I was once told by supervisor that I was too friendly with the people who reported to me and for me to be the "boss", I should not "hang out" with direct or indirect reports. Well, I soon left that organization.
We spend a considerable amount of time with people we work with . . . as a leader I want to know the people more than just as work colleagues (someone just to tell what to do). I want to know the families, what they like to do for fun, what are their ambitions, and I just want to break bread with them in conversations about the world and life . . . Someone might say, would the leader who spends time with colleagues be able to know the difference between work and friendship . . . if you are a good leader who do . . . it is important to me to know the people who work with me (or as I saw in another posting, who I work for) because we all work very hard and trying to accomplish the same result at work . . . plus, when things are not going too well for some reason, knowing more about each other will help everyone succeed.
My family and I went to a wedding of an old colleague this past weekend. It was a beautiful wedding and there were lots of other old colleagues in attendence. It was great catching up . . . I knew many of their spouses/partners and some I just met for the first time . . . but you know what, I was no longer their leader, that part ended a few months ago, I was just a friend . . . and I value that . . . we as a team accomplished alot but more importantly I watched these "friends" grow up, get married, have children and advance their career . . . if i was just a leader, I would have missed out on sharing my life with a lot of wonderful people! I wished the time never ended and wish I was able to talk to more of the colleagues than I was able to . . . but for those leaders who are just all business . . . you are missing out of being a leader with a bunch of friends!
it was great seeing many of the readers of the blog and received many positives comments (like they would actually say something horrible, well, one sort of did, as he said, there was not anything really deep in my blog . . . agreed, this was never met to be a piece of literary work but share my thoughts on leadership based upon my many years as being a leader in three different organization . . .
Be Leader, Make a Friend!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Joke of the Weekend VII
Real meaning of business phrases
1.”We will do it” means “You will do it”
2.”You have done a great job” means “More work to be given to you”
3.”We are working on it” means “We have not yet started working on the
same”
4.”Tomorrow first thing in the morning” means “Its not getting done
“At least not tomorrow!”
5.”After discussion we will decide-I am very open to views” means “I have already decided, I will tell you what to do”
6.”There was a slight miscommunication” means “We had actually lied”
7.”Lets call a meeting and discuss” means “I have no time now, will
talk later”
8.”We can always do it” means “We actually cannot do the same on time”
9.”We are on the right track but there needs to be a slight extension of the deadline” means “The project is screwed up, we cannot deliver on time.”
10.”We had slight differences of opinion “means “We had actually fought”
11.”Make a list of the work that you do and let’s see how I can help you” means “Anyway you have to find a way out no help from me”
12.”You should have told me earlier” means “Well even if you told me earlier that would have made hardly any difference!”
13.”We need to find out the real reason” means “Well I will tell you where your fault is”
14.”Well Family is important; your leave is always granted. Just ensure that the work is not affected,” means, “Well you know…”
15.”We are a team,” means, “I am not the only one to be blamed”
16.”That’s actually a good question” means “I do not know anything about it”
17.”All the Best” means “You are in trouble
1.”We will do it” means “You will do it”
2.”You have done a great job” means “More work to be given to you”
3.”We are working on it” means “We have not yet started working on the
same”
4.”Tomorrow first thing in the morning” means “Its not getting done
“At least not tomorrow!”
5.”After discussion we will decide-I am very open to views” means “I have already decided, I will tell you what to do”
6.”There was a slight miscommunication” means “We had actually lied”
7.”Lets call a meeting and discuss” means “I have no time now, will
talk later”
8.”We can always do it” means “We actually cannot do the same on time”
9.”We are on the right track but there needs to be a slight extension of the deadline” means “The project is screwed up, we cannot deliver on time.”
10.”We had slight differences of opinion “means “We had actually fought”
11.”Make a list of the work that you do and let’s see how I can help you” means “Anyway you have to find a way out no help from me”
12.”You should have told me earlier” means “Well even if you told me earlier that would have made hardly any difference!”
13.”We need to find out the real reason” means “Well I will tell you where your fault is”
14.”Well Family is important; your leave is always granted. Just ensure that the work is not affected,” means, “Well you know…”
15.”We are a team,” means, “I am not the only one to be blamed”
16.”That’s actually a good question” means “I do not know anything about it”
17.”All the Best” means “You are in trouble
How you Learn?
I have been on the WorldatWork Association (www.worldatwork.org) faculty teaching the statistics course for almost 17 years (do you believe it, still cannot believe I am that old, but was the youngest instructor at the organization). One of the excellent takeaways I have is that people learn differently, and there are two choices, either the "student" adapts to the instructor's teaching techniques, or the instructor provides different ways of teaching complex subject matter in different ways to adapt to the various ways students learn. I have always tried the second approach, and must tell you it is not easy . . . it is one instructor to many students and each student might learn differently.
one of the reason that I post this subject is that recently we had one of our sons tested (he has been struggling in school, he started in a French school in Geneva and was through into one of the best school districts in the USA (Westlake HS was rated 52nd of all schools in the USA). The results of the "testing" was to find out that my son was a visual learner . . that is the way he is . . . I would say I am also a visual learner. So, one conclusion is that the instructor was not a visual teacher, thereby, one reason for the struggle.
I just wanted to share these stories for the leaders out there . . . when you are teaching, training, mentoring . . . people will learn best if you adapt to their way of learning versus teaching, etc. only the way you feel comfortable . . . the end result is that you want to pass on information to someone else . . . so it takes two to accomplish this . . . a sender and a receiver . . . both need to be on the same frequency for the signal to be sent and received . . . so remember when you are in a situation and someone might not be "getting it", try a different way, visually, through examples, etc.
Know your audience, and your point will get across . . .
Now, go teach what you know, someone out there was to learn from you! Pass it Along!
one of the reason that I post this subject is that recently we had one of our sons tested (he has been struggling in school, he started in a French school in Geneva and was through into one of the best school districts in the USA (Westlake HS was rated 52nd of all schools in the USA). The results of the "testing" was to find out that my son was a visual learner . . that is the way he is . . . I would say I am also a visual learner. So, one conclusion is that the instructor was not a visual teacher, thereby, one reason for the struggle.
I just wanted to share these stories for the leaders out there . . . when you are teaching, training, mentoring . . . people will learn best if you adapt to their way of learning versus teaching, etc. only the way you feel comfortable . . . the end result is that you want to pass on information to someone else . . . so it takes two to accomplish this . . . a sender and a receiver . . . both need to be on the same frequency for the signal to be sent and received . . . so remember when you are in a situation and someone might not be "getting it", try a different way, visually, through examples, etc.
Know your audience, and your point will get across . . .
Now, go teach what you know, someone out there was to learn from you! Pass it Along!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Influencing and Authority
Margaret Thatcher said "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."
Maybe people have asked me, now that I am an individual contributor and need to get things done through influencing has been difficult for me versus "being the global leader" and telling people to do things. Well, as the "global leader", I rarely told people what to do, I wanted them to do it because it was the right thing to do for the business. So, to be honest, it has not been difficult transition in that way. I believe if you prove your case, people will do the right thing whether you are their boss or "just" an individual contributor.
some further thoughts on this . . .
You should adopt a mind-set that your employees dont work for you, but you work for them . . . I said this many times . . . you are supporting them to get the things done that make the businesses successful (whether eliminating obstalces, supporting them in senior management meetings, shielding them from the politics).
Avoid "my way or the highway" thinking and behaviors. I have heard some leaders say, "you either get on the train or stay at the station, but the train is leaving", not is probably not the best way to motivate people and get their 100% engagement! Oh, the highway comment, remember that competitors might just be looking for some good hitchhikers!!
. . . and just remember that with authority comes the responsibility to use it wisely, sparingly and to the benefit of your ENTIRE team. The organization can give a leadership title, but only YOU can earn it . . .
Be young, have fun! I am attending a long time colleague's wedding this weekend, and am really looking forward to seeing many of my past "people who I use to worked for"!
Maybe people have asked me, now that I am an individual contributor and need to get things done through influencing has been difficult for me versus "being the global leader" and telling people to do things. Well, as the "global leader", I rarely told people what to do, I wanted them to do it because it was the right thing to do for the business. So, to be honest, it has not been difficult transition in that way. I believe if you prove your case, people will do the right thing whether you are their boss or "just" an individual contributor.
some further thoughts on this . . .
You should adopt a mind-set that your employees dont work for you, but you work for them . . . I said this many times . . . you are supporting them to get the things done that make the businesses successful (whether eliminating obstalces, supporting them in senior management meetings, shielding them from the politics).
Avoid "my way or the highway" thinking and behaviors. I have heard some leaders say, "you either get on the train or stay at the station, but the train is leaving", not is probably not the best way to motivate people and get their 100% engagement! Oh, the highway comment, remember that competitors might just be looking for some good hitchhikers!!
. . . and just remember that with authority comes the responsibility to use it wisely, sparingly and to the benefit of your ENTIRE team. The organization can give a leadership title, but only YOU can earn it . . .
Be young, have fun! I am attending a long time colleague's wedding this weekend, and am really looking forward to seeing many of my past "people who I use to worked for"!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Earning Employee Love
This is an article posted on May 21, 2008 by Michael Alter on Inc.com. He is right on . . .as leaders, we need to remember that little things are viewed very positively by employees. Yes, it is not the same as cash, but does show appreciation and isn't that what we want to demonstrate as leaders! Our staff work extremely hard . . . what do you do as a leader to appreciate your staff. I think I have almost done every one of these items . . .
What's your approach to attracting top talent and keeping your employees? Sure, you could just pay them a bundle and buy their loyalty. But, sometimes, it's better to think outside the box and focus on other ways to compensate your employees that don't involve simply offering a higher salary and bumping up your payroll bill. In my last article, I discussed the idea that compensation is more than just cash.
I mentioned one perk we offer at SurePayroll -- company-paid trips abroad for long-serving employees -- and promised to follow up with a laundry list of non-cash compensation ideas that you might consider using at your business.
So, without further adieu, here are 20 perks that just might make your employees love working for you.
Free Food and Drinks. Having free sodas in the fridge and free snacks on the break room counter are tried and true techniques. Keep the snacks healthy and you'll win a few extra points for being concerned about employee wellness.
Movie Afternoons. All work and no play makes for a dull workforce. Fire up the conference room projector every Thursday at 2:00 PM and show a movie. Don't forget the popcorn!
Great Parties. Companies that party together stay together. Take time out to celebrate and do it in style.
Ownership. Give employees a piece of the equity pie and everybody's interests are suddenly aligned.
Dinner for Two. Don't forget to pamper spouses and partners too. Treat employees to a night out with their loved ones and you'll earn twice the love.
The Game Lounge. Foosball, billiards, air hockey, your favorite game console, or even something as low tech as Checkers or Monopoly -- let the games begin!
Beer. One reader wrote me that he has a keg tapped in his office every Friday afternoon and that employees love it. I'll drink to that!
Office Ambiance. Dingy walls and cramped quarters don't do much for employee love. On the other hand, employees love to work in an office that is stylishly designed with ample room and great furniture.
Tickets to the Big Game. Surprise your employees with an outing to the local ballgame.
Call In the Ice Cream Truck. When the ice cream truck pulls up in front of your business and gives your employees free ice cream, you’re sure to earn a few employee loyalty points.
Proximity to Public Transportation. Location, location, location! Most folks will trade salary for a shorter, easier commute. If you have a convenient location, you can count on a broader selection of employees.
Flu Shots for Everyone. I wasn't so sure about this one, but after two years of providing flu shots, I’m sure our winters are more productive with happier, healthier employees.
The Latte Machine. Throw out the cheap coffee maker and invest in a high-end coffee heaven maker.
Surprise Holidays. Everybody loves a day off, especially if it's not on the holiday schedule. Want to put smiles on the employees' faces? Announce a day off out of the blue.
Learn, Baby, Learn. For many people, it's not just what they earn, it's what they learn. Invest in employee training and you'll soon have a more loyal, not to mention more skilled, workforce.
Friends. People who don't have friends at work are more likely to quit. Those who have friends are more engaged at work. So do something that encourages friendships…start an office book club, for example.
Casual Dress Codes. If I had a dollar for every employee that's quit a job because the dress code was too formal, I'd be a rich man indeed. At SurePayroll, we are very carefree when it comes to dress codes and our employees appreciate that very much.
Positive Words and Opportunity to Succeed. Studies show that workers who receive regular praise and are given an opportunity to do what they do best every day are more loyal and more productive workers. As if we needed a study to realize that!
Free Parking and Transportation Reimbursement. Instead of raising salaries, offer to pay for parking or train passes instead. It's a small gesture but employees will appreciate it. And it's tax deductible.
Bring in the Masseuse. Last but not least, when the going gets tough, the tough get a massage. Make your office stress-free by bring in a masseuse once a month — or during your busier, more stressful times.
Sure, all of these things cost money, but it's a pittance compared to salary costs.
The idea is to invest in things that make your workplace so attractive that you win employees' hearts, so they see working in your business as more than just a way to earn more money.
There's a reason large corporations spend millions of dollars on non-cash sales and employee incentive programs. It's because cash will always be directed toward necessities, while other perks are remembered and appreciated -- they evoke an emotional response instead of merely a logical, financial one.
The bottom line? High salaries are an expensive burden to bear. You need to be competitive but you can manage your salary costs through other creative forms of compensation.
You'll always do better by compensating employees with a highly enjoyable, fun atmosphere filled with small perks that don't cost too much money.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
It's all about being Customer Driven
Henry Ford said "It's not the employer who pays the wages. Employers only handle the money. It's the customer who pays the wages."
In other words, everything starts with the customer. If your client ever stop needing you, so will your organization! The best examples to teach customer driven behaviors is through explaining situations where poor service had an impact on the client and your organization.
When you are customer driven, you dont focus on what YOU think the client wants, but deliver what the client actually wants rather than what you think they ought to have. If you're not sure what they want, ask! I have heard many say, well, the customers dont know what they want . . . however, they want something as an end results and it is up to YOU, the leader to figure out and translate that desired end result into a series of deliverables that achieve that result.
In the past, I have gotten criticized for "making it look easy", whether because of "an easy" targeted budget, etc. However, I have found it is much easier to underpromise and overdeliver than the opposite . . . the same is with clients. Build partnerships with your clients by underpromising, over-delivering, and following-up to ensure they are satisfied. Solicit their input on how your products and services can be improved, they are the ones who are actually using them to reach an objective. This all sounds so simple, but the fact is . . . many dont follow these simple steps, Do you?
In other words, everything starts with the customer. If your client ever stop needing you, so will your organization! The best examples to teach customer driven behaviors is through explaining situations where poor service had an impact on the client and your organization.
When you are customer driven, you dont focus on what YOU think the client wants, but deliver what the client actually wants rather than what you think they ought to have. If you're not sure what they want, ask! I have heard many say, well, the customers dont know what they want . . . however, they want something as an end results and it is up to YOU, the leader to figure out and translate that desired end result into a series of deliverables that achieve that result.
In the past, I have gotten criticized for "making it look easy", whether because of "an easy" targeted budget, etc. However, I have found it is much easier to underpromise and overdeliver than the opposite . . . the same is with clients. Build partnerships with your clients by underpromising, over-delivering, and following-up to ensure they are satisfied. Solicit their input on how your products and services can be improved, they are the ones who are actually using them to reach an objective. This all sounds so simple, but the fact is . . . many dont follow these simple steps, Do you?
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Why I Run
As many of the readers of this blog know, I am a runner. I run at least five times a week. I am an average runner and run between 20 and 25 miles a week (unless training for a marathon). While finishing four marathons (Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Prague, and Copenhagen), I still enjoy running.
I get asked why run? Is this for health, weight control?
When I think about I run for many reasons, but all of them for me . . . running is a great sport because you run against yourself.
1. It provides patience. When a crisis or major decision needs to be made, I try to go for a run, at is settles the mind and helps think through the best approach to take, i.e., It prevents me from making hasty and unnecessary mistakes.
2. It is something that I do for me . . . so often as a leader, your role is to help others succeed . . . I find running is something that I can do for myself and it is my time (no cell, blackberry, PC, office)
3. Running provides me humility, i.e., I dont take myself to serious. There will always be a faster runner, someone who can go longer, someone in better shape, etc. Also, when I have a bad day running, it resets my clock. Running teaches me that, even after I stumble, you can get back up and start running again.
I definitely have my good days and bad days running but either way, I know tomorrow is another day. For those saying, I could never be a runner or finish a marathon, well, that is what I said . . . I remember leaving the hosptial after surgery in 2003, I could barely walk 100 steps. I had never ran more than 3 miles at a time. My first "run" was a walk of 100 steps . . . starting slow but began to go longer distances . . . until I ran a mile, then two, then three, then five, etc. until I finished a marathon (six months after major surgery), and I have not stopped since . . . if you would like to run, the biggest hurdle is that first step, the rest is "all downhill". Enjoy Life, live it to the fullest!
I get asked why run? Is this for health, weight control?
When I think about I run for many reasons, but all of them for me . . . running is a great sport because you run against yourself.
1. It provides patience. When a crisis or major decision needs to be made, I try to go for a run, at is settles the mind and helps think through the best approach to take, i.e., It prevents me from making hasty and unnecessary mistakes.
2. It is something that I do for me . . . so often as a leader, your role is to help others succeed . . . I find running is something that I can do for myself and it is my time (no cell, blackberry, PC, office)
3. Running provides me humility, i.e., I dont take myself to serious. There will always be a faster runner, someone who can go longer, someone in better shape, etc. Also, when I have a bad day running, it resets my clock. Running teaches me that, even after I stumble, you can get back up and start running again.
I definitely have my good days and bad days running but either way, I know tomorrow is another day. For those saying, I could never be a runner or finish a marathon, well, that is what I said . . . I remember leaving the hosptial after surgery in 2003, I could barely walk 100 steps. I had never ran more than 3 miles at a time. My first "run" was a walk of 100 steps . . . starting slow but began to go longer distances . . . until I ran a mile, then two, then three, then five, etc. until I finished a marathon (six months after major surgery), and I have not stopped since . . . if you would like to run, the biggest hurdle is that first step, the rest is "all downhill". Enjoy Life, live it to the fullest!
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