Articles and information on Management from Business Management Information http://business-management-articles.com In our current world of rapid and amazing technological advances, many entrepreneurs have managed to dramatically limit the need for staff in highly profitable operations of all kinds. http://business-management-articles.com/Can-A-Business-Still-Be-Profitable-When-People-Skills-Are-Absent/70125 1172327316 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Improvisation/70108 1172327299 A crisis, emergency or disaster can happen at anytime and anywhere. http://business-management-articles.com/Crisis-Management-Essentials-How-to-Communicate-Effectively-During-a-Crisis-Emergency-or-Disaster/70179 1172327419 "Jack" (not his real name) is a vice president of a publicly traded company. Recently, Jack's stress and anxiety levels have been high enough to impact both his working and his personal lives. (I'm using an alias because he's concerned about his story becoming public ? for good reason!) http://business-management-articles.com/Argue-Your-Way-To-Business-Success/70034 1172327172 Increasing shareholder value is the most important driver for organisations in the modern business world. Shareholder value is built through growing profit and building confidence in the organisation, which moves share prices upwards. Shareholders like this!And the employees of an organisation have a crucial part to play in both elements of this. http://business-management-articles.com/Building-Shareholder-Value-Through-Your-People/70087 1172327263 US Work Ethic Issues and Lack of service http://business-management-articles.com/Your-Biggest-Problem-in-Business-Work-Ethic/70066 1172327217 Job interviews are easier for the interviewer or the interviewee if you plan and prepare and use proper interviewing techniques. On this page are job interview questions and purpose of each interview question, because there is a purpose behind each and everything that we do and similarly there should be a purpose behind each and every question that we ask in interview. Good job interviews processes and methods increase the quality of people in an organization. Poor job interviews methods result in poor selection, which undermines organizational capabilities, wastes management time, and increases staff turnover. http://business-management-articles.com/Across-The-Interview-Table/70006 1172327129 This article is directed at senior managers. As a senior colleague you have the authority to make tremendous improvements. You can have maximum effect in improving your existing appraisal system or starting one that contributes to profits or other targets. http://business-management-articles.com/Your-Appraisal-System-Can-Be-Better-Overcome-These-Nine-Serious-Failings/70016 1172327145 Industrial/clinical psychology and applied psychiatry have made tremendous strides in understanding human behavior. New discoveries and applications toward understanding human behavior are being announced with increasing frequency in these inexact sciences. Still, it is possible to become reasonably proficient in the art of motivating others. While this skill is indeed complex, the average supervisor, through a comprehensive understanding of motivational elements (the dynamics of motivation, motivators, and motivational techniques), can become an effective leader of others in the workplace. With patience and applied practice, this skill can be obtained within a relatively short time span. http://business-management-articles.com/The-Art-of-Motivation-and-Need-Fulfillment/70035 1172327174 It's the middle of the night. You've woken up with a brilliant idea on how to improve the way your business product is delivered to your customers. You scribble it down and can't wait to share it with your co-workers during your morning meeting. http://business-management-articles.com/Bye-Bye-Boring-Meetings-Make-Yours-Remarkable/70076 1172327243 Let me repeat a story I heard many years ago that has stuck with me throughout my life. The lessons from this fable are many and have been applied to a variety of areas of my life. It recently popped into my mind again as I was thinking about the needs businesses have today for business continuity planning and disaster recovery contingencies. http://business-management-articles.com/Can-You-Sleep-While-The-Wind-Blows/70131 1172327325 Before you start your own business one of the first things you need to do is draw up your business plan. This is your blueprint for success. Your business plan states the purpose of your business. It never ceases to amaze me that so few businesses have any type of written business plan. Because without one, you have very little, if any, chance of success. http://business-management-articles.com/Your-Blueprint-For-Business-Success/70070 1172327227 I first met Roland (not his real name) in 1972. He was a high school student working a summer job in his father's business. http://business-management-articles.com/CEOs-Role-in-Family-Business/70140 1172327346 Every organization is looking for the holy grail of performance enhancement, that one thing that, if it were changed even slightly, would push the productivity of a company way beyond the current level. http://business-management-articles.com/Change-Behaviors-Change-Performance/70144 1172327351 Q: How much do I have to worry about what people who are part of my far-flung "virtual" corporation do when they're not working directly for me? I can't share too many details because the situation is touchy, as you might expect, but basically I have someone working for me as a writer, contributing material for my blog, and I have been hearing that he's writing some pretty far out, offensive material on other sites. Do I need to worry about it? http://business-management-articles.com/Can-What-Someone-Does-Off-hours-Affect-Your-Business/70134 1172327333 Tis' the season for business and corporate gift-giving! If you believe in the law of reciprocity, and if your business is the least bit successful you must; you know that giving back is not only the right thing to do, but it's very smart business as well. Let's look at some of the benefits and mechanics of Christmas and holiday gift-giving. http://business-management-articles.com/Christmas-and-Business-Gifts-for-Your-Clients-and-Employees/70162 1172327393 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Tacit-Knowledge/70112 1172327301 Another IT White Elephant! http://business-management-articles.com/IT-Expenditure-Why-Businesses-Spend-Huge-Amounts-on-Ineffective-IT-Investments/70100 1172327286 The study of Behavioral extension involves investigating the source of an actual demonstrated behavioral action. According to Behavioral Extension belief, no action can be seen as a disconnected expression. Every action is a result of deep set embedded Behavioral sets that are almost unalterable. The unalterable Behavioral set is a result of rooted beliefs and/or prejudices built and integrated into the psyche as a part of growing up. This Psyche ends up dictating the very personality of a person. Most people on their part are not aware of their own personality construct. This awareness if existent is what is known as 'Self Awareness'. http://business-management-articles.com/Behavioral-Extensions-and-Its-Implications-at-Workplaces/70053 1172327203 We know character when we see it, but what exactly is it? How do we define it? What role does it play in our getting results as leaders? What role does character play in our careers? http://business-management-articles.com/Character-Is-It-Necessary-In-Leadership-Part-One/70152 1172327371 Being a good trainer requires experience and skill. Experience comes from practice and skill from learning the theories, applying them, getting feedback and consciously improving. http://business-management-articles.com/From-Boring-to-Interesting-Making-Training-Effective/70075 1172327240 Q: Why is a great business like a great marching band? http://business-management-articles.com/Align-The-Enterprise-Make-Beautiful-Music-Together/70010 1172327135 Building a 'bridge of understanding' between parties is fundamental if your business communication is to succeed. If you are a consultant to a client, or a salesperson attempting a closer relationship with your customer, here are five techniques that help achieve just that. http://business-management-articles.com/Building-Bridges-of-Communication/70086 1172327261 How do you get everyone on board the change train that is gaining speed and heading out of the station? How do you get your people to, not only go through the motions, but also actually "buy into" the changes that are necessary? People's resistance to change is not entirely irrational; it stems from good and understandable concerns. Here are the six most common reasons people resist change and tactics to convert this resistance to commitment. http://business-management-articles.com/Change-Management-Getting-Everyone-on-Board-the-Change-Train/70147 1172327359 Make Sure You Understand Your Motivation for Selling http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-Ready-to-Sell-Your-Business/70032 1172327169 Are you a business, non-profit or association manager who pretty much ignores your organization's important outside audiences? http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-the-Culprit/70021 1172327150 Introducing new products or services, bringing new people on board, developing a new process or procedure, installing new equipment, change seems to be the one constant in business today and change always seems to drive a need for training. http://business-management-articles.com/Change-and-Performance-Training-May-Not-Be-The-Answer/70149 1172327364 There was a buzz in the air recently about the US Postal Service. Seems as though they were running into a budget deficit in the billions. http://business-management-articles.com/Three-Business-Lessons-From-The-US-Postal-Service/70119 1172327305 When you begin to write your business plan or a section within it, you probably ask yourself, "What should I talk about? What key points should I bring out that are important to potential investors?" http://business-management-articles.com/If-You-Build-It-Investors-Will-Come/70092 1172327273 Note: This article was written for a internet business site. It is a promo for my work with the business world. I published it here for anyone who is interested in a shamanic perspective on creating success, in both business and life. If you read between the lines, it will offer you some help when dealing with any challange. http://business-management-articles.com/The-Business-Shaman-Exploring-the-Mystery-of-Success/70124 1172327315 While there exist several useful definitions of motivation, for our purposes we will define it as an individual's desire to do something based upon a need. When a person is confronted with a need (either perceived or actual), he or she usually is motivated to perform specific actions for some sort of gratification. Once a particular need has been satisfied, the motivation to continue the actions diminishes and remains at "zero level" until the need arises again. In order to fully appreciate this phenomenon, we must further examine motivational theory and analyze the unique characteristics of individual needs. http://business-management-articles.com/Classifying-Motivational-Needs/70163 1172327395 Fundamentals in Place http://business-management-articles.com/CharacteristicsAttributes-of-a-Lean-Operation/70151 1172327369 The verdict is in: More and more baby boomers will be leaving the workplace sooner, rather than later. Many industries are predicting that between 25 and 45% of their more senior employees will soon be departing their organizations. And as they leave, they will be taking vast amounts of accumulated business knowledge with them. http://business-management-articles.com/Stopping-The-Brain-Drain-How-To-Capture-Key-Business-Knowledge-Before-It-Walks-Out-The-Door/70135 1172327335 Information is the lifeblood of the economy. That's especially true for businesses, because the ability to identify current customers and locate new prospects makes the difference between boom and bust. So how do successful companies do it? Through targeted market research, which usually means arcane computer systems, large staffs, and six-figure budgets. http://business-management-articles.com/Big-Company-Intelligence-on-a-Small-Company-Budget/70065 1172327216 Managing the Human Being Behind the Business http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Leadership-Skills-Managing-the-Human-Being-Behind-the-Business/70118 1172327304 Another fallacy ingrained in the minds of most marketing managers is the belief that the better product will win the marketing battle. http://business-management-articles.com/The-quotBetter-Productquot-fallacy/70064 1172327215 Almost, if not all organisations have them, they've been around for a very long time and some organisations swear by them, however on the whole the average appraisal system fails to live up to the expectations of the organisation and often they can cause more trouble than they are worth. http://business-management-articles.com/Appraisal-Systems-Not-Living-Up-to-Their-Objectives/70017 1172327145 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-the-Value-of-Work-Processes/70115 1172327302 All small to mid-sized company owners want to know where their dollar is being spent when it comes to computer technology in their organization. The challenge is for them to get the information they need to make the right purchasing decisions. 'Tell me in English why you think we need this technology in our company?' That question goes through every company owner's mind and mouth. Getting the answer that makes sense to them is another story. How can the people in charge of your company understand what the value is of specific technology if their computer support people cannot articulate why it is so important? http://business-management-articles.com/5-Surefire-Ways-to-Bring-Your-Business-Objectives-Full-Circle-with-Technology/70080 1172327251 Soon after I finished a brief seminar on how to accomplish more in less time every day, Roger shook my hand and said, "I can use what you said. But there is one thing you didn't talk about. It is something that drives me crazy. I can't get anything done because I'm in meetings all day long. We have gone overboard on meetings. We discuss practically everything as a team before making decisions." I asked Roger for his card and I called him later that afternoon with some ideas that could help get him and his team out of their meetings trap. http://business-management-articles.com/Are-Your-Meetings-Smart/70028 1172327163 In my organisational career, I had budgets from the age of 22 to 47. I lived and breathed them and many times, budgets, the gospel that they were, caused havoc, albeit within the corporate retailer framework that I worked.Here are two examples of the damage caused. http://business-management-articles.com/Budgets-that-Damage-The-Downsides-of-Making-the-Numbers/70083 1172327255 The other day someone asked me for one of my informational brochures. As I was giving her the piece I stated that if I were printing these today it would be a little different. The piece was only about two months old and already the way I wanted to communicate things had changed slightly. Then I got to thinking. If I were to print informational brochures six months from now, they would probably be a little different too. Don't get me wrong. I am a big believer in consistency of marketing. However, in today's business environment especially as fast a pace as our business develops, things change...sometimes minutely and sometimes in a big way. What do you do? http://business-management-articles.com/Are-Your-Marketing-Pieces-Up-to-Date/70026 1172327161 Ask most people why they are in business and they will give you any number of reasons. Things such as wanting to improve the lives of others; make the world a better place; provide for their family; have more free time; the list goes on and on. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-is-About-Making-Money/70096 1172327279 Want to get more from your people, but you don't know how? Are you up for a small challenge and prepared to do things a little differently? If so, we have five changes to your style that you will find easy to incorporate into the way you work and your people will love you for it; you will have more time and your business will flourish.Think about it - is that not worth just the little effort required? http://business-management-articles.com/How-to-Coach-Your-Employees-5-Simple-Steps-Anyone-Can-Do/70166 1172327403 Swiftness is the key to collecting past due commercial accounts because commercial accounts depreciate more faster than consumer accounts. http://business-management-articles.com/Commercial-Collections-Billing-Practices-Advice/70177 1172327415 In fact, bringing your people - any of them - into your confidence and asking for help, is a very powerful tool indeed. The form of words' "I need your help", works best. Here are Ten Reasons why this is:- http://business-management-articles.com/Ten-Business-Reasons-Why-Asking-for-Help-Works/70122 1172327311 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Ignoring-Content/70107 1172327299 Having an agenda template that works well for you, week in, week out, creates a consistency which gets your people bought into the process. Delivering an efficiency and effectiveness which makes the most of the valuable time you have together. Key points to note are:- http://business-management-articles.com/Agendas-Make-Meetings-Productive/70009 1172327132 The reason jobs are often not done right and employees are fired is because of lack of skill. Right? Wrong! Poor communication and ineffective human relations are the major causes. Remember: Communication is a "meeting of meanings." It's getting through to the other person what you mean in a way that they understand. In fact, you want them to do more than understand, you want them to act on the information in the correct way. Effective communication is talking and listening to create that understanding. The end result is to get things done in a way so that you, the organization, and the employee will all be satisfied. http://business-management-articles.com/How-Bad-Communication-Can-Hold-You-Back-and-How-to-Break-Free-of-It/70045 1172327192 This article relates to the Recognition competency, commonly evaluated in employee satisfaction surveys. It tells the story of how one company found the right recognition program by paying attention to employee feedback. This competency also explores what type of behavior is appreciated and rewarded within your organization. Studies show that employees who receive regular recognition and praise are more likely to increase their individual productivity levels, increase engagement with their colleagues, and stay longer at the organization. Evaluating this competency can be especially useful if your organization is experiencing low productivity levels or ineffective teamwork. http://business-management-articles.com/Tales-from-the-Corporate-FrontlinesChoosing-an-Effective-Employee-Recognition-Program/70160 1172327387 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Organizational-Culture/70109 1172327300 Is building your own inventory management solution really your best bet? http://business-management-articles.com/The-Top-Six-Reasons-to-Buy-Rather-Than-Build-an-Inventory-Management-Solution/70127 1172327319 Merely assigning a task with detailed instructions is not effective delegation. An employee cannot grow without the freedom to make decisions on how the job should be done. Managers must also be aware that only through the conjunction of responsibility and authority can the desired results be achieved. Additionally, a delegate must be held accountable for his or her actions. http://business-management-articles.com/Allowing-Employees-Responsibility/70012 1172327138 Question: ERPs seem like a good idea, so why is return on investment so low? http://business-management-articles.com/Challenge-of-ERP-Implementation-Q-and-A-with-Rick-Maurer/70141 1172327348 Want to hear a fascinating story? Let's sit in at a meeting of the human resources department of a large corporation. http://business-management-articles.com/How-to-Beat-the-Turf-Mentality/70050 1172327199 We all know people who are like human dynamos. They seem to make an art form of building their business and still enjoy quality time with friends and family. It isn't magic, you can do it too. http://business-management-articles.com/How-to-Build-Your-Business-and-Still-Take-Time-Off/70084 1172327258 Escalating gas prices...tensions and turmoil in the Middle East...a struggling world economy. Leadership, in times of uncertainty, is not that much different from that of 'normal' times. What does differ is the degree to which basic tactics of change management are applied. In times of uncertainty, leaders must pay even more attention to the people issues in change. Here are five ways to avoid leadership havoc. http://business-management-articles.com/Change-Management-Avoid-Havoc-In-Very-Uncertain-Times/70146 1172327356 There is a new trend taking hold in business today which translates into amazing productivity, results, and a happier workforce. It's easy, positive, and some say transformative; best of all, it's something you and every other individual charged with the responsibility for getting results through others can learn to do. It is?coaching people instead of managing them. http://business-management-articles.com/Bosses-Are-Out-Managers-As-Coaches-Are-In/70079 1172327249 "Become the Squeaky Wheel", a new book just published, explains that getting customers involves more than advertising. Michelle Dunn presents examples of credit procedures and policies to help creditors or business owners collect bad debt and prevent it in the future. http://business-management-articles.com/How-Businesses-Can-Stop-Wallowing-in-Bad-Debt-and-Prevent-It-in-the-Future/70099 1172327285 You're so excited you're practically bouncing off the walls. This idea-your best ever-is not only going to save the company tens of thousands of dollars this year, it's eventually going to be a moneymaker. However, following your presentation, your three colleagues sit staring at you like 'hear no evil,' 'see no evil' and 'speak no evil.' You stare back at them in idiotic wonder: Why don't they want what you want-especially when it's so clearly the best thing for the company? http://business-management-articles.com/Bringing-Ideas-to-Life-Seven-Principles-for-Pulling-Together/70081 1172327252 Ethics - in a profession or trade - is that branch of philosophy which studies the principles of right and wrong in human conduct. http://business-management-articles.com/Is-Your-Business-Ethical/70101 1172327288 If past behavior is the best way to determine future behavior then behavioral interviewing is a requirement for anyone serious about hiring top talent. This skill isn't something that should be taken lightly, but everyone's got to start somewhere. Keep in mind that you're looking for specific examples rather than vague descriptions. A good communicator can dance around the question and sound very convincing if you don't insist that they give specifics. Here are a few questions that I have found to predict the future behavior of some of the most critical personality traits. http://business-management-articles.com/Behavioral-Interview-Questions-You-Can-Use-Monday-Morning/70054 1172327205 Avoiding inert measures that anaesthetise your performance management. http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-Measuring-Something-Meaningful/70027 1172327162 If you're one of the many executives struggling with finding and keeping the right people to propel your business forward, you'll find these insights helpful. http://business-management-articles.com/How-to-Attract-and-Retain-the-Right-People/70040 1172327182 Are you one of those bosses that people just love to hate? Maybe successful, maybe very intelligent, maybe organized and moving forward but just can't get along with people. Communication and other people skills are as important to the success of your business as your talent, knowledge and entrepreneurial drive. After all, you cannot do it all by yourself and you need good people. http://business-management-articles.com/Being-a-Great-Boss/70055 1172327208 We have only one life, but we live in three overlapping worlds-our business world, our family world, and our other social world. Imagine bringing your spouse and kids to a meeting with seven of your salespersonnel. Sitting off to your left, Miss Wright asks the question on the minds of all her fellow sales colleagues, "Why did you bring your family to our meeting today? Will they be playing any sort of role in our discussion?" You simply respond, "No, they're just here so I can tend to their needs." http://business-management-articles.com/Balance-Your-Managerial-Life/70046 1172327193 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-the-Value-of-Structure/70113 1172327301 Leslie was the new manager of the group. She was replacing Tom, a well respected manager who was retiring. Once she arrived, she made it one of her first priorities to sit down with everyone on the team and get to know them. http://business-management-articles.com/Accountability-Equals-Meeting-Success/70005 1172327128 Use this check list to assess your communication skills. http://business-management-articles.com/Check-Your-Communication-Skills/70156 1172327382 http://business-management-articles.com/Build-Rapport-Fast-Eight-Easy-Steps/70093 1172327273 The game of chess has been applauded and taught in business school as a game that gingers creative intelligence. http://business-management-articles.com/Is-Chess-Good-for-Management/70158 1172327383 THE CHANGING BOSS-SECRETARY RELATIONSHIP: Imagine a partnership at work. One member is outlining the agenda for the annual stockholders' meeting, the other is managing the logistics. The last decade has brought many changes to the traditional boss/secretary relationship. We now see powers and responsibilities delegated to "executive assistants" that only ten years ago would have been the sole province of the boss. And there has been a corresponding rise in the prestige and influence of those secretaries chosen to fill such positions. The fact is that fewer women are willing to be career secretaries. http://business-management-articles.com/The-Changing-Boss-Secretary-Relationship/70150 1172327366 People in leading positions are often in a dilemma: on one hand they are supposed to give great performances, make the right decisions and so forth; on the other hand, they have to fill the role of a very confident and self-assured manager. This may be considered a dilemma because CEOs are expected to be almost supernatural, and asking for assistance in what is supposed to be their core competence (leadership!) simply does not fit the picture, no matter how necessary it may be. http://business-management-articles.com/CEOs-Are-Great-Top-CEOs-Are-Greater/70138 1172327341 Top businesses that continually lead their industry clearly understand a simple fact: http://business-management-articles.com/Building-A-Stellar-Business-One-Employee-At-A-Time/70088 1172327264 At this time of tight budgets, the mantra of business is "Return On Investment!" With few exceptions, expenditures are measured against the bottom line. Outlays for capital expenses are strictly evaluated in terms of profitability and the total cost of ownership. The era of purchasing new gadgets due to their "whiz-bang" factor is long gone. How can biometrics provide the sought after "R.O.I." in this environment? http://business-management-articles.com/Biometrics-and-quotReturn-On-Investmentquot/70067 1172327219 We get invited to attend so many "meetings" but do we need to attend them all? Use these 10 questions to assess if you should attend that next meeting invitation. http://business-management-articles.com/Stop-Going-to-Meetings-10-Questions-to-Ask-Before-Attending-a-Meeting-Get-More-Productive/70051 1172327202 Cold Water Comments - What They Are and How to Manage Them! http://business-management-articles.com/Cold-Water-Comments-What-They-Are-and-How-to-Manage-Them/70172 1172327409 Implementing an ISO 9001 system represents a major effort. However, all of that effort can represent a significant shift for a business - from quantity to quality. And this could make sure your business gets the desired results. http://business-management-articles.com/Steps-to-Build-ISO-9001-Compliant-Program/70091 1172327272 Are you NICE or do you CARE? http://business-management-articles.com/Are-you-NICE-or-do-you-CARE/70030 1172327166 People who work with us often struggle with this dilemma: in theory, they come to believe that it would be very helpful to use our approach with people who have more power than they do, and in practice, sometimes it seems too risky to try. Some examples of things that feel too risky include raising questions with your boss about his or her performance, disagreeing publicly with people who have more power , or otherwise sharing information that might lead you or the person in power to feel put on the sp ot. http://business-management-articles.com/I-Cant-Use-This-Approach-Unless-My-Boss-Does-Power-Accountability-and-Consequences/70078 1172327248 In the last few years a lot has been written about Business Process Management, and about technologies supporting it such as BPMS, SOAP and Web Services. Most of these theories, tools and techniques refer to processes of a highly structured nature. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Knowledge-Management/70117 1172327304 http://business-management-articles.com/Coaching-Champions-at-Work/70169 1172327406 After a full week of training, you are still a little nervous about your new job. All of the information you need to digest, the new environment you are adjusting to, and the new faces you will be getting acquainted with is just a bit overwhelming. http://business-management-articles.com/Coaching-Employees-in-the-Workplace/70170 1172327408 I could begin this article by providing a checklist of organizing techniques for you to incorporate into your daily work routine. The goal would be to become and remain organized, improve your time management and reduce your stress while increasing your productivity. This checklist could include items such as managing incoming information, keeping the desktop free of clutter, creating a user-friendly filing system, etc. And I suspect there are many other organizing and time management consultants out there who could provide something similar. But I want to share a different type of list with you. http://business-management-articles.com/A-Checklist-for-Organized-Executives/70157 1172327383 Recent studies have shown that industrial supervisors are working at less than 60 % of their potential. Basic management skills training is guaranteed to change all this and at such little cost http://business-management-articles.com/Basic-Management-Skills/70049 1172327197 Remember Papa John's commercial on TV with the slogan "Better Ingredients, Better Pizza"? Well its nothing more than puffery: general, non-provable, inane claims. The problem is puffery is not only acceptable it's often expected. Phrases like "the biggest," "the best," "the cheapest," and so forth are so over used most people simply ignore them. http://business-management-articles.com/Bolster-Credibility-with-Investors-Avoid-These-Phrases-in-Your-Business-Plan/70071 1172327227 In management seminars I often compare debt to an infection. A reasonable amount of debt will not kill a business, but too much debt will. While most businesses carry a substantial amount of debt from time to time, it must be maintained in an acceptable relationship to stockholder's equity. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Relationship-Germs/70123 1172327313 As we near the end of summer, here is a question I have for you, "Are you using the right form of energy to grow your business?" Are you having trouble growing your small business as fast as you want? Are you making all the right moves and still the business just inches forward? Read this article and see if you are using the right form of energy to grow your small business? http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-Using-the-Right-Form-of-Energy/70033 1172327169 STEPS TOWARDS A GOOD APPRAISAL INTERVIEW: http://business-management-articles.com/Appraisal-Interviews-What-To-Say-How-To-Say-It/70015 1172327144 You may remember being told as a child, "Keep quiet!""Children should be seen, not heard," and "You talktoo much." You were a "good" kid if you kept quiet.However, being quiet when you are little causes bigproblems later in life. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Fails-When-We-Do-Not-Talk/70102 1172327291 If you are a business owner or a business owner to be, let's examine this scenario. http://business-management-articles.com/Can-Your-Business-Run-Without-You/70128 1172327321 Many business owners are sabotaging their business without even realizing it. They are completely out of the loop when it comes to all technology aspects of their operation such as websites, computers and software. They become completely dependent on their technical people and naively believe that things are "being taken care of". http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-At-The-Mercy-Of-Computer-Geeks/70029 1172327163 One of the most difficult and emotionally draining situations you face as business owners or executives is employees not meeting your expectations. How can you handle it if they are not keeping up their end of the employee contract? http://business-management-articles.com/Close-the-Performance-Gap/70165 1172327400 Today there is great weight put on a person's attitude.It is as if this is something for which they are individually responsible and should be held to account for. http://business-management-articles.com/Is-A-Bad-Attitude-Permanent/70044 1172327189 Quick, Easy, and Even Fun! http://business-management-articles.com/50-Great-Ways-to-Motivate-and-Not-Break-the-Bank/70003 1172327125 I'm too busy; I'd love to but I'm very busy; I'll get round to that when I'm not so busy. http://business-management-articles.com/Is-Busyness-Affecting-Your-Business/70126 1172327317 Several decades ago, a passenger jet approached a Florida airport with the pilot and co-pilot struggling to fix what they thought was a malfunctioning landing gear. The landing-gear light was on, signaling that the gear was deployed; but both men did not hear it actually deploy. http://business-management-articles.com/The-206020-Rule-Of-Leadership-Dont-Go-Solving-The-Wrong-Problems/70001 1172327122 Boisterous, Omnipotent, Self- indulgent Sociopath. Avoid the B.O.S.S. syndrome with five leadership principles that translate academic leadership theory to real world, 21st century application. http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-A-BOSS-Boisterous-Omnipotent-Self-Indulgent-Sociopath/70019 1172327148 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Status-Games/70111 1172327301 For good reason, practically every endeavor in life is rated. I've seen ratings on who or what's #1 in business, industry, NFL, NBA, MLB, person of the century, athlete of the century, technology, restaurants, university, neighborhoods, travel destination, best looking, best movie, best book, etc. It doesn't stop. In fact, there are multiple ratings for the same #1 spot because of varying value systems. Of course, each of us has our independent rating to see if it's in agreement with the masses, the experts, or promotional efforts. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Family-Safety-and-Health-Rating/70103 1172327293 The difference between leaders is ears. Good leaders not only ask good questions, but they actually listen to the answers. http://business-management-articles.com/Boost-Your-Leadership-Skills-Simply-By-Answering-The-Question-What-Does-Our-Organization-Really/70074 1172327235 Out of the box thinking is a popular fad today. And yet, in order to leave a box, you have to realize that you are in one. http://business-management-articles.com/Climb-out-of-the-Box-How-to-Hold-Effective-Meetings/70164 1172327398 Starting up a new venture or business can be one of the most exciting times of your life. It can also be one of the most stressful. In the early months, or even early years of your business, cash flow is often not what you would like it to be. If you're a solo entrepreneur, you're wearing many hats - in fact, you're probably wearing all of them. http://business-management-articles.com/Build-Your-Business-On-A-Shoestring-Hire-a-College-Intern/70120 1172327306 Globalization is requiring companies to make important choices about how to deploy international managers. The costs of making the wrong choice are heavy both economically and in the emotional and physical toll it can take on employees and the impact it can have on the overseas branch. http://business-management-articles.com/Choices-in-Appointing-International-Managers/70159 1172327384 Bar Charts and the Information Challenge http://business-management-articles.com/Bar-Charts-Brought-to-Life-Index-of-Interactive-Information-for-HTML-and-PDF/70048 1172327194 If you have ever worked within a large organisation then you are sure to have heard the term 'we will not have a blame culture' at some point. However the sheer fact that this statement can be made is an indication that a blame culture already exists. http://business-management-articles.com/Blame-Culture-Blues-How-the-Language-of-Blame-Manifests-Organisational-Underperformance/70069 1172327224 As a business asset, they don't sit well on the P&L statement. They aren't valuable like a piece of machinery, or an office block. There is no assignment ofcurrency with which you can measure them. But living and breathing within the walls of your premises are the biggest asset you could think of - your people.Here's why...Your people are:- http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Opportunity-Leverage-Your-Employees/70121 1172327308 In today's business environment with increases in staff reductions and rapidly changing roles and responsibilities, it is crucial that all of your team members be fully engaged in the tasks at hand. According to a Gallup survey, 350 billion dollars are lost each year in American companies due to disengaged employees. How then do you minimize the impact of this costly problem within your organization? Below are key strategies to help you grow your people toward peak performance and enable you to produce quantum results with your team. http://business-management-articles.com/You-Cant-Afford-the-Luxury-of-Disengaged-Employees/70132 1172327328 GROUP DECISION-MAKING: Many managers feel they are well-versed in areas of group effort, such as problem-solving, goal-setting, and action planning. Frequently, however, the implementation of such techniques never seem to get beyond the initial stage. Often, this is because managers can not quite seem to understand that brainstorming or group decision-making requires comprehensive utilization of various processes. Managers may unknowingly find themselves perpetuating problems instead of solving them. http://business-management-articles.com/Group-Decision-Making-Are-the-Decisions-Really-Made-by-the-Group/70022 1172327151 There are some simple things you can do with your people to ensure that they start to trust you. As a letter from Mike Emmott of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in the UK says, in April 2005's UK Management Today says:-"Our surveys show that only one in four employees trust senior management to look after their interests"Is that not appalling? How on earth can businesses develop, survive and above all hang onto their best people if they are seen to be untrustworthy? http://business-management-articles.com/Building-Trust-in-Your-Business-Relationships-10-Steps/70089 1172327267 When you first take over a department, expectations are usually high but operations are sometimes in disarray. The staff is disorganized, goals aren't being met, and hours are spent on unproductive tasks. Just when you think the company would never get on track, the CFO recommends that you learn more about something called operations assessment. http://business-management-articles.com/Better-Manager-Skills-How-to-Learn/70062 1172327214 Who tells the boss that they can improve their management or leadership? How do they look at themselves objectively and identify what areas they can improve and the benefits of doing so? http://business-management-articles.com/Coaching-Can-Get-The-Boss-In-Shape/70168 1172327404 Employers have become so concerned about seeming "unfair" or worse becoming the victims of lawsuits by unhappy ex-employees that they've stopped requiring minimum standards of employees. This can only lead to poor individual and eventually poor company performance. Your best employee performers will resent the fact that you use company money to pay people who aren't up to standard and will reduce their own level of performance or leave. http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-in-AWE-of-Your-Employees/70023 1172327153 Audiences who saw the fabled Broadway musical, Chorus Line, marveled at the intricate timing and seamless interaction of the dancers as they mastered the choreographer's precision steps after many false starts in rehearsal. http://business-management-articles.com/Eight-Key-Steps-to-Building-B2B-Major-Account-Client-Alliances/70085 1172327261 Eventually, your business is going to need to have some software development. Your business is unique - you can't rely on a huge, faceless corporation to handle your unique needs with a shrinkwrapped, mass produced, production-line solution. You need custom software, and to get it, you'll need to pick an outside software developer. A hired gun. http://business-management-articles.com/How-Your-Business-Can-Pick-A-Software-Developer/70097 1172327282 It is easy to spot the difference between a work team that is "motivated" and one that just goes through the motions. The motivated team produces at or above the level expected by top management, has only occasional absences or tardiness, and low employee turnover. The second group has trouble meeting its goals, greater absenteeism, and higher turnover. In addition, members of the latter work team may be more apt to argue with one another or to band together against their supervisor. Can a supervisor who is also a good coach really make a difference? The answer is a definite "yes" with a few qualifiers. http://business-management-articles.com/How-to-Coach-Your-Emplyees-and-Increase-Motivation/70167 1172327403 Every meeting is a laboratory where you can observe and learn important things about the people who attend. In fact, you can use meetings to identify people who merit being promoted into leadership positions. Watch for: http://business-management-articles.com/Another-Use-for-Meetings/70000 1172327119 A maverick is an independent person who will not go along with the other members of a group (Oxford ESL Dictionary). This book provides priceless stories and insights from a maverick of the business world; an exemplary business leader who prefers not to follow orthodox beliefs in business, nor be eaten by the hyped up ideas of the present. Instead, he chooses the course of action that is appropriate for the changing times. http://business-management-articles.com/Book-Summary-Mind-Your-Own-Business/70072 1172327230 Organizations communicate in two directions: internally to staff and externally to clients, customers, shareholders, stakeholders, the media. Faulty internal communications can lead to mistakes, discouraged and unhappy staff, employees leaving the company. Poor external communications can jeopardize image and sales. It really is that simple. Any overall management strategy needs a communications plan or the whole operation might fail. http://business-management-articles.com/How-Can-A-Communications-Audit-Help-You/70129 1172327322 The other day I brought my mother into an appliance store to purchase a television. By the time we left with her new television, she was completely disgusted. Unlike most of us, she comes from an older generation that actually expects salespeople and store employees to think of customers as valued visitors that represent their primary source of income. I wish that I could say that the store we visited was the exception, however, it was more the rule. http://business-management-articles.com/Is-Your-Business-A-Dysfunctional-Family/70098 1172327285 Yesterday I look at my calendar and saw that my newsletter was on my calendar for today. I wondered what I would write about. By the end of the day, I had my topic. Back-up and Recovery System. http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-Prepared-for-a-Disaster/70031 1172327168 Aligning business organizations to be successful in the present and keep on doing this in the future means to develop a new style of Leadership.To celebrate success in our days a leader most is able to craft a strategic vision, define objectives, design, implement and monitor the execution of a strategy and be a change leader in those same organizations. http://business-management-articles.com/Be-a-Change-Agent-Part-1/70143 1172327351 I have been an entrepreneur for over twenty years and have absolutely embraced information that would help maintain a well managed and profitable business. We have been a part of the information era for sometime now. As business owners, we have access to more information than ever in this generation of technology. But how can we use this technology to aid our business? http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Fit/70104 1172327295 Introduction http://business-management-articles.com/The-Challenges-of-Human-Resource-Management/70142 1172327351 I have a friend named Gene, a serial entrepreneur who currently runs a software business. Like many people, last year was a tough one for his company. They survived largely by providing add-on services to existing customers - a decent response to difficult circumstances. They even grew revenues a bit. But here's something else that happened: They got comfortable. They decided they could exist on their base of customers, and then they "realized" there would be no new ones. http://business-management-articles.com/The-Comfort-Zone/70175 1172327414 Budgets! There I've said it. For some the most hated and feared word in business. But it doesn't have to be that way. As a matter of fact, a well thought out and constructed budget can be the small business owners best friend. After all, a budget is just a laid out plan to produce profits and profits is what we are all after. http://business-management-articles.com/Budgets/70082 1172327255 American CEOs are dropping like flies. Boards, armed with new federal rules and stock exchange requirements coming in the wake of the corporate scandals of the past few years, are getting rid of underperforming CEOs at record rates. This trend is all the more notable because it's happening during an improving economy and stock market. http://business-management-articles.com/CEOs-And-Boards-Are-Locked-In-A-Spiral-Of-Doom/70139 1172327343 GROUP DECISION MAKING -- IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM: Tell specifically what the problem is and how you experience it. Cite specific examples. --"Own" the problem as yours and solicit the help of others in solving it rather than implying that it's someone else's problem that they ought to solve. Keep in mind that if it were someone else's problem, they would be bringing it up for discussion. --In the identification phase of problem-solving, avoid references to solutions. This can trigger disagreement too early in the process and prevent ever making meaningful progress. --Once there seems to be a fairly clear understanding of what the problem is, this definition should be written in very precise language If a group is involved, it should be displayed on a flip chart or chalkboard. http://business-management-articles.com/How-to-Approach-Group-Decision-Making/70018 1172327146 The practice of outsourcing business processes has long been subject to the discussion how best to ensure optimal benefits for both parties involved in the outsource agreement. http://business-management-articles.com/Balancing-Power-in-Outsource-Contract-Agreements/70047 1172327193 In today's article, we'll be looking at the income statement, which is the most deceptively simple of the major financial statements. I say simple because it's just a list of all the revenue, minus all the expenses, to calculate what's left over in profit. It's no more difficult than putting your family budget together, right? http://business-management-articles.com/Five-Tips-for-Analyzing-an-Income-Statement/70013 1172327139 Most of us would like to be better communicators. As leaders, co-workers, team members and in all of the other roles we play both professionally and personally, we know that communication is a major key to success. http://business-management-articles.com/You-Cant-Not-Communicate/70133 1172327330 A virtual assistant is an individual who provides business services to other professionals. They're considered virtual because they perform their services from a remote location. Communications with their clients take place through telephone, fax, email, and snail mail. As a business owner, you can save time, money, and energy by hiring a virtual assistant. Best of all, you'll have more time to do what you do best - running a business! http://business-management-articles.com/Benefits-of-Virtual-Assistance/70056 1172327209 One of the most common complaints that business owners have today is that they feel their practice is running them and that they're being pulled in every direction instead of really running the business themselves. http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-in-Control-of-Your-Practice-or-Does-it-Control-You/70024 1172327156 According to a Gallup Poll, 80 percent of employees said the availability of company-sponsored training programs was a factor in deciding whether to accept a new job or stick with a current one. And yet the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average number of hours of formal training per employee per year is only 10.7. http://business-management-articles.com/Choosing-the-Right-Corporate-Training/70161 1172327392 How do you select staff for international assignments? It's an important question because, no matter how effective and successful your employees may be at home, they cannot be guaranteed the same performance in a different culture-unless, that is, they can demonstrate some key competencies. But beware, these may be quite different from the competencies they need to succeed in their own environment. http://business-management-articles.com/Assessing-Managers-for-International-Competence/70038 1172327176 Many people believe that everyone sees the world exactly the same way as they do. This is never true and was the source of much turmoil in Dr. Jacob's office. http://business-management-articles.com/The-Boss-Didnt-Understand-Why-His-Staff-Wasnt-Reading-His-Mind/70077 1172327245 For many people, the terms "manager" and "leader" are synonymous.  In the business world, they are often used interchangeably, i.e. "team leader", "team manager", "project manager" - you get the idea.  And why not?  After all, leaders and managers do basically the same thing, right? http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-Managing-to-Lead/70025 1172327159 A year or so ago, I met Allan Kempert. Allan was the Quality Assurance Supervisor for a metal stamping company in Ontario, and just completed Norman Bodek's book, The Idea Generator, Quick and Easy Kaizen. As Allan explains, he couldn't put the book down because it was such a simple approach and he knew that it was going to empower the employees at his place of employment. In fact, Allan had tears in his eyes a few times while reading the book because he realized that he had come across a jewel. He spoke to the people in his department and explained how the program worked. He convinced them that it would be beneficial to the company to start a pilot program within their department. http://business-management-articles.com/Allan-Kempert-Discovers-That-Truly-All-You-Gotta-Do-Is-Ask/70011 1172327136 MSDS SHEETS http://business-management-articles.com/Cheat-Sheet-Understanding-The-MSDS-and-Your-Obligations-In-The-Workplace-To-Employees/70155 1172327377 When you first take over a department, expectations are usually high but operations are sometimes in disarray. The staff is disorganized, goals aren't being met, and hours are spent on unproductive tasks. Just when you think the company would never get on track, the CFO recommends that you learn more about something called operations assessment. http://business-management-articles.com/How-You-Can-Learn-to-be-a-Better-Manager/70130 1172327324 To visualise where you are going, is deeper and more sensory than anything you have ever done before. And these are the skills of those who are able to create a vision you can really live and breathe. These people... http://business-management-articles.com/Top-Ten-Things-About-Creating-a-Business-Vision/70004 1172327128 Over 3 of my meetings with 3 business owners last week, what really shocked me was how uncommon common sense was. 2 out of 3 I spoke to do not know what is the most important thing in their business. They keep on trying on other things that are not important. As we know, every business has ONE most important thing in their particular industry. You need to do well in your most important thing and the rest will take care of itself. http://business-management-articles.com/Uncommon-Common-Sense-Know-What-is-the-Most-Important-Thing-in-Your-Business/70178 1172327416 Birds of a Feather May Be Turkeys http://business-management-articles.com/Birds-of-a-Feather-May-Be-Turkeys/70068 1172327222 I'm often asked to come in to organizations and give a motivational speech to their employees. I reply that I'm not a motivational speaker. Never have been. Never will be. Don't want to be. I do something else. I teach their people how to become motivational leaders. That's a far more productive endeavor. http://business-management-articles.com/Boost-Your-Leadership-Skills-By-Disciplining-Yourself-In-The-Way-Of-The-Question-Mark/70073 1172327232 INTRODUCTION http://business-management-articles.com/Are-You-Cascading-Your-Strategy-or-Fragmenting-It/70020 1172327149 Most business owners I work with want to grow their businesses. I guess this probably applies to most businesses in general. But growth for the sake of growth alone is not always healthy for a business or its people. http://business-management-articles.com/Is-Your-Business-Healthy/70105 1172327298 Speak of operations assessment, and we'll hear its significant value. Speak of an audit, and we'll run for the nearest emergency exit. There's no difference between the two, yet that word audit chills us. But is an audit really designed to help us or hurt us? http://business-management-articles.com/Auditing-Improves-Effective-Planning/70041 1172327185 Where there is people there is politics! Bullying is now a major workplace issue that has invaded our not for profit organisations. Take the following example. http://business-management-articles.com/Bullying-and-the-Not-for-Profit-Organisation/70094 1172327276 Managers make three mistakes when they try to run businesses. They do too much, they don't trust their people and they don't have enough skills. Here we explore an easy 3-step process to get your business back on track and get a life. http://business-management-articles.com/Better-Management-Performance-The-Easy-3-Step-Way/70061 1172327213 I've always been fascinated by situations where art imitates real life and right here is a perfect example, which links Christmas and business & personal development. http://business-management-articles.com/Christmas-Carol-Coaching-Help-to-Get-Ahead-at-Holiday-Time/70171 1172327409 Everyday a business owner, CEO, or manager somewhere is complaining about the lack of good employees. On the same day, in a break room, employees are complaining about the lack of good jobs. Thinking that they can alleviate the problem with finding good employees, many employers have opted for lengthy applications and endless interviewing. In the process, the employee-to-be becomes frustrated before even starting the first day of work. The employer has spent a bit of money and the orientation process hasn't begun yet. It becomes a vicious cycle that you or your company may be experiencing. Here are four suggestions from other managers that might help. http://business-management-articles.com/Attract-and-Retain-Positively-Great-Employees-An-Action-Plan-for-Employee-Training/70039 1172327179 We all know that achieving better alignment, synergy and cooperation between company marketing and sales departments is vital, but oh so elusive. Despite all the talk and more talk in the media and at national business gatherings, nothing significant ever seems to happen. http://business-management-articles.com/CEO-The-Key-To-Fix-ingThe-MarketingSales-Collaboration-Problem/70137 1172327340 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Core-Competency-and-Competitive-Advantage/70106 1172327298 If you're like most people, you probably started with wonderful ideas of fulfilling your dreams, to be successful and to take charge of your own destiny. http://business-management-articles.com/The-3rd-Plan-Missing-from-your-Business/70002 1172327124 A long time ago, I learned something about being a manager that has proven to be one of the most valuable lessons I've ever heard. http://business-management-articles.com/Catch-Your-Staff-Doing-Something-Right/70136 1172327338 What IS assertive communication? Assertive communication is the ability to express positive and negative ideas and feelings in an open, honest and direct way. It recognises our rights whilst still respecting the rights of others. It allows us to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions without judging or blaming other people. And it allows us to constructively confront and find a mutually satisfying solution where conflict exists. http://business-management-articles.com/Assertive-Communication-6-Tips-For-Effective-Use/70036 1172327175 For example, in a small, two-person company, there is often the greatest opportunity for direct conversation and discussion throughout the day. There are only two possibilities for verbal communication and it's usually quick, easy and descriptive. http://business-management-articles.com/4-Tips-on-How-to-Avoid-Communication-Lines-Breakdown/70042 1172327186 How many times have you wondered why you are unable to"think-out-of-the-box" more often? http://business-management-articles.com/5-Awesome-Actions-of-Highly-Creative-Leaders/70008 1172327130 "It is not the strongest species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change". -Charles Darwin http://business-management-articles.com/Change-Management/70145 1172327354 The title of this article sounds like simple advice, but so often we undertake activities and projects without really understanding how they are going to help us to achieve our aims. I have outlined below some of the causes of this cavalier (and costly) approach to business improvement along with how we might approach things differently. http://business-management-articles.com/Before-You-Head-Off-Make-Sure-You-Know-Where-You-Are-Going-The-Importance-of-Clear-Objectives/70052 1172327202 http://business-management-articles.com/Burger-on-a-Bun-Decision-Making/70095 1172327277 It's easy enough to convince your own staff that better people will prevail, even against the odds. It's what they want to hear. And surely in a marketing war quality is a factor as well as quantity. http://business-management-articles.com/The-quotBetter-Peoplequot-Fallacy/70063 1172327215 It is a sad fact that many employees are still being subjected to the age old training ritual of "sheep dipping". This is a process by which employees are "refreshed", "cleansed" and "re-invigorated" by ensuring they attend set training courses or, perhaps, are placed on the ubiquitous "refresher" course. This refresher course is, of course, necessary, because most employees forget what they have learned on similar courses that they had been previously on. Do they? http://business-management-articles.com/Avoiding-The-Sheep-Dip/70043 1172327186 Wouldn't it be great if we got get the cheapest price on everything. I know I wouldn't want it. Would you? Do you strive to get the cheapest automoblie? The cheapest mobile home to live in? The cheapest place to eat? Rather than look for the cheapest we tend to look for value for our money. We know we all work hard for our money and would like to be compensated if we are to give it up. http://business-management-articles.com/The-Cheapest-Forget-It-/70154 1172327374 Bad meetings are a cultural malady that senior executives pass on to new employees. http://business-management-articles.com/13-Comments-on-Bad-Meetings/70176 1172327415 In Stephen Covey's great book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People", he talks about the 'emotional bank account', where you have to build a credit in your relationship with the individuals who you work with (and everyone else as well!). http://business-management-articles.com/Building-the-Trust-in-Your-Employees-12-Easy-Tips/70090 1172327269 When trying to get something accomplished, assertive behavior is the most effective. Although other methods may accomplish the intended ends, the alternatives imperil our own rights or those of others, creating conflict and building mistrust into relationships. One of the keys to effectiveness is learning how to communicate thoughts and feelings without jeopardizing yourself or others, and this ability elevates both morale and productivity in the workplace. http://business-management-articles.com/Assertiveness-Helps-Accomplish-Everything/70037 1172327175 I bet you can't tell me how leadership training andstrategic planning work together to boost business resultsand energize performance improvements. http://business-management-articles.com/1000-Managers-Turned-Their-Plans-Into-Energy/70014 1172327141 For centuries companies have used on-the-job training (OJT). OJT works because it follows much of what we know about adult learning theory. For example, we know: http://business-management-articles.com/Action-Learning-Its-More-Than-OJT/70007 1172327129 http://business-management-articles.com/Best-Practices-Plan-Dissemination-of-a-Great-Idea/70058 1172327211 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Organizational-Structure/70110 1172327300 The Best Workplaces report (Financial Times, April 28, 2005) notes many factors in common with Managing Creativity and Innovation. http://business-management-articles.com/Best-Workplaces/70060 1172327213 Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Innovation-Value-versus-Quality/70114 1172327302 How should you keep track of meetings? http://business-management-articles.com/The-Best-Way-to-Keep-Track-of-Meetings/70059 1172327212 http://business-management-articles.com/Collaboration-3-Keys-to-Keeping-Your-Documents-from-Getting-Lost-in-the-Shuffle/70173 1172327412 Business Intelligence http://business-management-articles.com/Business-Intelligence-Data-Warehousing-in-a-Business-Perspective/70116 1172327303 It is a common business axiom - change or die. As a small or mid-sized business owner or a manager, there will be times you will need to make changes in your organization but may not be sure how to go about it. http://business-management-articles.com/Change-or-Die-To-Change-Your-Organization-Hire-a-Business-Coach/70148 1172327361 How long does it take your customers, clients or patients to pay you for the products or services you have provided? http://business-management-articles.com/Collections-Management/70174 1172327414 In the first part of this two part article, I talked about the importance of character in leadership. After all, the best leadership involves the people bonding with the leader in deep, human, emotional ways. The passive way of looking at character is that the bonding won't happen if the people are confused about or disdain your character. But there is also an active way of looking at character: You can use aspects of your character to actually promote results. Your best character traits can be turned results-multipliers. Here's how. http://business-management-articles.com/Character-Is-It-Necessary-In-Leadership-Part-Two/70153 1172327374