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Here’s a Management Development Plan that’s Easy to Use and it Works!

Does your organization have a management development plan, or do you throw new managers into the deep end hoping they keep their head above water? If that’s your system – how’s it working so far?

Time after time I hear stories about organizations scrambling to find the next manager because the current leader gave two days’ notice … an hour ago. I hear stories about poor management micro-managers, bullies who use intimidation as a motivator, do as I say not as I do bosses, and more. I hear about the difficulty in keeping remote management teams all on the same page. When I hear this, I share that I have an answer. It’s not easy, and it’s not perfect, but it’s a darn good start. It’s a management development program that anyone can do.

You and your team can implement consistent management, recognize and prepare your next managers, and teach best practices to your management staff.

How is this Accomplished?

So, how is this accomplished? With a management development plan, a system, that can be used with new, current, future, and remote managers. The system uses a workbook that covers the following and more:

Hiring practicesTrainingConducting meetingsConflict managementBehavioral modificationMotivationTeam buildingCommunicationTime managementSilo bustingGoal settingEmployee reviewsWhy Have a Managements Development Plan? 

There are many reasons to offer management and leadership training.

Establishes consistent management practices throughout the organizationShows interest in employees, which leads to improved job satisfaction, and increased performanceDevelops camaraderie among teammates from different departments, therefore, busting silosProvides a management forum to share information and ideasTrains the best practices to achieve the highest results directly impacting the bottom lineHow Can a Management Development Plan be Implemented?Current Managers – Meet monthly (or as often as needed) for 30 to 45-minute training sessions.Remote Managers – Options include centrally located group meetings or participation onlineFuture Managers – Have direct managers recognize and nominate candidates. Use the management candidate survey in the Workbook to determine if the individual fits the management profile. Conduct monthly (or as often as needed) leadership training sessions (30-45 minutes) with all management candidates.Are You Ready to Get Started with a management Development Plan?

Ready, set, go—what are you waiting for? Are you waiting for the next time you’re stuck with no manager, or when you find out your west coast district manager hasn’t conducted reviews, or when you see a manager critiquing an employee in front of the team? Yes, you could wait until you’re desperate, or you could start now. The Workbook is available on Amazon, click this link to view it — The New Manager’s Workbook a Crash Course in Effective Management  

For more advanced training try this, The Manager’s Guide to Becoming a Leader

Reviews of the Workbook“Thank You, Randy!”

“I consider myself a scholar in Leadership theory and practice and have enjoyed the academic journey. I have also read countless leadership books written by greats like Collins, Sinek, Maxwell, and others. When I was asked to lead a training and development team for a large company, with a primary mission of developing new manager training for the 24 to 32-year old age group, I knew I had a big project ahead of me. The company wanted “the basics,” in a crash-course type format (due to a high operational workload) that didn’t need to be instructor-led or seminar based. So, I tried to compose a syllabus that could be translated into a workbook and made available to newly appointed managers—but I could not get ahead of the urgency. Then, almost by accident, I came across Randy Clark’s “New Manager’s Workbook.”

When I opened and viewed the contents, I realized that my outline (brainstorming) had 9 chapters devoted to deficiencies I recognized. Then, when I read the material, I realized how brilliantly put together his book was! Randy saved me many months of work, and he did a fantastic job on the material. I have made this tool available for the company’s new managers with great reviews. This is very much a “crash course” that is perfect for that person who gets thrown into a management role and wants to find early success. For what it is, the New Manager’s Workbook is perfect. It reduces the high-level and complex theories associated with leadership, theories of motivation, and understanding human behavior, to a manageable, easy-to-follow, ready-available, progressive resource to effectively manage people. Thank you, Randy!”

“I often refer to his literature as my playbook” 

“I’m a new Installation Manager for a general contractor that hired Randy to come in and give us weekly classes. Since I started attending these classes, he has answered a lot of the questions I had on how to approach certain scenarios I encounter. His exuberant method of instruction makes the class even better and keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. He has a great way of explaining things to where anyone can understand it, and I often refer to his literature as my “playbook” that I can reference to when I’m uncertain on how to confront a tough situation.”

“I am a better manager because of it”

“Our business bought copies for every manager and we’re using it in leadership training classes. I was one of the first in our organization to embrace his leadership methods and it changed how I managed people. I had never looked at managing as helping people, but it works, and I am a better manager because of it. Managing people doesn’t have to be confrontational. It’s a common-sense approach to leadership that can be used in the office and at home.”

“…path to becoming a more effective manager” 

“I have been in management for twenty plus years, but never truly had a grasp on being a manager. It is not just being in charge! This book has given me a path to becoming a more effective manager and what it means to manage people and the activities to make them more successful! This book is a must read for anyone that is involved in management.”

Is it Time to Get Started?

If this is the training you’re looking for. If it’s what’s missing from your organization, Contact Me. I love talking about leadership training and hopefully I can offer some constructive advice.

So, what is your management development plan?

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

 

 

 

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Leadership Development Doesn’t End at the Office

A member of a team studying The New Managers Workbook a crash course in effective management, pulled me aside to share a story. He told me his 19-year-old daughter had called him from college to thank him. She’d noticed a new dynamic between mom and dad. They were getting along better than ever, not that they had severe problems, but according to dad, he wasn’t always a good listener or open to his wife’s and daughter’s ideas or input. His daughter said she’d seen a change in dad. He was becoming a better listener to her and her mother, and was open to hearing their ideas. In the past, once dad’s mind was set he closed the doors. He wasn’t open for business. But now he was open. Leadership development doesn’t end at the office.

Dad’s Story

As I listened to his story I thought that’s wonderful, but what’s the connection? And then he connected the dots for me. He looked me in the eye, grabbed my hand to shake it, and said thank you. He had applied what he was learning in the leadership development classes to his relationship with his family. It had improved his homelife. I was grateful he shared the story. It not only made my day it gave me satisfaction and fulfillment, because it’s a big reason I conduct leadership development, to watch others grow.

It’s an Old Tale

It’s not the first time I’ve heard this from folks in leadership development. Entire classes have talked about how they’ve applied the leadership training to their lives, and not only work. Leadership development trainees have shared how they’ve improved communication, team building, and silo busting at home, church, and club. Behavior modification, conflict management, and activity driven goal setting have improved the lives of not only themselves, but their loved ones.

Others have used problem-solving techniques and time management methods to make things better in all aspects of their life – not just work.

The Best You

Striving to be a better leader at work begins with becoming a better human being. Improving who you are doesn’t involve punching a time clock. Becoming an upgraded version of yourself, the new and improved version a is 24/7 project. So, if you strive to be a better manager and leader of people the kickback is you become a better person in every aspect of your life. Don’t you love it?

How Can I Help? 

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? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course im effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program.

 

Photo by Xavier Miralles on Unsplash

 

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Why You Should Set Expectations with Trainees from Day One

A few years ago, I took over the sales training for one of the top 50 home remodelers in America. Their recruiting and hiring processes were good, and from what I saw they hired people that should be able to do the job. The company needed to set expectations.

They had an intense and thorough training program. New hires began on a Monday and spent six to eight hours each day in the classroom after which, they rode with a tenured salesperson on appointments observing practical application of what they’d seen in the classroom. After working until eight or nine PM, they had assignments to complete. After all that, they were expected to go by themselves to an appointment on their sixth day – Saturday and make a sell.

The Salespeople Didn’t Sell

The problem was the new salespeople didn’t sell. Often it was weeks before their first sale, which was expensive for the company and discouraged the salespeople.

I spent a week observing the training, reviewing their literature, and interacting with a class of new salespeople. I took charge of the following class.

One Change

I only made one substantial change to the organizations training plan. I set expectations from the beginning and tied every piece of training to that expectation. From the start, I told the class they were expected to sell on Saturday, their first day on their own. I continued by explaining I would do my part and give them everything they needed to make this happen. Next, I explained that this would only work if they worked. If they followed my instructions, learned the material, and completed their assignments they would be successful.

Tie the Expectation to the Training

Throughout the training, I tied every step to the expectation of selling their first day. For example, part of the presentation was sharing the company’s history, which was impressive. The business had won numerous awards for quality work and customer service, which inspired trust in consumers, but only if it was presented well. When I gave the assignment of learning the company story, I tied back to how important this assignment was to completing their first sell. To add to that, I explained each would be videotaped the next morning, so that they could critique their performance.

If You want to Make an Impact Set Expectations

With that one change, tying expectations to the training, the first day sell percentage for new salespersons went from almost zero to more than 90%.

Okay, so you don’t train salespeople. It doesn’t matter. Whatever and whoever you train can be enhanced by setting clear expectations, and then tying training to the expectations.

Photo Credit: Photo on Foter.com

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My Blog Editing Checklist

It took me writing hundreds of blog posts to create my blog editing checklist. I was not the first to do any of these steps; others paved my way. I’d catch a mistake and then research how to avoid it. It’s a hard way to learn. I hope this list helps you create an editing system that works for you without going through the pain I did. Every point here might not fit your needs, so put together what works for you.

My Blog Editing ChecklistWrite drunk edit sober – turn off Spell Check and write

“At an event, a friend took over notetaking from me. He used my laptop and, after a few minutes, asked me why Spell Check was disabled. I told him that I don’t want my concentration broken when I write, and editing, including spellcheck, is distracting. I explained I enabled spellcheck when I began editing by not while writing because I wanted the creative juices to flow and not to be stopped and started by interruptions that slowed the creative process.” — A Simple 6-Step Blog Writing System

Run through Spell Check at completion

So, yes, use Spell Check, but only after you’ve completed the first draft.

Let the post sit for at least 24 hours

Let the post and your mind rest. Take a break. It will still be there tomorrow, and you’ll have a fresher and clearer look at it.

Read the post out loud

When I worked in an office posting 5 new blogs a week,  I drove my 2 office mates batty. Every day, I would read a new post out loud to them. It’s amazing what you can hear but miss when you don’t read it out loud.

Review each sentence beginning at the end

Start at the last sentence of the post and edit each sentence one at a time. You will often find mistakes, better ways to say something, and unnecessary sentences.

Run it through  Grammarly Know your wordsThe fewer unnecessary words, the better – cut and cut againIs it the right word? Are you certain? Look it up.Have I overused a word? Did I use the same word in the last sentence? Replace it.Make one last review

Don’t use mediate when you mean meditate. Did tell you about the time I misspelled inconvenient and Spell Check changed it to incontinence? Yep, I didn’t catch it at first.

Did I say one last review?

Do it again in WordPress for readability and for SEO. One of the last steps in my blog process is to place it in WordPress. At that time, I proofread and review it again and use Yoast to check readability and keyword optimization. I’ll review the post one more time before I hit publish, which for me is two to three weeks after the piece was placed in WordPress. And you know what? I almost always find mistakes, make improvements, and add or delete copy.

Add image with alt description

Where to Find Post Images that Aren’t Boring

Publish and review the published post on the siteWhat’s Your Editing Checklst?

So, do you have a blog editing system or checklist? If so, what would you add to this?

How Can I Help?

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 to create a blogging/writing system that works for you.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like How to Make the End of Your Blog Post a Beginning.

 

 

 

 

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What Makes a Good Salesperson?

What makes a good salesperson? For that matter what is good? Webster’s Dictionary has an entire page of definitions for the word, “good” (That’s good, right?). I’m certain I could ask twenty successful salespeople to define a good salesperson, and come up with another page full of definitions, as well. What is a good salesperson? Is it strictly bottom-line net business or is it more? I think more—MUCH more.

What Makes A Good Salesperson 

• A good salesperson has both their customers’ and their company’s best interests at heart. They have the courage to tell a customer, or the company, when they’re making a mistake, and advise what is best for both. They tell the truth.

• A good salesperson builds relationships and understands that giving has rewards and returns, whether it’s following through on a project, or sending a birthday card.

• A good salesperson does not think of money first. They know financial and other rewards will come with caring service.

• A good salesperson listens, researches, and studies how to help their customers. They ask questions to learn how to best serve their customers.

• They are an expert. They know their competition; they understand the value of their own product or service, and they can explain the difference.

• They understand problems, and offer solutions. They follow-through on mistakes, complaints, and services until they’re resolved, and they honor commitments by following-through, even after after the mood has worn off.

• A good salesperson keeps their customers informed, even if it’s only to advise of “no change” in the status of their service.

• A good salesperson comes with a helping attitude. Their first thought is how will this help the consumer, not, what does it do for me.

• They are passionate about what they do, their company, their products and services, and their customers.

• A good salesperson makes good character choices, and they understand their weaknesses, while continually striving to improve.

• They understand and study sales strategies, but only apply them for the good of all.

Isn’t There More to it? 

Some of you are looking at this list and asking, “Where is ambition, competitiveness, likability, charm, or a good golf game?” All of these characteristics may or may not help someone make a sale, but how should we define a good salesperson? Should it be bottom-line sales alone? When a salesperson over-promises, misleads, or ignores customers, it reflects negatively on the company. It may be counter-intuitive to consider character over charisma (having both is a good thing), but in the long run, how do you want your company represented, because it’s the long run that matters.

New Age Consulting

When I was younger, I used every sales trick in the book and even invented a few. I used these tactics to sell and taught others how to dupe a customer into buying the product I wanted to sell, which was only sometimes what the consumer needed. I’m not proud of my early years in sales. I was “that” Salesperson.

Eventually, I learned that helping customers rather than “selling” them built lasting relationships. It not only made good business sense, but it also felt good. It was the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing? Do you want to learn how to be a compassionate sales consultant and increase sales while building your customer base? If so, read this book. How to Sell Without Becoming “that” Salesperson

If you liked this post, you might also appreciate 5 Things Top Consultants Do.

Photo by Resume Genius on Unsplash

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Recognizing Opportunities for Continued Team Improvement

Do you manage a business? Are you good at recognizing opportunities for continued team improvement? Whether you think you are or not, here are a few ways to look for areas your team might improve. You should constantly ask yourself these three questions.

Recognizing Opportunities for Continued Team ImprovementIs This the Best Way to Do This?

Sometimes, we do things one way because that’s just how we have always done them. You may say to yourself, “Why on earth would I look for a better way?” The answer may be new processes, technology, or an employee’s new idea. Keep an open mind.

What Are We NOT Doing that We Should Do?

Are there things that will help your clients or customers and develop your people? What could improve efficiency and make your team better prepared?

What Are We Doing that We Shouldn’t Do?

Are there things you do in your job that are done for reasons that no longer exist? For example, a report that no one uses or a process replaced by a new technology?

Recognizing Key Areas for Team Improvement

Here are some key areas for improvement on your team. Not all will fit your needs, but it’s good to take a look.

Time management  

Improve team efficiency and productivity by optimizing workflows and task management. 4 Time Management Hacks that Are Like Putting Time in a Bank or How to Add 30% More Time to Your Workday

Communication 

Enhance clarity and effectiveness in communication within the team and with external stakeholders. Why Communication in the Workplace Sucks

Problem-solving skills

Develop the ability to identify and address challenges effectively. 7 Steps to Problem Solving and More

Conflict resolution 

Learn to address and resolve disagreements within the team effectively. How to Use the Pinch Theory of Conflict Management

Goal setting wth action plans

Set clear goals with an action plan for each and then track progress towards achieving them. How to Use a Goal Setting Form (Form Included)

Is it Time to Get Started?

By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, teams can achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and overall success. When you commit to continuous improvement, you’ll begin to make things better for you and your team.

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 liked this, you may also enjoy this post: How to Help Your Team One Member at a Time.

Photo by Dylan McLeod on Unsplash

 

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What Should You Wear to a Networking Event?

What should you wear to a networking event? That’s a good question because the answer depends on the event and your purpose for attending. Are looking for new customers, a job, or to connect with influencers? Is the event after hours at a local watering hole or is a business luncheon at a fine dining establishment? What you should wear to a networking event isn’t one size fits all.

What Should You Wear?Dress for the Event

The last thing you want to do is be out of place because you over or under dressed. Vet the event before attending. Where is it being held, what time of day, and who’s attending might help inform you as to what to wear. If it’s a regular event are there photos from previous events? If you know someone attending seek their advice, if not contact the organizers and ask them for suggestions.

Fit Your Purpose

Why are you attending the event? If it’s to prospect for business what would you wear if you were calling on prospects? If you’re looking for a job what would you wear to an interview? Fit your apparel to your purpose.

Look Professional

Regardless of the event, dress as a professional. If it’s business casual, don’t take that to mean blue jeans, instead wear slacks, or a skirt and a jacket to set yourself apart in a professional manner. If it’s business attire, wear a business suit. And if it’s after hours blue jean casual add a jacket to your ensemble. Professional also means cleaned and pressed. The wrinkled wash and dry top isn’t okay, don’t do it.

Don’t Over Accessorize

Leave the excess jewelry and that beret or ball cap at home. Dressing flashy with accessories that reflect light around the room may bring attention upon you but it may not be the attention you want.

Dress Your Age

Are you middle aged? Was the last six-pack you had bottled by Budweiser? If so, stay away from the skinny jeans, yoga pants, and midriff exposing tops. Do not show too much skin. Revealing clothing may attract attention, but it ain’t the good kind. Trust me.

Be Comfortable

It’s hard to be at your best in ill-fitting or uncomfortable clothing. If it’s too tight, too loose, or too anything leave it off the list. And be sure to wear shoes that don’t restrict blood flow to your toes. It is a networking event, and you want to be able to walk around and meet folks without wincing in pain at every step.

Pick a Color

It’s best to stay with conservative tones. It’s hard to go wrong with black, gray, navy, or brown. Stay aware from flashy and shiny.

What’s Best for You?

What’s best for you is something you feel comfortable in, that fits the occasion, and creates a professional image. You determine this by researching the event as well as knowing your purpose for attending. If you enjoyed this post, you might also appreciate these.

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker. It makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like, Attending an Event? Don’t Just Sit There.

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An Alternate Approach to Finding a Job

Here’s an alternate approach to finding a job. You’re unemployed and diligently looking for a position. You’ve updated your resume, searched the interwebs, and even knocked on a few doors, but after asking friends and acquaintances for referrals, attending networking events, and taking every interview you can — you’re still out of work. It’s a vicious cycle; the longer you’re unemployed, the more unemployable you look. The truth is that there’s a stigma attached to unemployment. Employers wonder why you’re not working, why you’ve been off so long, and why others haven’t offered you a job?

An Alternate Approach to Finding a JobWhy Not Try Something Different?

This will seem counterintuitive, but quit pitching yourself so much. It may be the more you “pitch” how valuable of an employee you are — the more desperate you seem. That’s probably not the best strategy for finding employment, is it? Instead of pitching what you can do, why not ask how you can help? Instead of going in with a resume showing your last position was three months ago, why not show the volunteer work, internship, or short-term contract work you’ve been doing for those months. This will wipe out the “unemployed must mean unemployable” stigma. But how will it help you find a job? Several ways — first of all, by connecting you to new opportunities. I was recently asked to consider a board membership for a NFP (not-for-profit).

I said Yes

They asked for a resume. I don’t have one. I’ve never had one, and have never been out of a job for longer than I wanted to be. How’s this possible? Is it sheer luck? I don’t think so. It’s because I stay connected, I volunteer, I help, and I’ve taken short-term consultant positions. I was introduced to my last full time employer as a consultant in 2008, which led to employment from 2010 to 2021.

For me staying busy usually means staying upbeat and positive. Can your attitude have an effect on your job search? Does a negative, defeatist, or desperate attitude show through? Yes. Ask any recruiter how much of their decision is based on any candidate’s attitude. Staying active and helping others improves your chances for employment.

Here’s How Connecting you to new people and opportunitiesKeeping your resume current and upbeatHelping you maintain a positive outlook and to feel good about yourselfTeaching you new skills

Yes, this is all easy for me to say. I’m self-employed. But try this: instead of telling everyone how valuable an asset you would be, show them by helping. Keep an open mind to short-term possibilities, temporary positions, or helping someone for the sake of helping, and you may be surprised where it leads.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I consider three criteria 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? 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.

Image by kalhh from Pixabay

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Make Working from Home Work for You

Are you working from home? Have you worked from home previously, or is this something new for you? I’ve been working from home full or part-time since 2008. This time around, I haven’t worked outside of my home for  a couple of years. However, I’m not in your situation, so I do not claim to be an expert on your needs. What I can do is share what has worked for me.

To-do not To-clock

For me, it’s important to have a start time, a clock-in time if you will, but after that, I ignore the clock. I don’t have an end of the day hour. I do have a no later than time. Your job may require you to be on the clock. For example, my youngest daughter teaches high school and duriing COVID she had to be available for classes. But if you don’t have to be available to respond to inquiries, ask yourself this.

What’s more important, putting in the hours, or getting the job done? Silly question isn’t it. However, for those of us who did clock-in and out of the workplace, we’ve been indoctrinated, almost brain-washed, to put in a fixed number of hours regardless of what was accomplished.

“Instead of looking at the clock, I look at my list. I begin each day with a task list, which I expect to complete. This can only be accomplished by constructing a realistic, highly doable list.

By calculating how long each task will take, I schedule a full day. If I work faster or smarter and complete the tasks sooner, I have more hammock time. If I take a two-hour break to mow the lawn before it rains, I keep working until my task list is complete. The key is to make a realistic list — not a wish list. Unless it’s Armageddon or my network goes down (same thing), I complete the list regardless of the time. I’m not an expert on ROWE (Results Only Work Environment), but I know what works for me.” — The Key Ingredient to Successfully Working from Home

“I usually get more done at home because I’m not wasting my time on useless meetings or catching up with a coworker about my weekend plans. Remote working, I think, is the future and productive goals should be set instead of punching a timecard.” —  Too Much Work? by Mandi Welch

If this sounds like you, then working from home is a chance for a new beginning. Instead of focusing on the clock, concentrate on tasks.

Get Organized

Organization doesn’t come naturally to me. I have to work at. Coworkers have commented on how organized I am. If they only knew. I learned to be organized because I had to, to survive. Between the ADHA and dyslexia, I was a lost cause. So, here’s my point if I can do it …

For me, the discipline of organization begins with my to-do lists. I have weekly, daily, and hourly lists. I also use calendars, Microsoft teams, Outlook, and Google calendars for social media, blogging, and more. Take a few minutes at the beginning or the end of every day and make a to-do list. If you’d like some ideas on creating a to-do list go here,  How To Create A Daily To-do List

Next, organize your work area. A sloppy, disorganized work area hurts your productivity. I remember working with a very successful business owner whose desk hadn’t seen daylight since the Clinton presidency. He claimed he knew where everything was. He said it was how he kept track of things. I can’t tell you the number of times I and others have sat in his office patiently waiting 15-minutes or more while he searched for papers. Around the office, when documents couldn’t be found, we’d go to his desk. His lack of organization slowed us all down and was a source of stress. So, deal with papers, have a filing system, and have a place for everything.

Limit distractions 

Multitasking is a myth. The brain doesn’t work that way. “As much as you might feel like you have the ability to read your email, talk on the phone, and engage in a Facebook Messenger chat all at once, it’s literally impossible. What you’re doing is playing multiple games of “red light/green light” in your brain — constantly starting and stopping each task repeatedly. This is known in psychology as “serial tasking,” not multitasking.” — Why Multitasking Is a Myth That’s Breaking Your Brain and Wasting Your Time.

This may be the most impactful suggestion I’ll make in this post. While you’re working on tasks, turn off notifications. Check them on your schedule, not the pings schedule. If it’s necessary to be available, check every 30 minutes. Set your to-do list in 30-minute chunks, complete a task, and then check notifications. When you limit interrupting yourself, you get more done and make fewer mistakes. If you’d like more ideas try this,  How Multitasking is Killing Your Productivity and What to do about it

Set boundaries, which is easy for me to say. Unlike my daughter, who taught classes several hours a day, created curriculum, advised students one-on-one, while homeschoolin, our cats, and me. However, we inform each other when we are not to be disturbed. So, let those around you know when you are not to be interrupted (thre cats don’t listen). Shut your door, put a do not disturb sign on it. Mark your work times on a calendar, whiteboard, or a sheet of paper on the fridge. The best advice I can share is it will probably take more than once to teach the people you share space with to respect yours. So, don’t give up.

Make Working from Home, Work for You 

Working from home can drive you bonkers, or it can be a productive use of your time. If you punch out tasks and not the time clock, limit interruptions, and get organized, you’ll find, as Mandi did, you can get more done at home than at the office.

What other WFH strategies have you found successful?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I consider three criteria 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? 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 enjoyed this post you might also like, How to Use Your Voice for Effective Communication.

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

 

The post Make Working from Home Work for You appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Why You Should Meet for Coffee More Often

Want to meet for coffee? So, I make quarterly plans. My plans cover the many tasks I’m privileged to do —leadership, blogging, social media, and more. I also include outside activities like networking in my plan. My first quarter goals for 2025 my networking action plan is to attend two networking events and two meet-for-coffees per month. So, why meet for coffee? Let me explain.

An Event

Years ago I attended the annual Cover Party for a local periodical the Hendricks County Flyer. I connected with several people and set up coffee with one attendee, which in this case turned into lunch. Jon is a successful entrepreneur who sits on the board of a local leadership foundation. At the cover party, we shared our passion for leadership development and decided to meet. After exchanging cards, we emailed each other with open dates.

Jon invited the director of the leadership foundation to join us. We met at a local eatery. It was a great meeting. I learned Jon had been reading my blog and not only got a lot from the posts but the blogs convinced him I should be involved in their leadership training. There are few things I enjoy more than leadership development. It was a great meeting.

A Presentation

A few weeks later I attended a leadership presentation at a regional University. The two speakers did an excellent job and connected with me. Their points on leadership were right up my alley. A friend had found the seminar and invited me. At one point she looked at me and said, “I’ve never heard that more than 100 times.” It was a point I passionately preached.

After the class, I introduced myself, shared how much I enjoyed the presentation and asked how I might help them.  They were looking for people to present to—I signed up. I told them about my book, The New Manager’s Workbook: A Crash Course in Effective Management, and we discussed several ways to help each other. We’re meeting for coffee the next time they’re in our area.

Why Meet for Coffee?

Meeting at a networking event, open house, or presentation only takes you so far. How much can be accomplished in a few minutes in a crowded room? Meeting for coffee offers the opportunity to take the next step and explore connections.

Exchanging ideas in neutral territory opens up the conversation. Meeting for coffee rather than at a workplace sets the stage for creative conversation. It allows you to schedule time to talk without interruptions. Attempting to explore potential connections at the office, or at an event becomes difficult, if not impossible, due to interruptions and time limits.

Want to Meet Over Coffee?

My goal is minimum two meet-for-coffees per month. Shouldn’t you be doing the same? If you’d like to meet for coffee email me at rclark@randyclarkleadershp.com. I’ll take a cappuccino, please.

 

The post Why You Should Meet for Coffee More Often   appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.