December 2011

Dec 30 2011

5 More Resolutions for Great Management

If you follow the Chinese calendar you know that 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. The dragon symbolizes strength, power, and good luck.  Let’s face it, we could all use a little good luck right about now.  But instead of waiting for the dragon to come roaring in on the 23rd of January, take a moment to make some positive changes in 2012.  Start with:

 

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Dec 28 2011

Resolve To Be A Better Manager in 2012

We are not immune to the urge to make New Year's resolutions. When you reflect on how 2011 went, it's hard to avoid thinking about what you want to improve on in 2012. While you are thinking about it, we have a couple of suggestions of what to put on your list:

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Dec 26 2011

Are you the Barrier to a Healthier, Happier Workplace?

A recent University of Minnesota study looked at the before and after results of what they call a Results Only Work Environment (ROWE). Essentially the study concluded that “flexibility brings with it improvements in employees' health and well-being, reduces absenteeism rates and boosts employee commitment.” So why are so many managers opposed to bringing flexibility into the workplace?

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Dec 22 2011

Do You Really Respect Your Employee's Time Off?

The end of the calendar year is a crazy time for many businesses and the rush is on to fill orders, finish transactions and get out of the office for some much needed time off. This obviously applies to your employees as much as it does for you. You need to ask yourself if you resemble Ebenezer Scrooge in your attitude towards taking time off...

 

 

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Dec 20 2011

Are you brainwashing your employees?

“The best theology would need no advocates; it would prove itself.” Karl Bath

Karl Bath may have said this about religion, but the same could be said about a company. If it’s such a great place to work, why do institutions feel the need to brainwash their employees and force the corporate " kool-aid" down their throat? 

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Dec 16 2011

How To Be Graceful In Defeat

I was recently struck by an article about Rick Waggoner, the former CEO of GM, and his graceful handling of his departure as a condition of the 2009 US Government bailout of the company.  It is such a stark example because there are so many cases of how not to leave a position, especially when things did not go well.  Here are some of the things that you should do, and some that you shouldn't:

 

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Dec 14 2011

Holiday Events that Everyone can Enjoy!

Lest we be accused of Grinch-like behavior after a recent post on holiday parties, we’d like to share some ideas for holiday activities that everyone can enjoy. We’re not opposed to parties, but as we mentioned, they are risky. Just ask the three young staffers  of Rep Rick Larsen (D-Wash) who were fired following inappropriate tweets during their office party.  So what can you do that will capture the spirit of the season without risking life, limb or livelihood?                      

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