Mary L. Erlain's Blog, page 40

HUGE SALE on Amazon.com Get your Kindle copy today! This ...

HUGE SALE on Amazon.com Get your Kindle copy today! This is the root cause of many of the problems in business today that affects growth, productivity, and profitability on the business level, but more importantly erodes valuable relationships in the workplace. Our culture is diverse in age, heritage, gender, etc. This book was written to […]

Overcoming Obstacles One Step at a Time

Discover innovative ways to go over, around, or through any roadblocks to your goal. After you have identified obstacles or barriers and formulated solutions, you are ready to develop written action steps. Use the following four steps to overcome obstacles to your goals:   Clarify the problem. Work together as a team to make sure you know all the facts about the situation. Present possible solutions. After […]

Practicing the Teamwork Concept 2 of 2

Teamwork. Team concept. Over the past few decades, these words have become buzz words for business and industry. While many organizations have enjoyed success in implementing a team environment, others have found it difficult to move beyond theory to practical application of teamwork. Develop an Action Plan A plan of action is simply an outline of the goals and the […]

Practicing the Teamwork Concept 1 of 2

Teamwork. Team concept. Over the past few decades, these words have become buzz words for business and industry. While many organizations have enjoyed success in implementing a team environment, others have found it difficult to move beyond theory to practical application of teamwork. What makes the difference? Even companies, managers, and employees whose attitudes are favorable for the success of a team […]

Timing Is the Key to Decision Making

Timing is a key ingredient in effective decision making. A sense of timing is based on common sense and intuition, and leaders who are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others generally enjoy success in this area. A technically correct decision, announced at the right time, gains the support of top leadership and team members alike. […]

Gen Z – surprise! They are here in our workplace

Generation Z’s (born after 1990) Also known as iGeneration or Nextars Our Gen Z’s have been raised in the internet and digital age. Information has been a click away for this generation. As a result, the Gen Z’s can naturally process information (and perhaps expect others) at a faster rate. Like their predecessors, they are […]

Using Assessments as a guide to team building

As stated in a previous blog post “Discovering Individual Strengths” Tests Some qualities can be measured by tests, but others can be discovered only in practice. It is fairly easy to test objective knowledge and skills, but much more difficult to test such intangibles as attitudes, judgment, and motivation. Tests are valuable in identifying individuals […]

Gen Y, Millennials, Echo Boomers – so misunderstood

Generation Y’s (1977-1990) Also known as Millennials or Echo Boomers  The Gen Y’s are the fastest growing generation in the workforce today. This generation does not expect to work with one employer for life. They have great career expectations and a desire to make a difference immediately. They want meaningful work and a solid learning […]

Conflict vs. Harmony in the 5 Generations

One approach to conflict/issues/differences is to simply ignore it. The reality is the situation will not get better if left unaddressed. It will usually get worse. One thing that will never work is complaining about the worker, either to the worker or worse yet to others. Here is my favorite idea I share with anyone […]

Gen X’ers are taking their place

Generation X’ers (1965-1976) 35% are non-white and 29% are legal immigrants – a significant change from previous generations As a culture, they were far more open to diversity in race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation. With their exposure to the events that formed their culture especially in the political landscape, Gen X’ers are […]