Business Tips:

Communication

• Listen with empathy

• Send an email when you want to share a process, or document a conversation

• Talk face-to-face for difficult conversations

• Be confident and open to other points of view

• Be competent but teachable

• When delivering bad news be: Specific | Honest | Open minded | Prepared | Direct

• Keep it short and to the point

• Avoid unnecessary filler words

• Use facts, figures, and words to express your message clearly

Culture

• Align your culture with strategy

• Reinvent your company if needed: what worked in the past may no longer work in the future

• Culture can increase productivity

• Culture drives positive outcomes

• Be open and accessible

• Look people in the eye

• Be humble | Be honest | Have fun

• Encourage input and feedback

• Leaders should be aligned with the culture you have and want

Engagement

• Share company goals

• Do fun things at work: potlucks, contests

• Create focus groups

• Be flexible: create a work/life balance

• Request feedback often

• Make an effort to connect with everyone

• Empower creativity

• Create uninterrupted opportunities for your team to connect

• Regularly coach employees

Leadership

• Share feedback with examples

• Empower your team

• Do the work! Pitch in on what employees are doing

• Maintain discipline

• Work with your employees to establish talent development expectations

• Handle conflicts fairly

• Attend classes on leadership and management

• Show appreciation - even for very small things

• Don't do it alone! Talk it through with your team. They have experiences and perspectives of their own to help

Networking

• Offer help without expecting anything in return

• Stay visible online

• Build a diverse network

• Follow up

• Be authentic

• Listen more than you speak

• Attend events regularly

• Know your audience

• Set clear goals

Recruiting

• Passive recruiting: networking groups, social media, colleges, referrals

• Don't make the screening process painful

• Market your company to candidates, not the job

• Be clear and concise on job postings

• don't leave candidates hanging - they have made an effort and you could lose the one you want

• Hire someone who fits your culture and wants to learn. Don't focus on someone who checks all the skills boxes.

• Host a hackathon or coding competition

• Referral contests

• Interactive job descriptions

Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings

• Apply pressure to a bleeding wound

• Keep jewelry and other loose objects away from machinery

• Keep exit routes clear

• Keep cords dry

• If you are ever unsure about the safety of an appliance, do not use it

• If you see something... say something!

• A faulty wire can start a fire

• Take regular breaks to stretch

Strategic Planning

• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Identify metrics that indicate the success of your business and track them regularly.

• Create a Marketing Plan Develop strategies to promote your business, reach your target audience, and generate leads.

• Focus on Customer Experience Prioritize customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional service and building long-term relationships.

• Know Your Target Audience Understand your customers' needs, preferences, and behaviors to tailor your products or services accordingly.

• Keep an Eye on the Competition Monitor competitors to stay informed about market trends, pricing strategies, and potential threats.

• Develop a Unique Value Proposition Clearly articulate what sets your business apart from competitors and why customers should choose you.

• Define Your Vision and Mission Establish clear and concise statements that outline the purpose and direction of your business.

• Set SMART Goals Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Conduct a SWOT Analysis Assess your business's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to identify areas for improvement and growth.

Teamwork

• State your positive intentions. Something as simple as "I'm in your corner" can go a long way

• Improve your hard skills

• Develop situation awareness and foresight

• Clarify and contrast: "I'm saying..., I'm not saying..."

• Learn to be decisive

• Set a timer for 30 minutes and allow yourself to fully experience and process your emotions. Once the timer goes off, make a conscious choice about how to put those feelings behind you and move forward.

• Develop a positive attitude

• It's ok not to know. Move from a know-it-all to a learn-it-all mindset. You don't need to have all the answers.

• Discover your abilities and shortcomings

Time Management

• Set Clear Goals Define your short-term and long-term objectives to stay focused on what matters most.

• Prioritize Tasks Use techniques like Eisenhower Matrix or ABC prioritization to identify and tackle high-priority tasks first.

• Create a To-Do List Write down tasks and deadlines to keep track of what needs to be done.

• Use Time Blocking Allocate specific time slots for different activities to ensure focused work.

• Eliminate Distractions Identify and minimize distractions such as social media, emails, or unnecessary meetings.

• Set Deadlines Establish deadlines for tasks to create a sense of urgency and prevent procrastination.

• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Utilize Technology Use productivity tools like calendars, task management apps, or project management software.

• Batch Similar Tasks Group similar tasks together to minimize context switching and maximize efficiency.

Total Rewards

• Flexible work hours or remote work options.

• Performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing programs.

• Employee recognition programs with awards or certificates.

• Wellness programs including gym memberships, yoga classes, or mental health resources.

• Paid time off for volunteering or community service.

• Subsidized or free meals during work hours.

• Employee discounts on products or services offered by the business.

• Quarterly or yearly team-building events or retreats.

• Financial planning assistance or access to financial advisors.

Training Tips

• Set Clear Objectives Ensure that both you and your team understand the goals and objectives of the training program.

• Understand Individual Needs Tailor training sessions to the specific needs and learning styles of each team member.

• Provide Regular Feedback Offer constructive feedback during and after training sessions to help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

• Encourage Active Participation Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and actively participating in training sessions.

• Use Real-Life Examples Incorporate real-life examples and case studies relevant to your team's work to enhance understanding and application.

• Promote Continuous Learning Encourage ongoing learning and skill development beyond formal training sessions through workshops, online courses, and reading materials.

• Lead by Example Demonstrate a commitment to learning and development by engaging in training opportunities yourself.

• Provide Resources Equip your team with the necessary resources and tools to support their learning and development efforts.

• Encourage Peer Learning Facilitate opportunities for team members to learn from each other through peer mentoring, knowledge sharing sessions, and collaborative projects.

Wellness

• Park your car further away

• Make time for friends and family

• Limit blue light before bed and get plenty of sleep

• Healthy eating helps manage stress

• Give your eyes a rest

• Get some fresh air

• Exercise is a great stress reliever

• Drink more water | Limit caffeine | Start the day with a glass of water

• Begin your day with a positive thought