|
|
|
Are You Letting Sales Slip Away?
Recently, I spent an afternoon with some friends at a go-cart track. We had the time of our life each pretending to be world class race car drivers. Although we were older than most of the people there we felt young and alive. We committed to doing...
Are You SURE Your Link Partners Still Link to You?
It’s a fact. While most link partners are scrupulously honest a few are little more than link scam artists. They’ll take a link from you to them. Put up your link back. But then when you’re not looking take yours down.
They win. You...
Doh! A Home Biz Even Homer Simpson Could Do
Everyone likes Homer Simpson, moron that he is, because let’s face it—there is a little Homer in all of us. Have you ever come across a business opportunity you would have liked to try but didn’t because you were afraid of your own ineptitude? Well,...
Exchange Traded Funds: 7 Reasons They Beat Most Mutual Funds
There’s been a lot of recent talk in the financial press about exchange traded funds, or ETFs. Some of you may already be familiar with them, but my guess is for most individual investors, the term “exchange traded fund” is just another bunch of...
How Would You Ever Know?
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 730 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A....
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
JOB TALK--THE HEART OF PRODUCTIVITY
Read the word "productivity" and chances are you envision assembly lines, warehouses stocked with goods, even space-age machinery performing tasks at faster-than-human speed. Or if you are in corporate management, your mind recalls the U.S. production statistics when compared to foreign countries. And it's a sure bet that you have read widely on the various end-of- the-alphabet theories, quality circles, re-engineering, learning theories and other management techniques to increase productivity. These are all valid considerations when confronted with the term.
May I suggest however that the building block of productive labor -- the cornerstone that makes assembly lines flow smoothly and service teams work -- is communication. It used to be you’d hear the phrase “ stop talking and get to work.” The far better mantra is now “START talking and get to work.”
Consider the impact of poor communications: Tasks frequently have to be repeated because instructions were not clear. One department does not understand why another department needs a report and so it delays sending the requested material. A receptionist cannot explain the company's services to a guest in the lobby and the firm loses a prospective client. A manager misses an important meeting because she fails to ask her assistant to change her calendar. Senior executives lose precious hours in a meeting that becomes an exercise in egos rather than solutions...all because the dynamics of group interaction are not understood. An important memo is not read because of the length and confusing sentences. Employees spend time trying to ferret rumor from fact regarding the company's position in a troubled economy. A manager engages in doublespeak regarding possible layoffs and morale plummets for everyone.
These are but a few examples of situations that lower productivity, situations caused by miscommunication, poor communication, or no communication. And that's a situation no one wants.
So how does a company, regardless of size, begin to improve communications for productivity? First, get a good picture of the status quo. Using either internal or external help, conduct a communications audit. The questions are straight-forward and telling:
1.The reason our company exists is to:
2.When it comes to communication, my company (department, unit, etc.) is... because ...
3.I receive most of my information from… (my immediate supervisor, the colleagues, bulletin board, the grapevine, other)
4. I could do a better job if I received the following information in the following manner:
5.I would describe the majority of our meetings as:
6.I would describe communication with my peers as
7.I would describe communication with my manager as
8.I would describe communication with other departments (units) as
9.Communication would improve immediately if
10.I would be a better communicator if I learned to:
Second, prepare a program to give staff and managers the tools they need to be good communicators. The first tool is a steady flow of information about management decisions that affect employees, the marketplace, and competitors. Without that information, an organization cannot hope to bring employees into problem-solving discussions, innovation circles or the like. Although upper management deals with such lofty and necessary concerns as strategic planning, capitalization, or international expansion, it might very well be the battlefront employee who could see solutions for day-to-day problems. But without the benefit of management's broader perspective, the solutions could fall short.
The second communication tool employees need to increase productivity is a straightforward, clearly written sourcebook on organizational policies and procedures. Even if a company is quite small, there will be
more cohesiveness if employees understand the do's, don’ts and how to's of a firm. For example, the owner of a small enterprise "just figured" his employees knew what was the vacation policy and when salaries would be reviewed. Unfortunately, without a written document, even the boss forgot his intended policy. The resultant confusion and arbitrary handling of vacations and reviews netted a disgruntled staff. And unhappy staff does NOT work to capacity.
Consider examining the material developed by The Motley Fool, a small but growing company created to educate, amuse, and enrich the individual by providing easy-to-follow, appealing, and accurate information about investing and personal finance. The spirit behind The Fool Rules! is to present policies that all employers need to communicate to their employees in a way that makes it more enjoyable for all concerned. After a recent profile in INC. Magazine, this small organization has been inundated with requests for its handbook. Contact The Motley Fool at FoolDocs@fool.com to order a copy of the handbook or call 888-665-3665
The third and equally important step to take in improving communication for more productive employees is to provide training in writing, listening and other communication skills.
Because we all have learned to talk and someone put a pencil in our hands and showed us how to make words with an alphabet, there is a tendency to think that we know how to communicate. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Speaking clearly, with vocabulary and message tailored to the audience, is a task mastered only through learning. Listening, without training, is a selfish trait. Learning how to listen actively, to "hear" the additional messages sent by nonverbal signals and emotions, is a priceless skill. But it must be taught. There are numerous workshops available for in- house classes as well as sessions at local colleges and universities.
Since group meetings are a highly preferred communication source, organizations may also consider training individuals to conduct meetings, brainstorming sessions and teleconferencing skills. Likewise, seminars in oral presentation skills allow all levels of managers to learn effective methods for delivering audience-oriented reports and speeches.
E-mail now offers another form of communication, which can be both wonderful and terrible. In fact, I am convinced that in too many cases, the “e” stands for “error” and “escalation”. Humans send their most accurate messages vocally and visually, two components missing in e-mail. Additionally, responses are often out of context and sent days later. Use e-mail for facts, immediate answers, and simple requests. But when emotion is involved, opt for phone or face-to-face conversation.
Forgetting for a minute the statistical definition of productivity, let us re-define that term. To me productivity is the sum total of work accomplished by an employee in a given job which affects the bottom line. The work environment may be considered a lake. If miscommunication, poor communication, or non-communication hinders an employee from performing duties in a cost- efficient manner, it's a ripple felt throughout the organization. Addressing and then working to improve communication increases the chances for smoother sailing in the white water world of a global economy.
© 2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.
About the Author
Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE, is an international speaker, author and seminar leader. Her book ‘Work for A Living and Still Be Free to Live’ is also the title of one of her most popular and upbeat programs on Work/Life Balance. For more information on Eileen and her presentations, please call 949-496-8640 or visit her web site at http://www.eileenmcdargh.com.
|
|
|
|
|
| Finance - Leases-Leasing Ezine Articles |
| EzineArticles.com allows ezine or email list publishers to upload or download free expert content that can be used within email newsletters or websites. |
| ezinearticles.com |
|
| Finance: Leases Leasing Articles from EzineArticles.com |
| http://ezinearticles.com/?cat=Finance:Leases-Leasing Free Content For Your Ezine or Website http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ Why use your ... |
| ezinearticles.com |
|
| Leases Leasing - Money & Finance Articles |
| Leases Leasing - Money & Finance Articles. Money & Finance | Accounting & Payroll | Bankruptcy | Business & Loans | Credit Tips | Currency-Trading ... |
| www.article99.com |
|
| Finance » Leases Leasing » Absolute Article Directory |
| Absolute Article Directory: Finance, Leases Leasing. |
| www.absolutearticle.com |
|
| - Leases-Leasing |
| By David Springer | On January 29, 2006 | In Leases-Leasing | Rated. Short on cash, but need equipment? Consider leasing what you need. ... |
| www.articlebar.com |
|
| Leases Leasing |
| You are here: Article Directory arrow Article Directory arrow Finance arrow Leases Leasing ... Leases Leasing. Articles ... |
| www.rumorist.com |
|
| Long Term Car Rental Italy Auto Rentals Leases Leasing Rome Milan ... |
| Long Term Car Rental Italy Auto Rentals Leases Leasing Rome Milan Florence One Way Paris London Frankfurt Madrid Lisbon. |
| www.ideamerge.com |
|
| europe car rental leases leasing one way rentals long term renault ... |
| pictured is the Renault Laguna Estate, With Renault tax-free, short-term auto leasing you get the exact, brand-new vehicle you reserve, plus unlimited miles ... |
| www.ideamerge.com |
|
| Private Fleet - Finance, Insurance, novated leases, leasing, CHP ... |
| New Car Broker Australia. Private Fleet sales discounts on your new car purchase, no haggle, no hassle saving $1000s off all new and used cars for private ... |
| www.privatefleet.com.au |
|
| Projector Leases, Leasing Companies for LCD, DLP, LCOS projectors |
| Projector leasing programs and services. Choose a company. |
| www.projectorcentral.com |
|
| Category: leases-leasing |
| Category... leases-leasing. Results 1 - 3 of 3. Search took 0.01 seconds. Page 1 of 1. Buy or Lease: Which Automobile Transaction is Better? ... |
| www.articler.com |
|
| John Dellagnese & Associates: offices, officespace, lease, leases ... |
| It takes two companies to bring you the premier Corporate Property Development group in Northeast Ohio: the talents of John Dellagnese and Associates ... |
| www.dellagnese.com |
|
| John Dellagnese & Associates: offices, officespace, lease, leases ... |
| Welcome to our Tenant Login Page. * Forgot your password or haven't received one yet? Email us tinah@dellagnese.com or call 330-668-4000 and we will reply ... |
| www.dellagnese.com |
|
| The-Arts-Magazine.com - Leases-Leasing |
| Home arrow Article Links arrow Finance arrow Leases-Leasing. Main Menu ... Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing. Listings. There are 0 listings in this category. |
| www.the-arts-magazine.com |
|
| OmegaMotors.com - Your Money - Leases - Leasing Overview |
| Blue Book retail & trade-in value reports on used vehicles. Kelley features prices on used cars, trucks, street and dirt bikes, ATVs, scooters, ... |
| www.omegamotors.com |
|
| Entertainment Guide - Leases-Leasing |
| Sunday, 03 December 2006, Home arrow Article Resources arrow Finance arrow Leases-Leasing ... Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing ... |
| www.entertainment-resource-directory.com |
|
| - Leases-Leasing |
| Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing. Listings. There are 0 listings in this category. spacer.png, 0 kB. spacer.png, 0 kB. download joomla modules download joomla ... |
| www.healthcare-resource-guide.com |
|
| FINANCEDEPARTMENT.COM- Finance, Mortgages, Leases, Leasing ... |
| Finance, Mortgages, Leases, Leasing, Brokerage Houses, Mortgage Lending. |
| www.financedepartment.com |
|
| vehicle leases leasing guide and facts |
| vehicle leases leasing guide and facts. Under the federal Consumer Leasing Act, you, the consumer, have a right to information about the costs and terms of ... |
| www.shopperfavorites.com |
|
| - Leases-Leasing |
| spacer.png, 0 kB. spacer.png, 0 kB. Home arrow Article Resources arrow Finance arrow Leases-Leasing. Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing ... |
| www.cars-directory-guide.com |
|
|