You suffer from "presenteeism" in your business if you have one or several staff members who are physically present at the job but whose productivity is limited due to physical, mental, or emotional afflictions. They may be employees who are toughing out illness or chronic afflictions. Or, they may be physically healthy but have a high desire to leave their job but don't. These employees tend to have lower commitment, be more dissatisfied with their jobs and reduce morale on their team. In…

In our work as coaches to family and closely-held businesses, we're always surprised at how few leaders use productive, regularly held staff meetings in their companies. We believe that they are missing a big opportunity to help them achieve bigger goals, resolve and even prevent unhealthy conflict, and promote good teamwork.

Here are some of the more common reasons (excuses) we hear when we ask our clients why they don't hold regular staff meetings: 

• Meetings are boring!
• We're too busy…

Or do you lead your people like they were . . . ah . . . people? 

Do you "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"?

Dozens of philosophies have discussed or professed their own variation on this Law of Reciprocity for at least four thousand of years.  It sounds great.  Is it just a Sunday morning thing? Or can you use it all week? 

"Do unto others . . ." is not a passive statement.  It is a very active obligation.  Almost a command.  "Do It!"  It requires your action not reaction.  …

Most organizations believe it is their objective to destroy their competition.  Putting the competition out of business means more customers for them.  First, an organization has to come to grips with the fact that a competitor CANNOT harm their image, reputation or revenue generation opportunities.  Why, because it is the marketplace that determines who thrives and who does not.  If the competition is beating an organization in their market, it is because they have a better product, do better…

I met a guy, who swims with sharks.  Not dolphins! SHARKS! 

A friend and I were chatting over coffee and the conversation drifted over to sharks.  She has an affinity and curiosity about sharks.  I was on the other side of that point of view.  This guy butts in and says he's been bitten by a shark.  My friend claimed that once bitten, you will get bitten again.  Hey.  I would never go back in the water again.  EVER!  She presumed it was human pheromones.  Apparently, sharks have a great sense…

Create a Plan

If the organization decides to renovate its operating environment to either expand or contract specific functions in preparation of growth opportunities or efficiencies, then create a plan.  An effective renovation plan should include the following:

• Identify and communicate your vision and rationale for the planned activities,
• Describe in detail the desired outcome for each planned activities,
• Review and assess all risks of taking the desired actions,
• Establish reasonable…

Today's economic climate may be amplifying unsatisfactory performance. There are usually many reasons for an organization's sub-par performance.  Taking the time to identify the causes can be expedited if you know which signs to look for.  Here are a few examples to look for within your organization.

Start at the Top

Any organization is subject to decreasing performance due to the effects of poor economic conditions within their industry.  The leadership will show symptoms of the negative…

Organizations are like societies, they each have their own culture that has developed over time due to the actions of their personnel (leaders and employees/volunteers). When working to bring about change within an organization, one of the biggest mistakes leaders make is that they discount the impact that the existing culture has on their efforts. I believe "culture clash" is the number one reason for change failure. Knowing how to build a culture that does not impede your organization's plan…