John Manning's Blog, page 42
March 23, 2015
Got “White Rabbit Syndrome”?
Some leaders think that the busier they are, the more valued or significant they are. Truth is, these too-busy leaders, who always appear to be in a dead-run from meeting to meeting or activity to activity, really come across as people who cannot control their time. You probably know such people (and maybe you are one of them). These leaders are going 100 miles per hour, endlessly over-preoccupied. They’re stuck in that classic White Rabbit Syndrome, always rushing about and worried about som...
March 16, 2015
Proactively Manage Outside Resources
In today’s world, more and more organizations are using outside resources to get any number of important jobs done. In your role, it’s likely you’ve hired out for such help, perhaps for website development, accounting support, catering services or any other types of needs. While these professionals aren’t your “employees,” they must be taken seriously and managed well. If you fail to manage these relationships wisely, these resources could end up managing you, a worrisome situation that can c...
March 11, 2015
MAP Announces 10th Annual Presidential Award Recipients
Nine diverse businesses demonstrate how commitment to great leadership habits and empowered, aligned teams create remarkable success.
The winners run the gamut in terms of industries and types of customers served. However, when it comes to the 10th Annual MAP Presidential Award recipients, these diverse businesses share several things in common.
The companies receiving this year’s coveted award have effectively implemented the MAP Management System, a proven business-management solution provi...
March 9, 2015
Break the Procrastination Cycle
We’ve all heard the old adage, “The hardest part of any journey is taking the first step.” But what makes that first step so tough? Sometimes we downright fear or otherwise resist whatever we know we must do. Ironically, what we fear, resist or simply delay is rarely as challenging as it seemed. However, the thought of it, growing bigger every day, can create challenges for us in terms of embracing change and accomplishing vital goals. If you’ve struggled with this common professional challen...
March 2, 2015
Why Sameness is Not a Strategy
When a competing business has carved out a clear advantage through some particular product or service, it may be necessary to follow suit and do whatever your competitor is doing so well. But that might not be enough. “Sameness” is never a reliable strategy when it comes to creating a competitive advantage. In fact, it’s the fastest way to bore customers or become nothing more than a commodity in your market. If you want to develop a competitive edge, find your own niche in something that pro...
February 23, 2015
Leave the Past in the Past
As a seasoned professional, you’ve probably experienced a company, a boss, or a customer who once drove you crazy. While the issue may have posed a big challenge in your career, the good news is that it’s in your past. You’re now in a different situation, where you can fully grasp this truth: Nothing lasts forever. Still, do you find it hard to stop dwelling in the past? It’s a common issue, yet effective leaders consistently avoid talking about what’s negative about their past. Instead, they...
February 17, 2015
Stand Your Ground
There’s a lot to be said for compromise and flexibility in the workplace. Among other things, these strategies can be great for building consensus, supporting teamwork, and cultivating positive employee morale. But as a leader, you will sometimes find yourself needing to take a firm stand—and even dig in your heels when faced with resistance or disregard. For example, when people push back against or ignore a needed change you are implementing, you’ll need to call upon willpower and self-disc...
February 9, 2015
Teach, Don’t Preach
There are many times in business when someone will turn to you for a bit of advice—and you may freely give it. After all, it’s natural to want to support others and normal to like the fact that someone values your opinion enough to ask for it. However, if you really want to make a difference in that person’s life, hold off on dishing out the advice and find opportunities to share personal experiences instead. Examples or stories rooted in your personal experiences have a powerful capacity for...
February 2, 2015
Say What You Mean
There will be times in business when it will be challenging to deliver direct, candid communication. Maybe it will be some bad news about someone’s performance. Or perhaps it will be a mistake you’ve made that’s going to impact your team or the organization. Regardless of what it is, disclosing certain truths may hurt people’s feelings, which is why it can be tempting to beat around the bush or sugarcoat the message. But don’t do it. Anytime you skate around the truth or give a watered-down v...
January 26, 2015
Challenge the Status Quo
How many times in life have you heard someone say, “That’s just the way we’ve always done it”? It’s a common mentality among organizations, yet it’s a dangerous one for those that want to improve and grow. It hampers the possibility for change and prevents progress, both of which are essential for long-term success. Avoid this mindset. Start new habits around exploring possibilities and remaining open to change. Recognize when others around you are stuck in their status quo thinking and coach...
