Welcome to the June 2007 issue of Rise & Shine
Your Leadership Solutions and Resource Newsletter!
Bright Lights (Tips/Solutions)
For the next two months, Rise & Shine will continue to highlight tips and suggestions from
The 10 Keys of Effective Supervision™:
- Support Growth
- Unite With Your Team
- Praise Others
- Expect Excellence
- Require Accountability
- Verify Potential
- Instill Independence
- Share Continuously
- Optimize Ownership
- Reinforce Relationships
This month's focus is on the tenth Key – Reinforce Relationships:
According to the Rising Sun model, "Reinforce Relationships" is defined as: "Creating opportunities for employees to care about and share with each other on a personal basis."
At Rising Sun Consultants, we believe that cultivating positive relationships between and among employees is one of the most important, yet challenging goals facing today's leaders. Building a successful organization depends on the ability of a leader to create a positive organizational culture which focuses on cooperation and collaboration, as well as strong relationships among/between employees (peers), departments and employees and management.
Actively building a positive culture of employee relationships is catching and leads to both improved customer service and improved relationships among/between all members of the organization's community.
Critical factors in building a positive culture of employee relationships include, but are not limited to:
- Ensuring understanding/buy-in to a shared mission and vision,
- Understanding differences and valuing diversity in the workplace,
- Creating a safe environment for dialogue and discussion,
- Creating opportunities for staff to share personal/family accomplishments.
- Letting staff know that relationships are important,
- Promoting car pools, summer barbecues, family health and fitness programs, and of course
- HAVING FUN!!!
Shining Stars (Best Practices)
This month's Organization of Excellence is Gettysburg College. The origin of Gettysburg College dates back to the first group of 63 students in 1832.
Then Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg College serves approximately 2,600 students on a beautiful 220-acre campus. Committed to excellence on behalf of its students and employees, this nationally-ranked college has earned the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania award for the last four years.
How does an organization of 175 years maintain the energy and momentum of excellence? The following are a few opportunities in place to involve and motivate employees:
- Staff, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to be involved in the college's strategic planning process.
- Gettysburg College holds monthly "Strategic Learning Lunches," where the entire college community is invited to hear updates on the institution's goals and issues. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions.
- Administrators and supervisors are provided professional development opportunities including programs such as Leadership in Action and Management in Action to develop their leadership and supervisory skills.
- The college community takes their shared values seriously and makes decisions based on these values first, and policies & procedures second. Shared values are respect, history, service, openness, and community.
- The college has established an effective electronic communication process that bridges the geographically diverse buildings and departments. Employees communicate 75-80 percent by e-mail or instant messages, and submit department updates twice a day on the college's electronic digest.
These and other opportunities demonstrate to employees that they are valued.
This appreciation translates into employee motivation, which positively impacts the students. More information about Gettysburg College is available at www.gettysburg.edu.
Rising Sun Consultant's Director of Program Development, Lynn Lehman, is a proud graduate of Gettysburg College. Thanks to Regina Campo and Jennifer Lucas, co-directors of human resources, for their help with this story.
World Views (In the News)
First Agreement – Then (And Only Then) Persuasion
Have you ever noticed that it's nearly impossible to win an argument? That doesn't mean you can't persuade someone to move from their original view to your view. It's just that it probably won't happen as a result of an argument. The reason is that, while in the "argument" stage, the person will probably be too busy "defending their turf" to be able to step back and understand why your view is the more reasonable. Funny how that works, isn't it?
The key is to first, end the argument. How? By agreeing. Now don't get me wrong. You don't have to "sell out" to do this. However, there's always something within what they say where you can find agreement, even if it's just how they feel, or their right to have those feelings.
Example: You arrive at the hotel much earlier than the usual check-in time. The person at the desk tells you that it's against company policy for guests to check in before the regular time of 3:00. You could logically argue that, as long as a room has been cleaned, it shouldn't be any big deal. But, that would cause the employee to admit he's wrong. Most people have an ego that doesn't enjoy that feeling.
Instead, agree with him: "Yes, I understand what you mean. It's hotel policy and that needs to be respected. I can appreciate that."
You didn't argue with him. You agreed with him. Personally, I don't imagine he'll argue with that. What's he going to say? "No, you're wrong. I'm totally wrong about what I just told you." No, he's going to feel good about you, because you agreed with him. He's going to relax because he knows you are not being confrontational.
Now, you can help him to "live in the solution" with your suggestion: "You know, I'm wondering. Just if it's not too much trouble, could you check to see if perhaps one of the rooms has already been cleaned. I think that's probably the reason for the rule, which would make a lot of sense." Then, I would add what I call the "Eight Key Words", which are, "If you can't do it, I'll definitely understand."
More than likely, you'll get to check in early ... and get one of the really good rooms. I can tell you that from personal experience, and the many letters I receive from people who do the same thing.
Remember, first agree. Then (and only then) persuade.
(Adapted from Winning Without Intimidation, by Bob Burg.)
Rays of Hope (Stories/Parables)
Two wolves
Author Unknown
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed." |
New Horizons
Question of the Month
Beginning with the August edition of Rise & Shine we are going to be responding to questions raised by our readers. We are particularly interested in your questions related to:
- Employee Engagement/Morale
- Employee Turnover/Retention
- Productivity
- Team Performance
- Leadership/Supervision
To submit a question, please click here and complete all required information.
*Selection of questions to be answered is strictly at the discretion of the Rise & Shine staff.
Guest Columnists
Also beginning with the August edition of Rise & Shine we are going to be sharing insights and interesting information from friends and colleagues around the country. Look for this new section in next month's edition.
Thank You
On behalf of all of us at Rising Sun Consultants, we want to thank you for reviewing the June edition of our Rise & Shine Newsletter. As always, we invite you to visit our website (www.risingsunconsultants.com) and encourage you to submit a question for a future addition of Rise & Shine.
Until next month: Always Keep Your Eyes on the New Horizon! |
