Individual responsibilities for each employee must be clearly communicated and understood by both sides, employee and supervisor. These responsibilities mush also be shared with the entire team as well as with other teams they regularly interact with. People need to know who does what and how they contribute to the entire team and the entire organizational mission, strategy and vision. …
Speak and act with confidence
We have all witnessed someone who exudes confidence and captivates the room the moment they walk in. Some of the qualities that help them are part of who they are, their DNA in a sense and can’t be learned. However, many other things that go a long way towards your overall confidence and credibility can be learned and they barely …
Capture ideas and make them a reality
Write your ideas down, think about them, follow through and make them a reality. Productive, valuable ideas come at random times and it is important to catch them before they escape your mind and your grasp. Even more importantly, put some time aside to think them through, do your feasibility research and follow through. Turning ideas into reality is what …
Be resourceful and negotiate
Most of us are faced with lack of resources in some capacity in order to accomplish everything we believe we could and think we should be able to do. This lack of resources can be manifested in lack of personnel, particular skill set; lack of funding, lack of technology; equipment; tools; support services…and the list goes on. Sadly, that is …
Helping people selflessly
How can I help you? When was the last time you have asked that question of people from another department, division or functional area? How often do you offer help selflessly without any expectation of receiving anything in return? These are some of many questions we should each ask ourselves as we go to work every day and try to …
Motivating yourself
Sooner or later you will have a day or two, maybe even a week (hopefully not much longer than that) where you will lack motivation to contribute, to put in your 100%. On those days (and in general) you can do several things to try to recapture your motivation: Be grateful what you have – strengthen your spirit Keep your …
Motivating employees
For teams to be effective and efficient people must be motivated to contribute and do their best. Motivating can take various forms and shapes, but it always comes down to the following fundamental concepts: Comfort – people need to feel comfortable at work Variety – people want variety in their work and responsibilities Contribution & significance – their work must …
What will be your legacy?
What will be your legacy? Have you asked yourself that question lately or ever? Does it even matter to you? This topic was brought up by a colleague of mine this morning and it stuck with me long after the conversation was over. What do we all do each and every single day; is it something worthy of our skills, …
Be grateful and say thank you
Be grateful for what you have as your life (both personal and professional) could be a lot worse. Also, make sure you sincerely recognize and appreciate others who help you and contribute to the overall organizational performance and success. Everyone is of equal importance and everyone contributes in their way to the overall state you are in today. Respect others, …
Benefits of mentoring
Benefits of having a formal mentoring program (which can be implemented informally as well) are overwhelming. They range from knowledge management, transfer and retention; ideas exchange to development of employees and future leaders. Having said that, the most important ingredient for mentoring to be successful is willingness of both parties to participate. You can’t and shouldn’t force it, but rather …