Dysfunction in the Workplace

Navigator #153
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
Lead Navigator
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-153.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
########################################

Upcoming Events

Greg will be speaking at the following conferences in June.

20th Annual Labor & Employee Relations Conference, June 23
Location: Miami, FL

SHRM 61st Annual Conference and Exposition, June 30
Location: New Orleans, LA
#############################################

"The aim of leadership should be to improve the
performance of man and machine, to improve quality,
to increase output, and simultaneously to bring pride of
workmanship to people."

--Dr. Edwards Deming

Personal Note from the Lead Navigator

June marks the fourteenth year we have been in business.
Since the beginning, we have enjoyed tremendous success.
I have been able to visit and work in over 26 countries.
Our Navigator Newsletter subscribers have expanded to
over 35,000 people with people from almost every
country on the globe. Now my staff has grown from
one person to over 6 different associates across the U.S.
I wrote my first book in 1996 and currently working on
my ninth. June also marks my wedding anniversary (32 years)
with the most wonderful woman in the world. I am
blessed beyond measure and very fortunate. However. . .

Success can blind you and limit your potential and possibilities.

I just spent a week with 10 other successful CEO's and
entrepreneurs locked into a conference room in
Scottsdale, Arizona. We took a microscope and evaluated
each other's business model. Was it working? Was it
serving our customers? Was it maximizing our talents?

At the end of the week, each of us walked away with new
insight, direction and purpose. Even though the individual
pieces are still evolving, I do know how I help my clients will
change dramatically. I guess you can say . . . I have
recharted my own course with clearer direction and focus.

Starting now, I plan on working on a more strategic level
with a smaller group of like minded individuals. They are
senior level executives, business owners and entrepreneurs
who want to make their businesses more profitable and
expand their skills to the next level.

Over the next few months you may notice a different focus
on our websites and newsletter. Some information and
services will change and you will see some new additions
and focus areas; some parts will be modified or eliminated
altogether. It will be part of a new focus to provide a better
and more impactful value to you.

I challenge you to start your own reinvention process and
ask yourself these questions. Are you leading your
organization in the right direction? Are you growing and
making more money? Do you know how to take your
organization to the next level? Have you effectively
communicated this to your team?

If not, we can help you. Contact us today.

Greg
########################################

Dysfunction in the Workplace
How Awareness and Communication Improve
Team Dynamics

In Patrick Lencioni's best-selling book, The Five
Dysfunctions of a Team, he tells a tale of a firm's
executive team struggling with utter dysfunction.
Ineffective communication, multiple egos, fear, office
politics and judgmental attitudes were all contributing
to the absence of dynamics and poor performance.

Does this sound familiar to you? Have you experienced
a dysfunctional team in your career?

If yes, you are not alone. Most everyone has either been
a part of, observed or even faced the challenge of leading
a dysfunctional team like the one Lencioni describes.
In fact, he says, "Teams, because they are made up of
imperfect human beings, are inherently dysfunctional."

Lencioni's interrelated model of team dysfunction
outlines five areas that prevent success:

• Absence of trust
• Fear of conflict
• Lack of commitment
• Avoidance of accountability
• Inattention to results

But don't be discouraged. There is hope for all of
us experiencing a dysfunctional team. As Lencioni
states, "In fact, team building is both possible and
remarkably simple. But it is also painful." We strongly
believe in two fundamental team building basics that help
teams overcome each of these dysfunctions: awareness
and communication.

Awareness is more than observation; it is an understanding
of what is going on around you. In this case, it is important to
be aware of and appreciate the different viewpoints of
team members and their work habits, motivators, areas of
expertise, and mastery in personal skills and motives.

Doing so will not only help you build team dynamics, but
more importantly will increase personal effectiveness so
you can accomplish more as a team.

Communication is where it all starts. The importance of
open communication simply cannot be overstated as it is
fundamental in building trust, managing conflict, gaining
commitment, holding accountability and identifying team
results. Effective communication involves first
understanding your own communication style,
understanding others' communication style and
appreciating the differences everyone brings to a
team environment.

Teams are, essentially, what drive results. Take a look
at the teams you are in, leading, or observing, and
identify the five areas of dysfunction. What can you do
to focus on team building? Whatever the strategy, as
Lencioni warns, it will be painful. But the results will be
well worth the challenge.

If we can help you build an effective team and get
everyone rowing in the same direction, let us know.

Used with permission: Target Training International Inc.
########################################
Online Assessment Center

We provide a comprehensive portfolio of hiring and
development solutions including 360, team, customer
service, executive talent and management development
reports and assessments.

Visit our webpage
http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html
########################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 35,000 subscribers in 60 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Navigator | Last Chance to Sign Up for Wednesday’s Change Management Teleseminar

You are receiving this because you have subscribed
to the Navigator Newsletter.

Seven Change Management Strategies for Today's World

Wednesday, May 27

3:00-4:00 p.m. EST
12:00-1:00 PM PST
1:00-2:00 PM MST
2:00-3:00 PM CST

There is no fee to attend this teleseminar.

Today's professionals cannot succeed without the knowledge
to manage change. The turbulent economy has placed businesses
and business leaders under pressure to improve and restructure
their organizations. Businesses need to implement a
"transformational" style of leadership along with an effective
strategy to enhance productivity, cut costs, and position their
business or organization for increased efficiency. You will
learn specific techniques to help you manage change, retain
top talent, reduce bureaucracy, and innovative ways to drive
the transformation from the bottom-up.

During this teleseminar we will outline and discuss the seven
strategies executives and managers should put in place to
successfully lead change.

=>Institute transformational leadership techniques in your organization

=>Communicate more and provide direction

=>Manage the talent of your people

=>Identify and exterminate "organizational pathologies"

=>Innovate and manage the ideas of your workforce

=>Keep your people engaged and energized

=>Emotionally connect with your customers

NOTE: Our telephone bridge line space is limited; we have to
limit attendance to the first 100 people who sign up. Since
this teleseminar is free, we ask you to sign up online only.
Please do not call to register.

Seven Change Management Strategies for Today's World
May 27
3:00-4:00 p.m. EST

Sign up now!

Click on this link or cut and paste it into your browser.

http://www.kickstartcart.com/SecureCart/SecureCart.aspx?mid=D2B673E3-C885-496B-B08C-17C9ABBBBCA4&pid=c622ee4a5887050418cf8179526612ef

Download the handouts:

http://www.chartcourse.com/handouts.html

Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Navigator | "The Best Way To Predict The Future Is To Invent It"

Navigator #152
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-152.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
########################################

Upcoming Teleseminars

Seven Change Management Strategies for Today's World
May 27
3-4 p.m. EST

Please join us for a complimentary teleseminar. Due to
phone line capacity, we have to limit attendance to the
first 100 registrants.

Click here to register online

http://www.kickstartcart.com/SecureCart/SecureCart.aspx?mid=D2B673E3-C885-496B-B08C-17C9ABBBBCA4&pid=c622ee4a5887050418cf8179526612ef&bn=1

You can also clink on this link for more information and registration.

http://www.chartcourse.com/upcomingevents.html
########################################

Personal Note from the Captain of the Ship

"The Best way to predict the future is to invent it."

Alan Kay
Former Xerox Researcher

My clients expect me to know what is happening in
the business world and advise them accordingly.
As my normal routine, I read dozens of magazines,
newspapers, books and reliable sources of information
on the Internet. As a side note, the least dependable
source of factual content and reliable information is
cable television news.

In the May 4 edition of Fortune, I enjoyed reading an
article by Anne Mulcahy, the CEO of Xerox. For me,
she hits the nail on the head regarding what
business should be doing during this economic downturn.

She said, "I know from experience one of the biggest
mistakes that can be made right now is to slash
investments in innovation. And by innovation, I
don't just mean product research and development.
It can also be innovating in new markets, launching
new businesses, and even disruptive innovation in
work processes." Then she adds, "I remind my team
that the next generation of technology and services
will be born out of decisions we make at this unique
moment in time. With that, we're banking on the
advice of Alan Kay, a former Xerox researcher,
who said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."

As a management consultant, I have had an
interesting seat watching business after business,
cut back, terminate talented people, eliminate
training and development, and curtail important
projects. These businesses are just creeping
along the highway, hoping they don't become
road kill, instead of taking a proactive approach.
Many of them have laid off their most experienced
people, virtually wiping out their talent pool and
future leadership.

Yes, survival is paramount and all my clients have
had to make difficult decisions. However, by making
the wrong choices, many of these businesses have
only put a noose around their neck. They have
placed themselves in a precarious position where
they won't be prepared when the economy starts
improving.

Studies show layoffs end up being far more costly
and damaging than the short term money they end
up saving. As Anne Mulcahy alludes in her
article -- businesses can't stop innovating. As an
example, some companies have cut back on
customer service. So instead of increasing
customer loyalty, they have only alienated them.
In my book, that is the kiss of death. If you work in
that kind of place, you might as well box up your
stuff because it won't be long until the business
collapses and you're the next out the door.

The turbulent economy has placed businesses and
business leaders under pressure to improve and
restructure their organizations. A survey by the
Conference Board showed the executives' major
concern was about "speed, flexibility, and
adaptability to change." Businesses need to
implement a "transformational" style of leadership
along with an effective strategy that will enhance
productivity and position their business or
organization for increased efficiency.

Last week I was in Longview, Texas speaking to the
Economic Development Council. Here is a community
of about 80,000 people who are still focused on a
bright future. Despite the economy, they are still
growing, dynamic and interested to learn new
techniques in keeping their employees motivated
and working effectively. Several of the people that
attended my session work at the Neiman Marcus
distribution center. They are responsible for
distributing merchandise to stores all across the
U.S. It was encouraging to me to see this
organization still cares for its people and wants to
stay vital, innovative, and competitive and be an
employer of choice for their region. More
businesses should have that same goal.

Here are seven strategies organizations should put in place.

>Institute transformational leadership techniques in your organization
>Communicate more and provide direction
>Manage the talent of your people
>Identify and exterminate "organizational pathologies"
>Innovate and manage the ideas of your workforce
>Keep your people engaged and energized
>Emotionally connect with your customers

We invite you to sign up for next week's free
teleseminar to hear how to implement these seven
strategies in your business. This teleseminar is limited
to the first 100 people who sign up. Since this is a free
teleconference, we ask you to sign up online only.
Please do not call to register. You will be responsible
for your own phone charges.

Click on this link or cut and paste it into your browser.

http://www.kickstartcart.com/SecureCart/SecureCart.aspx?mid=D2B673E3-C885-496B-B08C-17C9ABBBBCA4&pid=c622ee4a5887050418cf8179526612ef&bn=1

You can also clink on this link for more information and registration.

http://www.chartcourse.com/upcomingevents.html
#############################################
Engaged on the Job?

"Last year a survey conducted of 90,000 employees
by Towers Perrin showed only 21% of them were
highly engaged in their work. The other 79% may
be physically on the job, but they've left their
enthusiasm and ingenuity at home."

Source: WSJ April 28, 2009
#############################################

Supporting Change Training Course

Supporting Change is a Vital Learning program that
provides the tools managers need to understand and
interpret change and to prepare them to more
successfully manage their team through it. By working
to support change and at the same time addressing the
team's comfort level with that change, the manager
can more effectively facilitate acceptance of a new
way of doing things. You can purchase the materials
to teach the course, or take the online version.

http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisory_training.html
#############################################

Hire the Right Person for the Right Job

Believe it or not, there are businesses still recruiting
and hiring people. This is a great time to capture
some outstanding talent. So, if you are hiring,
how do you know when the right person walks
through the door? As you know, you can't always
trust resumes, experience, or the person's
ability to answer interview questions to determine
if they are the best fit for a job.

Experience is not necessarily an indicator for
future success. Jim Collins, in his best-selling
book, "From Good to Great" said, "People are
not your most important asset, the right people are."
We have a suite of over 30 different assessments
and reports that can predict success on the job.
These reports measure personality, 360 feedback,
honesty, motivations, sales ability and key attributes
that help organizations achieve the goals they
need and want. In this economy, you can't
afford the mistake of hiring the wrong person
for the right job. For more information call us
at 770-860-9464 or visit our website.

http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html
#############################################

Will They Lie, Cheat, or Steal?

The Counterproductive Behavior Index (CBI) is a
valid, contemporary integrity test—a cost-effective
screening procedure for identifying job applicants whose
behavior, attitudes, and work-related values are likely
to interfere with their success as employees. The CBI
consists of an objective questionnaire with 140 true/false
questions that can be completed by the job applicant in
about 15 minutes.

There are two forms available. One is administered,
scored, and interpreted by computer. It yields an
objectively generated report addressing the degree of
potential concern about the six major areas identified,
a measure of overall or total concern, and an
assessment of self-serving response bias.

The other form is a paper-and-pencil version in which
applicants answer the questions on an answer sheet. It is then
hand-scored and profiled by the test administrator,
yielding the same information as the computer-based
version. The cost of each report is under $22.

For more information go to:
http://www.chartcourse.com/ttiassessments_prehire.html
#############################################

Daily Cartoon

For those of you needing a little laugh, we invite you to
visit the Daily Cartoon page on our website. The cartoons
are provided by Ted Goff.

http://www.chartcourse.com/dailycartoon.html
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Navigtor Newsletter | Leadership Beyond the Recession

Navigator #151
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-151.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
########################################

What Is Happening Now!

Take Our 2009 Job Satisfaction Survey.

Are you happy at work? We are trying to measure
how the current economic situation has affected
people and their jobs. Please take five minutes to
complete our survey. The results will be posted in a
future edition of the Navigator Newsletter.

http://www.assess.biz/survey_form.asp?m=89&s=2506
#############################################

Upcoming Teleseminar

Proven Ways to Attract, Engage, and Retain Your Workforce
Thursday ~ May 21, 2009
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (EST)
$99 per person

For more information, click on this link:

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar_retention.html
########################################

Personal Note from the Captain of the Ship

"We do not need magic to transform our world; we
carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.
We have the power to imagine better."

--J.K. Rowling

Our trip to Ireland last month was fantastic. We
visited some of the most beautiful places on the
West Coast. We traveled from Adair to Dingle
and everywhere in between. We enjoyed some
outstanding pubs and friendly people, and made
some wonderful memories.

For those of you interested in seeing some photos
of the trip, please click on this link.

http://www.chartcourse.com/photos-ireland.html

#############################################

Worth Reading

"The Hidden Costs of Overbearing Bosses" by
Gary Hamel

http://blogs.wsj.com/management/2009/04/28/the-hidden-costs-of-overbearing-bosses/
#############################################

"Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to
be what we know we can be."
---Ralph Waldo Emerson

Training: Leadership Beyond the Recession

When he stated the quote above, Ralph Waldo
Emerson was describing extraordinary leadership.
What he said then is exactly what we need today.
Organizations are obviously suffering from the
economic fallout. The dynamics of business
are in a state of change. Workers and
managers alike are struggling to make sense
of what they must do to survive the recession...

This year, some organizations may consider
reducing or eliminating training as a way to lower
expenses; but in reality, training is the last
thing organizations should cut. It is the one
thing that can help current and future leaders
adapt so they can emerge from the recession
healthy and sound. Training is about leveraging
the present in order to build a future. The
recession may be the best time to focus on
leadership training.

Positioning for the Recovery

Organizations should be positioning themselves
for recovery. Studies reveal firms that come
out of the recession in a more advantageous
position will be more likely retain that position
far into the period of recovery.

Strategies for building leadership talent should
be embedded throughout your organization.
Train your managers and supervisors to help
employees understand where the company is
going and how they fit in with the company goals.
Employees then are more likely to apply the
proper decisions and skills in their day-to-day jobs.

Leading employees effectively helps avoid
economic distractions and keeps them engaged
in the business of serving customers, remaining
proactive, and performing as a productive
member of the team.

Leadership to Recession-Proof the Culture

Another theme on which employers must
focus is communication. When times are
tough, leaders should openly discuss the
issues and challenges employees face. They
should do this often and in many ways to
reduce anxiety, stabilize the environment,
and support positive morale. Communication
becomes the glue that binds together the
culture of the organization, making it more
resistant to the pressures of recession, such
as unwanted turnover, the ability to achieve
more with less, disenfranchised teams, and
loss of productivity.

Check out our Essential Skills of
Communicating and Essential Skills
of Leadership for excellent programs to train your employees.

http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisory_training.html

Contributor: Melodae Morris, M.A., APR, SPHR
#############################################

Inspirational Video of J.K. Rowling

We have placed a video on our website of J.K. Rowling
(author of the Harry Potter Series) giving the
commencement address at Harvard University last year.
Ms. Rowling is an amazing author who struggled from
poverty to fame.

Regardless of whether you like the Harry Potter books
and movies, you can't argue with a person who
overcame obstacles and achieved her dream.

http://www.chartcourse.com/video_jkrowling.html
#############################################

Will They Lie, Cheat, and Steal?

The CBI is a valid, contemporary integrity test—a cost-effective
screening procedure for identifying job applicants whose
behavior, attitudes, and work-related values are likely
to interfere with their success as employees. The CBI
consists of an objective questionnaire with 140 true/false
questions that can be completed by the job applicant in
about 15 minutes.

There are two forms available. One is administered,
scored, and interpreted by computer. It yields an
objectively generated report addressing the degree of
potential concern about the six major areas identified,
a measure of overall or total concern, and an
assessment of self-serving response bias.

The other form is a paper-and-pencil version in which
applicants answer the questions on an answer sheet. It is then
hand-scored and profiled by the test administrator,
yielding the same information as the computer-based
version. The cost of each report is $19.

For more information go to:
http://www.chartcourse.com/ttiassessments_prehire.html
#############################################

Daily Cartoon

For those of you needing a little laugh, we invite you to
visit the Daily Cartoon page on our website. The cartoons
are provided by Ted Goff.

http://www.chartcourse.com/dailycartoon.html
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Updates from Chart Your Course International

You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
Navigator Newsletter.

Upcoming Teleseminars

April 22
Digging for Gold: How to Start and Manage an
Employee Suggestion Program
$99
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html
(See details below)

May 21
Proven Ways to Attract, Engage and Retain
Your Workforce
$99
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar_retention.html

########################################

Take Our 2009 Job Satisfaction Survey

Are you happy at work? We are trying to measure
how the current economic situation has affected
people and their jobs. Please take five minutes to
answer our survey. The results will be posted in a
future edition of the Navigator Newsletter.

http://www.assess.biz/survey_form.asp?m=89&s=2506
########################################

Next Week is Administrative Professionals Week

Administrative Professionals Week is April 19-25 –
Don't forget to recognize and thank your hard-working
Administrative Professionals, whose tireless efforts
keep your organization moving forward.
########################################

FANTASTIC, FABULOUS SPRING SALE!

Oops! In case you had trouble using the code--
We fixed it.

For the next ten days you can take 15% off any book,
customer service video, online management training
program, or anything else you can order directly off
our website.

Simply put the coupon code in the code box when
you check out and click "apply". Your discount
will immediately be subtracted from your order.

233452

http://www.chartcourse.com/captains.htm

########################################

How to Start and Manage an Employee Suggestion
Program Teleseminar
3:00-4:00 p.m. EST (Atlanta time)
60 minutes
April 22
Cost: $99 per person

All businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and
improve performance. Capturing ideas and suggestions
from employees should be a top priority -- especially
in this economy.

Getting employees involved not only yields valuable
ideas and suggestions, but also engages and improves
employee motivation, creating a more productive and
satisfying work environment. Yet many ignore the
untapped resource of their employees who know their
jobs better than any expert.

Fact #1: Just 41% of employees think their senior
management supports new ideas and new ways of doing things.

Fact #2: Just 37% of employees think senior management
tries to be visible and accessible to employees.

Fact #3: A whopping 60% of employees think their
organization's employee suggestion program does
not exist or is ineffective.

Marsha Myers of Lee Hecht Harrison said, "Managers
usually overlook the company's most valuable asset
and source of information - their employees. As the
economy slows, creative organizations can find new
ways to drive revenue and reduce costs by seeking
employee suggestions."

During the past 30 years, I have worked with hundreds
of organizations in designing employee suggestion
and engagement programs. Years ago, I was
responsible for creating an employee suggestion
program for an organization of 72,000 people. As a
Board Member of the Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award, I had the opportunity to examine
and evaluate how leading organizations use their
Employee Suggestion Systems (ESS) to produce
results.

Discover how to create Employee Suggestion Systems
such as Idea Campaigns, Idea Olympics, Idea-A-Day,
Kaizen, STAT VA and Vampire Extermination
Expeditions, just to name a few. The results of these
programs can increase revenue, cut costs, improve
customer satisfaction and have a major impact on job
satisfaction and motivation.

YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:

>Implement a fail proof program that improves
motivation and drives innovation from the bottom up
>Overcome the obstacles that cause typical suggestion
programs to fail
>Understand the powerful difference between a
suggestion "program" and a suggestion "campaign"

For more information:

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

How to Start and Manage an Employee Suggestion Program Teleseminar

How to Start and Manage an Employee Suggestion Program Teleseminar
3:00-4:00 p.m. EST (Atlanta time)
60 minutes
Cost: $99 per person

All businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and
improve performance. Capturing ideas and suggestions
from employees should be a top priority -- especially
in this economy.

If you think suggestion boxes are effective—You are
wrong!

Getting employees involved not only yields valuable
ideas and suggestions, but also engages and improves
employee motivation, creating a more productive and
satisfying work environment. Yet many ignore the
untapped resource of their employees who know their
jobs better than any expert.

Fact #1: Just 41% of employees think their senior
management supports new ideas and new ways of doing things.

Fact #2: Just 37% of employees think senior management
tries to be visible and accessible to employees.

Fact #3: A whopping 60% of employees think their
organization's employee suggestion program does
not exist or is ineffective.

Marsha Myers of Lee Hecht Harrison said, "Managers
usually overlook the company's most valuable asset
and source of information - their employees. As the
economy slows, creative organizations can find new
ways to drive revenue and reduce costs by seeking
employee suggestions."

During the past 30 years, I have worked with hundreds
of organizations in designing employee suggestion
and engagement programs. Years ago, I was
responsible for creating an employee suggestion
program for an organization of 72,000 people. As a
Board Member of the Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award, I had the opportunity to examine
and evaluate how leading organizations use their
Employee Suggestion Systems (ESS) to produce
results. I trained managers at Yamaha and learned
how they drive continuous improvement with their
Kaizen process. My experiences have taught me
what works and what does not.

During this teleseminar I will explain how to use
Employee Suggestion Systems (ESS) to do the following.

1. Reduce costs
2. Drive continuous improvement
3. Identify problems
4. Improve customer retention and satisfaction
5. Capture new ideas and services that generate revenue

Discover how to create employee suggestion systems
such as Idea Campaigns, Idea Olympics, Idea-A-Day,
Kaizen, STAT VA and Vampire Extermination
Expeditions, just to name a few. The results of these
programs can increase revenues, cut costs, improve
customer satisfaction and have a major impact on job
satisfaction and motivation.

YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:

>Use employee suggestions to drive results and best
ways to implement those ideas
>Engage employees at all levels
>Overcome the common pitfalls that cause typical
suggestion programs to fail
>Utilize the proper way to use rewards and recognition
in the suggestion process
>Tap, capture and transform ideas into valuable
products and services
>Initiate several different types of suggestion
programs to get hundreds of improvement ideas
from your workforce
>Increase the number and quality of ideas and
suggestions from your employees
>Know the difference between a suggestion "program"
and a suggestion "campaign"
>Incorporate the best ways to track and manage
employee suggestions
>Learn about the Bright Idea Campaign

For more information:

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Employee Suggestion Programs | Digging for Gold

Navigator #150
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-150.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
########################################

Take Our 2009 Job Satisfaction Survey

Are you happy at work? We are trying to measure
how the current economic situation has affected
people and their jobs. Please take five minutes to
answer our survey. The results will be posted in a
future edition of the Navigator Newsletter.

http://www.assess.biz/survey_form.asp?m=89&s=2506
#############################################

Upcoming Teleseminars

April 22
Digging for Gold: How to Start and Manage an
Employee Suggestion Program
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html

May 21
Proven Ways to Attract, Engage and Retain
Your Workforce
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar_retention.html

########################################

Personal Note from the Captain of the Ship

Every couple of years I am invited to speak at the
International Pizza Expo -- the world's largest and
oldest pizza tradeshow. Not only do I get to meet
some great people, but the best part is getting to
sample all the food and watch the World Pizza
Games. You can check out some of the photos
on the website.

http://www.chartcourse.com/photoalbum.htm

Next week Cathy and I are heading to Ireland.
I will be enjoying some sight-seeing as well as doing
research for a new book. I will post some photos as
we move along.
#############################################

SPECIAL, FANTASTIC, FABULOUS SPRING SALE!

We have never done this before. For the next ten
days you can take 15% off any book, customer
service video, online management training program,
or anything else you can order directly off our website.

http://www.chartcourse.com/captains.htm

Simply put the coupon code in the code box when
you go to check out and click "apply". Your discount
will immediately be subtracted from your order.

233452
#############################################

Digging for Gold: Employee Suggestion Programs

Most organizations are looking for ways to cut costs
and improve performance. Capturing ideas and
suggestions from employees should be a top
priority -- especially in this economy. Yet many
ignore the untapped resource of their employees
who know their jobs better than any expert. It
surprises me to realize how few organizations have
any kind of employee suggestion program.

Marsha Myers of Lee Hecht Harrison said, "Managers
usually overlook the company's most valuable asset
and source of information - their employees. As the
economy slows, creative organizations can find new
ways to drive revenue and reduce costs by seeking
employee suggestions."

Good Idea Boards. Georgia's Buckhead Ritz-Carlton
Hotel collects ideas and suggestions by letting employees
write them on an "easy wipe" board in their department.
Instead of passing untested ideas up the chain of command,
the employee who originates an idea has responsibility
for its implementation. They follow a three-step work
process: "Study it, Pilot it, and Adopt it."

A quality coach helps each department and its employees
with the process. Once an idea is piloted and found
worthwhile, it is adopted. Each month the department
forwards the best idea to the division and then on to
the Quality Office for special recognition.

Idea Expositions. The Sony Corporation is well known
for its ability to create and manufacture new and
innovative products. Each year Sony generates
approximately 1000 new products and product
innovations. Founder Masaru Ibuka's philosophy
for success is "Never follow others."

In order to foster the exchange of ideas within
departments, Sony's Corporate Research sponsors
an annual Idea Exposition. Scientists and engineers
display projects and ideas they are working on. Open
only to Sony's employees, the exposition lets individuals
share ideas with each other to promote cross fertilization
between departments and divisions.

To learn more about Employee Suggestion Programs,
attend our teleseminar on April 22 or visit the webpage
outlining our Bright Idea Campaign.

http://www.chartcourse.com/bright-ideas-employee-suggestion-program.html

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html
#############################################

How to Get a High Paying Job

You probably have seen this before. . .

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human
Resources person asked a young engineer fresh out of
Georgia Tech, "And what starting salary were you looking
for?" The engineer said, "In the neighborhood of $125,000
a year, depending on the benefits package." The interviewer
said, "Well, what would you say to a package of 5 weeks
vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, a
company matching retirement fund for 50% of your salary,
and a company car leased every 2 years – say, a red
Corvette?" The engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow!
Are you kidding?" And the interviewer replied, "Yeah, but
you started it."
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html