Category: Exit Map

Emotionally Fueled Behavior Affects Working Relationships

You have worked hard to get to be in the position you are in today. Along the way you have created a network of relationships. Whether you realize it or not, these relationships are emotionally fueled. Not only can workplace relationships be created on emotion, they are often enhanced, defined, and destroyed as a result of the way we handle our emotions.

Being seen as unprofessional, unstable, and untrustworthy can lead to a downward spiral in your work relationships and put an end to your hard earned career. To keep your emotions and relationships in check, you and your coworkers must realize there is a place for emotion in the workplace. How you use your emotions and how they are displayed contributes to the way your coworkers view you and what level of respect they hold for you.

Where Emotions Fit In 

• Emotions affect the quality of decision making
• Emotions affect the formation of relationships
• Emotions fuel motivation and performance
• Emotions make creativity and innovation possible 

Reversing Job Dissatisfaction 

Overall satisfaction in the workplace has been in decline recently. Some attribute this unpleasant fact to the unstable and faltering ability of people to prioritize engagement with others. Too much time and effort is being spent on the bottom line, creating results and turning out a profit. Where does this leave the employee when it comes to feeling valued, appreciated, and respected for a job well done? As a leader, it is time to step up and say enough is enough. It is time to reengage with employees and to motivate through positive reinforcement. Doing so will improve what has been your number one goal the entire time, generating a substantial and worthwhile profit.

Emotional Inspiration vs. Rational Inspiration 

Inspiration, when derived from emotion rather than rational factors, produces better, longer lasting results. Employees that feel an emotional connection to their coworkers and supervisors are more likely to experience a higher sense of self-worth and produce better results on the job. Leaders who take the time to establish these connections are respected more by those around them, create better teams, and are more likely to succeed.

As a leader it’s easy to think rationally when it comes to executing a plan of action to get the job done. You need player A to do this and player B to do that in order to get the work in on time. Instead of conducting a meeting where you sit and disperse orders, have you ever taken the time to stop and ask the opinion of your coworkers? What do they think? What are their ideas? A little acknowledgement and inquiring can go a long way towards establishing your role as both a leader and an emotional counterpart. Beginning at the top, conversation and communication needs to cascade throughout the entire team.

Turning Bad Days into Good 

If you are a human being, then it is inevitable that you are going to experience a bad day or two. More than likely, those bad days will carry over into the workplace. Does your entire day have to be ruined? Do performance, productivity, and morale have to suffer because you’re having a bad day? The answer is no. The next time you are facing a bad day incorporate these steps into your routine.

• Recognize your mood
• Say you’re having a bad day
• Identify and control your emotions
• Remember what makes you happy
• Your bad mood won’t last forever
• Take some time to yourself  

Remind yourself that it is okay to have a bad day once in a while. It’s a natural part of life and it’s bound to happen from time to time. Recognize your feelings and learn to manage them in a constructive way.

Contact 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 Professional.

Great Learners Come in Many Styles

Active learning is essential for success in the workforce.  Is it more impactful to precisely learn what one needs to know quickly or retain and an immense amount of knowledge over time?

Research recognizes that continuous learning is critical. So many times, those who are being interviewed for a job are asked how many books they have read in the past month.  If the person does not fit into this learning style, this question is very unsettling and they may have difficulties answering this question.  Is it fair to question their abilities because they choose to learn differently?

Discover the two effective ways to learn:

1. Lifelong learners consume as much information as possible and expand their knowledge endlessly. With this style, you desire knowledge and take excitement with every opportunity to learn. Continuous education and learning will keep this style of learner perpetually engaged with their job.
2. Instinctive learners are not the average bookworm; however, they are masters of their domain and know how much energy to spend on learning.

This learning style does focus on acquiring specific skills that can benefit them in their job and daily life.  Search engines give instinctive learners power at their fingertips.

Learning Styles in Action

Kathy and Jeff are both customer service specialists that approach learning very differently.

Kathy, a lifelong learner, seeks out opportunities to learn on a continuous basis.  Kathy was tasked to form a group at work to edit an information manual, which is right in her comfort zone. Some members of the group prefer to jump right in, while Kathy feels more confident if the group gathers examples and do the research first.

Jeff learns instinctively and is eager to jump right in and get started versus doing the research up front.  He did not have the highest GPA, however, he excels and takes pride in his career.  Jeff is able to tackle difficult problems and is known for “learning on the fly” – he is everyone’s go-to person for getting the job done.

Make The Right Hire By Asking The Right Questions

Why is asking the question “Which books have you read recently?” not effective? Because it doesn’t gauge a person’s ability to learn.  Instead, you should be asking these questions:

“What is your learning style?”

“How do you gather information to learn more?”

“Where do you source out information and how do you use the information gathered?”

“How do you rate ‘willingness to learn’?”

“What has inspired you?”

These are two unique learning styles that clearly demonstrate two different ways to approach learning.  However, both are extremely effective and valuable to any organization looking to hire top talent.

Contact 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 Professional.

Cloud Computing Can Help Your Business

Have you been wondering if your business is ready for the cloud? Many companies have asked the question but are not quite ready to take that leap. Honestly, the nature of your business is what may dictate how ready you are for cloud computing.

To quickly define, cloud computing is a service that delivers and stores data for you. The cloud is not a product like software that you install but rather gives you remote access. Businesses are increasingly moving toward the cloud because it enables data to be stored on external servers that can be accessed by a network, device and even an app.

5 Benefits of Cloud Computing

There are many benefits that go along with moving to the cloud. Businesses have found that it can save money, is easy to maintain and has recovery options.

1. Work from Anywhere

Cloud computing makes telecommuting possible and this is a benefit for employees. Employers are able to hire top talent without needing them to move to the area. Employees can live and work from anywhere.

2. More Competitive

Smaller businesses are able to keep up with larger ones in the form of competitiveness.

3. Flexibility

Cloud computing gives companies flexibility when it comes to employees and costs. They can choose to increase or decrease employee count and that will change the costs too.

4. Disaster Recovery

If you have a thorough backup, then your business can have continued access in a short time despite a disaster. Cloud computing is an outside the norm approach that helps with continuity and compliance.

5. IT Workload

When businesses cut costs, the IT department often takes a hard hit. Cloud computing eliminates more than half of the money and time required from an IT department while making your business run more efficiently.

Citrix Hosted Desktops

Cloud computing can be quite supportive for businesses that have access to Citrix hosted desktops.  Citrix provides secure and remote access. A few benefits include:

Desktops-as-a-Service (DaaS)

Citrix Service Provider based (DaaS) provides hosted desktops to securely send an email and other applications over the web. The best part is that there is no software for IT to have to maintain or update. Your business will enjoy the technical support option that comes from the service provider for even greater convenience.

Citrix is an industry leader

Hands down, Citrix is the leader for desktop virtualization. They provide an assortment of technologies for just about any business. Citrix securely delivers secure and remote access to desktops and apps from every type of device.

Virtual Workspace

Hosted virtual workspaces and desktops have the exact same options of a normal computer but with a new and improved way to access them. Further, you can connect from any device no matter your location.

A few additional benefits include:

• The majority of the daily IT tasks are eliminated.
• You’ll have disaster recovery capabilities.
• Financially, you will save money and you can even handle your IT spending more efficiently.
• The need to own and maintain software and other equipment become less.
• Your business could potentially reduce administrative costs by 50% or more.

When you ask yourself if you are ready for cloud computing, consider the expansion of your workspace and the ease of the cloud. The cloud could be immensely beneficial to your business.

You’ll be able to save money and enjoy a newfound convenience with the cloud.

Contact 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 Professional.

Does employee engagement matter to company success?

Today you hear a lot about employee engagement. Senior executives have been concerned about this within their companies for some time… and for good reason.

There are many descriptions of what employee engagement is and what an engaged employee looks like. In recent newsletters, we have discussed these areas. If you missed these articles, contact us and we will send them to you right away.

An engaged employee is:

• Willing to put in the extra effort
• Have high levels of loyalty
• Have an emotional bond to the company
• Promote the company as “the employer of choice”
• Strive to inspire peers 

Are your employees engaged?

According to a Gallup Study and a recent report from SHRM, on average, employees were only moderately engaged. In addition, employee engagement levels have been consistent for the past several years.

Average levels of engagement:

• 29% actively engaged
• 55% non-engaged
• 16% actively disengaged

What does this mean to businesses?

• Lost productivity costs businesses $350 billion per year (Gallup)
• Companies with highly engaged employees were 200% more profitable (Watson Wyatt Worldwide)
• One disengaged employee can bring down performance by 30%-40%. (Felps, Mitchell & Byington) 

Business performance suffers greatly due to disengaged employees. 

Mission, Vision, & Values must be congruent and understood by all employees in order to increase employee engagement. Connect each employee with the overall strategy & success of the organization. Help everyone understand the “big picture” and how they contribute to this overall strategy. Reward engagement consistently based on each individual’s values, motivators, EQ, & behaviors. Always be on the lookout for disengaged employees and take action quickly.

If you have any questions about this article, or about how we can help in creating a highly engaged workforce, contact us today!

Contact 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 Professional.

Dealing with Complainers Effectively

Any supervisor or manager deals with complainers in the workplace at some point. There are employees who complain about their co-workers or about the company itself. Complaining is hard to stop but you can deal with it effectively if you put a plan in place.

Complaining Is Harmful

Sadly, there are people who are chronic complainers. This is difficult for others in the workplace and creates a negative atmosphere. This eventually hurts everyone in the business.

So, how can you deal with complaints that are hard to resolve? Handling initial complaints will help avoid future ones.

Types of Complaints

Some complaints are easier to resolve than others. Some common workplace complaints include:

• Benefit programs
• Co-workers
• Old equipment
• Scheduling vacations and time off
• Lack of praise
• Pay raises
• And many more…

There are complaints that you can’t fix but you can try to resolve the issue.

Handling Initial Complaints

When you hear complaints, your goal is to reduce future complaining. Here are a few steps that will allow you to do that.

Listen To Understand

Whether you feel a complaint is valid or not, you need to listen to what your employee is really telling you. Listen carefully as they talk so they know you’re understanding.

Offer A Solution

Next, you should offer a solution to the problem. A simple, “Let me check on that and see what I can do,” goes a long way.

Get Confirmation

Ask the employee if they agree with your proposed solution. Even if they don’t like it, you’re making a verbal commitment to handle the problem.

How to Resolve Repetitive Complaints

Some employees may come back with the same complaint. When you’ve worked several times to resolve the same complaint, try these methods.

Listen And Defuse

When an employee returns to your office, step up your game. Once again, listen carefully and let them know you understand the issue. Part of your job is to keep peace in the workplace. You want to make sure you’ve done everything possible to solve the issue.

Verbally Summarize The Issue

Now it’s time to summarize the conversations you’ve already had with the employee. Remind them of past conversations and solutions. Tell them the steps you’ve taken to find a solution to the problem.

Put The Responsibility On Them

If you’ve completed the above steps, it’s time to add another step. Make them aware that you both have work to do. Unless they have another solution to the problem, both of you need to return to work. You may have this conversation many times before the person realizes it’s not going the way they want.

These are some ways to effectively deal with complainers that leads to a peaceful working environment.

Contact 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 Professional.

These 4 Leadership Behaviors Make Good CEOs Great.

(and Drive Exponential Growth)

Successful companies and businesses do well because they have strong leadership behind them. When things get tough in business, leaders raise the bar and keep the company moving toward greatness. If you’re striving for leadership, here are 4 behaviors to focus on.

1. The Ability To Think On Their Feet

Great leaders look for ways to adapt to any situation. They use their skills and knowledge to meet goals and rise to the occasion. The most important thing is to learn from your mistakes.

When a situation arises, a great leader quickly thinks of a solution. They prioritize the steps they need to take to resolve problems. A great leader trains their mind to focus on the important things.

2. Making Tough Decisions

Don’t be afraid to make tough decisions and have hard conversations with your team. Great leaders do what it takes to positively grow their team and the company. If you want respect from your team, plan to make the tough calls when it’s hard to do.

Sometimes this involves having difficult conversations with those on your team. Perhaps an employee isn’t performing as well as you hope. You may have to deal with complaints in the workplace. Having hard conversations is part of leading your business to success.

3. Focusing On The External

The best leaders focus on what the customer wants and needs. Creating a customer-centered atmosphere in your business will make you an excellent leader. Leaders will have great customer loyalty and grow their business when they:

• Get to know the clients
• Train their customer service departments
• Grow a support team for the customers
• Be completely transparent with customers
• Resolve customer issues immediately
• Provide solutions to problems

Focus on customer communication so you know and understand their needs. This will drive your business growth.

4. Inspiring Others

Great leaders inspire those on their team and those on the outside of the business. A leader has a vision and drives others to reach that vision with them. They plan steps to lead their team to the vision.

Inspiration first happens through clear communication. Communicate your passion clearly to your team so they desire to reach your vision with you. If they know the “why” behind what you’re doing, they’ll follow the same inspiration you have.

If you want to be a great leader and grow your business, adapt these 4 leadership behaviors.

Need help developing into a great leader? Contact us today.

Let us show you how!

Contact 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 Professional.

The 5 Most Vital Credentials For Today’s Workplace

(Make Sure You Have Them)

Whether you have a college degree or not, any job you apply for requires you to have credentials of some kind. A college degree and years of experience are the most common credentials employers look for in a new hire. Here are 5 important credentials for today’s workplace that most people may not consider.

1. Problem Solving Ability

You solve problems every day. From traffic detours to project management, there are always problems to solve. Problem-solving skills are a necessary credential in any workplace. An employer wants someone who can think quickly and offer solutions. This skill proves useful for any situation.

2. Trustworthiness

The importance of this one is clear. An employee needs to trust others and build trust with other employees. Some practical ways to build trust in the workplace include:

• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Be willing to learn from others
• Respond honestly
• Reach expectations
• Listen with respect
• Handle interpersonal relationships

Building trust happens over time. The main thing is honesty and integrity in every situation.

3. Fearlessness

This one is tough for many people. You want to show confidence in your position and that is hard, depending on your job. Sometimes that means going for the big promotion or pointing out mistakes to save the company. Employers want someone who will help the company grow. You can still respect your superiors while proving your worth.

4. Being Focus-Driven

Those who are focus-driven usually know exactly what they want and how to get it. If you have a specific skill-set, put it to use and go after what you want. Focus-driven people are usually:

• Positive
• Trustworthy
• Action steps takers
• Problem solvers
• Great multitaskers

A company needs people who know how to get things done. Take action steps and be a leader where you are. Employers will notice this and respect you more.

5. Ability To Ask Hard Questions

Employers look for people who want to help the company succeed. Sometimes that means asking the hard questions that people don’t want to think about. This may involve project planning, budget cuts, customer service, or workplace relationships, to name a few. Asking the tough questions will lead to company growth and create trust.

Strive for these 5 vital credentials whether you’re looking for a job or are already in the workplace.*

Let us show you how!

Contact 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 Professional.

5 Reasons You Should Use Assessments

Assessments are extremely valuable and quite possibly the most underutilized tool when it comes to hiring.  Companies need to take the extra step as they try to hire and have an assessment done for each candidate.  You need to REALLY know who you are hiring and if they are the best choice for your business.

5 Reasons You Should Use Assessments Include:

1) Too expensive not to!

If you hire before your candidate has been through an assessment then you significantly increase your chances to have to rehire for the position.  Talk about expensive!  Hiring is pricey when you consider the costs of screening and man-hours to make the hire.

An assessment would give you a more accurate picture of the person and their capabilities before you make that “buying decision.”

2) Benefits Your Training Plan

If your potential new hire completes a pre-employment assessment, then you’ll have a wealth of information about the training they need.  Just think of all the info that you’ll gain when it comes to your new employee!

The way they think, answer, respond and act will come out in their assessment.  You’ll gain many insights that you would not know any other way.

3) The Whole Picture

If you do a pre-employment assessment with each candidate you interview then you’ll have a whole picture that explains more about them.  This is so important!

Wouldn’t it be helpful to see the good, the bad and the ugly from the get-go?  I would think so and you will too if you add in assessments to your hiring process.

4) Data, Data, Data

One great thing about assessments when it comes to hiring is that it produces data.  You can’t judge a book by its cover!  Data tells the true story about the strengths, weaknesses, and habits of your potential new hire.

A hunch or thought is not worth it when it comes to hiring.  That little decision could cost you big.  Data will help you make a more thorough choice.

5) Sets a Standard

By utilizing assessments, you’ll find that you have a standard by which to hire.  You treat everyone the same.  You look at everyone the same.  There are a lot of wins in that!  If everyone goes through the same assessment then they are easier to compare.

In this day and age, an assessment is essential.  Incorporate them in your hiring, immediately.

Let us show you how!

Contact 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 Professional.

Eliminate Habits That Are Holding You Back

Are bad habits holding you back?  Discover success both personally and professionally by taking control over bad habits and making permanent changes to improve yourself. You have the power to create positive habits for yourself.

Self-control is essential in breaking bad habits and it has huge implications for success.  High productivity and a strong work ethics prove to be the foundation of self-control that develops good habits.

See the seven tips below:

Overuse of technology

Too much screen time prevents productive sleep.  Most of our favorite devices produce short-wavelength blue lights that affect our mood and sleep quality.  When you are exposed to this light for an extended time in the evening, your production of melatonin is affected. All devices should be avoided after 7:00 pm.

Focus on your conversation

Conversations are more engaging, effective, and enjoyable if you ignore all distractions.  Quit checking your phone for emails, texts, and updates at every turn.  Turn off notifications and silence your phone in order to focus on those around you and the tasks at hand.

It is okay to say “No”

Research shows that it is easier to say “yes” than “no”.  There are many competing priorities in business and personal life and you need to decide what you can say no to every single day. You need to honor the projects and people that benefit your life most and say no to those that don’t.

Stop focusing on toxic people

There will always be toxic people who have a way of getting under your skin and staying there. Dealing with such an individual can be difficult and draining, to say the least. In fact, it may challenge what you know about yourself and push you to the limits.  Stop focusing on toxic people, instead, practice being grateful for someone positive in your life.

Multitasking

To be successful; you must give meetings your full attention.  Multitasking during meetings is disrespectful to your team and everyone else in the room.  It shows that you are not interested in what anyone has to say. Avoid this distracting habit.

Gossip

Gossiping is poison to any team. It may be human nature for people to talk about each other, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Gossip pushes people apart instead of pulling them together, and everyone knows you can’t trust a gossiper.

Comparisons

You can’t be happy when your life is spent comparing yourself to others.  Being content gives you the power to focus on your life and work.  By focusing on yourself, you become the master of your own happiness.

Change is difficult, but once you break the mold and focus on practicing self-control, you have the ability to accelerate your career to new levels and eliminate the bad habits. *

Contact us today for more information!

Contact 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 Professional.

Want to be a Mentally Tough Leader? Develop These 6 Habits

Some of the most effective leaders are those who are mentally strong. They may not be leading with a specific style, but they have practiced specific mental habits. Outstanding leaders tend to form 6 particular habits.

1) Lead With A “Serve First” Mentality

This means leaders set clear instructions and goals. They are not afraid to establish authority with those around them. Mentally tough leaders work at establishing respect from those they are leading.

If you are responsible for decision making, you want to include decisions that will benefit your employees. Thereby “serving them first.”  You will be respected by taking an interest in their benefit too.

2) Lead With A Specific Vision

If you do not have a specific vision of where you want to go, then you will fail to achieve your goals.

You cannot lead others without clear goals in mind. For example, if you are a leader of a company, you should know the mission and direction of the company.

Your employees are a key asset to your visions and goals. If you want to gain respect from your employees, it is important to:

• Have clear communication in your instructions
• Give them specific details to follow
• Tell them exactly how they can help

3) Lead With A Respect Of Time

Respecting the time of others is a way of respecting them. We all understand that time is valuable. If you neglect to establish a time frame and goals, you will fail to show your employees what is important.

4) Lead With A Priority Of Well Being

If you are leading a company, you should place your health and well being as a priority. If you are not “filling yourself” with care, you will not be able to pour into others. Your physical health and well being are necessary for your mental health. Strengthening your health includes:

• Proper exercise
• Mediation
• Taking mental breaks
• Getting enough sleep

5) Lead With Your Actions

You may be able to give great “pep talks” to your team. Do your actions back up your words? Effective leadership is two-fold. Your actions must match your words.

This is how you will gain respect from your employees. A mentally strong leader uses a plan and takes control of situations. If things are left undone, the leader takes full ownership and encourages the team to try again.

6) Lead With A Relentless Spirit

It is easy to be discouraged when you fail. A mentally strong leader leads with a positive spirit and does not give up. Employees are encouraged and inspired by a boss who will help them to keep going.

If you want to be a leader, invest in doing these 6 things. *

We would love to hear from you.

Please send us your comments, suggestions, and ideas today.

Contact 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 Professional.