The High Cost of Blame
I learned the high cost of blame when I was a lending officer and needed approval for a large loan. The loan committee turned it down, so I had to tell the customer his loan was declined. The bank manager stopped by my desk and told me, “Don’t blame the loan committee – it makes […]
Choose the Best Applicants with These Tricks
When you interview job applicants, they always try to make themselves look perfect for the job, similar to the way a first date tries to impress you. But it’s best to have a few techniques to learn people’s true colors. Choose the best applicants with these tricks. As a business leader, the hiring choices you […]
The True Cost to Replace an Employee
As a leader, you face business expenses that can blindside you. The cost of replacing an employee is higher than you think! Assume you hired a poor choice ninety days ago (hey, it can happen!) Now you need to terminate her. You’re obviously out the wages that you paid her, but that’s not all. What […]
How to Squeeze in Professional Development
Most leaders know that by lifting their people up, their business will soar. That’s the best way to grow your business. Leadership training is important, but the question is how to squeeze in professional development? I get asked that a LOT. And I can help. I’m not only flexible but I’m challenged by your staff […]
Prepare for Questions Applicants Will Ask
As a leader, if you’re hiring you need to attract applicants to your business. You probably already have your candidate interview questions in mind. Remember, you’re being interviewed too. Prepare for questions applicants will ask you. There are lots of help-wanted signs up. The job market is getting highly competitive. Candidates have choices. They care […]
Here’s THE Most Important Leadership Skill
If you had to pick one, what is the most important leadership skill in your business? What would it be? Communication? Organization? Delegation? Motivation? Flexibility? Creativity? Feedback? Of course, you need to be able to communicate with your employees, customers, and vendors. Organization and delegation are crucial because you can’t do it all yourself. You […]
Four Ways to Inspire Employees
As a leader, you can increase business performance if you figure out how to inspire employees. The most important way is to model your company’s mission – show your people the difference their work is making for your customers, clients, or community. Do that daily so your team can perform on the fly. But there […]
The #1 Thing that will Grow Your Business
Traditional advice for leaders to grow their business is plentiful. It’s all over the web and fills the pages of business success books. It tells you things like: Have a plan. Keep detailed records. Delegate. Analyze your competition. Understand risks. Stay focused. Make sacrifices. Provide service. Don’t get me wrong – these things are all very […]
Here’s the Best Solution for Workplace Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes – even leaders! As a business coach, I often hear about a poor choice my client made. He only tells me because I’ll keep his confidence. He wants to smooth it over and get past it. Is that the best solution for workplace mistakes? Or, another client tells me about a mistake […]