I had an interesting discussion with a colleague who manages an internal service department for a medium-sized organization. She’s a supportive manager whose team takes pride in providing quality service to internal clients. However, she finds it a challenge to keep her employees at the top of their game when some internal clients are unappreciative
One of the most challenging jobs I know of is held by people who work in nonprofits — they are as passionate about their work as they are stressed trying to accomplish much with limited resources. I explored this topic recently with a former nonprofit leader, Debrah Cummins, who is now Vice President of Development for Northstar
[Note: This guest post was written by Kim Plyler, a communications professional and media strategist. CEO and founder of SahlComm, Kim works with high level clients in the technology, finance, manufacturing, cyber security, NGOs and nonprofit sectors. Her company’s mission is to further the mission of others and help improve humanity.] 5 Ways to Boost Your
When I asked other business professionals when it’s best to lose a customer or client, the reasons boiled down to the customer’s lack of respect and not being fully committed to the working relationship. Examples cited included: difficult interactions with or mistreating customer-contact employees being unresponsive and uncooperative paying late or not at all. The
Regardless of where you stand on the results of the recent presidential election, employee engagement has been affected by post-election uncertainty. That’s why Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, has encouraged employees to re-focus on the company’s mission and culture of “Enlightened Hospitality.” Following are excerpts from his recent letter to USHG employees: “…
Open workspace, a trend in office design, is intended to foster a more collaborative and productive workplace with fewer organizational silos. Hearing from several people in different firms share their experiences adjusting to the design after their companies moved their offices, I’m concerned about its impact on employee engagement. Among the frustrations cited: Although space is
I’m saddened and shocked, but not surprised, about the recent Wells Fargo sales scandal that lead to bank employees opening bogus customer accounts in response to intense pressure to meet unrealistic and aggressive sales goals. I was once a sales manager for a local bank. It was some 30 years ago when the banking industry was trying
[Note: This special guest post is from community affairs leader Pete Waldron, a long-time colleague and friend, who coordinated the “quote wall” project he shares below. Pete is with CrossAmerica Partner where he currently heads up Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy — “Energy is our business. Giving back is our pleasure.”] Employees Find the Right Words to be Inspired by
I don’t remember when I started reading (and frequently quoting) posts by Judith M. Bardwick, Ph.D., but I was hooked on her insight into employee and organizational development. A highly respected writer, consultant, and speaker, she is known for combining “cutting-edge psychological research with practical business applications to optimize organizational performance.” I recently reached out
One of my favorite childhood films, The Wizard of Oz, offers many wonderful life lessons. As a devotee of professional development as well as the film, here are several of my favorite career take-aways from Oz. 1. Seeking Your Dream Job in the Emerald City While the term “career path” implies a straight line to