Category: Exit Map

Better Your Company With Continuing and Advanced Learning

It is challenging to learn new skills within your job sometimes. Primarily, you are conditioned and trained to do things a certain way. To keep up with the ever-changing times, you need to be open to change. When you can learn new skills and tasks, you can go further in life.

The Pandemic Put Things On Hold

For many people, the pandemic put learning and jobs on hold. Others were able to take advantage of businesses being closed and brush up on their training. There were also several who took this time to learn new skills to further their education.

It is always good to be prepared for the future, no matter what it may hold.

Precautions are starting to lift for many people regarding the pandemic, and things are getting back to full swing.

That means that this time that was spent on hold will accelerate forward. Are you ready?

Be Opened Minded and Eager To Learn

Companies will offer advanced learning opportunities to their employees at various times. Take advantage of these chances and further your education. Don’t be stuck in a rut of what you are used to; you never know what tomorrow will bring. This could be the opportunity that you needed to become a better person.

Experience is only good when it falls in line with what you are good at. With the way everything is changing and moving, you need to be versatile. Some of the many ways that companies will go about preparing their employees for the future are:

1. Allowing You Opportunities To Further Your Education
2. Chances For On-The-Job Training
3. Opportunities To Build Bonds With Other Employees
4. Encourage Learning and Communication With Coworkers
5. Opportunities For Change At All Levels
6. Allowing Expression Of New Ideas
7. Making Room For Failure and Encouraging To Keep Trying

Be Future Ready

As times change, businesses change. The way things operate changes and evolve. If you are stuck in your tracks and unwilling to make the needed changes, you won’t succeed. As a business, you need to be open to these changes and encourage an open-minded attitude to your employees.

When your employees are willing and eager to learn new skills and techniques, you will grow as a business. Advanced learning is an excellent opportunity to supply to your business employees. Shape your company to what you want it to be in the future.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Reasons Why Video Job Interviews Go Wrong

Covid-19 had a significant impact on the virtual aspect of running a business. That being said, the internet has vastly been utilized for years. But, through social distancing and quarantine, the internet has kept businesses afloat. Not only are people working from home, but they also do job interviews from home with video conferencing.

Sounds Great, Right?

Nearly 90% of companies were using video conference platforms for job interviews through the pandemic. Job interviews are something that many people get very nervous about and experience a lot of anxiety. So interviewing from the comfort of your own home sounds better.

Many companies have decided to make the switch to remote work and video conferences a long-term situation. Businesses are opening back up, but some have chosen to remain remote. Just because you don’t have to sit face-to-face for an interview anymore, the preparation is still just as important, if not more important.

Reasons A Video Interview Can Go Wrong

Many distractions can occur within your home daily. This is something that you are used to and don’t think much about. When you are on a video conference, these noises and distractions can be bothersome. Here are some tips on what to do to prepare for a video job interview.

Find a Quiet Place

Dogs barking, kids playing, T.V.’s being on, or significant others cleaning behind you can all be negative occurrences while on a virtual call. It may not seem like much to you, but it can be very distracting on the computer. It also takes away from the professional atmosphere of a business.

Technical Problems

Technology can be unpredictable, and everyone knows that. Glitches happen, and services are needed. Before you jump on a video conference interview, cover your bases. Ensure that you can work your computer correctly and know how to operate the system you are using. It can be negatively looked upon in a remote working world if you don’t know how to navigate your computer.

Busy Backgrounds

Not only are the people on the other end of your video conference seeing your face, but they see what’s behind you as well. Don’t sit where a messy desk, kitchen, or other background can be seen. Find a place in your home that is simple and clean and set up there. Keep the focus on you and not the surroundings.

Be Yourself

Remember to relax and act as you would in a face-to-face interview. Watch your posture and dress appropriately. Just because you are in your home doesn’t mean that appearances do not matter.

Please share your comments with us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

The New Advantage: Inspiring Others

The success of a company isn’t solely focused on one aspect. There are many things that go into making a business flourish. Everyone wants to earn money, but there is more to it than that.  Some of the focus needs to be on how the business is run.

Inspiring Others

When your employees are inspired, they are going to work harder. That is why the true advantage to success is inspiring others. You can put together four techniques to help your team excel.

When you have a game plan and a clear focus on what you want your business to be, you will do great things. It will equally look good from the inside and outside. Here are the areas that need to be focused on to make this happen.

Roles- How I Add Value

Everyone wants to be a valuable asset to their work. When you know that you are needed and beneficial, you will work harder. If an employee knows their value to the company, research has shown that they work 63% harder.

To let employees know their role and their value, you first have to communicate with them. Sit down and have conversations. Be transparent and set goals. This way, everyone knows their roles and what they need to accomplish.

Culture- How We Run The Place

A clear view of what a business expects and how they function is vital for everyone to know. When employees don’t have to question how the business is run, they are proven to be more successful. Some ways to do this are:

• Assess How Things Are Now
• Make Changes That Are Needed

Value- How We Make Money

When running a business, it is just as much about long-term strategies as it is short-term. A clear view of the value expectations for both areas is vital to helping the business function. Many things need to be addressed, such as:

• Cost Reductions
• Acquisitions
• Strategic Initiatives

Behavior- How I Behave

Each individual is going to possess their own characteristics. It is essential to have a clear outline of the behavior that your business expects. Have your employees prepared for all the situations that they may face.

Offer training to make sure they are comfortable and equipped with the techniques they need. The company will do so much better in the long run when you show an interest in how your staff behaves. Not only does it show your employees you care, but it shows your customers as well.

Please share your comments with us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Are You Portraying The Right Culture For Your Business

There are a ton of responsibilities that you take on when running a business. The employees who work for you look up to you to take the company in the right direction. The culture of your business can make or break the way it all succeeds or doesn’t.

What Is Culture In A Business?

Culture is all about what is allowed to go on, happen, and occur in your business. Are you allowing people who don’t deserve a raise to get one? Do you make sure that the people who genuinely deserve a promotion get one?

If unfair advantages are being taken, employees are not going to stick around for them. That includes you, the business owner. General rules and protocols need to be followed by all employees. Exceptions to skip or give special privileges shouldn’t be permitted when it comes to raises, promotions, and other similar aspects in the business.

Why Does A Good Culture Make A Difference?

Employees want to be treated fairly and as they are valuable to the company. When you skip over or don’t show proper acknowledgment, they won’t feel recognized for their hard work. If your business has a good culture, the rate of employee turnover will be far less.

Not to mention, when an employee feels that they are valued, they will work harder. More effort will be put into their job, and they will perform better. No one wants to feel like they are unnoticed and someone else is benefitting from their hard work.

A Good Measure To Follow

If you are the individual in charge of a company, have a plan. Don’t fly off the seat of your pants and chance making bad decisions. Pay attention to your employees and who is doing a great job at their job. You should never promote someone based solely on their friendship with you or their ability to charm you.

Watch the performance and give promotions based on hard work and dedication. Look at who has been there the longest and waited their turn to be promoted. Some other qualities to pay attention to are:

• Respect
• Behavior
• Attitude
• Values

The culture of your business is not only how the employees are allowed to interact. It is also about what you are allowed to happen at your company. If you enforce a good culture, you’ll be more respected, and your business will thrive better with employee retention.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Is The Remote Work Life Here To Stay?

Remote working has been around for many years. There are a handful of businesses that had employees working remotely before the pandemic ever began. Until this last year and a half, it was not an extremely popular concept to businesses. Now, a large number of companies have figured out their way around how to run their company remotely.

Do Graduating Students Want To Work In-Person?

The class of 2021, both high school and college, is getting ready to enter the working world. Are they choosing companies that work remotely, or do they want the face-to-face interactions of a business? The decision is wavering, but 98% of people who took a survey say they wouldn’t mind working in a hybrid situation.

A very low percentage of students said they would like to work in a remote situation one hundred percent of the time. Working from home, where you do not interact with other employees, can be lonely. Especially those without a family at home or kids to take care of. It may sound great in the beginning, but it gets old after a while.

Is Zoom Enough?

Many businesses found their way through different platforms to stay connected. Communication is an important part of running a business. Zoom, Skype, and Facetime were commonly used to hold business meetings, classes, and instructions for different assignments.

Is zoom good enough to take the place of face-to-face interactions in the workplace? Yes, it worked during the social distancing period, but will it work long-term for people? The ones who are ready to jump into the business world. Many people reported being fatigued and tired of computer screen interactions.

Soon To Be Graduating College Students

The students who are preparing to enter to job force are most all hopeful to enter in person. Whereas before, working from home would be a highlight to people. The statistics have flopped, and people are more motivated by the ones who are working in person.

Businesses have seen a fluctuation of motivation to enter the workforce in the graduates of 2021, as opposed to 2020. The salaries are increasing for these individuals as well, 22% over the last year. The average yearly income is $66,600. A big concern of these people is how the company they are looking at working in handles diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

All articles, quotes, and material in this newsletter are copyrighted by our associate Gary Sorrell, Sorrell Associates, LLC ©. No part can be reproduced in any form without specific written consent. All rights reserved worldwide. Thank you!

Talent Wars of CEO’s To Increase Employee Development

Covid-19 changed a variety of things that go on within a company from the hiring, working, and development opportunities. With remote working being on the rise, companies need to be creative with the offered programs. The more opportunities you have for your employees to take advantage of, the better off you will be. Also being able to provide them with access to remote employees will help everyone.

Why Offering Development Opportunities Can Benefit

Businesses can greatly benefit from offering development opportunities to their employees. People will see it as an advantage and a chance that they can’t pass up. Some ways to see a change in your company by offering these opportunities are explained below.

It Can Improve Employee Retention and Loyalty

When you take the time, and the effort, to train your employees properly, they will be more loyal to your company. They will see the value in what you have provided them with. You will notice a positive impact on the retention your business has with employees. The least amount of turn-over that you have the better it is for your business.

Drive Employees To Be More Productive and Perform Effectively

Employees who are equipped with the proper training and knowledge to perform their job can be more productive. When you are thrown into an uncertain situation, it is more challenging to do your job effectively. If your employees have confidence and training about their role in the company, they will feel more comfortable and be more productive.

A Positive Competitive Opportunity To Offer Potential Employees

The opportunities that a company offers to an employee can change the decision that they make. If they are narrowing their choices down to two companies, and you offer more perks, they will go with your company. Competitive marking can help you in the corporate world.

Development Training Is A Great Aspect

Employees want to thrive and succeed in their job. When they feel they are not adequately performing they that they should, it is discouraging. In the corporate world, it is important to do your job well and efficiently.

On-going training opportunities can help build and mold your employees into the leaders they need to be. Sometimes, the skills that someone possesses need a little bit of encouragement to bring them out. As a business, it is great to be able to offer your employees what they need to be the best that they can be.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

How Critical Thinking Can Improve Leadership Skills

Do you have good leadership skills? Are you a critical thinker? When it comes to being a good leader, critical thinking can improve your skills. In the business world, there are many aspects that will continue to evolve and change. You have to be a critical thinker in order to cope with the changes and continue to keep proceeding. Let’s talk about how critical thinking is so important when you are in a leadership position.

What Happens When You Have Bad Leadership Skills? 

Lousy leadership skills will cause many aspects of your business to fall apart. If you are unable to lead your team in the right direction successfully, it will not flourish. The decision that you make as a leader will make or break a business. That is why it is so important to obtain the skills to be a good critical thinker.

How Can Good Leadership Skills Benefit Your Business? 

If the person in charge of a team of employees has good leadership skills, the business is more likely to succeed. In addition, this person can motivate their team and keep everyone on track. It is not always an easy task, but a necessary one.

The decisions that a leader needs to make can be difficult at times, but someone who can think clearly is a good leader.

A good leader is thinking about the whole teams ability and not just their own. They can analyze, solve, identify, and put into action problem-solving skills.

Critical Thinking Skills Make Good Leaders

Do you want to improve your critical thinking skills? This skill comes naturally to some, and others have to work harder to make it happen. Here are some tips on how you can improve your critical thinking skills to be a better leader.

• Be Completely Informed Before Making A Decision
• Make Validated Decisions
• Break Down The Options And Make Clear Decisions
• Make Decisions On Facts Not Assumptions
• Use Analogies and Models For More Visual Information

If you are a critical thinker, you have the ability to think effectively and quickly. While everyone would prefer to have adequate notice and preparation to make a decision, the time isn’t always available. There are times you will be able to take plenty of time to make a decision in a leadership position, and then there are other times you need to make them more quickly.

Please share your comments with us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

What Are You Focusing On In Your Employees?

The credentials that an employee holds are not always as important as the skills that they possess. Not everyone withholds a long list of credentials that they have acquired. That simply may mean that they haven’t been presented with the same opportunities as someone else. People are capable of having amazing skills and abilities without the credentials to prove it.

How To See Past Credentials

When you are interviewing potential employees, you need to see past the list of accomplishments in front of you. Think about the job required to be filled and the skills needed to do it. Instead of listing credentials that are necessary to do the job, list the required skills.

If you need someone who is focused on precise details for the technology world, it doesn’t mean that it has to be an individual trained in technology.

Attention to detail can be found in someone new to this type of position.

Look Inside Your Company First

If you have a new position open, you may have someone within your company suited for the job. The training and schooling that you have may only be a part of the skills you possess. The employees you already have may greatly appreciate the ability to advance within the company or be promoted to a higher position.

Make Training Opportunities Available

Over the past year and a half, the internet has become more and more a part of the business world. It has had its place in many areas for many years, but it has been a lot more prevalent with social distancing. This means that there is more need than ever for people to be able to navigate technology well.

An opportunity for many employees is to have training on technology. That way, you can improve the capabilities of the employees that you already possess. You do not always have to hire someone with more experience or credentials to show you. The people you have right in front of you may have the skills you are looking for; they just need a little encouragement.

Put our Focus On Skills

The abilities that your employees have are important. This article isn’t to say credentials are not important, because they are. Don’t put all of your focus on just that. Look past them and into the skills that employees have. You may be pleasantly surprised.

You can find talent and skills in all kinds of people who may not be in the fieldwork you are advertising for.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Do You Have An Open Mind For The Changes That Are Occurring?

It isn’t a secret to any business owner that you have to be ready for what comes next. There are so many aspects of business that change each and every year. When new techniques and agendas begin to take shape, you have to mold right along. Is this something you can do? Are you ready?

How Can You Be Ready?

If your business is not in the mindset of being ready for change, you need to encourage it to get there. You will succeed at some changes, and you will fail at some. The key to success is embracing the failed attempts and learning from what you have tried.

To be ready for all the changes that are occurring, be open-minded. Don’t get stuck in your ways and not allow the evolving future to slow you down. Some other ways that you shape your business to be ready for the new agendas taking shape are:

• Target Capabilities To Enhance Value
• Match Talent With Value
• Incorporate Reward Systems
• Accelerate Change
• Discover Your Purpose And Pursue It

Covid Changed Many Aspects

Navigating through a post-COVID world in a business can be difficult. Many things changed and put on hold entirely. This made reentering the business world a little bit difficult for many people.

You couldn’t just pick up where you left off. Things have changed. If you didn’t take advantage of this slow-down and further educate yourself, you might be struggling to be ready for all the new value agendas taking shape. Reevaluate and jump all in, get your business where it needs to be, and make the necessary changes now.

What Changes Are Being Made?

Even without a pandemic, aspects change in the business world every year. Upgrades are made, regulations are changed, and many other parts of the business world. When the world wasn’t dealing with a pandemic, you are eased into these changes.

Well, this year, it wasn’t that easy. Many people are being thrown into it and are struggling with being prepared. The company that offers the most with the best information takes it all. Some of the changes that have been made are:

• Competition Is In Full Gear
• Technology Is A Must In Many Businesses
• Time Is Everything, Don’t Sit On Decisions For Too Long
• Quick Decisions Are Better To Some Than Long Term Thought
• Social-Issues Weigh Much Heavier On Companies
• Reactions and Approaches Mean More.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.