Cyberbullies Need A Cyberspanking

A MySpace account, or any other online communication site, can be detrimental to your (or your child's) professional and/or academic future(s). I often refer to such accounts as "OurSpace" accounts because once published online, your information belongs to everyone.

Please Remember:
Anyone at anytime can access anything that you publish online.

Unfortunately, cyberbullying is becoming a popular extracurricular activity. Legislation against cyberbullying, HB91, passed the KY House on January 30, 2008 by a vote of 96-0.

Would like to organize an online communication seminar for your school or organization?

Email me today.

A Piece of My Mind

Today, I had the privilege of being on the receiving end of the worst customer service of all time. The sales associate gave me a piece of her mind over a gallon of paint.

Thankfully, for her sake, and that of my readers, she unleashed on the right person.

Suggestion Box:
The primary purpose of any organization is to meet customer needs--this will determine your bottom line.

Suggested Reading:
"A Complaint Is A Gift" by Janelle Barlow and Claus Moller

Let me give you a piece of MY mind. Email me today to schedule your in-office customer service training.

Blowing the Whistle on Coaches

While I don't have a "favorite" type of client, I have to admit...
I LOVE GREAT COACHES!

Here are just some of the reasons why I love great coaches.
Great coaches are:

Highly self-aware thinkers with great emotional intelligence.

Creative and innovative thinkers and teachers.

"People people." They value relationships and deeply care about others.

Perpetually humble and grateful.

Not afraid to ask others for advice or ideas...hmmm, speaking of which...

Are you a coach gearing up for a great season?
Love the players but not the parents or vice versa?
Communication problems with assistant coaches?
Need help motivating your athletes?

Get on the ball!

Email me today.

The Best Advice I've Ever Received

At a recent speaking engagement, someone asked me, "What is the best advice you've ever gotten?"

I'd have to say, the best advice I've ever received has to be from my Father (who is solely responsible for curing me of the "Florence Nightingale Syndrome").

He said, "You can't polish a turd."

Tell me...what is the best advice YOU'VE ever received?

Bill Clinton: Screw It. I'm Running For President.

How I LOVE "The Onion."

www.theonion.com/content/news/bill_clinton_screw_it_im_running

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Secretaries or "Administrative Professionals" are the keepers of your gate, records, and money.

Did you know?

The word "secretary" originates from the Latin secretum, meaning "secret."

In 1387, secretary was known as "person entrusted with secrets."

In the 1400's, the term "secretary" was given to those who kept records for the king.

Mark your calendar (or 'crackberry') today:
Administrative Professional's Day is April 23, 2008.

The Beatings Will Continue...

I recently saw a bumper sticker that said:

"The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves."

Unfortunately, this reminds me of several managers I have known and many who are still at-large. Turn yourself in.

Turn-in...and we'll work to reduce turn-over!

Email me today.

Be Specific When Managing Employees

Since many organizations' fiscal year corresponds with the calendar year, I am experiencing an increase in training requests for performing effective employee appraisals, goal setting, as well as employee coaching.

That being said, one the most important factors for organizational leaders to keep in mind, is to be specific.

For example, stating, "Improve" in the areas of _____, _____, & ______, is not enough.

Doing so, is the same as having a recipe that lists ingredients without measurements or instructions.

Don't just hope for increased profits and better communication in your workplace this year.

Contact me today to schedule your free 1-hour consultation.

"Grasstroop" Spotlight of the Month

Whether the motivation is political, business, or social, I love grassroot efforts! "Grasstroops" (those individuals who carry out the organizational mission), are usually passionate, well-informed, unpaid volunteers...and it doesn't get any better than that.

Each month in 2008, I will spotlight my favorite Paducah grasstroops.

January 2008 is awarded to (drumroll, please)...

The Greater Paducah Sustainability Project (GPS) initiative, "RecycleNow."

Volunteers needed for next recycling event
Saturday, Jan 26th
9am - 3pm
Park Avenue Kroger

For more information, visit www.recyclenowpaducah.com

Organizational Hangovers

In any organization, there are those who stomp the grapes and those who sip the wine.

Stompers should sometimes sip and sippers should sometimes stomp.

Doing so will almost certainly guarantee an increase in morale which may have a significant impact on your bottom line.

In the event your organization is suffering from an 'organizational hangover,' don't worry. Take 2 aspirin and email me in the morning to schedule your on-site training!

Powerfully Positive Customer Service

Customer Service is an essential part of any organization. Employers should make employees feel empowered to deal with customer complaints.

Take the yellow "CAUTION" tape off the door before you are just a chalk outline on the floor.

Here are some tips:
Strive to earn loyal customers...not just satisfied customers.
Be honest.
Be approachable.
Be a good listener.
Be an advocate for both the customer and the company.
Solve the problem with the customer, not for the customer.
Show appreciation & follow-up.

"There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself."

(From "FISH!" A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results," S. Lundin, H. Paul and J. Christensen).

Schedule a Powerfully Positive Customer Service training for your organization today! dmw@donnamariawalker.com

Embracing Diversity in Your Organization

Organizational Diversity in the 21st Century has to be one of my most requested organizational trainings...and that's a good thing.

In a technologically borderless, globalized economy, with the most diverse workforce ever, organizations should be aware and educated in organizational diversity (including but not limited to: age, race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, religion, military experience, & marital status).

If your organization could benefit from diversity training, don't worry...even Pepsi and Chevy could have benefited prior to making these unfortunate cross-cultural marketing blunders:

In China: "Pepsi brings you back to life."
Literal Chinese translation: "Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave."

In Spanish speaking countries: Chevy "Nova."
Literal Spanish translation: "It does not go."

To schedule an in-office diversity training, which includes individual & group activities & exercises, contact me at dmw@donnamariawalker.com. Or, visit my web site at www.donnamariawalker.com.

Business Lessons from The Godfather

The Godfather is the ultimate consultant:

"Fredo, you're my older brother, and I love you. But don't ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever."

"I don't like violence, Tom. I'm a businessman. Blood is a big expense."

"Mr. Corleone is a man who insists on hearing bad news immediately."

"Never tell anybody outside the family what you're thinking again."

"And if by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies, then they would become my enemies. And then they would fear you."

"Do you spend time with your family? Good. Because a man that doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man."

"No, no, no! No more! Not this time, Consiglieri. No more meetings, no more discussions, no more Sollozzo tricks. You give 'em one message: I want Sollozzo. If not, it's all-out war. We go to the mattresses."

"Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me."

"Do me this favor. I won’t forget it. Ask your friends in the neighborhood about me. They’ll tell you I know how to return a favor."

"If anything is certain in life…. if history has taught us anything…you can kill anyone."

And my personal favorite...

"Mr. Corleone never asks a second favor once he’s refused the first."

McConnell, Paducah, & Economic Development...Oh My!

Congress has passed the FY ’08 Omnibus Appropriations Bill and the following projects have been secured for Western Kentucky by Senator McConnell. The list includes (in parentheses) the total amount of funding secured to date for the projects, including FY ’08 figures.

$116 million for the continued environmental cleanup activities at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. ($1.1 billion)


$17.4 million for the continued construction of the DUF6 facility in Paducah. ($201.27 million) The facility will convert 39,000 canisters of depleted uranium hexafluoride into a more stable compound. Construction of the facility is scheduled to be completed this year and operations are slated to begin next year.


Full funding for the mobile health unit that screens current and former workers at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant for the early signs of lung cancer. ($15.5 million) This funding will be used for continued operation of a mobile health unit that screens current and former workers at the plant for the early signs of lung cancer. The mobile health unit travels between the three gaseous diffusion plants in Paducah, Portsmouth, Ohio and Oak Ridge, Tenn.


$4 million for the Paducah Waterfront Development Project. ($9.3 million) This funding will be used to transform the Paducah riverfront into a community gathering place.


$2 million for the Paducah Area Transit System (PATS). ($6.4 million) With these resources, additional vehicles and other equipment can now be purchased to help meet the needs of customers of PATS.


$52 million for the Kentucky Lock addition project. ($251.9 million) This funding will be used to double the lock’s size to handle the increased tonnage of today’s larger barge traffic.


$104 million for the Olmsted Locks and Dam Project. ($521 million) This funding will be used for the continued construction of a new facility that will replace locks 52 and 53 on the Ohio River. Once complete, this facility will be the largest locking facility in Kentucky in terms of tonnage.


$8.1 million for management and operation of the Land Between the Lakes in western Kentucky. ($94.6 million) “I, along with many Kentuckians and visitors to our state, recognize the attraction to the LBL,” said Senator McConnell. “I am pleased to have once again secured funding for the continued operation of this popular tourist spot.”


$500,000 for land acquisition at the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. ($13.95 million) “The Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, which will use the money to expand and improve its land, serves as a safe haven for the bald eagle and peregrine falcon,” said Senator McConnell.

$2 million for the Murray-Calloway County Industrial Park Development Project These funds will be used to help develop a new industrial park, which will help create employment opportunities for the citizens of Murray and Calloway County.


$117,500 for the City of Murray Police Department to upgrade its communications system. “Law enforcement agencies rely upon modern technology for everything from enforcing traffic laws to investigating crimes. Unfortunately, not all local agencies can afford the expensive technologies that will help officers communicate with each other and better respond to emergencies,” Senator McConnell said. “This funding will help the Murray Police Department purchase a Computer Aided Dispatch System to improve its ability to alert officers of emergencies and to improve response times, thereby enhancing the safety of all in Murray.”


$564,000 for the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department for equipment upgrades. “These funds will enable the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department to upgrade the equipment used by its deputies to help provide emergency response services to the citizens of Henderson County,” McConnell said.

Listen Up, You!

I'm Italian...for some reason, many of us put the noun at the end of our sentences. So pay attention, make notes, and create a more profitable workplace with happier employees today, you!

Active listening is not about waiting for your turn to speak, but a free and highly effective tool managers can use to promote effective communication and conflict resolution in the workplace.

5 tips:

1. Use "open-ended" rather than "direct" questions
"Tell me what happened just before you strangled your co-worker?"
instead of "Did you strangle your co-worker in the break room?"

2. Encourage and Clarify
Nod, maintain eye contact, reiterate what you understood your co-worker said, etc.

3. Pay attention to non-verbal cues

4. Don't be coercive

5. Listen for key words
'try,' 'but,' 'it,' and 'can't'

Email me today to schedule an on-site "Active Listening" training for yourself and/or your organization.

Workplace Resolutions for the New Year

Create your organizational blueprint now and make it a GREAT '08!

Think about the following:

1. What unique characteristics set my organization apart from others?
2. What are some existing positive qualities my organization is known for?
3. What are some traits our team can work on to help make us more successful?
4. What is my vision and/or greatest hope for the office in 2008 and beyond?

Workplace Communication

Open-ended questions are a great tool to spark meaningful dialogue with co-workers/team members.

Some of my favorites:

I feel energized when...
The best way to motivate me is...
The thing that turns me off most is...
The most effective way to confront me is...
The most important thing in a working relationship is...
The qualities I most admire in a co-worker/team member are...

These are also great questions to ask yourself when creating your personal mission statement.

Contact me today to schedule your organizational communication training.

Promises, Promises

Save time & reduce stress by eliminating unnecessary promises. For example:

Instead of:
"I'll email you more information about the event later today."

Try:
"You can find more information about the event at ilistpaducah.com."

You will save time, limit your 'to do' list, and ultimately reduce stress. You are the architect of your day.

www.donnamariawalker.com

New College Grads Meet Old School Business

College seniors are in their final semester and counting down the days until their May graduation! A few things the seasoned executive should keep in mind when employing, and hopefully enjoying, the young, enthusiastic professional--

Young professionals want to feel as though they are contributing to the organization and the greater good & that their employer is helping them to develop and prepare for their professional futures.

A simple exercise in business communication:
Managers and new grads should separately write down their expectations for a project. When finished, exchange lists and review together. You'll be amazed what communication may come from this and how many interesting ideas and opportunities will arise to tackle those tough projects.

"If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you'll be amazed at the results." George S. Patton

Let me know how it goes! Questions? Comments? Wish to schedule an organizational training for YOUR office? Email me at dmw@donnamariawalker.com

Crude and Unusual Punishment

Fast & furious funds facilitate fear as oil costs reach over $98/barrel (November prices reached $99.29/barrel).

Be watching politics in Nigeria. This is a wellspring of black gold and their unstable political situation impacts pricing.

More will be known on Thursday when the Energy Department releases oil data.

In the meantime, save time and money...fly Barkley Regional!