Dealing with Bad News

We each have to choose how we respond to the bad news that we continue to hear. If you watch the cable news cycle it is easy to think that we will be in misery for quite a while. Economists, Politicians, and Pundits have a tendency to make money off of despair and bad news. To be able to grow our businesses, contributions and lives we have to protect ourselves against the negativity that can come our way. Here are a few things that we can do to positively and proactively deal with bad news:

• Realize what we control and continually looking for ways to grow personally. Look at what you will read next and what classes that you can take to grow your career and performance.
• Stop watching the news and surround yourself with positive people that believe in their futures.
• Challenge yourself to look for new ways of doing business and continually improving the processes in your organization today.
• Have a good understanding of what your customers are going through so that you can partner with them on solutions.
• Take the time to learn from what we have experienced in the past and improve as a result of your experience
• Create multiple scenarios and always have a plan B so that we can adjust based upon the circumstances and challenges
• Be sure that you are controlling what you can control – your attitude, time and behaviors
• Stay focused upon what is in front of us, set short term goals, and follow through so that you hit them

Having the right frame of mind that sees us winning is crucial in dealing with the challenges that are in our path. I would be interested to see what you have found that works for you in dealing with Bad News. Share your thoughts so that we can benefit from your experience.

Bob Coulter

Coming Together as a Group

Meetings are important because we need to have everyone with a shared vision for where we are heading as a group or team. There should be great energy for where you want to go. In these meetings you should utilize multiple mechanisms to keep people engaged in the meetings and conversations. We should come together to look for new ways to solve problems and prepare for tomorrow. Each group should dig into the processes, procedures and systems to deal with challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Look at all the amazing things that you can accomplish in these meetings: (Brainstorming, group problem solving, fostering alignment, building leaders, lifting spirit, working on process improvement, and team chemistry) In these sessions we have to find the balance between the long term strategic issues and the shorter term tactical situations. Effective leaders are able to facilitate the group dynamics to develop people and drive business results.

Bob Coulter

Consistency in Working Smarter

It is important that each organization has clarity of focus. This means that we have to readjust our direction based upon where people are and how they see their roles. It is important to spend enough time on the right things. Some people have to run ahead and lead the way while we are engaging others to keep them involved in the process. Look for all the opportunities that exist for us to build team and communicate the key elements. Keeping everyone connected to the goals and clarity in how we do business as a company.

Insure that we are incorporating lessons learned across the broader audience. The environment has to be right so that we encourage new and creative ideas. Jim Jr. in working with Working Smarter companies has shared with us how some organizations are incorporating a great idea board posted along the way so that we stimulate energy and discussions. It is not just enough to have an idea, but how we can Implementation these ideas into our operations. This is a great chance to leverage the talents of your people and get things into action.

We each need to challenge ourselves to follow through and SUSTAIN. We have to keep the energy level up as much as possible. There is power in brainstorming to gain maximum participation that finds new solutions. Each company and team needs to get to the root of how we are doing and when we are either sustaining or not. Communication is crucial in fostering accountability. Integration between what people do in their jobs and how they help to drive the program forward is crucial. People have to understand that they are crucial to bring things together. Leaders must provide people with the links and the structure to help make this happen. We have to insure that you are executing your plans and holding yourselves accountable for goal achievement

Companies are utilizing the WSTC as a personal development experience for key people. This should be a chance to help people to expand their influence and grow their leadership skills. Great personal development while it helps them to see the world in a new way. This is a chance for each player to see how the company should function and where you can improve your play. Looking for win – win conversations that move into long term partnerships.

Bob Coulter