The Ross Leadership Academy

Leading with a Serving Heart

2008-11-24T04:50:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving approaches in the United States I thought it appropriate to post about becoming a leader with a serving heart. Leadership is more than being king of the hill. It is about creating a better future for all those around you.

Albert Schweitzer once said, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve".

It takes courage and strength to serve. Those who feel they are too important to serve will feel insecure in taking those actions they feel are beneath them. But consider any great leader you have known or observed. When the going got tough he or she, with rolled up sleeves, dove in to making something happen and didn't think twice about how they looked in the moment.

Leading with a serving heart immediately taps into and leverages so many other leadership qualities by the very nature of serving. Relationship building, inspiration, motivation, taking action, generosity, initiative, positive attitude, listening & communicating.

The true leader serves for the greater good. For the greater good of the country, organization, the community or family.

Learn to serve and you'll learn to lead.

- The Ross Leadership Academy
TheRossNetwork@gmail.com

Contact The Ross Leadership Academy by e-mail or by using the call and instant message features on the right to provide your feedback, ask questions or inquire about professional coaching, training or consulting.

Are You Going to be a Leader Today?

2008-09-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

Leading, by its very nature, is never easy. Never straight forward or black & white. It takes a person of impeccable standards, character and fortitude to take others on a path that isn't entirely certain. A leader always has to clear obstacles and create a compelling future.

But what about today?

Not much causes as much stress as economic uncertainty. The impact it has on professional, and personal, lives is tremendous. And boy do we have economic uncertainty and stress today. With conditions today that have been called the worst since the Great Depression there is cause to be alarmed.

But a leader cannot, must not, focus there.

A leader must stand tall, be strong. A leader must understand, adapt, create. A leader must see the situation for what it is. Take stock and assess the threats...but also the opportunities. A leader then must create a vision for how to get past the challenge. And then the leader must forge a path to the vision. Never faltering. Never giving in to the doom and gloom.

Are you going to be a leader today?

What steps can you take right NOW to be a better leader for those looking to you for guidance and direction?

- The Ross Leadership Academy
TheRossNetwork@gmail.com

Contact The Ross Leadership Academy by e-mail or by using the call and instant message features on the right to provide your feedback, ask questions or inquire about professional coaching, training or consulting.

The Six Fundamental Needs of an Organization

2008-08-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

When it comes to organizational behavior and development there are six fundamental needs an organization must fulfill on a consistent basis for it to survive and grow long term.

Stability - These are the needs of consistency, systems, structures, processes upon which and organization can rely. Examples here include accounting systems and reporting structures. Those things which provide an organization with certainty.

Flexibility - Ever changing environments, cultures, trends and challenges can strain even the most stable organization. It is therefore critical for an organization, and the individuals within, to remain flexible so that it, and they, can adapt to the changes and challenges. Examples here include making an exception to a customer service policy, providing flexible work schedules, ebb and flow of head count needs. Or just simply shaking things up from time to time.

Relationships - every business has the need to create and nurture strong relationships. With Clients/customers, vendors, partners, affiliates, leadership with staff, intra- and interdepartmental.

Significance - organizations, and individuals within organizations, have the need to feel like they are making an impact and have significance in the world. A "look at me!" mentality can serve an organization. Examples here include marketing, advertising and PR. This is also fulfilled within an organization through team significance and recognition.

Innovation & Development - While this need can certainly relate to basic R&D activities it also relates to the need an organization has to evolve and grow in maturity. An example here is a start-up business developing into a more mature business

Responsibility - an organization cannot survive long term without fulfilling the need for organizational responsibility. To it's members/employees, Clients/customers, community. This is the need of fulfilling a mission or broader promise versus strictly selling a product or service. Google executing on its "do no evil" promise (http://investor.google.com/conduct.html) is an example here.

There is an inherent conflict between:

Stability & Flexibility
Significance & Relationships

However, these conflicts do not always result in challenges. Rather, they often serve as the necessary catalyst for growth.

So why does all this matter? Knowing the fundamentals, how they play out in organizations and understanding how each must be fulfilled can provide a leader with a great deal of insight as to avoid or solve problems and to use these dynamics for positive growth. While all organizations must fulfill each of the six needs on some level, an organization, and a team within an organization, has two needs that rise to the top and provide a driving direction. This will be discussed within the continuing series on the Six Fundamental Needs of and Organization.

- The Ross Leadership Academy
TheRossNetwork@gmail.com

Contact The Ross Leadership Academy by e-mail or by using the call and instant message features on the right to provide your feedback, ask questions or inquire about professional coaching, training or consulting.

Ten Fundamentals of Powerful Leadership

2008-08-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

1) The Power of Vision

To be a leader you must first see the way for others to follow. What is the compelling future for the business?

2) The Power of Incredible Standards

For yourself first and then for those you lead. Unwavering standards

3) The Power of Commitment

Are you committed to reaching your goals? If not, who will be?

4) The Power of Connection

True leaders care and connect with others on a personal level.

5) The Power of Communication

Speak with passion and authority...but listen first

6) The Power of Innovation

Know the trend, be ahead of the trend but don't get shot in the back for being the nonstrategic pioneer

7) The Power of Action

Leaders are bold and take action to achieve results

8) The Power of Truth

Always tell yourself and those you lead the truth. Good and bad. Kill rumors with the truth

9) The Power of Character

Your character defines you as a leader. Be responsible, consistent, courageous, loyal and filled with integrity

10) The Power of Giving

Give first and you will receive.

- The Ross Leadership Academy

TheRossNetwork@gmail.com

Everything has Impact

2008-07-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

In business, and in life, everything has impact.

That call call you made...or didn't
That conversation you had...or didn't
That sale you closed...or didn't
That expense you incurred...or didn't
That relationship you created and nurtured...or didn't
That question you asked...or didn't
That goal you achieved...or didn't
That decision you made...or didn't
That action you took...or didn't
That day you gave your best...or didn't

Everything has an impact. Question is: is the impact positive or negative? You get to decide.

-The Ross Leadership Academy

Instantly Improve Your Business Life

2008-07-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

During a professional coaching session yesterday a participant had described to me how a colleague had failed to fulfill on his end of an assignment. My participant was frustrated and after the description was complete asked me if it was OK to be upset. I said sure you can feel any emotion you choose but the fact is you are 100% accountable for solving the issue.

WHAT???

Needless to say that wasn't initially well received. How could my coaching participant be 100% accountable for someone else's failure? Of course my participant had done "everything" possible to ensure that the colleague had what he needed.

Everything? Really?

Ownership. We all have to take ownership for the results we want in business and in life. If you can own an issue, you can take control and drive the solution. As our discussion continued I asked questions about what could my participant have done better to change the outcome. Could one more follow up call have been placed? Maybe the colleague responds better to e-mail - could the deliverables been put in writing so everyone was clear about the results. Could a connection to a resource been made that would add synergy to the team? Who does my participant have a relationship with that the colleague does not?

You see, we can always do one more thing to add value and change the course of any project. And rarely, if ever, do we do "everything" possible to ensure success. If we choose to take ownership we can set ourselves up to win. When you have ownership you can set the rules and establish the benchmarks.

If you don't take ownership someone else will, or worse, life will. Save yourself the frustration, hurt, anger and time lost that comes from blaming others. When you're blaming you're losing.

Don't let someone else or circumstances get in the way of your success. Take ownership and take control!

- The Ross Leadership Academy
TheRossNetwork@gmail.com

Contact The Ross Leadership Academy by e-mail or by using the call and instant message features on the right to provide your feedback, ask questions or inquire about professional coaching, training or consulting.

Business Dashboarding

2008-07-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

Business is about getting results!

Measuring the health of the business on a consistent basis will help business leaders and managers attain better results in both the short and long term.

Every business, department and team should have a set of clearly defined metrics. Most businesses, departments and teams have sets of reports that provide a picture of success or failure in the area reported. Sales teams have individual sales reports & pipeline reports. Finance teams have P&L's, cash flows & balance sheets. Marketing has ROI reports, survey results & demand generation reports. Problem is that many managers and executives have to comb through each report to get a picture of health of the business. This is ineffective!

A business dashboard follows the same concept as a automobile dashboard. As a driver, you can constantly get an update on your speed, fuel level, miles driven, engine temperature and the like. This provides the driver with the ability to stay ahead of any problems and catch red flags (i.e. check engine light). A business dashboard aggregates the key metrics of which a manager or executive wants to track helping him or her to avoid the metaphoric crash or engine trouble.

Few tips for creating a dashboard for your company or team:

Keep it simple! It should all fit on one page and whomever updates it should be able to do so with relative ease on a regular basis. There are also some software programs that will help you manage dash boarding
Identify the key information you want to have. Data collected by businesses typically fits into a few categories. Leading indicators and lagging indicators are two often collected. As an example, in sales a leading indicator might be a pipeline report (number of prospects in the queue and stage in the sales cycle). A lagging indicator in sales might be contracts cancelled. When creating a dashboard, identify what information you want and how one set of data relates other sets of data on the dashboard. You better be able to explain the similarity or variance.
Make the report visual whenever possible. Bar charts, pie charts, dials are all great and allow the reader to quickly get a picture of the status. A dashboard isn't supposed to have all the data. If there are questions or you need to drill deeper you can then go to the more detailed reports. The dashboard is a high level document.
Create the dashboard with the CEO in mind. If the dashboard ended up in the CEO's hands could s/he understand it and, except for difference of opinion/perspective, draw many of the same conclusions as the person who populated the dashboard?

Keeping with the earlier automobile metaphor, people may never open an Owner's Manual but they will check the dashboard gauges often. Why? It's easy to read and make decisions. Your business dashboard should provide the same simplicity so everyone will read it and take action.

A dashboard can provide a tremendous amount of value for a business leader. This one page document can be easily carried and act as a tool for meeting prep (for more tips on meeting prep read: Meeting Prep (or Lack Thereof!). A dashboard can provide the holder with the ability to quickly and accurately deliver a status update and field a variety of questions. Not to mention the explicit ability to proactively address yellow/red flags earlier.

ACTION ITEMS

Review your business reports. What key information do you need from each?
Identify the proper layout of the dashboard. Which data will be represented in data charts? Which will be represented graphically?
Create a template that allows the easy capture of the key data points (or research a good dashboard software program)
Review the report. Will it serve as a single document to provide status updates and answer key questions? Can the CEO read it?
Give it a try! Send an e-mail to TheRossNetwork@gmail.com or leave a voice message (left side of page) with your thoughts on how it's going, ask questions or share your success!

It was just a lack of one phone call

2008-07-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Business communications sure can get out of hand fast!

Take the case of two co-workers. One based at HQ. One based at a field office. Right off the bat you know that there is opportunity for strain due to lack of proximity and face-to-face interaction. This team of two has a solid working relationship and respects each other's hard work and talents. However, one day, the teammate working at HQ placed a call to the field teammate to discuss an upcoming meeting. Not connecting directly, the inside employee left a voice message about the meeting and then followed up with an e-mail. The outside representative, who was working with Clients until late in the evening heard the message, read the e-mail and began to work the assignment. Great news, right?

OOPS!!

What got missed? The outside teammate never returned the call or the e-mail. Now the HQ employee has confusion and lack of certainty that the work is going to get accomplished on time. What ensued was blame, accusations, argument, hurt, you name it. In the end, leadership had to get involved to iron it all out and get the team moving back in the right direction. Much time was lost by all parties and both teammates ended up looking bad to their boss.

It was just a lack of one phone call...

Accountability Stinks

2008-07-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

That's right. We all know it.

Who really wants to be held accountable anyway? Sure, many of us say we do until...it actually happens. Our boss calls us out on a missed deadline. Our spouse remembers the promise we made and gently (of course) reminds us.

Accountability is hard.

I observed under performing members of a sales team last week create a near mutiny with their management team. Their results had been poor for months. This was after a week long training session, daily direction and encouragement from management and added tools for success. The claim from these team members was that they were missing one item of which the top salesperson on the team had "control" - a sales presentation that was yielding tremendous results. What they failed to recognize is that this same top salesperson also consistently displays an exceptional work ethic, tireless commitment, persistence and drive. The under performing members wanted the magic bullet when really there's a success formula they are failing to implement. Even with the superior sales presentation these members would likely still fall short without the drive and work ethic of the top salesperson.

It's easy for us all to go into blame when we're not achieving results - personally or professionally. Why hold yourself accountable or allow someone else to when you can blame an event or another person? And truthfully, most people are surrounded by enablers who will accept your excuses and allow you to continue to under perform or fail. Your co-worker who believes that because the printer was broken and that's why you couldn't complete an assignment.

Nonsense. If you want to be a leader you must hold yourself accountable first. You must get rid of excuses and blame.

If you are a leader of a team you cannot accept blame and excuses within your team. Don't be an enabler of under performance.

Great news is that accountability can be learned. Accountability can be practiced. Accountability can be measured. And in the end, accountability can be fun when you start to achieve the results you deserve.

One way to get more accountable is to get a coach...

Do I Need a Coach?

In Search of Growth Leaders

2008-07-08T05:02:00.001-07:00

The following article was in the Wall Street Journal on July 7, 2008.

In Search of Growth Leaders

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121441083243003809.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_journalreports

It's a powerful, timely article about nurturing and harvesting talent within a company to create organic growth particularly through the middle management ranks. The article takes the perspective of the Executive level illustrating several real life cases of where the middle level talent created value and drove organic growth.

For this post, I'll challenge those readers who are currently at the middle management level to ask themselves if they are prepared to leverage the knowledge presented in this WSJ article for their companies and careers. In a weaker economy, job cuts, efficiency modeling, CEOs and Sr Executives are looking within for additional growth and profitability. For you, dear mid-level manager reader, it's about creating value.

Some highlights:

WSJ: "All of the growth leaders in our study had unusually varied experience early in their careers". What this speaks to is making sure that you have a diverse background of experience. If you don't have it now you may be behind but think now for the next turn. If you're in sales, is it worth gaining some experience in operations or marketing? Being more than a one trick pony is incredibly valuable - especially in difficult times. Plus, the additional perspectives help you to look at multiple angles and maximize an opportunity quickly.
WSJ: "They thrived on accepting challenges, taking action and getting immediate results". Seems pretty basic, doesn't it? But not so common. If there is untapped potential within an organization it's likely because someone isn't taking some action. Take Initiative!
WSJ: "growth leaders think like entrepreneurs". Taking the position of "if this my business" and having the fortitude to take some risks. What HAVEN'T we tried?
WSJ: "Although growth leaders embraced new ventures, they weren't risk seekers. In fact, they minimized risk wherever possible". Take a risk but don't bet the deed to the house on the 1st hand. Take action, measure for result, then take massive action.
WSJ: "Success was based more often on thoughtful exploration of customers' needs than on dry market data". You have to drill down to what the customer really needs. So many businesses are dependent on research and abstract data collection. When you want to grow from within it's key to get back to the basics of why customers do business with you in the first place and leverage that knowledge to serve their needs at a deeper level.

We're in uncertain times. Companies will continue to be buckling in and finding the greatest value from within. Be prepared, be a leader and create opportunities for your company and your career.

High Performance Cultures

2008-06-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

What is a high performance business culture and how do we go about creating one?

The great news is most of us in the professional world want to be a part of a high performance culture. Most people prefer to be on a winning team versus a losing team. Winning tends to be more fun, exciting, fulfilling...profitable. So why is the high performance culture so elusive?

Individuals, teams, organizations all begin growth from within. I believe, from my own personal experience and observation, that every person, team or organization has the capacity for incredible results! Success is indeed a choice.

If seeking that next level for your organization consider first the following:

1) Individual. Getting to that culture of high performance begins at the individual level.

Ummm, Mr/Ms Executive or Team Leader that means YOU too. What are you doing to propel yourself to the next level? If you're not prepared for high performance culture what happens when your people get there? Are you ready to lead on or get left behind?
Find the strengths of the individuals you influence and develop them. Don't focus on the downside and what's not great. Focus on what WILL be great.
But don't be afraid to tell the truth either. Until people can handle honest feedback they are not ready for high performance culture. Use reaction to honest feedback as a barometer for growth. Was it accepted as honest feedback and acted upon positively? Or was it received as harsh criticism and rejected in the form of poor results? Go behind the scenes of any championship calibre sports team and you'll hear less about the last win as you will about how they could have improved or what they will do to get the next win.

2) Team. More than a collection of high performing individuals.

Now it gets interesting. Do you have the right people on the team? Look closely, even if you have a team full of great performers you may not have the right chemistry or balance of talent.
Do you have a team? Are individual members supporting one another?
How's the communication? Not just from top down. But from bottom up and side to side. A team really starts to perform when it grows organically from within. Challenging each other and the leader (not to be confused with blaming or complaining). How can WE get better? That is a question of a strong team. Weak teams will look to the leader for the answers or place blame on each other or on situations beyond their immediate control (i.e. the economy).

3) Organization - Synthesis of high performing teams operating in concert toward common goals

Few organizations can achieve or sustain this level of performance. It takes the absolute commitment from leadership and buy-in from individuals in the organization (see - do you have the right people on the team above)
Leadership must have the will to weather out the greatest of storms, wipe their sheet of music clean and wave the wand in rhythm while it is still raining
Office politics have no place and must be proactively managed by the person at the top. Not aggressively thwarting it is equal to promoting the practice.

High performing individuals or cultures do not come easy. It takes commitment, hard work and resolve.

A few related posts:

Take Initiative!

Focus is Power

Can You Get a Job You Are Not Qualified to Get?

2008-06-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Can I Get a Job I am Not Qualified to Get?

This is a question people often ask themselves or others when looking for new employment. As people browse the job boards and search through advertisements the job descriptions can be scary. A certain level of experience needed. Specific software knowledge. And so on.

Most candidates glaze over several opportunities out of a feeling of unqualified.

But then some ask...Can I Get a Job I am Not Qualified to Get? Well first, look around your current office. Come on, I'm sure you've asked yourself how THAT person got their job.

Here's what I think the situation boils down to assuming you're seeking a business position that does not require special schooling or training (i.e. doctor, lawyer, rocket scientist).

When a hiring manager sets out to recruit a new hire, he or she creates a job description that includes a set of qualifications. This is usually an IDEAL set. The hiring manager knows from the get-go that the candidate that receives the offer isn't likely to have those exact qualifications and is willing to look at the aggregate picture. Then, invest some time, energy and money into training for the right person.
Review the skill set, experience and qualifications you DO have. If you have certainty that those skills and qualifications could immediately, or in a very short amount of time, translate into the new role you have a decent chance. Might as well throw your hat in the ring.
Now you have to create a case through your resume and interviews. In the end, bosses want results. If you have delivered results before and shown growth in the past you'll be a candidate the boss will most likely want to interview.
Give concrete, real life examples that connect directly back to the position at hand. Even if you've been a school teacher for 30 years you can demonstrate your leadership & communication skills and command of a "team" if you're now seeking a management role.
Demonstrate that you have drive and heart! A strong resume is great. In the end, most hiring managers will excuse some level of qualification deficiency in exchange for someone s/he believes will be committed and passionate about the position and the company
If you get the job...deliver...FAST! Even if you first select the low hanging fruit you'll show your new boss that you get results quick and are worth keeping around a little longer.

And once you land that great job here are a few posts from TheRossNetwork to review:

Focus is Power

Will I Get Ahead?

Take Initiative!

20 Tips on Getting Ahead in Your Career

E-mail is NOT the answer

2008-05-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how much people complain about having too much e-mail and then use e-mail for everything themselves? Do you know someone personally who does this?

Many of us today are bombarded by e-mail and receive upwards of hundreds of messages per day. It's almost like a badge of honor to be the guy/gal in the office with the most incoming messages per day or the most unread messages. STOP!

First of all, if you can't get to all of your e-mail messages in a day it is likely because many who are sending you messages or COPYING you on messages have no need to do so in the first place. Set clear chains of command so that the junior receptionist isn't copying you Mr/Ms VP on the fact that the phones were answered.

Second, make it a rule, commandment or law that items that need attention on the same day are handled via a telephone call or in person. There is no such thing as an urgent e-mail. Address e-mail in intervals at a time and not all day long. When this is the case you could miss an urgent note - uh oh!? Are you accountable for this? Well, yes...but only because you have allowed it. Especially if you allow it from your direct reports.

Finally, please don't be someone who addresses confrontational issues via e-mail. Wow is that set up for failure! The slightest hint of negative tone or the wrong phrase can set off a fire storm of frustration and ill will. Please, pick up the phone or ask to see the other party in person so you can have a dialog. Much better to address any issues as adults rather than have a negative undertone surrounding your professional relationship.

E-mail is not always the answer. It's great for documenting, sending out messages to a mass audience or for quick follow-ups. Not so great for being your main form of office communication.

Change for the sake of change?

2008-05-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

Change is a good thing. Change is progress and growth. I strongly believe in the need for change and constant growth

But when does change become simply a buzz word rather than a real catalyst for growth?

You often hear the word change in the media, politics and at the office. Almost always well intended with the goal of gaining a new, better outcome. However, you've probably also noticed that change is sometimes used to cover up for poor decisions and lack of accountability.

You've noticed this in business I'm sure. Someone fails to follow a process and puts a project or teammate into a tailspin. Rather than accepting responsibility the party in question immediately goes for the "we should change the process to make it [fill in the blank]". Now, truthfully, almost any process could be changed to make it better to some degree at some angle but before someone pushes the "change" button he or she should first look to see if the current process was followed at all.

If this person had gone through the process and identified clear bottlenecks and inefficiencies, he or she could then provide a sensible prescription for change. Otherwise, this well-intentioned individual is just placing blame on the process. A process that cannot defend itself.

Once accountability leaves the situation we may feel better but we don't actually get any better. Which, by the way, is where we experience the real power of change - growth! So before you ask for change, make sure your request is headed in the right direction - forward toward real progress.

What Are Three GREAT Common Habits Of Successful Entrepreneurs?

2008-04-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

I often browse the question section on LinkedIn as I like to review the questions & answers from a network with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

A question caught my eye this evening.... What Are Three GREAT Common Habits Of Successful Entrepreneurs?

Not an easy question to answer but one I have a great interest in. I suggested the following:

1) Incredible focus. The successful ones always know what they want and keep a laser focus on it at all times until it is obtained. The successful ones never quit. They keep trying different angles and approaches until they succeed. The most successful entrepreneurs I've seen will drive their employees absolutely nuts over one or two items. But it's usually those items that are the most critical to the business. It takes relentless focus to not get distracted by the myriad of items that come at an entrepreneur.
2) Take risks - calculated or not. The great ones often practice fire-ready-aim at the outset. If they didn't many would never even begin. Dropping out of school, quiting your job - those are huge risks but ones that get an entrepreneur committed and invested. Hernando Cortez was an example of this type of risk 500 years ago.
3) Practice self-discipline. This is most valuable after the initial stage. The great ones get the enterprise going by taking enormous risks and make huge investments of time, energy and money. The most successful I've seen are the ones who also keep perspective and know when to switch gears to shift from entrepreneur to business leader. The biggest mistakes I've witnessed are those entrepreneurs who create a great business, it grows quick and they forget, or fail, to manage the growth successfully.

Overall though, I'm a strong proponent of Focus... See also:

Read also: Focus is Power and What Gets Measured Gets DONE! on The Ross Leadership Academy.

The One Thing

2008-04-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was recently taught by a company president the concept called the "One Thing". This is a powerful tool for yourself and for managers.

The concept is basically this: define for yourself the "One Thing" in a given month that if completed effectively could have the highest level of impact for your organization's growth. WOW! That's hard to do if you have multiple priorities (hmmm..like everyone). But when you sit down to think it through you give yourself such incredible focus!

You cut through the clutter - it's easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day. And give yourself excuses. By mapping out the One Thing at the beginning of the month you can identify what doesn't need to be done (and maybe have the same or better result).
You'll keep yourself accountable - you WILL get that One Thing done come hell or high water. How can you not get the One Thing done?
It's measurable - or at least it should be! You'll know exactly when you accomplished the outcome and can celebrate it.

And from a management perspective...WOW! This particular company president has created a tool that allows him to have visibility on the whole organization in one sheet -250 people in all. He can, at a glance, get a pulse of the organization from the people doing the actual work. Yes, these One Things go through the chain of command and are often re-defined or fleshed out through the process but when it is done and submitted the guy at the top knows what is happening from the front door to the executive office and everywhere in between in a snapshot view. At the end of the month, a second report is generated that reports on how many One Things were accomplished. No pomp and circumstance, no filtering, no fluff. Yes or no. That's powerful! And the whole process takes just a few minutes from all participants and a focused session from the president to understand what activity will take place, or has taken place, in a given month

Read also: Focus is Power and What Gets Measured Gets DONE! on The Ross Leadership Academy

Class of '08 - An Approach to That First Job

2008-04-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

The jobless rate rose to 5.1% in March - highest since 2005. That's a scary statistic for the graduating class of 2008. Many companies are cutting back hiring which includes job openings for recent college graduates. If you don't already have your job offer as a grad-to-be the truth is you will have an even tougher time landing that first role.

STAY STRONG!

If a company is hiring they still may hire YOU!

There's always two approaches to a job search (and shades in between)

Mass Marketing of your resume
Targeted search

In this tougher market, the temptation will be to blast your resume out to whomever will read it. That may work and you may even get lucky. What I would recommend, as someone who has hired hundreds of people, is to consider a more surgical approach. Why?

You can more thoroughly research the companies - believe me, nothing is more of a turn off for a recruiter than to get a tired response to the questions of "what do you know about our company" and "why do you want to work here". Get the information and be ready to let the recruit know you are passionate about working for his/her company!
You can be more focused in your approach and focus is power - What you focus on you will achieve. TheRossNetwork: Focus is Power
You can get more clear about career path. This is also important. Companies hire recent grads as the future of their company. They know you're going to screw stuff up at first but they're making an investment in you. Knowing what you want to do and how you might go about getting there can be impressive.
You can say you're only seeking employment at a few select companies - that shows passion again and builds your value
Makes your follow-up effort more manageable and effective. And follow-up is king! There will be a lot more competition this year. Don't get lost in the clutter!

These are but a few thoughts to consider. If the going is tough as you embark on your new career know that it is strengthening you for your prosperous future.

Do I Need a Coach?

2008-03-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

Yes.

It really is as simple as that. Everyone can get better and its a challenge, if not impossible, to do it on your own. Take a look at any professional sports team. These teams are filled with athletes who have played their sport since they were about 5 years old and have worked at improving their game almost every day since. They all have coaches. Why?

Consider these four reasons:

To get better - a coach's job is to help the people he or she coaches to get better. At fundamental skills, strategy, mindset, motivation
Identify blind spots - this is big. After we have been doing something for a lifetime (or a few months) we start to think you know it all and have no weaknesses. A coach can look at you objectively and help you identify your blind spots. Once you can see them you can work on them.
The truth - to get better you need to hear the truth. Where are you and where do you need to get to in order to reach your goals and full potential? Not a sugarcoated direction from someone who doesn't want to hurt your feelings but the raw truth that will guide you to your destination quickly.
Accountability - if you say you want to reach your full potential you need someone to hold you to your word and keep you on the path. A coach holds you accountable to your promises you make to yourself and to your team.

You need this! Even if it isn't a formal coaching partner find someone who can deliver the above to you in a consistent and clear manner. You won't be sorry!

Create a Personal 90 Day Plan

2008-03-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

In business, most companies set for themselves 90-day or quarterly targets. Certainly financial and usually with other important milestones for major initiatives. This helps them to stay focused on yearly outcomes and annual growth. As a company of one, we too should consider creating and holding ourselves accountable to 90-day plans. I'll go into further detail about creating the actual plan in another post. For today, I want to set up areas for you to consider:

Financial - what are your 90 day financial goals? Invest, save, earn more, 2nd income?
Career - this may dovetail into your financial goals but look too toward getting ahead and achieving more on the job. What conversations do you need to have? What projects should you complete or get involved in?
Relationships - who can you be closer too? Where can you be more giving?
Spiritual - get closer to your spiritual side. Grow, connect, get inspired
Health/Physical - do you want to get into better shape? Lose weight? Gain strength?
Learning/Growth - What do you want to do to keep yourself informed, fresh, on the cutting edge? What skills do you need to hone?

Once you set up your categories of measurement you can fill in specific goals under each for the next 90 days. Then, you'll want to measure on a daily, or at least weekly, basis to stay on track. Hold yourself accountable and don't alter them once you have them down.

More to come but for now, start to consider the above categories (or others you may want to include).

Focus is Power

2008-03-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

Focus is Power.

I often interview candidates for new jobs and a question that often comes up from the candidate is: What defines the most successful person on your current team? Without hesitation my reply is FOCUS. Knowing what result you want to achieve and having a relentless pursuit toward its attainment is what makes people successful.

Know WHAT you want to achieve - each day. If you arise each day with a set of goals that you WILL achieve before the end of the day you are ahead of most. This is not a list of "ought to" but rather a list of "WILL DO".
Then, attach a meaning to each result. What will achieving the result mean to you? This will help you maintain your focus throughout the day. Give the meaning some sizzle. Because the boss wants me to is motivating to some degree but that can keep you in fear or distracted by the potential outcome of failing to achieve. Make the meaning personal and something that can get you fired up!
Create a system for success. In basketball, players are coached during practice to shoot a free throw the exact same way each time. Whatever it is - bounce the ball three times, spin it in your hands, deep breath, shoot. It doesn't matter but you have to do it the dame way every time. Why? Because when you get in a game with pressure coming at you from fans you can settle down, go into your rhythm and shoot the easy shot. The same is true for you at work. Know how you work best and how you want your day to unfold. Then plan it out ahead of time and execute.
Say NO. Or at least set expectations. Everyone in today's busy workplace has tons of tasks to complete and demands from all around. If you are to be focused you either need to say "no" to new demands or set expectations that allow you to under promise and over deliver. The expectation should be set that allows you to first achieve the goals you are focused on and then take on the new items. You will obviously need to prioritize when there is a critical and urgent situation but don't let everything be critical and urgent.

FOCUS. I believe that if you have no other trait than focus you will find success in your life. With focus, you create the tools and gain the knowledge you need to achieve the results you desire.

Take The Ross Leadership Academy "Will I Get Ahead?" Quiz:

http://therossnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/02/will-i-get-ahead.html

Will I Get Ahead?

2008-02-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

Getting ahead at work is not just luck. Sure, if you work at Uncle Sal's Salad Shop and you're not related to Uncle Sal you may get passed over but for most businesses there are actions you can take to position yourself for advancement.

Take TheRossNetwork "Will I Get Ahead?" Quiz:

True or False

I shun the jobs that no one else wants to do
I avoid going to the boss to discuss potential, or real, problems
Senior level executives don't want to hear from a guy/gal on the front line
I usually arrive on time and stay until quitting time
I believe it is ok to have a unproductive day every once in a while
Having connections with higher level executives looks bad
I do my job!
I look for ways to save money in my department
I give credit where credit is due
I know my numbers - the metrics by which me, my team, my company are measured

Let's see how you did:

Hopefully you answered FALSE. It's true that you do not want to take a death sentence job but the higher ups like someone who will take on a tough challenge when no one else will. Can you spell i-n-i-t-i-a-t-i-v-e?
Please...anwser FALSE. Bosses hate suprises and if you let a problem fester until it gets out of hand and THEN you go to you boss expect to be in trouble. If you can be proactive and bring your problem - with a recommended solution - you're in much better shape
This one is FALSE. The adage of "the higher you go the less you know" is true. Senior level executives thirst for knowledge. Especially unfiltered, unspun knowledge that comes from the people doing the real work and who interact directly with customers. If you respect their time and get right to the point a Senior level exec will love to hear from you
Yep, this one is FALSE. Why? If you just do the minimum - expect the minimum. Getting to work on time and leaving on time is a good way to keep your job. But won't get you ahead.
This one was a lay up - FALSE. True winners don't have an unproductive day.
Also, FALSE. Having a connection higher up on the food chain is always a good thing. It's best to keep it businesslike to avoid the rumors of special treatment but if you can establish connections you may get an early notice of a position opening and a good reference.
Are you noticing a trend - FALSE. Why? You are SUPPOSED to do your job. To get ahead you have to show you are willing to step up and take on more responsibility.
This one is TRUE and FALSE. True because you should always look for ways to save your department money. But those who can save the COMPANY money are the real problem solvers.
This one is also TRUE and FALSE. It looks good to distribute the credit to all players who contributed to a success and you'll make more friends. Just make sure that if credit is due to you, take it. Humility is a great quality - just don't overdo it.
This one is TRUE. First, you should know how your company and department measures success and how, you specifically, are measured against those metrics. Once you do you can prove that you are delivering. Plus, 90% of people in your company won't have a clue which puts you in the Top 10% pretty easily. Come prepared to meetings with the latest metrics and always be ready to review your personal metrics with the higher ups.

If you answered:

9 - 10 correct. Great job Mr/Ms Future VP
7 - 8 correct. Pretty good - you're not that far off.
6 or less. You have some serious work to do. E-mail or call me and maybe I can help. You can also read my other posts:

20 Tips on Getting Ahead in Your Career

Take Initiative!

Maintaining Certainty in Uncertain Times

2008-02-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

As real estate markets continue to struggle and talk of recession continues to mount there is a lot of uncertainty in the American economy. As a result, employees across the nation are concerned about their future and stability.

Rightly so. But that's not the end of the story...

A recession is largely a myth for today's worker. Just as many employees didn't receive huge raises or promotions during boom times, neither should the same worker expect layoffs or cuts to pay in recession times. That is, of course, if the employee behaves the same way during a recession as he or she did during an expansion period.

Some keys to beating the recession as a worker in today's society:

Define Success - It's easier to define success in buoyant times when all is well. When faced with challenging times it is equally important, if not more important, to define success. You may need to recalculate what is acheivable. You may not get that raise you wanted but if you power though a tough time you could end up with more than you originally expected. Define what sucess is during a tough time so that you can acheive it and move on to the next level when the challenging period is over

Have Certainity - Facing each day with the certainity that you have what it takes and are willing to do what it takes to succeed are two qualities that will help you during boom or bust times. Certainity keeps you focused on moving forward - not sideways or back.

Focus - focus your energy on the positive and on the results. You may end up in a situation which requires extra work for the same pay. Focus on getting those results and when you make it through the storm you will be rewarded.

Mental Toughness - We've all been through tough times or experienced loss. When confronted with a difficult situation only the toughest survive. Don't let the daily grind get you down or lead you astray.

Contingency Plan - If the worst does happen will you be prepared? Are you ready with a Plan B at a moment's notice or will you have to start from scratch when disaster strikes?

Getting your mentality in the right place and planning for your future are even more important in uncertain times than when all is well. Take time to master your mental state and game plan your way through this recession.

What Gets Measured Gets DONE!

2008-01-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

The numbers matter and what gets measured gets done.

A business operates on its ability to measure the numbers. Everyone knows that financial statements reflect profit or loss and the health of an organization. Without this basic measurement a business would be operating blind.

In my career, I've had the opportunity to engage in a variety of high growth companies where I have had the role of creating or developing high performance teams. I've also worked in a variety of environments in need of crisis management.

Both environments can be highly stressful but I have had the ability to remain calm and focused while solving problems and taking on new challenges. Why? As with anything there are no quick fixes or simple answers but there are always tools and systems available which, when applied, can help drive success.

Here are a few of the lessons I've learned and tools I've used:

Identify the challenge - Often, this simply means coming up with a hypothesis. It's easy to say that sales are flat and attribute this challenge to poor market conditions or some other random assertion. I've found you are much better off by looking at the whole picture and compiling all the reasons why you are facing a certain problem.
Collect the data - Once you have your list of possible reasons for a challenge you can then go about collecting the qualitative and quantitative data. If sales are weak and your belief is that you're dealing with a tough market, dig into the economic data or research how many times your prospects have listed pricing as a concern. If the data then supports your initial theory you may have found your real problem and can begin to devise solutions. If the data does not support your initial theory you'll need to do some more digging
Measure and trend the data - Once you have the hard data to support your theory of what the problem is you need to now measure how big of a problem you have, how long it's been a problem and how much longer you could have the problem if a viable solution is not found. Now, you can start to make a wise business decision.
Identify solutions to mitigate your problem or challenge - Now that you have measured your problem you can now begin to create solutions to overcome it. Back to my example of weak sales. If your belief was that weak sales were a result of a weak market and found that the data supports this conclusion you can now create promotional strategies or financing options that can counter the objections. And by having the hard data available and the trending information available you can put these plans into place for the right amount of time as well.
Know the numbers that support the solution -Before implementing a solution, define success in terms of the quantitative data that will spell success. Will it be a 5% uptick in revenue month-over-month? In increase in orders? More referrals?
Measure the solution! This is perhaps the most important step of all. Business is an ever-changing environment. Therefore, even if the solution to your problem was spot on this month, it may be hurting your business in the next month if not measured on a regular basis with solid methodology. Many business miss this step and then miss opportunities or give away profit margin by making this critical mistake. A solution is not a solution until positive, sustainable results are attained.

The great news is that anything can be measured. Even qualitative data can be coded and grouped in a way that will help you spot trends, identify problems and create solutions.

Marketing Surveys

2007-12-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

Understanding your customer is an important part of any business. I was recently asked my opinion on what tools are available for gauging customer reactions to products or services. One of the services I use is surveymonkey.com.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/

Surveymonkey is very affordable on any budget. For $200 per year a member can create an unlimited amount of surveys for e-mailing, posting on their own website or creating kiosks. There is also a free version which is useful but doesn't have as many options.

The great thing about surveymonkey, and surveys in general, is that you can craft questionnaires that help you get a better understanding of your customer. From demographics, psychographics, product and service opinions or a wide range of other attitudinal questions.

The software itself then generates automatic reports in real time which you can track at any point and make immediate changes if you need to.

You can also easily use surveymonkey for internal surveys to gauge employee opinions. This can be very useful and help management and HR officials understand the pulse of the organization and make any needed changes.

Surveymonkey is great for creating and fielding many types of surveys and the data you receive can often be intrpreted quickly and easy by anyone. For more complex survey development and analysis I would still recommend consulting with a seasoned market research professional. Surveymonkey also does not offer as many bells and whistles as some of the more expensive tools available but it's great for many applications.

Take Initiative!

2007-12-21T20:55:00.000-08:00

To move the world we must first move ourselves – Socrates

Leaders take initiative. Successful people take initiative.

If you think of any accomplishment, world renowned or personal, it all started with someone taking initiative. Yet we all lack initiative to a greater or lesser degree in some area of our lives. For example, many who demonstrate exceptional initiative in their business life often drag their feet in taking action on their health or relationships.

Taking initiative can be hard. But it does not have to be.

When we look at initiative the hesitation usually boils down to a couple of areas. Listed below are some common causes and suggested strategies for powering through the challenges.

1) Fear. Fear holds us back and is a great motivator to prevent us from reaching our goals. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of loss. Fear of pain. These are all common fears that keep us from taking initiative. I once had a terrible fear of heights. This kept me from participating in a variety of activities all through early life. Then, one day, I went with a friend to go skydiving. Just like that. I suited up, took the brief training class, headed up in the plane and dove out of the door with my tandem dive master.

a. Power Strategy: I didn’t really know it at the time but what I had applied was the understanding that fear is simply an emotion and I instantly changed my fear emotion with an excitement emotion. Instead of being afraid of what disaster could happen I focused instead on the excitement of accomplishing something very few people do in their lives. I applied this strategy on a massive level but it can be applied at any level. By translating your fear into something positive and motivating you can just start initiative quickly. Rather than being afraid to make that tough phone call, translate that fear into an empowering emotion like accomplishment.

2) Knowledge. Sometimes we fail to take initiative because we believe we lack the knowledge or talent to achieve the accomplishment. Sometimes this is a real lack of knowledge, sometimes perceived, sometimes it just doesn’t matter.

a. Real Knowledge - There are times when we simply don’t know how to go about accomplishing a task or project. Maybe you don’t know how to use a certain software program needed.

i. Power Strategy: Can you learn it, and if so, how quickly? Can you leverage the task to someone else who has the skill you lack?

b. Perceived Knowledge: Sometimes we think we lack the knowledge or we pretend not to know

i. Power Strategy: Apply common sense to the challenge blocking your initiative.

Often times this will be far more than enough knowledge to set you on the path to accomplishment & success

3) Timing. Often we are waiting for the “right” time to take initiative. Tomorrow, next week, next year. But when we’re honest with ourselves we know that tomorrow never comes until we take initiative. Timing is important. You don’t want to rush an important decision, conversation or project. However, don’t let a good time pass waiting for the “perfect” time

a. Power Strategy: It is easier to move from failure to success than from excuses to success. It does not hurt to envision the perfect scenario when setting out on a path. In that process, add a good scenario, including the timing, and seize the opportunity when “good” approaches. It may not be perfect but at least you’ve started down the right path and can correct along the way

4) Overwhelm. A challenge to initiative is overwhelm. Not knowing where to begin. This challenge can be a hurdle or crippling depending on the size of the task and your preparation to handle it.

a. Power Strategy: Group it and plan it. Any task, no matter how big, can be broken down into its elements. By grouping a major project into big parts, then smaller parts, then individual tasks it is much easier to handle. You can also create a detailed plan on how to go about accomplishing each task along the way.

In addition to a few of the strategies listed above another power strategy for helping kick start your initiative is to recruit an accountability partner. This would be someone you can trust and who will be honest with you. Let this person know what your challenges are and ask him or her to support you in powering through them.

With Change Comes Opportunity

2007-11-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

With Change Comes Opportunity...

The world...and business...is constantly changing. Those who can stay connected to trends and the proverbial "pulse" can seize opportunity.

Most people, when confronted with change, will become anxious. Change is uncomfortable. Change can be scary.

Change is necessary!

Once an individual, or team, understands this fact he or she (or they) can be more prepared for and more receptive to positive change.

Here's some of what I have learned:

- Keep an open mind: this one is pretty obvious. But what's important is to understand that you need to have an open mind to the concept of change itself AND an open mind to other points of view as to what changes are forthcoming and what they may mean

- Cast a wide net: make as many positive connections as you can. With more connections, you will be better able to adapt to changing environments. Other people will have different experiences and perspectives and may be able to help guide you through or support you in changes

- Collect the pieces: most of the time, no one has ALL the information regarding an impending change. However, a lot of people have some of the information. Collect the pieces and put a context to them all to build the big picture

- Ask questions: as a sub point to the previous point, ask questions when you are unclear rather than make assumptions

- Seize the moment: when a change has become evident it's important to act! Know what's right for you based on your experience and values then take the initiative to embrace the change

- Prepare for the NEXT Change: Once you have engaged the change, be ready and start preparing for the next change and evolution. Build on your last experience and be ready to apply your learning.

For an interesting read and additional perspective, check out: Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter

The Power of LinkedIn Answers Section

2007-11-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

LinkedIn has become a powerhouse of social networking for professionals. Unlike many social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace, LinkedIn is designed for professionals as a way to showcase skills and meet other professionals across the globe.

Part of the power of LinkedIn is the Answers (or Q&A) section:

http://www.linkedin.com/answers?trk=tab_ayh

There are two options members can leverage when visiting the Answers section:

1) ASK - A LinkedIn user can pose questions to other LinkedIn members in a variety of categories from Administration to Using LinkedIn. After a question is asked it is posted and other members can provide their thoughts. This provides the original questioner with an e-mail reflecting each individual answer and a post for others to read if they have the same question down the line. The format serves as an online advisory board of sorts. The best part is the bredth of responses one can receive from other members. Unlike asking the same question in your day-to-day workplace, the answers you can receive from LinkedIn members provide you with both an outsider's perspective and experience from other industries, job titles or other countries and cultures.

Those who ask questions even have the option to rate the answers of others when the question closes

2) ANSWER - Using the same format, any LinkedIn member can browse questions for topics they have an interest or expertise in and provide an answer. This allows a member to both showcase his or her knowledge and expertise but also help other members with areas in their professional lives.

A side benefit of the Answers section of LinkedIn is that by participating in the forum you increase your opportunities for making more connections and expanding your network. Either by someone who respects your thoughts and may want to develop a deeper professional relationship or by someone who may look to you for future advise or career opportunities

Social Networking Tools in the Workplace

2007-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Face it..Facebook, MySpace and the like are here to stay and the wave of the future.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8v56MxdtHYg

The young worker of today (the Internet Generation) almost definitely has a social networking account and most have more than one. So what does this mean to business besides keeping an eye on younger workers to make sure they don't spend all day updating their personal profiles?

The saying - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em - might apply here. Rather than shun these sites, perhaps we should look at how companies can apply these tools to increase team productivity using the functionality that already resonates with the younger worker.

Let's take a tour and see how the applications might apply, with some customization and regulation, to the workplace:

- Messaging: essentially e-mailing capability with similar functionality of an everyday e-mail program.
- Profiles: this is where a user tells a little about him/herself. In today's work environment this can be quite helpful as teams are often in a variety of places and do not always have face-to-face contact. A profile allows workers to share details about themselves that make them more personable to one another. A user may also list a skill, experience or interest that may be of value in the work environment but not commonly known by the team as a whole. And profiles are searchable. Looking for someone on the team who has a special skill needed for a particular project - search it!
- News Feed: This is a feed like Reuters but for a person. There are some interesting applications to the workplace here. Everything from project updates (workers can advise on their latest project updates) to in office status (on the road, out sick).
- Event notifications: similar to any calendar program. Particularly useful for group updates. Project meetings, etc.
- File sharing: photos, documents, audio files, video files. Done in business all the time! But what if you film or audio record important meetings, training sessions and teleconference/video conference calls and post them for later reference or for those who were unable to attend or those who join the team later?
- Pokes: fun recognition tools to let people know they've done a good job that get posted on a persona's profile for all to see.

The functionality of social networking sites is powerful. With some customization and regulation, the functionality of many popular social networking sites could translated to the workplace with positive results

10 Workplace Sins to Avoid

2007-11-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

http://wholeenchilada.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/careers-10-workplace-sins-to-avoid/

For more on getting ahead in your career, click the link above...

20 Tips on Getting Ahead in Your Career

2007-11-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

So, you're looking to get ahead in your career.

Everyone knows someone who seemingly gets by without much effort. Maybe even someone who is very successful without having to work hard.

Chances are this isn't you.

If you're like most people you have to drive hard just to keep up. You have to give your absolute best. If you have decided you want to succeed and get ahead you need to decide to be a workhorse. If that doesn't sound easy or glamorous...well it isn't. But you have to put in the work first before you get the rewards.

So what are some of the ways to separate yourself from the pack and get ahead in your career?

TWENTY WAYS TO GET AHEAD

Brand yourself! Think of your favorite brand. One of mine happens to be FedEx. They flat out get it done. And you know and trust that if you give them your important package they'll get it to the destination on time at an exceptional rate. You need to be that way in your work life. Employers want to give a task, assignment or responsibility to someone they value, can trust and who they know will flat out get it done .

Step up! Take initiative. Look for things that need to be done and get them done. Either through yourself or leverage it to others. Volunteer for the tough, undesirable assignment.

Arrive early! If you arrive early, you are already ahead of 99% of your colleagues. That's good news for you. By arriving to the office at least 30 minutes early you can plan your day, tackle any messages or e-mails from overnight and get your coffee poured.

Stay late! Those who leave when the 5 o'clock horn sounds don't typically get ahead quick. Those who make the additional call, send the additional e-mail, finish the extra task do.

Be available! This means 24/7/365. Business is a rapidly changing environment and companies value employees who are willing and able to assist when needed. This doesn't mean you have to be at the beck and call of your employer but be flexible and willing to engage at any time.

Think! Think before you speak. Think before you send an e-mail. Think before you act. And be ready to think on your feet.

Be Organized! Have your information and resources sorted out and readily available. This will give you peace of mind and help you fulfill #6 above a lot easier.

Be Prepared! Know your numbers, anticipate problems and questions, come to meetings ready to go (check my post on meetings for more information...http://therossnetwork.blogspot.com/2007/11/meeting-prep-or-lack-thereof.html)

Give Credit! Support your team and those who helped you accomplish your work. First, everyone knows you didn't do a big task on your own. Second, you may need help again.

Don't Panic! Problems will arise. Those who can keep a cool head are most likely to lead and find a solution. With that, don't lash out or point fingers when problems occur.

Under Promise, Over Deliver! Sounds basic but it's a tricky concept to master. Not only will people's request be incredibly urgent to them it's easy to over commit and want to appear responsive. This takes practice and good communication.

Communicate! Be precise, concise and clear.

Ask Questions! Get all the information you can from your boss, customers, vendors and teammates. Asking that one extra question may be what directs the project and helps reach the outcome.

Be Face-to-Face! In today's environment with e-mail, voicemail, text messaging, etc it's actually more rare to do many day-to-day tasks in person. If your boss e-mails or leaves a message that might require a long reply, consider replying in person...with a leave behind document prepared.

Understand Financials! The lifeblood of a business is its financials. Even if you are the receptionist, you need to have a basic understanding of business financials. At the minimum, learn about a Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow. And this is one area where the higher you go the more you need to know.

Be a Steward of the Finances! Manage every dollar of the company's money with the highest regard. You may be awarded more of it long term for your responsible behavior.

Set Goals! If you want to get ahead, you need to achieve the company's goals. You also need to set and achieve your personal goals. To get ahead you may need a skill or experience you don't yet have. Set them as goals and make plans to achieve them.

Respect and Honor Subordinates! Disrespecting subordinates may work in some industries but most people need the help of their human resources. You're more likely to achieve your own professional goals if you have a staff that feels respected and willing to put in the extra mile for you.

It's not a Social Club! It is fine to have great relationships at work...but it's not a social club. You are at work to get work done not chit chat. Spend your work time working and your play time playing.

Hold Yourself Accountable! To get ahead you need to be accountable. To your boss. To your colleagues. To your Clients & customers. To yourself! People who place blame or make excuses do not get ahead. And the less your boss has to hold you accountable the better.

BONUS: Be Consistent! Whatever you do to step up and set yourself apart from the crowd do it consistently. Stepping up only at certain times (i.e. review time) is blatantly manipulative and won't help your cause.

This is just a short list of recommendations. There are many others but if you start to tackle and master a few of these people will start to notice...maybe even your boss.

You just might get ahead in your career!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T07:06:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John F. Kennedy

"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." ~Edward Sandford Martin

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. " ~Theodore Roosevelt

"Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart." ~Seneca

"And though I ebb in worth, I'll flow in thanks." ~John Taylor

"Who does not thank for little will not thank for much." - Estonian proverb

Anonymous

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Each businessperson has much to be thankful for each and every day. Customers, Clients, Employee, Employer, Colleagues, Consultants, Connections, Suppliers, Partners, Vendors and the Family, Friends and Community who support us every day. Be thankful today...and everyday. Live with gratitude in your heart and express it with alacrity.

- TheRossNetwork@gmail.com

Thank YOU for visiting this blog!!!

I welcome all your thoughts and comments. Feel free to use any of the interactive tools on the sidebar to connect.

Thanksgiving

Meeting Prep (or Lack Thereof!)

2007-11-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

It amazes me how much the lack of preparation can affect a company.

Executives and employees of all levels generally live their daily business lives underprepared...or not prepared at all! Many arrive to meetings without critical information much less a thoughtful plan of what to say. Business, especially small business, would do well to take a page or two out of a marketing/advertising agency or political candidate playbook. Those folks, at least when dealing with the external world, have a measured plan for every meeting, presentation, e-mail, conference call or speech.

Why? Because Clients and constituants will kick their butts if a wrong move is made.

Six Quick Preparation Tips:

Make sure to have a brief of your critical information with you at all times. This would include a handful of top documents, stats and metrics you are accountable for on a day-to-day basis. Nothing stalls progress faster than the proverbial "I don't have that in front of me".
Most people have gotten the hang of scheduling their day and what meetings they need to attend. But know your audience. You won't deliver the same information the same way to each. Nor will you be asked the same questions.
Take 10 minutes (more if you can) to prep for each meeting. Have any documents lined up and an outline of what you want to cover. Don't just wait for the meeting chairperson's agenda
If you do receive an advanced agenda from the meeting Chairperson - read it, use it...please...thank you. Likewise, if you are the Chairperson...prepare and send an advanced agenda...please...thank you.
Prepare answers to anticipated questions before they are asked. You know what 90% of the questions are likely to be so have an answer prepared. On paper = best. In head = OK. Not at all = hot seat.
Be prepared for what your follow up will need to be. There's a good chance the follow up may depend on the people you are meeting with. If the meeting is likely to have decisions made know what you will need to do after the decisions are finalize.

BONUS: Do what politicians do...carry and rehearse your key "talking points". These are the items you will relay to others (co-workers, bosses, customers) at various times and you want to stay "on message" regardless of your audience.

Try one (if not all 6+) and feel the difference.