Where Has the Year Gone
We’re only six weeks away from the last quarter of 2017. I know—where did the year go? How can it possibly be the middle of August already? Do you remember those aggressive goals you and your gung-ho team set last January 2—or in mid-December if you were really on the ball? Have you checked back in on them since? Measured the progress or lack thereof? Or have you been too busy, too focused on the day-to-day operations/crises/issues (take your pick) to evaluate where you are? It’s super easy to be so intense about the hour-by-hour, day-by-day work that the bigger…
Discover the Leaders Within
An essential, ongoing component of an organization’s growth strategy must be the identifying of leaders among current employees. It’s non-negotiable. Sure, you can “hire in” folks to fill leadership positions, but keep your eyes and ears tuned to those inside your organization first. That’s where you’ll find the guys and gals already well-versed in the processes, systems, organizational structure, and work culture – all the components that make up your unique company. And what’s more, they’re already aware of the organization’s strengths – and, more importantly, the weaknesses – all of which puts them miles ahead of someone just walking…
Inspiring the Team: Part 2 – The Don’ts
“The greatest power source on earth is a team of people who are energized around a common goal,” Liz Ryan. Energized. Motivated. Inspired. That’s what every manager/supervisor is shooting for and striving toward and hoping he/she will end up with. What are the “Don’ts” that can get in the way of creating this go get ’em team? A ho-hum attitude from the top. If leadership isn’t enthusiastic about reaching goals and working as a team, the team will quickly lose its steam. Maybe things are going great, so you dial the enthusiasm down, take a break from being the cheerleader for just a bit. Not a good…
Waving the Flag in Minneapolis
It was a proud day in 1858 when, on July 4th, a star was added to the flag of the United States of America for the state of Minnesota, who had joined the Union on May 11, 1858, as the 32nd state. To this day, Minnesotans continue to proudly celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence for the “land of the free and the home of the brave” with a host of family-friendly events and activities in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Check out the Minneapolis 4th of July Guide for details on these (and other) family-friendly activities celebrating…
Inspiring the Team: Part 1 – The Do’s
How can you be the motivational force that urges the team toward greatness? That boosts their efforts, nudges, and prods, but mostly encourages them to be all they can be? As the manager/department head/supervisor, you need to fill that role if you want your team to reach its maximum potential. And why wouldn’t you? There’s no way you put all that time and energy and effort into forming this particular group of employees into a cohesive team only to see them produce mediocre results. Here’s how you can motivate them to meld their combined energy, knowledge, and skills into an inspired force committed to reaching for the…
Employee Handbook Series – Part III – The PROCESS
As a management tool for employers and a roadmap for employees, the employee handbook shouldn’t be considered a “one and done” situation. Because it addresses all issues pertinent to the day-to-day operation of the company and ultimately, it’s success, it will require consistent review to remain the cutting-edge resource it needs to be. “The handbook is a living organism that needs to be changed constantly,” says employment attorney Albert Rizzo. Any number of situations can signal the need to review the handbook and make necessary changes. For instance, growth within the company can bring about the need to revamp conflict resolution procedures. When the inevitable skirmishes and other related blips, bumps, or snafus arise, the detailed plan outlined…