Growing Great Employees by Erika Andersen

Erika looks at all aspects of managing employees, from finding the right people, to finding out what motivates them, to transitions (good or bad) and all the rest. She covers the what and the how to do it. It contains plenty of examples of what to do and stories to round out the discussion.

I talk with Erika about the distractions that make us lose focus, how to handle employees who you don’t think can be extraordinary, and how to improve ourselves.

Link:
www.GrowingGreatEmployees.com
http://thesimplestthing.typepad.com/erikas_blog

 

 Growing Great Employees [18:08m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Art of Woo by G. Richard Shell and Mario Moussa

If you’ve ever have had a great idea, but found that was all the further it went, now there’s hope. Being able to ‘woo’ (win others over) is dissected between the covers of this book. Everything from assessing your style of communication to packaging your idea in the most effective way to removing the barriers that prevent you from getting your message across. If you want to be able to take your ideas and see them be launched, here’s how it’s done.

I talk with Mario about how Woo-ing is different from selling a product or service, signs to know your idea is ready to go and how to prevent that awkward feeling that you’re not getting your message across to the person you’re talking to.

Link:
www.TheArtOfWoo.com

 

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The Leaders We Need and What Makes Us Follow by Michael Maccoby

The qualities of a leader have changed along with everything else over the past 30 years. Integrity and trust are still essential, but not enough for leaders today. Investigating the psychology behind why people follow will allow you to be the right kind of leader because you must lead from not only your head but also your heart. The book looks at the leaders we need for knowledge work, health care, education and government. It considers the relationship between the leader and follower and how to understand the people you work with.

I talk with Michael about what followers look for in a leader, what a knowledge worker needs to know, and what leaders should be doing to improve themselves.

Link:
www.Maccoby.com

 

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Think Better: An Innovator’s Guide to Productive Thinking by Tim Hurson

We all strive to be more productive but do we make the connection that how we think is the foundation of where we’re going to get? Improving the typewriter is only going to get you a better typewriter, which is about what we get when we take a business problem and run with the first idea we come up with to fix it. Thinking better is about taking what’s at hand through a process and arriving at a more creative and innovative solution.

Links:
www.TimHurson.com
www.Thinkxic.com

 

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Hug Your Customers by Jack Mitchell

Are customers the center of your world? Of course we say they are, but are they treated that way? Jack wants you to treat them like kings and queens. Impress them by remembering their nicknames, favorite sports team and anniversary. Have their favorite beverage on hand when they stop by. Create a culture that appreciates and personally interacts with your customers. It not only creates a place that’s fun to work, but it creates loyal customers that come back time and again.

I don’t know a business owner who wouldn’t say the customer is the most important part of their business, so I asked Jack how he would know if an owner or CEO really believes that or is just kidding themselves. See if you pass the test.

Links:
www.HugYourCustomers.com
www.MitchellsOnline.com

 

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We: The Ideal Customer Relationship by Steve Yastrow

Wouldn’t you like to have every customer be your best customer? Isn’t it reassuring when you know they won’t flock to a competitor if it moves in next door. They won’t leave because there is more than just the exchange of products and services - there is a relationship involved. I know you’d like to think there is no business like yours but the reality is (with rare exception) the average consumer doesn’t see it that way - what you offer is duplicated by others in the marketplace. What isn’t duplicated is the relationships that you have with your customers. Strong customer relationships are the best marketing tool you have.

Links:
www.Yastrow.com
Steve is a regular contributor at www.TomPeters.com
Closing music from www.Shakshuka.com

 

 We [24:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I did something off-brand this week, so only those of you who visit the blog will see this - I’m not putting it in the main feed. I was inspired by Jim Harper’s story - his journey of macular degeneration, and hooked up with him and his son Steve to record it. Jim was legally blind a few years ago… that’s right, “was”. Steve’s blog explains more. The guitar at the end is from Larry Hansen.

 

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Manager’s Desktop Consultant: Just-in-Time Solutions to the Top People Problems That Keep You Up at Night by Louellen N. Essex and Mitchel E. Kusy

Working with employees is an art unto itself. Inside the covers of this book are concise, condensed advice on how to handle the full range of manger duties. From dealing with under performers and star performers, to working with an angry employee or boss. It’s perfect for something you can pick up and use to help guide you through a situation.

I talk with Louellen about dealing with underperformers (which the answer may surprise you), the stars on your team, and handling office politics.

Links:
Louellen - www.LouellenEssex.com
Mitch - www.MitchKusy.com

 

 Manager's Desktop Consultant [9:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Authenticity by James H. Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine II

What does today’s customer want? Isn’t that the magic question. Yes, today’s consumer wants quality, service and price, but beneath those wavelengths is something of even greater power and momentum for your company - Authenticity.

I talk with Joe about how to render authenticity, being who you say you are and how to be true to yourself. To thine ownself be true, And then it follows as night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

Links:
Website - www.AuthenticityBook.com

 

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Drop Dead Brilliant by Lesley Everett

A company or personal brand doesn’t stop with marketing brochures and websites. Don’t overlook your first impressions, appearances, and body indicators. We don’t normally include those things when we discuss branding but how we present ourself matters when it comes to relating who you are to those you interact with. Put your best foot forward with your dress and appearance!

Links:
Website - www.WalkingTall.org

 

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