We all understand that the idea of “paying it forward” is a good thing. We know that when someone does something thoughtful for us, we should make a conscious effort to spread that goodwill by lending a hand to someone else in turn. But it’s critical to remember that every interaction, no matter how small, offers you a choice to pay forward something either contagiously positive or infectiously negative. Remember What's Important Sometimes this choice is easier than others. It is easy to … [Read more...]
Avoiding a Train Wreck
A few weeks ago, Kalamazoo was in the news. But not for a reason I would have hoped. On the morning of July 3, a train derailed rounding a bend in the tracks downtown, overturning more than a dozen boxcars and blocking major intersections. It is no exaggeration to say that the situation was an absolute train wreck, causing aggravating delays for commuters. Luckily, as I was getting in my car that morning, I received a Slack message from one of my team members alerting everyone of the … [Read more...]
How to Hire a Top Performer Every Time
When hiring new team members, typical organizations focus on resumes and references. Great organizations, on the other hand, focus on selecting the best people based on talent, strengths and fit. It may be faster to scan credentials and hire based on pieces of paper, but I guarantee that a strategic approach will lead to fewer regrets in the future. Simply put, we as leaders need to know what to look for and how to find it. Talent and Strengths When I see people who are miserable at their … [Read more...]
Recognition Done Right
Whether at home, on the street or in the office, all people want to feel valued and respected. Psychologists generally agree that appreciation is a basic human need, just like eating properly and getting enough exercise. So in the workplace, regular recognition is critical. Some well-timed words of encouragement after a job well done can make a world of difference. But if overlooked, a lack of recognition is detrimental. In fact, a 2017 Office Team study revealed that 66 percent of employees … [Read more...]
The Hurdle of Open Offices—Cleared
When you think of a “modern” office, what comes to mind? Chances are, you aren’t imagining grey-walled cubicles or a big oak desk in the corner office. To most people, the workplace of the future has a sleek, minimalistic design and is brimming with technology. But most importantly, it has an open working space with the walls dividing team members torn down. In other words: an open office. It’s clear that the landscape of the traditional office has changed drastically. According to the … [Read more...]