time – Success Strategies

The Rush For Time…

Nature never rushes, yet everything gets done.

“You’ve got to drive around ma’am. We have a time to customer service that we have to meet”, drawled the drive-through clerk.

Growing kids have appetites that sometimes seem never-ending. So auntie drove into Burger King. Ordered stuff for the boys amidst repeated requests “will that be all ma’am?” With each question, she felt rushed. She wanted something herself but not one for fast food, she decided to ask for help when she got to the drive-through window. While paying for the kids’ order she asked whether she could get a sandwich. That’s when she was told that she would have to join the line of traffic again to get another sandwich. What in the world? She thought she misunderstood so she sought clarification. That’s when she was told that the employees have a set-time-to-meet-each-order and she was affecting it. In disbelief she asked again. Seven minutes later same response then from supervisor, Patricia on duty. Out of consideration for the growing line of famished drivers waiting behind her, auntie drove away. Lose-lose situation for sure.

The Rush For Time Two

In another incident, the Fedex delivery guy tossed the package at the door. Without ringing the doorbell, he quickly made his getaway. This act repeatedly done over his 6 hour route as he tried to meet his targeted goals. Oh the haste to deliver packages door to door.

Where’s The Service?

There are many more situations that can be shared about the new focus on meeting deadlines to the detriment of Quality service. Dismantled packages. Incorrect orders. Broken pieces. All creates havoc for service departments. So goes the new trend on delivery, Uber-eats and all. Compliance divisions pay thousands of dollars to dissatisfied customers in their attempt to correct terrible behaviors.

Disconnect

There is a severe disconnect. Why not marry the two? Stress to employees and external contract service providers the importance of optimal Quality service while meeting delivery deadlines

Be assured that one cannot exist without the other.

Have you experienced the negatives of the Rush For Time? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

The Holidays Arrgh Here! How To Handle Employee Time Off Requests…

I️ received a call with an enquiry about the holidays, and time off. No doubt a pain for employers and an avid desire for team…

I️ received a call from a business owner about time off during the holidays. “Everyone wants to take time off at the same time. What’s the best way to handle this during the holidays?” she Dubiously asked.

Time off during the holidays can be a Riff issue for employers, and an emotional desire for team members. Employers fear absence will impact business results. Meeting the demand often prove overwhelming for small business owners who operate in the hospitality, retail, and other industries that service holiday needs.

On the other hand, employees wish to spend time with family, especially those visiting from out-of-town. Let’s not forget the busy preparations involved, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

So how can we balance the two? You don’t have to be mean about it. I concur with Kim Scott’s recommendation on the topic. Here’s my take on the issue.

The Balancing Act. Try the trade-off. Employees know the drill. Share holiday coverage needs and let them work it out amongst themselves. Only step-in if you absolutely must.
Comp days. Give them half/full day off at less demanding times. You will find this works very well, and shows compassion to those who must work.
Flex-Basket. Try a flex-basket of Goodies from which they can choose. This would include a selection of delights such as lunch, dinner, drinks, partnership with vendors for relaxation/rejuvenation goodies (e.g. mani/pedi, movie tickets, etc.). Believe me, this works wonders.

So there you have it! Three simple tips that will bring delight to your team, and smooth your business over the stressful holidays.

Noticed anything missing that you would add to best manage this issue during the holidays? Do share!

Cheers!

First Things First…

Ever spent time searching for something that you know will not add any value to your day? The crazy perfectionist in me does that sometimes. Today, I searched for information and went crazy trying to find something that was like a needle in a haystack. I search, and searched, and searched. An hour later I said let me try this database just once more…maybe it’s here. Another hour later, another database…maybe it’s there. E-filing problem? Definitely!

The thing is …what I was searching for was just something that if I used it in a project, it would be a nice to thing to do. But that search lasted hours and I drew precious time away from the things I really needed to focus on.

Coming up I have a Launch, a presentation, book signing events, and group sessions that needed my attention. Yet….all these goals were lingering while I wasted time on the unimportant.

Putting First Things First

Has this ever happened to you? I’m sure (smile). But though it irks, we need to focus on the important things first, then the other things will eventually fall into place. To answer your Witty thoughts…no, I did not find the document I was searching for. But I was reminded of the principle of putting important things first before other things. Your goal maybe an entrepreneur venture, it may be financial, family, career, or other. But putting first things first, will help you get things done.

What about you? Have you ever experienced this? Do share! would love to hear.

Need help in managing your goals? Reserve your seat at the 2018 Goal-Setting Retreat

Cheers!

What if?

do it pic

The TIME magazine’s editorial article examined the question “what if” based on various scenarios of life experiences. What if robots went to fight war? What if your brain confesses in court? What if we live to be 100, or even longer? Interesting questions. What if?

What is your question? Is there something you long to do? What if you could do it?

Now think about it even more. What if you had all the resources in the world available to you, would you go ahead and do your “what if”?

I was chatting with an executive head of an entertainment business that has many locations worldwide. She said in the early days if she thought about all the things that could go wrong maybe she would not have achieved the success she has today. She simply had an idea and worked towards it defying business logic.

So Go ahead, think positively. Activate your what if. Activate your dream. It may just surprise you inspite of your questions, inspite of your fears. Be courageous. Act today. Accomplish your “what if”.

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/evasive-action/”>Evasive Action</a>