Some weeks, I really struggle to know what topic to capture in my blog. This week I’ve decided to share with you the experiences reported by two of our staff – Caryn Humphreys and Dan Polischuk – who attended the recent TEDx Waterloo conference.
Some organizations are finally waking up to the fact that new supervisors should be trained rather than “learning” a job’s responsibilities by practicing on their subordinates.
They realize the value of training potential and first time supervisors in new skills that they will need on the job – relationship skills, time management, planning, decision-making and problem-solving. It’s going to make a difference when they know how to appropriately motivate, discipline with respect, and appraise the performance of workers. The fine art of giving constructive feedback is just not a natural skill, but it can be taught.
A few days ago, I have had two people remark about what they needed to do compared to what they would like to be doing – because of their business.
The first was a person who spent last Sunday working on a major project when, in past years, he would have set the day aside to watch all the pre-game activities and commercials associated with the SuperBowl – along with the game. Instead, he chose to dig a little deeper to get more material for an important proposal. He knew he was missing something he has always enjoyed, but planned to catch the highlights on the news clips later. The opportunity to give his best to get this RFP was a one shot deal.
Well, we are into the New Year and I am checking in with many of our clients. It is truly amazing to see the ones that are marching forward, training their staff and quietly making certain that they are transforming their organizations for this ‘new’ economy. It is also revealing of those who are sitting and waiting to see what is going to happen – instead of them making it ‘happen’ for them.
You know who I’m talking about; the folks who tell you, “Yes, things are soft so we are holding off spending money on training, marketing – anything we don’t have to do.” Some actually have budgets for said expenditures, but they are waiting to see how things go. Can you predict what will happen to them?
With over 30 years of leadership, teaching, training, writing and speaking experience (spanning nearly 30 countries), Dr. Donald Carmont is world-renowned for his mentoring and leadership consulting.
It’s no wonder then that his book entitled ‘The Naked Mentor’ has been described by one reviewer ‘as a real turning point for many who are in despair or simply weary of going from failure to failure.’
550 Parkside Drive Suite B9, Waterloo ON
1-800-265-9726 519-886-4740 watmec@watmec.com
