A Successful Recipe for Accountablility

Accountability is a buzzword in the business world right now. Unfortunately, most of us have negative understanding of the word. We often use the word as if it means blame and punishment. Therefore, we often attempt to avoid it. The truth is that accountability is unavoidable. In the workplace, intrinsically everyone is accountable to someone. We are accountable to our peers, managers, customers and ownership. We are also accountable to our industry.
 

What if being accountable was empowering for you and your employees? Research indicates that rather than a negative force, holding people accountable for their actions and results has very positive effects on morale and performance. An environment of accountability produces vigilant problem solving, better decision-making, and greater job satisfaction. With an environment of accountability, people can develop their skills and be their best. 

The issue I see with accountability is not the absence of accountability in business. Accountability exists regardless. The issue is how we think of and understand accountability and the environment under which accountability can thrive.  

Consider these definitions of accountability:
·         Accountability is a state of responsiveness.
·         To be called on to render an account.
·         Subject to giving an account.
·         Non–judgmental feed back (Accountability is no place for judgment, blame or punishment). 

Here are some areas to troubleshoot in your workplace:

• Ambiguity is the enemy of accountability, so your first step, as a manager is to make sure that the people you are holding accountability have very clearly defined roles, job descriptions and duties.
• Accountability is an attitude so look at yourself as the role model. Are you being accountable to your boss, ownership, your employees and clients?
• Do you have written expectations? Starting at the time of hire, if possible, review written expectations and standards of performance. You cannot expect something from someone who has not had the opportunity to buy in to the expectation.  
• Do you have Permission; either implied or granted.
• Do they have training? You cannot hold someone accountable to something they are not been trained to do!
• Do your employees have a working plan – a project timeline, an economic model etc?
• Have I created a learning based environment? Is it okay to make a mistake or say, “I don’t know?” Know it alls do not make good coaches nor are they coach-able. Creating a safe environment for mistakes encourages accountability.
• Are there real consequences? Consequences work best when spelled out before actually needed, in expectations for example.

·         Do your employees have the talent and ability? Some people will not have the ability to do the job you are asking them to do regardless of having a well-defined role, a great manager and excellent training.
·         Accountability is an attitude that you as leader will want to model; focus on being accountable rather than holding others accountable.   

Author is Alicia Fruin   
Small Business trainer, consultant and Coach
http://www.profitconsultingco.com  

<a href=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/blog/addvote.cfm?ContactID=52335999“>
<img src=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/img/fastpitchblogicon.gif“>
</a>

 

 

 

A Healthy Relationship with Failure

Some people have the notion that if they “Can’t do it right, they won’t do it at all.” In my opinion, this is a strategy to avoid the possibility and likelihood of failure. I find that ironic since failure is inevitable.  If you are playing the game of business at all, it will happen. You will fail. Every choice, effort and move you make has to line up just right to get your intended outcome. It makes sense that it will not happen at times.

As a business coach, I have noticed that people who are very accomplished have a healthy relationship with failure. They embrace it, watch for it, learn from their mistakes and move on.  Sometimes they even publicize their failures, modeling the kind of leadership they want to see in their employees. They seem to know that who they are is not their results.  Most of us only see these high powered, accomplished individuals when they are in the public and enjoying some success. We do not see the every day struggles, disappointments and failures. On the phone weekly with my clients, I have a privileged point of view. I hear the hesitation, the pain, the disappointment as well as the wins, successes and accomplishments.  Accomplished people seem to understand some simple truths, that they are not their mistakes and they are not their behaviors.  Both of those are changeable. They seem to understand that who we are as human beings is constant. They are people who can fall down, smile, pick themselves up and keep going. They also know in their heart that when they fail at something, they are not a failure. When they make a mistake, they are not a mistake. When they do something wrong, they are not wrong. I have also noticed that successful people seem less unlikely to avoid their feelings such as rejection, suffering, self-doubt, fear, depression and dissatisfaction. One of my clients Joe would say, “It’s just part of the ride. It is normal to have fear sometimes, to feel lost sometimes, and to be disappointed. I wouldn’t trade any of this for a dull cubicle and a steady paycheck”.

Confident people understand that mastery is a succession of failures, not wins. They understand that you have to be bad at something and keep going to master it. Failure and success are events. Whatever emotion or circumstance has been stopping you; I encourage you to go for it!

 Alicia Fruin

 Business Trainer and Coach

www.profitconsultingco.com

<a href=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/blog/addvote.cfm?ContactID=52335999“>
<img src=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/img/fastpitchblogicon.gif“>
</a>

Working on your business?

Most business owners are really great at doing something.

Maybe you can create great graphic designs or cook well or maybe you have an eye for art? Somewhere along the way, you have taken what you are great at and turned it into a business.If you have been successful at selling your product or your services, your business has likely grown over time, so you need more employees, more space, defined process and systems, and you probably need a vacation.Because you have been a great designer, handyman or sales person there can be a strong pull to keep doing that work even after your business has grown after all its what you love to do, it is what you are good at. This is an example of working in your business. This happens to most if not all small business owners at one stage or another.You may feel overwhelmed and overworked because you’re trying to take care of all areas in your business (making sales, your finances, customer service issues, even cleaning the toilets, etc). You are like a one- man show even when there are people there working for you! This scenario is typical but it is not healthy for either you, your employees or the growth of your business. Why? Because you can only grow as big as your own ability to handle, everything and you most likely need to get a life. Its time to stop working in your business as a technician and start working on your business as an owner!

Here are a few steps to get you started. Take a hard look at yourself and your daily activities.

· Ask yourself “what are the two most important areas for me to focus on?” Are you sure? Are these in or on the business issues?

·   Now spend two hours a day at a minimum focusing on your top two “on the business issues”.

·  Make a commitment to remove yourself from repetitive tasks and assign them to competent employees.

·  You may need to redefine job descriptions, roles and accountabilities.

·   Be accountable to someone like a business coach or a key employee on a regular basis about the time you spend working on your business.

Working on your business will include such activities as:

·  Strategic planning for the next few years

·  Anticipating industry trends and positioning your company

·  Documenting business operating systems

· Writing and implementing your marketing plan.

· Budgets and projections, recruiting and hiring key employees, evaluating your company culture.

·Creating a plan for the culture you want and seeing it implemented

· Networking in your community

And most important training for you and your employees.These are the activities that will keep your business healthy and growing, allowing your employees to thrive and develop. Best of all bringing you more time, freedom and probably more money! 

 

Alicia Marie Fruin
Business Coaching and Training
Profit Consulting Co.
512-989-2230 

 Recommended reading – E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

 

<a href=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/blog/addvote.cfm?ContactID=52335999“>
<img src=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/img/fastpitchblogicon.gif“>
</a>

Well Being-The missing ingredient for today’s Entrepreneur

Well-being is commonly used in philosophy to describe what is ultimately good for a person. Well- being is both subjective and personal.  

I am so fortunate to work daily with successful, talented and passionate business owners!  They are driven, have vision, work ethic and a strong moral compass. Far too often, their extreme business focus has left them unbalanced and often unhealthy. The affects are everywhere, in their relationships, their environment, and their finances and yes even their beloved business. Everyone around them sees the tired eyes with dark circles, the extra weight, not to mention the stressed out, adrenaline crazed look on their face.  

Yes, we all see it, the employees, customers, the spouse, the children, and yours truly the business coach. In a very dignified way, my clients share their full schedules and often dialogue with me for strategic time saving techniques. Behind the words, the pragmatic tone, the professional guise, it seems as though they are really saying “please, I can’t take one more thing, I am exhausted, spent, when is it my time? HELP I need space”. Through the telephone, I seem to be able to hear the quiet desperation behind each business conversation. 

Maybe not the first call or even the first month but it isn’t long before I go there. “Tell me about how you take care of yourself?” or “How do you re-energize and stay focused”? I say. A loud silence follows then a muffled stutter “Well I took my kids to the zoo last month, ummm I guess I get my energy from work, ummm, that’s all I seem to do?” long sigh.      

Remember these are highly intelligent, powerful and successful people, so of course, their employees do not say anything. Ditto for their spouses…maybe a thoughtful friend says a word or two about possibly needing time off but no one really says what everyone is thinking…take time off, you look awful, or even better you than me!      

I understand. I really do, I own a small business too. The to-do list is never ending! Add to that the value we place as a society on self-sacrificing hard work, making money, getting ahead. Even the value “family first” can leave a well-meaning person left feeling drained.  

We all know we need to move our bodies and eat well to thrive physically. Add to that prayer or meditation for your spirit and mind. Let us not leave out loving relationships for our emotional well-being. So why is well–being seemingly expendable? Is the payoff worth the cost? 

Each call I chip away at my hard working clients…getting them to take time off here and find some space there. Maybe they decide to go for a morning walk or stop drinking soda. Sometimes they just need permission from someone and make dramatic changes on their own. Always, Always, Always it elevates their business in both profit and productivity.   

If you recognize yourself here, I ask that you use the same intelligence, creative spirit and drive that you used to start your business and take care of yourself. Trust that other entrepreneurs have taken the well-being challenge as well and have greatly improved their businesses but more importantly their lives!  

Alicia Fruin Business Coach
www.ProfitConsultingCo.com

<a href=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/blog/addvote.cfm?ContactID=52335999“>
<img src=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/img/fastpitchblogicon.gif“>
</a>

Real Power

So what is real power, what is the nature of power? How do we access power? When do we feel powerless? Is there a difference between real power and conventional power? Dwelling in these questions has in and of itself affected my life. When I ask these questions, I am filled with insights into my own internal and external motivations. It is my intention to share these insights here and to leave you knowing that you already have all that it takes to be authentically powerful!

It seems part of our confusion about power is in the different meanings we have for power and how we view power.

So, “What is power”? The conventional view is typically expressed as control, authority, status or strength. Often, when using the word power, we have in mind the idea of controlling the actions of someone or something. We speak of will power or controlling our behavior or controlling our children etc.

In George Orwell’s 1984, the main character Winston (I named my oldest son after him) is considering the control based society in which he lives and comes to the realization, “they can make you do and say anything but they can’t make you believe it”. So perhaps power, viewed as control is an illusion.

Frequently we mean strength when we use the word power.We refer to physically strong people as powerful. We might call a nation powerful based on its military strength. In other words, the ability to inflict harm by a person, group or nation. At its very core all this is, is intimidation, bullying and it generates fear. So perhaps power, as strength is an illusion. Power as authority? Most of our society is set up as such. We all know that just because someone has authority, it does not give them power. How many figureheads have we seen in large companies? How many times have we “pulled rank” on our children “because I said so!” just to have it backfire on us later. What we have learned and often teach our children is that by virtue of position, people in authority have power.  For example; teachers, parents, and police officers. Power through authority, an illusion maybe? At its best, it is not consistently effective or sustainable. I would also say that this belief system leaves the vast majority of us feeling powerless! Climbing the ladder of success? This is the one I believe to be the most addictive, the attempt to find a suitable place for ourselves within a hierarchy or ranking system. Could be in our neighborhood, could be in the PTA, could be at your place of business, or even within your family. Ranking or status can be based on wealth, prestige and physical attributes. Look at how we revere our athletes or education, a PHD behind your name, now there is power.

See if you recognize yourself just a little here “If I could just have some of these attributes like more education, more beauty or more money. I could have the power to control circumstances to my advantage; others will look up to me. I will feel happy and accepted.”

My definition of real power; Real power is about being able to transform results into a sustainable reality. It is also the capacity to translate your intention into reality. Webster’s definition which I also like…the ability to act or produce an effect.  Conventional power has us react to life in fear, seeking control, force or status, hiding behind all the things we are not, the notion or belief in conventional power is in and of itself what holds you back from experiencing real power.  

We have all experienced real power before. Some of us daily, some of us have moments at a time and others of us even less often. Take a moment and remember your last experience of real power. What were the qualities or circumstances of that experience?

Real power is identifiable by its absence of fear. Imagine the power of someone who is no longer ruled by fear, someone who is, therefore, immune to manipulation and control by others, someone who has moved to a new level of awareness. Imagine the quiet confidence and power of someone who is no longer addicted to the approval and affirmation of others, someone who is in touch with his or her real self. Imagine that this person is whole and complete even without their job, or their family or their status. Now imagine that this person with this quiet confidence, this person who no longer needs approval is you, think about it, what would life be like? What could you do in your business? Now imagine what you could do in your life! 

Alicia Fruin- Owner of Profit Consulting Co. Specializing in business education, all of our programs combine solid business strategy coupled with our expertise of how people learn and grow.  

<a href=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/blog/addvote.cfm?ContactID=52335999“>
<img src=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/img/fastpitchblogicon.gif“>
</a>

Tell me about your business plan?

If you learned how to write a business plan at all, you probably learned how to write a MBA quality 30-page plan designed to attract investors or get a bank loan. In addition, if you are like most of us, after your initial start up you never looked at your plan again.  

Often with a prospective client, just asking the simple question “tell me about your business plan” can lead to all the information I need to coach this business owner to next year. I learn about the vision for the business, the issues, the focus, the employees or lack of and I learn about the customer who buys their product or service.  

Entrepreneurs are typically great talkers so I wait until after their first breath and say something like “is all this in writing” or “what do your employees think about the plan”? Really, it is not meant to be an earth shattering provocative question. Somehow it usually is. 

On a side note, I love entrepreneurs. It could be that I love them because they are often a lot like me. They have great ideas, a positive attitude and have way too much to do! It could be I enjoy them because their business issues are a lot like my own. It could just be that I tend to favor the underdog and want to see the mom and pop organization take market share and win against all odds. Okay, it is probably all three.  

So when I ask about their business plan, it’s because I have learned that most of my clients don’t have one and that when they take the time to think through their focus and strategy, preferably with their team, everything comes together. 

When the time is right, I ask my clients “What would it be like if you could reference a plan when making choices?” Can you imagine being able to share the whole plan with your employees, affiliates and your coach”? Sometimes I ask, “Can you imagine the freedom you will have when it is out of your head and on paper?” or “What if everyone understood the business strategy, as well as the business strengths and weaknesses?”  These questions along with my simple business plan format usually do the trick and they go to work on a plan.   

They often report many insights into future mistakes that would have happened had they not written the plan and that having a simple plan in writing has allowed the whole team to collaborate, align and support the business vision.     

 For a simple business plan format go to www.profitconsultingco.com/business.htm or join us for business planning tele class in October.

Alicia Fruin –Owner Profit Consulting Co. Business coach and trainer

<a href=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/blog/addvote.cfm?ContactID=52335999“>
<img src=”http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/img/fastpitchblogicon.gif“>
</a>