2012-2 Leadership Spring

LEADERSHIP Spring 2012

Secrets

For Finding Happiness at Work pp. 4-5

Networ kin Career g Tips for Survival Masterin g the Positive Principles of Thinking A Quiz f or Small B Success usiness

leadership spring 2012

A word from your Account Management Team...

Leadership is more than simply being in charge; and while the two sometimes overlap, leadership requires skills that can always be improved. In this issue of “Leadership,” we offer a number of great articles for your professional and personal development that can impact your leadership style.

Our featured article on “Secrets for Finding Happiness at Work” may give you an extra boost to being more optimistic and resilient as a leader in your organization. “Mastering the Principles of Positive Thinking” covers some simple ways to practice positive thinking. We hope you’ll find these articles useful on your path to greater leadership.

As always, if there is anything that we can help you with, know that we’re here for all of your leadership needs.

MINES & Associates 10367 West Centennial Road Littleton, Colorado 80127 800.873.7138 www.MINESandAssociates.com

. . . . . . . . C redits . . . . . . .

Wellness Library Health Ink and Vitality Communications ©2012 Great Ways to Motivate Your Team pg. 3

Secrets to Finding Happiness at Work pp. 4-5 Networking Tips for Career Survival pg. 7

Mastering the Principles of Positive Thinking pp. 8-9 Life Advantages - Author Delvina Mirtemadi ©2012 12 Effective Time Management Tips pg. 6

– The Account Management Team

U.S. Small Business Administration www.sba.gov ©2012 A Quiz for Small Business Success pp. 10-11

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We would like to feature your photos in our future publications! If you are interested, please email us at: communications@minesandassociates.com

Great Ways to Motivate Your Team Being a facilitator -- making it easier for your team members to do a better job -- will make you a more competent team leader.

“Rather than telling people what to do, effective leaders help bring out the best in their team members,” says Andrew J. DuBrin, Ph.D., a management professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, and author of The Breakthrough Team Player. “One way to succeed is to perfect your coaching style. As a coach, you can make on-the-spot suggestions and offer team members encouragement.”

Supporting Your Team

Following these tips will help you improve your effectiveness as a team leader: • Provide specific feedback - pinpointing behaviors, attitudes, and/or skills that need improvement will help you coach a team member to perform at a higher level.

• Help your team devise a mission statement. Creating such a statement can help team members focus more clearly.

• Be supportive - providing emotional support and encouragement can help a leader improve the work of team members who aren’t performing at their best. Just being helpful may be enough.

• Be a model of what you expect - an effective leader spurs others to act appropriately by setting an example.

For instance: cooperating with people from other organizational units will encourage team members to do the same.

• Foster teamwork - promote the attitude that working together effectively leads to success for everyone. Refer to those in the group as team members or teammates instead of subordinates or employees. Make frequent use of the words “we” and “us.” For example: “We achieved the new sales goal.”

• Encourage team members to treat one another as customers - most people treat customers with more respect and concern than they do fellow employees at or below their levels. Encouraging team members to treat each other as customers fosters cooperative behavior and politeness.

• Schedule get-togethers during regular office hours so you don’t intrude on people’s personal time - emphasize that yours is a winning team. Frequently remind team members that their work is important • Help them identify tasks they’re particularly good at and promote them as key members of the group.

Build the commitment and confidence of each team member. “For the group to develop a strong team spirit, individuals must feel a sense of mutual accountability,” DuBrin says. “Frequently reminding team members of what they’re doing right is one way to build commitment and self-confidence.”

• Emphasize group recognition - giving rewards for group accomplishments promotes team spirit by enabling team members to take pride in the entire team’s contributions and progress. “Consider creating a display wall for postings of team activities, certificates of accomplishment, and upcoming events,” says DuBrin. “If you have room in your budget, you might want to order T-shirts, athletic caps, mugs, or key rings imprinted with your team name or logo.”

• Don’t keep the best assignments for yourself - doing this dampens team spirit and hampers performance. “Look for opportunities that will allow other team members to perform at a high level,” DuBrin says.

• Welcome all input - team spirit increases when everyone contributes. DuBrin says, “It’s especially important that the leader not allow one or two people on their team to do most of the work.” M

• Bring team members together for meetings, or meals.

Spring 2012 Leadership 3

Secrets

for Finding Happiness at Work The type of work you do, your title, or your salary has very little to do with whether you are happy at work. Self-esteem and believing you deserve to be happy do.

“Self-esteem is the first key to finding happiness on the job,” says Denis Waitley, speaker and coauthor of The Joy of Working. “Self-esteem is a deep-down feeling in your soul of your own self-worth. Individuals who enjoy their work develop strong beliefs of self-worth and self-confidence regarding everything they do.”

Setting and achieving goals that are important to you are a necessary part of developing self-worth. “I advise people to chase their passions, not their pensions,” Waitley says. “People who are working for their salaries alone become slaves to their work. People who are involved in what they’re doing – who put their signature on everything they do – find satisfaction and happiness on the job.”

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Wake up happy.

“Optimism is a learned attitude,” Waitley says. “If you start thinking positively early in the day, you’re more likely to maintain a positive stance as your day progresses.” To have a happier morning: Wake up to music instead of an alarm. Begin your day by saying something positive to your spouse, your children or the first person you see.

Stay away from pity parties or gripe sessions.

Joining in may feel like worker solidarity, but it’s actually climbing aboard a sinking ship. Instead, find happy and successful role models to pattern yourself after. Surround yourself with people who enjoy their work.

View change as normal.

Constantly monitor and evaluate your capacity to be flexible, open to new ideas and adaptable to change.

Be persistent in visualizing your ultimate goals & dreams of achievement.

Constantly practice positive self-talk Set your own standards rather than comparing yourself to others. and keep a positive attitude when times Successful people run their own races. are tough and your perseverance needs bolstering.

Start your improvement plan today.

People who never go anywhere in Start your day with positive self-talk Don’t let trifles bother you.

“The role of positive self-dialogue in “If the effort it takes to change life live by the creed “Someday I’ll maintaining a positive attitude has been something far exceeds its worth, forget ______.” Successful people know that well-documented,” Waitley says. “And it and learn to live with it,” Waitley says. someday starts right now. it’s been found to be most effective if “Keep your mind free to concentrate Appreciate each moment of your you put it in the present tense.” on larger issues and problems.” working day.

.

Waitley begins his day with these affirmations: “This will be a good day.”

“I’m going to take steps today that will move me closer to my goals.”

Always greet your co-workers and your boss with a smile.

“As simple as it sounds, a smile establishes your own self-worth and shares it with others,” Waitley says.

Turn your dilemmas into opportunities.

To do so, examine your most pressing problems on the job. Then, to gain a better perspective, come up with solutions as if you were advising one of your best friends.

If the work gets boring use your powers of visualization to see yourself succeeding in your goals.

Discover a sense of purpose.

Knowing why you want what you want makes the difference between success and failure, happiness and unhappiness, joy and frustration.

Expect the best from others–that includes your boss, co-workers and subordinates.

Don’t make too much of your mistakes. “Be a leader in spreading encouragement They are part of being human. and praise,” Waitley says. “You’ll be Concentrate on the lessons to be surprised how people will live up to what learned from even the most trying you expect when you share your positive confrontations. expectations.” M

Spring 2012 Leadership 7

12 Effective Time Management Tips

When daily tasks build up and you feel overwhelmed, it’s difficult to know where to begin. To make things more complicated, you may find yourself easily distracted and unable to focus on completing one task at a time. However, there are many easy and helpful tips that will help you reorganize, prioritize, and start being productive.

For better time management: 1. Create a list of priorities on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis.

2. Be sure your list is organized so that the most important and time- pressing items will be completed first. For example, before you decide to do a task, think to yourself, “What should I be doing right now?” Let that thought be your guide as you look for which task to do next.

3. If you’re having trouble getting started, pick an easy task and when you’re done check it off your list. After one or two of these, you will begin to feel the accomplishment that comes along with completing a task and will have the motivation to approach the more difficult items.

4. Arrange your work day so that you can keep interruptions to a minimum. Try to turn on your voicemail at certain times to avoid getting off task.

5. Schedule a specific time to check and reply to emails to avoid interruptions every couple minutes.

6. Set deadlines and create a daily/hourly workflow schedule that assures your task will be completed before that deadline.

7. Be realistic about your daily energy patterns. Complete important tasks when your energy is at its peak, and then save more routine tasks for when your energy is lower.

Things to stay away from: 1. Don’t be too much of a perfectionist as you move through tasks.

Focus on getting the task done, rather than always getting it done perfectly.

2. Don’t take everything on yourself; delegate duties to appropriate coworkers or people in your life, when possible.

3. Don’t get off track. Learn to say “no” instead of sacrifice valuable time.

4. Don’t spend too much time on minor decisions. Save knit-picking for bigger things.

5. Don’t burn yourself out. Take breaks and go for a quick walk, talk to a friend, eat a nice lunch, etc. Giving your brain a rest and rejuvenating your body will make you more productive in the long run.

Try out the tips and see which ones help you most. Do you recognize any that have helped before? Mix and match or add your own; either way, it’s time to knock those items off your list so you can increase your productivity and let go of unneeded stress. M

6 Leadership Spring 2012

Networking Tips for Career Survival Networking is about forming sincere relationships, so it requires more than just working a room or doing lunch.

“Networking is about connecting with others in all areas of your life. It’s about forming relationships that can benefit you, the other person, your careers and your lives,” says Barbara Pachter, author of “When the Little Things Count -- and They Always Count.” “These relationships not only connect you with people, but with new ideas, information, better business practices, job opportunities, potential customers and vendors.”

•

Specialize. Become an expert on a particular topic so others will seek you out. Submit articles to your local newspapers, magazines, and trade publications.

•

Nurture your network. You need to stay in touch with people in your network. Invite them to lunch. Be on the lookout for ways to help them solve problems.

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Prepare your self-introduction before any social engagement. This is your 30-second commercial -- it’s your name and two or three sentences summarizing who you are and what you do. Tailor it to each event. Think about interesting topics to discuss.

•

Be genuinely interested in others.

Listen to what someone else says.

Acknowledge you’re listening by maintaining eye contact and nodding.

“The point isn’t to introduce yourself and make a hasty exit,” says Ms. Pachter. “The point is to make personal business connections with others.”

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Diversify your network. Look for places and events to meet people who are completely outside your immediate profession but are in an area that interests you or who have skills you’d like to have.

•

Take advantage of every opportunity. Consider every person you come in contact with as a potential member of your network. “To truly connect with others in a genuine way, you must be open, honest, and interested in others,” says Ms. Pachter. “Seek help from others, but offer to help in return.” M

Ms. Pachter offers the following suggestions for improving your network.

Build relationsh ips that work •

Form both an internal and external network, because you need both. Your internal network has people within your company; the external one, people at other companies – either in your profession or in related ones.

•

Consider developing your network as a part of your job and career, not an add-on if you have time. “Think of it as a way to ensure career stability in uncertain business times,” says Ms. Pachter.

•

Make an effort to meet new people. Get out of your office and off the telephone. Attend business and social functions. Volunteer at the office, especially for cross-departmental activities. Join company teams.

Mastering the Principles of Positive Thinking You can learn to think positively, and doing so can lead to greater self-confidence, more respect for others and achievement of your goals.

The late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s best-selling classic, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” has inspired millions of people in more than 130 countries. The principles it teaches are as timely today as they were when the book was first published in 1952.

The book teaches a simple system of practical techniques for successful living.

8 Leadership Spring 2012

Believe in yourself A sense of inadequacy can prevent you from achieving your goals, but self-confidence can lead to self-realization and achievement. Make a list of all your good points if you have lost confidence in your ability to succeed.

Reaffirming your assets will help you overcome your doubts.

“You can learn to think positively...”

Use your mind to restore your energy How you think has a profound effect on how you feel physically. If your mind tells you you’re tired, your body will accept it as fact and be fatigued. You can maintain your energy level indefinitely if your mind is intensely interested in what you are doing.

Create your own happiness

Practicing silence is also effective

You have two choices when you get up in the morning -- to be happy or unhappy. Choose to be happy by telling yourself that life is good, things are going well, you can handle all your problems, and you’re grateful for all you have and will have.

Sit in a quiet place for 15 minutes. Don’t read, write, or speak. Think peaceful thoughts, meditate, or pray.

Expect the best, not the worst

Deal with hurtful situations or misunderstandings immediately. Seek out the person involved and strive to resolve your differences. To cool an angry response, reverse your body’s natural reactions by unclenching your fists and lowering your voice.

You release a force in your mind that promotes positive results when you expect the best.

Don’t believe in defeat Make your mind more positive by eliminating negative expressions in thought and speech. Statements such as “I can’t do that” and “I’m afraid I’ll fail” clutter your mind and condition it to expect negative results. Speak and think positively about every situation.

Break the worry habit Several times a day, use your imagination to empty your mind of anxiety and fear. Picture all your worries flowing out of you, just as water empties from a sink when the stopper is removed. When all your worries are gone, fill your mind with faith, hope, courage and, positive expectations. In time, you’ll find yourself worrying less.

Replace irritation, anger, and hate

Maintain a positive, optimistic attitude Instead of letting life’s difficulties get you down, keep your mind open and responsive to new ideas, exercise initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with challenges, and use your creativity and good judgment when solving problems. M

A Quiz for Small Business Success Small Business Success Magazine conducted a survey of more than 100 California business owners. Their comments about small business success guided us in creating the following quiz. Choose the answer you think is best for each question. Use the box at the end to determine your total point score and then see where you stand in the Success Quotient Ratings. There are no “wrong� answers. Each answer listed represents a segment of the responses we had to questions in our survey--and the final rankings correspond with the importance successful owners gave to different answers.

1. What is the key to business success:

4. I trust: (select as many as apply)

a. business knowledge b. market awareness c. hands on management d. sufficient capital e. hard work

a. nobody b. myself c. my partner d. a few key employees e. my customers

2. If a relative ever asks me for advice about starting a business I will tell them to:

5. I am unhappy when my employees are:

a. work for someone else in the field first b. write a business plan c. study marketing d. give up the idea e. learn about budgeting 3. Which is the largest potential trouble spot: a. too much growth b. too little growth c. too fast growth d. too slow growth e. sporadic growth

10 Leadership Spring 2012

a. late b. unhappy c. abrupt with customers d. resigning e. less dedicated than me 6. My customers are: (select as many as apply) a. always right b. too fussy c. demanding d. worth listening to e. dumb

7. Rank these in order of importance for small business marketing success: a. word-of-mouth b. advertising c. signs d. location e. community events 8. When it comes to money I am:

10. In hiring people: a. I take far too long b. I look for the cheapest person c. personality is more important than experience d. I look for the best person, and am willing to pay e. I only hire at the trainee level 11. With my employees:

a. careful b. too carefree c. emotional d. shrewd e. hardnosed 9. Financially my firm: a. has trouble with cash-flow b. has a good line of credit c. is financed totally by receipt--no credit d. is making better profits this year than last e. knows exactly where it is all the time

a. I treat everybody the same b. I try to talk privately to everybody once a week c. To whatever extent possible I tailor assignments to personalities d. I encourage them to talk to me about the business e. I try to work alongside them whenever possible

12. The real key to business success is: a. hard work and perseverance b. fine products and service c. advertising d. knowing the fundamentals of business e. employees 13. Competition is: a. dumb b. smart c. cunning d. everywhere e. a constant threat 14. The best competitive advantage is: a. experience b. understanding what the market wants c. confidence d. conducting a business ethically e. a detailed plan 15. I keep: a. careful financial records b. in touch with my customers c. in touch with my employees d. trying new techniques e. wanting to retire

16. My dream is:

The Success Quotient Table:

a. to grow the business until someone else can run it b. to work until I drop c. to give up these headaches and have more fun at work d. to try another business e. to take a vacation

75-100 You are a successful entrepreneur whose operations reflect tried and true business practices.

17. Business plans are:

25-49 While you may be enjoying customer loyalty and repeat business, never forget that savvy competition is always looking for ways to take the lead.

Don’t let comfort lull you into false security.

Be creatively assertive!

a. for the birds b. nice but not necessary c. something I can do with my accountant d. useful and informative e. essential--wouldn’t do business without them 18. What makes a terrific entrepreneur? a. creativity b. discipline c. consumer orientation d. technical proficiency e. flexibility 19. What does a business need most? a. money b. market research c. help d. time e. a solid business plan 20. What is essential to marketing? a. “a sixth sense” b. market research c. customer awareness d. experience e. testing

50-74 Your business is probably headed for long-term success. But success will come sooner if you sharpen your awareness of solid management skills and marketing techniques.

0-24 You may well have the right product. But to sell it successfully, you need to increase your market awareness and improve your operating philosophy.

Reach out for practical classes, seminars and advice from people who have good business track records. And - keep persevering. It’s the key ingredient to winning! M 1.

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a = 5, b = 4, c = 3, d = 2, e a = 5, e = 4, b = 3, c = 2, d c = 5, a = 4, b = 3, d = 2, e b = 5, e = 4, d = 3, c = 2, a b = 5, d = 4, c = 3, a = 2, e d = 5, c = 4, a = 3, b = 2, e a = 5, d = 4, c = 3, b = 2, e a = 5, d = 4, e = 3, b = 2, c e = 5, d = 4, b = 3, a = 2, c d = 5, a = 4, c = 3, b = 2, e c = 5, d = 4, e = 3, b = 2, a e = 5, d = 4, a = 3, b = 2, c e = 5, d = 4, c = 3, b = 2, a a = 5, b = 4, c = 3, e = 2, d b = 5, a = 4, c = 3, d = 2, e e = 5, a = 4, b = 3, c = 2, d e = 5, d = 4, c = 3, b = 2, a c = 5, a = 4, b = 3, e = 2, d b = 5, e = 4, a = 3, d = 2, c c = 5, b = 4, e = 3, d = 2, a

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1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

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A note to Supervisors...

From time to time, situations arise when a supervisor is not sure how to respond to a particular behavior.

The Employee Assistance Program is available on a 24/7 basis for consultation on issues such as: referring an employee to the EAP, how best to respond to and manage difficult behavior in the workplace, and whether training or some other form of group intervention (such as an organizational intervention or a conflict resolution) may be helpful for a particular situation. The EAP can serve as an ally to anyone who is working with a troubled employee.

• 24/7 supervisor consultation regarding problems in the workplace

• Assessment of behavioral risk on the job • Return-to-Duty conferences

• Advisory services in writing, revising, and implementing policies

• Supervisor and Manager training

• Unlimited formal Work Performance Referrals

• Coaching for management and leadership skills

• Conflict resolution for supervisor-employee problems

MINES believes that employees are an organization’s most valuable resource.

Your EAP is always available to provide you and your employees with support.

The MINES Team

Questions? Reach us at 800.873.7138 | www.MINESandAssociates.com