Building a Performance Culture!
09/23/02
Larry Bossidy, Honeywell Chairman, has something to say about executives who build consistent performance cultures: "Leaders of companies that seem to consistently execute have six things in common. One: Realism. They remove the rose-colored glasses and dump the excuses. Two: They know their business, and not just an inch deep and a mile wide. Three: They set clear goals. People want to know what you expect from them. Ambiguity is a bad thing in business. Four: They take a big role in expanding people by coaching, challenging and educating. If CEOs are going to promote people, they ought to know at least the top 500 in the company. Five: Know yourself. Humility is an important feature in being successful. The bigger the ego, the less willing you are to admit mistakes. If you don't admit mistakes, you don't learn anything. Ego containment is crucial. Six: Reward the doers. People understand who gets valued, who gets rewarded. If you reward equally, you will chase out the good players and keep the others. You'll have a kind of socialism, which is inconsistent with a performance culture."
You may not be a CEO, but you are responsible for your team. Take an optimistic and realistic look at the challenges you face. Optimists can take off the rose-colored glasses, because they actually believe they and their team can do something about the challenges they face. Challenge your people with stretch goals. Do your part to help promote, value, and reward the best. Have the humility to admit your own mistakes and listen to what your team has to say. You don't have to wait for others to take the first step. Have you built a performance culture for your team? If not, get busy doing so.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
This week's mirthful moment comes to us from Dan Poynter via Paul S. I hope you enjoy some of these amusing thoughts to ponder:
Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why does mineral water that 'has trickled through mountains for centuries have a 'use by' date?
Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, 'I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here and drink whatever comes out'?
There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
Families are like fudge . . . mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...