Posted: August 22, 2017 | Categories: Leadership, Management, Team Building

About 15 years ago, I was working in a key position for a worldwide training company. The owners decided to hire a new training director. She was from a large corporation and brought a new flavor to the team. The flavor she brought did not taste good. Sylvia was what is commonly referred to as a “body tripper”.

At first, Sylvia was friendly and gracious to everyone on the team. Then, once she got situated in her position, she began to change. She became aloof, ignored people, wouldn’t listen to anyone, and it wasn’t long before virtually everyone resented her. I said, “virtually”. There were a few people she was very nice too. They were all in top management. She had them snookered. Top management didn’t see what we saw.
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Posted: August 16, 2017 | Categories: Self-Improvement, Team Building

Many years ago I was talking with a client who owned a very successful bond trading business.  He was talking about how fast bond deals were processed.  He said, “In Italy, it can take as long as 30 days.  In France it would take several days.  London can turn a deal within 24 hours, but in the United States the average turnaround time is about an hour.”  I asked him why it is only an hour in the US.  He said, “Because in this country we want what we want fast and we want it now.“  So true.Read More…

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…