Note: This article is for you if you want to be a better manager and/or boost productivity and morale so that you can get 2 goal without quite so many nightmares.
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Sometimes it’s fun to wander and explore with no schedules and assignments.
Then – there are times we must “get ‘er ... Views: 1254
You know how you can have a stack of papers piling up on the corner of your desk?
You see it there every day.
You dread dealing with it.
Maybe even try to ignore it, yet when you are on the phone, it distracts you.
You can’t help but take a peak.
Maybe even pick up a piece of it, thinking ... Views: 1654
They were quite clear about it, weren’t they? IT’S NOT OUR FAULT!
So — whose fault was it?
And – what would you guess about the customer loyalty, productivity and morale ratings at this shop?
On a 10 point scale (10 highest), I think most of us would put them at a zero. Let me know if ... Views: 1196
Ever had to deal with an angry customer?
In a workshop I facilitated on the subject of customer retention, a bank manager (let’s call her Betty), shared a story about a customer (let’s call her Ms. Maddy), who came in questioning whether she should continue to deposit money with the bank. ... Views: 1733
You know that big project (or presentation or proposal) that’s due in two weeks?
The one you haven’t started yet?
I know. I know. You’ve been meaning to do it. But it’s going to take HOURS and there are so many other things to do. You just haven’t had any big chunks of time to devote to ... Views: 1352
The results of a Business Class poll asking customers what they appreciate?
A smile, good eye contact, good manners, a respectful greeting. a thank you, being called by name, quick service, going beyond expectations.
All great things to give to our customers.
As much as we wish for ... Views: 1181
A couple of weeks ago, I raised the question about giving rewards for making mistakes. Some people thought I had gone mad. Too much exposure perhaps, to the dog days of summer.
And – remember the invitation I issued at the beginning of the month? The invitation to share your mistakes ... Views: 1500
Want to boost productivity and morale? Save time and improve relationships?
Stop sending emails.
How did we ever survive without it? A real time saver. For some things. For others – a real time zapper.
Just imagine….or maybe you don’t even have to imagine…it happens to many people every ... Views: 1269
My friend and former colleague (UD 1996), Brooke Packard Blanchard, sent me this story. We don’t know the author. If you do, please let me know. I would love to give him or her the proper credit. The story may make you sad at first. But put the wise words to work and it will serve to boost ... Views: 2568
This is a true story – heard every day – from all walks of life. The names have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty.
Jane could be a co- worker, student, direct report, family member – actually anyone in your life.
In this version – she is a customer service rep trying to keep ... Views: 1440
Ever leave a meeting and wonder why you met?
Ever have a meeting and after much discussion, decide on a plan but then – nothing ever happens?
Here are three questions can lead the leader to conducting more efficient, more effective and maybe even fewer meetings.
Questions to ask and ... Views: 1683
Meetings meetings everywhere!
Great way to communicate. Great tool for propelling the way to goal. A great investment of time or a huge ZAP of it – and energy too.
It’s a good idea to do a quick meeting review every now and then. Just to be sure that your team isn’t over-using this ... Views: 1269
If you want more customers, you’re probably spending lots of resources on sales and marketing. That’s good. But before you do too much more of that – pay attention to what experts say – that it costs 5 to 10 times more to get a new customer than it does to keep an old one. An important reminder ... Views: 1273
A few years ago, Mick Mixon was our guest during a Business Class interview. At the time, he was color commentator for football and basketball games for the University of North Carolina. Now he is the Voice of the Carolina Panthers.
It was close to Father’s Day and so we talked about lessons ... Views: 1726
All kinds of things can stand between us and the accomplishment of our goals.
We have little control - actually no control - over these obstacles. All we can control is how we deal with them.
Here’s a story (I was told it’s true) about a creative approach to dealing with an obstacle - an ... Views: 1503
Productivity and morale - so important these days.
But we get set in our ways. So when someone tries to change things (hence, us) in the name of greater productivity, we often dig in our heels, drag our heels, mope around and/or engage in catty water cooler conversations.
So a bit of ... Views: 1327
It’s amazing the difference a little four letter word can make. The right four letter word.
Larry had a situation to tackle. We brainstormed all the possible approaches, weighed the pros and cons, reviewed a cost/benefit analysis and then Larry chose his path. Next he made an action plan and ... Views: 1396