In 1500 words or less, each post will give you something you can use TODAY to build yourself, your people and your organization whether your organization is a "for-profit" or a "not-for-profit."
Managers and supervisors do not earn their money when everything is running smoothly. Managers and supervisors earn their money when everything is going to shit.
With apologies to Rudyard Kipling, “If you can keep your head while all those about you are losing their minds, then you are truly blessed.”
Solving issues is a learned skill, a process combined with an open perspective will give you a key competitive edge.
Many small city malls have failed and deservedly so.
They didn’t fail because the basic concept is wrong. Many of these malls failed to adapt and were not flexible to the changing realities of the merchants they almost took for granted. Is it too late? Perhaps for some.
For merchants and mall operators with vision, there is an opportunity in my opinion. By combining social needs, 21st-century environmental practices with the basic convenience, utility, and economics of “one-stop” shopping … there is a future.
I have realized that many times I have contributed to my setbacks and defeats as much as I have benefited from the successes that I have had. In that journey friends, co-workers, and competitors have tried to teach me lessons that many times I stubbornly refused to acknowledge and appreciate …until recently.
Give me five minutes, and perhaps you might be able to apply their lessons for yourself on your journey.
Nothing about difficult situations and angry people is ever simple.
Rarely is there one trigger and one solution. Nuance, exceptions, and the lack of anything resembling black and white all are factors in finding solutions to their problems. There is never just one or two sides to a story, there are usually forty-two sides!
This post is about a process, the tools, and the training required to anticipate, avoid, and ultimately how to deal with these situations when they occur.
Customer service is not a profit center. Ironically, quality customer service has more in common with advertising and marketing than most organizations realize.
Today’s post is about giving the people who dedicate their careers to solving problems for our clients and customers, the tools and support they need.
This post was originally published on September 30th. I was encouraged by a friend and mentor to revise the post. I have taken Francesca’s advice and made several revisions.
It is my hope that more people will comment and start conversations on building our democracy.
I am interested in democracy and accountability. Integrity and responsibility as well as equitable treatment of all people, including non-citizens should be applied equally in each part of this country. Regardless of electoral reform, the failure to safeguard and prevent erosion of our democratic institutions will make how we vote even less important.
Have you ever tried to reinvent yourself only to have people tell you that it’s too bad your skills aren’t broader or more applicable to the opportunity they have?
A famous racecar driver once said that races are won by how fast you get through the corners, not how fast you go in a straight line. Many organizations focus on the flash and sizzle of their worlds, ignoring at their peril the routine and perceived “basic” things. Failure to acknowledge and overcome Organizational Vulnerabilities are the things that will cause your team to fail.
One in seven Canadians is affected by this problem as you read these words.
The problem is that this issue is a symptom of larger problems that require expensive and longer-term fixes. This post was meant to deal with 10 solutions, but even at a baker’s dozen, there are likely some missing.
Awareness and education is the first step.