Category: Leadership

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Success is a Habit

There’s been much interest in developing productive habits and having a set of principles for success in life during the past few years. Jordan Peterson and James Clear have written extensively on these issues. Their books have been widely read, especially among younger males. Our institutions have failed in this regard. Schools, for example, do not reinforce our cultural values and lack emphasis on character building for our youth. Or possibly because the old established institutions are not relevant to the younger generation. Regardless, it seems that many are adrift.

We learned our guiding principles from our parents, primary school, and church. I remember my mother telling me to stand straight with my shoulders back. She drilled into me that slouching does not make a good impression. We also learned about maintaining good habits by playing with others—things like sharing, respect, and fairness. We learned about the Ten Commandments, not all of which are particularly religious. They speak about honesty, respect for our elders (authority), avoiding envy, and lying. Stealing and murder were prohibited as well. Many of us participated in team sports, like Little League baseball. We learned sportsmanship, working together as a team, supporting one another, being on time, and honoring our commitments. We learned proper etiquette and table manners from our parents, and some were enrolled in formal classes to learn those rules. We learned how to behave in conformance with the norms of a healthy society.

Today, we can see the difference between successful folks and those who struggle. It is evident in their approach to life and the habits they embrace, wittingly or not. Much of my work is about helping people identify and correct bad habits. I help my clients develop productive routines and fix issues not being addressed. Usually, I help create systems and processes to improve performance.

Success is a habit, or more to the point, a collection of practices.

    • Be on time.
    • Be Proactive
    • Be Prepared-analytical
    • Take good notes
    • Follow up
    • Be organized
    • Honor you commitments
    • Be Ethical: honesty and integrity
    • Follow the rules of Reciprocity
    • Build relationships slowly
    • Attract like-minded people
    • Maintain your physical health

From my experience, successful people share a collection of attributes. I have observed that they are focused on what they want and have the discipline to realize their goals. Furthermore, they attract and surround themselves with like-minded people. You may have heard that you are the average of your friends and associates. I believe this to be true. Stated another way, successful people are forward-thinking and develop systems to achieve their goals. Share on X Without a system, goals are just wishful thinking and daydreams. Another way to think of a system is a collection of habits. Let’s consider practices successful people share.

At the forefront, successful people are trustworthy. They are honest and ethical people who honor their commitments. The importance of trust should not be a surprise to anyone. Would you willingly associate with someone you did not trust? Of course not. If you are trustworthy and dependable, you will attract ethical associates. Ethical behavior is the foundation for success.

Successful people exude confidence. They have a positive, can-do attitude that people will naturally follow. I am reminded of the saying, “if you can conceive it and believe it, you will achieve it.” They are high-energy people who energize and motivate others. Compare these attributes to low-energy complainers who drain you of your energy. Avoid these people!

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another critical attribute for success. A healthy body is required to generate the energy and drive needed to achieve one’s goals. It is challenging to develop confidence if you are not physically fit or do not feel well. A proper diet and exercise are part of their daily routine. They get the appropriate amount of sleep to be alert and focused during working hours. They see their doctor annually to check their vital statistics and catch potential ailments early.

To summarize, successful people are in control of their lives. They determine how they want to live and create that environment. Their lives are not perfect as they suffer unpleasant circumstances like everyone else. However, they experience fewer adverse events and cope with them better because of the systems they have created. Their grand system is a set of beliefs, attributes, and behaviors (read habits) they employ to create their lifestyle. For those of you looking for success or that want to mentor others, I suggest that you further explore the points made in this article.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

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Stop Procrastinating and Accomplish More!

I put this article off for too long! No kidding! Procrastination is not one of my worst habits, but I am prone to succumb to it from time to time.

Why write about the subject now? Maybe because it is time to file our state and federal taxes. It is on my mind because people I know waited until the filing deadline to complete their taxes. I am confident they are not alone. I have known many who were last-minute tax filers. Fortunately, that is not an issue for me as I have an accountant who does our personal and business taxes. He has complete access to my QuickBooks Online account, which is always current. I have almost eliminated my tax preparation requirements. Procrastination is no longer necessary.

I have never been much of a procrastinator. I am a planner by nature and by training. I try to be proactive. The thought of putting myself through the stress and anxiety of meeting a deadline at the last minute is too painful to bear. That does not mean that I don’t procrastinate from time to time. Sometimes, I procrastinate to avoid irritating or mundane tasks. Getting my annual automobile inspection is a good example. While in college, I did not engage in last-minute, pre-exam cram sessions. Instead, I believed that I would perform better with a good night’s sleep. It was the same during my corporate career. I made a point to complete my assignments early, especially if they involved a presentation. I used the extra time to hone my subject matter knowledge and focus on the presentation. I never wanted to present work that was less than my best effort.

To some extent, everyone engages in procrastination. I have known many who wait until the last minute to complete assignments. I spend much of my time coaching my clients to overcome procrastination. Watching them race through the process of completing an important task at the last minute is painful. Helping them defeat the urge to procrastinate improves their performance, moving them closer to their goals. Share on X

Ways to Approach and Correct Procrastination

Do not punish yourself for procrastinating
Commit to completing the task
Promise yourself a reward upon completion
Find someone to hold you accountable
Change your attitude toward the task
Focus on the issue
Eat an elephant, one bite at a time

To minimize procrastination, I’ve adopted a few helpful habits that may interest you. My most powerful technique is to put the task right in front of me to be in my way. I create a situation where I cannot get around the job, so I must dispatch it. A good example is putting my dry-cleaning in the passenger seat of my car. Once that is done, I cannot ignore it. I must take it to the cleaners and retrieve my clean laundry. I know that is a small, inconsequential example. Even so, the concept works with more essential matters.

No one likes paying bills, but the avoidance cost is steep. We must pay them eventually. To get this task behind me, I will put a stack of bills in the center of my desk. They are right there in front of me, screaming for attention. Furthermore, I have adopted electronic bill pay methods, including the authorization for automatic withdrawals. Now, I have one less activity to avoid.

To continue making progress in a health-related area, I set concrete milestones and plan rewards for goal attainment. For example, I will plan to purchase an article of clothing as I achieve specific points in a weight loss program. Creating a reward keeps me motivated to stay on track to achieve my objective. I find it helpful to start with a plan that segments the overall scope of larger projects into smaller components. Completing small activities generates momentum that leads to successful completion.

In conclusion, procrastination is a bad habit that inhibits your productivity and goal achievement. It is a common affliction. It is natural to avoid complex, tedious, unpleasant, aversive, and stressful tasks. Instead, we prefer to engage in the fun stuff! To defeat procrastination, consider changing your attitude toward the job. Make it a priority you cannot avoid. Break larger projects into smaller parts to be tackled sequentially. Reward yourself for completing a dreaded task. Finally, you might look for ways to eliminate routine tasks through automation. Begin practicing some of these tips, and let me know if they work for you

For more information about procrastination and how to overcome your avoidance issues, you may find it helpful to check out these links.

https://www.businessinsider.com/main-types-of-procrastinators-how-to-avoid-accountability-coaches

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/procrastinate-why-stop-advice/2021/07/09/13b7dc2c-e00e-11eb-9f54-7eee10b5fcd2_story.html

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

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Make Your Complaint Count!

ITB Partners Members Meeting

Recently my wife and I were in a big box flooring store buying tile for upgrades we are making on our home.  As with many retail establishments trying to get back in business after the pandemic, this retailer had its challenges.  They were short-staffed, so it took longer to complete the full sales cycle.  I never saw a manager in the store that evening.  While I was waiting to talk with a salesperson, another customer began complaining to an employee.  The employee was assembling his order.  His issue was about the time it took to have a salesperson help with his order and then to have the selection pulled.  He wasn’t quiet about it either.  He became somewhat animated.  I sympathized with him; however, I noted that his approach was unproductive as he complained to the wrong person.  He directed his anger at an employee equally frustrated by the situation.  He might have been more effective if he had found a manager to express his thoughts.  Or maybe even a letter to the company CEO.  But railing at a non-management employee?  Hardly a wise decision.

Complain to the right person about the correct issue.

Whenever I observe or hear of someone getting ugly with someone trying to help them, I remember a story I heard early in my career.  I don’t know if it’s true; however, the message is instructive.  The story tells about someone trying to get an airline flight home after a difficult week.  Thunderstorms in the area created a challenge for the airlines.  As it took longer for the ticket agent to find a suitable flight, this passenger became more agitated.  He berated the ticket agent, complaining about her employer’s poor customer service, and suggested that she was incompetent.  Ultimately this gentleman got his ticket and boarded his flight.  However, he landed in Peoria, not his destination, and his luggage arrived in Timbuktu.  As I said, I don’t know if the story is true, but from my experience, it certainly could’ve been.  It was likely a punchline to a comedian’s joke, however prescient.  The moral of the story is never making an enemy of someone trying to help you.

Please don’t misunderstand; there is a time and place for customers to express their displeasure with their service.  Hearing customer feedback is critical to help companies improve their operations and become more competitive.  However, one must deliver input to someone who can make a difference.  Make a meaningful contribution by offering your complaint to customer service representatives, a manager, or someone responsible for the customer's experience. Share on X Otherwise, you have wasted your time and that of your target.

Successful employees quickly learn that a large part of their job is to solve problems.  They are successful because they present solutions that resolve negative situations.  Employing this strategy ensures further career success.  Most corporate types have heard their superiors say, “bring me solutions, not problems.” I have witnessed the benefits of following this career-development strategy.  My career was launched and maintained by finding solutions to problems that were hurting my company’s effectiveness.  I know of many people who have had success following this principle.

Let’s return to my experience at the flooring store.  The picker noticed my cooperation during this situation and pointed that out to the complaining customer.  I nodded in agreement that it was not his fault as he was also a victim of their staffing shortage.  I can tell you; he bent over backward to help me when it was my turn to be served.

If you have an issue with a vendor, find someone to help you resolve your issue.  Make sure that person understands how their service failed to meet your expectations.  But don’t stop there.  Send a letter to a more senior manager with a summary of the incident.  A written note is especially relevant to recognize a satisfactory resolution.  Doing so is an opportunity to generate goodwill by recognizing the person who helped you experience a positive result.  Don’t waste time complaining to someone who cannot resolve the situation.  Seek out someone who can.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

 

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Create a Culture of Collaboration

A well-functioning company is a company in which different teams and team members all easily collaborate with one another. And when that kind of successful teamwork happens, it can look so easy and organic, one might even assume that things just fell into place naturally, with no effort. But while good collaboration looks effortless, often it only comes about through multiple efforts on multiple levels. As a business owner or manager, you need to acquire the leadership skills that will allow you to facilitate that kind of teamwork. Here are some guidelines for how to master these skills and get your company running like a well-oiled machine.

The importance of collaboration.

If everyone in your company is only ever assigned to work within their own department, on their own project, they may become extremely adept at detailed work within their own professional silo but may be missing out on the opportunities that arise when teams cross over departmental borders and communicate about different projects.  And this means your company is missing out, too, because creative crossover and exchange are necessary for your company to maintain a cohesive identity. Additionally, the added energy that comes from heightened collaboration can propel company growth. Without collaboration, team members may develop unhealthy workplace attitudes, too, including suspicion, resource-hoarding, and interdepartmental tensions. Share on X

Start with the right people.

Part of getting your teams to work well together means choosing the right team members. So, when hiring, don’t just look at skill level and experience. Some novice professionals may be better than seasoned experts when it comes to working well with others. So don’t just look at a resume. Also, ask for references from former managers as well as colleagues, so you can get a sense of a candidate’s communication and collaboration skills. Also, remember not to confuse surface-level social charm with the actual ability to collaborate on a group project.

Create opportunities for collaboration.

Employees may not be aware that you are encouraging more collaboration if you don’t open avenues for them to do so. Encourage consultation between different teams and let different team members take turns leading meetings and discussion sessions. It can be a good idea to mix things up a little, by encouraging employees to switch up teams and projects – but be wary about doing this to a point that induces stress or burnout. An important way to encourage collaboration is to create spaces, both real and virtual, where all team members across departments interact, express concerns, ask questions, and develop good connections.

Foster a culture of communication and trust.

This is an area where you as a leader need to model the kind of culture you want to see in your workplace. You can’t cultivate communication and trust if you come off as suspicious, distrustful, unwilling to listen, and taking everything too personally. And you definitely should not be engaging in or tolerating toxic workplace behaviors like bullying or harassment. Instead, take time to get to know team members, listen when they have concerns, and be firm when it comes to not tolerating bad behavior. Be respectful to your team members, be authentic, and never ever violate anyone’s trust.

Invest in the right tools.

Encouraging collaboration is a lot easier when you make available the tools that facilitate it, such as templates, apps, and software that allow for better communication and information sharing. Employees will appreciate access to such tools, too, because it’s so much easier to work well on a project when you understand its place in the bigger picture. For instance, if your company is working on a new product, it’s helpful to create a product roadmap template so every team member can see where their task fits into the overall project of production and launch.

Remember that teamwork can’t be forced, but it can be modeled and encouraged. Do your part as an owner and manager to create the kind of workplace culture where collaboration happens, and this will pay off for all parties involved. Leaders in the food and beverage industry interested in fostering greater collaboration among team members may be interested in the coaching and mentoring programs offered by New Century Dynamics.

Image via Pixabay

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

 

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The Top HR Trends for 2022

If we learned anything from the last two years, it is that we need to adapt to how and where we work. We learned that the world is becoming increasingly more home-centered as work becomes a virtual instead of a physical environment.

As Dr. John Cascone, Sr Vice President at Flex HR notes, “The devastating effects of the pandemic have reawakened the interest in monitoring environmental influences,” and reminds leaders to plan “to adapt quickly to moderate the impact of the crisis on the organization and its employees.”

So, with this new adaptability, here are our Flex HR top HR trends predictions for 2022:

1. An Increase in ‘Employee Wellbeing’ Benefits

As we saw in 2021, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of employee well-being, including their physical and emotional health. This now includes employees’ families, and issues like health insurance and time off for employees to care for sick family members are highly valued.

One study found that 62% of employees value benefits related to well-being and are more likely to take jobs that offer those.

The Future of the Industry Report 2021 also revealed that 87% of employees want employers to value mental health.

As Jessica Stafford, Payroll Tax & Compliance Consultant at Flex HR notes, “Competitive businesses will continue to adopt unlimited paid time off policies in 2022,” which increases “productivity and morale” and presents “stronger financial statements and less work for HR and payroll departments.”

2. Hybrid Work Model Will Continue

The pandemic permanently shifted work to a hybrid model. Surveys reveal that 83% of employees want a hybrid option and 63% of growing companies have already shifted to meet this need.

Therefore, it is vital to have these hybrid and work-from-home policies in writing and in the employee handbook.

Dianne Hartness, HR Client Success Manager at Flex HR shares, “As more companies become distributed and do away with office space it is important to define culture and create connection by using digital tools.”

Some examples of collaborative tools include Slack, a communication tool that promises more productivity and a more in-sync team. Another tool is QuizBreaker, a game your team can play virtually.

3. More Use of Technology and Artificial Intelligence

As we noted at the end of 2021, the use of technology and artificial intelligence will continue to rise in the workplace. Businesses and employees have had to become proficient in using a plethora of tools to communicate, including Zoom, WebEx, Slack, Stream Yard, and Microsoft Teams, Strivr, Immerse, and BodySwaps.

The use of technology has become a top priority for companies as they seek to unify their workforces. Technologies including artificial intelligence, digital transactions, and e-commerce have changed business operations and will continue to do so.

Going forward, it is likely that AI will help HR teams make better decisions and will automate and streamline administrative tasks.

With the move to more cyber time, businesses must now increase cyber security to prevent phishing and malware.

4. Focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Other Values Matter to Employees

Another trend that is here to stay is DEI issues, which continue to matter to employees and companies alike. As many as 45% of HR professionals are planning to focus more on issues of diversity and inclusion in the coming year, as one study indicated.

Deirdre Huff, HR Client Success Manager at Flex HR, predicts that in the coming year “more employees and job seekers” will base “their decisions to accept employment offers off how well the company handles diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

In fact, Flex HR’s clients have been requesting DEI boot camps to help train their organizations in how to be more equitable and diversity-minded. Our consultants have already begun leading boot camps and informational seminars in the DEI space.

Dr. John Cascone predicts, “The trend toward promoting cultural diversity in all sectors of the organization will continue but coupled with the emphasis on diversity of ideas, values, work styles and ethics operating under clearly defined standards of accountability and outcome performance.”

One study revealed that 80% of employees choose their job based on aligned values, proving that employees want to work at companies that have similar values to their own.

Other values of importance to employees include childcare solutions and work-life balance. In fact, companies that value work-life balance will recruit and retain more employees as the millennial generation takes over the workforce.

Dr. John Cascone maintains that “Work-life balance will shape management practice to support worker accountability and productivity.”

5. Demand for Value and Development of New Skills

In 2022, there will continue to be a huge need for Human Resources expertise because HR is evolving into a much more expansive role.

One Harvard Business Review article predicted that there will be a need to train HR professionals in 21 new types of jobs in the near future. Because of these changes, HR professionals will need to acquire a wide range of skills for which companies are often not able to train them proficiently.

Businesses will need to outsource their HR to firms like Flex HR because of the complex HR challenges that they are facing.

6. Shifts in Recruiting Strategies, Especially to Internal

 With a push to develop new skills for HR and other employees, upskilling employees and shifting recruiting strategies have become essential.

Senior Vice President of Flex HR, Phil Davis, predicts “employers will continue to see higher than normal employee turnover and rapidly escalating wages” and emphasizes the “need for effective recruitment and retention programs.”

Similarly, Heather Summers, HR Client Success Manager at Flex HR, sees the need for companies to “up their game” in the recruitment department, by re-evaluating “their benefits to employees, insurance, offer sign-on bonuses or employee referral bonuses to attract talent.”

Companies that are “winning” at recruiting have realized the importance of training and hiring from within their organization.

As Dr. John Cascone predicts, “There will be a shift away from investing dollars in recruiting new employees to invest dollars in retaining and developing employees.”

Recruiters will need to be more strategic in their approach, finding creative methods for attracting quality candidates.

Different recruiting strategies will include looking for non-traditional talent from within the company, using social media and texting, making company websites look more personable and friendlier, offering higher wages and more time off, and many other strategies we noted in last year’s article on 10 Ideas for Better Recruiting to Attract More Candidates.

Upskilling and training have become essential alternatives to recruiting.

Flex HR’s Laura Ladd, HR Client Success Manager, reminds us, “Studies show that “future-oriented” organizations are making leadership psychology training and development programs mainstream. Such programs include learning about the human brain, how we think, how we analyze data, and how we make decisions.”

Going forward, Dr. John Cascone predicts, “The greater challenge for leaders will be to retain quality employees, not to recruit them Share on X.”

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

 

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5 Start-up Mistakes To Avoid

Image via Pexels

Starting a  business can be a roller-coaster experience. Even the most seasoned entrepreneur has ups and downs when starting a new company. As a new business owner, your best strategy is to plan for mishaps while avoiding as many as possible.

There are many missteps you should watch for, but some are more common than others.

    1. Failure to use the Right Business Structure

You have several choices for registering your business. Some of the most common are:

      • Corporation
      • Limited liability company
      • Sole proprietorship
      • Partnership
      • S corporation

One of the simplest entities to set up is an LLC. It has various benefits for your company, such as flexibility, limited liability, tax advantages, and less paperwork than a corporation. If you decide an LLC is the best structure for you, check the rules in your state before moving ahead. States have different regulations regarding LLC formation. If you’d prefer to let someone else handle the upfront work, you can save on lawyer fees by using a formation service.

 

    1. Failure to Plan a Product Rollout

A new product rollout can be a risky venture. At the same time, it may be vital to your growth. With so much at stake, it’s worth taking time to get it right. You could face a launch flop if you rush the process along or fail to plot each step.

Try using an online product roadmap template to make your product unveiling a success. This tool can help you outline your strategy and the steps to create a product roadmap. It can also organize each team member’s assignments. A template simplifies the process. You can:

      • Assign priorities to tasks
      • Create themes
      • Set deadlines and goals
      • Understand customer pain points

 

    1. Failure to Lead

Not everyone realizes the number of executive decisions you make as an entrepreneur — even without employees. Your company’s fate often lies solely in your hands.

Assess your weaknesses and strengths. Determine if you have some of the essential leadership abilities:

Consider taking online courses or hiring a consultant from ITB Partners specializing in leadership development.

    1. Starting a Business With Family and Friends (Without Thinking It Through)

For some families and friends, going into business together works well. However, that’s not always the case.

Opening a “mom-and-pop shop” doesn’t have to be a recipe for failure. Before you do so, ask yourself a few tough questions, including:

      • Do you have compatible business values?
      • Do you have clearly defined roles?
      • How would it affect your relationship if your enterprise failed? According to statistics, about half of all new companies survive the first five years.
      • Are you capable of overriding your emotions when you need to make impactful decisions?

Finally, keep in mind that the market fluctuates. Along with it, your business may experience inconsistencies. These factors can change the dynamics of your working relationship as the balances of power or responsibility shift.

    1. Underestimating the Competition

Even if you have a unique offering, consumers have alternative solutions. They can choose another product or just buy nothing. Tips for getting their attention include:

      • Providing a customer-centric experience by making your business about them, not your product
      • Establishing your credibility by being transparent and following through on promises
      • Highlighting why your product is different than others or why your customer can’t do without it

If you can learn from your mistakes while avoiding the big ones, you can successfully get your company off the ground. Preparation combined with some training can be your best bet as you set off on your entrepreneurial adventure.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

 

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Ten Leadership Lessons from Life at a Boys’ Ranch

Mike Perkins

Our world and our workplaces are filled with people from broken homes and dysfunctional families.  Research shows that over 60% of Americans grew up with some type of family dysfunction.  As employers, we can make a real difference in people’s lives- inside and outside the workplace. Employees need our help, guidance, teaching, encouragement, love, and support to be successful and to feel like they belong. If they get that, they are much more likely to stay with us, work hard, be loyal and make a difference.  Otherwise, they will just go through the motions, make minimal contributions, and always be looking for greener pastures.

I have been an employment attorney and HR professional for almost 30 years.  I thought I knew a lot about people from other walks of life.  But I was dead wrong.  I really didn’t know much about life for people with different upbringings and socio-economic backgrounds until I had the opportunity to live with them.  Literally.   In 2006, my wife and I took a professional sabbatical and worked for seven years at Big Oak Ranch in North Alabama.  Big Oak is a “Christian Home for Children Needing a Chance.” There, over 120 children live in homes with up to 8 children and a “Mom and Pop.”  Over those seven years, Kim and I served as house parents and primary caregivers for over a dozen boys from broken homes (abandonment, neglect, poverty, abuse, drug abuse, alcoholism, imprisonment, death).  During that time, we fed them, clothed them, helped educate them (in partnership with a great school), mentored them, disciplined them, cheered for them, laughed, and cried with them, attended proms, ballgames (hundreds!), school events, counseling sessions, medical appointments, hunting trips, vacations, provided driver training, and washed thousands of loads of dirty, stinky laundry.

In the process, we learned a LOT about life, love, and belonging.  Some of our kids responded well and have prospered.  Others have struggled with life outside the ranch. But we like to think they are all better off from having been at the boys’ ranch. I know that we are.

The lessons we learned and taught at the ranch translate well into the business world. Share on XMany of our employees come from the same type of environment as the children we helped raise.  And that lack of stability early in life has a lasting impact.  Here are a few lessons we learned that are worth sharing. Perhaps they can help you in your leadership journey.

    1. You don’t really know people until you get to know them- Everyone does not think like you do (in fact, very few do).  Don’t stereotype or prejudge. Go to them and seek to understand how they see the world.  You’ll be surprised at how differently people view things.  Each person’s unique history provides an inimitable life perspective.  Understanding a person’s background, values and worldview helps build bridges that will make you more effective as a leader and them as an employee.
    2. Rules without relationships are meaningless– Rule enforcement and management directives without relationships usually result in resentment. It is important to develop real relationships with the people you manage.  Otherwise, you will be in a constant battle to enforce workplace rules and it will be difficult to persuade employees to perform challenging tasks.  Relationship always trumps rules.
    3. Set boundaries and stick with them. How you start offsets the course for the future. Like cattle, it is human nature to look for the holes in the fences and test the boundaries. Employees want to know where the boundaries are.  Set the boundaries and close the gaps.  You can lighten up once trust is established.
    4. Teach them not to be a victim and a finger–pointer– It is easy to claim “victimhood” and blame shortcomings on the past and on others. Employees must understand that they control their own destiny and that they cannot allow the past to drag them down.  Encourage them to be chain breakers, victors, change-makers.  Direct them to community or company resources if they have difficulty overcoming past trauma or experiences. Don’t allow employees to make excuses based on the actions of others.  Help them stay focused on the things they can control.
    5. First Impressions are critical- People need to understand that, if they really want to succeed, they need to look and act the part. I am not talking about stereotypes, but a clean, positive look makes a huge difference to others and will often set the tone for their future interactions.  Sometimes, it is a matter of facial expression and good hygiene.  Manners also make a big difference- On BOTH sides!  “Hello,” “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” go a long way…
    6. When you break the rules, there are consequences– Everyone needs accountability. If we allow employees to “get away” with unacceptable performance, we hurt them, the organization, and their co-employees. Discipline should be considered a teaching process, not punishment.  Discipline should never be administered in a state of anger or passion.  The best discipline is calm, methodical, and delivered in a spirit of caring and concern.
    7. Everyone craves security- If they don’t get it from you, they will look elsewhere. At the ranch, we told the boys. “I love you; I will never lie to you; I will stick with you until you are grown and on your own; and there are rules, don’t break them.”  An employer’s version of this might be, “You are a valuable person, and we appreciate you and your work; we will never lie to you; we will stick with you during good times and bad, and there are rules, don’t break them.”  And then, do just that!
    8. Find strengths and develop them- Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Our job as leaders is to develop our strengths and utilize them as effectively as possible.  At the same time, when employees have weaknesses, we should do everything within our power to minimize those through education, training, coaching, modifying assignments, and, where necessary, utilizing discipline.
    9. It doesn’t always work- Everyone is not coachable, and not everyone really wants to work. We owe it to them, their co-workers, and ourselves to help those employees find another career path.  Sometimes that means separation– and we shouldn’t prolong that when an employee is not working out.   Other employees may decide a particular job or company is not right for them.  Don’t slam the door on them.  Some will decide the “grass is not so green” and will want to come back.  While the grass may look greener, there is always dirt on the bottom.
    10. Love and a sense of belonging are more important than everything else. If employees feel that from their leaders, they will run through brick walls for them. Bricks hurt, so output goals will seem like a walk in the park.

Mike Perkins, President- Frontline HR Solutions

Mike is available to speak to your group/association and provides customized training for your frontline leaders.  Contact him at mperkins@frontlinehr.com

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

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Groupthink is Dangerous

This past Friday, I delivered a presentation at the January 2022 meeting of ITB Partners. The theme of the topic was about building one’s independent consulting practice by leveraging your time. One of the participants was curious about how many members were following this strategy. He was interested in learning how the broader membership viewed this issue. Are we in a bubble? Are we victims of Groupthink?  Not only did I think that was an excellent question, but I also promised to survey our wider membership to determine if their activities align with my recommendations.  This exchange reminded me of similar situations I had encountered during my corporate career.

Wikipedia;  “Groupthink – is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. Cohesiveness, or the desire for cohesiveness, in a group may produce a tendency among its members to agree at all costs.[1] This causes the group to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation.[2][3]”

Psychologist Irving Janis calls Groupthink “a deterioration of mental efficiency. The first time I heard about the concept of Groupthink, I was an undergraduate. I wrote a short paper on the subject. At that time, I did not fully understand Groupthink as a concept. I had not witnessed it personally. It took practical experience and responsibility as a team member/leader to complete my education on this phenomenon.

Back in the day, if we thought we were limiting the full range of consideration for a question, we would ask, “are we just talking to ourselves? Are we in a bubble?”  We knew that something wasn’t working the way we expected, so we must be missing critical information. In other words, we need to get input from the market and our customers.

The most striking form of Groupthink I experienced was at the beginning of my tenure with Long John Silver‘s. During my corporate orientation, I attended a presentation from a marketing research firm. Their contract was to perform a strategic analysis of the brand. It was an incredible experience. Whereas the consensus opinion of leadership had been that our primary competition was Red Lobster, the research showed that the brand was part of a different industry segment. The consumer identified the brand as a quick-service restaurant concept, but they did not think we acted like one. The service wasn’t fast, the food was too expensive, and there were no Drive Throughs, among other issues. This revelation was a shock to leadership. The recognition that they had invested their resources trying to compete in a segment they could not win was daunting. Fortunately, those findings led to a very successful repositioning of the brand.

Effects of Groupthink

    • Group dynamics overrides effective decision-making
    • Inhibits learning
    • It may be a subliminal way to protect one’s reputation or institutional dogma.

How to recognize Groupthink

    • The leader has a most persuasive personality, domineering even.
    • Dissent is discouraged
    • The workgroup demonstrates a high degree of cohesion,
    • Peer pressure to conform,
    • Complacency, need to get along,
    • Belief in a group’s infallibility
    • Own the moral high ground
    • Tribalism

These actions lead to a lack of counterpoints and optimal decision-making. Fundamentally, it is a symptom of poorly managed human group dynamics and leadership.

How to prevent Groupthink

    • Recognize Groupthink as a pathology to be avoided
    • Develop a process to counter-act:  explore options, evaluate alternatives, encourage ideas without judgment or negative consequences,
    • Test assumptions,
    • Place a high value on objectivity.
    • Assign a devil’s advocate – seek out the counterfactual

When we formed ITB Partners, one of our goals was to develop a learning organization that was inquisitive, collaborative, and supportive of our members. In other words, a high-performance team. Google conducted research to determine how to create high-performance teams. Their findings were surprising.   “We were dead wrong. Who is on a team matters less than how the team members interact, structure their work, and view their contributions.”    Groupthink is an inhibitor to high-performance teams. To avoid Groupthink and other risks that would conflict with our goal, we instituted an annual strategic review that included a survey of the members. The Annual Review helps us stay on course to achieve a healthy culture. It has been a helpful exercise that has prevented us from taking detours unsupported by the majority of the members.

Groupthink is something to be avoided by all goal-oriented teams. Regrettably, it is a phenomenon that is all too common in the broader culture. Share on XWe have seen it exercised in Academia, Major Corporations, the Media, and even in government, leading to well-document disasters. No institution is immune to its intrusion. If you want to foster growth and learning, recognize the risk of Groupthink and build systems to ensure that it never takes hold in your team.

For more information on Groupthink, check out these articles.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.

htmhttps://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/groupthink

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

 

 

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Make the Best of the Holiday Season!

The Holiday Season is upon us as 2021 rapidly comes to a close. It’s been a crazy year but thankfully, not as much as 2020. Business is bouncing back. Those furloughed in 2020 are probably back at work. And, our children are back in school. That is not to say that we haven’t faced continued challenges created by the pandemic. There is a lingering imbalance in the supply and demand equation for labor. Supply chains are struggling to recover, and inflation is driving up prices. It is safe to say that we are in a better place than last year. I think next year will be better still.

The holiday season isn’t necessarily an ideal time to close deals or land a new job. People are distracted by other matters. They are busy closing the books on the fiscal year, on vacation, or engaged in their social calendar. Typically, this is the time to reflect on the year to determine our progress and prepare for the New Year.I have learned that, like me, most of my colleagues have a year-end closing routine. It is what successful people do. They think in a systematic way, planning, evaluating and adjusting. Share on XThey are accustomed to setting goals and measuring their results. This year, I decided to check in with a few of my colleagues to gain insight into their year-end closing routines. I was interested to hear their ideas. I knew that I would learn something useful.

It came as no surprise that everyone I talked with has a year-end closing routine. My colleagues talked about taking stock of their results compared to their professional and personal goals. They all talked about taking inventory of their accomplishments and shortfalls. Lessons learned and things to improve are memorialized. It is their first step in preparation for a prosperous new year. They use this process to determine goals and priorities for the New Year.

I noticed a few differences among them, however, mostly related to areas of emphasis. Some talked about a final push to maximize revenue and minimize accounts receivable. Others spoke about pushing income into the following year. They all spoke about accounting for expenses in the current year. It makes sense, of course, as professionals understand the importance of accurate accounting.

Year-End Closing Routine

    • Close the Financials
    • Recognize Employee Contributions
    • Evaluate Results/make plans to Close Gaps
    • Express Appreciation to Clients, Vendors, Mentors

A notable difference in approaches to the year-end routine seems to be between corporate employees and their entrepreneurial cousins. Corporate employees seem more internally focused, whereas entrepreneurs have a broader perspective. Also, there is a different focus between employers and those in private practice. Employers spoke to showing appreciation to their employees with year-end celebrations and financial rewards.

Still, others talked about reaching out to their clients to express gratitude for their business and check-in with prospects. The most exciting feedback was from those keen on expressing gratitude to customers, vendors, and mentors. One of my colleagues, Barry, said that he makes a point to call each of his clients and vendors to express his gratitude. He also calls prospective clients to remind them of his interest in helping them. Another talked about reaching people who had made significant contributions to their success. Recipients of such calls have said the impact is powerful! I like a personal touch, especially in an age when it is easier to send a fruit basket or an email. A personal phone call is much more meaningful.

Year-end closing routines are an essential component of sound business administration. Accurate accounting for the year’s results sets the baseline for planning and budgeting. Additionally, it reduces the risk that a spotlight will illuminate your business by the taxing authorities. However, this time also presents an opportunity to focus on key relationships and networking. Jobseekers should continue their networking efforts at an elevated activity level, while employers should recognize their employees’ contributions. Business leaders could thank their vendors and customers. Strengthening relationships may be your most crucial year-end activity. We should express our gratitude to key constituents who have contributed to our success. Consider making a personal call. It will make an enormous impact.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

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Good Management Habits for Ongoing Business Success

As a small business owner, you are constantly alert for new ways to grow and improve your company. You know that your business success depends on your ability to plan well and wisely and stave off potential problems. So, what are the guiding principles you should follow to maintain optimal performance? In this article, Jim Weber, Managing Partner of ITB Partners, reveals how successful entrepreneurs stay ahead of the game.

Be a planner.

Goal Setting

Good business management is a continual cycle of planning. Before you even launched your company, you had to draw up a comprehensive business plan. And planning needs to be ongoing. Even if it feels as though your company can run on autopilot, it does not mean that you discard sound management practices. Your management system should include periodic financial forecasts with appropriate adjustments to remedy deficits to the plan. As Zenbusiness explains, failing to have a good plan in place is a common mistake that small businesses frequently encounter. So, avoid this pitfall by having everything organized and mapped out.

Be a Leader.

Your leadership skills may be the most critical part of successful management. No matter how great your vision, no matter how positive your workplace culture is, it is not possible for a company to thrive in the long term if it lacks clarity, discipline, and recognition. Poor leadership tends to trickle down from management into every part of a business, with devastating effects. You can maintain a high level of performance by using business technologies that help you schedule tasks, manage projects, keep track of inventory, communicate with team members, and recognize desired behavior.

Be a listener.

Have you ever had the experience of dealing with someone who didn’t seem to be listening when you spoke with them? Or someone who never seemed to embrace your message? If so, you know how frustrating this can be, whether in business or your personal life. Don’t be that person: make a point of listening to what your partners, advisors, clients, and team members have to say. Practice active listening, addressing their questions or observations directly. Active listening fosters a culture of creativity and responsibility.  Make a sincere effort to hear, respect, and understand your team’s concerns.

Be flexible.

The logical progression for a leader is the willingness to change when necessary. Share on X Change can be difficult when you are committed to a belief system or a particular course of action.   And no, you shouldn’t deviate from your plan for just any minor issue. When it becomes clear that your goals are at risk, altering your plans is good management. Remember, good leadership means owning and correcting your mistakes.

Be current.

Good management also means staying abreast of current trends in finance, marketing, and technology.  Business intelligence must be a team effort.  As professionals, each of your department heads should be current in their field.  They should share their learning, and you should update the company’s plans accordingly.  As their leader, you must ensure that your team has access to high-quality information and resources to perform at peak capacity.

Be a good Corporate Citizen.

Failure to follow the laws and regulations that govern business activity can be costly.  As a leader, you must work within the framework of employment law, permitting, licensing, taxation, among others, to ensure the success of your business.  One area where new business owners risk expensive fines and penalties is in payroll tax compliance.  Minimize this risk by using a sound payroll system with competent oversight. It’s also essential to choose the proper legal structure for your business. For many small business owners, a limited liability company makes the most sense, as it reduces paperwork and may yield tax savings. Save time and avoid added expenses by having an online service register your company as an LLC.  Your lawyer and accountant can guide you in this area.

Think of good business practices as pillars supporting your business.  Make sure your whole company understands and embraces these principles. By doing so, you will improve the likelihood of continued success and increased profitability.

Derek Goodman

derek.goodman@inbizability.com

Image via Pixabay

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.