Division Cripples Societies... and Businesses too.

There are three species that have survive thousands of years on earth and continue to grow in number. They are ants, termites, and... wait for it... people.  What do they all have in common? They work in teams and live in communities.  They instinctively know that all of them working individually can't accomplish as much as the whole group together. 

President Bill Clinton once said "to improve the state of a nation takes education and inclusion."  Any nation can be improved with these two things.    And, education refers not only to formal learning but access to information as well.  Experts say that this principle applies to businesses too. 

Here is one case that illustrates the point. The country of Singapore went from $1000 per capita income to $55000 per capita income? Now the country is acclaimed as being one of the top five countries to live; its in the top five countries for education.  The country is even rated as having the best airport, and being the cleanest country.  How did all that happen in two decades?   The powers-that-be realized that division cripples societies.  Shared responsible,  shared prosperity and shared opportunity allow a country to flourish. The same is true of companies.  

Leaders need to be able to explain what is happening and include people in the process.  Research from The Bob Nelson Group, Creative Leadership Council, Society of Human Resource Management, and others, shows that followers feel respected when leaders take the time to explain and help them understand decisions. They also appreciate understanding how changes and expectations will effect them.  Even if they disagree with the leader's choices, they will still feel valued. Also, leaders need to express their vision -- where the team is now and where they should go.

Just as important is a leader's willingness to invite opposing viewpoints.  Let's look at another example. President Nelson Mandela appointed individuals who supported apartheid onto his legislative Cabinet. He realized that those differences of opinion might make them the best qualified persons for those roles.  

Companies work very much the same way.  Leaders benefit from including those who are different from them.  It positions them to anticipate problems, formulate contingency plans, improve processes, and innovate.

A smart team makes better decisions than a lone genius. 

May is Mastery Month - What Skills Will You Sharpen?

May is mastery month.  What does that mean?  For me, it means learning something new and getting better at something old.  It could be honing a skill as well.   Its about investing some time into learning more. 

Most adult have contemplating taking up a new hobby, but never done it.  Many of us have considered taking a class or lesson, and abandoned the notion.  May is the time that I challenge you to revisit those forgotten passions or interested.  Dr. Stephen Covey called it 'sharpening the saw' (in 7 habits of highly effective people).

There is a purpose to all of this as well.  It's not just for fun, it's for development.  You might want to learn more about top companies in your industry in order to stay on top of the latest trends and practices.  You may want to sharpen an existing skill to ready yourself for a promotion.  You might consider learning more about the global economy to impress potential clients.  Perhaps you would be interested in gaining more knowledge about the stock market to improve your retirement portfolio.  

Whatever your motive or motivation, there are lots of ways to sharpen your saw.   Here are some ways to get started mastering in May.  

•  Most universities offer certification program, and executive degrees for a fraction of the price of advanced degrees.  Give them a call and request more information.
• Community colleges, recreation centers and other institutes offer skill-building courses in everything from painting to guitar to creative writing.  You can develop a new skill in one night or a few weeks.
• Joining a league (like bowling, tennis, etc) is also a great way to master abilities in certain areas by practicing frequently.  It also has the added benefit learning from others. 
• I have found that when it comes to DIY projects, YouTube videos are a quick and easy way to pick up new ideas. If you're a visual learner or have a short attention span,  this could be the way to go for you.
• Subscribing to magazines and trade publications that focuses on a particular subject matter or industry is also an effective way to sharpen your skills.  For example HR.com magazine has become a staple for me in learning about new trends and developments in Human Resources.  There are hundreds of industry specific publications available.  Garden Design magazine is a great choice for the avid landscaper; Nurse.com The Magazine is educational for those in the medical care profession; and the list goes on and on.

How will you use the month of May to make yourself more skilled or marketable?  What will you do to stay educated and relevant?  Align your efforts with your goals, and you're sure to see maximum results.

www.yourenhance.com  | Enhance Business Solutions | learning coaching development

April is for ACTION - Let's Spark Something New

Sparking New Action

Changing your actions is a cycle. It starts with changing your thinking. How you see a situation or what you believe about it, affects how you approach it. For example, if you see a situation as an opportunity, you will approach it that way. If you see it as a problem, your approach is likely to be different. Opportunities provide benefits; they are desired, interesting and worthwhile. Problems usually are not.  Thinking isn’t enough.  We hear a lot these days about changing mindsets, paradigm shifts, and mindfulness.   There are important concepts, but we mustn’t stop there.  Your thoughts will only take you half way to your destination; if your goal is improvement, change, or achievement of something, you will need more.   

Stephen M.R. Covey says you cannot think your way into new behavior. You behave your way into new behavior, he asserts. Let me elaborate. Have you ever tried something new only to discover that you really like it – a food or an activity, maybe a new hobby?  No matter how much you thought about it you couldn’t get to the point of enjoying it until you actually tried it. It was that way for me the first time I tried sushi.  I thought it would be gross initially. That thought had to change before I could even take that first bite of yellowtail sashimi. Once I changed my mind that freed me to change my action. But I couldn't discover that I love sushi, become a fan of it, and encourage others to try it until I took action by actually consuming it. My thinking was a great start but it was just the beginning.

Let’s look at how this works in the workplace.  Think of an employee who is always late for work. That person won’t start being on time until his behavior changes. He can think about being on time, understand the importance of timeliness, and want to be on time. Nothing actually changes until he stops hitting the snooze button or adjusts whatever is making him late.

Consider the millions of people who THINK about exercising every January 1. They plan for it and even select and join a gym. But sadly many of them take no action beyond that.   Clearly one does not develop a new habit by simply thinking about it. It STARTS with thinking, then finishes with doing.

A mentor of mine explained it this way: if five birds are sitting on a wire and three of them intend to fly away, there are still five birds on the wire.  What they intend to do produces nothing. What they attend to produces results.  

March is for Money Management

March Money Management

This year, I've vowed to make one monthly commitment at a time instead of year-long resolutions, which never seem to work. February was for Finishing (i.e. projects, tasks, and commitments).  This Month, I'm a Money Management Maven.  

I have a friend who would always ask me to help her develop a budget.  Each year, we would put together a spreadsheet detailing what she would spend.  However, she would never spend accordingly.  I finally told her "what goes on the spreadsheet doesn't matter.  What you do with your money is what matters." 

You have to start somewhere, and here's where I'm starting. 1.) I'm committing to increase my saving by 2%.  That's not a lot of money, short-term.  But, over a lifetime, it could prepare me to retire one year earlier.  2.) I'm reducing my waste.  If you toss out spoiled milk, if your cereal is stale before you eat it all, or if you trash bags are only half full when you toss them out, you have waste. Take stock of what you purchase, how much, and when.  You might need to make some adjustments.  I'm making a concerted effort to only buy what I can consume; that's better for my pockets and my planet.   3.)  I'm also spending less on nonessential consumption like gourmet coffees, cosmetic services, and junk food.  This requires my household to go into do-it-yourself mode.  We can park our own cars instead of using valet.  We can plant our own flowers instead of hiring a landscaper.  And we can iron our clothes (more often) instead of paying the drycleaner to do it for us.  

Solid money management takes discipline, self control, and patience.  Instant gratification must take a backseat to sensibility.  We have to learn to wait patiently for what we want instead of buying it before we have the money for it. For example, we need to purchase new tires for a car.  We should save up for the tires, rather than financing them which would result in paying more for them. The same with saving up for Christmas, vacations, school supplies, or any other recurring expense.  Even though the holidays are a long way off, you know they are coming. It doesn't have to catch us by surprise. Why not save a few bucks each week for the next 9 months to ensure you'll have enough cash on hand for gifts?  The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time. Debt does not equal joy to me!  How will you 'find' a few extra bucks to put aside each week?  How about giving up that daily latte, weekly lunch outing, or monthly shopping trip?   Saving $15 a week will yield more than $800 in a year's time.  

Developing better spending and saving habits is an integral part of getting your financial future on track and earning financial freedom.  

One focus at a time: February is for finishing

January was resolution month.  It's the month when people all over the world make promises and commitments about changes they will make in their behaviors or choices.  Usually, by this time of year those resolutions have been abandoned.  Let's take a different approach.  For the next 11 months, I challenge you to join me in developing a different key area of your life, each month.

FEBRUARY IS for FINISHING.

Look around your office, your home, your car, your life.  Are their projects that you've started but not completed?  February is the month to commit to finishing those things, whether it's cleaning the garage, purging unused items from the closet, pr donated unwanted toys and outgrown clothes.  It also could mean finishing a book you started reading, completing a sewing or knitting project, or even writing your memoirs.   This month, I'll finish reading two books, finish cleaning out the hall coat closet,  and finish a 750-piece jigsaw puzzle my family is working on together.  What will you finish in February?

This approach of attacking one area at a time, will allow for quicker wins.  Essentially, you will see results and have successes faster, if you leverage this methodology.  You also won't have to commit to any one thing for 365 days. That can be overwhelming and unrealistic for many of us.  The one focus at a time initiative provides just as much if not more opportunity for meaningful, sustained change to happen in our lives.

Next month:  March is for Money Management.

A Solution For Your Resolutions

16 resolutions for 2016

There are two fundamental issues with new year's resolutions.  The first issue is, you must start them on January 1.  If you don't, you're a slacker.  The other issue is that a resolution must be something you do all year long, such as exercise, read more, attend church or cook family meals. 

I've got a solution for your resolutions.  Here are 16 resolutions you should make in 2016. You can complete all of them this year.  With this list, you don't have to start them all at once.  And some of them only require a singular action ; not something you have to keep doing for 365 days.

1. Do one thing you're afraid to do. 

Feel free to make this something small.  It doesn't have to be sky diving.  How about talking to a complete stranger at work or attending a networking event?

2. Apologize for one thing you need to apologize for.

There's probably someone in your life that you have unintentionally wronged.  No? Well, perhaps there is tension with your business partners, an old friend, or co-worker.  You should pick someone and tell them you're sorry that the issue has gone so far and the silence has lasted so long.  You don't even have to say you were at fault.  You'll be extending the proverbial olive branch.

3. Start one thing you've always planned to start.

Again, feel free to make this a small task.  If you've always wanted to start a business, and you are really ready to make that move, go for it.  It's also ok to simply start reading that book your secret santa gave you. 

4. Tell one person how awesome they are.

You can do this with your favorite person in the world, an acquaintance, or your kid's babysitter.  Think of someone that has displayed awesomeness (not perfection) and tell them so. 

5. Prove one person wrong.

At some point in your life, probably right now, you have had a naysayer.  If someone has expressed their skeptism that you would loose weight, stop smoking, join a band, or change your hairstyle, this is your chance to prove them wrong.  But, they never have to know.  This is for you, not them; you don't have to rub their noses in it. 

6. Ask one person for help.

In the parable of the good Samaritan, the Samaritan is seen as the hero. But the person he help is also noteworthy.  This man had to accept help from a stranger, a foreigner, and someone from the other side of the track.  It's a humbling experience to be vulnerable.

7. Offer to help one person.

When you see someone struggling to carry a box up the stairs or someone has dropped their grocery bag outside the market, stop to help.  The opportunity to accomplish this resolution is all around you, if you pay attention.

8. Do one thing no one else is willing to do.

I was talking to a friend recently, and she commented on my tendency to take on the thing no one else wants.  When we take kids on an annual youth retreat, no one wants to chaperone the 5 year olds; naturally, I take that group every year.  At work, school, church, or in your neighborhood, find out where the help is needed.  Call the food bank or the homeless shelther or boys and girls club and find out what day of the week, or time of year, they tend to lack volunteers. 

9. Just once, refuse to care what other people think.

Sing karaoke without worrying about sounding horrible.  Dance publicly, and don't concern yourself with looking funny.  Get on a hooverboard and know that you won't look cool the first time.  It's ok.  You don't have to be perfect.

10. Spend less time on social media.

If you're doing something productive (like reading this post), social media can be useful.  I If you want to solicit help from friends to find a mechanic, social media could be right avenue.  However, if you're spending several hours a day scrolling through your facebook, twitter, snapchat and other newsfeeds, it's time to scale back.

11. Tell one person no.

If you tend to overcommit yourself, this one is the resolution for you.  Say no to that task, project, or committee that takes up too much of your time or leaves you drained. 

12. "Fire" one person.

Most of us have negative people in our lives that we need to stop engaging.  Be respectful to them, but don't let them take you to unhealthy places. 

13. One time, just let it fly.

Every harsh word from a friend, spouse, or co-worker doesn't have to be corrected or confronted.  The teacher doesn't always have to scold the frustrated student.  The boss need to lecture every complaining employee.  Overlook that slight, just once.

14. Do one thing that's not your job.

At work it's not your job to greet the customer.  But do it anyway.  At home, it's not your responsibility to take out the trash. But, it might help out your spouse on the day they work late. Do it, even though you don't have to.

15. Embrace one thing another person does.

We have all have colleague who speaks her mind.  You know a couple who has a weekly date night.  You might have a friend who treats herself to a pedicure once a month.   If you've ever thought, 'I wish I could do that' or 'I need to start doing that', there's no better time than now.   

16. Call your parents.

If you still have them, call them.  They've done a lot for you and they are an important part of who you are.  Don't promise yourself that you will visit every week.  Just vow to pick up the phone. 

Deck the Halls with 5 Business Practices that Could Improve Your Holiday Season

I had an epiphany about my business and personal life recently.  I realized that I don't approach both with the same ferver.   At this time of year, most of us connect with loved ones and see people we may not have seen in a while.  It's a good time to remember some business principles that also apply out of the office.
1. Show patience and understanding.  When I speak with clients I listen carefully and I'm empathetic.  I look for ways that I can serve and assist them.  At this time of year, in particiular, I may not always do that with relatives.  Don't be rushed or anxious with loved ones this season.
2.  Be consistent and commited.  My clients get the best of me.  I answer when they call.  I respond quickly to emails.  I make myself available to them and I look forward to doing so. It's important to be the same way in personal relationships.
3.  Give them your time.   I call my clients on a regular basis.  I send articles I think they would be interested in reading.  I  keep up with and acknowledge their accomplishments.  I've been know to drop by with cupcakes unexpectedly as well.  My loved ones deserve this kind of treatment too and so do yours.
4. Value them. You probably already know the importance of your business partners, clients,  customers, and peers.  Most of us understand that these people are essential to our success.  We most likely treat them with respect and consideration.  We let them know they are special.  For example, most of us have brought treats into the office to share with co-workers at one time or another. When was the last time you dropped off goodies to a neighbor, friend, or relative? 
5.  Apologize when something goes wrong.  In business, we're likely to apologize to an unhappy customer.  Even when we aren't completely at fault, we strive to make it right.  We want conflicts resolved and problems solved in the workplace.  That isn't always the approach outside of work however.
Is there a relationship that needs mending in your family?  Are you willing to take the first step toward restoration?  If so, the holiday season is a perfect time.  It's a time of peace, joy, unity and love!