We covered five tools so
far. Keep in mind that the key to being successful is picking the right
tool for the right situation. Using the wrong tool can make the task more
difficult. Diagnose first and then pick the right tool(s) to get the job
done.
There are two types of Interest: knowing people's interests
and showing you are interested. As Zig Ziglar says, "People don't
care how much you know till they know how much you care!"
Knowing their interests.
Know your people. The better you know an individual the better you
can manage and motivate them. Why do they come to work everyday?, What
are their hobbies?, What do they think is fun?, How's their family?, ...
Know your customers Quality is whatever the customer says it is.
Find out as much as possible about your customers. What are their needs?
Why do they buy your products/services?...
Get their input. Solicit feedback from your people and customers
before and after. Ask open ended questions and allow time for
their responses. Feedback is a sure way to improve and grow.
Show your interest. If you are not concerned about your
organization or its people how can you expect them to be.
Spend time with people. Make yourself accessible. You can show
interest by taking breaks with people, asking them for ideas on work
related problems or getting to know more about them.
Be positive. Display a positive and enthusiastic outlook. Going
around complaining how lousy things are could make things even worse by
becoming a self fulfilling prophecy. People love to back a winner! Be
one.
Facilitate sharing Try starting meetings with a "good news"
segment. Give each person a minute to share any "good news" that is
happening in their lives.
The old adage "Failing
to plan is planning to fail" is true for entrepreneurs. Join me next
time when we will discuss our final PowerTool -
PowerTool Number 7 -
Organize/Plan
* (C) Copyright,
"POWER TOOLS - Building
Blocks for Success."
Patrick J. Donadio, MBA,
CSP, MCC. All rights reserved.
