Focus on Growth & Improvement

 Move toward the positive and constructive. Care and caution should be taken to focus on positive improvements, not problem reductions.  Problems reduce as improvement take place.  Note: This is general caution, not specific to every case.  I’m quite sure you can think of specific situations that are not congruent with this guidance, as can I, but those exceptions-to-the-rule are not the focus of this guidance.

Goals:

Improve Health & Well-Being
Improve Quality
Improve Morale

Improve Employee Skills

Objectives:

To improve health and wellbeing, walk x number of steps per day, meditate for x number of minutes per day, eat healthy food x times per day.

To improve quality output, improve specific process inputs. 

To improve morale, improve civility in the workplace by increasing the use of “please & thank you”, for example.

To improve employee skills, implement a training program that will provide structured quarterly training and constructive on-the-spot corrective supervision. 

 

Negative outcomes diminish in response to positive growth and development. For example, as morale improves employee tardiness and unwanted turnover will decrease.

If you act directly on the problem, the results may be counter-productive. Think “mole game.” You knock the mole down here and it pops up over there. Excessive focus on problems may inadvertently increase the problems.

Example: punishing tardiness is likely to increase employee resentments. Punishment / reprimand may not produce the results desired, while improving morale will have broad improvement effects. Constructive feedback is better than harsh or punitive feedback. Constructive feedback is a positive contribution. Harsh or punitive feedback is destructive of positive outcomes.

Negative Example: to reduce electricity use, lightbulbs can be removed.  Electricity use is reduced but the workspace is cast into darkness, as is the ability to produce safely. The specific objective is met, but the cost is broader and greater.

 

K. H. Little Consulting Services

Kenneth H. Little, MA

KHLittle603@gmail.com

kenlittle-nh.com

 

 

Five Steps to Improve Your Morale

 Five  steps to improve personal morale

We all get demoralized now and then.  It can be a real struggle. 

He are five things you can do to keep yourself moving in a constructive direction or to get your self unstick. 

1. Set achievable goals. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones can make you feel more accomplished and motivated.

 2. Focus on your strengths. Identifying and using your strengths can boost your confidence and make you feel more positive about yourself.

 3. Practice self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental health through exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation can improve your overall mood and outlook.

 4. Surround yourself with positive people. Spending time with supportive and encouraging people can help you feel more optimistic and motivated.

 5. Celebrate your successes. Acknowledging and rewarding yourself for your accomplishments, no matter how small, can boost your morale and encourage you to keep going.

K. H. Little Consulting Services

Kenneth H. Little, MA

KHLittle603@gmail.com

kenlittle-nh.com

Building High-Performing Teams: A Guide

Building a high-performing team is more than just hiring talented individuals. It's about fostering an environment where individuals can thrive, collaborate effectively, and achieve shared goals. Here's a guide to help you build a winning team:

1. Define Clear Goals and Expectations:

 * Start with a shared vision: Ensure everyone on the team understands the overall mission and how their individual roles contribute to it.

 * Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals provide clear direction and motivation.

 * Communicate expectations openly and consistently: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and performance standards.

2. Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion:

 * Embrace diverse perspectives: A diverse team brings a wider range of experiences, ideas, and problem-solving approaches.

 * Foster an inclusive environment: Create a safe and respectful space where everyone feels valued and heard.

 * Promote equal opportunities: Ensure fair treatment and access to resources for all team members.

3. Cultivate Strong Communication:

 * Establish clear communication channels: Encourage open and honest dialogue between team members.

 * Practice active listening: Pay attention to what others are saying, both verbally and nonverbally.

 * Utilize effective communication tools: Leverage technology to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.

4. Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork:

 * Promote cross-functional collaboration: Break down silos and encourage interaction between different teams.

 * Foster a culture of trust and support: Encourage team members to help each other and celebrate successes together.

 * Facilitate team-building activities: Engage in activities that promote camaraderie and strengthen team bonds.

5. Invest in Professional Development:

 * Provide opportunities for growth: Offer training, mentorship, and coaching to help team members develop their skills.

 * Encourage continuous learning: Encourage team members to explore new ideas and expand their knowledge base.

 * Recognize and reward achievements: Celebrate individual and team successes to motivate and inspire.

6. Lead by Example:

 * Demonstrate strong leadership qualities: Model the behaviors you expect from your team.

 * Be a role model for communication, collaboration, and respect.

 * Provide consistent feedback and support to your team members.

7. Regularly Review and Adjust:

 * Conduct regular team check-ins: Regularly assess team performance and identify areas for improvement.

 * Gather feedback from team members: Actively solicit and incorporate feedback from your team.

 * Be adaptable and willing to make adjustments: Be flexible and willing to adjust your approach as needed.

Building a high-performing team is an ongoing process. By focusing on these key principles, you can create a positive and productive work environment where individuals can thrive and achieve great things together.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

I hope this blog post is helpful! Let me know if you'd like me to elaborate on any of these points.