International bestsellers in economics and finance often use this theme. Find startling facts about the way we live. Then present a theory that can explain them. So, here's a startling fact that appears in the papers today. As per a UN report, there are more cell phones in
But toilets are a different ball game. There is the question of real estate which involves the land sharks and bureaucratic local governments. The result, there are about 45 cell phones per 100 people in
there are more cell phones in India than toilets
How to Build a Teamwork Culture!!!
Fostering teamwork is creating a work culture that values collaboration. In a teamwork environment, people understand and believe that thinking, planning, decisions and actions are better when done cooperatively. People recognize, and even assimilate, the belief that “none of us is as good as all of us.
It’s hard to find work places that exemplify teamwork. In
Organizations are working on valuing diverse people, ideas, backgrounds, and experiences. We have miles to go before valuing teams and teamwork will be the norm.
You can, however, create a teamwork culture by doing just a few things right. Admittedly, they’re the hard things, but with commitment and appreciation for the value, you can create an overall sense of teamwork in your organization.
Create a Culture of Teamwork
To make teamwork happen, these powerful actions must occur.
- Executive leaders communicate the clear expectation that teamwork and collaboration are expected. No one completely owns a work area or process all by himself. People who own work processes and positions are open and receptive to ideas and input from others on the team.
- Executives model teamwork in their interaction with each other and the rest of the organization. They maintain teamwork even when things are going wrong and the temptation is to slip back into former team unfriendly behavior.
- The organization members talk about and identify the value of a teamwork culture. If values are formally written and shared, teamwork is one of the key five or six.
- Teamwork is rewarded and recognized. The lone ranger, even if she is an excellent producer, is valued less than the person who achieves results with others in teamwork. Compensation, bonuses, and rewards depend on collaborative practices as much as individual contribution and achievement.
- Important stories and folklore that people discuss within the company emphasize teamwork. (Remember the year the capsule team reduced scrap by 20 percent?) People who “do well” and are promoted within the company are team players.
- The performance management system places emphasis and value on teamwork. Often 360 degree feedback is integrated within the system.
Tips for
Do you immediately picture your group off at a resort playing games or hanging from ropes when you think of team building? Traditionally, many organizations approached team building this way. Then, they wondered why that wonderful sense of teamwork, experienced at the retreat or seminar, failed to impact long term beliefs and actions back at work.
I’m not averse to retreats, planning sessions, seminars and team building activities – in fact I lead them - but they have to be part of a larger teamwork effort. You will not build teamwork by “retreating” as a group for a couple of days each year. Think of team building as something you do every single day.
- Form teams to solve real work issues and to improve real work processes. Provide training in systematic methods so the team expends its energy on the project, not on figuring out how to work together as a team to approach it.
- Hold department meetings to review projects and progress, to obtain broad input, and to coordinate shared work processes. If team members are not getting along, examine the work processes they mutually own. The problem is not usually the personalities of the team members. It’s the fact that the team members often haven’t agreed on how they will deliver a product or a service or the steps required to get something done.
- Build fun and shared occasions into the organization’s agenda. Hold pot luck lunches; take the team to a sporting event. Sponsor dinners at a local restaurant. Go hiking or to an amusement park. Hold a monthly company meeting. Sponsor sports teams and encourage cheering team fans.
- Use ice breakers and teamwork exercises at meetings. I worked with an organization that held a weekly staff meeting. Participants took turns bringing a “fun” ice breaker to the meeting. These activities were limited to ten minutes, but they helped participants laugh together and get to know each other – a small investment in a big time sense of team.
- Celebrate team successes publicly. Buy everyone the same t-shirt or hat. Put team member names in a drawing for company merchandise and gift certificates. You are limited in teamwork only by your imagination.
Take care of the hard issues above and do the types of teamwork activities listed here. You’ll be amazed at the progress you will make in creating a teamwork culture, a culture that enables individuals to contribute more than they ever thought possible - together.
Courtesy: Jagdish Badal, IFEN Ahmedabad. (Email: jagdishbadal@ifenindia.org)
Official e-mail? Tips to improve your writing skills...
In today’s business environment, where most of the communication happens through e-mail, it is essential to have good command over written communication and be able to put one’s ideas into words which can reflect them in exactly the same manner and tone in which the writer intends to communicate.
Today we will discuss some important aspects that one should keep in mind while writing e-mail.
Grammar
The importance of the correct use of grammar can’t be overemphasised. Reading an e-mail with incorrect usage of verbs is the biggest put-off. So be cautious about the rules of language while writing a formal e-mail.
Tone
When you speak to someone face to face, you can use eye movements, facial expressions, hand gestures and body language to set the tone of the conversation. Written communication, however, is bereft of these advantages. So the entire onus is on the choice of the words that you use in your communication, which will set the tone of the e-mail in the mind of the reader. So when you are writing a formal e-mail, use words like ‘kindly’, ‘please’, ‘let us’, ‘thank you’ etc.
Structure
A well-structured e-mail means that there is coherence among the ideas and the sentences follow each other in a logical manner. Further, all the information related to a particular context should be presented at the same place. Consider the following example for a detailed explanation:
Sample-1
Dear our sales for this month are 40% more than the actual target. Hence, we have revised the target for the next month to 5000 units from the original 3500 units. This month, we have sold 4000 units.
Sample-2
We have sold 4000 units this month which is 40% more than the actual target. Hence, we have revised the target for next month to 5000 units from the original 3500 units.
In Sample-1, the number of units sold in the current month has been told in the third sentence, whereas the comparison of sales with the target has been done in the first sentence. A better way of presenting this information is given in Sample-2 where the number of units is also mentioned in the first sentence, so that the reader of the mail gets all the information regarding current month sales in the first sentence only.
Subject of the mail
It often happens that an e-mail is sent to various employees in the organisation and their response to that mail is solicited. In such a scenario, one should be careful of the ‘Subject’ and the ‘To’ fields while sending a reply. Keep the subject the same as that of the original e-mail. You might need to change the subject in some cases where the sender has asked you to respond with a specific subject line.
Secondly, do not unnecessarily hit the ‘Reply All’ button if your response is required only by a single person. Similarly, if there is a group discussion happening through chain mails, make sure that you send your replies to all the people involved in the discussion, so that there is no information mismatch within the group.
Spelling mistakes, SMS language
Put a self-imposed ban on the use of SMS language in official e-mails. Also, make sure that there are no red underlines in the text while you are typing the e-mail. Those spelling mistakes should be corrected before you hit the ‘Send’ button.
Formatting
Just like a gift is wrapped in colorful paper, a mail should be wrapped in a nice format. The use of formatting tools like numbering, bullets, highlighting, underlining, larger font size for headings, etc make the e-mail more readable and easy to understand. However, avoid using too many colors, or too many font types or sizes, as this may rob the mail of its seriousness and formal tone.
Acknowledgement
Anyone who writes an e-mail expects a response to it. While in most cases, e-mails ask for specific information to be delivered or discussed, there are a few cases where such a requirement is not explicitly stated. See the following examples:
Sample-1
Please find attached the product brochure in accordance with your requirements. Please feel free to contact us in case you have any quires.
Sample-2
All the consignments for this week have been delivered as per their schedule. As soon as the next order sheet is received, the procurement and delivery process will be initiated.
In both the samples above, there is no immediate action expected from the receiver of the mails. However, just like we nod our head or say okay during verbal communication, it would be a good practice to acknowledge such mails by sending replies to them. One can send a single line reply, thanking the sender for the information, or telling him when the next communication from your end can be expected.
Read the mail yourself
After you have written the e-mail, read it once for yourself. This way you will know if the e-mail sounds logical enough, has any grammatical or spelling errors, and presents the entire picture in the same way as you had intended it to be.
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
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.
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.
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.
