. You’ve likely engaged businesses that left you wishing you’d never walked through their doors. Perhaps you encountered poor customer service, inferior […]
Ineffective communication, whether in business or life, presents the biggest obstacle to any successful relationship. And it all begins with listening. Not truly listening to others lies at the heart of everything from disgruntled team members and unsatisfied customers to failed marriages and disassociation with family. Consider your professional and personal relationships to understand the […]
There’s a vast difference between leaders and bosses. Leaders collaborate, guide, influence, inspire, mentor and support others to foster movement in a desired direction. Conversely, bosses master over others and are often controlling, domineering and use fear and intimidation to get more out of the individuals they oversee. If you’re like most people, you’ve worked […]
Most businesses employ skilled team members, many with decent and even great attitudes. They come to work, perform their jobs to a satisfactory or higher level and contribute to the work environment in mostly positive ways. But what about those team members who — even though they have the skills to do their jobs —damage […]
The efficient, effective and smooth flow of information is critical to consistently meet and exceed the wants and needs of customers, foresee challenges and opportunities and overcome obstacles. It’s also essential to the production and delivery of high-quality goods and services in a timely manner. When communication is limited or even impossible because of personality […]
If you desire to be truly successful, you must grow your company through the attraction and retention of customers. If you intend to take your company to new heights — to rank among the exceptional — you must turn your attention to the level of care you and your team provide and the genuine relationships […]