There is a rule in business that is often over looked, consistency. So many times all an employee, team member, boss is looking for is consistency. It is an outstanding experience when someone delivers extraordinary results but at the end of the day the consistent folks are what truly drives the business.
As a team member all you can do is perform at the best of your ability every day. It is important to focus on being consistent in your approach, delivery and communication style. If you are not consistent people will eventually avoid you with the fear of not knowing what might be coming at them.
Sure some might say the consistent person does not always get the high recognition, praise or advancements. However the consistent person traditionally provides stability, clear vision, and accountability. Companies need consistency.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Giving Thanks
It has been a while since my last post. I have been extremely busy with a variety of events taking place. However the holiday season always makes me slow down and realize how important it is to take time to say thanks.
Over the past year like most people I have experienced the ups and downs that come with life. I have been challenged with a new career path, new home and challenging graduate work. However through these difficult times I am thankful to have these opportunities.
Each person's life is in essence a little business. You have to have a good strategy, a will to succeed, and be willing to work hard. Above all else though you have to be surrounded with the best people to make your business thrive. Take care of the people around you and your business, life, will do just fine.
Over the past year like most people I have experienced the ups and downs that come with life. I have been challenged with a new career path, new home and challenging graduate work. However through these difficult times I am thankful to have these opportunities.
Each person's life is in essence a little business. You have to have a good strategy, a will to succeed, and be willing to work hard. Above all else though you have to be surrounded with the best people to make your business thrive. Take care of the people around you and your business, life, will do just fine.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Creating a WOW experince
In business you have to create a WOW experience for your customers, employees and community. I recently encountered a situation where I was walking into a business and as I approached the front door I noticed a dog sitting on the floor. I immediately began to think do I really want to go in here?
As I entered the business the owner took the dog and put him in a closed glass office so we could conduct business. As I began to talk to the business owner he explained he has owned Pit Bulls for nearly 30 years and they eventually become very mean and aggressive. Nothing says welcome to our store like having a killer dog in the window. I then began to question, "how would this business have performed over the past 30 years without this obstacle?"
The same goes for employees does your office providing an inviting experience for employees to have fun and be productive at the same time. If not I would ask that you change your surroundings and review what it is going to take to attract and retain top talent. This does not mean you go out and buy all new furniture but it may be as simple as getting a ping pong table for the break room.
As I entered the business the owner took the dog and put him in a closed glass office so we could conduct business. As I began to talk to the business owner he explained he has owned Pit Bulls for nearly 30 years and they eventually become very mean and aggressive. Nothing says welcome to our store like having a killer dog in the window. I then began to question, "how would this business have performed over the past 30 years without this obstacle?"
The same goes for employees does your office providing an inviting experience for employees to have fun and be productive at the same time. If not I would ask that you change your surroundings and review what it is going to take to attract and retain top talent. This does not mean you go out and buy all new furniture but it may be as simple as getting a ping pong table for the break room.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Building Rome
Rome was not built in a day! As a leader and a business we need make sure we understand that and take the necessary approach daily to make a long term difference. So many times business leaders want results today however do not demonstrate the key attributes to that will lead to daily attainable results.
In recently had a conversation with an executive who explained she was asked to attend a breakfast with a part of their organization. Long story short this executive made a decision that the breakfast was too early causing her day to start earlier than expected. Now lets think about this, will this same executive be able to ask her team to come in early or stay late? Will this person's team support the tough decisions that have to be made for the betterment of the business? The answer is probably not.
This is an example of doing the small things in order to build an empire. Business leaders need to take the small steps each and every day in order to build the empire. You do not have to win every deal but you have to win every day!
In recently had a conversation with an executive who explained she was asked to attend a breakfast with a part of their organization. Long story short this executive made a decision that the breakfast was too early causing her day to start earlier than expected. Now lets think about this, will this same executive be able to ask her team to come in early or stay late? Will this person's team support the tough decisions that have to be made for the betterment of the business? The answer is probably not.
This is an example of doing the small things in order to build an empire. Business leaders need to take the small steps each and every day in order to build the empire. You do not have to win every deal but you have to win every day!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Coaching Never Ends
Have you ever thought if I coach this person now I will not have to coach them later? Have you heard managers or leaders say I have spent time coaching them I am not sure why they do not get it? Coaching never ends!!
There is a reason NFL teams have coaches for every position because regardless of how go you are you still need a 3rd party opinion to make good decisions. Think about it, in the NFL these are the most talent athletes in their positions yet they still need coaches. Take a look at Peyton Manning, he is possibly the best Quarterback in the game today yet everyday he is reviewing film, working on mechanics and throwing additional passes to his teammates. Do you really think Peyton needs to learn how to throw?? The answer is no but he needs to continue to refine his skills if he wants to remain on top.
As a leader you have to be a great coach, you have to be able to listen, teach, demand performance and provoke thought. So many times in business leaders do not understand coaching is not always about solving problems yet it is about help the person solve their own problems. If you do not have a coach today, go get one, if Peyton needs one so do you!
There is a reason NFL teams have coaches for every position because regardless of how go you are you still need a 3rd party opinion to make good decisions. Think about it, in the NFL these are the most talent athletes in their positions yet they still need coaches. Take a look at Peyton Manning, he is possibly the best Quarterback in the game today yet everyday he is reviewing film, working on mechanics and throwing additional passes to his teammates. Do you really think Peyton needs to learn how to throw?? The answer is no but he needs to continue to refine his skills if he wants to remain on top.
As a leader you have to be a great coach, you have to be able to listen, teach, demand performance and provoke thought. So many times in business leaders do not understand coaching is not always about solving problems yet it is about help the person solve their own problems. If you do not have a coach today, go get one, if Peyton needs one so do you!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Professional Distance
What is Professional Distance? Well my definition of Professional Distance is maintaining a relationship that is strong enough internally to grow business ventures however does not jeopardize respect or personal integrity. In business so many times we forget about having professional distance. Sure there are going to be times in which employees, managers and customers are all going to become more than what they are and eventually become friends. The major question is how do these relationships happen and what are you doing to maintain professional distance?
For example lets say you become very close friends with an employee you eventually become the best man in his wedding and even god parent to his children. Then on one Monday morning you find that this person has a gambling problem and has been stealing money every day from the company to protect his family. Well a person who has neglected professional distance is now torn with and ethical and morale obstacle that will not be fixed without complications.
Professional distance is not difficult and in most cases is the most powerful way to build relationships. There is nothing wrong with building long term relationships and friendships as studies have shown this is a way to lead and generate new business. However maintaining a professional distance is key as each person will be faced with making a tough decision that will impact the relationship.
Here is another example: Mr Smith is a purchasing manager at an industrial company and has been purchasing paint from the same vendor for 15 years. Their relationship has grown and over the years they have went on family vacations together and even shared holidays on occasion. Although the paint dealer has never been the cheapest in town Mr. Smith has always used the same vendor. Recently Mr. Smith's company has downsized 50% of the workforce due to cost cutting measures. The business is still operational but the market has certainly turned for both Mr Smith and the paint vendor. The paint vendor's business is also slow but has recently had another annual price increase. Mr Smith knows no one would question the purchase, so should he search to find a better price?
Professional distance makes decisions easier and eliminates the fog in the process. Although these are 2 short examples in the day an age of business ethics I think professional distance will become more a concern. If someone says I will not do business with you unless.....(gift), do you really want to do business with them? The same goes for employees and managers you have to have professional distance or you will find you do not make clear decisions that will not only effect others they will also impact you.
Key Points for Professional Distance
For example lets say you become very close friends with an employee you eventually become the best man in his wedding and even god parent to his children. Then on one Monday morning you find that this person has a gambling problem and has been stealing money every day from the company to protect his family. Well a person who has neglected professional distance is now torn with and ethical and morale obstacle that will not be fixed without complications.
Professional distance is not difficult and in most cases is the most powerful way to build relationships. There is nothing wrong with building long term relationships and friendships as studies have shown this is a way to lead and generate new business. However maintaining a professional distance is key as each person will be faced with making a tough decision that will impact the relationship.
Here is another example: Mr Smith is a purchasing manager at an industrial company and has been purchasing paint from the same vendor for 15 years. Their relationship has grown and over the years they have went on family vacations together and even shared holidays on occasion. Although the paint dealer has never been the cheapest in town Mr. Smith has always used the same vendor. Recently Mr. Smith's company has downsized 50% of the workforce due to cost cutting measures. The business is still operational but the market has certainly turned for both Mr Smith and the paint vendor. The paint vendor's business is also slow but has recently had another annual price increase. Mr Smith knows no one would question the purchase, so should he search to find a better price?
Professional distance makes decisions easier and eliminates the fog in the process. Although these are 2 short examples in the day an age of business ethics I think professional distance will become more a concern. If someone says I will not do business with you unless.....(gift), do you really want to do business with them? The same goes for employees and managers you have to have professional distance or you will find you do not make clear decisions that will not only effect others they will also impact you.
Key Points for Professional Distance
- Do not treat a business outing like a frat party
- Just because you have a corporate card does not mean you do not have a limit
- Unless you are a family business employees are not family, be fair and consistent
- Do not put your manager, employee or customer in an awkward position
- Control the situation and remove yourself if it goes south
- Know when to call a spade a spade
- Provide inspirational leadership at all times everyone could use the help
Monday, June 4, 2007
Feedback is a Gift
Recently I encountered a situation in which I was forced to have a firm conversation about how the perception of a relationship might be impacting others. The response I received was less than profound and basically refused change the given perception.
As leaders we have to the ability to impact people in both a positive and negative way each and every day. Sometimes the only way we can truly become leaders is to listen rather than talk. A true leader will often go search for feedback, create change teams, and instill excitement amongst all members of the organization. However a poor leader looks for people to blame, hates change and cannot create excitement regardless of the task.
I remember back on my career, early on I would not listen to any feedback regardless of how relevant the information might have been. I certainly would not take feedback from anyone who was not on the same page as me and if I did not like the idea I would shut it down. This was shallow and egocentric approach to leadership. Some how during this process I was able to build relationships but the long term growth of my team was certainly limited. My challenge to every leader is to go ask for feedback, create excitement and have fun. If you are not looking to change the way you are or the position you are in you are likely going to be changed yourself.
As leaders we have to the ability to impact people in both a positive and negative way each and every day. Sometimes the only way we can truly become leaders is to listen rather than talk. A true leader will often go search for feedback, create change teams, and instill excitement amongst all members of the organization. However a poor leader looks for people to blame, hates change and cannot create excitement regardless of the task.
I remember back on my career, early on I would not listen to any feedback regardless of how relevant the information might have been. I certainly would not take feedback from anyone who was not on the same page as me and if I did not like the idea I would shut it down. This was shallow and egocentric approach to leadership. Some how during this process I was able to build relationships but the long term growth of my team was certainly limited. My challenge to every leader is to go ask for feedback, create excitement and have fun. If you are not looking to change the way you are or the position you are in you are likely going to be changed yourself.
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