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

 

 

Cracking the Code: FAST and SMART Objectives for Ultimate Success

Cracking the Code: FAST and SMART Objectives for Ultimate Success

We all have things we want to accomplish. Whether it is landing that dream job, running a marathon, or finally mastering that sourdough recipe, turning those dreams into reality requires a roadmap. That is where goal and objective setting comes in, but not just any objective setting – we are talking about the power of FAST and SMART objectives.

You have probably heard of SMART objectives, but what about FAST? Let us break down both frameworks and see how they can work together to supercharge your 

A note on goals and objectives: Goals are the big picture outcome you want to achieve. Objectives are the smaller, specific steps that will lead to goal attainment.

Example: Goal is to win the war. Objective is to take that hill. 

Example: Goal is to get fit. Objective is to walk a specific number of steps per day. 

Try to frame your goals and objectives in positive constructive terms. For example, I will improve my fitness by exercising more and eating healthy foods.

Framing goals and objectives in the negative may work against you. “I will quit smoking”, for example, may work against you. “Quitting” may have a negative connotation that discourages you from following through. Words matter. Your subconscious is active.

Try to move toward positive constructive outcomes.

SMART Objectives: The Classic Framework

SMART objectives have been a cornerstone of effective objective setting for years. They provide a clear structure to ensure your objectives are well-defined and achievable.

•  S - Specific: Your objective should be clear and unambiguous. Avoid vague statements like "get in shape." Instead, say, "lose 10 pounds."
•  M - Measurable: You need a way to track your progress. How will you know when you have reached your objective? Use quantifiable metrics like weight, revenue, or number of tasks completed.
•  A - Achievable: Your objective should be challenging but realistic. Setting unattainable objectives can lead to discouragement. Consider your resources and limitations.
•  R - Relevant: Your objectives should align with your overall goals and values. Does it contribute to your bigger picture?
•  T - Time-bound: Set a deadline for your objectives. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay on track.

Example of a SMART Objective:

"I will increase my website's monthly traffic by 20% within the next three months by publishing two high-quality blog posts per week and actively promoting them on social media."

FAST Objectives: The Modern Approach

While SMART objectives are effective, the fast-paced nature of today's world calls for a more agile approach. Enter FAST objectives.

•  F - Frequently Discussed: Regularly talk about your objectives with others, be it your team, mentor, or accountability partner. This fosters transparency and keeps you accountable.
•  A - Ambitious: Aim high! Don't be afraid to set challenging objectives that push you a bit outside your comfort zone. Ambitious objectives can inspire greater effort and innovation.
•  S - Specifically Defined: Just like SMART objectives, clarity is crucial. Ensure your objective are precise and well-articulated.
•  T - Transparent: Make your objectives are visible to yourself and others. This creates a sense of shared responsibility and encourages collaboration.

Why FAST Objectives Matter:

•  They encourage continuous communication and feedback, allowing for adjustments along the way.
•  They promote a growth mindset by encouraging ambitious targets.
•  They foster a culture of transparency and collaboration.

Combining FAST and SMART: The Ultimate Objective-Setting Powerhouse

The beauty of these frameworks is that they complement each other. You can use SMART objectives to define the specifics of your goals, while FAST objectives ensure you stay motivated and accountable throughout the process.

Here's how you can integrate them:

•  Use SMART to define the "what" and "when" of your objective.
•  Use FAST to ensure the objective is frequently discussed, ambitious, and transparent.

Practical Tips for Success:

•  Write your goals and objectives down: This makes them more tangible and reinforces your commitment.
•  Break down large goals into smaller, manageable objectives: This makes them less overwhelming.
•  Track your progress: Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed.
•  Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and reward your achievements, no matter how small.
•  Embrace flexibility: Be prepared to adapt your objectives as circumstances change.

By mastering the art of FAST and SMART objective setting, you will be well on your way to achieving your goals and unlocking your potential.

 

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.