Chart Your Course International

Dysfunction in the Workplace

2009-06-17T04:48:00.000-04:00

Navigator #153
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
Lead Navigator
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-153.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
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Upcoming Events

Greg will be speaking at the following conferences in June.

20th Annual Labor & Employee Relations Conference, June 23
Location: Miami, FL

SHRM 61st Annual Conference and Exposition, June 30
Location: New Orleans, LA
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"The aim of leadership should be to improve the
performance of man and machine, to improve quality,
to increase output, and simultaneously to bring pride of
workmanship to people."

--Dr. Edwards Deming

Personal Note from the Lead Navigator

June marks the fourteenth year we have been in business.
Since the beginning, we have enjoyed tremendous success.
I have been able to visit and work in over 26 countries.
Our Navigator Newsletter subscribers have expanded to
over 35,000 people with people from almost every
country on the globe. Now my staff has grown from
one person to over 6 different associates across the U.S.
I wrote my first book in 1996 and currently working on
my ninth. June also marks my wedding anniversary (32 years)
with the most wonderful woman in the world. I am
blessed beyond measure and very fortunate. However. . .

Success can blind you and limit your potential and possibilities.

I just spent a week with 10 other successful CEO's and
entrepreneurs locked into a conference room in
Scottsdale, Arizona. We took a microscope and evaluated
each other's business model. Was it working? Was it
serving our customers? Was it maximizing our talents?

At the end of the week, each of us walked away with new
insight, direction and purpose. Even though the individual
pieces are still evolving, I do know how I help my clients will
change dramatically. I guess you can say . . . I have
recharted my own course with clearer direction and focus.

Starting now, I plan on working on a more strategic level
with a smaller group of like minded individuals. They are
senior level executives, business owners and entrepreneurs
who want to make their businesses more profitable and
expand their skills to the next level.

Over the next few months you may notice a different focus
on our websites and newsletter. Some information and
services will change and you will see some new additions
and focus areas; some parts will be modified or eliminated
altogether. It will be part of a new focus to provide a better
and more impactful value to you.

I challenge you to start your own reinvention process and
ask yourself these questions. Are you leading your
organization in the right direction? Are you growing and
making more money? Do you know how to take your
organization to the next level? Have you effectively
communicated this to your team?

If not, we can help you. Contact us today.

Greg
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Dysfunction in the Workplace
How Awareness and Communication Improve
Team Dynamics

In Patrick Lencioni's best-selling book, The Five
Dysfunctions of a Team, he tells a tale of a firm's
executive team struggling with utter dysfunction.
Ineffective communication, multiple egos, fear, office
politics and judgmental attitudes were all contributing
to the absence of dynamics and poor performance.

Does this sound familiar to you? Have you experienced
a dysfunctional team in your career?

If yes, you are not alone. Most everyone has either been
a part of, observed or even faced the challenge of leading
a dysfunctional team like the one Lencioni describes.
In fact, he says, "Teams, because they are made up of
imperfect human beings, are inherently dysfunctional."

Lencioni's interrelated model of team dysfunction
outlines five areas that prevent success:

• Absence of trust
• Fear of conflict
• Lack of commitment
• Avoidance of accountability
• Inattention to results

But don't be discouraged. There is hope for all of
us experiencing a dysfunctional team. As Lencioni
states, "In fact, team building is both possible and
remarkably simple. But it is also painful." We strongly
believe in two fundamental team building basics that help
teams overcome each of these dysfunctions: awareness
and communication.

Awareness is more than observation; it is an understanding
of what is going on around you. In this case, it is important to
be aware of and appreciate the different viewpoints of
team members and their work habits, motivators, areas of
expertise, and mastery in personal skills and motives.

Doing so will not only help you build team dynamics, but
more importantly will increase personal effectiveness so
you can accomplish more as a team.

Communication is where it all starts. The importance of
open communication simply cannot be overstated as it is
fundamental in building trust, managing conflict, gaining
commitment, holding accountability and identifying team
results. Effective communication involves first
understanding your own communication style,
understanding others' communication style and
appreciating the differences everyone brings to a
team environment.

Teams are, essentially, what drive results. Take a look
at the teams you are in, leading, or observing, and
identify the five areas of dysfunction. What can you do
to focus on team building? Whatever the strategy, as
Lencioni warns, it will be painful. But the results will be
well worth the challenge.

If we can help you build an effective team and get
everyone rowing in the same direction, let us know.

Used with permission: Target Training International Inc.
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Online Assessment Center

We provide a comprehensive portfolio of hiring and
development solutions including 360, team, customer
service, executive talent and management development
reports and assessments.

Visit our webpage
http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html
########################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 35,000 subscribers in 60 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Navigator | Last Chance to Sign Up for Wednesdays Change Management Teleseminar

2009-05-26T12:23:00.001-04:00

You are receiving this because you have subscribed
to the Navigator Newsletter.

Seven Change Management Strategies for Today's World

Wednesday, May 27

3:00-4:00 p.m. EST
12:00-1:00 PM PST
1:00-2:00 PM MST
2:00-3:00 PM CST

There is no fee to attend this teleseminar.

Today's professionals cannot succeed without the knowledge
to manage change. The turbulent economy has placed businesses
and business leaders under pressure to improve and restructure
their organizations. Businesses need to implement a
"transformational" style of leadership along with an effective
strategy to enhance productivity, cut costs, and position their
business or organization for increased efficiency. You will
learn specific techniques to help you manage change, retain
top talent, reduce bureaucracy, and innovative ways to drive
the transformation from the bottom-up.

During this teleseminar we will outline and discuss the seven
strategies executives and managers should put in place to
successfully lead change.

=>Institute transformational leadership techniques in your organization

=>Communicate more and provide direction

=>Manage the talent of your people

=>Identify and exterminate "organizational pathologies"

=>Innovate and manage the ideas of your workforce

=>Keep your people engaged and energized

=>Emotionally connect with your customers

NOTE: Our telephone bridge line space is limited; we have to
limit attendance to the first 100 people who sign up. Since
this teleseminar is free, we ask you to sign up online only.
Please do not call to register.

Seven Change Management Strategies for Today's World
May 27
3:00-4:00 p.m. EST

Click on this link or cut and paste it into your browser.

http://www.kickstartcart.com/SecureCart/SecureCart.aspx?mid=D2B673E3-C885-496B-B08C-17C9ABBBBCA4&pid=c622ee4a5887050418cf8179526612ef

Download the handouts:

http://www.chartcourse.com/handouts.html

Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Navigator | "The Best Way To Predict The Future Is To Invent It"

2009-05-20T04:49:00.001-04:00

Navigator #152
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-152.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
########################################

Upcoming Teleseminars

Seven Change Management Strategies for Today's World
May 27
3-4 p.m. EST

Please join us for a complimentary teleseminar. Due to
phone line capacity, we have to limit attendance to the
first 100 registrants.

Click here to register online

http://www.kickstartcart.com/SecureCart/SecureCart.aspx?mid=D2B673E3-C885-496B-B08C-17C9ABBBBCA4&pid=c622ee4a5887050418cf8179526612ef&bn=1

You can also clink on this link for more information and registration.

http://www.chartcourse.com/upcomingevents.html
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Personal Note from the Captain of the Ship

"The Best way to predict the future is to invent it."

Alan Kay
Former Xerox Researcher

My clients expect me to know what is happening in
the business world and advise them accordingly.
As my normal routine, I read dozens of magazines,
newspapers, books and reliable sources of information
on the Internet. As a side note, the least dependable
source of factual content and reliable information is
cable television news.

In the May 4 edition of Fortune, I enjoyed reading an
article by Anne Mulcahy, the CEO of Xerox. For me,
she hits the nail on the head regarding what
business should be doing during this economic downturn.

She said, "I know from experience one of the biggest
mistakes that can be made right now is to slash
investments in innovation. And by innovation, I
don't just mean product research and development.
It can also be innovating in new markets, launching
new businesses, and even disruptive innovation in
work processes." Then she adds, "I remind my team
that the next generation of technology and services
will be born out of decisions we make at this unique
moment in time. With that, we're banking on the
advice of Alan Kay, a former Xerox researcher,
who said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."

As a management consultant, I have had an
interesting seat watching business after business,
cut back, terminate talented people, eliminate
training and development, and curtail important
projects. These businesses are just creeping
along the highway, hoping they don't become
road kill, instead of taking a proactive approach.
Many of them have laid off their most experienced
people, virtually wiping out their talent pool and
future leadership.

Yes, survival is paramount and all my clients have
had to make difficult decisions. However, by making
the wrong choices, many of these businesses have
only put a noose around their neck. They have
placed themselves in a precarious position where
they won't be prepared when the economy starts
improving.

Studies show layoffs end up being far more costly
and damaging than the short term money they end
up saving. As Anne Mulcahy alludes in her
article -- businesses can't stop innovating. As an
example, some companies have cut back on
customer service. So instead of increasing
customer loyalty, they have only alienated them.
In my book, that is the kiss of death. If you work in
that kind of place, you might as well box up your
stuff because it won't be long until the business
collapses and you're the next out the door.

The turbulent economy has placed businesses and
business leaders under pressure to improve and
restructure their organizations. A survey by the
Conference Board showed the executives' major
concern was about "speed, flexibility, and
adaptability to change." Businesses need to
implement a "transformational" style of leadership
along with an effective strategy that will enhance
productivity and position their business or
organization for increased efficiency.

Last week I was in Longview, Texas speaking to the
Economic Development Council. Here is a community
of about 80,000 people who are still focused on a
bright future. Despite the economy, they are still
growing, dynamic and interested to learn new
techniques in keeping their employees motivated
and working effectively. Several of the people that
attended my session work at the Neiman Marcus
distribution center. They are responsible for
distributing merchandise to stores all across the
U.S. It was encouraging to me to see this
organization still cares for its people and wants to
stay vital, innovative, and competitive and be an
employer of choice for their region. More
businesses should have that same goal.

Here are seven strategies organizations should put in place.

>Institute transformational leadership techniques in your organization
>Communicate more and provide direction
>Manage the talent of your people
>Identify and exterminate "organizational pathologies"
>Innovate and manage the ideas of your workforce
>Keep your people engaged and energized
>Emotionally connect with your customers

We invite you to sign up for next week's free
teleseminar to hear how to implement these seven
strategies in your business. This teleseminar is limited
to the first 100 people who sign up. Since this is a free
teleconference, we ask you to sign up online only.
Please do not call to register. You will be responsible
for your own phone charges.

Click on this link or cut and paste it into your browser.

http://www.kickstartcart.com/SecureCart/SecureCart.aspx?mid=D2B673E3-C885-496B-B08C-17C9ABBBBCA4&pid=c622ee4a5887050418cf8179526612ef&bn=1

You can also clink on this link for more information and registration.

http://www.chartcourse.com/upcomingevents.html
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Engaged on the Job?

"Last year a survey conducted of 90,000 employees
by Towers Perrin showed only 21% of them were
highly engaged in their work. The other 79% may
be physically on the job, but they've left their
enthusiasm and ingenuity at home."

Source: WSJ April 28, 2009
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Supporting Change Training Course

Supporting Change is a Vital Learning program that
provides the tools managers need to understand and
interpret change and to prepare them to more
successfully manage their team through it. By working
to support change and at the same time addressing the
team's comfort level with that change, the manager
can more effectively facilitate acceptance of a new
way of doing things. You can purchase the materials
to teach the course, or take the online version.

http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisory_training.html
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Hire the Right Person for the Right Job

Believe it or not, there are businesses still recruiting
and hiring people. This is a great time to capture
some outstanding talent. So, if you are hiring,
how do you know when the right person walks
through the door? As you know, you can't always
trust resumes, experience, or the person's
ability to answer interview questions to determine
if they are the best fit for a job.

Experience is not necessarily an indicator for
future success. Jim Collins, in his best-selling
book, "From Good to Great" said, "People are
not your most important asset, the right people are."
We have a suite of over 30 different assessments
and reports that can predict success on the job.
These reports measure personality, 360 feedback,
honesty, motivations, sales ability and key attributes
that help organizations achieve the goals they
need and want. In this economy, you can't
afford the mistake of hiring the wrong person
for the right job. For more information call us
at 770-860-9464 or visit our website.

http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html
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Will They Lie, Cheat, or Steal?

The Counterproductive Behavior Index (CBI) is a
valid, contemporary integrity test—a cost-effective
screening procedure for identifying job applicants whose
behavior, attitudes, and work-related values are likely
to interfere with their success as employees. The CBI
consists of an objective questionnaire with 140 true/false
questions that can be completed by the job applicant in
about 15 minutes.

There are two forms available. One is administered,
scored, and interpreted by computer. It yields an
objectively generated report addressing the degree of
potential concern about the six major areas identified,
a measure of overall or total concern, and an
assessment of self-serving response bias.

The other form is a paper-and-pencil version in which
applicants answer the questions on an answer sheet. It is then
hand-scored and profiled by the test administrator,
yielding the same information as the computer-based
version. The cost of each report is under $22.

For more information go to:
http://www.chartcourse.com/ttiassessments_prehire.html
#############################################

Daily Cartoon

For those of you needing a little laugh, we invite you to
visit the Daily Cartoon page on our website. The cartoons
are provided by Ted Goff.

http://www.chartcourse.com/dailycartoon.html
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Navigtor Newsletter | Leadership Beyond the Recession

2009-05-06T04:49:00.001-04:00

Navigator #151
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-151.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
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What Is Happening Now!

Take Our 2009 Job Satisfaction Survey.

Are you happy at work? We are trying to measure
how the current economic situation has affected
people and their jobs. Please take five minutes to
complete our survey. The results will be posted in a
future edition of the Navigator Newsletter.

http://www.assess.biz/survey_form.asp?m=89&s=2506
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Upcoming Teleseminar

Proven Ways to Attract, Engage, and Retain Your Workforce
Thursday ~ May 21, 2009
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (EST)
$99 per person

For more information, click on this link:

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar_retention.html
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Personal Note from the Captain of the Ship

"We do not need magic to transform our world; we
carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.
We have the power to imagine better."

--J.K. Rowling

Our trip to Ireland last month was fantastic. We
visited some of the most beautiful places on the
West Coast. We traveled from Adair to Dingle
and everywhere in between. We enjoyed some
outstanding pubs and friendly people, and made
some wonderful memories.

For those of you interested in seeing some photos
of the trip, please click on this link.

http://www.chartcourse.com/photos-ireland.html

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Worth Reading

"The Hidden Costs of Overbearing Bosses" by
Gary Hamel

http://blogs.wsj.com/management/2009/04/28/the-hidden-costs-of-overbearing-bosses/
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"Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to
be what we know we can be."
---Ralph Waldo Emerson

Training: Leadership Beyond the Recession

When he stated the quote above, Ralph Waldo
Emerson was describing extraordinary leadership.
What he said then is exactly what we need today.
Organizations are obviously suffering from the
economic fallout. The dynamics of business
are in a state of change. Workers and
managers alike are struggling to make sense
of what they must do to survive the recession...

This year, some organizations may consider
reducing or eliminating training as a way to lower
expenses; but in reality, training is the last
thing organizations should cut. It is the one
thing that can help current and future leaders
adapt so they can emerge from the recession
healthy and sound. Training is about leveraging
the present in order to build a future. The
recession may be the best time to focus on
leadership training.

Positioning for the Recovery

Organizations should be positioning themselves
for recovery. Studies reveal firms that come
out of the recession in a more advantageous
position will be more likely retain that position
far into the period of recovery.

Strategies for building leadership talent should
be embedded throughout your organization.
Train your managers and supervisors to help
employees understand where the company is
going and how they fit in with the company goals.
Employees then are more likely to apply the
proper decisions and skills in their day-to-day jobs.

Leading employees effectively helps avoid
economic distractions and keeps them engaged
in the business of serving customers, remaining
proactive, and performing as a productive
member of the team.

Leadership to Recession-Proof the Culture

Another theme on which employers must
focus is communication. When times are
tough, leaders should openly discuss the
issues and challenges employees face. They
should do this often and in many ways to
reduce anxiety, stabilize the environment,
and support positive morale. Communication
becomes the glue that binds together the
culture of the organization, making it more
resistant to the pressures of recession, such
as unwanted turnover, the ability to achieve
more with less, disenfranchised teams, and
loss of productivity.

Check out our Essential Skills of
Communicating and Essential Skills
of Leadership for excellent programs to train your employees.

http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisory_training.html

Contributor: Melodae Morris, M.A., APR, SPHR
#############################################

Inspirational Video of J.K. Rowling

We have placed a video on our website of J.K. Rowling
(author of the Harry Potter Series) giving the
commencement address at Harvard University last year.
Ms. Rowling is an amazing author who struggled from
poverty to fame.

Regardless of whether you like the Harry Potter books
and movies, you can't argue with a person who
overcame obstacles and achieved her dream.

http://www.chartcourse.com/video_jkrowling.html
#############################################

Will They Lie, Cheat, and Steal?

The CBI is a valid, contemporary integrity test—a cost-effective
screening procedure for identifying job applicants whose
behavior, attitudes, and work-related values are likely
to interfere with their success as employees. The CBI
consists of an objective questionnaire with 140 true/false
questions that can be completed by the job applicant in
about 15 minutes.

There are two forms available. One is administered,
scored, and interpreted by computer. It yields an
objectively generated report addressing the degree of
potential concern about the six major areas identified,
a measure of overall or total concern, and an
assessment of self-serving response bias.

The other form is a paper-and-pencil version in which
applicants answer the questions on an answer sheet. It is then
hand-scored and profiled by the test administrator,
yielding the same information as the computer-based
version. The cost of each report is $19.

For more information go to:
http://www.chartcourse.com/ttiassessments_prehire.html
#############################################

Daily Cartoon

For those of you needing a little laugh, we invite you to
visit the Daily Cartoon page on our website. The cartoons
are provided by Ted Goff.

http://www.chartcourse.com/dailycartoon.html
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Updates from Chart Your Course International

2009-04-17T04:49:00.001-04:00

You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
Navigator Newsletter.

Upcoming Teleseminars

April 22
Digging for Gold: How to Start and Manage an
Employee Suggestion Program
$99
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html
(See details below)

May 21
Proven Ways to Attract, Engage and Retain
Your Workforce
$99
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar_retention.html

########################################

Take Our 2009 Job Satisfaction Survey

Are you happy at work? We are trying to measure
how the current economic situation has affected
people and their jobs. Please take five minutes to
answer our survey. The results will be posted in a
future edition of the Navigator Newsletter.

http://www.assess.biz/survey_form.asp?m=89&s=2506
########################################

Next Week is Administrative Professionals Week

Administrative Professionals Week is April 19-25 –
Don't forget to recognize and thank your hard-working
Administrative Professionals, whose tireless efforts
keep your organization moving forward.
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FANTASTIC, FABULOUS SPRING SALE!

Oops! In case you had trouble using the code--
We fixed it.

For the next ten days you can take 15% off any book,
customer service video, online management training
program, or anything else you can order directly off
our website.

Simply put the coupon code in the code box when
you check out and click "apply". Your discount
will immediately be subtracted from your order.

233452

http://www.chartcourse.com/captains.htm

########################################

How to Start and Manage an Employee Suggestion
Program Teleseminar
3:00-4:00 p.m. EST (Atlanta time)
60 minutes
April 22
Cost: $99 per person

All businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and
improve performance. Capturing ideas and suggestions
from employees should be a top priority -- especially
in this economy.

Getting employees involved not only yields valuable
ideas and suggestions, but also engages and improves
employee motivation, creating a more productive and
satisfying work environment. Yet many ignore the
untapped resource of their employees who know their
jobs better than any expert.

Fact #1: Just 41% of employees think their senior
management supports new ideas and new ways of doing things.

Fact #2: Just 37% of employees think senior management
tries to be visible and accessible to employees.

Fact #3: A whopping 60% of employees think their
organization's employee suggestion program does
not exist or is ineffective.

Marsha Myers of Lee Hecht Harrison said, "Managers
usually overlook the company's most valuable asset
and source of information - their employees. As the
economy slows, creative organizations can find new
ways to drive revenue and reduce costs by seeking
employee suggestions."

During the past 30 years, I have worked with hundreds
of organizations in designing employee suggestion
and engagement programs. Years ago, I was
responsible for creating an employee suggestion
program for an organization of 72,000 people. As a
Board Member of the Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award, I had the opportunity to examine
and evaluate how leading organizations use their
Employee Suggestion Systems (ESS) to produce
results.

Discover how to create Employee Suggestion Systems
such as Idea Campaigns, Idea Olympics, Idea-A-Day,
Kaizen, STAT VA and Vampire Extermination
Expeditions, just to name a few. The results of these
programs can increase revenue, cut costs, improve
customer satisfaction and have a major impact on job
satisfaction and motivation.

YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:

>Implement a fail proof program that improves
motivation and drives innovation from the bottom up
>Overcome the obstacles that cause typical suggestion
programs to fail
>Understand the powerful difference between a
suggestion "program" and a suggestion "campaign"

For more information:

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

How to Start and Manage an Employee Suggestion Program Teleseminar

2009-04-09T10:07:00.001-04:00

How to Start and Manage an Employee Suggestion Program Teleseminar
3:00-4:00 p.m. EST (Atlanta time)
60 minutes
Cost: $99 per person

All businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and
improve performance. Capturing ideas and suggestions
from employees should be a top priority -- especially
in this economy.

If you think suggestion boxes are effective—You are
wrong!

During the past 30 years, I have worked with hundreds
of organizations in designing employee suggestion
and engagement programs. Years ago, I was
responsible for creating an employee suggestion
program for an organization of 72,000 people. As a
Board Member of the Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award, I had the opportunity to examine
and evaluate how leading organizations use their
Employee Suggestion Systems (ESS) to produce
results. I trained managers at Yamaha and learned
how they drive continuous improvement with their
Kaizen process. My experiences have taught me
what works and what does not.

During this teleseminar I will explain how to use
Employee Suggestion Systems (ESS) to do the following.

1. Reduce costs
2. Drive continuous improvement
3. Identify problems
4. Improve customer retention and satisfaction
5. Capture new ideas and services that generate revenue

Discover how to create employee suggestion systems
such as Idea Campaigns, Idea Olympics, Idea-A-Day,
Kaizen, STAT VA and Vampire Extermination
Expeditions, just to name a few. The results of these
programs can increase revenues, cut costs, improve
customer satisfaction and have a major impact on job
satisfaction and motivation.

YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:

>Use employee suggestions to drive results and best
ways to implement those ideas
>Engage employees at all levels
>Overcome the common pitfalls that cause typical
suggestion programs to fail
>Utilize the proper way to use rewards and recognition
in the suggestion process
>Tap, capture and transform ideas into valuable
products and services
>Initiate several different types of suggestion
programs to get hundreds of improvement ideas
from your workforce
>Increase the number and quality of ideas and
suggestions from your employees
>Know the difference between a suggestion "program"
and a suggestion "campaign"
>Incorporate the best ways to track and manage
employee suggestions
>Learn about the Bright Idea Campaign

For more information:

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Employee Suggestion Programs | Digging for Gold

2009-03-28T15:09:00.001-04:00

Navigator #150
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-150.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to
unsubscribe.
########################################

Take Our 2009 Job Satisfaction Survey

http://www.assess.biz/survey_form.asp?m=89&s=2506
#############################################

Upcoming Teleseminars

April 22
Digging for Gold: How to Start and Manage an
Employee Suggestion Program
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html

May 21
Proven Ways to Attract, Engage and Retain
Your Workforce
http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar_retention.html

########################################

Personal Note from the Captain of the Ship

Every couple of years I am invited to speak at the
International Pizza Expo -- the world's largest and
oldest pizza tradeshow. Not only do I get to meet
some great people, but the best part is getting to
sample all the food and watch the World Pizza
Games. You can check out some of the photos
on the website.

http://www.chartcourse.com/photoalbum.htm

Next week Cathy and I are heading to Ireland.
I will be enjoying some sight-seeing as well as doing
research for a new book. I will post some photos as
we move along.
#############################################

SPECIAL, FANTASTIC, FABULOUS SPRING SALE!

We have never done this before. For the next ten
days you can take 15% off any book, customer
service video, online management training program,
or anything else you can order directly off our website.

http://www.chartcourse.com/captains.htm

Simply put the coupon code in the code box when
you go to check out and click "apply". Your discount
will immediately be subtracted from your order.

233452
#############################################

Digging for Gold: Employee Suggestion Programs

Most organizations are looking for ways to cut costs
and improve performance. Capturing ideas and
suggestions from employees should be a top
priority -- especially in this economy. Yet many
ignore the untapped resource of their employees
who know their jobs better than any expert. It
surprises me to realize how few organizations have
any kind of employee suggestion program.

Marsha Myers of Lee Hecht Harrison said, "Managers
usually overlook the company's most valuable asset
and source of information - their employees. As the
economy slows, creative organizations can find new
ways to drive revenue and reduce costs by seeking
employee suggestions."

Good Idea Boards. Georgia's Buckhead Ritz-Carlton
Hotel collects ideas and suggestions by letting employees
write them on an "easy wipe" board in their department.
Instead of passing untested ideas up the chain of command,
the employee who originates an idea has responsibility
for its implementation. They follow a three-step work
process: "Study it, Pilot it, and Adopt it."

A quality coach helps each department and its employees
with the process. Once an idea is piloted and found
worthwhile, it is adopted. Each month the department
forwards the best idea to the division and then on to
the Quality Office for special recognition.

Idea Expositions. The Sony Corporation is well known
for its ability to create and manufacture new and
innovative products. Each year Sony generates
approximately 1000 new products and product
innovations. Founder Masaru Ibuka's philosophy
for success is "Never follow others."

In order to foster the exchange of ideas within
departments, Sony's Corporate Research sponsors
an annual Idea Exposition. Scientists and engineers
display projects and ideas they are working on. Open
only to Sony's employees, the exposition lets individuals
share ideas with each other to promote cross fertilization
between departments and divisions.

To learn more about Employee Suggestion Programs,
attend our teleseminar on April 22 or visit the webpage
outlining our Bright Idea Campaign.

http://www.chartcourse.com/bright-ideas-employee-suggestion-program.html

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleseminar-employee-suggestion.html
#############################################

How to Get a High Paying Job

You probably have seen this before. . .

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human
Resources person asked a young engineer fresh out of
Georgia Tech, "And what starting salary were you looking
for?" The engineer said, "In the neighborhood of $125,000
a year, depending on the benefits package." The interviewer
said, "Well, what would you say to a package of 5 weeks
vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, a
company matching retirement fund for 50% of your salary,
and a company car leased every 2 years – say, a red
Corvette?" The engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow!
Are you kidding?" And the interviewer replied, "Yeah, but
you started it."
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

2009 Job Satisfaction Survey

2009-03-24T13:22:00.000-04:00

I would appreciate it if you could take five minutes and answer my Job Satisfaction Survey

http://www.assess.biz/survey_form.asp?m=89&s=2506

Leadership and Business Tips for Navigator Subscribers

2009-03-20T10:43:00.001-04:00

Here is another complimentary service we provide you as a Navigator Newsletter subscriber.

Free weekly business and leadership tips.

Studies show the personal actions of the leader are the most important factor in driving profits, employee retention, and the overall success of the organization. You can sign up for these tips by completing the form on our webpage. You can unsubscribe at any time.

http://www.chartcourse.com/freebusinesstips.html

You maybe asked to confirm your subscription -- CHECK YOUR EMAIL BOX TO BE SURE.

Greg Smith

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

How to Use Team Building Exercises and Meeting Icebreakers

2009-03-05T09:12:00.005-05:00

How many meetings have you been to that are just the same old thing -- boring gatherings you cannot wait to leave. Most meetings are poorly managed and non-productive. I have been a teacher, management consultant, and meeting facilitator for over twenty years. In the hundreds of classes and seminars I have taught, I have learned one truth -- people learn quicker if you make classes and meetings fun and interesting. By using team building exercises and meeting icebreakers you can make your next meeting, class, or team building event something dynamic and productive. It is wise to consider a few basic elements before choosing an exercise or a meeting icebreaker. Ownership -- First, icebreakers tend to work best when participants have taken ownership of the activity chosen by the facilitator. You must put five key elements in place. 1. Explain the activity. 2. Provide the goals of the activity. 3. Outline the structure of the activity. 4. Allow time for questions. 5. Give permission to participate at their comfort level. This last element is crucial and overlooked in many cases. Make an announcement at the beginning of an exercise to insure participants understand they are not "bound" to participate in the activity. For those who opt out, perhaps ask them to be "observers" and see if they are comfortable providing a debriefing at the end of the event. Provide them something constructive to do during the exercise. When given the freewill to choose, people will take greater ownership of their participation. Set the Climate -- Icebreakers set the climate for the event to proceed. With this understanding, it makes sense to choose an icebreaker that is in alignment with the climate of the meeting. An icebreaker or team building exercise could send a wrong message. The unintended message could send the meeting in a different direction. Therefore, it makes sense to spend the time to choose the proper meeting icebreaker. Learning Objectives -- Some trainers and facilitators prefer using either a meeting icebreaker or team building exercise focused on the learning objectives related to the meeting, training program, or goal of the group. Others prefer using an unrelated exercise just to break the ice. However, each icebreaker is dynamic and has both intended and unintended consequences. Consider this prior to the event so you can maximize the experience and build a cohesive meeting. Safety -- The first rule is not to take any chances that could cause physical injury to your participants. One of my favorite team building exercises is called the "Terrorist Toxic Popcorn Situation." This is an easy exercise for both adults and teens. The goal is to decontaminate a can of "toxic" popcorn that has been secretly placed in the room by "terrorists." Your team must quickly come up with a plan of action; assemble tools and equipment, transfer the material into a "safe" container before the "toxic" substance explodes. This is a great game to identify the planners, doers, and thinkers in your group. It also demonstrates the importance of having a good plan. A Great Day for Hats! Give each participant a donut-shaped piece of felt or other material approximately 18 inches in diameter. Tell participants to form a hat with the material. Participants should have enough time to make their hat. At the end of the team exercise, allow each person to explain the hat they created. You can also put people on teams and have some friendly competition between the groups on who can come up with the most creative hat. Letters and Names Give each person a few moments to think of an adjective starting with the same first letter in his or her first name (e.g. "Great Greg"). Begin by modeling it yourself. Then go around the group asking each person to state their name/adjective combination. During various points of the exercise, or at the end, ask volunteers to remember and repeat each of the names and adjectives volunteered so far. Provide prizes to those who do the best job. The Napkin Game Ask participants to form equal size groups. Give each group a napkin and ask them to fold the napkin as small as possible. However, it must be large enough for members of the team to place their toe on the napkin. Paper-Tearing Exercise This meeting icebreaker only takes about 5 minutes to conduct. Give everyone a blank 8 ½-by-11-inch sheet of paper. Tell them the following: “We are going to do something that will show us some important things about communication. Pick up your sheet of paper and hold it in front of you. Close your eyes and follow my directions—and no peeking -- you cannot ask questions.” Then tell them the following. “Fold your sheet of paper in half. Now tear off the upper right-hand corner. Fold it in half again and tear off the upper left hand corner of the sheet. Fold it in half again. Now tear off the lower right-hand corner of the sheet.” After the tearing is complete, say something like “Now open your eyes, and let’s see what you have. If I did a good job of communicating and you did a good job of following my directions, all of your sheets should look the same!” Hold your sheet up for them to see. It is highly unlikely any sheet will match yours exactly. Ask the group why no one’s piece of paper matched yours. You will probably get responses like “You didn’t let us ask questions!” or “Your directions could be interpreted in different ways.” Then, lead them in a discussion about the need for effective communication. Greg Smith's cutting-edge keynotes, consulting, and training programs have helped businesses build better teams, reduce turnover, increase sales, hire better people and deliver better customer service. He has authored nine informative books including his best-selling book called, Icebreakers and Teambuilding Exercises. He lives in Conyers, Georgia. Sign up for his free Navigator Newsletter by visiting www.chartcourse.com. Get more free meeting icebreakers by visiting http://www.chartcourse.com/icebreakers-book.html

Navigator #149 | What Happened to Personal Accountability?

2009-03-04T04:49:00.001-05:00

Navigator #149
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-149.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to unsubscribe.
#############################################
Superior Customer Service

Tough economic times provide a golden opportunity
to improve our businesses. Whether you are a large
corporation, hospital, clinic, or a small business,
customer service remains a vital element for driving
sales and improving loyalty. Instead of cutting back
and eliminating services, wise businesses are taking
steps to improve their service for their customers and
clients. We have six different customer service
programs available. If you are concerned about
improving your service, please visit our website or
call us for ways we might assist you.

http://www.chartcourse.com/captainscustomerservice.html

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Personal Note from the Captain of the Ship

An interesting thing happened in Atlanta this week –
It snowed! I mean it snowed a lot! In fact, it was
more snow than I have seen in years. I am now
sympathetic to those of you who live in the colder
climates and see snow all the time. I don't know about
you, but I can't wait for spring to arrive.

I am heading for Las Vegas next week to speak at
the Pizza Expo. The Pizza Expo is the world's largest
trade show catering to the Pizza and Italian food industry.
It is my favorite event because I get to sample some of
the best pizza in the world.

Greg Smith

#############################################

The Key Factor to Superior Performance –
Personal Accountability

Personal accountability is not only an important skill
to possess, but it is also in high demand. In 95% of
the jobs we studied, we found personal accountability to
be one of the top seven personal skills that are required
for superior performance on the job. Most companies
would agree that responsibility for actions is a major
component to success on the job and will look for this
skill in any employee review or selection situation.
Unfortunately, personal accountability can be difficult
to gauge and is often times not genuine until you can
scratch through the surface.

If personal accountability is so important to success
on the job, yet difficult to find, how can we look for this
skill in today's talent?

To help you identify the skill of personal accountability,
consider using the following interview questions in your
selection process or employee evaluation.

--What person from history do you most admire for taking the blame for a failure?
What did taking the blame do for that person?

--Give me an example of someone you know whose personal
actions led to disastrous results. How answerable was that
person for what happened? What advice would you give to that person?

--What is the worst business decision you ever made?
What made it the worst? What would have helped
you to avoid making that decision?

While questions like this might help you take a guess
at the level of personal accountability an individual has,
it is best to get a truly accurate picture of the skills they
have through an individual assessment process. This
will eliminate all bias and give you statistical results
that will easily help you take the next step in talent management.

Soft skills assessments and 360 degree surveys are
commonly used in business practices today to
accurately assess personal accountability and the
many other skills that make each person unique.

An in-depth understanding of the personal soft skills an
employee brings to the job is an important aspect in any
selection, development and coaching initiative. With
assessments that mathematically measure the personal
skills an individual has and is capable of accomplishing,
you can dig deeper than the typical resume and interview
process and truly discover the potential for superior performance.
We have developed assessment tools that measure
personal skills including accountability:

TTI Personal Talent Skills Inventory™

http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html

#############################################

Employee Suggestion Campaigns

Getting your employees' ideas should not be an option.
If your organization is going to be competitive, it is mandatory
you involve the minds, hands, and ideas of everyone in
your organization. Getting employees involved not only
yields valuable ideas and suggestions, but also the
increased morale of workers who feel like they are being
listened to results in a more productive and satisfying
work environment.

Peter E. Drucker said, "One has to assume, first, that the
individual human being at work knows better than anyone
else what makes him or her more productive...even in
routine work the only true expert is the person who does the job."

Article continues at:

http://www.chartcourse.com/articleidea.htm
#############################################

Stats and Surveys

Workhours
According to the Working Time Around the World report,
614.2 million workers, or approximately 22 percent of the
global workforce, work more than 48 hours a week.

International Labour Organization ~ Geneva

Yuk!
Asked to choose which is more disgusting, the office
fridge or a public restroom, 28 percent of the 501
American office workers surveyed selected the fridge,
compared to 72 percent who chose the restroom.

Source: Kelton Research, Culver City, Calif.

Involuntary Separation
According to a multi-response survey of 1,308 U.S.
adults, the top five reasons people changed jobs, either
voluntarily or involuntarily, are:

Downsizing or restructuring - 54%
Seeking new challenges - 30%
Dissatisfaction with leadership effectiveness - 25%
Poor relationship with manager - 22%
To improve work/life balance - 21%

Source: Right Management, Philadelphia
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Navigator: Help Wanted: Optimistic Leadership Need Only Apply

2009-02-18T04:49:00.001-05:00

Navigator #148
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator and Captain" of
Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-148.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to unsubscribe.
#############################################
Personal Note from the "Captain of the Ship"

Help Wanted: Optimistic Leadership Need Only Apply

Fear and anxiety dominate the workplace. People are feeling
depressed and scared. Those who have jobs are waiting
anxiously for the other shoe to fall. Millions of people feel
victimized by the economy. Others have given up hope. The
effect is lowering motivation and job productivity the world over.

Well--it is a good thing I don't feel that way! I refuse to be a pessimist.

Whether you are the President of the United States or the
President of the local PTA, you have a tremendous
opportunity to make difference in the lives of others
through the words you use and the attitude you choose.

If you are a leader, you have a higher calling – a
responsibility to set a positive example for others to
follow. Now more than ever, this world, this country,
and your business need optimistic leadership. The people
you influence are looking for hopefulness and a positive
direction to follow. This is what good leaders do.

In my own experiences I have learned time and time
again—with the right leadership, people can do amazing
things. Let's pledge here and now to be more optimistic.
If we do, we will snap out of this recession much quicker.

A Hero Lies in Each of Us

The heroic actions demonstrated by Captain Chesley
"Sully" Sullenberger and his magnificent crew on US
Airways Flight 1549 is worthy of admiration. It is no
surprise why so many people were galvanized with this incident.

First came the actual incident -- a perfectly executed
crash landing in the Hudson River resulting in no loss
of life. But the incident is not as significant as the
psychological affect.

As we dissect this event, each of us appreciates something
different. There is not enough space or time for me to list
every detail, but here are a couple that stand out most in my mind.

Others came first. Once the plane was in the water
"Sully" was the last to abandon ship. He did not get
off until everyone was outside the plane. Captain
Sullenberger has become an international celebrity,
but you still sense his humility –he is not a man selfishly
seeking glory.

I believe Joel Barker's definition of a leader best describes
Captain Sullenberger. Barker says, "A leader is someone
who takes you to a destination you will not go to by
yourself." That is certainly true in this incident.

We have grown callous by all the negative images we
see in the media. We are bombarded in our daily news
with fallen titans motivated by corruption and greed.
Whether it concerns peanut butter, private jets, or golden
parachutes, we have grown skeptical and have less trust
for those in authority.

We tend to forget there are far more good people in this
world than bad. Sullenberger and his crew made us hopeful
and proud again. That is a good thing.

If you would like to view the 60 Minutes interview with
Captain Sullenberger, please go to my Blog.
#############################################

Have You Lost Your Way?
Six Things You Need to Do Now

As part of the preparation when I am hired to speak,
I visit several of the businesses in that association.
I recently visited one of those companies in my
hometown. I asked the business owner what he is doing
differently as a result of this economy. I was astounded to
hear these words, "Well, nothing. We are just hoping things
will get better." I was astounded! This business needed help.

Tig Gilliam is the CEO of Adecco. He recently said,
"Those leaders who best adapt to shifts in priorities,
and successfully execute against them by rallying their
talent in new and oftentimes uncharted territory, are
leaders who are successful in times of growth and times
of uncertainty."

Here are six things you need to focus on now.

1. Assess your talent.
Do they have the skills and abilities your business
needs in this economy?
What are you doing to improve those skills?

2. Work on employee engagement.
Is your workforce motivated and productive?
Do you have a way to capture their ideas and suggestions?

3. Build closer relationships with customers.
Do you know what your customers need and want from you?
Have you contacted your customers recently and let them know
what new services you provide?
Are you using the Internet and Web 2.0 effectively to
market your business?

4. Evaluate your company culture.
Is it focused on agility, flexibility?
Is your vision statement relevant and meaningful to people?
Are your departments working together or is there friction
and organizational pathologies?

5. Build trust among the management staff.
Has downsizing damaged the morale of your business?
What are you doing to improve communication?
Does your workforce trust upper management?

6. Retain your superstars.
Have you established retention plans for those people
you need to keep?

If you are looking for a tool to assess the talents and
skills of your talent, I encourage you to look at the
Personal Talent Skills Indicator. It measures 32 competencies
against a database of 40,000 other individuals.

http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html
#############################################

New Workshop/Presentation

Surviving or Thriving:
Leading Your Business through the Economic Crisis

The business world has changed. Whether you are a
small company or a large corporation, success depends
on your ability to eliminate status quo, increase sales,
and focus on new opportunities. You will learn how to
create a system of customer service keeping you
profitable and ahead of the competition. This session
provides you dozens of tips and strategies on
improving performance, motivating your people to
new levels, and innovative ways to market your
business and capture new customers. These new ideas
and concepts will take you and your company to the
next level and help you achieve measurable, bottom-line
improvement results in a short period of time. Click on
the link below for more information on our organizational
development programs.

http://www.chartcourse.com/workshops.html
#############################################

Accelerate Your Career and Business Now

For those of you who are ready to accelerate your
career or advance your business, read the following.
Everyone else please stop here.

Each year I have the pleasure of working with a group
of successful individuals who want to advance to the
next level. Not everyone is eligible for this service.
I am looking for individuals who have established
themselves and have a track record of success. If you
are interested in discovering how I might personally
help you or your business, please click on the link below.

http://www.chartcourse.com/responsementor.html
#############################################

Greg's Upcoming Speaking/Engagement Schedule

February 26: Iowa Nursery & Landscape Association,
"Leading Your Workforce During an Economic Crisis"
- Iowa State University
March 2: American Rental Association, "Building an
Emotional Connection with Your Customers" - Atlanta
March 10-11: Pizza Expo, "Gladiator Leadership"
and "Loyal for Life"– Las Vegas
April 1-8: On assignment, Ireland
April 29: SHRM Staffing Conference, "Proven Ways
to Retain, Engage and Motivate Your Workforce" – Las Vegas
April 30: International Association of Operative Millers,
"Transforming Workers to Winners"-Grand Rapids, MI
#############################################

FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Do you want to keep getting the Navigator Newsletter?

2009-02-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

You are getting this because you are a subscriber to the Navigator Newsletter.

After many years of sending you the Navigator in plain text, we are providing you the option to upgrade to a prettier version. (No charge/no cost--still free)

If you are happy with the plain, text only version, you DO NOT need to do anything.

If you want the color version with pictures (HTML) you need to subscribe to a new list.

Go here to subscribe to the color version:

http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

Once you subscribe to the new version, you will have to check your email and confirm your subscription.

Best regards,

Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2009, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Trend Reversal: Women not waiting as long to have children

2009-02-06T12:18:00.001-05:00

For nearly 40 years, women have been delaying childbirth longer and longer, partly to launch careers. Now, this trend may be ending.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123371049941845977.html?mod=djemCJ

Here is a very interesting video about the "Lost Generation."

2009-02-03T14:08:00.001-05:00

Worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

Navigator #147: Are You a Gladiator? | Training Trends

2009-01-25T04:51:00.001-05:00

The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator & Captain" of Chart Your Course International Inc.

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to unsubscribe.
#############################################
"People do great things by focusing on their possibilities,
not by dwelling on their limitations"

-Henry Kissinger

Today's Businesses Need "Gladiator" Leaders

Remember the heart-pounding, soul-stirring message of the
movie Gladiator? Remember how Maximus, the Russell Crowe
character, rallied his men around him and led them to victory,
even in the face of almost certain defeat? Remember his "envision
the goal" technique for getting through the horrors of battle? Now,
consider the leadership in your own company. Any gladiators in the
ranks? Are you a gladiator?

Continued on website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/gladiator.html
#############################################
Future Forcast - Training Trends

Examining the current research leaves no doubt that training and
development is a hot issue right know, as well as top on the minds
of CEOs and human resource leaders. The "Strategic Training
and Development: A Gateway to Organizational Success"
quarterly research report developed by the Society of Human
Resource Management (SHRM) focuses on these trends.

According to SHRM's research training and development
teams must embrace training actions that drive organizational
effectiveness if they are to meet today's business demands
and those that will challenge organizations in the foreseeable
future.

Although the current economical climate is arduous, organizations
must make training and development a priority. Current trends
include learning organization development, development of
learning partnerships with consultants, creation of strategic
training plans, senior manager commitment, improvement of
work climates to optimize training and transfer knowledge,
creation of measurable performance metrics tied to business
plans, incorporation of various technologies to support learning,
corporate university establishment, outsourcing resource
development, and provision for global and diverse initiatives.

Employee Skills Are Needed to Meet Business Challenges

The Adecco Group of North America survey of 200 business
leaders indicated improved performance management tools
to be one of the three most important workforce initiatives
on HR and business leaders' agendas.

Adecco's survey identified the most important leadership
qualities to be the ability to motivate people, communication
skills and people skills. Furthermore, a recent Metri-Mark Inc.
online survey reported, the following results from 784 training managers:

--75.7 percent reported the need for management and
leadership skills training
--62.7 percent said they will need communication and
interpersonal skills training
--53.7 percent will look to business skills and acumen to
meet their business objectives during the next two years.

Putting it All Together

Organizations have plenty to digest and consider when
determining their strategies. A good plan of action may be
to examine the economic implications are for your industry
and your organization. What does your environmental scan
tell you? Organizations should consider the following:

>Make sure you thoroughly understand which trends are both
imperative and realistic for your organization to grow and profit.
>Learn what is on your CEOs mind regarding talent management issues.
>Define a plan to assess the gaps in the skills of your
leadership and other areas your organization should be
relying on to meet new business challenges.
>Consider how you are delivering training and the ways in
which you are creating a learning culture.
>Define how you will incorporate new technologies such as
e-learning in your plan.
>Identify how outsourcing training and development could impact
your strategic plan - not only in terms of cost, but also what a
partner or your vendor of choice can bring to the table in terms
of services.

We are positioned to meet your needs. Our affiliated partners
offer a wealth of skills and experience in the areas of assessment
and in both classroom based and online instruction. We know
how to blend e-learning tools to support your varied needs in the
areas of leadership, management and supervisory training,
coaching, talent management, and more.

Visit our websites for more information:

http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisory_training.html
www.highretention.com
www.behaviorprofiles.com
www.eicebreakers.com
#############################################
Tall Ships – Team Simulation Game
Building Effective Teams

Raise your team's effectiveness with Tall Ships, the fast-paced
simulation that challenges teams to race against the clock — and
others teams — to build the tallest ship mast at the lowest cost.
Participants learn about and practice the 7 skills critical to effective
team performance: Clarity, Capability, Collaboration, Commitment,
Communication, Continuous Improvement, and Creativity.

http://www.chartcourse.com/tall_ships.html
#############################################
HIRE THE RIGHT PEOPLE

A lot of people are looking for jobs. This means there are many
talented workers available. So, it is even more than important
you don't make a hiring mistake. Explore how our assessments
can help insure you promote or hire the right person for the right job.

http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html
#############################################
SCRATCH AND DENT SALE

Everybody loves a good sale—and you won't believe the fantastic
prices on some of our books and videos. We have marked these
items up to 60% off. Several of the videos have been opened,
or they are the older VHS version--and some of the books have
bent corners. We will even pay the shipping (U.S. orders only).
Don't wait--Make your order now before they are gone.

http://www.chartcourse.com/captainsspecialdeals.html
#############################################
FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Talent Management & Employee Retention More Critical Than Ever

2009-01-09T09:18:00.000-05:00

Source: Herman Trend Alert

A recent study by the well-respected organization The Corporate Executive Board offers some sage advice for corporate leaders about how to successfully navigate the next year.

Speaking on MSNBC, Tom Monahan, Chairman and CEO of this unique peer-to-peer network, shared the results of their recent research. When asked which issues would be most challenging in 2009, 30 percent of the corporate leaders who responded answered "protecting growth initiatives", 24 percent said "making critical talent plays", 21 percent answered "exploiting risk opportunities", and 17 percent replied "improving cost discipline".

Overall, the suggested strategies highlight the need for leaders to change in five key areas. First, the report directs executives to "focus on product and services [expenditures] in their cost-cutting process, not just overhead cost, because that is where long-term competitive advantage lies".

Second, leaders must be vigilant to "protect growth initiatives ". This strategy involves identifying and sheltering growth opportunities in the capital budget. In addition, the report suggests they integrate concrete innovation targets into performance expectations and reporting, even while belt-tightening".

Third, leverage financial strengths. Foster innovations that target the shifting financial strengths of customers and suppliers.

Fourth, "exploit risk opportunities: embrace, don’t eradicate, "the right" risk exposures".

Finally, and in our view most importantly, now is the time to "make critical talent plays", "to court and cultivate tomorrow’s winners". Take the opportunity to close critical skill gaps with less-occupied talent. Reward outstanding performance. "Use the economic crisis to sharpen the acumen of future executives." "Embrace offshore centers as a source for critical skills and next-generation executive leadership, not just low-cost execution."

The study also found that one in four top, high-performing employees expects to leave in next 12 months, up from one in 10 last year. Wise employers will use this downtime to re-engage employees with "stay interviews", re-orientation, and special projects. This re-engagement will also reduce the five percent productivity loss that translates into about $100 Million in lost operating cash flow for the average company. Monahan closed his interview with an astute observation: "Companies playing offense on talent have a remarkable opportunity right now."

Herman Trend Alerts are written by Joyce Gioia-Herman, a strategic
business futurist, Certified Management Consultant, author, and
professional speaker. Archived editions are posted at http://www.hermangroup.com/archive.html

Firms find it difficult to reach qualified workers | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Small Business | Dallas Business News

2009-01-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

Firms find it difficult to reach qualified workers | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Small Business | Dallas Business News

Who's hiring now -- Newsday.com

2009-01-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

Who's hiring now -- Newsday.com

Navigator: Avoid Getting Laid Off | Transformational Leadership

2009-01-07T04:51:00.001-05:00

Navigator #146

The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator & Captain" of Chart Your Course International Inc.

You are recieving this newsletter in text only.

If you would like to recieve the color version and video version
of this newsletter, please subscribe at the bottom of any page
on my website. Or you can view this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-146.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to unsubscribe.
#############################################
PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE CAPTAIN

I hope your new year is off to a great start! With reality
being what it is, let us hope the economy will start improving soon.

I am proud to introduce a new associate who is now
working with Chart Your Course International. As a
consultant, trainer, and professional problem solver,
Tangela Johnson has taught hundreds how to engage
their employees and stand out in the marketplace by
focusing on the key principles of leadership, communication,
and customer service. She provides guidance and
training to companies who are interested in productive
change and repositioning themselves for the future.
For more information please visit:

http://www.chartcourse.com/strategicpartners.html

I wish everyone a positive and happy new year!

Greg

#############################################
AVOID GETTING LAID OFF: HOW TO KEEP YOUR
HEAD OFF THE CHOPPING BLOCK

A reporter from the Washington Post asked me to answer
questions for a story they are working on this month. Visit my
Blog and provide your comment on my opinions.

Here is one of the questions:
Should an employee try to stand out or keep a low profile?
http://chartcourse.wordpress.com/
#############################################
HIRE THE RIGHT PEOPLE

A lot of people are looking for jobs. This means there are
many talented workers available. So, it is even more than
important you don't make a hiring mistake. Explore how our
assessments can help insure you promote or hire the right
person for the right job.

http://www.chartcourse.com/Assessment_Center.html
#############################################
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP TELESEMINAR

We are continuing with Sessions 2 and 3 on January
15 and 22. We had over 300 people sign up for Session
1 in December. Even though we cannot offer these two
sessions for free, we have adjusted the cost for the
economic situation some of you may face.

http://www.chartcourse.com/Confirmation-Transformational_Leadership.html
#############################################
GREG'S VIDEO CLIPS ON YOUTUBE.COM

I have placed some of my best video clips on YouTube.com.
Do me a favor, and provide a star rating on your favorites.
If you don't have a YouTube account, you maybe asked to open one.

http://www.youtube.com/user/greg19532
#############################################
AVOID STAGNATION: IMPROVING YOUR MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Many businesses have cut their training budgets. However, if
you want an economical and cost effective way to update your
supervisory skills, I suggest you look at our 14 different courses.
For as little as $49 per course, you can benefit greatly and show
your company you are doing your part in your professional development.

http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisory_training.html
#############################################
SHOWING APPRECIATION WITH AN
AUTHENTIC GREETING CARD

Have you received one of those electronic greeting cards?
Not very impressive. Did you ever forget an important
anniversary or birthday? Recently someone told me about
this really cool company that makes it so simple to send an
authentic greeting card; you will wonder why you didn't hear
about this a long time ago. We are all busy—and now I no
longer have to go to the store, pick out a card, write a little
note, look up the address, find a stamp, and walk out to the
mail box. By the time I do all of that, I usually miss the date
I am trying to recognize in the first place.

The great thing about this program, it is all Internet based.
You can store each of your addresses and dates such as
anniversaries and birthdays, plus you will be reminded when
to send the card. You can choose from thousands of different
cards--and if you are creative, there is a special feature to
add your own personal photographs in the design process.
Another really neat addition, this program will scan in your
personal handwriting and signature so it looks like you
actually handwrote the note and address on the envelope.

Just think of the impact a personal greeting card could
have on your family, clients, staff, or employees. They
even put it in the envelope, add a stamp, and take it to the
post office for you—all for less than 75 cents per card
including postage.

You can watch a video and even sign up for a free account
to send out two cards by visiting this website.

http://www.sendoutcards.com/gregsmith
#############################################
SCRATCH AND DENT SALE

Everybody loves a good sale—and you won't believe the fantastic
prices on some of our books and videos. We have marked these
items up to 60% off. Several of the videos have been opened, or
they are the older VHS version--and some of the books have bent
corners. We will even pay the shipping (U.S. orders only).
Don't wait--Make your order now before they are gone.

http://www.chartcourse.com/captainsspecialdeals.html
#############################################
FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2008, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

What can we learn from Walt Disney?

2008-12-17T10:01:00.001-05:00

Navigator #145
The Navigator is published by Greg Smith,
"Lead Navigator & Captain" of Chart Your Course International Inc.

View this newsletter on our website:
http://www.chartcourse.com/Enav-145.html

See the bottom of this newsletter to subscribe or to unsubscribe.
#############################################
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP TELESEMINAR

For those of you who missed last week's free teleseminar,
you can now download a Podcast of the session. You can
also sign up for Sessions 2 and 3 which will be held in
January 2009.

http://www.chartcourse.com/Confirmation-Transformational_Leadership.html
#############################################
PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE CAPTAIN

Cathy and I recently returned from a trip to Disney World. We
decided to escape from all the news about layoffs and the bad
economy. I admit, I felt guilty spending the money to go, but this
was something I had wanted to do for a long time.

I have always been fascinated with Disney World. Ever since
Annette Funicello was on the Mickey Mouse Club, I had
this fascination with all things Disney.

This was the first time we visited the Magic Kingdom with no
children. We were free to do anything we wanted without worrying
about naps, potty times, and fussy kids. Yea! We rode the Buzz
Lightyear ride at least six times. We saw all of the fireworks
and the parades. We rode the Peter Pan ride, Pirates of the
Caribbean, and all of the grown up rides as well. It was great.
This was a perfect time to go because hardly anyone was there.

To be completely truthful, the real reason I have been fascinated
with Disney World was not Annette, it was Walt Disney. Disney's
life was fascinating. His innovative ideas flew in the face of convention.
When those around him were watching silent movies, he was thinking
about creating "talkies." When cartoons were in black and white,
he was about to change the industry to color. When others only
saw swamp land, he saw Disney World. Disney survived set
backs which included the Great Depression, bankruptcies, and a
fire that destroyed some of his important works. But he never gave
up; he always moved forward, never happy with the status quo.

I think his attitude about life was revealed when Walt Disney was
asked to speak at a university. At the end of his talk someone
from the audience asked him this question. "Mr. Disney, how do
I become a millionaire like you?" Disney thought a minute and the
story goes something like this. "It is easy—all you have to do is
pick up the Yellow Pages, close your eyes, and run your finger
down the page and stop. Open your eyes, and whatever business
your finger has stopped on, make that business the best it can be.
Then he added, "I just never got past "amusement parks."

During this time when it is hard to escape the gloomy forecasts
concerning the economy, it is easy to get entrenched and down.
All of us have been affected, and are pretty much in the same
boat when it comes to our money and savings.

But people like Disney are different than the rest of the masses.
There are those who feel they have been "victimized" by the
economy, yet others see the opportunities in spite of it.

Never give up on your dreams--always keep moving forward.
As Walt Disney said, "Dreams really do come true!"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Greg

Here is a short holiday video greeting from me at Disney World.

http://sharing.theflip.com/greeting/2468596
#############################################
GREG'S VIDEO CLIPS ON YOUTUBE.COM

I have placed some of my best video clips on YouTube.com. Do
me a favor, and provide me a rating on your favorites.
If you don't have a YouTube account, you maybe asked
to open one.

http://www.youtube.com/user/greg19532
#############################################
FORGET EMAIL, SHOW APPRECIATION WITH AN
AUTHENTIC GREETING CARD

Have you received one of those electronic greeting cards?
Not very impressive. Did you ever forget an important
anniversary or birthday? Recently, someone told me about
this really cool company that makes it so simple to send an
authentic greeting card, you will wonder why you didn't hear
about this a long time ago. We are all busy—and now I no
longer have to go to the store, pick out a card, write a little
note, look up the address, find a stamp, and walk out to the
mail box. By the time I do all of that, I usually miss the date
I am trying to recognize in the first place.

The great thing about this program, it is all Internet based.
You can store each of your addresses, and dates such as
anniversaries and birthdays, plus you will be reminded when
to send the card. You can choose from thousands of
different cards--and if you are creative, there is a special
feature to add your own personal photographs in the design
process. Another really neat addition, this program will scan
in your personal handwriting and signature so it looks like you
actually handwrote the note and address on the envelope.

Just think of the impact a personal greeting card could have
on your family, clients, staff, or employees. They even put it
in the enveIope, add a stamp, and take it to the post office for
you—all for less than 75 cents per card including postage.

You can watch a video and even sign up for a free
account to send out two cards by visiting this website.

http://www.sendoutcards.com/gregsmith
#############################################
SCRATCH AND DENT SALE

Everybody loves a good sale—and you won't believe the
fantastic prices on some of our books and videos. We
have marked these items up to 60% off. Several of the
videos have been opened, or they are the older VHS
version--and some of the books have bent corners. We
will even pay the shipping (U.S. orders only). Don't
wait--Make your order now before they are gone.

http://www.chartcourse.com/captainsspecialdeals.html
#############################################
MOTIVATION, REWARD & RECOGNITION IDEAS

Rumor Mill Meetings: KANA's CEO conducts
several sessions throughout the day to address
organizational rumors, allow employees to ask
questions, and inform them of future plans
of the organization. All questions are honestly
answered to the extent possible.

Take a Walk: KANA conducts executive walks around the
company, and hands out pension statements. It gives
them an opportunity to speak with busy employees about
their retirement, benefits, and planning.
Employees are invited to workshops or to individual
counseling. This helps gage interest, motivate
participation, ease nerves about investing, and
generally get to know their staff. This is a good
idea for a smaller company with 100-250 employees.

Source: http://www.chartcourse.com/employee-recognition-tnt.html
#############################################
UNRELIABLE RESUMES AND JOB APPLICATIONS

Unfortunately, you no longer can trust resumes and job
applications. Here are the most common falsehoods found
on résumés, according to a survey done by CareerBuilder.com.

38 percent of those surveyed indicated they had embellished
their job responsibilities
18 percent admitted they lied about their skill set
12 percent indicated they had been dishonest about their start
and end dates of employment
10 percent confessed to lying about an academic degree
7 percent said they lied about the companies they had worked for
5 percent disclosed they had been untruthful about a job title

SOURCE:
"Outrageous Résumé Lies," CareerBuilder.com, August 2008

Visit our website on how to use pre-hire assessments
http://www.behaviorprofile.com
#############################################
DID YOU KNOW?

64% of HR professionals said their organizations offer education
assistance benefits for undergraduate and graduate study.
Another 6 percent said their organizations offer assistance for
undergraduate study only, and 3 percent indicated their
organizations plan to offer education assistance benefits.

Source: Society for Human Resource Management's Weekly
Online Survey on education assistance, March 2007
#############################################
POPULAR WEB PAGES

>Greg's Blog
http://chartcourse.blogspot.com/

>Bright Star Employee Suggestion Campaign
http://www.chartcourse.com/bright-ideas-employee-suggestion-program.html

>On-Line Management Programs
http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisortraining.html

>The BEST SELLING Icebreaker Book
http://www.chartcourse.com/book_energizers.html

>Management Profiles and Pre-Employment Assessments
http://www.behaviorprofile.com

>360 Assessments
http://www.chartcourse.com/360assessment.html

>Customer Service Video Training Library
http://www.chartcourse.com/servicevideo.htm
#############################################
FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

If you find our information interesting, please
send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is
received by over 27,000 subscribers in 49 countries.

Click here to join the Navigator
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright 2008, CYC International

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Hire, Develop and Promote the Right People

2008-12-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

Hello

Now more than ever, we need the right people in the right jobs.

You may have attended one of Greg Smith's workshops and/or receive his Navigator Newsletter. I am Seth Shepherd, and I work with Greg, the founder and President of Chart Your Course International Inc., in Atlanta.

I wanted to write you, introduce myself, and position us as a unique and potentially valuable resource. For the past two decades, we have been building our firm into a one that has earned the right to advise clients on the multitude of issues involved in assessing, hiring, retaining, promoting and engaging the right people is more mission critical than ever; especially in this blistering economy and a shrinking talent pool.

Simply put, we help you develop a custom selection, hiring and development process, in house. If this is the time you are looking for outside assistance for your talent management process, we'd like to propose a solution.

First, we help you develop a accurate assessment of your current talent using computer generated reports. Then we help you create a model hiring benchmark for each critical position and train your managers on precision application of these tools. And if a conversation about your specific challenges is appropriate, I'd be delighted to talk with you.

In the meantime, I'd like to stay in touch with you and share some of the solutions we've been exploring and perhaps to get to know you better. If hearing from me from time to time on topics of precision selection, training and leadership would be useful, just respond back to this email. I would be delighted to have a conversation with you about ways we can help you.

If you would like to try a complimentary version of one our reports, please visit this link on our website.

http://www.chartcourse.com/responseformtti.htm

Best regards,

Seth Sheperd
770-860-9464

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Watch Greg's Videos

2008-12-08T09:01:00.001-05:00

Subscribe to my channel on YouTube.com for all of my video clips.

http://www.youtube.com/user/greg19532

Greg

Complimentary Transformational Leadership Teleconference

2008-11-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

You have been sent this notification because you have
subscribed to the Navigator Newsletter.

Hello fellow Navigators,

First off--my staff and I would like to wish you a Happy
Thanksgiving. During these challenging times, Thanksgiving
reminds us of the important things in life we have to be thankful for.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP TELECONFERENCE

How to Design a Change Management Strategy to Accelerate
Performance and Increase Productivity

The change in the economy has put businesses and business
leaders under pressure to improve their business strategy. A
recent survey by the Conference Board showed executives'
major concern was about "speed, flexibility, and adaptability to
change." Unfortunately, many have tried to address these issues
but have gone about it in the wrong way. Management by fear
does not improve productivity. It has the opposite effect. It angers,
alienates, and disenfranchises the workforce. Fear and uncertainty
revert people to the lowest level on Maslow's Hierarchy of
Needs—safety, security, and self-protection.

Productivity Stimulus Package

What businesses need today is a "transformational" style of
leadership along with an effective strategy that will eliminate
what Dr. Rosabeth Moss Kanter calls, "organizational pathologies."

On December 11, I am going to outline a transformation strategy
that will show you how to enhance productivity, cut costs, and
position your business or organization for increased efficiency.
Additionally, I will provide you specific techniques to reduce
bureaucracy, improve teamwork, and suggest innovative ways
to drive the transformation from the bottom-up.

Key learning points:

>Recognize the symptoms that indicate your organization is in trouble
>Learn what causes transformation strategies to fail
>Learn the key steps that must be in place for an effective transformation process
>Understand the style of leadership needed in today's environment
>Learn engagement techniques to keep people energized and working toward a common goal
>Overcome resistance and barriers to change
>Harness and engage the workforce in new ways that create high performance
>Learn a step-by-step strategy that generates concrete and measurable bottom-line results
>Obtain a high level of involvement from your workforce

To sign up for the complimentary teleconference, click on the link below.

http://www.chartcourse.com/teleconference-Transformational_Leadership.html
#############################################
SPECIAL SAVINGS

For the first time ever, we are placing Greg's Supervisor's
Passport to Success on sale. Every manager and supervisor
should have one. The Supervisor's Passport to Success has
been designed for busy individuals who need quick and practical
solutions to managing people. This book contains streamlined
information such as checklists, fact sheets, and easy to use outlines
giving you accurate advice at your fingertips. The book is on sale
for $10.00 plus shipping. Buy 10 or more and we will ship them
free. (For ten or more, please call us at 770-860-9464 to place your
order.) Free shipping applies to U.S. orders only.

http://www.chartcourse.com/supervisorspassport.htm

Here is your chance to get a "MBA" Degree in talent management,
retention and leadership. Greg's complete Audio/Video Library
offers a collection of DVD's and CD's to help you become a
better manager. If priced individually, these products would be
valued over $450. There is a limited quantity which will not last
long. $199 plus shipping.

http://www.chartcourse.com/captainsvideos.htm

This publication and the Navigator Newsletter
is provided by Chart Your Course International.

Published by Greg Smith
Chart Your Course International Inc.
Phone: 770-860-9464/800-821-2487
Address: 2814 Hwy 212, Conyers, GA. 30094

Sign-up for Greg's Navigator Newsletter by visiting
http://www.chartcourse.com/emailnavnews.htm

To unsubscribe go:
http://www.chartcourse.com/navigator-unsubscribe.html

Get Paid More from 100 Best Companies.

2008-11-25T08:03:00.001-05:00

Lavish perks, fair pay
Employees of Fortune's Best Companies to Work For seem more content with their salaries now than they were ten years ago. There have been a lot of other changes, too.

Please read this article in Fortune Magazine.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/01/21/news/companies/lavish.perks.fortune/index.htm

Chart Your Course International

Dysfunction in the Workplace

Navigator | Last Chance to Sign Up for Wednesdays Change Management Teleseminar

Navigator | "The Best Way To Predict The Future Is To Invent It"

Navigtor Newsletter | Leadership Beyond the Recession

Updates from Chart Your Course International

How to Start and Manage an Employee Suggestion Program Teleseminar

Employee Suggestion Programs | Digging for Gold

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