Billy Arcement’s
News From the Swamp
Issue # 39
Bringing you ideas from The Results
Group Office
on
“Working
with business leaders to produce a culture of teamwork, productivity and
profits.”
Please recommend this newsletter to a friend or associate.
When you receive this newsletter, print, three-hole
punch and place it in a binder for future review. Place the binder in your bookcase. Take the binder with you on trips to read in
down time. Review it while you’re
sitting down glancing at your TV screen or create your own unique way to
re-read the words. Reviewing the messages
reinforces the content and expands the possibilities of retention and implementation
of information shared. Put the ideas to
work for you. This is how winners learn
and grow and I believe you are a winner!
Last month I asked readers to share challenges they are facing in their work situations. Thanks to everyone who responded. Space does not allow me to share all comments so I’ve picked three that might help with your own work situation. I’ve offered my thoughts (in blue) following the submission.
Submission # 1:
“I have six ladies that report to me and they are all
definitely ‘takers.’ We are an
operational support group for our Cash Management Sales force. These ladies (all of them) constantly
complain and blame others for their problems.
It is always the sales persons fault or their husband’s fault or the
company’s fault. I have tried using
inspirational items, articles from your newsletter; and I have gone so far as
to tell them if they are not happy with their job they need to find something
else to do. There are a couple in my
department that I am convinced thrive on the negativity. I truly don’t believe they are “happy” unless
they are miserable.
I don’t like what this negative atmosphere is doing to
me. I find myself struggling with
negative thoughts and I don’t like being that way. I use to pride myself in being an extremely
positive person; however, this work atmosphere has started to take its toll on
me. I would like to see more articles on
a positive workplace and how to handle negativity.”
Dealing with
negative people is a difficult challenge.
Let me offer these suggestions:
GOOD LUCK. Let me know how this worked out.
Submission # 2:
Starting with no
clients 3 1/2 years ago, we were fortunate enough, and sometimes lucky enough,
to attract and retain new customers. Our
specific challenge now and during this past year has been - what next? Do we want to grow the business further
(i.e., more employees, larger projects) or do we want to stay where we are -
doing well and living comfortably? A serious business plan is in order here, I've
been told and I agree. I think the underlying problem is "We Are Where We
Are Because That’s Where We Want To Be" - Possibly the fear of greater
success. Possibly fear of the unknown. Possibly the fear of failure. I need to address these issues in order to
move forward. Having some common sense about it all can help if I use it!
Submission # 3:
Billy,
considering the fact that I am officially retired I am not really facing any issues
with my boss. I think the major item that I have faced is "You are here
because you want to be here.” It is easy
to find excuses for why you have not made a move to improve or change by
looking toward something or someone else. I found it difficult to take the responsibility
myself primarily because I did not want to risk the comfort I had with the
situation I was in. I was basically happy with my work because it was
reasonably secure, provided and adequate income for our family and the stress
was pretty normal. It is easy to
continue in that situation, yet I was not satisfied with the total package and
was finding myself continually exploring other options. I finally did make the
move and for a period was not sure that it would work out. I had the support
from my family and it did work out. The important thing is that we were all
happier with the end result and personal growth continued where it had been
stagnated before. To me the bottom line
is that each individual is primarily the person responsible for where they are
and can effect change.
The above two examples are similar
and very common in the workplace. It’s
easy to become complaisant in a comfortable situation. Risk can be viewed as a “black hole” of
disaster that cements our feet in place.
But, there is nothing wrong with this position as long as you don’t
yearn for something better.
Dissatisfaction is what can eventually prompt one to take action and
reduce fear of the unknown. Each of us
must find a comfort zone that matches our ambition. Decisions to expand a business or change jobs
requires detailed analysis of the outcome of all options considered. Once all the pro’s and con’s are thoroughly
examined, a decision can be made on sound data.
Following these steps increases the success potential. Understand that failure is not final nor is
success guaranteed to last forever. But
when one acts after a thorough examination of options, success is more likely
to happen. Lastly, listen to your
“heart.” When your intuition is troubled
by a decision, chances are it is not the correct one. But when your intuitiveness knows it’s time
to make a change, go for it!
Most who receive this newsletter are actively engaged in the world of work. But are you actively engaged in building a career? Too many view their work as a series of small tasks or mini jobs. Thus their focus is narrow and their vision is limited. When we get bogged down in the details, we limit our success potential.
Take the position that you are not doing mini tasks but building a career. Do the details but view this effort as part of a big picture you wish to accomplish. Every activity should be designed to position you for promotion or better job opportunities. Work hard. Work smart. Utilize all your skills and always keep a long-term prospective.
Building a
career is about building your value so the market place begins to perceive
someone that is different and full of potential.
Build On Workplace Knowledge
Productive employees with lots of experience are particularly knowledgeable and valuable. Don’t let the valuable experience gained by employees only survive in their heads. Develop a master plan to capture and record key information so the future learning curve is lessoned for new employees and to avoid repeating costly mistakes. This is a smart management decision that can mean the difference between surviving or going the way of the Dodo bird.
Too often
we take many of the people in our life for granted. In this Thanksgiving season, take time to
tell workers how much you appreciate their efforts. Tell your family how grateful you are for
what they bring into your life. If we
carefully examine our life, we have much to give thanks for. Don’t let this season slip by without giving
thanks to those who mean the most to you.
It will make you feel better and will certainly brighten the day of
those you thank.
Let me start the process by thanking each and every one of
you who subscribe to my newsletters. I
appreciate your loyalty and hope in some small way my thoughts have made a difference
in your life. It is my pleasure to serve
you.
The Professional Speaker:
Experience
the wit and wisdom of Billy’s messages at your next meeting.
Executive Coaching / Management Consulting: Use Billy’s problem-solving skills and vast experience base
to improve your leadership and management skills.
The School Board Strategist: Billy is considered by many school boards as their number
one resource for enhancing board performance.
The Author: Get his book, Searching for Success, today. It can make a difference.
Call
Please notify
Children First! Spread the Word
Children First, my newsletter offering parenting tips, continues to grow
very nicely. To subscribe, email me at barcement@eatel.net and place “children”
in the subject line. The next issue goes
out December 1
Value Added
Ideas
You may reprint content from
this newsletter or from past issues.
We’re also happy to provide you with articles from our archive of
previously published articles to add value to your publications. Before you do, please send an email request
to barcement@eatel.net and specify
your needs.
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