Q&A

May, 11, 2010

Client Question:

“I’m exhausted from having to do more with less resources this year. My creative juices are gone and I’m unmotivated. What can I do to get back on track?”

No Frills No Fluff Answer:

-Jessika M. Ferm

“Many people are in the exact same position, so know that you’re not alone. Rather than push yourself to overcome the inertia that you feel, recognize that this might be the perfect time to step back and practice the new ‘Curious Leadership.’ This is a style of leadership that releases the need to have all the answers, and instead empowers others to develop innovative ideas and solutions that drive the company forward.

Start asking your team, clients, boss and peers for input on your products/services, management style and skills.  Ask questions like, ‘How can we do this job better?,’ and ‘What changes do you think would be most beneficial in this area?’ Then really listen to the responses. The best source of inspiration on how to do more with less lies with the people who are doing the day-to-day work. Their insights may give you fresh ideas that help you get your mojo back.”

For quick tips on your unique situations, email us at gurus@nofrillsnofluff.com

December 9, 2009

Client Question:

“Our Executive Team is burned out from a year of non-stop challenges. How do we get everyone back on track, re-energized, and positive again?”

No Frills No Fluff Answer:

-Jessika M. Ferm

“Review the goals and strategic plan for 2010 and hone in on the most important one. Set aside 1-2 days off-site to provide space and time for uninterrupted brainstorming and planning. Identify a theme for the year that incorporates the direction you wish to move in and bring your team together to map out a plan. Avoid over-working the strategic planning process. No one wants to be locked away in a boardroom or conference center to “force plan.” If you spend 1-2 days preparing your vision and your direction, the other executive team members are more likely to get inspired, focused, and re-energized. Ask for their input and commitments. Let them tell you how they envision accomplishing the goals. If there is no true commitment on their part, or if they feel that the goals have been forced upon them, they are likely to get demotivated again.”

For quick tips on your unique situations, email us at gurus@nofrillsnofluff.com

April 20, 2009

Client Question:

“We had to lay off great people due to budget cuts in response to the economy and now the morale in the office is really poor. As the leader of my team, what can I do to re-engage my team and turn around the negative vibe?”

No Frills No Fluff Answer:

-Jessika M. Ferm

“Meet with your team members individually and ask what they are most concerned about. Listen for issues that hit close to home and that affect each person’s livelihood. During challenging economic times, most employees are nervous that they may be the next person who is laid off and are concerned about how that would affect their career and home life. Avoid promising things you can’t control. For example, don’t say: “I can guarantee that none of you will be laid off.” While your boss may have told you that no more layoffs will happen, external factors may change and further layoffs may take place. Focus instead on how you can help your employees sharpen their skills, develop new business, or offer added value to the company. Help them see that they can take positive steps to affect their futures. One of our clients sat down with this team and shared his most powerful business building strategies. As a team, they designed a goal and action plan and began contacting current and future clients. Their positive initiatives yielded several new clients and a sizable contribution to the company’s bottom-line. The executive team was impressed that the team focused on positive action steps instead of obstacles and challenges.

For quick tips on your unique situations, email us at gurus@nofrillsnofluff.com