There is no single set of criteria that defines excellence for individual, business, government or nonprofit performance. The other challenge is that excellence is a moving target. Once excellence is achieved at whatever level of scope is relevant, it becomes a standard, which may or may not represent all that could be. Aristotle had it right—excellence comes from habit, not …
Why Strategic Planning Is Important–For Every Business
“We don’t have time for planning. Our industry changes so fast, by the time we created a plan, it would be out of date.” I’ve heard this statement—and its variations—numerous times. Most often, it’s said by business owners who find themselves running in place or firefighting daily issues instead of creating opportunities for success. They’ve failed to heed the timeless …
Beyond ‘time management’- Become a Time Leader
“Time is the scarcest resource and unless it is managed nothing else can be managed.”– Peter F. Drucker Whenever I ask business owners and managers to describe their professional and personal challenges, time management is almost always near the top of the list; for themselves and people who work for them. Many also say “I wish I had more time in my day.” …
Why Training Fails and How to Ensure Yours Succeeds
Perhaps you’ve received solicitations for training seminars, webinars and workshops that make promises to “Transform your work force”…. “Unleash sales reps’ potential” …“Share the 20 secrets every rep must know”… and the ever-popular “Overcome objections to close more deals”. Every business wants more sales and better performers. That’s why business owners often attend and/or send their people to seminars and …
Build a Culture of Self-Leadership for Better Results
“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for our own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity.” – Madame Curie Madame Curie was a pioneering scientist with a passion to help others, and the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize. …
Practice – Practice – Practice for Leadership Success
It’s the difference between excellent and average; it separates pros from weekend warriors; it’s the one thing many people don’t like to do, and as a result, won’t do. But for those that choose to do so, it’s the one thing maximizes their chances for success. It’s the discipline of practice. Behind every successful person in every profession are countless hours …
Why Process Improvement Is a Strategic Advantage.
A process is a series of actions (steps) taken in order to achieve a specific outcome. For all their simplicity, processes have been at the heart of improving human life and work for hundreds of years. In business, companies that thrive the longest have understood that becoming expert at process improvement—change management—helps them seize opportunities and weather all business cycles. …
Why Offer Professional Development to Your Employees?
Why Offer Professional Development to Your Employees? In her book, Profit at the Bottom of the Ladder: Creating Value by Investing in Your Workforce, author Jody Heymann reports the following. Research has found that firms offering training opportunities attract more competent workers who are also more likely to stay with the firm. In addition, the studies conducted by the author showed …
Business Strategy & Planning
Everyone who owns or works in a business wants something out of it. And everyone has some sort of a plan in mind to get it, whether it’s consciously chosen or not. The question is whether the conscious and unconscious plans of all employees work toward meeting a common goal. The First Strategy Challenge What, exactly, is a strategy? Richard P. …