When running a business office, you’re not only managing people but managing the equipment and supplies your employees work with. Maintenance of office equipment and keeping supplies in stock is important. Yes, as important as maintaining good relationships with your employees and customers. Have you ever printed a document only to find the ink or paper had run out. Hopefully,…
Empathy is an essential characteristic of successful leadership. It helps you understand why someone has a specific action or reaction to a situation. Though empathy sounds similar to sympathy, they are not the same. When a leader shows sympathy, they are expressing feelings of sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. When a leader expresses empathy, they are demonstrating the ability to…
Early in my management career, I was involved in a merger of two large companies. The officers of the new company stood at the front of the room that sat over 1000 employees of our Northeast Regional Office. As these men excitedly spoke of the next phase that would merge two well-known companies, there was clapping and cheering. The very…
Though it is important to pay employees what they are worth, there are also times when employees would rather receive fringe benefits or “perks” in lieu of a higher salary. This form of non-wage compensation is a great addition to your employee’s normal salary and best of all, most of these benefits are deductible by the company and non-taxable for…
Today’s leaders know their employees want more than to plod along in a 9 to 5 job. Some employees want to see tangible results from their efforts and expect recognition of work well done. Others want more responsibility and advancement opportunities. Knowing what your employees expect from you is important for the success of your business. You can’t walk into…
When I was visiting with my sister last weekend, we were discussing how much she enjoyed working at home. I mean, absolutely loves it! Her employer was hiring and needed space in the office for the employees. My sister, a tenured employee of 30 years, jumped at the chance to work remotely. Many businesses, hoping to reduce their property footprint,…
What Exactly Is Effective Leadership? Effective leaders realize there are a number of individuals that have specific skills and knowledge that will make their organization a success. The workplace is full of intelligent, knowledgeable, and independent employees. These employees do not want to wait for instructions, be led by the nose, or be controlled by a dominant, micro-managing, assertive leader.…