A Monday Meeting Worth Looking Forward To: Energy Through Culture

We’re three months into the business year, and I’m starting to hear a familiar refrain from business owners:  “My team is doing fine—but something’s missing.”  That spark they felt at the annual kickoff has fizzled. Monday meetings feel more like to-do lists than moments of connection or excitement. The challenge It’s easy to slip into…

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Delegation Isn’t Doing Less: It’s Thinking Less

A list of tasks ending with: “and run it by me when you are done”.  This is how many people delegate.  The problem? That’s not delegation — it’s moving from doing it all to micromanaging. To move from micromanaging to real delegation, you need one more step. The challenge The hardest part of delegation is…

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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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