You don’t have to look too far to find information on how to write SMART goals. But sometimes, that 5-step rubric can intimidate, or push us in the wrong direction. Another great way to write effective goals is to ensure that just two important elements are included: 1) Specific actions. 2) Timelines and/or deadlines. For … Read more
I once had a business-owner client who really needed to show her enthusiasm more. “Not a lot gets me excited,” she said, “except that I’m really motivated by making money.” She felt a little shallow about that, but also knew her products and services made people’s lives better, which is what motivated her staff. So, … Read more
There are a number of ways and software methods out there to help you get visual with strategic thinking. Personally, I’m a fan of posting up colored sticky notes on the wall and/or on scratch paper. I also recommend the sticky notes method if you have projects with multiple members of your team that are … Read more
In an earlier post, we discussed the value of testimonials. What if you don’t have testimonials? Write your own! Think back on some of your greatest successes – the things that motivate you and your team to keep coming back. If your client or customer didn’t provide a testimonial, you can create your own. You … Read more
In their research on Characteristics of Admired Leaders, Kouzes and Posner found this: Far and away, the most desired characteristics of leaders are (in this order): HonestForward-lookingInspiringCompetent It’s fascinating that both “inspiring” AND “competent” are on the list together, as it feels frequent that a leader demonstrates one characteristic, but not the other. What really … Read more
If you are a parent, you can relate to this situation well: You see your child do something small, but great, like voluntarily cleaning their room, or showing empathy to someone else in the family. You feel pride, and warmth, but you say nothing. Why? Heck, you’d be expanding her ego all day long if … Read more
Remember that two-word definition of leadership – “Meet Needs” ? You can really put that into action by staying conscious of things that you can deliver to the people who report to you. Your team is so used to deliverables they’re accountable for, that it’s a nice change of pace when you ask them specifically, … Read more
The marketing value of client or customer testimonials is clear, but let’s talk about other reasons to gather and share them: They help you spread your passion. They help you keep the members of your team fired up. They keep you and your team ever-mindful of their purpose. I had a great vet once who worked … Read more
Know you need to evaluate an event/campaign/project/quarter, but don’t have time? This quick, simple tool will be a major asset to you and your team for future project improvement. Projects often overlap, leaving little time in between for evaluation. But turning a blind eye to this critical process means losing invaluable information for improving future … Read more
One word – “inappropriate” Last week, at the Iowa Employment Conference I heard employment law expert, Michael Reck, point out that the word “inappropriate” has no place in employee handbooks. He went on to say this is because courts have ruled time and again that the word “inappropriate” as a descriptor of behavior, dress, and … Read more