"11 Ways to build Trust within your team"

We recently came across this simple little article - simple yet oh so powerful, if these points become the fabric of our being. The article, "11 Ways to build trust within your team," by Mike Henry, founding instigator of the Lead Change Group, appeared recently in SmartBlog on Leadership and truly hits home. We like how Mike begins; 'Trust is flexibility. It allows you to achieve more than you ever thought you could. Trust lubricates relationships and provides freedom of movement necessary for great team achievements.'

What a beautiful way to describe trust! Trust indeed is flexibility! While reading through the 11 points Mike makes, it is obvious to us - that embodying these attributes - comes down to an individual that possesses high moral character and integrity. They simply value what the human being brings to the organization, continually learn from others, learn from their own mistakes and as Mike makes reference to in his eleventh point - They Do What They Say!
Great little post - enjoy the read!

"Companies need to cultivate a culture of inclusiveness"

We recently were in conversation with some associate business professionals regarding 'retention' of employees and our conversation quickly turned to how corporate culture is an integral ingredient. Retaining talent, motivating and stimulating our workforce to us, has always been key in developing a long-term financially successful business. Tapping into the tremendous insights our front-line employees possess, is such a key way to keep abreast to what our customers' needs and desires are. Who better to keep us informed than those in contact with our consumer on a daily basis.

Shortly after our conversation we came across this wonderful article titled "Companies need to cultivate a culture of inclusiveness" by Arte Nathan, which appeared recently in SmartBlog on Leadership.

Mr. Nathan touched on some integral points:

· They want to be a part of something special
· They want to be challenged
· They want to work hard and prove themselves
· They want to have a voice
· They want to be treated fairly and respectfully
· They want to trust their employer, and to be trusted in return
· They want to have some fun

We encourage you to read Mr. Nathans article - he makes so many outstanding references that truly a book could be devoted to this entire subject.

In such difficult times we navigate in, wouldn't it be wonderful to tap into those wonderful resources we all employ to help propel us forward? And, along the way, isn't it a wonderful feeling to realize that perhaps you made a difference in someone's life?!

We believe so! Enjoy the read and until next time be well!

Say "Hello!" to better leadership

Wow! What a great 'simple' article,"Say Hello!' to better leadership" by Rahim Kanani which appeared within the June 21st edition of SmartBrief on Leadership. For me, it evoked some fond memories which I recall as I began my career fresh out of college. I was working as a General Manager for a franchisee of a rather large restaurant/hotel company and my mentor happened to be a gentleman who truly mirrored this trait. I recall how EVERY single morning he would walk through the ENTIRE property - hotel and restaurant and greet personally EACH employee. To him they were more than just an employee - they were the lifeblood that drove the organization. They were and became family. We were richly blessed with very long tenure which translated into an extremely profitable business model. This simple but meaningful gesture helped build my foundation of understanding that a business truly is the people!
Enjoy the read!

The Power of Charisma

The Power Of Charisma - a great article by Sangeeth Varghese, appearing in Forbes.com, brought to light many great topics about leadership. Within the article which suggests you don't need divine powers to be charismatic, it is mentioned that charisma is half inborn and half acquired, which means you have to be blessed with certain qualities at birth but you also need to nurture and develop them. He says every charismatic leader shares three qualities: He or she feels emotions very strongly, excites them in others and is impervious to the influence of other charismatic people. He mentions there are some quick keys to being charismatic, or at least to drawing on the virtues of charisma. They are; Stretch the world, Don't hide. Be seen, Talk the talk and one that we just love - Speak even when you are silent. We feel it is so appropriate to end with his interpretation of what the phrase "Speak even when you are silent" means;
"Charismatic leaders send out the right signals through all their actions. They always appear enthusiastic and passionate and make others feel good and strong in their presence. They let people know that they matter, even if just by simple and subtle gestures such as upright posture, direct eye contact, genuine smiles and firm handshakes."

"Charisma effectively deployed can have electrifying results."
Isn't this the truth! Amen!

Enjoy the article and until next time...

"Expecting the Unexpected"

This great little article, Expecting the Unexpected, from the Editor's Perspective - Joe Carbonara, appeared in the December edition of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine. When you go to the link, the article appears on page 6. This article hits on those topics which too often we tend to 'tuck away' and as he states, like to believe will happen to 'someone else.' His statement "As the year draws to a close, what better time to take a close look at any number of factors that impact your business," is sage advice. Addressing these tough often 'glazed over' areas will not only strengthen your business and prepare it for those 'unexpected' negative situations but will also afford your team the luxury of better enjoying the pleasures we get from the day to day aspects of our business. Laying the groundwork - building that strong foundation, will afford your business the best chance of sustaining long-term successful growth.

Enjoy the read...and we wish all of you the very best the season has to bring and a healthy and most prosperous new year!

"Bring Back the Offsite"

This article, "Bring Back the Off site" written by Fred Cook, appearing in Forbes.com, is a great testimony as to why companies need to think, re-think and challenge the way they may be doing business in today's economic climate. Fred definitely 'gets it!' We have always believed that when times get tough, be creative and innovative in the way you try to increase your revenues. We wholeheartedly agree with his thinking that to do away with these incredible 'think tanks', is to to truly deprive your business with growing intellectually. The one-on-ones which occur at these meetings is what spawns new ideas, builds energy and creates loyalty within the organization. The companies which understand and embrace this philosophy will be the ones well positioned for the next growth cycle.

Enjoy the read...Until next time...keep learning and keep growing your team!

Rebuilding Trust in Business

This is a great little article/blog in Harvard Business Publishing's March 17th edition. Within the text, it also lists a few other great articles to read in regard to leadership. The article as the title suggests has everything to do with 'trust.' A particular passage I enjoyed follows;

"....what enables a corporation to succeed in the longer term is a wish for immortality, or at least a long life; a consistent set of values based on an awareness of the organization's own identity; a willingness to change; and a passionate concern for developing the capability and self-confidence of its core inhabitants, whom the company values more than its physical assets. I suggest that those conditions are best met when organizations live up to the literal meaning of the word company--"the sharing of bread"--and regard themselves as communities, not property.....in time, the laws governing corporations will change to reflect (this) new reality."

Well said! All too often we see how ego and greed lead the 'leaders' of an organization into the dark abyss of unprincipled centered leadership. At what point is it that individuals take that turn for the worse where all of a sudden they feel that they got to that point in their company or within their personal life that they believe their accomplishments were achieved solely by themselves?!
Why is it that we often see power and money corrupt and bankrupt both individuals and companies?
While we have always believed that a company gets its vision and direction from the leaders within that organization - we also believe that the company will only achieve that vision of long-term successful financial growth- THROUGH ITS PEOPLE. It is people after all who drive the organization - filled with great ideas ready to blossom - if only the leaders believe and give them the chance to contribute in their success... Their success becomes our success...

Enjoy the read and until next time...