See-E-O

Suggested Reading:
"Don't Step in the Leadership"
by Scott Adams

True leaders are more than organizational figureheads. These individuals know (and care about) the people, processes and products of the organization...no buzzwords required.

Intimidation

Intimidation is defined as:

To make timid or fearful; implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another; implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost; implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior; implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

Work for a bully? Looking for a career change? Need help with your resume? Contact me today.

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

The Cost of Care for the Health of Your Organization

Turnover costs a company one and a half times the employee's salary...loss of productivity, the hiring process, training the new employee, etc., etc., etc. But retaining 'warm bodies,' also comes at a price.

Peter Gibbons (Office Space) once said, "It's not that I'm lazy Bob, it's that I just don't care."

Get motivated to motivate your employees. Contact me today. http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Brush or Flush?

We all seek purpose and meaning in our work. Even if your job isn't the most glamorous in the world, think about how what you do each day plays into the bigger picture and overall health of your community.

And remember, things could be worse. But, things could also be better. Better is better. Contact me today!

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Advice of Titanic Proportions

Titanic ("the unsinkable ship") sank 96 years ago today. The story of the Titanic has many paralells to everyday operations in business.

For example:
1. Who is on ice patrol in your organization? Someone (if not everyone) must always be aware of the weaknesses and potential threats to the health & success of the organization.

2. Does your organization posess the technology necessary to be competitive in the global market? Titanic had all of the latest technology, but the messages regarding the icebergs were not relayed to the bridge. This lack of communication led to the death of 1,523 people.

3. How agile is your organization? If change is not a possibility for your organization, failure is eminent. Even if the proverbial iceberg is known, if the organization cannot manuver the challenge, you're goin' down.

4. Who's playing in your band? The band aboard the Titanic is reported to have been playing calming music as the ship sank in efforts to sooth passengers. Icebergs could be in the form of layoff's. Employees may know that they are losing their jobs (example: the recent layoff of over 40% of the workforce at HB Fuller). Supervisors should be willing to 'be the band,' and write letters of recommendation and serve as references for those employees.

To schedule an in-service training or speech for your organization, contact me today.

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Jibba-Jabba

Many of us struggle with time & project management issues. The uninvited (and often times, unwanted) interruptions of the day can be highly distracting and can exponentially decrease productivity.

Mr. T might advise you to simply say:

"I ain't got no time for jibba-jabba!"

or

"Shut up, Fool!"

Here are some equally effective and less aggressive tips (and if you still have problems, if no one else can help, and if you can find her...maybe you can hire...Donna-Maria Walker).

1. Re-position your desk in your office (and against the advice of John Wayne, face your chair away from the door).

2. Carve out an hour each day (or at least 30 minutes) to have a meeting with yourself. Seriously. Have calls sent directly to voicemail, close your door, and most importantly, let everyone know your schedule for 'interrupted time.'

3. Saying "later" doesn't mean "no."

4. Place your briefcase or a short stack of books in the 'guest chair' in your office.

5. Stand up when someone enters your office and don't sit back down until they leave.

6. Place a clock in a prominent place in your office taking occasional and obvious glances.

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Faulty Planning

Two things absolutely frighten me (in this order):
1. Mullets
2. Natural disasters

The Department of Homeland Security offers emergency preparedness brochures for your home and business.

When the New Madrid Fault erupted in 1812, the earthquakes were felt in New York City, Boston and caused church bells to ring in Massachusetts. Oh, and it caused permanent changes in the course of the Mississippi River (not to mention, the mighty river appeared to run backward for some time afterward).

The next scheduled major seismic event is scheduled anytime between 2012 and 2312...oh, and Paducah is deemed an 'epicenter' for activity.

Have a great week!