I hope this finds you wrapping up a successful 2021 with an optimistic outlook into the new year. I encourage you to consider doing a SWOT analysis to look back and learn some ways to make improvements for 2022. I found one article on empowering your team to become more independent/less reliant on you and another on being a humane leader. I thought these were both great reminders.
As I am currently working with some clients who are preparing their businesses for sale, it seems timely to talk about what life can look like on the other side of selling your company. Have you ever heard of Private Foundations? How about Donor Advised Funds? Do you know how to maximize your company’s proceeds?
This month marks FocalPath Coaching’s 16th anniversary! We are honored to have worked with so many wonderful people at so many amazing companies over the years. For this, we are eternally grateful and want to pass along our thanks and gratitude to our current and former clients.
Speaking of giving positive feedback, I hope you will enjoy this month’s article that focuses on the power of kindness at work.
In this month’s newsletter, I’m hopeful that you find some knowledge nuggets that will bring additional wins to your business.
I’ve included: an update on the SBA’s EIDL program; a contest from The UPS Store where your small business can win up to $25,000; and an article on how to boost employee morale without costing you anything. I’ve always said that your employees are your greatest asset not listed on your balance sheet, so make sure you are taking care of them. We all know that the labor pool is a challenge right now, so let’s find ways to keep the talent we have!
We spend a lot of time talking, thinking and working on ways to improve our leadership skills. I found a great article in the Harvard Business Review that focuses on leading through an era of exponential change. If anything can be said for 2020, it is that it has been wrought with changes as we’ve never seen them before. I hope the core content of this article is helpful to you as we make our way to the end of the pandemic.
Can we have a candid conversation? Are you a control freak? I’ve learned over the years that many people, especially those in a leadership role, don’t recognize this about themselves. Do you have confidence that your business can run without you? Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling with never enough time to get everything done? Do you have time to train others on your processes/procedures? Are you enthusiastic about your role in your company? Depending on how you answered these questions, you just might be a control freak. You could be too afraid to let go and embrace the art of delegation. If this sounds like you, I know you’ll enjoy this month’s article. If you’re struggling with how to change, let’s have a conversation.
As we’re full on experiencing the heat of the summer, I thought it appropriate to think about conflict in business (heated conversations). Most people want to avoid conflict…I bet you’re one of them! Do you run from what you perceive to be a confrontational situation? If you are, you’re probably missing a great opportunity to enhance a relationship, grow personally and grow your business. Sound crazy? Read these 2 articles to get some ideas on how conflict can be a healthy part of your culture.
The current workforce continues to be one of the most challenging issues I hear about from company owners that I work with. What can be done? Be worth working for!
That means not only offering competitive salaries and benefits, but also providing a high-functioning work environment, with effective management, professional development and recognition for a job well done. The best-run hiring process in the world won’t be able to overcome bad word of mouth about what it’s like to work for a particular company. Making sure that your company’s brand is appropriately and prominently displayed is a big key to finding the right talent.
If you know me, you know that accountability is something I talk about often. It is important in every aspect of our lives.
As a matter of fact, I will be speaking on the topic of accountability at the 2020 Annual Retreat for the Virginia Council of CEO’s in a couple of months.
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year that’s wrapping up and the year ahead. One of my core values is “it’s all about the people”, so that leads me to think about all of the customers and employees that are impacted by my clients. Folks, if you take care of them your business will flourish. Make your plans to establish a culture of employee engagement and a culture of customer experience in 2020. These articles will give you the road maps to do just that!
I wish each of you a healthy and happy holiday season.