Nine Rules for Effective Teams

These nine rules are based on the belief that level of elementary problems controls efficiency. If there are many elementary problems, productivity will be negative, likewise, low level of problems puts productivity in the positive column. In the typical workforce, there is no recognition for people who spend time on elementary problems, big problems receive all the attention, yet, big problems start as minor and there are people around who are aware of them. Because of leadership attitudes, employees develop the habit of ignoring problems until they explode, at which time they become big problems, and then, leaders want to go on record for being a problem solver. Leadership attitudes towards elementary problems are corrected with front-line responsibility and solved with team intelligence. Team priority is to get the job done, they have authority to solve or prevent problems while minor.

1. Priority #1... Get The Job Done!!! - In many work environments, top priority is cost control, which limits the ability to get the job done. It cost money to control project cost. Focusing on "getting the job done" is automatic cost control. Decisions are based on what it takes to finish a job, not what it cost.

2. Consider employees as an investment, not a cost. - In any work environment, employees' skills and abilities will reflect the attitude of its leaders. If leadership considers employees a cost, quality of employees will suffer, likewise, if leadership considers employees an investment, then both sides will be motivated to increase skill quality. Greater efficiency is the result.

3. Employee attitudes are byproducts of leadership style. - If subordinates attitudes are negative toward the company, it is because of leadership style. If they are positive, it is because of leadership style. If attitudes need changing, it must start with the leaders.

4. Sharing knowledge inspires motivation. - People who have opportunity to share knowledge feel they are a part of the team. Team members want to impress with their ability to contribute valuable information. It inspires a desire to seek information, excel, accept challenges and reject the status quo.

5. Coach, not control. - People who only follow orders do not assume responsibility, are not motivated and do not have a desire to excel. Coaching is inspiring people to find solutions to problems. Finding solutions, is a motivating force, it also becomes a habit. Coaching is sharing knowledge.

6. Worker/team responsibility - Being responsible for results is a highly motivating force. Also, a group of three or more, focused on a common goal, becomes a highly intelligent force. They are aware of minor problems and have authority to manage them. The team is recognized for their ability to prevent problems while getting the job done.

7. Supply quality resources. - Efficiency is as effective as available resources, (tools, supplies, work environment), to complete tasks. Employees will work hard to get jobs done, but they need quality resources to be efficient. Resources influence pride, which affects output quality.

8. Opportunity to learn. - Repetitive tasks kill the desire to learn, an attitude that rejects change and accepts the status quo. There is always a better way of doing a task, including repetitive task, and better ways are found with worker responsibility. Challenges motivate people to learn and the desire to learn is based on opportunity for challenges.

9. Wages - Effective worker responsibility require above average wages. Responsibility is no substitute for low wages. High wages inspire leaders to manage in an efficient way. Low wages promotes sloppiness. Wage level influences attitude and output quality. It is my observation that low wage companies have higher overhead cost than high wage companies. Quality of leadership seems to be the controlling factor. Leadership quality is based on CEO's priorities.

Avoid These 10 Interview Bloopers.

We've all heard stories of job candidates who looked great on paper but who were absolute disasters in person. With fewer and fewer interview opportunities available in this competitive market, it's essential to make the best possible first impression. You can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the top 10 worst interview blunders.

Poor handshake: The three-second handshake that starts the interview is your first opportunity to create a great impression. But all too often an interview is blown right from the start by an ineffective handshake. Once you've delivered a poor handshake, it's nearly impossible to recover your efforts to build rapport. Here are some examples:

• The Limp Hand (or "dead fish"): Gives the impression of disinterest or weakness
• The Tips of the Fingers: Shows lack of ability to engage.
• The Arm Pump: Sincerity is questionable, much like an overly aggressive salesman.

Even if you're a seasoned professional, don't assume you have avoided these pitfalls. Your handshake may be telling more about you than you know. Ask for honest critiques from several friends who aren't afraid to tell you the truth.

Talking too much: In my recruiting days, I abhorred over-talkative candidates, so did most of my client employers. Over-talking takes a couple of forms:

• Taking too long to answer direct questions. The impression: This candidate just can't get to the point.
• Nervous talkers. The impression: This candidate is covering up something or is outright lying.

To avoid either of these forms of over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner. Avoid nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play

Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers:

The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was Attila the Hun, never, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaints, you will come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss because the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.

Showing up late or too early: One of the first lessons in job-search etiquette is to show up on time for interviews. Many job-seekers don't realize, however, that showing up too early often creates a poor first impression as well. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview is a dead giveaway that the job seeker has too much time on his or her hands, much like the last one picked for the softball team. Don't diminish your candidate desirability by appearing desperate. Act as if your time were as valuable as the interviewer's. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early.

Treating the receptionist rudely: Since the first person you meet on an interview is usually a receptionist, this encounter represents the first impression you'll make. Don't mistake low rank for low input. Often that receptionist's job is to usher you into your interview. The receptionist has the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you even set eyes on the interviewer. The interviewer may also solicit the receptionist's opinion of you after you leave.

Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary: What if a car salesman asked to see your credit report before allowing you to test drive the cars? That would be ridiculous, and you'd walk away in disgust. The effect is about the same when a job-seeker asks about benefits or other employee perks during the first interview. Wait until you've won the employer over before beginning that discussion.

Not preparing for the interview: Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn't bothered to do pre-interview research. On the flip side, the quickest way to a good impression is to demonstrate your interest with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of their organization.

Verbal ticks: An ill-at-ease candidate seldom makes a good impression. The first signs of nervousness are verbal ticks. We all have them from time to time -- "umm," "like," "you know." Ignore the butterflies in your stomach and put up a front of calm confidence by avoiding verbal ticks. You can also sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response.

One of the best ways to reduce or eliminate them is through role-play. Practice sharing your best success stories ahead of time, and you'll feel more relaxed during the real interview.

Not enough/too much eye contact: Either situation can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact and you'll seem shifty, untruthful, or disnterested; offer too much eye contact, and you'll wear the interviewer out. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.

Failure to match communication styles: It's almost impossible to make a good first impression if you can't communicate effectively with an interviewer. But you can easily change that situation by mirroring the way the interviewer treats you. For instance:

• If the interviewer seems all business, don't attempt to loosen him/her up with a joke or story. Be succinct and businesslike
• If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests. Often the items on display in the office can offer a clue.
• If asked a direct question, answer directly. Then follow up by asking if more information is needed.

Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of conversation can vastly improve your chances of making a favorable impression. You can put the interviewer at ease -- and make yourself seem more like him or her -- by mirroring his or her communication style.

Final Thoughts
Just as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview, strong interview skills will win you consideration for the job. You already know that you won't earn an interview unless your resume sets you apart as a candidate of choice. Similarly, you should know that polishing your interview skills can mean the difference between getting the job offer -- and being a runner-up.

Start your job search with a resume that creates a stellar first impression, and then back those facts up with your extraordinary interview skills. You will have made yourself a better candidate by avoiding these ten interview pitfalls. And no one will have to talk about you as the candidate who "almost" got the job.