Tag: Managing people

Learnings

If you’re about to promote someone, tell them they would be doing you a great favor. It will make them feel doubly important

Chris Labs

Woodrow Wilson followed that policy even when inviting William Gibbs McAdoo to become a member of his cabinet. That was the highest honor he could confer upon anyone, and yet Wilson extended the invitation in such a way as to make as to make McAdoo feel doubly important. Here is the story in McAdoo’s own words:”He [Wilson] said that he was making up his cabinet and that he would be very glad if I would accept a place in it as Secretary of the Treasury. He had a delightful way of putting things; he created the impression that by accepting … Continue reading If you’re about to promote someone, tell them they would be doing you a great favor. It will make them feel doubly important

Learnings

If an employee performance is down, do the following:

Chris Labs

“Bill,” he said, “you are a fine mechanic. You have been in this line of work for a good number of years. You have repaired many vehicles to the customers’ satisfaction. In fact, we’ve had a number of compliments about the good work you have done. Yet, of late, the time you take to complete each job has been increasing and your work havs not been up to your own old standards. Because you have been such an outstanding mechanic in the past, I felt sure you would want to know that I am not happy with this situation, and … Continue reading If an employee performance is down, do the following:

Being CEO, Learnings

Asking questions instead of giving orders often stimulates creativity

Chris Labs

When Ian Macdonald of Johannesburg, South Africa, the general manager of a small manufacturing plant had the opportunity to accept a very large order, he was convinced that he would not meet the promised delivery date. The work already scheduled in the shop and the short order completion time needed for this order made it seem impossible for him to accept the order. Instead of pushing his people to accelerate their work and rush the order through, he called everybody together, explained the situation to them, and told them how much it would mean to the company and to them … Continue reading Asking questions instead of giving orders often stimulates creativity

Learnings

When talking to someone, change “but” to “and”

Chris Labs

Many people begin their criticism with sincere praise followed by the word “but” and ending with a critical statement. Example: We might say “We’re really proud of you, Johnnie, for raising your grades this term. But if you had worked harder on your algebra, the results would have been better.” In this case, Johnnie might feel encouraged until he heard the word “but”. He might then question the sincerity of the original praise. This could be easily overcome by changing the word “but” to “and”. “We’re really proud of you, Johnnie, for raising your grades this term and by continuing … Continue reading When talking to someone, change “but” to “and”

Learnings

Assume that he or she is sincere, honest, truthful.

Chris Labs

When no information can be secured about the customer, the only sound basis on which to proceed is to assume that he or she is sincere, honest, truthful, and willing and anxious to pay the charges, once convinced they are correct. To put it differently and perhaps more clearly, people are honest and want to discharge their obligations. -Principle 10, How to Win Friends and Influence People, p.217 Continue reading Assume that he or she is sincere, honest, truthful.