Most startup ideas begin in the mind of an individual, but an idea is not a business. It takes a team, with effective leadership, to build a business. Many aspiring entrepreneurs default to team leadership by domination and control. Yet in my experience, the best entrepreneurs quickly learn the art of people connection. They connect […]
People Skills
5 Easy Ways to Increase Business Productivity
Small businesses often run with tight margins and need to ensure that they are getting as much from their staff as possible. This is productivity, and it is absolutely vital in the short and long-term success of the business. If your team is less productive than your competitors, you can fall behind in the marketplace […]
How to Be a Great Coach: 3 Keys for Leaders
What does coaching have to do with leadership? Everything. Years ago, as a new leader (a.k.a. manager), I was responsible for a team of people and a pile of targets. There was so much I didn’t know about effective leadership. It’s easy to believe that as long as there’s plenty of work to do, you’re […]
10 Traits of Leaders Who Can Hold People Accountable
Getting things done effectively in a startup requires total individual and team accountability. You can’t afford excuses and multiple people doing the same job. In my view, “taking responsibility” is the core element behind accountability. Many people hear responsibility as an obligation, but I hear it as “the ability to respond.” Unfortunately many people don’t […]
“What’s in it for me?” A Motivational Lesson
Ever wonder why one of your employees, shareholders, managers, suppliers, or board members sometimes behaves in a way you might consider irrational? Putting yourself in their shoes If you want to best describe the motivation behind the action, think “What’s in it for me”? Your employees, your shareholders, your customers, and your suppliers are all driven […]
4 Things a Business Owner Can Do to Improve Employee Performance
Every business owner must make sure that employees are performing to their fullest. Over time, successful business owners have shared many tips and advice to help improve your employees’ performance, but motivating your employees to get there is not an easy task. It is a daunting challenge and requires patience and great leadership skills. While […]
Worker Management: Say No to Micromanaging and Yes to Technology
To 4 in 10 U.S. small business owners, becoming their own boss has always been their dream. And while the journey is far from easy or glamorous, they say it’s rewarding and well worth the risk. There is, perhaps, no stronger indication of success than when a business is ready to hire. While more help […]
4 Ways Gym Owners Can Keep Their Staff Happy
Happy gym employees are vital to the success of a fitness facility. When everything is going well with your staff, your business will run smoothly and when they are not, the reverse is usually the case. Equipment falls into disrepair, clients are treated poorly, and membership plummets. So how can gym owners keep their staff […]
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 […]
4 Innovative Alternatives to Team-Building Exercises That Stimulate Collaboration
No matter what sort of business you run, your workers are going to be the lifeblood of your brand. You need to encourage them to work together in order to reach goals and create a good customer support network. To get your employees working together effectively, it’s time for you to initiate some team building […]
