New entrepreneurs tend to focus only on getting the product right, and assume that the right culture and ethics will come later simply by hiring good people. In fact, they need an early focus on developing their moral compass, as well as setting the right ethical tone. Building an ethical business is more than just […]
Leadership
5 Great Ways to Avoid Small Business Burnout
Many entrepreneurs have a similar story. A dream that they just couldn’t shake. The idea that they could succeed and create a business, to build something based on your talents and experiences. To know what you can do, and that you can succeed. But the dream and reality collide when you’re working 12+ hour days, […]
Are Leaders Responsible for Employee Burnout?
Think you are setting the right example by working all hours and rewarding your employees when they do the same? Perhaps this isn’t you at all, but you can’t understand why your employees seem burnt out? The Guardian reports that burnout has become a sinister and insidious epidemic. Last year CNBC reported that nearly 40 […]
Are Your Chairman and CEO the Same Person?
Here’s one that targets most any company that has taken investments at any stage, as well as more mature companies. Why would you split the positions? More and more today, shareholder organizations recommend that the positions of chairman and president (or CEO) be split, so there are checks and balances at the board level in the […]
What Mistakes You Should Avoid When Selling a Business
Most entrepreneurs won’t ever get too many opportunities to sell a business. So you’ll surely agree it’s something you would want to do well. And to help you achieve just that aim, here’s a list of some common mistakes you should try to avoid when selling a small business. Lack of preparation All the evidence […]
The Small Business Road Map to a Collaborative Culture
For small businesses, making the most out of every team member’s strengths is a must. It’s the only way to compete in the global economy, which often pits upstart businesses against far-larger and more established rivals. Doing so means establishing a culture of collaboration that encourages every employee to work with their peers to form […]
Coaching Has a Shelf Life
We are most effective in coaching when we are focused on an observable behavior. That is, “I observed you doing this…” “When this happens, you tend to do…” “What would happen if…” Observable behaviors critical to effective coaching. They provide the context for the conversation. But observable behaviors have a shelf life, or use by […]
The Best Things About Your Company Board
For weeks, we’ve highlighted both good and bad things about boards of directors for your company (or non-profit.) This week, let’s focus upon number one—aside from the requirements of boards to protect the company itself (not the shareholders.) Normal functions of boards Boards of directors fulfill numerous important functions, both legal and structural. Boards provide […]
7 Common Causes of Failure to Communicate in Business
Most business mentors tell me that the single biggest problem they have to deal with in small companies is the lack of open, honest, and effective communication, both from the top down and from the bottom up. Some entrepreneurs forget that talking is not communicating. Fortunately these skills can be learned, and the barriers to […]
5 Proven Ways to Keep Employee Morale High
We’ve all heard the phrase “happy wife, happy life.” There should be another similar phrase when it comes to running a business, “happy employees, more successful company.” While it doesn’t have the same rhyme (unless you change company to companies) it’s still an idea that plenty of bosses and business owners should have in mind. […]
