Won Me

In many ways there are no secrets to implementing effective performance management. Performance Management is a process and a process which if implemented effectively should ensure that both employees and managers remain both productive and motivated.

The actual process itself should hold no secrets. There are simply a number of steps to be considered within the Performance Management process these being as follows:

1. Agree roles and responsibilities and the objectives and targets that go with the role. Ensure that both the manager and the employee know what success looks like in relation to each objective. Sales targets are easy to quantify but project objectives may not be so easy to define success.

2. Ensure the actions needed to achieve the targets and objectives are agreed and achievable.

3. If some of the actions needed are deemed out-with the capability of the person who has to achieve them, then create a development plan in order that the person is trained accordingly.

4. Agree a review process by which each individual is coached and supported to keep on track as regards both their objectives and targets together with their development plan.

5. Mid and Year end appraisals should be simply a “tick box” exercise holding no surprises. If there are then the process building up to the appraisal is not working.

The secrets to Performance Management do not just lie with the actual process but more with the skills and discipline needed to make each of the steps work effectively. And it is the way these skills are used, or not used, that can cause the whole performance management structure to collapse.

At each of the stages there are challenges in any role. Let us look at each step in turn.

1. Objective and Target Setting - The biggest challenge here is where all the targets and objectives are handed down without any consultation and support. If a manager does not take an employee through their objectives and targets then demotivation and in some cases panic can set in. Employees need to understand exactly why they are expected to deliver various objectives and also what the exact manager’s expectations are. The aim of this stage of the PM process is to ensure clarity and focus. Leave people in the “fog” and they get lost! Do not simply “dump” objectives on people.

2. Once the objectives are set then employees need to be supported in being coached through exactly what they need to do in order to achieve these objectives. Very capable people will need less support than newer employees but all the same, time should be taken to coach them effectively. Again the challenges here are one of the manager putting time aside and also in relation to the ability of the manager to coach effectively. Most managers will advise and direct as opposed to coach and as such they really need to look at their skill level in coaching. Directing is quicker but can be very de-motivational and much less effective.

3. Training. Everyone pays homage to training and training plans but very few people actually deliver an effective training plan. Managers usually abdicate responsibility for the training plan leaving it to a training department or to the employees themselves. Even though training needs are identified, the only solutions to meet these needs may be the “sheep dip” approach of getting them on the menu of training events supplied by training department. But are they specifically what is actually needed? And what role does the manager take? Do they sit down with the employee and agree learning objectives? Do they monitor progress against these objectives? What about coaching the person post-training enabling them to implement their newly found skills directly into the workplace?

4. In terms of reviewing an employee’s progress, does the manager spend enough time with the employee? How well are they utilising essential field visit (distant managers) and review skills such as contracting, coaching models such as GROW and OUTCOMES®; use of the skill/will matrix, behavioural analysis, giving and receiving feedback and of course, motivational models such as MASLOW’S and CARERS ? Field visits are not just about going out with an employee for the day to check up how “they are getting on” and sitting in on a few customer calls. There is a lot more to it than that!

5. The aim of regular reviews and field visits is to ensure that the employee keeps on track with regards their objectives and targets. If the employee enters into an appraisal not knowing exactly what they have done in terms of their objectives and targets or not knowing what their manager is specifically going to say to them in the appraisal then the performance management system has not worked and has to be reviewed to see where the faults have originated. The only surprises that should be delivered are the good ones like an increase in pay that was unexpected or a better car! If employees are “in the dark” about what to expect at their appraisal, then I would hate to be in the shoes of the manager who is conducting the appraisal when it comes to their turn!

Performance Management is a simple uncomplicated process but one which needs discipline and a great degree of skill to implement effectively. Get it right then you are on the way to success; get it wrong and you can look forward to a really stressful year end appraisal.

About the submitter:

Allan Mackintosh is a Performance Management Coach who specialises in developing performance management skills in managers and sales managers. He is the author of “The Successful Coaching Manager” book, has written numerous articles, and is the creator of the OUTCOMES© and CARERS coaching models. He can be contacted on 00 44 1292 318152 or via his website at http://www.pmcscotland.com. Allan also represents Reivers Development, a specialist organisational transformation company. http://www.reiversgroup.com

What I’m about to Reveal to you in this article is a easy to follow, “Step-By-Step” formula for writing Powerful articles in less than a hour.

It might take you a few times to get the hang of it the first time around, But, once you’ve gotten through the learning curve, your articles will flow out of you without stressing your brain out to much.

I say this from experience because I used to be terrified about the thought of writing an article, but, once I got this formula down to an art, they seem to come together quite easily now.

The benefits of writing articles alone Out-Weight the fear of having to write them, so read this article with an open mind and if you have to read through it twice, do so.

Writing articles are Very powerful and in my mind, the best way to build Trust and Credibility with your online business.

So, without further delay, let’s go to Step #1.

Step #1. Targeting your audience.

The first thing you have to figure out is which audience (target market) are you trying to reach.

This is critical to your overall outcome of your article and what you want your potential reader/customer to do next after they’ve read your article.

So, make sure you know ahead of time who you want to target.

Step #2. Put together a attention grabbing “Headline”.

This is probably the single Most important step when it comes to writing your articles because this is what’s used to “Bait” your potential reader/customer to read your article.

Let’s use my “Headline” for this article as an example:

“THE 7 Step ‘Formula’ For Writing POWERFUL Articles In Less Than An Hour”

Notice how I’ve stated the main benefit you’ll receive from reading my article, this is KEY, and this is what you want to convey to your potential reader/customer.

Step #3. Clearly explain your position on the issue.

This next step is where you introduce your article with a sentence or two that Clearly and Completely explains your position on the issue inwhich you promised in the “Headline” of your article.

You don’t want to leave people hanging, but, at the same time, you don’t want to hand them the store either.

Take a look at how I started out this article as an example.

Step #4. List off your main points you want to cover.

This is where you list off your main points you want to cover in point form.

You don’t have to come up with alot… 3,4,5,7,10 , it really depends on what you plan on covering.

Step #5. Elaborate on each point you wrote down.

After you’ve finished writing down your main points you want to cover your next step is to elaborate on each of them with a sentence or two.

Step #6. Finish up with a Conclusion.

You’ve now figured out who your target audience is going to be.

You’ve put together a attention grabbing “Headline” to pull readers in.

You’ve listed off and elaborated on 3,4,5,7,10 points with a sentence or two.

Now… it’s time for the “Conclusion”.

And, your “Conclusion” is simply where you have your chance to tell your readers why this article was important and to get them to take action.

Step #7. Put together a compelling “Resource Box”.

Your “Resource Box” is where you put your Copyright info and website Contact Information.

There are many styles of how your resource box could look, so, my suggestion to you is visit some article directories to see how others are putting there resource boxes together or you can take a look at mine at the end of this article.

Your choice.

Well, there you have it, “THE 7 Step ‘Formula’ For Writing POWERFUL Articles In Less Than An Hour”.

The best way to get this “Formula” down is to have a nice size notepad to write on and go through the steps listed above to brainstorm your article topics.

Make sure you spend some time with your “Headline”, this is probably the most important part of the article because its job is to “Bait” your readers.

Don’t let “Fear” stop you from writing because You think you don’t have any wisdom to share.

I used to think that way, but as you can see, I no longer fear writing and have NO problem sharing that with You.

So, with that said, I truly hope this article inspired you to get writing and got your creative juices flowing for your first article and the one’s that follow.

Copyright 2005 The IWE, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Get YOUR “Step-By-Step” roadmap for Unlimited FREE traffic using Articles! FREE Details=> http://compactURL.com/wgwf
– Or if you want to get MORE ‘Insider’ marketing Secrets visit Cory Threlfall’s BLOG called… The Internet Wonders Blog at — http://theiwe.blogspot.com or subscribe his Free newsletter at — http://www.internetwondersezine.com.

Copyright (c) Victoria Elizabeth 2004. All rights reserved.

THE LOST ART OF LOLLYGAGGING –Or, how to dawdle, loaf, or
putter to your heart’s content–

In our time-conscious world — minutes, hours, and days are only
meaningful if they can be organized, measured, prioritized not
to mention sliced and diced into “productive” and
“non-productive” periods.

It seems anything deemed “time wasting” must be derided and then
dropped from all “to do” lists. On the other hand, being
“listless” (having no “to do” list or a short one) is a fate
worse than death.

If you’re not running around thither and yon, fear not. There
will always be at least one quidnunc keen on telling you that
your life lacks purpose. And, we all know what happens to people
without goals and long “to do” lists. They become ill-fated
“laggards”, lippy “losers” or heaven forbid, “lounge lizards”!

“Fooling around” or, ‘living in the moment”, is for children and
pets only. Grown-ups are not encouraged to dawdle, loaf, putter
or simply take time out to smell the roses let alone talk to
them. To engage in such “mindless” activities is to invite some
incurable dis-ease. Such is life in Lollygaglessland.

However, not being a linear thinker helps when it comes to
enjoying the art of lollygagging.

First, toss your watch, clock or timepiece for the day. Second,
put on some comfy clothes — or, if you’re feeling frightfully
funky, just a birthday suit. Next, find a comfortable and cozy
thing to sit upon. This is important. Doing so will take a load
off your feet, and prevent your brain from becoming clogged,
cluttered or crashing like your hapless personal computer. If
all else fails, remember, rumination and regurgitation is not in
the cards for you today!

So, let your mind wander anywhere it wants. And, stop fretting
about the “to do” list” you just turfed along with your bleeping
digital devices. Besides, when you do this, you create oodles of
space for something you dearly yearn for, peace of mind.

Now that you’re feeling all warm and fuzzy, maybe try a bit of
doodling, humming, whistling, or even tapping your toes. And, if
you really get the urge to move, just put on your favorite
walking shoes and putter anywhere you like. Talk to plants and
animals if you wish, and if you’ve got the gumption, why not
strangers … you just might enjoy what happens without any
strings attached.

Lollygagging is all about “being” comfortable with yourself, in
your own space and time. Forget all about doing things to win
brownie points, gold stars, and frequent flyer miles. Unless you
like trying to fit square holes into round pegs, just chill out,
powder down, and enjoy life outside the blessed box.

And, when someone asks you what you’re doing for the next five
minutes, hour, or day…tell them your taking up the lost art of
lollygagging. Then watch them furrow their brow as you wink,
smile, and walk away.

Are you at risk of Mesothelioma?

If you are above 40 and have ever been exposed to asbestos continuously for more than 2 months in last 15-40 years, then you are at risk of Mesothelioma. It is a rare but deadly cancer of membrane cells, which covers some vital parts of our body like lungs, abdominal cavity and heart, called mesothelium. Like in other cancers, in mesothelioma the membrane cells divide ruthlessly causing abnormal growth, which ultimately damage the lining of vital organ such as lungs and abdomen.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos a mineral, used in different processes including building, shipyard and manufacturing in the days of World War II and for a few more decades, is the main cause of Mesothelioma. Researches have proved that those who have worked in asbestos related industries are mostly at risk of Mesothelioma. The minute asbestos particles go into human body through nose or mouth during inhalation, talking or any other reason. They reach lungs or abdomen and damage the lining, causing Mesothelioma. Due to its long latency period, mesothelioma can attack you even 15 - 40 years after the inhalation of asbestos particles. Even the family members of person working in asbestos related industries could be vulnerable to mesothelioma.

Treatments for Mesothelioma

Because Mesothelioma is a newly found disease, many doctors may not be able to diagnose it. However, if you have a known history of asbestos exposure you should ask your doctor to look for the symptoms of this disease. The good news is that there is a treatment for mesothelioma in the early stages. Some treatment options for mesothelioma cancers are surgical removal of the effected tissues; chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the prognosis of later stage mesothelioma patients is bleak and the average survival time after diagnosis is 12-24 months.

Mesothelioma Compensations

The owners of Asbestos related industries were quite aware of the health hazards of asbestos. However, they persisted with its use without issuing any warnings or taking steps for avoiding the health hazards. This is the reason why US courts have awarded huge sums as compensations to the Mesothelioma patients/families by the companies/persons responsible for causing asbestos exposure.

Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.

I love the art of selling. LOVE IT. When I first entered the field of sales, the one thing I quickly grew to appreciate was the fact that anything I did to increase my ability in selling also increased my ability in life. Sales skills are life skills.

“There’s a born salesman!” I have yet to read, or hear on the evening news, of a lady who gave birth to a sales person. Or an attorney, or doctor, or for that matter an embezzler or swindler. Birth is given to boys and girls; everything after that is by choices made and skills that are learned. And sales skills are life skills.

“I am not ever going to be in sales!” Really? If you have ever been in a conversation in which you were trying to express an opinion or influence an event, then you were selling. The truth is that everyone is constantly trying to sell an idea, belief, proposition, opinion, or a goal. You use sales skills throughout the day, everyday. With your spouse, your kids, your peers, your neighbor, your parents, at the store, at the bank, at your church, when you buy a car or a house, or when you simply go out to dinner. Sales skills are life skills.

There is not an area of your life where sales skills cannot be a benefit. Teachers use sales skills. Preachers use sales skills. Police officers use sales skills. Mother Teresa used sales skills. Regardless of what you do, sales skills will improve your probability for success at motivating, instructing, encouraging, coaching, communicating with and reaching people. Sales skills are life skills.

In fact, every successful person is good at selling himself or herself.

Truly successful sales people have great listening skills. (Although my wife often questions mine!) Unfortunately, the image of a good sales person is a slick talking person who could sell ice to an Eskimo. However, just the opposite is true. The professional sales person wouldn’t sell ice to an Eskimo unless that ice was wanted and needed. And that would be determined through a series of questions and keen listening to determine the need. In fact, a true professional sales person will listen over three times as much as they will talk! (Again, my wife may disagree but it is true!) Sales skills are life skills.

There is not a single person in an organization that does not have an opportunity to sell for their organization. It is for that reason that I believe everyone in an organization should receive some training in sales skills. It takes very few positive results to more than pay for the investment! Think about the tremendous upside. Not only do you dramatically increase the potential of your sales force, but your employee’s confidence, attitude, and motivation greatly increases. Sales skills are life skills.

How to ask questions, listen intently, clarify a position or opinion, present a view, deal with objections, and reach a successful conclusion for all involved is the art of sales. What is there not to like and which of those skills do you not want to get better at and use throughout your daily life?

Have I mentioned that sales skills are life skills?

Shawn Lacagnina, of Smoothstone Consulting, helps people understand how to work more effectively together through consulting, training, coaching, and public speaking. His passion is sharing real world skills that not only affect the bottom line of organizations, but change people’s lives. Prior to Smoothstone, Shawn was the CEO of Triad USA Marketing Group, Inc. for over eleven years.