Posts Tagged ‘leadership’
WHY DO YOU PAY MINIMUM WAGE?
Why do you pay minimum wage? This question is NOT a political statement and NOT even an economic one. By “minimum wage,” I refer to the compensation (e.g., hourly rate, salary, benefits, etc.) you pay to new employees. Minimum wage is a business strategy defined by your company, not just a reaction to regulation or…
Read MoreHERE’S HOW SYLVIA STARTED SIX SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES!
I recently had the blessing of speaking with Sylvia McNiel, a Mary Kay business owner. In our discussion, I was touched by the experience and wisdom of her words. Due to a series of moves around the U.S., Sylvia has successfully started six different businesses from scratch. Three times Sylvia’s business was successful enough to…
Read MoreLESSONS FROM A TV SHOW
I enjoy watching the genre of reality TV programs where an expert helps owners fix their business. One show, “Restaurant: Impossible,” features an expert who helps a business owner turn around their restaurant with a budget of $10,000 and only 48 hours. Many aspects of the fix are glossed over in a one-hour show, but…
Read MoreWHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT IS NEW?
We just sold our house. It is a great house, and we enjoyed raising our family in it, but now my wife and I are empty nesters, so it is no longer a great fit. We are moving on to something new. Your personal life changes, and so do your needs. The same is true…
Read MoreHERE’S HOW TO LEAD WITH OPTIMISM
As leaders, we truly earn our positions and paychecks when things are not going well – even touching on failure. In these times, it is essential to be a role model for the business. People want to follow a leader who keeps going and keeps them going and motivated. It is distressing and depressing for…
Read MoreTRUE ENTREPRENEURS POSSESS AN AMAZING SUPERPOWER
True entrepreneurs possess an amazing superpower – a peculiar type of myopia that makes everything seem possible. The entrepreneur sees a gap, an inefficiency, an opportunity, and their passion fulfills the need better. Money is never their top priority. The entrepreneur sees the goal so vividly all the problems and obstacles fade into the background. …
Read MoreCULTURE IS PEOPLE
Culture is the beliefs and practices of a group. The group members agree to believe (or at a minimum) commit to behaving according to the culture. Culture is not the WHY the group exists (that is purpose) – it is the HOW. Culture is not the same as values. Rather they are the expression of…
Read MoreYOUR CORPORATE VALUES SHOULD BE SPECIFIC AND ACTIONABLE
I’ve had the opportunity to review dozens of business values from different companies. Most use only single-word values, like: Accountability Honesty Quality Teamwork Communication Nothing wrong with the intent. It is just that single-word values are difficult to practice because they are subjective and lack clarity. Single-word values may be beneficial in describing “do-nots”, but…
Read MoreI’M SEEKING 10 BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE TIRED OF PRETENDING THINGS ARE “FINE.”
I’m seeking 10 business owners who are tired of pretending things are “fine.” It is a common situation. More than one might think. Not always from the same cause, but for the same reason. For example: • The company is successful, but you are frustrated at the slowness or lack of growth. • The company…
Read MoreBUSINESS IS THE BACKBONE OF THIS COUNTRY
I’m writing this the day before the presidential election. I won’t make further comments about the election because politics and policies, economics and trade, pandemics, and regulation are all challenges that we, as business leaders, own as responsibilities. It matters less what challenges and changes are in front of us, so much as how we…
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