Impact Today™

This weeks video is an example of demotivation. It shows the traditional management style, as opposed to the highly successful and consistently profitable contemporary management style.

Labels: Motivation, Video

Research has discovered six different segments in the workplace. All workplaces, especially large ones, will likely employ some of each type of worker. Here are the 6 types of employees:

1. Fair and Square Traditionalists
2. Accomplished Contributors
3. Stalled Survivors
4. Demanding Disconnects
5. Maverick Morphers
6. Self-Empowered Innovators

To see their descriptions and how to motivate them, click here.

Labels: Motivation

Disappointed in an employee’s performance? There are five reasons someone will fall short of our goals:

• They don’t know what to do.


• They don’t know how to do it.


• They don’t have the resources.


• They don’t have the motivation.


• They don’t fit the job.

Labels: Commitment, Motivation

Nobody likes working for a boss that micromanages. Do the actions of the boss in this video resemble actions by your boss that aggravate you? Perhaps they are actions you have been guilty of when working with peers or subordinates. In any case, there is much to learn from this video.

Labels: Corporate_culture, Leadership, Motivation, Video

Have you ever attended a management training workshop?

Look at your bookshelf, your credenza, that pile of three-ring binders in the corner, or the box in your basement. How many pages of training supplements, exercises, guides and follow up material are in those places? When was the last time you looked at one? How many hours have you spent in trying to reinforce, apply and utilize the things you learned in the training? How much real benefit have you received in the process?

Quit hanging your head: you are hardly alone. Despite our best intentions, we return from training excited, energized and full of things we intend to change — and then the world crashes in around us, and the books and binders go on the bookshelf, potential unrealized. If you are a trainer charged with the difficult task of improving managers, or if you are a manager dedicated to improvement: You must insure practice of changed behaviors following training or your efforts will be wasted.

Train, practice, reinforce, measure change, train…

If this mantra makes sense to you, manager or trainer, investigate the process involved in our Checkpoint 360™ and Skill Builder™ systems.

Labels: Assessments, Motivation

Linda Angér, President of The Write Concept, Incorporated, in Rochester Hills, Michigan, sent me a fabulously interesting tidbit in response to the article about the Tipping Point. She shared the story of a girl who rode to alert the colonists that the British were on the move. As I read her note I thought about how inspiring this story would be to girls everywhere as they would so easily relate to her.

"A 16-year old girl with nerves of steel rode over 40 miles to Danbury, Connecticut, in order to alert the militia of the impending arrival of the enemy. This occurred the same fateful night Paul Revere made his famous ride, though history glorified his actions and barely remembers her journey - which was longer. By the time Revere was able to take his famous ride, Sybil Luddington had already begun her journey warning everyone she came in contact with that the British were on their way."

She tells me, “This story is from "One Day in History: July 4, 1776," published in 2006 by HarperCollins & the Smithsonian. I was the page compositor and editor of the book. This is just one of the "untold stories" from the revolutionary war I learned of while working on this wonderful book.” Learn more by clicking here to go to Amazon.

I have spoken to many a school group and I always hear how history doesn’t relate to them. Now think for a minute. If they heard stories about people just like them wouldn’t it be easier to inspire them? Well then, what kind of stories do you use to relate to the people you inspire to lead? It does cause one to pause!

For you history buffs, Linda also worked on a similar books about December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001.

By the way. Linda is a wonderful author. Contact her about her tremendous experience writing books, employee manuals, brouchures, and much more by clicking here.

Labels: Books, Leadership, Motivation

Think it’s easy going from front-line employee to supervisor? A supervisor’s boot camp would be helpful. Otherwise you just might see results like we see in this video:

Labels: Leadership, Motivation

The importance of teamwork in today’s workplaces cannot be understated. Today’s most competitive companies have created teamwork cultures to draw talent out of underperforming employees. Here is a motivational video with some great quotes and anecdotes about teamwork.

Labels: Motivation, Teamwork, Video

Much has been written about the advantages of humor at the office. It has been found to increase morale, retention, and productivity. We found the following on several internet sources and found it presents an excellent view of humor in the workplace.

It is reported to be real log entries from the pilots and maintenance workers at Qantas Airlines. You will recall that Qantas is the only airline Rain Man, the autistic older brother of Tom Cruise as portrayed by Dustin Hoffman in the movie would fly because they were the only airline never to have had an accident. Perhaps their use of humor is the reason for this success.

Pilot: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
Mechanic: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

Pilot: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
Mechanic: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

Pilot: Something loose in cockpit.
Mechanic: Something tightened in cockpit.

Pilot: Dead bugs on windshield.
Mechanic: Live bugs on back-order.

Pilot: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
Mechanic: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

To read the rest, click here.

Life Lesson: Keep a sense of humor.

Labels: Anecdote, Motivation

Labels: Attitude, Diversity, Motivation

I typically write this blog in the morning following a bowl of Kashi cereal and a review of the overnight email. Mixed in with the dead relatives and business partners, today I netted a quarter of a billion in foreign funds from people I don’t know. Have you ever wondered why they leave the money in US dollars instead of the local funds?

At any rate, within the messages was a note from Kay McFarland at the Troy Public Library. I did a couple of entrepreneurial and strategy programs at the library which prompted Kay to correspond.
“You have a disarming way of putting people at ease to encourage them to participate in the discussion”, she said. “I saw real ‘networking’ and camaraderie result in both of your presentations.”

Wow, how encouraging it is to hear such compliments. It is very motivating and inspirational to know that your work is appreciated and making a difference.

Let me encourage you to go to your employees, co-workers, and business acquaintances and give them a compliment today.

Labels: Motivation, Testimonial

If you are still in the group thinking money is the most important motivator for employees consider yet another survey that contradicts the common money myth.

Pew Research asked 2,413 people to rank seven priority statements addressing topics such as free time, volunteering, religious work, and marriage. Only 13% said being wealthy was very important to them while 70% said having enough free time to do things they wanted to do was important.

It is important to note that low income respondents were more likely to place importance on wealth than those with income over $100K. Perhaps the emphasis on wealth seems attractive until we realize the impact of the sacrifice of free time in gaining the wealth.

Labels: Motivation, Survey

One of the biggest myths managers cling to is that money is the main motivator for employees. Actually it is far down the list. This has been verified by countless surveys taking many different approaches to the question. The most recent survey disputing this myth was taken by Sam Houston State University for the Texas State Teacher’s Association.

As reported by The Associated Press, more than 44% of Texas teachers are considering changing careers. Of those contemplating leaving, 42% cited poor working conditions while less than 20% said it was because of pay. Considering that 25% of Texas teachers, who earn an average of $47,545 annually, have a second job to supplement their income.

Typically when a survey is taken in one employment sector concerning money, it is applicable to other sectors as well, so all should take note of these results.

Labels: Motivation, Rewards, Survey

Here is a reminder that leaders make accomplishments look easy. In fact, accomplishments are the result of tremendous perseverance.

Labels: Motivation, Video

Life Lesson: Bad motives often lead to failure.

When San Francisco’s Angela was refused a divorce by her husband, John, she decided drastic steps were in order. She convinced her lover, an auto mechanic, to cut the brake line on John’s car. Blinded by his love, the mechanic obliged.

Fate was on John’s side as soon after the dastardly deed was done a fourth person entered the scene. It was none other than Errol, a car thief. He stole John’s car that same night but could not stop at the bottom of one of the city’s steep hills. Errol died immediately in a horrible collision.

Police investigators eventually discovered the brake line tampering was discovered and Angela and her lover were sent to jail.

John now refers to Errol as his hero.

Labels: Anecdote, Motivation

If you have purchased three or more pairs of sneakers in the last year, you are 61% more likely to demonstrate leadership qualities. So says a survey from Mindset Media. Sneaker seekers are 50% more likely to be assertive and 47% more likely to be spontaneous according to the report.

We decided to look more deeply into this matter. What we found was that sneeker manufacturer Reebok actually helps organizations with a unique motivational program.

Or do they?

When Felcher and Sons needed to improve employee productivity they turned to Reebok for help. Here is how Reebok answered:

Labels: Humor, Motivation, Survey, Video

Life Lesson: Leaders enjoy the successes of others.

When preparing for Impact Today’s daily posting and the posting for my other blog, Tapestry™, I review a tremendous amount of material. It is an enjoyable effort as often I stumble across something absolutely remarkable. My friend, Richard Buzard, first called my attention to a video of Paul Potts. Paul was a common man, selling car phones in Wales, UK. Paul is also an uncommon opera singer being introduced to the world on television’s Brittan’s Got Talent.

It is featured on Tapestry because Paul has brought the culture of opera back into the public dialog. But there is something more to the story, which I realized this morning.

Each time I listen the same thing happens as his voice first reaches perfect tone at the high notes and the cameras pan a stunned panel of judges. At thus point I shed a tear.

This morning I realized why I can listen over and over and the same impact occurs. It is because at that moment it becomes clear that Paul has met a life-long goal. What a marvelous thing to witness, to share in, and in some way to remind us all that dreams can come true.

Paul Potts has now sung around the world, including a performance before the Queen of England. And with each performance he challenges us to turn our dreams into reality.




Visit our other blog, Tapestry™ to hear a mixed duet featuring Pavarotti and Potts. It is another moving performance.

Labels: Goals, Motivation, Video

At the foot of the mountains a BBC interviewer approached five mountain climbers preparing for an ascent. She asked a simple enough question, “Will you be successful in reaching the top?” The first four gave the same hopeful answer using different terminology.

'I'll do my best,' said a big burly guy with a heavy black beard.

'I'll give it my best shot,' said a tall, wiry man with muscles on his muscles.

'We'll see what happens,' said a blond headed poster boy for what a mountain climber ought to look like.

'I'll sure try,' said a young, dark headed woman with bright flashing eyes.

It was not until the fifth climber, a short, scrawny guy, responded that the reply changed.

'Yes.'

'Excuse me?' she said, surprised.

'Yes. I'll make it.'

And at the end of the day, he was the only one who made it to the top. Not because he was the biggest, or the brightest, or the most able...but because he was the only one who said he would. Not 'maybe' or 'I hope' or 'with any luck' or 'I'll give it my best shot' or 'I'll work hard at it' or 'I'll try!' All he said was 'yes'. Because he knew that to 'try' is to die...because when you leave yourself a way out, you'll always take it when the going gets rough.

If you were asked if you are going to be successful in a new endeavor would you be able to confidently say, “yes”? Think like a winner -- anything less could mean failure.

Labels: Attitude, Motivation

Here is a word play about communication:

• Telling employees what you expect removes all doubt
• Airing customer service complaints allows employee to find solutions
• Losing customers is not acceptable
• K nowing what's best should not be a mystery
  
• Aiming high works well if you have a target
• Burying a problem rarely makes it go away
• Owning the business makes everyone successful
• Understanding creates a common language
• Training employees is an ongoing event
  
• Ingraining good service makes it part of the culture
• Talk is not cheap when accompanied by action

Labels: Acronym, Motivation

Success is only possible when employees are connected to a common vision of the future of theorganization. Management typically develops incentive programs they feel will drive employeebehaviors to achieve their organizational goals. Typically these incentive programs are based onmanagement's perception of their employee's desires. However, research shows that managementhas historically been out-of-touch with employee desires.Managers mistakenly believe their employees have monetary motives and designed their incentive programs for attaining goals and hitting company benchmarks to raises and bonuses. However, surveys dating back to 1946 have consistently shown employees to be most motivated by shows of appreciation for their work (see chart).

Labels: Assessments, Job_satisfaction, Motivation, Rewards, Survey

Age isn't always a factor in your success or failure. Consider these famous examples:

• Actor George Bums won his first Oscar at age 80.


• Golda Meir was 71 when she became prime minister of Israel.
  At age 96, playwright George Bernard Shaw broke his leg when he fell out of a tree he was trimming in his backyard.


• Painter Grandma Moses didn't start painting until she was 80 years old. She completed more than 1.500 paintings after that: 25 percent of those were produced when she was past 100.


• Michelangelo was 71 when he painted the Sistine Chapel.
  Physician and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer was still performing operations in his African hospital at 89.


• Doe Counsilman, at 58, became the oldest person ever to swim the English Channel.
  S. I. Hayakawa retired as president of San Francisco State University at 70. He was then was elected to the U.S. Senate.


• Casey Stengel didn't retire from managing the New York Mets until he was 75.

Excerpt: Glenn Van Ekeren. The Speaker's Sourcebook. Prentice Hall. New York, NY

Labels: Attitude, Coaching, Motivation

A water bearer had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to themaster's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.

"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path and this cheered it some. But at the end of tile trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.

For two years, I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Do you know your employee's weaknesses? The Profile XT™ makes it possible to see any individual's weaknesses and strengths. A coaching report offers sensible and practical tips enabling the individual's supervisor to draw talent from the employee to overcome weaknesses and build on strengths.

Labels: Anecdote, Attitude, Motivation, Story