Categories
Archives
Search
Activate your dreams
“What happens to a dream deferred…does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
-Langston Hughes: A Dream Deferred
Nearly ten years ago author Matthew Kelly wrote the book, “The Dream Manager”. This short, 152-page book was based on a true story relating to a janitorial service company in Ohio. The situation was this: The company was struggling and the annual turnover was a costly 400%. As the book began, the company had lost 428 employees in 90 days. As the Admiral Corporation was grasping for salvation, one of the managers came up with the “Dream Manager” program. It was based on the belief that everyone has dreams. Top management at Admiral committed to talking to each employee to find out their dreams. Some had dreams of building their own business while others dreamed just to get through a day without a call from creditors.
All things equal…personality wins!
I was attending a workshop in the early 1980’s at a hospitality convention and the subject was, “Hiring the right people”. The charismatic facilitator had us all deeply engaged. Just at the magic time, he asked, “What is the most important characteristic to look for when hiring someone to work at the front desk?” We all poked around with our answers. When we didn’t guess it, he revealed what he believed to be the answer: “Personality”
Take the frustration our of asking for referrals
Do you ask for enough referrals? Most sales professionals do not. I think I know why: It can be awkward and frustrating.
Surveys have consistently shown that 60-70% of our new business comes from referrals. So how do we manage this gold mine?
Three indispensable qualities of a leader
Here’s a trivia question for you: In the movie Pinocchio, what are the three qualities he needed to possess to become a real boy? Answer: Brave, truthful, and kind. We all know that these same virtues must exist in business if we are to be successful in the long run. When someone possesses these qualities and has to manage a tough situation, the experience can be unforgettable.
The makings of a championship team
As an executive coach, teams count on me to help them build a team that is destined to be the best. We all know that teams who win championships have more than just talent: They have learned how to work together synergistically.
Yesterday, I was talking to a business owner who was ready to build his winning team. We went over some key components of championship teams. I will share them with you: