Productivity - Activate Group Inc

How to Incorporate Accountability into Your Workplace Culture

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Howard Shore

Accountability is the backbone of any successful business. As a business leader and author, I’ve seen firsthand how fostering a culture of accountability can catapult a company’s performance and results. This article will explore what accountability means in a business, why it matters, and five proven techniques to infuse accountability into your workplace culture.

What Does Accountability Mean in a Business?

In business, accountability isn’t merely about pointing fingers when something goes wrong. It’s about nurturing a sense of ownership, where every team member takes responsibility for their actions and the outcomes they produce.

A culture of accountability fosters transparency, trust, and an environment conducive to growth and innovation. It empowers employees to work with a sense of purpose and commitment, directly impacting the company’s bottom line.

The Impact of a Lack of Accountability: Why It Matters

Neglecting accountability can lead to detrimental effects, such as time waste, inconsistent performance, and diminished team morale. It’s like sailing a ship with a hole in the hull; no matter how well you navigate, you’re bound to sink eventually, as I explained in my book “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket.”

However, when accountability is ingrained into the workplace culture, it paves the way for improved efficiency, consistent performance, and a higher level of engagement from the team.

How to Develop Accountability: 5 Techniques

Now, let’s delve into how to instill this vital trait into your workplace culture.

(1) Lead by Example: The best way to encourage accountability is by exemplifying it. Leaders must walk the talk. Admit mistakes when they occur, take responsibility for team outcomes, and show how you strive for improvements.

(2) Develop Two-Way Feedback Skills: A culture of accountability thrives on open communication. Cultivate a feedback-rich environment where team members can freely share constructive feedback, voice concerns, and present ideas.

(3) Goal Setting: Goals provide a clear path and end-point for employees to strive towards. Each team member should have a well-defined role with specific, measurable goals that align with the company’s broader objectives.

(4) Develop Trust and Empower: Trust your team to take on responsibilities and let them make decisions within their realm. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and drives accountability.

(5) Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge team members who consistently demonstrate accountability. This recognition sends a clear message about the behaviors and values your organization applauds.

Building accountability into your workplace culture doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, clear communication, and above all, a steadfast commitment from leadership. Remember, as I stated in “The Leader Launchpad,” “Your people are your business. Treat them well, and they will treat your customers well.”

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group, Inc., an expert in business strategy and performance improvement, and a sought-after speaker. He is the author of “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” sharing his extensive knowledge and experience in leadership, team development, and operational efficiency.

Unleashing Leader Success: How Our Mental Models Shape Our Destiny

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Howard Shore

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “I don’t like that person very much. I must get to know him better.” This quote encapsulates the essence of our journey into the realm of mental models. Join me on this transformative exploration as we uncover the secrets behind achieving remarkable success in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

Mental models are the lenses through which we perceive the world around us. They are our ingrained beliefs, assumptions, and frameworks that shape our thinking, decisions, and actions. Like glasses, our mental models influence how we interpret information and make sense of our experiences. They act as a lens through which we interpret the world, influencing our thoughts, actions, and outcomes. Just like a sculptor molds clay into a masterpiece, our mental models sculpt our reality and determine our level of success.

Shaping Decisions and Actions

Our mental models have a profound influence on our success. They determine how we perceive opportunities, navigate challenges, and make decisions. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs are trapped by negative mental models, limiting their ability to see possibilities and hindering their growth. They cling to the notion that what brought them success in the past will continue to do so in the future, only to find themselves hitting a glass ceiling.

Consider the story of Sara, a talented entrepreneur who had built a thriving business in the retail industry. However, her mental model was limited, focusing solely on the traditional brick-and-mortar approach. When e-commerce emerged as a disruptive force, Sara resisted embracing it, clinging to her outdated mental model. Consequently, she missed out on exponential growth opportunities that her competitors seized, ultimately leading to her business’s decline.

To overcome the shackles of limited mental models, we must be willing to challenge our assumptions and expand our perspectives. Start by identifying the mental models that govern your decisions. Are they empowering or constraining? Acknowledge that these models are not absolute truths but rather filters we can modify to align with our goals and aspirations.

Remarkable Success Stories

Let’s delve into the stories of three remarkable entrepreneurs who harnessed the power of reshaping their mental models:

Sara Blakely: The founder of Spanx, Blakely challenged the prevailing belief that shapewear couldn’t be comfortable and empowering. Her mental model of innovation and customer-centricity revolutionized the fashion industry and made her a billionaire.

Elon Musk: The visionary behind SpaceX and Tesla has disrupted multiple industries. Musk’s mental model revolves around the notion that “anything is possible.” His unwavering belief in the potential of sustainable energy and space exploration has propelled him to achieve groundbreaking innovations despite numerous skeptics and setbacks.

Oprah Winfrey: From humble beginnings to becoming a media mogul, Winfrey’s mental model centers around empowerment and authenticity. She embraced vulnerability, challenging the conventional wisdom that emotions have no place in business. This shift allowed her to connect deeply with her audience, build a media empire, and inspire millions worldwide.

Jeff Bezos: As the founder of Amazon, Bezos revolutionized the e-commerce industry. His mental model revolves around customer obsession and long-term thinking. Bezos understood that relentless innovation and a customer-centric approach would be the key to success in the digital age. By focusing on the customer experience and constantly reinventing his business, he propelled Amazon to become a global behemoth.

Reshaping Mental Models for Better Decisions

The good news is that we can identify and reshape our mental models to make better decisions and unleash our full potential. Here are some practical steps to help you on this transformative journey:

Awareness: Start by becoming aware of your current mental models. Reflect on the beliefs and assumptions that underpin your thinking and actions. Are they serving you well, or are they holding you back?

Challenge Assumptions: Question your existing mental models. Are they based on facts and evidence, or are they merely assumptions? Look for alternative perspectives and seek out diverse opinions to challenge and expand your thinking.

Embrace Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset that values learning, improvement, and adaptation. Embrace the idea that your mental models are not fixed but malleable. Cultivate a curiosity to explore new ideas and be open to change. Engage in continuous learning, read voraciously, and surround yourself with a diverse network of mentors and peers who challenge your assumptions. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and experiment with new ideas to expand your mental horizons.

Conclusion – Why Mental Models Matter

Our mental models shape our destiny. We can reshape our mental models to make better decisions and unlock our full potential by challenging our assumptions, embracing new perspectives, and breaking free from limitations.

The time has come, my fellow leaders, to unlock the full potential of our minds and reshape our mental models for extraordinary success. It’s time to break free from the limitations holding us back and step into a future with boundless possibilities.

About the author: Howard M. Shore is a business growth expert who has helped numerous companies succeed in their industries. With over 30 years of experience in business growth and leadership, Howard is a sought-after speaker and advisor who has worked with companies of all sizes and industries. He is the author of the book “The Leader Launchpad: Five Steps to Fuel Your Business and Lift Your Profits.”

The High Cost of Poor Leadership: An Unseen Tax on Your Business

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Howard Shore

Imagine a company, let’s call it XYZ Inc., with the potential to skyrocket. They possess innovative products, robust financial backing, and a promising market. However, despite these assets, XYZ’s growth graph remains stubbornly flat. Employee morale is low, turnover rates are high, and productivity is waning. The culprit? Poor leadership.

Studies have shown that poor leadership can cost companies enormously financially and in their corporate culture. According to Topgrading guru Brad Smart, hiring the wrong leader can cost anywhere between 10 and 25 times the compensation. Moreover, Gallup found that 70% of the variation in employee engagement is attributable to managers.

What this tells us is clear: The price we pay for poor leadership is too high.

Identifying the Price of Poor Leadership

Poor leadership results in a deteriorating corporate culture. Employees lose faith in their organization, feeling undervalued and disengaged. This disengagement manifests in absenteeism, high turnover rates, and underperformance, creating a vicious cycle that saps a company’s vitality.

These issues were quite apparent in XYZ Inc. The symptoms were clear, but they struggled to diagnose the root cause. An unhealthy focus on short-term goals and neglect of employee development created a culture of disillusionment and detachment. This drove their most talented employees away, while those who remained were disengaged and underproductive. XYZ Inc. was, in effect, hemorrhaging potential.

Evaluating Leadership Effectiveness

So, how can we recognize poor leadership and, more importantly, measure leadership effectiveness? It comes down to three factors: employee engagement, productivity, and business growth. Engaged employees are more productive, and productivity drives growth. It’s a simple formula that can quickly become complicated by poor leadership.

Leadership is a tricky metric to measure. However, a good starting point could be regular employee feedback and monitoring productivity and employee turnover rates. In the words from my book, “The Leader Launchpad,” “What gets measured gets done. What gets measured and fed back gets done well. What gets rewarded gets repeated.”

Turning Things Around: Strategies to Improve Leadership Approach

After identifying the root of their problems, XYZ Inc. decided to turn things around. They embraced strategies that encouraged better leadership and cultivated a healthier corporate culture.

Firstly, they addressed the leadership issue by investing in comprehensive leadership training programs. They recognized the need for leaders who could inspire, motivate, and engage their teams rather than merely manage them.

Secondly, they began identifying emerging leaders within their organization. These individuals showed initiative, adaptability, and strong communication skills – all hallmarks of good leadership. These emerging leaders were nurtured, given further development opportunities, and gradually transitioned into leadership roles.

Additionally, XYZ Inc. shifted its focus from short-term wins to long-term growth. They understood the value of employee development and started investing in their people, which improved engagement and reduced turnover.

Turning Potential into Performance

Over time, the results of these interventions became clear. Employee engagement surged, productivity increased, and turnover rates decreased dramatically. Most importantly, XYZ Inc.’s growth graph finally started to climb. It’s not an overnight process, but any company can replicate this success with consistent effort and focus.

The case of XYZ Inc. illustrates the cost of poor leadership and the power of effective leadership to drive growth. In my book, “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” I wrote, “Just because you’re in the driver’s seat, doesn’t mean you know the direction you’re going or how to get there.” Leadership is the compass that provides direction and a destination for your business. Poor leadership will lead you astray, while effective leadership will guide you toward success.

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group, Inc., a leadership coaching company, and the author of “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket.” With decades of leadership experience, Howard has helped countless companies turn potential into performance. His work aims to help businesses optimize their operations and leadership, ultimately leading to improved productivity and growth.

The Power of Focus: How to Achieve Maximum Impact with Less Effort

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Howard Shore

We live in a world that glorifies business. We often equate long hours and a packed schedule with productivity, but the reality is that being busy does not necessarily mean being productive. In fact, the key to achieving maximum impact is often to do less but do it better. In this article, we’ll explore the power of focus and how it can help you become more productive with less effort.

The Power of Focus

When we talk about focus, we’re talking about the ability to direct our attention and energy towards a specific goal or task. When we’re focused, we’re able to work more efficiently and effectively, which can lead to greater productivity and better outcomes.

One study found that people who were highly focused were 50% more productive than those who were not. This is because focused individuals are better able to manage their time and prioritize their tasks, leading to a more streamlined workflow and better use of their resources.

But how do we become more focused? It starts with identifying the one thing that we can do today that will have the maximum impact on all of our stakeholders.

Identify Your Key Objective

To achieve maximum impact, we need to know what we’re trying to achieve. This means identifying our key objective – the one thing that, if we were to achieve it, would have the biggest impact on our stakeholders.

For example, if you’re a salesperson, your key objective might be to increase revenue. If you’re a manager, your key objective might be to improve team performance. Whatever your role, there is always one thing that you can do today that will have the maximum impact.

Once you’ve identified your key objective, focus your energy and attention on achieving it. This means setting clear goals, prioritizing your tasks, and avoiding distractions that can derail your progress.

Case Example 1: The Power of Focus for Individuals

One example of the power of focus is the story of Tim Ferriss, author of the best-selling book, “The 4-Hour Work Week.” Ferriss was able to increase his productivity and reduce his workload by focusing on the key objective of automating his business.

By identifying the tasks that could be automated or outsourced, Ferriss was able to reduce his workload and free up time to focus on more important tasks. He was able to achieve maximum impact with less effort by working smarter, not harder.

Case Example 2: The Power of Focus for Organizations

Another example of the power of focus is the story of Basecamp, a software development company. Basecamp was able to increase its productivity while reducing the amount of time its employees worked by implementing a four-day workweek.

By focusing on the key objective of improving work-life balance for its employees, Basecamp was able to create a more engaged and productive workforce. Employees were able to recharge their batteries over the long weekend, which led to greater creativity and innovation when they returned to work.

In Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of busyness. But being busy does not necessarily mean being productive. The key to achieving maximum impact is to focus our energy and attention on the one thing that will have the biggest impact on our stakeholders.

By identifying our key objective and focusing our efforts on achieving it, we can become more productive with less effort. This can lead to better outcomes for ourselves, our organizations, and our stakeholders.

References:

– https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/the-power-of-focus-10-steps-to-sharpen-your-focus-today.html

– https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2020/07/27/how-to-identify-your-most-important-task-and-get-more

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is a business growth expert who has helped numerous companies succeed in their industries. With over 30 years of experience in business growth and leadership, Howard is a sought-after speaker and advisor who has worked with companies of all sizes and industries. He is the author of the book “The Leader Launchpad: Five Steps to Fuel Your Business and Lift Your Profits.”

Unmasking the Productivity Crisis: Is Your Business Suffering Silently?

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Howard Shore

Nestled in the bustling heart of Silicon Valley, there was a tech start-up named Velocity. It was a name synonymous with speed and direction, yet it had stagnated. The workforce was well-intentioned and diligent, logging extra hours and investing every ounce of energy they could muster. Despite their intense efforts, the firm’s output simply didn’t match the input; productivity was low. The impact was palpable; profits were dwindling, and staff morale and retention were at an all-time low. However, the course of Velocity’s journey drastically changed. But more on that later. For now, let’s explore the crux of a business productivity crisis and how to navigate it.

The Productivity Crisis

A productivity crisis has the power to stealthily slip into your business’s foundations, eroding the essence of your operations. It’s not just about the bottom line, though profits will undeniably take a hit. The ripples of low productivity extend to employee well-being and retention. Chronic overworking without achieving the desired outcomes can lead to employee burnout, further exacerbating the crisis. When employees feel their efforts aren’t resulting in meaningful progress, it creates a disconnect that drives them to seek fulfillment elsewhere.

Addressing the Productivity Gap

Addressing this productivity gap often starts with investing in two vital areas: comprehensive training and equipping your teams with the right tools. Training is paramount. It sharpens the workforce’s skills, aligning their abilities with the company’s needs. It’s not just about hard skills; soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management are equally essential.

Moreover, the right tools in your arsenal can significantly streamline operations, saving time and resources. This could range from project management software and CRM systems to cutting-edge AI and automation tools. However, simply having the tools isn’t enough. It’s about leveraging them effectively and ensuring every team member knows how to use them fully.

In my book, “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” I wrote, “Even if you have the best people in the world if they don’t have the right tools and processes in place, you will have leaks.” Therefore, training and tool mastery become your business’s sturdy patches, sealing these leaks.

Transitioning to a High Productivity Environment

The transition from a low to a high-productivity environment often requires a paradigm shift in management style. Introducing a more flexible, empathetic management approach that recognizes employees as individuals can have a transformative impact. A culture that embraces autonomy encourages innovative thinking, prioritizes employees’ well-being, and fosters a conducive environment for productivity.

The Velocity story mentioned earlier brings these principles to life. They realized their struggle wasn’t due to a lack of effort or talent but a systemic issue requiring strategic changes. They invested heavily in industry-specific training, ensuring every employee had a clear understanding of their role. They introduced advanced tools, equipping their teams with everything necessary for peak performance. Moreover, they shifted towards a more participative management style, focusing on transparent communication and nurturing innovation. The turnaround was remarkable. Velocity saw a 40% increase in productivity within a year, translating into a substantial profit boost while their employee retention rate improved.

In closing, a business experiencing a productivity crisis isn’t destined to doom. With targeted training, appropriate tools, and a change in management style, you can transform this crisis into an opportunity for growth. I always say, “In every problem, there’s a hidden treasure of opportunity.”

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group, Inc., a renowned executive coach, and a leading authority on organizational productivity. His experience of over 30 years in facilitating business growth culminates in his books “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket.” He is passionate about helping businesses optimize their productivity, thereby driving success. With a belief in the transformative power of potential, Howard continually guides businesses to unearth and harness their true capabilities.