How to wrap our arms around social media?
It can certainly be a wonderful tool to communicate with and share stories and stay connected with friends and family.
It can also be a venue for hate and negative and a way to spread gossip.
That is the biggest difference with terrorist groups of today, there have always been groups of people in all of history that band behind a religion to rage war and kill.
The biggest difference and the scariest is today they recruit and spread their twisted believes to millions across the world.
How can we monitor that or control it?
We cannot-
Then What? How do we combat it ?
Same goes for our day to day lives both personally and in business. How we do stop cyber bullying or stop someone from spreading lies and hate?
It is impossible to stop others from doing whatever it is they want to do in the privacy of their own home or space.
All you can do is educate your kids, your friends and co workers to try to stay positive and to not get sucked into the drama or the hate.
If there is a question or a conflict confront that person the old fashion way, in person or pick up the phone.
Remember that there are always two sides to the story, sometimes three.
Do you really want to play judge and jury?
If a person takes to the airwaves and social media to air their dirty laundry does that already tell you what you need to know about them?
The internet is a marvelous tool but unless we wrap our arms around it's use and have more education and verbalization on what we, what you, expect from participating in the social media aspect of it we will continue to waste good oxygen and time on the wrong subjects.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Who Cares?
We allow the smallest of things to bother us and from there we allow it to affect our whole day.
At the end of the day...who really cares?
We puff our chest and stand our ground ..for what? Most times in hind sight it is over something foolish and in a day or so it is forgotten. So why allow it to seep in?
Take a breath, step away. You may find that you were really angry over something totally different and you are taking it out elsewhere.
So step away if you have to, let cooler heads prevail.
Do not throw gasoline on the fire, it will only enflame the problem.
Remember that in the end who really cares, do not let it get the better of you.
You have to allow it for it to happen, you have the controls...or at least you should.
At the end of the day...who really cares?
We puff our chest and stand our ground ..for what? Most times in hind sight it is over something foolish and in a day or so it is forgotten. So why allow it to seep in?
Take a breath, step away. You may find that you were really angry over something totally different and you are taking it out elsewhere.
So step away if you have to, let cooler heads prevail.
Do not throw gasoline on the fire, it will only enflame the problem.
Remember that in the end who really cares, do not let it get the better of you.
You have to allow it for it to happen, you have the controls...or at least you should.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Believe
Believe it
See it
Live it
And you will become it !
How do you want others to see you? What is your personal goal ?
You can be whoever you want to be but you first need to believe that you can.
Now see it, actually form the picture in your mind on what you believe your goal looks like.
You then need to create habits so that you live the life that you want and the life that you want others to remember you for.
Believe- See- Live it
Successful people do it every day in all walks of life. You can do it too- if you want it bad enough.
Try it !
See it
Live it
And you will become it !
How do you want others to see you? What is your personal goal ?
You can be whoever you want to be but you first need to believe that you can.
Now see it, actually form the picture in your mind on what you believe your goal looks like.
You then need to create habits so that you live the life that you want and the life that you want others to remember you for.
Believe- See- Live it
Successful people do it every day in all walks of life. You can do it too- if you want it bad enough.
Try it !
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
A little history on one of Arpin's Elite Drivers....
Below is a bit of history from one of our elite drivers, Bob
Cordeiro , one of the best, and most professional, household goods
driver that Arpin has had the great pleasure of bring associated with……thank
you Bob !
I made my first trip to California in the passenger seat of a 1968 Kenworth single axle cab over when I was 4 years old. My dad was an owner/operator for Engel van lines out of Elizabeth, NJ at the time, and I rode with him every summer until I joined the Army after graduating catholic school in 1987.
My first tour of duty was in Germany for 2 years, then
Fort Sill, OK over to the Persian Gulf for operations Desert Shield/Desert
Storm for 7 months then back to Fort Sill before my term ended. Even when I was
home on leave from the service I worked with my dad. He swore up and down that
I didn't belong in the business, that I should go to college and get far away
from this life, but I was bred to be a mover.
I drove with my Dad until I became a qualified van operator
with Allied van lines. Ironically I tried to get qualified with Paul Arpin thru
Allstate moving and Transfer in Bayonne, NJ, but as I was only 22, they
required a minimum age of 25. So here I started that summer of 1992 leasing a
company truck from Benton and Holden, an Allied agent in NJ. (Which was bought
by Paul Arpin in 1998) By the end of that summer I bought my first truck and
signed on with another Allied agent out of CT until 1996 when fate finally
brought me to Paul Arpin van lines:
Where I have achieved:
Driver of the month, February 1997
Driver of the month, April 1998
Driver of the Year, 1998
Driver of the month, Sept 2005
Driver of the month, Oct 2009
I brought my youngest brother Stefan into the Arpin family
in 2007 and Mr. Paul Arpin himself saw the potential in my brother and helped
steer him to become the general manger for one of our busiest agents. I have
been here for a generation, and hope to be here for another....
A long career with one van lines, where almost everybody
knows my name, agent families included, just like the family of cross country
movers I grew up in.
Angry
I have noticed in my time in business that normally the people that get upset the quickest normally either messed up, and they know it, or they have been slacking.
I have had good friends even convince them selves that they are right and everybody else is wrong. Even after they hear from several different arenas that their seems to be a problem.
That is a sure sign to me that something is wrong with a person when I hear it from several people and some in other States or departments.
My thoughts is that people fly off the handle quick or get angry when they know deep down that they may be at fault because it sends up a smoke screen, it deflects the conversation.
Unfortunately this method always catches up to people.
Some people are angry about something else or mad at somebody or the situation or position that they are in so that start to dial it back.
You know the type, the type that says this is what you pay me and this is what you will get, not a nickel more.
Because of that their job start to suffer and when called out for it they get angry and snap at you.
It is amazing how many times I have seen this through the years, and the shame of it most of those people had good potential but they pissed it away because they just got angry.
Do not hurt yourself in the process, be honest. And most of all be honest with yourself.
I have had good friends even convince them selves that they are right and everybody else is wrong. Even after they hear from several different arenas that their seems to be a problem.
That is a sure sign to me that something is wrong with a person when I hear it from several people and some in other States or departments.
My thoughts is that people fly off the handle quick or get angry when they know deep down that they may be at fault because it sends up a smoke screen, it deflects the conversation.
Unfortunately this method always catches up to people.
Some people are angry about something else or mad at somebody or the situation or position that they are in so that start to dial it back.
You know the type, the type that says this is what you pay me and this is what you will get, not a nickel more.
Because of that their job start to suffer and when called out for it they get angry and snap at you.
It is amazing how many times I have seen this through the years, and the shame of it most of those people had good potential but they pissed it away because they just got angry.
Do not hurt yourself in the process, be honest. And most of all be honest with yourself.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Smile
Smile.... it does not cost you a dime and I guarantee it will improve your looks and your outlook.
A positive attitude is contagious, people want to be with people that are positive and smiling.
Start your day with a smile and good morning to all that you speak to and you will see the smile returned.
TRY IT
Monday, February 23, 2015
Who's Watching ?
You are in Nowheresville Utah who could be watching?
You are alone in the kitchen with the customer, who could be listening?
You are on a scale in Arkansas, who could be looking?
The answer to all the above is - EVERYBODY !
With the internet and social media and smart phones and cameras you are always being watched. David Arpin said years ago that we are all in a fish bowl now and we are.
You must always conduct yourself as a professional and watch what you say and how you say it.
Approach it like someone is watching you.....because they are !
It is simple...just make it a habit and treat others the way you want to be treated.
If you try to cheat or cut corners it will only come back to you and hurt you.
On the other hand if you go the extra mile and be the professional that you can be that will come back to you too.
Do the right thing !
Below is from our Driver of the month Steve Martin-
You are alone in the kitchen with the customer, who could be listening?
You are on a scale in Arkansas, who could be looking?
The answer to all the above is - EVERYBODY !
With the internet and social media and smart phones and cameras you are always being watched. David Arpin said years ago that we are all in a fish bowl now and we are.
You must always conduct yourself as a professional and watch what you say and how you say it.
Approach it like someone is watching you.....because they are !
It is simple...just make it a habit and treat others the way you want to be treated.
If you try to cheat or cut corners it will only come back to you and hurt you.
On the other hand if you go the extra mile and be the professional that you can be that will come back to you too.
Do the right thing !
Below is from our Driver of the month Steve Martin-
Like my father also told me, be at your best
At all times, you never know who is watching.Sunday, February 22, 2015
The Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is a 200-lap, 500 mile race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The race is a restrictor plate race, meaning that a devise is installed in the intake of the automobile’s engine, restricting top performance to ensure fair competition and safety. The Daytona 500 race is regarded as the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar, as it carries the largest purse.
Championship points, however, are awarded equal to that of an other Sprint Cup Race. The race is known as the “Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing” and the “Great American Race.”
Saturday, February 21, 2015
More on managing or being in charge
Culture Can Be A Springboard Or A Prison
We often hear about how great companies have great cultures. Places like Google and Zappos are renowned not only for being incredibly profitable, but also for being great places to work. That’s led many to believe that building a strong culture is a essential for building a strong business.
But a culture can also hold you back. Blockbuster and Kodak both had strong corporate cultures and in both cases, ingrained attitudes contributed to their demise. Excessive reverence of culture makes it difficult to adapt to new realities and therein lies the dilemma.
We often hear about how great companies have great cultures. Places like Google and Zappos are renowned not only for being incredibly profitable, but also for being great places to work. That’s led many to believe that building a strong culture is a essential for building a strong business.
But a culture can also hold you back. Blockbuster and Kodak both had strong corporate cultures and in both cases, ingrained attitudes contributed to their demise. Excessive reverence of culture makes it difficult to adapt to new realities and therein lies the dilemma.
A corporate culture, properly understood, is how an enterprise values its mission and has little to do with specific strategies and practices (like retail stores or photographic film), nor does it depend on perks like ping pong tables, relaxed dress codes or pet friendly policies. A strong culture is based on values.
Values, unlike perks, cost something. They determine what you will and will not do. When people at Google commit to not being “evil,” that constrains them and requires commitment. That’s how you build a strong culture.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Managing
The great myth is the manager as orchestra conductor. It’s this idea of standing on a pedestal and you wave your baton and accounting comes in, and you wave it somewhere else and marketing chimes in with accounting, and they all sound very glorious.”
“But,” he continues, “management is more like orchestra conducting during rehearsals, when everything is going wrong.” In many ways, being a manager is the art of figuring out all the stuff that nobody ever told you.
Your job is to solve problems that no one else can -
The two basic jobs a manager does are to plan and make decisions. While others can focus on the work at hand, you need to look ahead for potential problems and opportunities. So every good manager needs to get the best information available and make thoughtful decisions based on that information.
However, as I noted above, despite your best efforts, your information is usually going to be wrong. Besides our natural tendencies toward bias, there will also inevitably be problems with how the information is gathered and analyzed. Most of our information is also backward looking, so unforeseen events can render it invalid as well.
So not only is your information usually wrong, your plans are too.
Adjustments will need to be made and that’s best done by those who are closest to the problem.
“But,” he continues, “management is more like orchestra conducting during rehearsals, when everything is going wrong.” In many ways, being a manager is the art of figuring out all the stuff that nobody ever told you.
Your job is to solve problems that no one else can -
The two basic jobs a manager does are to plan and make decisions. While others can focus on the work at hand, you need to look ahead for potential problems and opportunities. So every good manager needs to get the best information available and make thoughtful decisions based on that information.
However, as I noted above, despite your best efforts, your information is usually going to be wrong. Besides our natural tendencies toward bias, there will also inevitably be problems with how the information is gathered and analyzed. Most of our information is also backward looking, so unforeseen events can render it invalid as well.
So not only is your information usually wrong, your plans are too.
Adjustments will need to be made and that’s best done by those who are closest to the problem.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Old School
Love this !... From one of our elite drivers- Dana Query....
..... as quoted by Clint Eastwood
Finally, "Old School" defined....
"Old school” is a term that alludes to toughness both mental and physical. If you look at what previous generations had to go through to just put food on their table, you might realize what hard work is.
The tough, strong, old school men of today are outnumbered. We’re drowned out by the whining of the new school, the “Pussy Generation.”
But that’s fine by us, because to be old school is to be silent. It’s the old school silent warrior. The bite that far outweighs the volume of his roar. The man who understands that loose lips sinks ships.
Be old school. Don’t whine, complain or wish you were elsewhere. You are where you are for a good reason. What we have and where we are right now is where we deserve to be – good or bad. But this is not where we’re going to end up. Keep pushing.
Whatever you want to accomplish in life, whether it be a career, family or general hustle. Focus. Let nothing stand in your way: not even jealousy, laziness or your burning desire to complain.
The old school simply puts its head down, doesn’t complain, and out-hustles those who do. It’s life; it’s simple.
..... as quoted by Clint Eastwood
Finally, "Old School" defined....
"Old school” is a term that alludes to toughness both mental and physical. If you look at what previous generations had to go through to just put food on their table, you might realize what hard work is.
The tough, strong, old school men of today are outnumbered. We’re drowned out by the whining of the new school, the “Pussy Generation.”
But that’s fine by us, because to be old school is to be silent. It’s the old school silent warrior. The bite that far outweighs the volume of his roar. The man who understands that loose lips sinks ships.
Be old school. Don’t whine, complain or wish you were elsewhere. You are where you are for a good reason. What we have and where we are right now is where we deserve to be – good or bad. But this is not where we’re going to end up. Keep pushing.
Whatever you want to accomplish in life, whether it be a career, family or general hustle. Focus. Let nothing stand in your way: not even jealousy, laziness or your burning desire to complain.
The old school simply puts its head down, doesn’t complain, and out-hustles those who do. It’s life; it’s simple.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Listen
“There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
‘I feel this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong.’
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What’s right for you — just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.”
Monday, February 16, 2015
More on the YEAR 1953
NATIONAL AND WORLD NEWS
Playboy magazine’s first issue featured Marilyn Monroe as its first cover girl and nude centerfold.
The Korean War Ended.
New York adopted the three-color traffic light.
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of England.
Playboy magazine’s first issue featured Marilyn Monroe as its first cover girl and nude centerfold.
The Korean War Ended.
New York adopted the three-color traffic light.
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of England.
SPORTS CHAMPIONS FADS
New York Yankees (baseball) Scrabble
Detroit Lions (football) Matchbox®
Bill Vukovich (Indianapolis 500) Wiffle Ball invented
Montreal Canadians (hockey)
Indiana (NCAA basketball)
John Lattner from Notre Dame (Heisman Trophy)
Dark Star (Kentucky Derby)
Popular Quotes
“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.” - Mounds® / Almond Joy®
“You’ll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent®.” - Pepsodent® toothpaste
Sunday, February 15, 2015
1953
This Was the Year…1953
U.S. President & Vice President
Dwight Eisenhower
The Vice President
Richard Nixon
Time Magazine Person Of The Year
Konrad Adenauer
Cost of Living Cost of Food
New House $9,525 Granulated Sugar $ .85 for 10 lbs
Average Income $4,011 Milk $ .94 per gallon
New Car $1,651 Ground Coffee $ .76 per pound
Gallon of Gas $ .20 Bacon $ .55 per pound
Movie Ticket $ .70 Eggs $ .24 per dozen
Popular Movies Born This Year
From Here to Eternity (Academy Award) Tim Allen
Peter Pan Pierce Brosnan
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Tony Blair
How to Marry a Millionaire
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Your military
Arpin is one of the largest domestic household movers for our man and women in uniform.
We take great pride in treating our military members, and all customers, with the respect that they deserve.
Paul Arpin always put a lot of emphasis on doing a good a job and took great pride on moving our military members. He had a portrait of a four star general outside his office for years that was signed by the General. On it he praised the Van Lines for a great move, that always meant a lot to Paul.
Rather it was a private or a general he always wanted us to our very best. He watched over every single one and would often ask what our plans were well in advance of a load date or delivery date.
He truly cared.
We all should take the time to pay our men and woman in uniform the respect that they so deserve. Many times we are loading them up to go to storage so that they can be deployed to help protect us.
And in many cases they are relocating their family, probably for the umpteenth time.
If you can help relieve them , even a little, of the stress of moving don't you think they deserve it?
When you take the time to stop , look and listen, you will begin to get it.
When you start to see the person and not just a customer, then you will start to get it.
You can make a difference in someone's life...no matter how small that you may think it is.
It is truly appreciated and most likely not forgotten.
We take great pride in treating our military members, and all customers, with the respect that they deserve.
Paul Arpin always put a lot of emphasis on doing a good a job and took great pride on moving our military members. He had a portrait of a four star general outside his office for years that was signed by the General. On it he praised the Van Lines for a great move, that always meant a lot to Paul.
Rather it was a private or a general he always wanted us to our very best. He watched over every single one and would often ask what our plans were well in advance of a load date or delivery date.
He truly cared.
We all should take the time to pay our men and woman in uniform the respect that they so deserve. Many times we are loading them up to go to storage so that they can be deployed to help protect us.
And in many cases they are relocating their family, probably for the umpteenth time.
If you can help relieve them , even a little, of the stress of moving don't you think they deserve it?
When you take the time to stop , look and listen, you will begin to get it.
When you start to see the person and not just a customer, then you will start to get it.
You can make a difference in someone's life...no matter how small that you may think it is.
It is truly appreciated and most likely not forgotten.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Another military member satisfied
My name is Michael . On 12 Dec, your team at Arpin moved my family into our new house at Sugarland, TX. I want to say thank you for how wonderful they were. This was the easiest move we have made in the military. I am transitioning out of the military and your team made it smooth and stress free. We have not had that good of luck from other moving companies. It was a real blessing.
I want to give a special shout out to the customer Care Rep and the man who drove our delivery. I apologize because I do not remember his name but he was outstanding. They were prompt, professional, courteous, and so easy to work with. You have an amazing team and their work is really appreciated.
I want to give a special shout out to the customer Care Rep and the man who drove our delivery. I apologize because I do not remember his name but he was outstanding. They were prompt, professional, courteous, and so easy to work with. You have an amazing team and their work is really appreciated.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
From a military member
This is why you do what you do, this man serves our country and we made a difference in his life and helped relieve a little stress in his life.....
I am emailing you to let you know about the wonderful service from our recent move with your driver Jay .
My wife and I have now moved four times within 2 years and have many more to go through our lifetime.
Through all of the moves we have had I have had decent drivers willing to stay in touch with us, but no one has gone the extra mile that Jay went.
Of all the drivers we have had and probably will ever have, Jay has set the bar remarkably high. He showed up with the packers and it was clear he had a cheerful personality and I could tell he cared about our goods.
He was watching the packers closely to ensure that stuff was done right and he was also working to be as efficient as possible with the amount of boxes used.
Not only that but when problems arose he was quick to try and find a solution that would put less stress on us.
While moving he remained in contact with us to assure us our stuff would arrive on time.
When getting to our destination he actually went above and beyond and came the night before to give us our mattresses so that we would not have to sleep on the ground in our home.
The next day with the unloading he was very attentive and helped to ensure that everything was there.
It is hard to fully describe in words how helpful he really was. This move was more stressful then in times past because of how quick it had to be done and some other issues we had with the house when we got here, but having Jay actually was great and helped reduce some of our stress.
With a normal driver I know we would not have gotten the extra help. Jay went above and beyond what I ever expected out of a driver and if I could have him for every move I would. I just wanted to let you know that you have an exceptional driver in your company and we were grateful to have his help with everything.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Market yourself
It is ok to market yourself.
No one will campaign better for you than you.
Always be aware when you are in the customers house to put on positive vibes. Smile and stay in control.
Same with your labor and crews, they need to know you care and that you watching and they are always watching you, along with the customer.
When you stay positive you are marketing the perception of you, therefore you are building your reputation.
When you visit agents or the home office be aware of hope you look and how you talk about others.
Again, things get around and when your words are repeated it will probably bot be exactly the way you meant it...stay positive.
Always think about how it will look for you.
You want to be perceived as positive and part of the team.
Market yourself.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Be in Charge
Most people are really great at blaming others and pointing fingers," .
“This does nothing more than put their lack of education on display for everyone to take note of.
Be in charge of the life you lead because the only person responsible for your results is… You.”
Stop looking at everyone else, - yes, others may make mistakes or may not care about you or your job- that is all over and in every profession.
Learn to work with it and around it and do not allow it to bring YOU down or be negative.
TAKE CHARGE
“This does nothing more than put their lack of education on display for everyone to take note of.
Be in charge of the life you lead because the only person responsible for your results is… You.”
Stop looking at everyone else, - yes, others may make mistakes or may not care about you or your job- that is all over and in every profession.
Learn to work with it and around it and do not allow it to bring YOU down or be negative.
TAKE CHARGE
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Just Do the Right Thing
Just Do The Right Thing
You know what it is, it may not be what you WANT to do but deep down all know what is the right thing to do.
We tend to get carried away sometimes with emotions or we may want to do what we feel is the more profitable thing to do at the moment even if it is the wrong thing..don't.
Believe in Karma..because it is real.
It will come back to you.
It can either come back as a positive or a negative but it will come back to you.
You may need to slow it down or change what you first intended but change up.
It is never too late to change up and start down the RIGHT path.
If you were wrong admit it , learn from it and move on.
Do the Right Thing .
You know what it is, it may not be what you WANT to do but deep down all know what is the right thing to do.
We tend to get carried away sometimes with emotions or we may want to do what we feel is the more profitable thing to do at the moment even if it is the wrong thing..don't.
Believe in Karma..because it is real.
It will come back to you.
It can either come back as a positive or a negative but it will come back to you.
You may need to slow it down or change what you first intended but change up.
It is never too late to change up and start down the RIGHT path.
If you were wrong admit it , learn from it and move on.
Do the Right Thing .
Saturday, February 7, 2015
People Loving People
"People Loving People"
by Garth Brooks
Doctor, you ain't got a clue
For whatever's making this world blue
You can't get forgiveness at the store
And peace, it's a politician's war
You won't find no resolution in the bottom of a bottle
In the stars or Aristotle, the only answer to the problem is…
People loving people
That's the enemy of everything's that's evil
Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle
It's just people loving people
Words aren't what they seem to be
Talk is cheap but lies are free
We fear what we don't understand
We've been scared since time began
All the colors and the cultures circle 'round us on a spindle
It's a complicated riddle, the solution is so simple…
You can pawn it off on kings and queens and those behind the curtain
Say what can make a difference in a world so full of hurting
But I believe the remedy starts right here with you and me
People loving people
That's the enemy of everything's that's evil
Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle
It's just people loving people
For whatever's making this world blue
You can't get forgiveness at the store
And peace, it's a politician's war
You won't find no resolution in the bottom of a bottle
In the stars or Aristotle, the only answer to the problem is…
People loving people
That's the enemy of everything's that's evil
Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle
It's just people loving people
Words aren't what they seem to be
Talk is cheap but lies are free
We fear what we don't understand
We've been scared since time began
All the colors and the cultures circle 'round us on a spindle
It's a complicated riddle, the solution is so simple…
You can pawn it off on kings and queens and those behind the curtain
Say what can make a difference in a world so full of hurting
But I believe the remedy starts right here with you and me
People loving people
That's the enemy of everything's that's evil
Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle
It's just people loving people
Friday, February 6, 2015
You did that wrong
"You did that wrong."
Customers frequently do things the wrong way and it can be incredibly frustrating to agents or drivers.
(What do you mean you want be to pack things that way? or move it this way?)
It’s good to remind your team and labor that what seems obvious to them is not as apparent to people who aren’t thinking about what you do all day long.
Rather than telling customers that they did something wrong, encourage your team and labor to walk them through what they're trying to do, slowly, step-by-step and of coarse you should lead by example.
Bring them in rather then push them away.
Customers frequently do things the wrong way and it can be incredibly frustrating to agents or drivers.
(What do you mean you want be to pack things that way? or move it this way?)
It’s good to remind your team and labor that what seems obvious to them is not as apparent to people who aren’t thinking about what you do all day long.
Rather than telling customers that they did something wrong, encourage your team and labor to walk them through what they're trying to do, slowly, step-by-step and of coarse you should lead by example.
Bring them in rather then push them away.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
The Letter of the Law
Are you a Boss or Manager?
Are you in charge of crews or laborers?
Do you make them follow the letter of the law?
Do you know them as a person?
If you know the people that you are in charge of then you should know if they truly care about what they do. You should know if they give 100% every day and are willing to learn.
When one of your employees or crew members make a mistake do you recite the policies or do you wait for the proper moment and use it as a teachable moment?
There are times that fines or discipline may be needed but if you know the person and they have a good record and a good work ethic then use common sense and approach it carefully.
Sometimes not following the letter of the law is in order.
Show compassion and watch your tone.
Try to remember that you catch more bees with honey than vinegar.
After all in the grand scheme of things just how big is the mistake?
People will remember how you react and will be more apt to want to follow you and do better if they feel respected.
Take a breath and turn a negative into a positive.
Are you in charge of crews or laborers?
Do you make them follow the letter of the law?
Do you know them as a person?
If you know the people that you are in charge of then you should know if they truly care about what they do. You should know if they give 100% every day and are willing to learn.
When one of your employees or crew members make a mistake do you recite the policies or do you wait for the proper moment and use it as a teachable moment?
There are times that fines or discipline may be needed but if you know the person and they have a good record and a good work ethic then use common sense and approach it carefully.
Sometimes not following the letter of the law is in order.
Show compassion and watch your tone.
Try to remember that you catch more bees with honey than vinegar.
After all in the grand scheme of things just how big is the mistake?
People will remember how you react and will be more apt to want to follow you and do better if they feel respected.
Take a breath and turn a negative into a positive.
EGO
The ego craves power.
My leadership experiences have taught me that I need to be on guard to keep my ego in check. The ego views power as the nectar of the gods, and if leaders aren’t careful, their ego will intoxicate itself with power.
In Ken Blanchard’s Servant Leadership program, he does an “Egos Anonymous” exercise that helps leaders come to grips with the power of the ego to make them self-serving leaders rather than servant leaders.
Effective leadership starts on the inside and that means putting the ego in its proper place.
My leadership experiences have taught me that I need to be on guard to keep my ego in check. The ego views power as the nectar of the gods, and if leaders aren’t careful, their ego will intoxicate itself with power.
In Ken Blanchard’s Servant Leadership program, he does an “Egos Anonymous” exercise that helps leaders come to grips with the power of the ego to make them self-serving leaders rather than servant leaders.
Effective leadership starts on the inside and that means putting the ego in its proper place.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Service to Others
The best use of power is in service to others.
Being a servant leader, rather than a self-serving leader, means giving away my power to help other people achieve their personal goals, the objectives of the organization, and to allow them to reach their full expression and potential as individuals.
I love the servant leadership example of Jesus. When two of his disciples came to him seeking positions of power and authority, he chastised them and challenged them to remember that “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Mt. 20:26-27)
One of the paradoxes of leadership is that by placing others before ourselves, and using our power to serve, rather than dominate, actually brings us more power, respect, commitment and loyalty.
Being a servant leader, rather than a self-serving leader, means giving away my power to help other people achieve their personal goals, the objectives of the organization, and to allow them to reach their full expression and potential as individuals.
I love the servant leadership example of Jesus. When two of his disciples came to him seeking positions of power and authority, he chastised them and challenged them to remember that “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Mt. 20:26-27)
One of the paradoxes of leadership is that by placing others before ourselves, and using our power to serve, rather than dominate, actually brings us more power, respect, commitment and loyalty.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Follership
Followership is just as important, if not more so, than leadership.
Learning to be a good follower is an essential component of being a wise leader who uses power appropriately.
A person who learns to submit to the authority of others, collaborate with teammates, and sees first-hand the good and bad effects of the use of power, will have a greater appreciation for how power should be used in relationships.
We can all probably think of examples of people who were bestowed leadership positions without ever being a follower, who then went on a “power trip” and showed just how ill-prepared they were to handle the power given them. Followership is the training ground for leadership.
Learning to be a good follower is an essential component of being a wise leader who uses power appropriately.
A person who learns to submit to the authority of others, collaborate with teammates, and sees first-hand the good and bad effects of the use of power, will have a greater appreciation for how power should be used in relationships.
We can all probably think of examples of people who were bestowed leadership positions without ever being a follower, who then went on a “power trip” and showed just how ill-prepared they were to handle the power given them. Followership is the training ground for leadership.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Power
Power is held in trust.
The power I have as a leader is something entrusted to me, both from my boss who put me in this position and by my followers who have consented to follow my lead.
This power is not mine to keep. I’m a temporary steward of this power as long as I’m in my leadership role and it could be taken away at anytime should something drastic change in the relationship with my boss or followers.
We’re all familiar with “consent of the governed,” the phrase that describes the political theory that a government’s legitimate and moral right to use state power over citizens can only be granted by the consent of the citizens themselves.
The same concept applies to organizational leadership, and the minute our people no longer support our leadership, we have a serious problem.
The power I have as a leader is something entrusted to me, both from my boss who put me in this position and by my followers who have consented to follow my lead.
This power is not mine to keep. I’m a temporary steward of this power as long as I’m in my leadership role and it could be taken away at anytime should something drastic change in the relationship with my boss or followers.
We’re all familiar with “consent of the governed,” the phrase that describes the political theory that a government’s legitimate and moral right to use state power over citizens can only be granted by the consent of the citizens themselves.
The same concept applies to organizational leadership, and the minute our people no longer support our leadership, we have a serious problem.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Thomas Edison
American inventor Thomas Edison often gets a bad rap from environmentalists. After all, he invented those incandescent light bulbs we’re all so busy replacing with more efficient models, not to mention a whole slew of power-thirsty machines and appliances—from the phonograph to the motion picture camera.
Almost single-handedly, it seems, Edison made modern civilization dependent on electricity—and the natural resources required to generate it.
Edison Experimented with Renewable Energy
But Edison was also a pioneer in renewable energy and green technology. He experimented with home-based wind turbines to generate electricity and provide homeowners with an independent source of power, and he teamed up with his friend Henry Ford to develop an electric car that would run on rechargeable batteries.
But Edison was also a pioneer in renewable energy and green technology. He experimented with home-based wind turbines to generate electricity and provide homeowners with an independent source of power, and he teamed up with his friend Henry Ford to develop an electric car that would run on rechargeable batteries.
Most of all, Edison’s keen mind and insatiable curiosity kept him thinking and experimenting throughout his long life—and renewable energy was one of his favorite topics.
Edison Favored Renewable Energy Over Fossil Fuels
Edison knew that fossil fuels such as oil and coal wouldn’t last forever, and he saw the virtually untapped potential of renewable energy sources—such as wind power and solar power—that could be harnessed and put to work for the benefit of mankind.
Edison knew that fossil fuels such as oil and coal wouldn’t last forever, and he saw the virtually untapped potential of renewable energy sources—such as wind power and solar power—that could be harnessed and put to work for the benefit of mankind.
In 1931, the same year he died, Edison told his friends Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone: “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)