Values Are Not Enough: How Behavior Defines Your Business

We often believe we are a reflection of our values.  In reality, we are a reflection of our behaviors.  The challenge You hold values like integrity, respect, accountability, kindness, and creativity. But others—clients and employees—judge you by what they see: how you act, treat people, and collaborate. And their perception directly shapes how they engage…

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What Are You Doing To Make Business Fun?

Anything you have to do should be at least a little bit fun.  That’s especially true when you do it every day for most of the day. In other words: your job.  And the same goes for your employees.  It’s important for your employees to enjoy their work to have a successful business. Make it…

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Goals Don’t Work—People Do: The Challenge of Gaining Employee Buy-In

You’ve set the goals for the quarter. Now comes the real work.  Because let’s be honest: businesses don’t hit targets, people do.  Getting your team’s buy-in isn’t optional. It’s the secret to getting things done. Buy-In is more than a memo Getting buy-in isn’t just about announcing a new goal at the Monday meeting or…

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Remarkable Communication: Use Consistency For Eye-Opening Clarity

In a recent study, a major retailer wanted to increase sales across all its locations. Researchers split employees into two groups: Group A was promised five percent of any revenue increase each month. Group B was promised biweekly performance reviews.  The results?  Group A’s sales didn’t budge, while Group B saw a seven percent jump…

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Sharing Goals: Focus on Conversation, Not Commands.

An essential component of a mystery novel is explaining the motive for the crime.  The motive gives the story its purpose—it’s the current that propels every twist and turn. When the motive and solution are revealed, all the pieces fall into place.  Likewise, when you share your business plans and goals with your employees, it’s…

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Painting a Clear Picture of Success: Give Answers, Not Clues

Agatha Christie wrote what are called Fair-Play mysteries, or whodunits. In other words, the story includes all the clues needed to solve the mystery.  You are not Agatha Christie.  Do not hide clues in your company messaging. Instead, say what you mean openly and clearly.  Know the goal A clear mission is the foundation upon…

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Focus Your Hiring To Combine Culture And Capability

*Upon request, this month I will give you one worksheet and walk you through how to use it over the following weeks Two sets of guiding principles: one for the company, one for the role.  But how do you make them the same, yet different?  They serve different purposes, and describe different things. What are…

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