Randy Clark's Blog, page 25

Don’t Make these Ten Social Media Mistakes that too many Businesses Make

Your organizations success or failure could ride on these 10 social media mistakes. It’s no secret that social media can be an effective marketing tool for business. Businesses are losing market share to competitors who use social media more effectively. If you don’t want to lose customers to socially savvy competition—avoid these common mistakes.

Ten Social Media Mistakes Turning it over to interns

At least something is being done, but what? Social media can affect your bottom line. Why would you turn over something so critical to interns or new employees? Do they fully understand your core values and business strategies? Would you turn accounting over to newbies?

Viewing it as advertising

At least you’re participating, but social media isn’t advertising. You’re not pitching, or shouldn’t be, at least not all the time; you’re participating in the conversation. It’s as if you were face-to-face at a networking event, listening to others, sharing helpful information, and letting people know what problems you solve.

Concentrating on the wrong networks

For example, Facebook isn’t where many B2B potential prospects and customers are. If you’re marketing to B2B, it might not be the best place to concentrate your efforts. Depending on your product or service, I could be wrong. The point is you should know your business and should know your customers. Don’t guess.

Inconsistency

You can’t do social media occasionally and expect consistent results. Enough said?

Lack of social media goals

Any initiative without goals has a reduced chance of success. How will you get there if you don’t know what you want to accomplish? Without a map, you only stumble toward your destination.

No plan of activities

Although you need goals, you can’t DO a goal. You can only DO activities. Determine what activities will help you reach your goal. What past actions have been effective, what activities need improvement, and what do you need to stop doing to help you hit your goal?

Poor time management

This may be a general problem affecting your business more than social media marketing, or it may be exclusive to social media. If you only have 10 minutes a day for Twitter, use it wisely by taking advantage of the available tools. And beware, it’s easy to get caught up and use too much time. Set a schedule and follow it.

Little or no organization

As with time management, this may be a systemic problem, not a specific concern. The key to organization is preparation. Have a system, use a to-do list, or follow a checklist, use an editorial calendar. Don’t manage social media by the seat of your pants.

Not building a team

Your team size may depend on your company’s size, but don’t overlook potential contributors in your organization. A couple of years ago, when I worked for a B2B provider, a new employee who took an entry-level position installing products wrote several posts for us. He’d recently completed his Masters in New Media at Purdue and was a well-practiced writer. Keep your eyes open to the possibilities.

Survey says—the #1 social media mistake businesses make is…

Not participating at all – Come on, people! As I said at this post’s beginning, social media isn’t a secret. Regardless of your industry, the lack of participation in social media will adversely affect your business sooner than later. Why wait?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

If you enjoyed this post you might also appreciate this post, What a Business Shouldn’t Share on Social Media

Photo by Myriam Jessier on Unsplash

The post Don’t Make these Ten Social Media Mistakes that too many Businesses Make appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

How to Create a Path to Promotion: A true Story

The story I’m about to tell about a path to promotion is one I’ve told but not written. It’s a story I often shared when completing new hire orientation. I used it as an example of creating a position. The story begins during a call-center employment interview.

How to Create a Path to PromotionThe Interview

I was conducting interviews for a near minimum wage position for a telemarketer. The position was cold calling for a residential home remodeling company. It was a tough job that required a particular set of skills. Brad was early for the interview. He patiently waited in the break room. I greeted him and explained I’d be with him shortly.

He had been the assistant plant manager of a manufacturing facility that went out of business in his hometown, a small western Indiana town almost an hour’s drive away. Strikes one, two, and three—we couldn’t pay him what he’d been making, the drive was too far, and he had no sales or marketing experience. I shared this with him and thanked him for coming in. He didn’t leave, he fought back, and then he asked if he could work overtime. Yes, he could. He asked if there was there any bonus or commission? Yes, there was. Then he said he and his wife had talked about moving to Indianapolis. He didn’t give up. I hired him.

6 Months Later

Brad was doing well. At the time, our organization set up a booth in a couple of trade shows per year. He volunteered to help with the show. Most employees didn’t want to. They thought it wasn’t the best use of their time. Brad proved them wrong. He not only worked the show but asked if could find more shows. He did this from his car, often after hours, off the clock, with samples and materials he pieced together. Brad became one of our best lead sources, and not only the number of leads but the quality.

And it Grew

Eventually, he was in so many shows we bought him a company truck, and then we built samples. Next, we allowed him to hire a team. The Home Show department grew to be a major lead source and was a large part of the tremendous growth of the company.

The Awards Banquet

Four years later I stood next to Brad at our annual awards banquet as the president of the company introduced our newest vice president—Brad. I had tears in my eyes. And to think, I tried to talk him out of the job.

What Path Are You On?

If you wait for the perfect position to open up, you may be waiting a long time, but if you create the position—it’s yours. Brad created a path to promotion, by developing a department that fit his personality and then surrounded himself with a group of like–minded teammates. A few years ago Brad retired due to medical issues, but his story lives on. Will yours? Where is your path leading you?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

If you enjoyed this post you might also appreciate this post, Why You Should Set Expectations with Trainees from Day One. 

Photo by Alexander Milo on Unsplash

 

The post How to Create a Path to Promotion: A true Story appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Don’t Omit this Training with New Hires

Don’t omit this training  with new hires. When training new hires, share challenging expectations, and offer the training needed to achieve them.

Several years ago, I was asked to take over the new hire basic sales training for one of America’s top 50 (by net volume) home remodeling companies. Although the company had a competent selection process, the new sales consultants were slow to start selling. Many new salespeople took a month or longer to make their first sale. Leads issued to a new non-selling salesperson were just as expensive as those given to an experienced salesperson. This was a problem. The initial basic training program was a week of classroom and field training. It was a good training plan. What needed to be added was the expectation of selling and a training schedule to prepare the new hires to meet the expectation. From the start, I told the new trainees I expected them to sell their first day in the field, their 6th day with the company!

Don’t Omit this Training with New Hires

I also explained I would give them everything they needed, but it was up to them and the effort I expected from them throughout training. I tied learning and study to this expectation. Memorizing information, repeating procedures, and studying for a quiz accompanied the first sale expectation. I attached deadlines to the process — warning not to fall behind. I recognized and correlated every achievement to their first sale. More than 95% of the trainees completed an order on their first day in the field. They expected to and were prepared to do so. Eventually, being in the “first-day” club became a point of pride.”

While the above example comes from sales, the technique should not be limited to sales. I have used this procedure with several positions and departments.

Here’s my basic outline Set realistic expectationsPut a time limit on achieving the expectationsConduct the training needed to achieve the expectationsConstantly connect the training to fulfilling the expectationsGive recognition for progressWhere do you begin?Orientation

An initial introduction to the organization’s culture, policies, procedures, and expectations should be one of the first training sessions with new employees. Begin by introducing yourself, your position, background, and tenure with the organization

Have all trainees introduce themselvesGive realistic, but challenging, expectationsConduct a tour of the operationIntroduce key managers and employeesDiscuss note-taking, questions, and participation expected in trainingPresent the organization’s mission statement, ethics policy, mission, and visionReview the job descriptionReview pay plans, bonus structures, and benefitsExplain termination offensesDistribute and review handbooksReview pitfalls and common mistakes of the positionOffer examples of successful career pathsTraining New Hires is about more than Training

Training new hires is about more than training; it’s about setting goals, sharing expectations, and then developing a training plan to help trainees meet those goals and reach them. Do you expect your new hire training to achieve goals, or is your new hire training a series of check marks on a to-do list? If you don’t set expectations, what can you expect?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash

The post Don’t Omit this Training with New Hires appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Is It Time to Quit Smoking?

Is it time to quit smoking? I quit smoking in 1997. It’s been 25 years since I last took a drag on a Newport. At my peak, I smoked three packs a day. I survived, but there are lingering effects from my 25-plus years of tobacco use. I’m luckier than many. My lungs haven’t been eaten alive by cancer; emphysema hasn’t reduced my breathing to a constant fight for air. However, I did walk away from my addiction with Chronic Bronchitis. I constantly cough and hack as my lungs fill with phlegm 24/7. It’s not attractive, and it’s no fun, but I’m glad I quit when I did. Heed my warning if you smoke, you’ll develop health issues that will affect the quality of your life and may kill you.

Is it Your Time to Quit Smoking?

When I quit, I used a nicotine patch. I tell people where I placed the patch on my body made a big difference—whenever I placed the patch over my mouth, I didn’t smoke. I won’t kid you; even with the patch, it wasn’t easy, especially considering that in 1997 smoking was allowed everywhere. At the office, in restaurants, and on planes. I mean, for heaven’s sake, there were smoking lounges in hospitals.

I was addicted to nicotine and was used to several hundred “hits” of this drug every day. Even after I quit, I continued to want cigarettes for several months. Today, I find the smell of tobacco smoke disgusting. I’ve no desire to suck smoke into my lungs, and you can do the same.

Quit Buying the Lie

I’m not going to list the horrors smoking does to your body. Because you already know. And yet, you continue to smoke. So, why is that? Is it because you’re lying to yourself?

1. I’ll Quit Before it’s too Late

You probably have told yourself you’ll quit when you’re ready. You’ll quit someday. And that lie keeps you from doing what you know you need to do. I know because I told myself the same thing. Thank goodness I quit before it killed me. If you smoke, now’s the time to quit, and you know I’m right. Quit telling yourself the “someday lie.”

2. I Enjoy Smoking

I told that one to myself, and I said I smoked because I enjoyed it. It was pleasurable to smoke! Really? Is it pleasurable to cough and hack? Do you enjoy smelling like the inside of a smoke-filled gaming house? Do you like how the nicotine yellows your teeth and stains your walls? How about going outside in sub-zero weather? What about the cost? No one truly likes smoking. That’s the drug talking. People like the drug, not the smoke. Stop telling yourself this lie.

3. I Can Quit Whenever I Want

I could quit anytime I wanted—for an hour, a day, and once for almost a year. But as long as I lied to myself, I hadn’t completely quit. I couldn’t stop until I realized that I didn’t like to smoke, didn’t want to smoke, and it was killing me. Are you ready to admit to the truth?

Today Can be the Day 

If today is the day, you don’t have to do it alone. If you have health insurance, check with your provider. Many insurance policies offer tobacco cessation programs. If that’s not available, there are free sources at your fingertips. Here are a few.

Smokefree.Gov 

American Cancer Society Quit for Life 

ACS Guide to Quit Smoking 

Photo by Andres Siimon on Unsplash

The post Is It Time to Quit Smoking? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

I Failed My New Year’s Resolution and So Can You! (Originally published in 2012)

December 2012: It’s that time ‘o year again — New Year’s resolution time. I know many of us have made resolutions we didn’t follow through with; I’m certain I’m not alone. Last year, I made a very public resolution posted on my blog. Not only did I make one, but I outlined the milestones I would reach throughout 2012. My resolution was to finish my book. It’s not finished, and here’s why I didn’t finish it:

I wasn’t specific enough

Oh sure, I had a timetable, but I didn’t have activities, which coincided with the plan. I needed to outline not only when, but how.

The takeaway — plan the activities needed to hit the goal.

 I didn’t put enough time, effort, and thought into my resolution

It looked good on paper, but was I truly prepared for this commitment? Had I thought out what was needed to accomplish this goal? Obviously not.

The takeaway — plan time to plan. Your resolution should not be a last minute New Year’s Eve attempt, but a well thought out plan.

I took on too much at once

Rather than break it into doable smaller tasks, I attempted to take it on as a whole. Even after my friend and editor, Allison Carter, divided it into five sections, I continued to think of it as one, which became daunting.

The takeaway — if it’s a large year-long goal, break it into digestible bits.

 I tried too hard to make it perfect

A recent tweet in my timeline hit home, “90% perfect and published is better than 100% and not.” I should have listened.

The takeaway — forget perfection, think progress. Don’t let perfection stop you.

The bottom line is, I focused on the outcome rather than how to get there. And by looking at it as a whole, I made the task more difficult than it was, to the point of perfection paralysis. Hopefully, if you’re serious about your New Year’s resolution, you may avoid some of the pitfalls I fell into.

About that resolution 

Now, about my 2013 resolution… there’s this book I need to finish – wait, I think I need a better plan this year. What do you think? If you’d like to go public and share your New Year’s resolutions, feel free to post them in the comments.

Postscript 12/29/2022: The book wasn’t published until 2015, 2 years later than my goal. I learned much from the experience and my next book was written and published in 2016, 8 months from start to finish. If you have a book in the works, and want to chat let me know.

How Can I Help You?  

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

 

The post I Failed My New Year’s Resolution and So Can You! (Originally published in 2012) appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Why Do We Make New Year’s Resolutions?

So, why do we make New Year’s resolutions? Interesting question. More than 2,000 years ago, the Babylonians observed a New Year’s tradition of returning items borrowed from neighbors, which I believe were usually farming tools and mystery novels. In the early 18th century, Jonathan Edwards published a list of 70 resolutions. For Edwards, the resolutions were a guideline to live by. Benjamin Franklin, in his publication Poor Richards Almanac said, “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”

But Why Do We Make New Year’s Resolutions?

The human race is hard-wired to strive for improvement. We haven’t moved from caves to outer space by not trying to be more than what we currently are. Nearly every aspect of the human condition is affected by our great curiosity and desire to improve things. Individually we work to improve our educations, living conditions, occupations, and more. We push our children for constant improvement and expect our loved ones and friends to do the same.

Lunch with a Friend

While having lunch with a friend, who has a master’s in human resources, we discussed desirable character traits of employment candidates. One character trait we both sought was self-improvement. We ask such questions as, what was your biggest failure, what did you learn from it, or what would you most like to improve about yourself? While disappointed with disingenuous responses, we’re joyful with honest answers about mistakes, lessons, and improvement. So, once again, why do we make New Year’s resolutions?

Is There an Answer?

The answer is partly because of tradition. It’s become, if not expected, of each of us to make resolutions. It’s indeed accepted and often embraced. While many strive to improve not all go public, and not everyone seeks self-improvement. Many of us do go public with our desire to improve in the hope of reinforcing the behavior. It’s much more challenging to break a resolve that’s publicly shared. Sharing also makes us take a realistic look at our resolution. It’s easy to say, “I want to lose 50 pounds,” when nobody knows. However, when we go public, it forces us to make a plan, to take action.

So, what is your New Year’s resolution? If you’d like to “go public” with your resolution, you can add it to the comments here. Happy New Year to you!

How Can I Help You?  

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

 

 

The post Why Do We Make New Year’s Resolutions? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

How to Recognize and Avoid Online Scams

It’s important to know how to recognize and avoid online scams any time of year but especially during the holidays.

Last week, one of my wife’s closest friends called, concerned that she had fallen for an online scam. Earlier that day, a pop-up, supposedly from Microsoft, filled her screen, informing her that her computer was under attack from a virus. It went on to explain there was a solution, and all she had to do was call the number provided.

When she called, a representative convinced her she was about to lose control of her computer and all her files, including her bank accounts, social security number, and passwords. She fearfully agreed to give the “company” access to the account and to send an image of a check to the agent’s account.

Later, when she tried to log back on to her computer, she was locked out. Her password didn’t work. Her computer was no longer in her control.

How to Recognize and Avoid Online ScamsWhat to Do 

At this point, she called my wife, who gave her the following instructions:

Call the bank immediately and stop payment on the checkGo to the bank, explain the situation, close your existing accounts, open new ones, and then ask the bank if there are any other precautions she should takeTake her computer to a local provider (in this it was case Best Buy) to remove the malwareReset all passwords

The following day my wife received a similar pop-up. She called the number to see if she could entrap the agent. After several pointed questions from my wife, the representative disconnected. My wife reported the scam. How to Report a Microsoft Phone Scam. 

How to Avoid Online ScamsDon’t allow remote access unless it’s a trusted provider that has been vetted and verifiedUse complex passwords, change them frequently, and don’t use one password for all accountsInstall antivirus software and be sure firewalls remain upStay current with updates from all operating software and your browserDon’t open suspicious email attachments, texts, or pop-upsKnow that scams are out there and be able to identify types of scamsTypes of Online Scams

Brute Force Attack – Using thousands of combinations to discover passwords.

Catfish – Fake online profile used to fool people.

Drive-by Download – When a virus is attached to your computer after visiting a compromised site.

Ghosting the deceased – Identity theft of the deceased

Maladvertising – Online advertising containing malware

Pharming – Malicious program that redirects searches from legitimate sites

Phishing – An attempt to trick users into sharing sensitive information

Ransomware – A program that disables your computer asking for a ransom to reinstate it

Scareware – Programs that use scare tactics such as warning of online threats to your computer

Skimming – Stealing data from magnetic strip charge cards, for example, at a gas pump

Smishing – A text advising you to call a toll-free number.

Spyware – Malware that is attached to your device that tracks your actions.

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

No, I don’t think people should live in fear, but we all should be aware of the scams that are threatening all of us, and if not fearful, at least be wary. If it looks suspicious—don’t open it. If it sounds phony or too good to be true—it probably is. When Google, Apple, or Microsoft contacts you with a pop-up about some virus, please know it’s not them. Don’t open it. Delete it. Change your passwords, and stay updated.

What has this got to Do with Your Small Business? 

Everything. Recently a regional hospital in our area paid more than $50,000 to regain access to their software. It can happen to any of us, and it can happen to your small business. Every single one of your employees needs to be aware of this and educated on what to watch for, be aware of, and avoid. All it takes is one employee opening a suspicious email to crash the walls.

How Can I Help You?  

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by Samantha Borges on Unsplash

 

 

The post How to Recognize and Avoid Online Scams appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Want To Be More Engaging? Use Smaller Words

A few years ago, I attended a class on writing skills taught by John A. Wieland (Business/Professional Writing Skills). Mr. Wieland, the IUPUI Outstanding Distinguished Associate Faculty Member in 2010, shared a wealth of tips and ideas. One stood out for me — use smaller words. Short is often better.

He discussed how conquerors of Britain changed the English language. The ruling class introduced its language and words as superior. Unfortunately, this persists today. He gave this example: the Anglo–Saxon word “ask” was replaced by the Latin word “interrogate” and the French word “question.” His point was to impress with ideas, not words, so use smaller words.

Here’s another example, the French word fornicate is acceptable, but the Anglo-Saxon word for the same act is considered vulgar.

Want To Be More Engaging? Use Smaller Words

In George Orwell’s1946 essay, “Politics and the English Language,” he wrote —

“Bad writers, and especially scientific, political, and sociological writers, are nearly always haunted by the notion that Latin or Greek words are grander than Saxon ones, and unnecessary words constantly gain ground from their Anglo-Saxon numbers.”

In a Copyblogger post, Dean Rieck said —

“Choose simple words. Write ‘use’ instead of ‘utilize,’ ‘near’ instead of ‘close proximity,’ ‘help’ instead of ‘facilitate,’ ‘for’ instead of ‘in the amount of,’ ‘start’ instead of ‘commence.’ Use longer words only if your meaning is so specific no other words will do.”

In H. W. Fowler’s, The King’s English, published in 1908, he used the following example of using unfamiliar words —

“Continual vigilance is imperative on the public to ensure… (We must be ever on the watch).”

The Hard Work of Simplification

I work at simplifying my content. I ask myself the following:

Is this the right word?

Does the word say what I mean to say? Is there a simpler word? Does a simpler word say it as well? Try this. Say the sentence out loud with the word, then replace it with a simpler word. What sounds best? Which meaning is more clear?

Can the word(s) be omitted?

Does the word add to the meaning, or does it just make it wordy? Try this. Read the sentence without the word. Does the meaning remain clear?

Why this word?

It may be a poor choice if you’re not using the word solely for its meaning. Try this. Would you choose this word if you’re not using the word for its sound, jargon, or trying to impress?

What does the word mean?

Seriously, not only its commonly accepted definition but all usages? Try this. Look up words you know and review the full definition.

There is a place for big words. Sometimes, only one word defines what you wish to say. Also, in avoiding repetition, it may be better to use “large,” “great,” or “considerable” instead of “big” repeatedly. Is simpler better? Should you use small words? When given the choice of two appropriate words, in a word, yes.

How Can I Help You? 

Let me know if I can offer any help or advice. If this post struck a nerve, you might want to check out my book, How to Stay Ahead of Your Business Blog Forever. The book is full of action plans for you to create a blogging/writing system that works for you.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like, How to Defeat Writer’s Block.

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

 

 

The post Want To Be More Engaging? Use Smaller Words appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

My Black Backpack is Starting to Look Green

My black backpack is starting to look green. I have a black nylon backpack I bought in 1994. I carry it every day. It has traveled with me from Paris to Puerto Vallarta. It once had a security sticker from the London Underground Authority, but it wore off a year or two ago. My wife had taped and sewn a tear on the bottom seam, but recently, both zippers stopped zipping. I was in a store the other day, and there was a bright, new, shiny, all-black backpack on sale for only $14.99! I was intrigued, but I didn’t buy it.

My Black Backpack Is Starting to Look Green

I went home, got a needle and thread (after my wife told me three times where they were), and fixed the zippers. Good as new! Granted, some sentimentality is involved, and I have anthropomorphized my backpack, but I have not named it…yet. I didn’t need a new backpack, which made me wonder — what else don’t I need? My wife, Cathi, and I live modestly. We are frugal, but it is not about making do. It’s about appreciating what we have and what is important to us, like family, travel, and my wife’s commitment to helping others.

Buying a New Backpack Would Be Fun!

We are a nation of consumers; I’ve heard it said our true religion is consumerism. Feel down, had a bad day? Well, shoot, just buy something! You will feel so… much… better until you need to buy more. If we consider what we don’t need, we can concentrate our resources on what we need. We can think about what fulfills us, which in turn, gives us meaning. Let me ask, what don’t you need? Oh, and BTW, if we dispose of less, it might help save spaceship Earth as a consequence.

If I Disposed Of The Backpack, How Long Would It Last As Trash?

According to an Education World lesson plan, it takes quite a long time.

Banana — 3 to 4 weeksPaper bag — 1 monthCotton rag — 5 monthsWool sock — 1 yearCigarette butt — 2 to 5 yearsLeather boot — 40 to 50 yearsRubber sole (of the boot) — 50 to 80 yearsTin can (soup or vegetable can) — 80 to 100 yearsAluminum can (soda pop can) — 200 to 500 yearsPlastic 6-pack rings — 450 yearsPlastic jug — 1 million yearsStyrofoam cup — unknown? Forever?Glass bottle — unknown? Forever?What Can Less Trash Mean for the Planet?

100 million tons of flotsam in the North Pacific

135 million tons of fresh trash and garbage a year in U.S. landfills.

300,000 miles of rivers and streams, as well as 5,000,000 acres of lakes, are polluted in the United States.

There are thousands of examples of what our excesses do to the environment, but I think the point has been made. What do you need, and what don’t you need? Please share with me what you are keeping and what you must replace. What is important to you? What is looking green for you?

Postscript 

I wrote this post in 2014, but it’s still a message I wanted to share. I have the backpack, but I retired it to my closet when the zippers finally gave way. I’ve had its replacement for 10 years. It’s black but turning green too.

How Can I Help You?  

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo Matt Seymour Unsplash

 

The post My Black Backpack is Starting to Look Green appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Do Your People Believe Your Company Values Are Real?

We all hope our employees believe in our company values and  follow and abide by company policies and procedures. We want to believe our teammates share the values outlined in mission statements and vision manifestos but do we know they share our company values? Not unless we ask.

Do Your People Believe Your Company Values Are Real?Are Leadership and the Team on the Same Page? 

The problem with asking employees if they share the leadership’s business beliefs and company values is we may not like the answer. They may believe in the organization’s values, ethics, and moral code but don’t believe the company is achieving them. If that’s the case, wouldn’t you want to know?

Conduct a Values Compliance Survey 

To conduct a values compliance survey, carefully consider your organization’s values and then choose three to five to survey.

What values are most likely to be considered unattained?Are there values left unfulfilled that could adversely affect your organization?What are the most critical values in your culture?What values are most important to you?Ask the team what values they consider to be most impactful.An Example Survey 

Here’s a company values survey we completed with a group of Customer Service Representatives.

Value Compliance Survey

Our company has certain beliefs and values at the core of our business. These values aren’t only what we believe but have made our organization successful and helped us grow. After more than 30 years of conducting business, it’s easy to assume we’re meeting our value expectations. However, management is only sometimes in the trenches. We don’t always know the daily interactions of our company, but you do. We want your opinion on the five cultural values listed below. We’re not asking you to grade yourself but the company overall.

On a scale of 1 – 10, with 10 being the most positive, how would you rate compliance with the following values?

We live by the belief that customers come first.

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Comment _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The accuracy of orders is about as good as it can be.

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Comment _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Communication between departments and clients is timely and complete.

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Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employees are friendly and helpful to customers, vendors, and each other.

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Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Delivering the best possible product to consumers is always our goal.

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Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What Do Your Employees Believe?

What do your employees believe? Don’t try to answer that question because you can’t answer it. Only your employees can. And before you tell me you know your employees and what they believe, let me ask you a question. What if you don’t? What if you can’t see the forest for the trees? Is it possible your valued employees might have suggestions for improving your organization?

The company’s leadership who gave the survey above to their staff thought they knew the answers, but they didn’t know them all and will be better for it.

How Can I Help You?  

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

If you found this helpful you might also appreciate this survey, Do You Know What’s Important To Your Employees? A short easy to use employee survey.

 

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