I Need to Make A Decision

Having a rising high school senior has provided a new opportunity for our family. College tours and decisions. So many great places with different attributes and qualities. We’ve visited two universities so far and have several others on the schedule over the next 30 days. Apples and Oranges. How can she decide?  Having a Six Sigma/Lean Engineering mom brings a new decision making opportunity to this process as well. We’ve taken the C&E Matrix (Cause and Effect Matrix) to a whole new application. I’m not referring to the Ishikawa Diagram (fishbone) even though some disciplines call the Ishikawa Diagram a C&E Matrix. I’m talking about the decision making tool.

The C&E matrix is typically used to help us narrow a long list of suspected X’s (inputs) down to a more manageable one. For example if a process has dozens of inputs, it would be too difficult to start investigating each one – so instead they get prioritized based on the issue at hand which are categorized by Critical to Quality indicators (CTQ’s).

In my opinion, the reason the C&E is so powerful is that it keeps the emotion/gut in check. So we have put together a C&E Matrix for our daughter’s college decision making. The CTQ’s are what we’re calling “Important Factors”.  These are the things that are important to our her for college journey.  The inputs are the colleges and they are being measured against the CTQ’s she has identified.  The goal is to come up with a “top 3-5” list when we’re done with the circuit.  And then, assuming a standout – start the early application process.

Other rogue ways I’ve used this tool and the benefits:

• Employee hiring – helped me hire a widely diverse workforce with stills targeted to the job’s success factors not just someone like the employee previously in the role. 
• Deciding what family vacation to take – balanced all factors, not just cost and helped us think of options that catered to everyone’s preferences.
• Business investment choices – deciding when to invest in equipment, systems, furniture, office space, etc. is really a matter of two things – positive impact to the customer and positive impact to the revenue plan (of course regulatory factors supersede both). The C&E helps get the ego out of the way.

If you have questions on how to use this tool for your business or personal decision making, please let me know. And if you have used it in a unique or innovative way – share that with the New Day Solutions blog readers too.

Lead on!

Lori

I Need to Thank Mom

As I was sitting at the pool, waiting for my daughter to finish swim practice this past weekend I was thinking about Mother’s Day.  I heard a mom say to her child, “First, put your sunscreen on so you don’t get burned.”  It reminded me of all the things that were said to me as a kid by my Mom and how much of a leader she was to me. 

Here are 10 motherly messages that can be applied to your leadership strategies –

1. “I’m not here to be your friend; I’m here to help you grow up.”   As a leader, the primary role is to help a team succeed – if you end up with a friend in the process end then it’s a bonus.  It is hard to hold friends accountable – but if you set early expectations then, there are no mixed messages.
2. “Because it’s good for you.”  Sometimes a leader must stretch and grow their team by taking them outside of their comfort zones.  A leader’s vision sees capabilities beyond one’s own perceived limitations – and that is a very good thing.
3. “No, you’re not fat, you’re healthy.”  Sometimes, competitive pressures can deflate someone’s confidence.  A good leader knows when to point out positive attributes in light of some critical peer feedback. 
4. “You’re coming with me.”  I came along very late in my parents’ live.  My only sibling was married by the time I was four.  As a result, I was often the only child in the midst of a sea of adults at my parents’ social events.  It was great exposure for me, even if I wasn’t “participating”.  I learned a lot by observing.  It helped me feel comfortable having conversations with people of all different ages and backgrounds.  A good leader brings along team members to expose them to new experiences. Consider letting someone shadow you for the day.
5. “What do you want?”  Even though Mom had in mind what I needed, at least I had a chance to voice my opinion and we’d talk about it.  Including me in the decision making process was a much better way of getting buy with me – particularly as a teenager.  What do you do more of – asking or telling?
6. “I won’t tell your Dad.”  When we mess up, it’s great knowing that your manager is the first to forgive and isn’t ready to spread the word about your mistakes (unless it is immoral or unethical and they are required to report it).  Having a safe place to learn and grow is essential for emerging leaders.
7. “Call me first.”  There will be times when things don’t always go as planned. Having the peace of mind of knowing that you have the support you need if trouble arises helps not only manage through the issue, but prevents unnecessary guesswork if it is unchartered territory.  Most seasoned leaders have already dealt with most issues – sharing your experience in those tough times will surely minimize the impact. Who do you want your team members calling first – their peers or you?
8. “I have a surprise for you.”  It is always nice to know that someone has thought about you when you’re not around.  Maybe that surprise could be a raise, new project to work on, a mentor they’ve been seeking – be creative and surprise someone. They will likely surprise you with their response.
9. “Because I said so.” Sometimes corporate decisions need to be made and supported across the board without discussion or reasoning.  There are times when there are issues outside the realm of public knowledge and they just need to be accepted.  Having a leader who consistently fosters trust will gain buy in much more easily than someone who doesn’t.  
10. “It hurts me too.”  No one likes to deliver bad news. Progressive discipline is a way to help someone either find their way or find the door.  Either way, it is as painful for the leader as it is for the teammate – protecting the individual’s dignity helps everyone get through the process swiftly.  When the outcome is positive and the correction effort is successful, they will recognize the “tough love” you gave as a gift.

Thanks, Mom – for setting your leadership example.

Lori

I Need to Love It

Formula for making a living doing what you love:

Your strengths/gifts + Your passions/preferences + a desired product/service* =

A job that is fulfilling, rewarding ($$)  and provide long term vocational satisfaction

In my coaching practice, I often am asked, “How do I know what I those things are?”   Here are a few questions you can answer that will point you in the right direction:

When people say “thank you” you to you – what do they thank you for?  Is it for helping, solving a problem, being compassionate, your creativity . . . ?  This is your is what you are naturally good at – your strengths/gifts.

What things do I naturally do first and what things do I put off?   Do you get energy from talking with people, doing organizational stuff, research, reading/learning, planning, working on that volunteer or service project . . . ?  What you like to do first is what you are naturally drawn to, comfortable doing and/or are passionate about.  In here lies what you love.

What products and services that are similar in the market, and how many providers are there?   If there are very few similar other products/businesses that offer what you love then it probably isn’t a viable business strategy.  There aren’t that many original ideas out there  – but plenty of original ways to  specialize it and make it your own – so if it isn’t thriving already somewhere, it probably wont be.  If it, or something similar, is being sold –  chances are if you are good at it and love it – you’ll be successful at it.

Here is a link to someone who has taken her passion and not only has made it into a thriving business, but is bringing joy into people’s lives every day!  Kathy Shires, Director of Animal Assisted Therapy at the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, Arizona trains Collies to help children who are visually impaired and who are in rehabilitation therapy.  In less than one minute and thirty seconds, you can watch an amazing story featuring her Collies at work.  Her passion and her dogs are making the world a better place, one lick at a time.  Click on this link http://teamk9therapy.com/  go to “interesting videos” – and watch the first one!  Hats off to you, Kathy for sharing your gifts in such a special way.  If you are interested in donating or being a sponsor – contact Kathy through their website. 

• Video Courtesy of KPNX TV Channel 12 Phoenix, Arizona April 27, 2010

*definition of desired product/service – something a customer is willing to pay for!

 To your passion!

Lori

I Need A Gift

Positive and constructive feedback is a gift that you can give and receive, but unfortunately, most people aren’t very good at it because it is not being viewed as a gift.  When someone tells you that something you are doing is disruptive, ineffective or problematic they are saying, “Hey, I care about your success. You can be better.”  The problem is that if we are in the wrong frame of mind we hear, “You don’t measure up; you’ll never make it; everyone else is passing you in the fast lane.”   It’s silly but it’s true. 

Growth leaders seek the gift for themselves and their teams.  They put their head in the right spot and seek the feedback.  They embrace the idea that they are not perfect and want to know what’s in their blind spots.  They also want to know what they do well so they do more of that.  Here’s the most important part.  When they get feedback they do something with it.  Even if they don’t agree with the feedback, someone elses perception is their reality and the receiver of the feedback now has the knowledge to do something different to change others’ perception.   Knowledge is power. 

Many companies conduct 360 degree feedback assessments to provide their leaders with input from many other individuals of all different levels within a company who interact with the employee.  I am a huge believer in 360 reviews but because they are administered every 12-24 months, the feedback is often not as timely as needed.

Another source of getting feedback is to administer feedback assessments on yourself every 3 to 6 months.  Send people you work for, with, and lead, a letter (email will work if you provide an option for anonyminity) and ask them to invest in your development by sending you back their thoughts on these three questions:

• What should I start doing that I’m not doing now?
• What should I stop doing that?
• What should I continue doing?

And lastly, if you make it a point to ask for continuous feedback it will be easy to receive and easy to give.  At first people might have a hard time giving you candid feedback, but if you consistently ask others to tell you how you’re doing, they will.  They’ll probably ask you for your opinion in return.  And then the gift keeps giving.

Guidelines for asking for feedback:

• Ask for something specific – “What do you think was the weakest part and strongest part of the presentation?”  Not –“So, what you think?”
• Give people permission to tell you the truth – “I really respect your insights.  I’d like to know what I can do better the next time.”
• Thank them for the gift.  “I really appreciate your opinion.  Thank you for being willing to help me improve.”
• Ask for feedforward.  “I’m gearing up for my next presentation.  What can I do to make it valuable to the attendees?”

Guidelines for giving feedback:

• Focus as much on the positive as the constructive feedback.  “I saw everyone taking notes when you unveiled your goals with such excitement.  The whole team is onboard with the new plan. Great job.” 
• Talk about your observations and feelings.  “I love the way you make everyone feel at ease at our staff meetings.  However, some of the small talk takes up a lot of time and I miss the chance to workout some of the business issues.  How about inviting everyone to dail in five minutes early for some social time?”
• Offer a solutions, not just criticism. “I feel disconnected because you are not very visible on the floor.  It would be great if you could walk around the department in the afternoons.”
• Use facts not “suspicions” It is not helpful to say “I get the sense that everyone is unhappy.” 
• If the feedback is unsolicited, prepare them for it.  “I have made some observations lately that I’d like to share with you.  Could I come by this afternoon to discuss my feedback with you?

Feedback creates a platform for growth.  And, although growth can be painful at times, is necessary to become the man or woman you are capable of being. 

Lead on!

If you are interested in help starting a feedback process in your company, team or life, contact me at New Day Solutions, Inc. lday@newdaysolutionsinc.com.  We’re dedicated to helping businesses and individuals achieve their goals.

I Need A Good Reputation

Nobody’s making money until someone sells something.  So, who is really responsible for sales?  I would argue that anyone in any position is selling whether they’re asking for the buy or not. People sell loyalty by providing excellent customer service, we sell trust by doing the right thing, we sell product by solving a need/problem – and most importantly we sell “word of mouth and word of mouse” advertizing, good and bad, whenever we interact with a customer or prospect.

We all prefer to buy when we know someone else has already had a good experience. Social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) has become a Mecca of resources for recommendations. Just post the question “has anyone ever bought XYZ from ABC?” and see what you get back! And, as human beings we are wired to want to help people succeed who are doing a good job, so we tell people freely when that is true. So there’s the good news – you get to choose.  Create a culture where you/your team consistently provide(s) positive customer experiences and you will get more business  . . .  or not. 

Here’s the scary news – there have been recent studies that found that 84% of consumers will tell someone else about a bad experience, which was up from 67% in 2006. And how easy is it to use email, FB, Twitter, or even the news media to proliferate a public warning? One mouse click away.

Forrester.com recently published a research study where it asked more than 4,500 consumers how often they talk about experiences with companies in twelve industries. It turns out that more consumers talk about good experiences than bad experiences with eight of the industries. Retailers and banks have the most consumers saying good things about them, and credit card providers, health insurance plans, Internet service providers, and TV service providers have the most consumers saying bad things. This negative bias is worst for airlines. As it turns out, Gen Xers and Older Boomers share news about a negative experience most frequently.

All industries and services take heed. More consumers share positive experiences and consumers tell more people about negative experiences.  Here’s the bottom line; people are talking. Whether the experience is good or bad, the consumer is going to tell someone about it. What do you want them saying about you, your product and your company?

I Need a Break – Fast!

How many times have you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?  It’s true, but isn’t it also true that it is the hardest to manage?  As part of the workforce, we find ourselves sacrificing either time or nutrition. when it comes to breakfast.   Here are 5 fast, nutritious, health conscious breakfast meals that take 5 minutes or less and only leaves you with two or less things to wash.

1.  Whole wheat frozen waffle with Peanut Butter and Banana – 3 minutes start to finish – 1 knife to wash.  Toast the frozen waffle, spread with 1 TBS reduced fat peanut butter.  Slice a banana and place on top of the peanut butter.  Fold like a taco, put it in a paper napkin and take it with you in the car.  Protein, healthy fat, whole grain, fruit (super fruit by the way bananas are amazing)

2. Homemade Oatmeal with Greek Yogurt and Berries – 5 minutes start to finish – 1 bowl and 1 spoon to wash.  Shallow wide soup bowl works best – in it place 1/4 cup each Whole Oats (not  instant), skim milk and water – 1 TBS Sweetener of your choice (I like Truvia but you can use sugar, Spenda, Equal, etc.) and a pinch of salt.  Stir.  Place in Microwave on 1/2 power for 4 minutes.  Let sit for 30 seconds.  Top with Greek Yogurt (plain or flavored) and fresh berries.  Whole Grain, protein, dairy, fruit

3. Egg  (beaters) and Cheese Muffin – 4 minutes start to finish – 1 non stick pan to wash.  Toast Whole Wheat English Muffin.  Spray small non-stick sauté pay with Butter Flavored non-stick cooking spray.  Heat pan on medium high for 30 seconds.  Add 1/4 cup Egg Beaters (I like the ones with yolk) and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.  Let eggs begin to set and gently guide uncooked eggs to the heat source to form a round omelet.  Slide the omelet onto the English Muffin, top with a slice of fat-free or 2% cheddar cheese.  Add any condiments you like, hot sauce, mustard, light mayo, etc. Wrap in a paper napkin and your ready to go. Protein, Whole Grain, Dairy

4. Yogurt, Fruit, Granola Parfait – 3 minutes start to finish, 1 cup and spoon to wash.  In a 12-16 oz glass or cup, layer in this order – 1/4 cup of fruit (mixed berries, banana, mandarin oranges, etc.) 1 Tsp honey, 1/4 cup yogurt (fruit flavored, vanilla, or plain) and 2 TBS reduced fat granola or Fiber One Cereal, and 4 whole natural almonds.  Repeat with a second layer and top with a small drizzel of honey. Enjoy.   Hint – take it to go in a disposable paper cup and plastic spoon.  Protein, Fruit, Whole Grain

5. Onion bagel, with cream cheese, Canadian bacon and tomato.  3 minutes start to finish – 1 knife to wash.  Toast onion bagel (I love the Western Alternative Bagel).  If you are toasting in a toaster oven, place Canadian bacon on the bagel mid-way through.  Spread toasted bagel with light or fat free cream cheese and then layer the Canadian bacon and a thick slice of tomato on top.  YUM!  Wrap in a paper napkin and you’re out the door.  Protein, dairy, vegetable, grain.

Here’s to  a great start to your day!

Lori

lday@newdaysolutionsinc.com

I Need A Wife

Is this you???? 

It’s 6:00 p.m. Shut down the PC and get ready for the Second Shift –
• Pick up son
• Call in to End of Day Production Conference via car
• Pick up Dry Cleaning
• Create, eat and clean up dinner
• Get kids bathed, read to, put to bed
• Sort mail
• Put in a load of laundry
• Confirm tomorrow’s drop off schedule
• Straighten the house so the maid can clean tomorrow
• Check personal emails
• Call mom, the kids, Aunt Betty or anyone else who thinks you have nothing better to do than chat and that you should call them more often
• RSVP to the weekend party
• Watch the News
• Veg out to Letterman
• (oops forgot to work out – must get up at 5:00 instead)
• Bedtime

Hit Snooze alarm until 6:00 a.m. – First Shift Begins

You think “I NEED A WIFE”  (See Disclaimer below)  Many working women (and men) are finding themselves in the Second Shift Syndrome. Where does the energy come from? Well that’s a whole different question, but the sure fire answer is the energy CAN’T last. It calls for energy, concentration, brain power, compassion, idea generation,  problem solving, and hopefully some fun too!  A schedule like that for a prolonged period can cause serious emotional, physical and relationship damage. I’ve certainly not mastered this conundrum, but here are a few things that might help us all stay a little more balanced.

Plan ahead – as much as possible. *
• Plan meals on Sunday for the week
• Stack kids clothes in outfits
Organize and follow a process
• Store like colored clothes together for easy wardrobing
• Have a mail center that is equipped to answer mail with my PC, checkbook, phone or trashcan at the time I open it
• Label things in the freezer and keep like items (meat, seafood, vegetables, etc.) together
• Visible family calendar/message center to keep everyone informed easily
Elicit help – asking for help is a good relationship builder
• Younger kids can help with laundry matching, putting their things away and pet duty
• Older kids and spouses – let them help with everything – it will give you time together, teach them some valuable life skills, and not make it feel like you’re doing everything alone
Have the best equipment to help make your tasks easier and more fun*
• George Foreman grill
• Vacu-seal and easy plastic food storage containers
• Swifter complete for cleaning
• Garbage bags with ties already in them to synch trash and carry with

Any other ideas out there to live “happily ever after”?

DISCLAIMER – “I need a wife” statement is for illustration purposes! 🙂  It is not to propose that wives are limited to, required to, only add value to domestic tasks – as a wife myself – that couldn’t be further from the truth!

*1/2 day seminar 10 Essentials for Maintaining an Executive Schedule AND providing Nutritious Meals for your Family provides more details on these and other topics to help you bring more work/life balance into your life – www.newdaysolutionsinc.com/workshops

All the best,

Lori

I Need a Coach

Athletes need a coach to stretch them beyond where they are today – to help them see areas for improvement and strengths ready to be deployed. Professionals are no different – having an unbiased coach to walk along side, bounce ideas off of or provide exposure to new ideas and concepts not yet uncovered is essential for growing professionally and personally. It is important to choose the right coach for YOU.

Must haves when selecting a coach

1. Credible in your area of need or expertise – Someone without medical experience cannot coach a surgeon on medical procedures, but they can coach a surgeon on how to effectively deliver tough messages to their patients.

2. Trust – can you trust this person tell you the truth you need to hear? Do you believe they have your/your team’s best interest at heart?

3. Time – can you and the coach invest the necessary time in you/your team?

4. Flexibility – a coach should be able to grow with you and your teams as you evolve. One size does not fit all. Are the services tailorable for your industry/need?

5. Respect – do you respect the experiences, beliefs, ethics, approach, references of the coach?

This is a 5 out of 5 game. To have an effective coach you must have them all.