Bresnahan's Shorts* - May 2007

*Short topics

Where’s the Balance?

When writing the newsletter, I try to maintain a balance between comments about management and front-line employees.

I realize that both sides sometimes leave a great deal to be desired. It appears that those who need the most improvement, on both sides, are oblivious and usually are finger pointers.

Integro Leadership Institute, which I am affiliated with, refers to this behavior as “other directed.” We see it all the time in business and in news stories. No matter which side you are on, we want someone we can trust. That means open, honest, reliable, accepting and straightforward.

It is not so easy to exhibit these behaviors, especially when under pressure, but the best place to start is by looking in the mirror. If you need more input ask someone you trust. From there talk to a professional who can help you grow.

Personal growth is important for your career and your company whether you are in management or on the frontline.

If you need assistance, give us a call.

Employees, Employers Divided

It's no news, employers and employees are in conflict, according to a survey of 3,000 adults in the U.S., causing loyalty and morale problems and increasing stress.

• 55% of employers said morale was excellent/good; 38% of employees agreed.
• 69% of employers said workers stay in jobs they dislike; 81% of employees agreed.
• 41% of employers said the company was loyal to employees; 25% of employees agreed.
• 72% of employers said that employees were loyal to the company; 56% of employees agreed.

Would these numbers indicate that there is a lack of communication—and trust? The survey, conducted by Randstad, says some of the differences are a result of generational differences, in addition to a compensation gap. Employees said they would endure more stress for more money.

A recommendation is to issue “asset reports” which show the value of intangibles such as, benefits, training, travel, membership dues, etc.

Excerpted from an article in HR News, by Kathy Gurchiek, Society of Human Resource Management

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One Man's Perception

In an interview between Stephen Rhinesmith, partner with Mercer Data Executive Learning Center and co-author of “Head, Heart and Guts: How the World’s Best Companies Develop Complete Leaders”, and Mark Schoeff Jr. of Workforce Management, Rhinesmith was asked what the leadership deficits of executives are. His answer was their lack of ability to coach and deal with conflict.

In some notable organizations like GE, Intel and Pepsi, conflict is encouraged to ensure that they are “getting the right answers. A lot of leaders are ineffective because they’re trying to avoid conflict, and as a result they don’t get creativity [or] innovation.”

Are we seeing a pattern here in these three short topics?

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Something You Can Do

Some think that if you run your company by holding tight reins, it will be better. Control is maintained (or so you think). Did you ever see a family where the parents were TOO strict? The kids usually do all they can to rebel. On the other hand a company, or a family, where there don’t seem to be many guidelines, or expectations, also seems to run amuck. However, if you can find an even balance you would come out ahead.

Gevity and Cornell studied 323 business from eight to 600 employees with an average of 53 employees and found the following:

• Fit the employee to the culture, don’t just hire for skills.
• Self-managed, trusted and empowered employees are more productive. Revenue growth was increased and turnover decreased.
• Use social and company meetings to create a family-like atmosphere. It works better than money incentives to retain employees.

Companies that used these three strategies improved revenue by 22.1%, profit growth by 13.3% and turnover dropped by 19%.

Excerpted from HR Daily Advisor, Oct. 26, 2006

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Thoughts to Ponder

Every passing day is one that is gone forever. Make sure it is one in which you have done something for others, especially those who cannot do for themselves.

You are the only person on this earth who can use your ability.

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Job Flexibility

There has been much talk in the last few years about workplace flexibility and telecommuters. This is tied with workers trying to have more balance in their lives and are subjects that are here to stay. More and more employees are looking for arrangements to be made by their employer.

The latest research tells us that workers who can balance their whole person – intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental – are able to handle personal and work problems better. They are absent less and are happier people.

According to Baxter Healthcare, flexibility ranks highest of all benefits. Change, adaptability and flexibility are important in business today to survive. So, these factors must also be important in our workers.

Source:Work/Life Today

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Self-Employment Boom

Census Bureau figures confirm that the number of Americans self-employed are growing. Between 2003 and 2004, the numbers grew by one million (about 4.7%). Businesses without employees account for 70% of all U.S. businesses and generate annual receipts exceeding $887 billion.

Now, ask yourself why these numbers are growing. Many are tired of corporate America. These numbers also mean these people have leadership skills.

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Lincoln on Leadership

Abraham Lincoln, president, “preached a vision” during the Civil War. It was what was needed at the time: a clear, concise statement of the direction of the nation. It was filled with integrity, values and high ideals. It struck a cord with the American people, especially the common people.

Organizations prosper or die based on the leader’s ability to embody and communicate the company’s vision. A strong vision helps you know where you are going. It needs to be stated clearly and concisely and cared about passionately. It is a statement or picture of where the company is headed and why they can be proud of it, states Tom Peters and Nancy Austin in a “Passion For Excellence.”

Lincoln implemented his vision through his roving leadership style. In 1864 he went to visit battle-weary soldiers to reinspire them and remind them of the importance of what they were fighting for. “Preach the vision.”

Excerpted from Lincoln on Leadership, Donald T. Phillips

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Speakers

Are you looking for a great speaker for your organization? Contact the Bresnahan Group.

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More Information

For more information about any of these topics contact us at 505-922-1973 or email BresGroup @ 4u.net.

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