Regarding corporate culture, there is a famous quote in Time Magazine from Warren Buffet that goes: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Never has that quote been more appropriate than in an age where social media can have a huge impact on an employer’s reputation. Do something… Read More >>
Nurturing a Productive Corporate Culture
Corporate culture depends on social capital. That’s what was discovered in a study conducted at MIT by Anita Woolley , Thomas W. Malone and Christopher Chabris, the researchers divided 697 volunteer participants into teams of two to five members and gave them various complex tasks to perform and problems to solve. The groups were observed… Read More >>
Not My Fault: Nurturing Employee Responsibility
Shun Fugimoto was a perfect example of employee responsibility. “Monteal 1976 – After severely breaking his kneecap during the floor exercise, Japan’s Shun Fugimoto ignored his injury as long as possible, knowing such news could shatter the confidence of his teammates. The injured gymnast continued to the pommel horse routine, miraculously scoring a 9.5 out… Read More >>
Leaders Practice Accountability-It Pays In Spades
A couple of weeks ago, I had myself video taped doing a presentation of my new program, “Cultivating Employee Accountability.” I needed a clip to put on my website so potential clients can get a taste of what they would get if they book me to speak or provide training for them. Since I live… Read More >>
Conflict Management – Check The Facts Before Blaming Others
This past Saturday I learned a thing or two about conflict management. My wife, CJ and I pulled into the parking lot of a local camera store where I was picking up some prints. CJ is wheelchair bound, so we drive a wheelchair ramp van with handicap plates. Unfortunately, the only handicap spot was occupied… Read More >>
A Culture of Trust Is Good Business
If you’ve ever returned something to Costco, Home Depot, Target, or Nordstrom Department Stores you know that the norm in retailing these days is a “no or few questions asked return policy.” The idea is to make the customer WANT to do business with you by making it as easy as possible to return purchased… Read More >>
Employees Who Support Your Success Are Made, Not Born: Building a Culture of Employee Loyalty
You might have noticed in the news this past summer the brouhaha at Market Basket, a chain of grocery stores located in New England.Founded in 1917 by Greek immigrant brothers Athanasios (“Arthur”) and Efrosini Demoulas as a small Greek grocery, specializing in lamb, it is now a 72 store chain that stretches from Cape Cod… Read More >>
Toilet Paper Blossoms: Details Make the Difference for Customers
I recently interviewed Michael Silva-Nash, who is a franchise owner in Little Rock AR for Molly Maid, Inc. Founded in 1979, the company is a highly successful, international company, based in Ann Arbor MI. Molly Maid, Inc. offers residential cleaning services. The company was recently featured on the A&E Channel’s popular show, “Be The Boss.”… Read More >>
Taking Personal Responsibility for Excellence Is a Selfish Act
In my travels as a consultant and trainer, I stay in lots of hotels and therefore eat lots of room service meals. After completing my dinner one evening at a well-known hotel, I did what the room service waiters always tell you to do – put my tray in the hall outside the door. The… Read More >>