Motivate & Inspire Your Workforce

How do you stop the best people from leaving your organisation?

How do you attract the "best people" to your organisation? These are truly worthy individuals who not only support you, but also take the burden of responsibility from you. They make your life easier, inspire your staff and get the job done.

There is only one way to attract people like this to your organisation. The "best people" will only work for entrepreneurs who believe in themselves and have a plan of action.

These are the qualities that you need to hold on to people who can make life easier for you to create your vision:

1. You must have a positive vision for your company
2. Turn all negatives into positives and learn from your experience
3. Plan ahead, forget the mistakes of the past & focus on the future
4. Delegate all simple tasks, so that you can focus on the greater goals

If you are confident in your abilities, then the right sort of people will gravitate towards you. Only by openly acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses will you complement your team.

Within a short time of someone joining your organisation you will get a gut feeling for them. If you believe that he/she isn't right for you, don't give them time to change. You will be proved right in the long term.

Water the shoots and immediately remove the weeds, so that you can focus on the tasks ahead.

At the end of the day, when you and your colleagues are tired and just before its time to call it a day, sit back, relax & let the conversation take whichever path it chooses.

Remember to relax after the working day has ended. Give some quality to your free time.

Last thing at night, as you lie in your bed, meditate and let your mind flow freely. Go to sleep thinking about the challenges that you faced that day. Often next morning you will wake up with a solution.

A Secret No One Tells New Managers

The Merriam-Webster dictionary lists two meanings for "confrontation." There are "a face-to-face meeting" and "the clashing of forces or ideas." Both are part of being a boss, but hardly anyone tells that to a new manager in advance.

You could say that managing others is the art of "controlled confrontation." Doing it well is essential to succeeding as a boss.

• Part of your job as a manager is accomplishing the mission assigned to your team. Sometimes that means asking your people to do things they'd rather not do. Sometimes it means getting them to stop doing things that affect team performance.
• You do most of that face-to-face. You need to communicate how things should be done and why it matters. Your subordinates may have different ideas. That's where confrontation happens.
• Part of your job as a manager is to care for your people. That means helping them succeed which often involves getting them to do things differently. Confrontation can happen there as well.
• The bottom line is that being a manager requires you to get people to alter their behavior and performance. Since nobody likes to be told that what they're doing is wrong, confrontation will be an inevitable part of your job. But it can't be just any confrontation. In order to be effective, confrontation needs to be controlled.
• Control confrontation by doing lots of it. The key is to help your people make lots of small course corrections.
• Lots of small corrections make confrontation easier. You won't be asking your people to make huge changes. You won't be surprising them by telling them that what they've been doing for weeks or months is wrong.
• Lots of small course corrections increase your odds of success. That's because the easier you make it for folks to do the right thing, the more likely they are to do it.
• In most cases you'll be able to limit your confrontations to a single issue. The exception is the person who either can't or won't change. They usually wind up requiring confrontations on a range of issues on the way to either reform or career redirection.
• You're also more likely to succeed if you follow a few rules and a simple script for your confrontations. Here's they are.
• When you talk with someone about changing behavior, it's usually best to do it privately.
• No one likes to be embarrassed by being corrected in front of their co-workers.
• Adapt your behavior to your subordinate. Some people are set at ease with small-talk. Other people want you to get right to the subject of your meeting. Some of your subordinates will move quickly and let you know on the spot how they react to your correction. Others will do better if they take some time to reflect. Choose your behavior to increase the odds of good outcomes.
• Start with the facts. Just the facts. Drain away the adjectives and describe the behavior or performance in neutral, Joe-Friday-like, phrases. Do this quickly, in a few seconds.
• Once you've gotten the facts out, don't stop. Move right on to outlining the impact of the performance or behavior that you want to change. You don't want your subordinate to talk until you've done that.
• Describe the impact in logical and emotional terms. Logical is something like: "When you come in late, we have to have someone else cover the phones. That's means their work isn't getting done.
• "Emotional is different. It's how you or someone else feels about the behavior or performance. Example: "When I have to re-arrange assignments at the last minute, I get angry.
• "Once you're done with the facts and the impact, stop. Be quiet. Don't say anything more. It's your subordinate's turn to talk. Wait for him or her to respond.
• Handle your confrontations this way and the next thing that happens most of the time is that you'll be discussing issues with your subordinate. Those issues might be the accuracy of your facts or reasons why behavior or performance don't match expectations or a description of exceptional circumstances you weren't aware of or any number of other things, including how and when change will happen.
• Don’t leave the session without agreeing on what will change and when. Be clear about how it will be measured. And remember that, because you're the boss, you may have to dictate those terms if agreement proves impossible.
• Controlled confrontation is a key part of being a manager. Following the advice outlined here will improve your odds of successful controlled confrontation.

The Seven Characteristics Of A Good Leader

While a good leader can be taught and developed, I’ve always believed some people have natural born abilities to lead by nature. Some people have personal characteristics that allows them to be a leader without being taught.

So what are these characteristics? Let’s take a look at each attribute.

1. A good leader is someone who can be trusted to lead others. They have good character and is honest with integrity. They lead by example and earns the right to be a leader. This is especially obvious in the military where high ranking generals have lead from platoon level all the way up to division level.

2. A good leader is confident about his own abilities. In order to lead a group, the leader needs to show he or she is confident and able to set directions. He/she instills confidence in others which in turns excels them to do the best for the team.

3. A good leader is passionate about his/her work. Leaders are often asked to be motivators and enthusiastic. Without passion for their work, it is difficult to motivate others to do the same. A good leader will lead by example and be willing to do the dirty work.

4. A good leader needs to display order in chaos. Many times, people look to leaders for directions and instructions in times of uncertainty. They look to seek assurance and security and the leader needs to display decisiveness and positive attitude.

5. A good leader strives to be the best. They do not want to be second or third best. They maintain high standards in their work and inspire others to do the same.

6. A good leader is able to think analytically keeping the end result in mind. A good leader needs to keep in mind the big picture while at the same time, breaks it down into actionable steps for others to follow or perform. He/she also needs to be able to gauge the progress being made.

7. A good leader also needs to remain calm and composed in the face of uncertainty. Other people will look to him/her for assurance during times of difficulty. He/she needs to be decisive and follow through on his/her decisions.

Effective Leadership In An Organization

Everyone has a unique definition. All the management literature, mythological books and personality development courses contains their idea about this quality. “ It is the quality to lead in such a way so that one can set an ideal example, along with the best possible results and making the best use of all your resources”. Sometimes it is considered as a god-gifted quality. But one can also develop this quality with true hard work, devotion and dedication towards the people and work. There are few qualities on what basis good leadership can be defined.

No books can teach management. When the situation is not under control, an expert handles it with his cleverness by using the power of the capital. When things and people go wrong an expert uses his muscle power to punish or simply he becomes rude and a man of attitude. When all these aren’t working, then comes the mental ability. The brain which is beyond the words. This book is known as the best book to learn management by many experts.

A good leader has the ability to view the broader view or the big picture. He has the vision that can bring his organization and himself up from all others. Devotion, dedication, determination, positive attitude, creativity are few other qualities needed to bring up a good leader. For a successful organization, a proper leadership is a must. No organization can survive without a good leadership. It results in productivity, better outcomes, working culture and atmosphere. It depends on the kinds of people in an organization and even the place.

One should try to bring everyone under one banner to increase the bonding and workability. While achieving the same, he should not forget to differentiate between an average and an outstanding to avoid the decrease in the performance. It sounds so confusing and difficult but the one who can really get it can come out as a winner in the end.

Giving Employee Performance - A Boost

We have all experienced being singled out because of a mistake or a misdeed many times throughout lives. But rarely do we get noticed for doing something good. Even if we're all grown up and working, this trend is still widely experienced. In fact, this is a common resentment in the corporate world. Sure, every employee undergoes employee training, but it is inevitable that most still commit mistakes. Sadly, when evaluation time comes, all the good work done are almost always overshadowed by poor employee performance.

Employee rights dictate that there should be provisions for coaching or training employees. However, this is an additional expense for the employer and another dent in the company's finances. This is not a problem for big multinationals, but for the average company, this is a big issue. The common stance on coaching is that it's only necessary for poor performing employees. However, Mary Massad, a human resources expert, begs to differ. According to Massad, coaching and training are essential for every member of the company or organization. It is observed that singling out an employee for mistakes leads to even poorer performance because of sagging morale. From the lowest-paid to the highest-paid employee, each must undergo training to boost the company's morale and performance.

Massad asserts that training employees doesn't have to be budget and time-consuming enterprise. Training is simply a means to get employees back on track. After all, they are qualified for their jobs. She asserts that setting examples and giving incentives are great for pushing employees subtly. For example, lateness is proven to be cause of low productivity. Improving employee scheduling by making shifts is a solution. An employer, setting an example of coming in early, will inspire his employees to do the same. Training does not have to be a full-fledged seminar. It may be as simple as a conference or daily reminders. Setting a time where employees and employers can meet to discuss work problems is an effective way of preventing tension in the workplace.

Of course, training does not stop when the problem ceases. Massad claims that training should be an ongoing process. If the employees feel and see that their problems are being addressed, they will be more driven to work. All work and no play causes dissatisfaction among employees. Setting an employee time where employees can relax and forget about work will refresh them. This could be as simple as a family day in the park or an excursion. Another surefire way to keep employees on track? Giving employee incentives for good work makes employees feel that they are appreciated. People are observed to work better if they feel that they and their work are valuable.

Leadership - The Proper Relationship With Subordinates

In the army, “the men” are kept separated from those known as “the officers.” This comes from the idea that the leaders should not be too close to the individuals they command. In the military this makes a lot of logical sense because if you are too close, you might have a difficult time making decisions that could result in harm to someone. On the army base they have an officers club, where the officers eat and socialize. On Sundays the facility is available to everyone, but there is a separate side for the officers and a separate side for the men. Side for the officers is generally a little fancier with better chairs and table arrangements.

A certain amount of separation that is prudent in non-military leadership as well. If you are overly friendly with your subordinates, it may be difficult for them to respect your authority. Many leaders end up at one extreme or the other. On the overly familiar side of things, they look to their subordinates to provide social interaction. Putting yourself in this type of situation can impede your judgment about an individual’s contribution or effectiveness within the organization. It is also detrimental because if all of your personal friends report to you, it is possible to end up with a bunch of sycophants instead of true honest friends who don’t fear they will endanger their job by telling you the truth.

On the other extreme side are the leaders who place themselves way above the people they direct. Somewhere in between these extremes is a healthy equilibrium. Part of your job as a leader is to identify and sense the proper poise that will give your subordinates the fulfillment of feeling like they have a relationship with you while keeping yourself in an authority position.

Affordable Health Insurance

Searching for an affordable health insurance plan can be somewhat of a nuisance if you do not do your research in an efficient manner. The upside of searching for low cost health insurance is that there are many different type of plans to choose from: Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s), copay plans, and traditional deductible only plans. However, this benefit can also be somewhat overwhelming just simply due to the glut of information that is available on the Internet and elsewhere.

Here are some general rules of thumb that will help you in your search to find health care coverage that is affordable and comprehensive:

1. Decide between group health insurance and individual health insurance. For many the decision is already made if an employer is willing to pay a portion of the premium cost if the company plan option is chosen. If the coverage is from a reputable company then it almost always makes sense to take the free money and choose the company plan! If your company does not offer to pay any of your premiums then you will probably want to obtain some individual health insurance quotes in order to compare prices.

Count on individual health insurance being approximately half the cost of a comparable group health plan. What’s the catch? You must be fairly healthy in order to be approved for most individual health insurance plans. (HINT: Many employers will only pay the premium for an employee not for the employees spouse and kids – you may be able to save quite a bit of money by placing your spouse and kids on a lower cost individual health plan – possibly even from the same insurance company that provides your group health plan insurance).

2. Decide between an HSA and a traditional plan.

With an HSA you never have copays and you never have coinsurance – you have a higher deductible than found in most traditional plans. After you meet your deductible for the year in an HSA then everything is covered 100% for the remainder of the year. In an HSA your maximum out of pocket cost is always equal to your deductible. HSA’s also have many tax benefits that traditional plans do not have so consult a qualified tax advisor to learn the specifics and how they may apply to your personal situation.

Traditional plans typically involve a deductible, copays and some type of coinsurance (usually 80/20). With traditional copay plans you will typically have a copay of $25 of $35 for doctor’s visits and prescriptions with the deductible reserved for pretty much anything that is not covered under a copay. Of course, everything else being equal a plan with a copay will cost more than a plan without a copay so be sure and compare both types side by side.

Take advantage of the price transparency of the Internet by comparing affordable health insurance quotes. Do your research and compare top health insurance companies offers side by side!

Good Health

Today having good health is the most important thing in an individual’s life. Poor nutritional choices might lead you in a major disaster. Another most important factor that one has to look for the best possible deal in order to be covered appropriately and that is called insurance. Insurance might cover you at all the possible stage life. Finding affordable health insurance with good coverage could be a big tentative block to hitting the road. There is no easy answer. There is no method around doing your own research to see which state and policy that is right for you. Your search would be multiple by the fact that each state regulates insurance companies so you’ll find great difference in prices, coverage and consumer protections. Costs would vary too, based on factors like your age, type of coverage, state of your health and any preexisting conditions.

Why is insurance important?

It should be realized by every individual that having a healthy lifestyle is not enough. Securing and safeguarding one’s self is mainly necessary. We live in present life and also not aware of the unexpected things that could happen tomorrow. A person might fall ill even if he is taking good care of himself. We can not be able to prevent disease, but the treatment could be taken care of if he or she is insured.

Insurance is essentially a method of providing funds for treating an illness that may be unexpected. Insurance company would provide you a help when it is necessary, all you need to do is to pay monthly input in form of premium. Prevention is better than cure. So it is healthier to have our life insured and it’s a best thing one could ever do.

Following are the various type of insurance provided by an insurance company.

Dental Insurance:

Having dental insurance is a plan of endurance; there are various ways which could spoil a good dent. Today’s generation generally have all sort of bad habit which they may call it as life style. How dangerous it can be? Smoke and alcohol is most serious thing that can lead you to worst. Well first of all a universal awareness must be created before youngsters and hence we might not prevent the disease but one could avail dental insurance to secure unexpected happing.

Individual health insurance:

One needs individual health insurance simply because quality and expensive need might not be taken care off without health insurance. By having individual health insurance one might cover the most serious illness. You need to be careful while choosing the right health insurance company which provides you the best hospitalization.

Group health insurance:

Group health insurance is policy gives health coverage for the group of people. In this plan the insurance company gives you an offer of choosing a group with who would like to make policy plan. Normally this plan help the corporate but any how not limited to the same.

Medicare insurance:

Medicare insurance is a policy plan where you medical expenses are taken care of by the insurance company. This policy basically deals with the people who have certain and permanent disabilities, for example kidney failure or cancer. Medicare does not cover all the policy’s but deals with only the pre-dealt disease.

Life Insurance policy:

Life insurance policy is plan made exclusively to survive one’s beloved, which an insurance company pays to a sum on money upon the death of the insured. It is also known as life assurance. It is basically an agreement between customer and insurance company for a certain amount of payment assured. In this plan a person may choose the premium to monthly, quarterly, half yearly or yearly.

However choosing individual plan or group all depends upon every individual. People might various choices to select. In general term insurance plan act as backbone in case of unforeseen circumstances. Insurance is plan for protection and preservation on ones health and money. Hence in today’s life insurance is not a luxury but a necessity. As lot of insurance plans is accessible in market one has to make a decision on choosing the suitable plan.

Anyhow we might choose all the necessary plan for our loved once, but it is always better to be at the safer side. One should understand the seriousness of good health. People should understand that health is more important than wealth.