Rick Conlow's Blog, page 6

Why Every Employee Should Become an Entrepreneur

Could you be an entrepreneur? I have come across tons of people who are tired of the way companies and their bosses have treated them. I say, “Don’t put up with it!” It is time all employees-YOU- become an entrepreneur. The people I have talked to are concerned about and fed up with:

Toxic workplacesNo choice in the workplace setting (hybrid, office, remote)Bad bossesConstant unending, mindless changeLittle recognitionPersonal abuseMinimal pay increasesNo bonusBenefit cutsLayoffs

Author Judith McQuown encourages everyone to Inc. Yourself, in her best-selling book. Whether or not you start your own business, you are in business for yourself. All employees need to think that way and have a sense of urgency about it. For example, while companies have been sitting on record cash, millions of the jobs lost in the great recession are gone forever. Too many companies treat employees poorly and say one thing and do another. (See my earlier post, ‘7 Fairy Tales Companies Tell Employees’.)

Today, your only security is YOUR competence, creativity, courage, and commitment. Jeremy Rifkin, author, and advisor to world leaders on the impact of technology and social change, says the vertical companies are in peril and dinosauric. In his book, The Zero Marginal Cost Society, he describes a new kind of economy where value is driven by collaboration not capitalism. Companies would benefit tremendously if they fostered entrepreneurialism within, but most will not. Consequently, do not wait on them. The future world economy and wealth is about entrepreneurs. Become one today! An employee entrepreneur is one who seizes opportunities while merging preparation and risk. Consider these quality actions for preparation and a personal breakthrough.

6 Qualities of an EntrepreneurInitiate

In Russia there is a saying, “No initiative goes unpunished.” That is what most companies want from you–do not rock the boat. Entrepreneurialism is the opposite–sink or get out of the boat and create a better way to travel. So, do not wait for your boss to come to you. See a problem and manage it. Seek an opportunity and take it. That is how you learn and excel. While it is risky, you will grow and stand out from the crowd.

Learn

Your status quo must be learning and relearning as an entrepreneur. Like an Olympic athlete that trains year-round to improve and beat the competition, engage yourself in all the self-discovery, training, and education you can. Your new knowledge will help inspire your thoughts and vision. Always be reading a new book, attending Webinars, and participating in 4-6 experiential programs a year. Check out Daniel Priestley’s book for further development on becoming an entrepreneur.

Innovate

What is your strength? Expand it. For example, if it is writing, start a blog. If you like woodworking, take pictures of your work and put them on Facebook and Pinterest. Do you like speaking and presentations? Set up a YouTube channel and join Toastmasters. Others have already done things like this to start businesses, particularly on the Internet. One day these activities may lead you to your next career–as an expert in your field. Numerous entrepreneurs start this way. Richard Branson said, “My biggest innovation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life like one long university education that I never had – every day I am learning something new.”

Dream

Seek the next job even if you like the one you have. Ask for more responsibility. Get involved. Be the person who others count on to get things done. Experiment-you can start small and begin an online business. Yet, a successful entrepreneur that I interviewed stated this. “My biggest mistake is that I didn’t think big enough.”

Persist

My business partner and I started our consulting firm over twenty-five years ago. We faced countless challenges and difficulties, mostly from our unwillingness to change. With persistence, we learned to embrace it and thrive. So, can you. Certainly, persistence means a firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action despite the difficulty or opposition. Are you up to it?

Interconnect

In your current job, make a commitment to meet people. It opens you to innovative ideas and jobs. Connect to others inside your company, and out. Build your social reach. Bill Gates predicts, “The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.” Ramp up your social media presence. Why? All of these and others are good for your writing skills, presentations skills and networking. Attend conferences and roundtables. In all these activities–engage others. If you want to stay with your current company, excellent. Gain all you can until you decide to leave on your terms. Do not wait to start, your company could ask you to leave in a heartbeat. In summary, get prepared by doing all the above and more while having as much fun as you can.

Pulling It All Together as an Entrepreneur

In conclusion, being an entrepreneur is about the difference you make and your dreams, not someone else’s. What could be more exciting than that? Steve Jobs admonished us all, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Do not be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Do not let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. Most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

Also, do you want more success as a potential entrepreneur in life? See this complimentary guide and assessment called Success Practices. 

In addition, go here for our RealTime Learning and Training leadership and personal development website. Prepare for your dreams with micro-learning–at your fingertips!

 

 

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The Positive Impact of Performance Discussions

According to research employees hate performance reviews and love performance discussions. Why? Because you leaders engage your employees face to face on a regular basis not just once a year. Many managers today do not talk to their customers or employees enough.

The media asked the late Sam Walton of Wal-Mart (when the company was rapidly expanding) why he spent one day a week in his office and the rest of the time in stores with employees or customers. He replied that he knew that was too much time in the office. However, he could learn to do better.  Therefore, if you are not meeting with employees in regular monthly performance discussions, you are missing a key opportunity to positively influence them. Furthermore, you miss the time that will increase their productivity and improve their results.

The Biggest Objection to Performance Discussions

The biggest objection managers give about performance discussions involves the time.  Three key resources make up a business: capital, material, and human. People are the most important part because they creatively put the other resources to work. The question arises why wouldn’t a manager want to invest time in people? Let us say you have seven people on your team. So, you do seven one-on-one performance discussions a month. Therefore, that equals about 3-4 hours a month. Not even a half a day a month. Is that too much to ask? Remember, their success equals your success.

For example, one business we worked with highlighted this dilemma. After talking to employees and spending time in their work areas, they asked us to get their manager to “listen to us and see what we are trying to do.” They said he spent all day sending out inflammatory emails and creating reports in minutia. They wanted him to open his office door and engage the team daily to see what was happening and to be of help. Furthermore, they hoped he would meet with them one-on-one to talk about things.

Benefits of Performance Discussions

Performance discussions mirrors high performance coaching that benefit any employee for these reasons.

Promotes positive communication.Establishes an open dialogue that elevates trust and mutual feedback.Creates a working partnership.Supports effective performance management and productivity.Creates an atmosphere for trust and continuous improvement.Provides opportunity for training.Focuses on career development for the future.

How do you do a one on-one-performance discussion? Conduct them monthly. And they last around 15-30 minutes. Each begins with a warm friendly greeting, and general communication about how things are going. Next, is specifically about goals/expectations, plans, problems, and solutions. You ask the employee to analyze their results first. Certainly, you give employees praise about their positive results and establish performance issues clearly and directly.

Also, you need to give feedback, it is the breakfast of champions. Why? Positive feedback reinforces the right behaviors and constructive developmental feedback will help the employee make corrective actions for improved behavior. For example:

Positive feedback: Samantha I compliment you Sue for your participation in the meeting today. You were well prepared and answered questions knowledgeably. Your PowerPoint was clear, readable, and entertaining. You covered the three key areas of our plan that we needed to discuss. Thank you for your professionalism. 

Constructive feedback: Bob, tell me your assessment of your customer call?  Good. Notice as I comment where we agree and where I have a different view. Here are three things I thought you did well… In addition, consider this area I thought you could have been more effective. You interrupted the customer twice. You got agitated and started talking louder as he explained his problem. How might you have handled this better?

Pulling It All Together

In conclusion, your goal in a performance discussion involves designing communication that supports a positive employee mindset. In addition, elevates the employee’s capability to perform at a high level independently. Just like an athlete gets better with consistent sports coaching over many practices, one-on-one performance discussions are a coaching technique that pays off over time.

In summary, the positive impact of performance discussions evolves from repetition and reinforcement. This iterative process allows for and will help sustain performance gains. Remember, leadership is about positive influence that solidifies a trusting relationship. When this happens, performance soars.

Also, are you committed to your team’s success? If so, see this complimentary Coaching for Results eBook.

In addition, go here for our RealTime Learning & Training leadership and personal development website. Over 130 micro-learning and career development resources at your fingertips!

Finally, do you want to accelerate your leadership success? Go here for Rick’s Superstar Leadership eBook.

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What Servant Leadership Looks like: Ukrainian President Zelensky

What does Servant Leadership integrity look like? Watch Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian turned politician. Confronted with an unprovoked attack by Russia, he stands his ground. With encouragement and determination, he rallied his country on TV and in the streets to stand and fight. While the West invited him to leave under protection, he leads by example on the front line to fight the invaders. Zelensky courageously replied to the offer with, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” His personal integrity demonstrates his commitment to his country and its citizens.

The Worldwide Leadership Crisis: A Lack of Integrity

Unfortunately, worldwide leadership is in a crisis mode. Too many leaders lack the personal integrity to do the right thing. Consequently, employee distrust is rampant. According to Edelman’s Trust Barometer, trust in government has declined sharply. In addition, CEO trust dropped significantly, too.

For example, consider the US Congress. According to surveys only 8% of Americans give them a high or very high trust rating. Members of Congress are one of the lowest rated professions in terms of honesty. They are adults, yet they continually call each other names and refuse to play nicely together. In addition, they desire to get their way or win another term, rather than collaborating for the good of the country. It seems their focus is the party not the people. We see more temper tantrums in them than in two-year-old children. As a result, problems only get worse, and the country is tearing itself apart from the inside.  They are to blame. Based on their current behavior, if they were in Ukraine, most would tuck their tail and run or join the other side.

How Would You Rate Your Integrity?

President Zelensky exhibits seven qualities of personal integrity that emulate Servant Leadership. You will be set apart from others with these characteristics. They define your character. This means doing what’s right, upholding strong moral principles and values. Certainly, these actions create trust with others. So, what can you do to gain trust on a day-to-day basis with your team? Check these out:

Do what you say you will do.Follow-through on your commitments.Communicate with passion, encouragement, and consistency with your team in meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions.Listen genuinely and with empathy to your team’s concerns and issues.Express your views openly, with determination, and likewise expect the team to do so as well.Handle conflict constructively.Tell the truth.Pulling It All Together

Do you want more employee engagement, a highly productive team, and a breakthrough in your team’s effectiveness? Lead with these integrity behaviors as the core of your actions. As a result, they will inspire your team to achieve more success.  Nelson Mandela said, “As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself… Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”

Do you want to learn how to be a more effective leader, especially in challenging times? If so, I suggest you check out our bestselling book: Superstar Leadership.

Finally, go here for our RealTime Learning and Training, a leadership and personal development website. Micro-learning at your fingertips!

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What Leadership Looks like: Ukrainian President Zelensky

What does leadership integrity look like? Watch Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian turned politician. Confronted with an unprovoked attack by Russia, he stands his ground. With encouragement and determination, he rallied his country on TV and in the streets to stand and fight. While the West invited him to leave under protection, he leads by example on the front line to fight the invaders. Zelensky courageously replied to the offer with, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” His personal integrity demonstrates his commitment to his country and its citizens.

The Worldwide Leadership Crisis: A Lack of Integrity

Unfortunately, worldwide leadership is in a crisis mode. Too many leaders lack the personal integrity to do the right thing. Consequently, employee distrust is rampant. According to Edelman’s Trust Barometer, trust in government has declined sharply. In addition, CEO trust dropped significantly, too.

For example, consider US senators. According to surveys only 8% of Americans give them a high or very high trust rating. The senate is one of the lowest rated professions in terms of honesty. They are adults, yet they continually call each other names and refuse to play nicely together. In addition, they desire to get their way or win another term, rather than collaborating for the good of the country. We see more temper tantrums in them than in two-year-old children. As a result, problems only get worse, and the country is tearing itself apart from the inside.  They are to blame. Based on their current behavior, if they were in Ukraine, most would tuck their tail and run or join the other side.

How Would You Rate Your Integrity?

President Zelensky exhibits seven qualities of personal integrity. You will be set apart from others with these characteristics. They define your character. This means doing what’s right, upholding strong moral principles and values. Certainly, these actions create trust with others. So, what can you do to gain trust on a day-to-day basis with your team? Check these out:

Do what you say you will do.Follow-through on your commitments.Communicate with passion, encouragement, and consistency with your team in meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions.Listen genuinely and with empathy to your team’s concerns and issues.Express your views openly, with determination, and likewise expect the team to do so as well.Handle conflict constructively.Tell the truth.Pulling It All Together

Do you want more employee engagement, a highly productive team, and a breakthrough in your team’s effectiveness? Lead with these integrity behaviors as the core of your actions. As a result, they will inspire your team to achieve more success.  Nelson Mandela said, “As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself… Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”

Do you want to learn how to be a more effective leader, especially in challenging times? If so, I suggest you check out our bestselling book: Superstar Leadership.

Finally, go here for our RealTime Learning and Training, a leadership and personal development website. Micro-learning at your fingertips!

The post What Leadership Looks like: Ukrainian President Zelensky appeared first on Rick Conlow.

Lead by Example to Inspire Your Team

Believe it or not, managers are always leading by example. The question is whether it is a good or poor example.

In my introduction to management, my boss told me to lead by example. Yet, he and nobody else really told me how to do it in detail. It was like you had to be secretive about what it meant. Over time I learned and acquired the critical competencies. Most importantly, I understood leading by example is the ultimate expression of Servant Leadership. This is a leadership approach that builds up employees, and acts with integrity, and sound character.

The Mystery of Leading by Example

However, leading by example is not a basic management skill. It is more art than it is science.  So unfortunately,  it is not easily accomplished. Furthermore, a tremendous amount of leadership training still stresses top-down approaches. What do I mean by that?  This means managers have the answers, control, and authority. So, employees do what they are told. However, research shows that managers build trust by focusing on positive relationships, using good honest judgment, and applying their leadership consistently. Consequently, employees perform better.

Too many managers do not understand that the first rule of leadership is that it is not about you. It is about the team. Therefore, managers lose the trust and respect of employees. Team performance and morale also suffers. You must talk the walk and walk the talk. The leadership video will define this clearly.

 Recent research shows that only 37% of employee’s trust executives. Employee disengagement is 85% worldwide. Leaders are falling short of excellence with 82% failing. YOU do not have to make this mistake. As a manager you can accelerate your career by learning how to lead by example. When you model the way, your team will follow. They will improve their performance and their results. That is good news for them and you!

5 Key Characteristics to Lead by Example

On the leadership video clip, Rick defines five key behaviors related to leading by example:

Caring-you want your team to succeed.Commitment-you follow-through on promises and agreements.Communication-you proactively coach and engage your team.Consistency-focus on the team and stay the course, and others will count on you.Character-you are honest, genuine and act with integrity.Pulling It All Together

In conclusion, watch this leadership training video for specific details. Furthermore, remember this quote: If you want your team to be better you must become a better leader–a servant leader.

Go here for our Leading by Example Assessment.

Why not join us on LinkedIn for the Servant Leadership revolution that is taking place about the power of people? Click here: Servant Leadership@RickConlow International.

Also, order Rick’s latest book, The 5 Dynamics of Servant Leadership. 

In addition, click here for team development insight from this complimentary resource —4 Keys to Creating a High Performance Team.

Finally see our RealTime Learning & Training leadership and personal development website-over 230 resources. Micro-learning and career advancement at your fingertips!

 

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7 Keys to Unleash Employee Productivity, Motivation, and Engagement

Employee productivity is critical to a manager’s success. What do your employees say at the bar or coffee cafe about you (the boss) or the company? How about at tailgating before a football game or before and after a social event at Orchestra Hall? Or at the kitchen table with their family? At work, employees may say one thing, but how they talk about it outside of work is the true story. Make their story of your leadership positive and encouraging. It will help you recruit and keep great team members.

Increasing Employee Productivity, Motivation, and Engagement

Employee engagement dismal in so many places. Consequently, hidden morale problems lurk in your organization which lead to unproductive work habits. Two main reasons are the culprit. 82% of managers fail because they do not receive on-going training and development. Once or twice a year does not cut it in competitive marketplace. Managers lack coaching, planning, and training skills.

Most notably, companies foster toxic workplaces that derail employee productivity. For example, one leader walked up to one of his managers and asked in a confrontive manner, “What do YOU do here?” The person replied out of fear, “I don’t know!” The boss fired him on the spot. A true story that demonstrates cultures that are top down driven and intimidating. In another example, a CEO fired 900 employees on a Zoom call. Over the years the corporate world continually shows that profit is more important than people.

A Key to Elevating Employee Productivity, Motivation, and Engagement

Let us clear up one thing first: most experts agree that there is much more to creating a highly motivated and and initiative taking team than money. Yet one thing is obviously true–employees must be paid. And must be paid well. It does to help elevate employee productivity, motivation, engagement, and retention. However, to ensure that this lasts, seven other leadership strategies make a significant difference. You do these to instill trust and a culture that keeps people and attracts the best.

Pulling It All Together

In conclusion, watch this content packed leadership video training now to learn the seven strategies. Take notes. Remember, if you want your team to be better, you must become a better leader. Give us a “Thumbs Up” and please share it with others. And please subscribe to our YouTube channel and Superstar Leadership blog. THANK YOU!

Also, go here for our RealTime Learning & Training leadership and personal development website. Micro-learning and career advancement at your fingertips!

In addition, go here for Rick’s newest book. The Dynamics of Servant Leadership: Inspire Your Team to Achieve Extraordinary Goals! Learn why it is a key to sustainable employee productivity, motivation, and productivity. https://rickconlow.com/product/dynami...

Finally, visit the RCI Store: Digital training resources that make you great!

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5 Ways to Transform the Employee Experience and Retention

The employee experience and retention are in a downward spiral. Leadership worldwide is in crisis mode and trust is broken. In all areas of life, leadership distrust has hit rock bottom. Seldom does a day go by without another story in the media about a leader–in government, religion or business–that bites the dust because of an ethical or behavioral failure.

In the business arena leadership failures abound.  Gallup’s research: The State of the Global Workplace; shows 85% of employees unengaged worldwide.  In other words, employees are not that committed to doing their best for their leader or company. Unengaged employees are less productive and lose companies billions of dollars in lost sales, poor customer service and inferior quality.

The solution seems elusive because not much has improved in recent years, but it is relatively simple. Here are five laws of human relations that can help leaders change their approach, and at the same time transform the employee experience in any organization.

#1 It is about your team; it is not about you!

This is a fundamental problem with many leaders; it’s all about them. Too many are selfish and egotistical.  Recently, AOL’s president demonstrated this when he cut employees’ health benefits because of what he called two “million-dollar babies.” He did this while the company enjoyed better profits and his income was $12,000,000 for the year.  This kind of insensitivity happens often in leadership roles, and it destroys employee morale. The best leaders win because they help others win. Their focus is on others’ success, not just on their own personal success. Consequently, the teamwork grows and so does the employee experience and retention.

#2 Treat people with partners NOT commodities to Improve the Employee Experience.

Employees are the most important part of a company. However, they are often treated like Cinderella, the unwanted and abused stepchild. Target Corporation recently had a costly security breach in their credit cards that affected 110 million customers. One estimate predicts this will cost them $680 million dollars. Shortly after this breach, 475 employees were laid off. Did these employees cause the breach? Were they all poor performers? Companies often do layoffs without much concern for employees, to show Wall Street that they are taking action. Also, in this case, trying to restore the public’s faith in the company.  However, these actions deaden employee’s loyalty.

What if leaders…

in the corner office or on the showroom floor showed more genuine courtesy?listened better, or admitted a mistake, or handled conflict constructively?did more genuine leadership coaching?

These kinds of actions produce employee experience that increases productivity and trust. Gallup’s engagement studies show that employees fully engaged perform 202% better on performance drivers than other employees.

#3 Communicate: You are NOT in a Secret Society.

At one company, the employees confided in the consultant about their leader. They said, “Get him out of the office to see what is happening. All he does is use his reports to send out inflammatory emails all day.” On employee engagement surveys poor communication is often the highest complaint about leaders at all levels. Yet, many CEOs proudly proclaim that the #1 reason for their rise to the top is their ability to communicate. Unfortunately, clearly there is a communication gap! Leaders today need to ask more questions, listen better, hold better and purposeful meetings, and engage their employees more. Positive leadership engagement like this results in a better employee experience and elevates retention.

#4 Give your team the praise–shine the spotlight on them!

For too many leaders, work is like the big party, and they are the center of attention.  Up and down the corporate ladder, supervisors, managers, and executives clamor for credit when things go well. In contrast they blame employees for any failures. Research by the Jackson ROI Study proclaims that the more genuine recognition you give to employees the greater the impact on the bottom-line. Common sense says that when you appreciate others, they will respond in kind. In the workplace this means employees do a better job. In addition, research demonstrates that praised and rewarded behavior is repeated.

#5 Lead by Example to Improve Retention: You go first!

Muhammad Ali captured people’s attention because he believed in himself. He said, “I am the greatest!” His ability to communicate and his boxing talents captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Mother Teresa took the approach one step further. Her faith was in her calling and God.  Becoming homeless, hungry, and sick herself, she served the dying and the poorest of the poor. Eventually she built a network of 4,500 sisters in 133 countries.  This leadership principle–leading by example–is an art forgotten by many. Most importantly, it alone can transform your employee experience and retention.

In summary, corporate executives want more technological advances, electronic gadgets, and business intelligence today. High-tech NOT high touch rules the corporate priority list. Furthermore, many leaders excuse their poor people skills because they are too busy to enter the fray to interact with employees or customers or work the midnight shift.  Successful leaders do what they ask others to do. Coaching guru Marshall Goldsmith says, “One of the most important actions, things a leader can do, is to lead by example. If you want everyone else to be passionate, committed, dedicated, and motivated, you go first!”

Pulling It All Together to Maximize Your Employee Experience and Retention

In conclusion, leadership is positive influence not negative. Negative leadership equals micromanagement or bossiness. There are no grey areas. Leaders today can transform their employee experience by applying these five basic people skills. And do it with the same diligence applied to market analytics, or profit-making ratios. Why? Achieve with trust, and a stellar culture. As a result, the employee experience and retention will grow to exceptional levels.

Also, check out this NEW learning packet: 7 Ways to Unleash Employee Motivation, Productivity and Engagement. 

In addition, go here for our RealTime Learning & Training leadership and personal development website. Micro-learning and career advancement at your fingertips!

Finally, improve your employee experience and retention. See Rick’s newest book. The Dynamics of Servant Leadership: Inspire Your Team to Achieve.

 

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How to Keep and Attract GREAT Employees

Organizations are in desperate need to keep employees. This problem has been growing for the last decade. The pandemic exploded the issue. This leadership training video with give you keys to keeping employees. Furthermore, it will describe the absolute necessity to attracting the best employees.

Why is employee retention such a problem? Certainly, the pandemic has caused people of all ages to stay home, work from home, and rethink their careers. It is called the “Great Resignation.” In addition, companies continued to neglect employees–by design and default–with mediocre or toxic workplaces.

5 Forces that Inhibit Keeping and Attracting Employees

Note these negative forces:

The continuing pandemic safety issues.Inequalities in pay.82% of managers fail according to research.HR Teams are compliance oriented not people focused.Employee disengagement is 85% worldwide.

In summary, this means too many poor bosses, and not enough employee support. Therefore, as companies lack loyalty to their employee so do their teams lack loyalty to them. See below seven quotes from real people: 

Managers and supervisors should learn to appreciate more than criticize, you will thank yourself later.No matter who you are you yearn for attention – employees are no different.Money though important can never buy a person’s loyalty.It takes a lot of time and energy to build a great employee and only a second to lose one.A happy team means happy customers and profit growth.Many employees take a job for the pay, but they leave for the lack of appreciation.If a leader does not inspire his team, they will expire.

As a result, people are not staying in the workforce as before or are leaving an organization abruptly for more money. Consequently, they are demanding better pay and work cultures. Research shows that 86% of people go online to check company ratings by Indeed, Glassdoor, Customer Guru, and other sources. When these numbers are poor you lose potential great employees. When they are in top quartile you gain them. Management in all organizations must pay attention and make changes. Otherwise, the problem becomes bigger. 

Pulling It All Together

Take notes and watch Rick’s action-packed leadership video on how to keep employees. Give us a “Thumbs Up” if you like this video training. Please share it with others and subscribe to our channel and blog. THANK YOU! Remember, if you want your people to be better, you must become a better leader.

Also, check out this NEW learning packet: 7 Ways to Unleash Employee Motivation, Productivity and Engagement. 

In addition, go here for our RealTime Learning & Training leadership and personal development website. Micro-learning and career advancement at your fingertips!

Finally, see Rick’s newest book. The Dynamics of Servant Leadership: Inspire Your Team to Achieve Extraordinary Goals!

The post How to Keep and Attract GREAT Employees appeared first on Rick Conlow.

31 Positive Life Changing Quotes YOU Will Remember

Capture these positive life quotes and their wisdom. The past year produced unprecedented challenges with the pandemic, political instability, and climate changes. Any sane person needs a boost to stay upbeat and positive about life and the future. Think about the meaning of these quotes. Use their advice to propel you to greater health, happiness, and prosperity. Furthermore, share them with others.

10 Positive Life Quotes to Start“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” —Toni Morrison, author. “I’ve learned it’s important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is.” Ryan Gosling, Canadian actor“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Stevie Wonder, American singer“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe, American tennis player. “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” CS Lewis, author“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.” Michael Phelps, 23-time Olympic Gold Medal swimmer“Fear is forward. No one is afraid of yesterday.” —Renata Adler, author, journalist, and film critic. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!'” Audrey Hepburn, actress“Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Bob Marley, Jamaican singer“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”—Oscar Wilde 10 More Positive Life Quotes“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” Julie Andrews, actress“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” John D. Rockefeller, businessman“If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.” —Jen Sincero, author.“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” Oprah Winfrey, TV host“There is only one thing stronger than all the armies of the world: and that is an idea whose time has come.” Victor Hugo, poet“Carry out a  random act of kindness , with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day, someone might do the same for you.” —Diana, Princess of Wales“No one will take care of you if you don’t take care of yourself.” Alicia Keyes, American singer“Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own action.” The Dalai Lama“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” —James Baldwin, author.“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Oscar Wilde, author 11 Additional Positive Life Quotes“Use what talents you possess; the woods will be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” —Henry van Dyke, author.“It’s never too late—never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.” Jane Fonda, actress“The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself–the invisible battles inside all of us–that’s where it’s at.” Jesse Owens, Olympic sprinter champion“If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, will fail above everyone else’s success.” —James Cameron, filmmaker“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” Babe Ruth, Hall of Fame baseball player“Success is most often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.” Coco Chanel, French fashion designer“You have brains in your head. And you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Dr. Seuss, author“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall, English primatologist“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Maya Angelou, author an activist“There are better starters than me but I’m a strong finisher.” Usain Bolt, Jamaican Olympic champion sprinter“My life is my message.” —Mahatma Gandhi, lawyerPulling it All Together

A wise sage once said, “Learn from the past but do not stay there because that is not where you are going.” Use the positive life quotes to keep dreaming. The future belongs to the dreamers who act. Considering the problems facing humanity, a successful life today must include a sense of purpose, service, and helping to make the world a better place. May

In addition, do you want to benchmark your career with the habits of extraordinarily successful people? If so, check out this complimentary inventory and guidebook: Success Practices.

Also, go here for our RealTime Learning and Training leadership and personal development website. Micro-learning at your fingertips!

Finally, see this for details on Rick’s latest book, click here: The 5 Dynamics of Servant Leadership.

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11 Habits of Truly Terrific Employees

Truly terrific employees distinguish themselves from all others in ways that are strikingly apparent to their colleagues and bosses.  Much of it is about their behavior and attitude, but it is more than that. They genuinely care about what they do and have pride in their work. Unfortunately, they are way to rare.

Here are ten plus habits that the best employees exhibit every day. If you are a manager, seek out these traits in people as you recruit and hire new people. I have met hundreds of terrific employees and managers through consulting projects over the last twenty years. They are exceptional people and a joy to work with. Emulate them and you will move you to the top of the heap. Every person has the truly terrific within them, waiting to emerge.  As Sly and the Family Stone said in a song, “Everybody is a star!”  Do you want to ramp up your career and move ahead?  Then picture YOURSELF being terrific because you are if you choose to be.

5 Habits of Terrific Employees

1. Manage the tasks no one else likes to do and do them well.

Terrific employees can carry a little more than what is theirs to carry. To be one, take responsibility to really earn the money that you are being paid. You have put in a full day’s work. Some studies show that employees waste 50% of their day. As some of my early employers called it, “eight for eight or ten for ten.”  Don not get involved in office politics, conflict, blame, fault-finding, arguments, or poor teamwork. Instead do your job – the complete job, including the hard or less desirable parts and the parts that others tend to ignore, shrug off or refuse.

You immediately begin to stand out as someone who is easy to work with. I am not saying you should automatically step in and do all the things that nobody else is willing to do. But terrific employees do their share and usually an additional part without complaining. You will be appreciated by customers, co-workers, and your boss. Yes, this may in the beginning include tasks like arranging the conference room for the next staff meeting or making coffee when everyone else drinks it and leaves the coffee pot empty. It could also mean helping the new employee get acclimated. Or clearing jams in the copy machine even if your pay grade is way above that kind of work.

2. Learn the job and do it well.

This may sound like a “no brainer,” but it’s amazing how numerous employees do not know how to oversee the basic activities of their job expectations. Or they do just enough to get by. Terrific employees meet deadlines and commitments. In addition, they treat people with respect and courtesy, and make a quality effort the first time every time. Furthermore, they pay attention to communicating well, and cooperating with those who depend on them to do their work to do theirs. So, learn to do your job extremely well, and if you do not know something, ask for help. This quote by US President Teddy Roosevelt fits well: “Far and away, the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

3. Know the business and keep your eye on the big picture.

The truly terrific ask, “How does this company make money? What do our customers want and expect from us? What are the benefits of our products and services? How do the systems we rely on work, to allow us to deliver?”

Understand that the job is what you do every day, but also includes learning more in the industry. So, keep your eyes open for new developments in your business specialty or related areas. This awareness of the “bigger picture” will give you access to conversations about current or future needs. This knowledge and perspective translate into credibility and potential for future jobs or roles that require personal initiative. So, when a news story that covers your company or job pops up in the media or in a professional journal, read it, clip it, and e-mail a scan of it to your co-workers, team, or boss.

4. Keep a “tidy” workspace.

You need your focus on top priorities of the job. This means setting goals and creating plans.  It includes personal organization maintaining a professional looking work area. All achievers do this. Disorganization makes it appear that the job is beyond your control. When you leave work, take a few minutes to create a critical “to do” list for the next day or do it the following morning. One truly terrific employee I met had one green folder on his desk with his computer, so I commented on his clean desk.  I asked about the folder, and he replied enthusiastically, “These are my goals and results!  It’s how I make money.”

5. Come in early or leave late.

Avoid that common tendency to get to work just before the time clock strikes “Starting time!” Or having your keys in your hand, ready to go out the door when it strikes “Day’s over!”  Too many managers I have known have expressed their frustration that half of their employees did not really want to be there; they felt that they had really been taken for a ride instead of getting employees’ best effort for the full day. (That is another issue!  See my post, 10 Keys to Employee Engagement).

Terrific employees know that an investment of another 15-30 minutes on each side of day can pay off big time in generating results. So, they stay engaged when others quit. As a result, they always look like they are excited about the job, which separates them from everyone else.

Realize that the basic but powerful approaches identified so far provide the start for transforming your efforts above and beyond others. Now, in other settings employees might tease or taunt you for your dedication.  While it takes persistence and determination to stand out, the best employees do it anyway and so can you!

5 More Habits of Terrific Employees

6. Dress professionally and appropriately.

Terrific employees dress well and look sharp. So, don’t do it to impress but because you have pride in yourself. Too many employees look like they just got out of bed when they show up at work. The adage, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” is a good rule of thumb. Wear the types of things that the employees a step or two up the ladder from you are wearing. Your appearance speaks to a desire and capability to take on bigger responsibility.  Certainly, you will tend to think bigger, look the part, and stand out in a positive way. Motivator Zig Ziglar suggested, “You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in a costume of failure.”

7. Look for ways to save the company money or help make more money.

Companies are in business to make money; it’s as simple as that. The leadership of any organization is always looking for ways to sell more, cut costs and make customers happy. Unfortunately, the higher they get into the ranks of management, the more removed they are from the day-to-day activities in the business. They miss things.

Truly terrific employees are not afraid to find the procedures that should have been changed years ago but continue. Listen for the phrase, “that is the way it’s always been done.”  To add value, you will want to identify areas that managers often do not see as opportunities to improve the workflow. When you mention a problem or idea provide a written plan for positive change.

8. Form an opinion and have the courage to share it.

As a result of the efforts in the areas described so far, terrific employees are asked for their opinion frequently. They offer it constructively even if it disagrees with others, including the boss.  When you do the same, back it up with sound reasoning and facts, which increases your credibility and value as an employee. Your confident, reason-based opinions, even in disagreement, have value, especially when presented respectfully.

Even if overruled, accept it, and get on with the job without whining. Your ability to accept a different direction and avoid argument will win points as it demonstrates your willingness to think creatively and collaborate with others. Mary Anne Radmacher suggested, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”

9. Come prepared.

Every day, come prepared to get things done. The terrific are consistent in making things happen. Manage your time well, and ensure that you have proper tools, knowledge and information needed to perform without delay. By thinking and planning ahead about your goals and tasks, you have a positive mind-set about succeeding in your job. Do not waste time surfing the net, reading the paper, fretting about a problem, trying to get organized or waiting for the boss to tell you what to do. In contrast, the best work to contribute, the rest work for a paycheck.

10. Take the initiative.

This is a logical extension of previous characteristics. Unfortunately, disengaged employees look for ways to minimize effort and avoid unpleasant activity. Truly terrific employees see something that needs to be done and move to do it. They seek responsibility, and take on and complete difficult tasks routinely, without resentment. Similarly, they also, take on challenges that others avoid, and solve problems without calling for help all the time from the supervisor or manager. You, too, can choose to demonstrate that you are the kind of employee who is capable of accomplishing more. Terrific employees know that the more they do, the more they can do.

Pulling It All Together

11. Stay marketable.

To be a truly terrific employee you must manage your own career. Seek to improve your skill level and ability to produce value, and do not depend on others to take care of it for you. Attend all the training available and then some. Network with other people to help them and learn from them. In other words, have a plan to get better and even move ahead if that is your desire. As a result, keep learning to tap your unrealized effectiveness, and this eventually will pay off in better performance and opportunities. Author and teacher, Marianne Williamson encouraged this by saying, “Nothing liberates your greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve.”

Do you want to recharge or reinvent yourself to achieve your goals? Take advantage of this “limited time” complimentary edition of: GoalPower: How to Increase Your Personal Performance and Career Success.

Do you want to benchmark your career with the habits of extraordinarily successful people? If so, check out this complimentary inventory and guidebook: Success Practices.

Also, go here for our RealTime Learning and Training leadership and personal development website. It includes an aboundance of career defining resources. Micro-learning at your fingertips!

And do you want a proven game-plan for career success? If so, check out Rick’s Superstar Leadership book. 

 

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