What Cross-cultural Training Can Do for You (13 Jun 2006) International business is more complex than ever before. Success in every sector is now seen in global terms. Yet success in working with colleagues from different cultures is no easy goal. In order to connect, we have to communicate effectively and we can only do this in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and trust. Cross-cultural training helps you understand the underlying cultural values that drive behaviour—you first understand your own cultural background and then other people's.
Making a Decision to Outsource: Driving Factors (13 Jun 2006) Offshore outsourcing is rapidly changing the shape of the modern industry. It is important for companies not to underestimate the speed of this process and jump in to grab the opportunities and benefits it offers. This article intends to delve more deeply into the analysis of those driving factors that encourage companies to make a decision to outsource any part of its activities/tasks.
Team Motivation - Tough Enough to Care (13 Jun 2006) Successful managers and business owners know that to get the best out of their people they need to concentrate on the human interactions and make that emotional connection.
The Importance of Business Goals (13 Jun 2006) For you to get where you want to go, there are four key steps for you to take. They are not difficult, but they are vital...
Finding Common Ground Through Consensus Decision-Making (13 Jun 2006) It's clear to me that a workplace is a better place when employees truly work in teams, but the most familiar team models we have are those that are created to win wars and games. We have a commander or a coach who gives orders, and the soldiers or the players use those instructions to defeat the opponent. Mediator Bill Ury says, "People are realizing that adversarial, win-lose attitudes in an increasingly interdependent world, where I depend on you and you depend on me, just don't work anymore. Using those tactics is like asking, 'Who's winning this marriage?'" Who's winning this company? Wrong question.
I Said Pareto Chart… Not Potato Chart! (13 Jun 2006) Does this sound familiar? You were hired for the new management position. You were tasked to turn the numbers around. You take some time reviewing the current situation...
Choices in Appointing International Managers (13 Jun 2006) 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.
Hidden Consultants Within Your Organization (13 Jun 2006) Your employees and customers know far more about your business than an external consultant. Here's how to use that knowledge.
Rules for Running a Meeting (13 Jun 2006) As an experienced manager, I can announce without a doubt that the primary reason for lack of effectiveness in the contemporary business world is that people don't follow the rules for running a meeting. Thousands meetings are conducted each day and most of the meeting chairmen have not even heard of the rules for running a meeting...
Oasis in a Cash Flow Desert - Four Resources That Increase Small Business Capital Streams (13 Jun 2006) For small business owners, an enthusiastic vision for smooth, steady growth can become nothing more than a mirage once company cash flow problems begin to heat up. Most will struggle with the timing of payment from clients or customers at some point, all while attempting to pay their own bills in a timely fashion. With all of the best laid plans for rapid flowing cash streams evaporating down to just a gurgle in the ditch, the potential risk of joining the ninety-percent of businesses that fail within their first three years of operation becomes a very sobering possibility.
The Punitive Approach to Marginal Performers (13 Jun 2006) A marginal performer — an employee whose work, for the most part, is satisfactory, but who regularly fails in some specific area or areas to maintain a satisfactory level of performance. Frequently managers find that they've exhausted all means of making progress with their marginal performer. Here is how to use "The Punitive Approach".
Instantly Uncover Your Corporate Culture (13 Jun 2006) Knowing your company's culture proves crucial for multiple reasons.
Dr. Mercer reveals the fastest way to uncover your organization's culture!
Delegation for Business Leaders - How Letting Go Works (13 Jun 2006) To create the time for the specific role of a leader, as much as possible of the day to day delivery must be handed over. This level of delegation is very important, not only to create the space for the leader to develop visions and longer terms strategic goals, but also in encouragement of key individuals who will both be challenged by new activities, but will also be developed for the future benefit of the organisation.
Strategies for Hiring Winners: Executive Summary (13 Jun 2006) Hiring mistakes can cost "big" money and waste valuable time for your organization. Some leading executives were interviewed regarding best practices in hiring for this executive summary.
Lean Leadership - Troubled Waters Require Capable Leaders at the Helm (13 Jun 2006) The rumbles on our economic outlook are troubling. The dollar is still up, foreign investment, profits and sales are down. Low cost Asian competition is eroding our market share. Financial scandals and corporate governance issues keep flaring into the headlines. Disasters such as terrorism, possible pandemics, and war continually reshape the world in which we work and live. There are so many "big" global issues, so much apparent chaos, that our minds are often distracted from the day-to-day jobs we do leading our businesses.
