Lean Strategy: How to Avoid Biting Off More Than You Can Chew

Posted on May 16, 2013 by

You can read our most recent article for Target (the online publication of the Association of Manufacturing Excellence) on Lean Strategy here.

Enjoy!

© Shawn Casemore 2013. All rights reserved.

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Negotiation Strategy: Getting More Than Your Worth

Posted on May 15, 2013 by

Excited to be delivering the opening keynote at the Saskatchewan Purchasing Management Association on May 30th. If you are interested in improving your negotiation skills either personally or professionally, this event is a must. To learn more you can click here.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

© Shawn Casemore 2013. All rights reserved.

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Communication Complexity in Today’s Workforce

Posted on May 13, 2013 by

The face of organizations as we know them is changing, driven most significantly by multi-generational workforces. Different generations prefer differing means of communication, and failing to engage employees at all levels is a clear recipe for disaster.

From an extreme perspective, simply ignoring these differences will result in both ineffective communications and a lack of understanding between employees, witnessed in various forms including conflict, reduced productivity and poor morale.

So if you are managing amongst a diverse group consisting of various generations, consider the following to help improve the reception and value of your communications.

Baby Boomers: Use email for basic one directional communications, transitioning to face to face discussions for more important matters.

Generation X: Use email predominately, however follow up with face to face discussions when there is a sense of urgency or importance. Provide opportunities for small groups to consider your communications and to reach consensus on how best to move forward on what you have requested.

Millenials: Keep communications brief (i.e. instant messaging or texts). For more important discussions, hold in a group forum allowing those in attendance to freely discuss their thoughts and opinions relative to what you are trying to convey. Be open and receptive to feedback and avoid making harsh decisions without considering feedback first.

The diversity in today’s workforce provides both challenges and opportunities. Taking time to consider how to best position and portray your communications is the only means to increase your effectiveness and establish an environment in which others are receptive to both yourself and your message.

Spend less time talking and more time thinking about how to convey your message.

© Shawn Casemore 2013. All rights reserved.

 

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Shawn’s Friday Five: Tips to Improve Your Performance

Posted on May 10, 2013 by

1. Spend more time listening to others than talking. You will be seen as more polite (leading to improved relationships) and you will learn a tremendous amount about the other person. Knowledge is power.

2. Overcome your personal filters. Whether you know it or not how you communicate is filtered by your personality style and behavioral styles, and influenced by your cultural and generational preferences. Put yourself in the shoes of others with whom you communicate to reduce the impact of your personal filters.

3. What’s in the other person’s best interest? Always put yourself in the shoes of the other person? If you consider what’s in their best you will be in a much better position to engage, motivate and (if required) influence the other person.

4. Always look for the positive. We often approach discussions waiting to pounce on the other person when they slip up or say something that we can disagree with. Try expecting the best from others. You will find less tension in your discussions, and you just might be surprised at the positive outcomes.

5. A realist is a pessimist in disguise. If you call yourself anything but an optimist, you are a pessimist. Plain and simple. Whether the glass is half full or half empty, there is enough to quench your thirst. Drink up!

© Shawn Casemore 2013. All rights reserved.

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Do You Get It?

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

If you ever think that the person you are speaking with  “just doesn’t get it,” I’ve got some bad news for you. It just might be you who doesn’t get it.

There are so many different factors at play impacting our communications, it’s no wonder we have any meaningful discussions at all.

  • Personality styles
  • Behavioral styles
  • Generational differences
  • Cultural differences

If your communication is of any importance, the only way to be effective is to invest some face time. If you don’t see that, well I just don’t think you get it.

© Shawn Casemore 2013. All rights reserved.

Posted in Communication | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Operational Leadership Video Series: Effective Strategy Execution

Posted on May 8, 2013 by

Studies have shown repeatedly that most strategies fail during implementation. In this video clip I share some tips on how to ensure strategy remains on track to achieve your vision.

Feel free to contact me with your comments or ideas for future videos.

© Shawn Casemore 2013. All rights reserved.

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New Developmental Opportunities with Shawn!

Posted on May 7, 2013 by

I wanted to share with you some new developmental opportunities that are approaching fast! These are excellent programs and are absolutely no charge.

Optimizing Inventory Teleseminar: How to reduce your investment in inventory and maximize profits!

Monday May 27, 2013, 11AM – 12PM EST
Register for free here

In this teleseminar I discuss how to quickly design and implement an inventory strategy that will maximize profits and radically improve your customer order fulfillment. You will quickly learn how to identify the weaknesses in your existing inventory management program, as well as how to “plug” inventory leaks and build a solid inventory management strategy. In addition I will provide proven techniques to minimize inventory investment over the long-term, freeing up cash flow for other more important initiatives.

Operational Leadership Webinar:
Effective Leadership For Maximum Results

June 24, 2013 11AM – 12:00 PM EST
Details & Free Registration here.

In this 60 minute webinar we will contrast the difference between effective and ineffective front line leaders. We will discuss how to develop effective leaders to manage the front lines, balancing the strategic demands of senior management with the tactical needs of employees, all with the focus of delivering the organizations strategy.

© Shawn Casemore 2013. All rights reserved.

 

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