As we get ready to enter 2025, let’s consider the importance of life/work harmony. Yes, I said life/work harmony. Life before work, because without your life there is no business and harmony, because this is actually what is meant by the word “balance” in this case. Life and work are a balancing act with the […]
A Final Note: As I pen this final article for “The Business Times,” I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. A special thanks to Phil Castle who first introduced me to this format as well as serving as a great editor these past few years. To my brother Bill who, in a very […]
Personality conflicts hurt businesses by contributing to a decline in trust, communication, collaboration, teamwork and morale. In turn, efficiency, productivity, culture, team-member satisfaction, retention, business growth and bottom-line profits are all negatively impacted. The degree to which team members do not communicate effectively and collaborate is one of the greatest obstacles to business success. The […]
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released its 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, which provides a comprehensive review of evolving trends in the real estate market. These findings, while national in scope, resonate strongly within our local real estate market. For real estate professionals, policymakers and investors in the Grand Valley, the […]
In order to grow, local businesses must adapt to overcome challenges and ultimately meet the needs of the people they serve. Sometimes the best solution to problems can be found internally, among the talented, hard-working people on your team. Grand Valley Connects, a homegrown resource-navigator program at Mesa County Public Health (MCPH), is a prime […]
Small businesses often face unique challenges when it comes to human resources. Here are the top four HR mistakes that can lead to significant issues with employee relations, legal complications and reduced productivity: Inadequate Documentation of Employee Performance One of the most common mistakes is failing to keep detailed records of employee performance. This includes […]
In my previous two columns I discussed seasonal and holiday issues that employers may face. Here it is early December, and I am already looking forward to the new year. In this article, I will briefly recap cases from the United States Supreme Court’s last term that may affect employers, and I will look forward […]
It’s what you don’t know that really limits your ability to hire, place, manage and develop team members successfully. A very real challenge business owners face in building a solid team is a lack of credible, unbiased information. When considering the future growth of your business, having clear, unbiased and accurate information that positions you […]
Delegating isn’t easy. It is a skill that must be practiced and honed over time. However, the better you become at aligning the right people with the right tasks and responsibilities, the more effective you’ll become at your job as a leader. Delegation refers to the transfer of responsibility for specific tasks from one person […]
Procrastination: A term I am all too familiar with. Take this article; I am a day past my deadline. I have had weeks to prepare, but here I am again, a classic example of procrastination, “putting off doing something.” I am not alone in this syndrome of self-inflicted worry! Although there are many areas of […]