Successful businesses today recognize the importance of quality leadership. It therefore comes as no surprise that more businesses than ever are investing in executive coaching as a way to improve organizational outcomes. According to the American Management Association, organizations that use coaching reported stronger market performance. We all bring our own management styles and personalities with us to our professional roles. While we may be great at our jobs, some aspects of ourselves can limit the success and growth both for us individually and for our businesses. This is where executive coaching can have an immense impact on improving individual skills […]

Companies downsize usually because of lasting financial issues that force them to make cutbacks and save money by restructuring company roles. When this happens, management may be inclined to forego third-party outplacement support because of the added cost. In the long run, it will actually save money and provide a better outcome for the company and the exiting employees. According to a survey by IMPACT Group, providing outplacement support doesn’t just help departing employees but the feeling of support reverberates back to employees who remain with the company. There are specific ways that outsourced outplacement is better for everyone. Avoid awkwardness. If […]

We know that higher employee engagement decreases absenteeism, turnover and accidents, and increases quality, productivity and sales. But engagement can also positively affect customer satisfaction and loyalty. As a business that serves a customer, you need to remember that every person on your team has an impact on your customers and their satisfaction with your company, either directly or indirectly. Engaged employees, that is those that have a higher level of emotional commitment to the organization and its goals, can have a positive influence on customer satisfaction. In a recent Forbes article, it is noted an organization that focuses on improving […]

Working remotely is getting to be nearly as normal as working in an office. In fact, last year, 43 percent of employed Americans spent at least part of their time working remotely, according to a Gallup survey. Of course, there are major benefits that come from telecommuting—avoiding traffic and flexible hours, just to name a couple. The problem for employers comes with keeping remote employees engaged and feeling like they are actually part of the team. Remote employees miss out on day-to-day company culture, which can play a large role in engagement levels. But geographic distance from one’s co-workers doesn’t mean a […]

It makes sense that employees will work better and be more engaged if you as a manager are playing to their strengths. How do you figure out what their strengths are? Here are some ways to help you find out what your employees are best at and use those talents to benefit your whole team. 1. Observe employees’ strengths. We often take the time to observe employees if we suspect them of doing something wrong. What if the observation was purely to see when your employees are at their best? Take note of these moments and align them with what they […]

Given low workplace engagement and high worker expectations about their jobs, companies need to focus on playing to the strengths of their employees, rather than help them improve on their weaknesses. Traditionally, employees are assigned where they are most needed in the organization, rather than placed where they can do the most good. The use of strengths interventions, defined as activities and processes that target the identification, development, and use of individual employee strengths, has a direct impact on profits. Gallup has studied thousands of work teams and millions of leaders, managers, and employees for more than five decades. They […]

Are managers the reason why employees don’t seem to be as engaged as they should be? According to a Gallup study, this could very well be the case as it revealed that 85% of employees worldwide are not engaged or are actively disengaged in their job. The State of the Global Workplace study of 7,272 workers showed that one in two left their job because of a manager they didn’t get along with. What is it that managers are doing that give their employees a favorable or non-favorable impression of them? Gallup asked respondents to rate their manager on behaviors […]

As Abraham Lincoln said, “you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” Your employees, however, are the ones you should always try to keep happy and engaged, because if they aren’t, your business could be in for some trouble. How can you tell if an employee is unhappy? Here are some telltale signs: Productivity Slips If you notice that an employee who used to go above and beyond in terms of work output is no longer producing at the same rate, you may have an unhappy employee. They Start Showing Up Late and Leaving Early While everyone […]

You have a terrific employee on staff. They shine in their work and commitment to the company—or so you thought. Until the day they ask to speak to you behind closed doors and tender their resignation. Your stomach sinks. Of course, your first question is why? The answer most likely lies within. For some reason, that employee didn’t feel engaged. Here’s why that happens, and how you can avoid it. 1. Employees Don’t Feel a Sense of Purpose “Good leaders organize and align people around what the team needs to do,” said Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin. “Great leaders motivate […]