by stevengconnelly@aol.com | Jun 9, 2017 | Leadership
In today’s world when a job is done correctly within a reasonable amount of time, you’d think a pat on the back might be in order…Right? Seems like a simple answer to a simple question! The answer might surprise you, for most of hard working people in the work force today a simple “good job” is far and few between, margins are tight and most people in management just want to get the job done (not all companies are that way) and get onto the next task. Truth is a few encouraging words are very helpful keeping employees with a positive attitude as well as focus on their work, improving and move forward. Success in business is a challenge in the marketplace, rising costs and increasing competition is always knocking on the door step of most business today. Yet a few simple steps to recognize when a person has performed above and beyond the call of duty can send a message which can pay dividends in future performance. Communication is the key to any successful business especially when it comes to employees. Some would argue that companies just don’t listen to what they say or do not even care. But does it really matter? If you never got that pat on the back would you stop doing your job? Seeking approval for a job well done comes from and external frame of mind thinking, however some people don’t need approval if a job goes well they just know they did their best! Imagine you build houses for an architect, his design is well thought out with all the details...
by stevengconnelly@aol.com | Mar 11, 2017 | Leadership
The true secret of living an extraordinary life as well as long term success is balance, which for most if not all of us in today’s fast pace society is quite a challenge. That being said it doesn’t mean it’s not possible to create a life of balance and fulfillment. There are seven key elements of life which allow for a true connection with self, when that place is is found trivial issues no longer become problems but lessons. It has been said the quality of life is the quality of the language you use not only to other people but also to yourself. When “Life” hits it’s never easy, however when your in that place of balance you’ll look for solutions not problems. While it’s different for each one of us the seven areas of life which become an important element within our day. Needless to say if one becomes the focus point the six remaining will create problems to living a balanced life. The seven areas are, physical body, emotions and meaning, relationships, time, career and mission, finances contribution and spirituality. It is important to acknowledge areas of life which need improvement. It’s different for all of us. In order to improve and grow which creates more balance as well as momentum and strength. First step is to identify where you stand on each one of these areas of life. When a skyscraper is built there are many months of work going on in the foundation of the building, construction would not start from the top of the building first! We’re the same, in order to live...
by stevengconnelly@aol.com | Mar 3, 2017 | Leadership
Whether you work for a company or work for yourself, what you say and what you mean can be the deciding factor in a persons decision to conduct business with you or not. What you say has little impact on motivating someone to take action, yet for most of us that is what we’re focused on. Recently I was asked to attend a presentation for network marketing business, at first I was not interested in entering into a business at this point, however it was a friend of mine named Joe who has made a decision to walk away from his current job so I wanted to support him any way I could. The presentation was held at a very nice venue which made all who attended feel very comfortable. We were told the presentation would last about an hour. When Joe began it was quite obvious he was following a script, his sentences were fragmented and the concept he was trying to deliver were left unfinished. People who were in attendance seemed less interested with what Joe was talking about and more interested with the refreshments being served. I began to question Joe’s decision to quit his job and whether this new venture was in his best interest. When the night was over Joe came over to me and began to voice his frustrations with people not signing up in his business. I shook his hand and encouraged him not to get discouraged, remember Joe it’s not what you say it’s how you say it…Also ask people what they like best about the presentation! He shook his head...
by stevengconnelly@aol.com | Jan 20, 2017 | Leadership
Have you ever wondered how some business seem to have just the right team? Their employees are a perfect fit for the position, each one takes ownership for there work, almost like no supervision is needed! So how do successful business connect with the right people? Building a successful team has always been and will always be an important element in any business. However it does not happen overnight, it takes patients, communication and effort. Yet most business fall short in basic team building fundamentals.Have you ever interviewed a potential employee who seemed like a perfect fit for the team? Their resume and prior work background looked lie a perfect fit (at least on paper) but once you hired them they turned out to be a disaster? Sound familiar? Don’t worry it happens. However there are ways to improve the hiring process!Successful leaders know for their team to work congruently they must first identify an individuals skill set, from there each task they are assigned is within there current ability. There is nothing worse for their business then to assign a task which is over their head and expect a perfect result!Leaders know the importance of synergy within the organization, when they build their team they look for people who will work together. Success in business is a combination of efforts. People love to be a part of a winning team!Team work is powerful but often times overlooked, there are many way to leverage people within your organization and delegate tasks, however be aware of skill set as well as personalities, it’s important to keep all on the same...
by stevengconnelly@aol.com | Nov 26, 2016 | Leadership
To be a great leader you first must lead yourself. It’s not that difficult to take on a leadership roll in the work place today, companies are looking for motivated people who ready to step up and take on more and more responsibility, a self starter, a person that is not afraid of a little hard work. Truth is just because a company promoted a person to a leadership roll does not make them a leader people will want to follow! In order to be a great leader you must gain peoples trust and respect. One of the best ways to do that is to lead by example. Never tell someone to do something you would not do. When I was in construction I learned this from an “old timer.” I was working as an apprentice and just passed my test to become a journeyman in the building trades. The next step for me was to run my own jobs, I’ll never forget the advice of that old timer, he sat me down one day looked me in the eye and stated: Never tell someone to do something you would not do yourself. Steve if you want to earn the respect and trust of people you must first respect and trust yourself. I never forgot his words, they served me well over the years. I was blessed in the trades, I raised a family and lived a good life. Over the years there were 3 key elements which helped me to be very successful: Respect When your in a leadership roll it is easy to demand what you...
by stevengconnelly@aol.com | Nov 11, 2016 | Leadership
I came across this poem “Don’t Quit” which is inspiring and well written. With simple words the message of determination, perseverance. life’s challenges can enhance our destiny. It can be unclear when the storms of life hit us, that in midst of each black cloud there is a seed of growth. Yet when most people are faced with uncertainty tend to give up and quit, this poem is a different way to look at issues which we don’t understand or want to face. A simple way to ignite the inner voice that speaks within us all. No matter how large or how small, by simply keep going every day will lead you closer to your goals. It has been said that quitting is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. By never quitting and looking at every failure as a lessen learned, we gain confidence, our vision of what we seek in life appears, this leads to momentum which essentially leads to success. When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won if he’d stuck it out. Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow – You may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than It seems to...
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