Posted: June 15, 2017 | Categories: Leadership, Team Building

I work with companies to build high-performing teams.  This can be a long and difficult process.  In many cases some trust has to be restored, and new habits and behavior patterns must be formed.  One of the most rewarding parts of this team-building process is when a group crosses the magic threshold from “I” to “we”.  I was able to observe such a breakthrough this week:Read More…

Posted: May 31, 2017 | Categories: Leadership, Management, Team Building

Picture this scenario:  You hire an employee for a key position.  They are like a dream come true.  They know what you want, and consistently deliver excellent work.  Their attitude is exceptional, and they are a positive force on the team. They are eager to learn everything, and you spend extra time with them teaching them things that enable you to spend more time on what you do best.  For two years, you have been in with them.  It is a joy.  Then, one day, you get the proverbial “punch in the stomach”.  They announce that they are leaving for another company.  Read More…

Posted: May 24, 2017 | Categories: Leadership, Team Building

Oh, I wish I could give a magic, “silver bullet” answer to the title of this blog.  If you own a business, you know the “punch in the stomach” feeling when a seasoned and highly valuable team member gives you their two-weeks’ notice.  Turnover is costly for many reasons we know and don’t know. Let’s start with a history lesson:Read More…

Posted: April 28, 2017 | Categories: Leadership, Management

Last week I was talking with a business owner who operated several franchises in the Chicago area.  She wanted to do some teamwork training, and when she went to her Controller, he talked her out of it.  He said, “Look, our numbers our fine.  Sales are where they need to be, and we are making a profit”.  That was his whole argument.  Here is what he did not pay attention to:

• The employee turnover rate was 20% above the industry average.
• The absenteeism was up 40% over last year.
• Their district supervisor referred to the store managers as a “bunch of dummies”.

Most of us would say that these symptoms are not good, and very costly.  We wouldn’t have to be brilliant to predict that this company is headed for trouble.  Eventually, the sales numbers will go down, and by that time, the river may be too wide for crossing.Read More…

Posted: February 24, 2017 | Categories: Leadership, Team Building

As a professional coach, I help companies build top-performing teams.  This week I was reminded of one of the biggest challenges in building strong teamwork:  The ability to confront someone who has either made a mistake or needs re-direction.Read More…