http://articles.getacoder.com/business/change_management.htm Free Content For Your Website http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ Effective management of change is key to a successful organization. How good are you at managing change? Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:23:19 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Managing_Change_1412128x1221373399.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Managing_Change_1412128x1221373399.htm Managers need to concentrate their attention on high priority areas. In today's fast-moving society it's easy to get scattered in focus and effort. The result is underperformance and missed opportunities. Focused management attention produces the best results. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:14:07 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Attention_Managers!_-_Focus_Your_Attention!_1386063x1217506447.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Attention_Managers!_-_Focus_Your_Attention!_1386063x1217506447.htm Any good change management strategy needs to be worked as a project, or even a collection of projects. The projects need to be professionally managed. The project manager role is not always fully appreciated, but your leadership reputation may depend on the effectiveness of your project manager. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:02:56 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Strategies_For_Managing_Change_-_The_Project_Manager_1545738x1217455376.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Strategies_For_Managing_Change_-_The_Project_Manager_1545738x1217455376.htm Change is a powerful business force. It can wipe you out or it can make you an overnight success. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:48:31 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Only_Thing_Constant_is_Change_1386028x1217278111.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Only_Thing_Constant_is_Change_1386028x1217278111.htm Effective testing can make or break the success of your change effort. Here are five tips to help make sure your change project doesn't break. Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:23:50 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Testing_Business_Change_-_Five_Steps_to_Improve_the_Practical_Impact_of_Your_Change_Implementation_1412133x1217147030.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Testing_Business_Change_-_Five_Steps_to_Improve_the_Practical_Impact_of_Your_Change_Implementation_1412133x1217147030.htm Some might say that the wonder of opening a dollar store business is gone. To them, in today's economy there just isn't a way to make a profit. Costs are too high and they are going ever higher. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:38:26 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Your_Dollar_Store_Business_With_the_Changing_Times_1545742x1217111906.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Your_Dollar_Store_Business_With_the_Changing_Times_1545742x1217111906.htm Every profession has its specialists. It is an indication that a field has become sufficiently complex to require the talents of someone with particularized expertise. Executive management is no exception. To lead and lead effectively is no easy feat. You only need to take note of the number of mediocre and completely dysfunctional organizations in operation to see proof of that. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:49:07 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Turnaround_Specialists_Black_Bag_1533916x1217015347.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Turnaround_Specialists_Black_Bag_1533916x1217015347.htm Knowledge sharing is a cornerstone of knowledge management. The flow of ideas, data, information, and decisions are al part of the knowledge culture in an organization. In the absence of a formal knowledge management system, there are three types of people that move knowledge; A Hub, a pulse-taker, and a gatekeeper. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:02:35 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Knowledge_Sharing_in_an_Organization_-_Three_Types_of_People_1545744x1216980155.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Knowledge_Sharing_in_an_Organization_-_Three_Types_of_People_1545744x1216980155.htm An under performing person - in varying degrees of severity - places a strain on an organisation by failing to achieve targets. One under performing person is a problem; several constitute a crisis, so what are you doing about it? My article will outline with crystal clarity why business owners need to take swift action to root out underperforming staff, or risk total business collapse! Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:28:06 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Are_You_Doing_About_Underperforming_Staff_In_Your_Business_1386081x1216790886.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Are_You_Doing_About_Underperforming_Staff_In_Your_Business_1386081x1216790886.htm A common perception is that cultural change has to start at the very top of an organization. But studies and field experience has shown that culture change can begin with the sub-culture of a work-group where a manager who is one or two levels down from senior management decides to become and Island of Excellence® in a sea of mediocrity. As objective evidence of believable performance improvement becomes known to other managers, change often goes horizontal across the organization through other work-groups, then up through the line organization to top managers. The Breckenridge Institute® has developed ten guidelines that managers should follow when under-taking this kind of culture change. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:00:31 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Ten_Guidelines_For_Managers_Who_Want_to_Create_Culture_Change_1412136x1216789231.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Ten_Guidelines_For_Managers_Who_Want_to_Create_Culture_Change_1412136x1216789231.htm Business change projects waste a lot of time and money on poorly run meetings. In this article, you will learn some tips to reduce these costs and increase the value of your meetings. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:34:36 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Change_Implementation_Meetings_-_How_to_Make_Them_Faster_and_More_Productive_1533917x1216762476.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Change_Implementation_Meetings_-_How_to_Make_Them_Faster_and_More_Productive_1533917x1216762476.htm Supervision requires attention to multiple sources of information. Talk to your folks about where they've been, as well as where they'd like to go. Talk to your own boss, more than once, about expectations and how success will be measured from that perspective. Over the course of several conversations, get a feel for the amount and kinds of pressures coming down from on high, and under what circumstances. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:58:55 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Supervisors_-_Know_Whats_Expected,_And_How_Success_Will_Be_Measured_1386067x1216724335.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Supervisors_-_Know_Whats_Expected,_And_How_Success_Will_Be_Measured_1386067x1216724335.htm Article explains the reasons why a company should certify to ISO9001:2000. ISO9001:2000 provides a solid basis for managing a business while providing other benefits including acceptability to Government procurement and export markets. ISO9001:2000 improves Quality, Internal and External Communications and Customer Satisfaction. By having a third party certify its Quality System, a company increases its credibility in the marketplace. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:24:17 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Should_I_Certify_to_ISO_9001:2000_1533920x1216686257.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Should_I_Certify_to_ISO_9001:2000_1533920x1216686257.htm The economic downturn means that cost removal is high on the business agenda. But it is hard to take the right costs out of a business quickly without damage and undue pain. While cost removal is never easy, the five steps below can greatly help your chances of success. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:59:53 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Remove_Business_Cost_-_5_Steps_to_a_More_Effective_Lower_Cost_Business_1533925x1216681193.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Remove_Business_Cost_-_5_Steps_to_a_More_Effective_Lower_Cost_Business_1533925x1216681193.htm In order to drive change you need to change people's behavior. One of the most overlooked factors that drive behaviors is the physical work environment, and one of the greatest strategies for managing change is to use that environment to your advantage. It's easy, it's usually inexpensive, and it works. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:52:28 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Strategies_For_Managing_Change_-_Use_Your_Walls_1533918x1216637548.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Strategies_For_Managing_Change_-_Use_Your_Walls_1533918x1216637548.htm Oil prices are rocketing and having a flow-on effect to all aspects of business and home life. Every busnesses, whether large or small is going to have to get creative and get smart. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:02:30 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/15_Ways_to_Beat_a_Recession_1533924x1216630950.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/15_Ways_to_Beat_a_Recession_1533924x1216630950.htm Start-Up projects are distinguished by its intensive terms of performance, high importance and increased risks for a company. The realization of such projects leads to a significant physical, intellectual and emotional tension of managers engaged in rapidly changing and unpredictable start-up work. So success of such works depends on special project managers' skills and experience. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:11:44 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Project_Start-Up_1533919x1216563104.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Project_Start-Up_1533919x1216563104.htm Deciding to choose the method of organisational change management for the change process within your business comes with many benefits. Organisational change management uses the type of structure that prevents resistance, and, therefore, prevents failure of the project itself. All too often business implement change without any type of plan or communication to the parties affected by the change. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:32:32 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Do_You_Need_Organisational_Change_Management_1516695x1216542752.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Do_You_Need_Organisational_Change_Management_1516695x1216542752.htm Attempts at introducing change in an organization fails 70% of the time. The resistance to change is so great that disengaged individuals within an organization will tend to sabotage your management efforts, even though the change may be critical to the survival of the organization. Management who use different ways of treating this resistance will not only get the change they need, but enhance productivity at the same time. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:38:38 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Prevent_Failure_by_Dissolving_Resistance_1533921x1216535918.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Prevent_Failure_by_Dissolving_Resistance_1533921x1216535918.htm Print isn't dead, but it's wheezing, and no one knows that better than you, the publisher. Ad revenues are dropping, circulation is declining and even major newspaper companies like McClatchy are facing massive lay-offs. You have to find new ways to monetize content if your publication is going to continue thriving. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:55:14 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Monetizing_Newspaper_Content_Requires_a_Shift_in_Perspective_1533922x1216529714.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Monetizing_Newspaper_Content_Requires_a_Shift_in_Perspective_1533922x1216529714.htm Is yours an organization where people feel safe -- and obliged -- to share their opinions and ideas? If not, your change management activities may be doomed. Watch out for the behaviors that are working against you. They're not always easy to spot. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:18:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Better_Communication_Skills_-_Silence_and_Violence_1516694x1216419493.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Better_Communication_Skills_-_Silence_and_Violence_1516694x1216419493.htm Part of a leader's job is to create the boundaries for those being led. Even though boundaries are necessary, if they are set unclearly or incorrectly, they can stifle productivity and creativity rather than create the support and help they were designed to provide. These five suggestions will help you examine your fence posts and encourage you to expand your team's boundaries. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:53:01 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Dont_Fence_Me_In_1386041x1216284781.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Dont_Fence_Me_In_1386041x1216284781.htm The conflict among partners usually comes to a head when they don't know how to resolve a disagreement. However, it need not be that way at all. Successful partnerships The Partnership Charter: How to Start Out Right With Your New Business Partnership (Or Fix the One You're in) can and do exist, and what's more, there is a deliberate process behind them. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:13:44 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Partnerships_-_When_to_Say_I_Do_1516708x1216278824.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Partnerships_-_When_to_Say_I_Do_1516708x1216278824.htm Economists, financial analysts, and politicians are increasing their rhetoric about an economic recession; yet few are discussing what we as business owners can do to increase our profitability and grow our business in a period of slowed economic activity. As a business consultant it does me little good to place myself in a theater and shout "Fire." There is enough of that to go around. For my clients, my business mentoring role is to encourage proactive and positive leadership by enabling business owners to increase their competitive advantage and add further value to their customers needs by participating in the economic recovery. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:00:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/I_Am_Willing_To_Participate_In_A_Recovery_-_Five_Easy_Strategies_To_Grow_And_Be_Profitable!_1386037x1216245609.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/I_Am_Willing_To_Participate_In_A_Recovery_-_Five_Easy_Strategies_To_Grow_And_Be_Profitable!_1386037x1216245609.htm There's an old saying that says nothing is certain but change. This certainly applies to your projects in IT industry. I've never had the experience of working on a project that went from Initiation to Closing according to the original project plan with making any changes. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:31:45 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_and_IT_Projects_1516696x1216222305.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_and_IT_Projects_1516696x1216222305.htm The news reports that businesses fail for a variety of reasons. Mismanagement, the economy, competition, lack of capital and poor customer service just to name a few. But in reality, all of these reasons come down to one word - fear. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:19:39 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Fear_-_The_Real_Reason_a_Business_Fails_1516702x1216196379.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Fear_-_The_Real_Reason_a_Business_Fails_1516702x1216196379.htm When it's time to teach new processes or technology as part of your change management efforts, do you turn to professionals? If you do, you're spending a lot of money on the second best solution, when the best will only cost you time. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:05:37 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_Concepts_-_The_Leader_As_Teacher_1516699x1216173937.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_Concepts_-_The_Leader_As_Teacher_1516699x1216173937.htm What happens when you want to introduce change in your business? Does the top team spend weeks on meetings and memos, call the staff to a big meeting, announce the change with an impressive array of PowerPoint slides, only for the employees to file out whispering 'here we go again'? Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:05:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Win_at_Leading_Change_1516703x1216170342.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Win_at_Leading_Change_1516703x1216170342.htm Want to change the culture? It's not like software. You can't install the new culture, test it for a while, and then cut over on a weekend. How do you know what to change, and how do you know if you've succeeded or failed? Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:01:29 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Corporate_Culture_-_What_Does_it_Mean_1516697x1216137689.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Corporate_Culture_-_What_Does_it_Mean_1516697x1216137689.htm The changes are important for the success and survival of a business venture. Whereas the changes on large scale can be threatening as it may jeopardise the purpose of the business venture. Some big changes like Mergers, company reorganisation etc need to be handled with patience and professional approach. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:03:04 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Tips_to_Ensure_Smooth_Organisational_Transitions_1412132x1216036984.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Tips_to_Ensure_Smooth_Organisational_Transitions_1412132x1216036984.htm Problem solving, which is our conventional approach to change, is instrumental in creating resistance and slowing or neutralizing attempts to create change. However, every person or organisation has inherent creativity, capability, imagination and success and if we begin from this perspective then a new approach to change is possible. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:24:25 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Without_Resistance_1386094x1215937465.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Without_Resistance_1386094x1215937465.htm In an attempt to define an effective set of management processes, ISO 9001:2000 has a section devoted to the management of the contract process. Earlier versions of the Standard (e.g. ISO9001:1994) defined this activity as Contract Review, a clear indication of its nature and purpose. ISO 9001:2000 has located it in a section (7.2.2) "Review of requirements related to the product". Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:12:51 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Management_Of_The_Contract_Process_Through_ISO9001_1386032x1215742371.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Management_Of_The_Contract_Process_Through_ISO9001_1386032x1215742371.htm My quest for a way to make room for change was prompted by the need to schedule more time to do copy writing for my clients. The first question was how much time do I schedule when I don't know how much time it will take to do the job? In order to make room for change, I had to rethink what I already had in place. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:52:55 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Thoughtful_Ways_to_Make_Room_For_Change_1454298x1215719575.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Thoughtful_Ways_to_Make_Room_For_Change_1454298x1215719575.htm Have you made changes recently with your company? Whenever you want to add a new partner, director, secretary or share holder to your company, it is imperative to contact your regulatory body in the country or region you are in (ie ASIC, Company House). As part of having a business in most countries you have to keep them updated with all of your current information. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:33:24 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/If_You_Have_Made_Changes_to_Your_Company_Then_Make_Sure_You_Read_This_Article_1500491x1215686004.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/If_You_Have_Made_Changes_to_Your_Company_Then_Make_Sure_You_Read_This_Article_1500491x1215686004.htm If you know who the key opinion leaders in your organization are, you know who you need to educate, engage and win over to drive change management. Succeed with the key opinion leaders, and you'll be amazed at how quickly the rest of the organization will follow! Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:19:17 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Key_Opinion_Leaders_-_Engaging_the_Key_Opinion_Leaders_For_Successful_Change_Management_1516711x1215674357.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Key_Opinion_Leaders_-_Engaging_the_Key_Opinion_Leaders_For_Successful_Change_Management_1516711x1215674357.htm Most companies holding a certification to ISO9001 have done so for many years and although the standard call for 'Continual Improvement' this is often product or service based and often reflects the normal organic growth. While there is nothing intrinsically wrong with this approach, Directors are not always taking advantage of the latest techniques and processes. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:19:44 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Value_is_an_External_Consultant_1386022x1215641984.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Value_is_an_External_Consultant_1386022x1215641984.htm Whether it's a company wide or department change, you still have to motivate your team to understand, participate and accept the required changes. In order to motivate your staff, you need to plan...plan...plan. What do you need to plan? Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:33:25 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Plan_Workplace_Changes_1386079x1215628405.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Plan_Workplace_Changes_1386079x1215628405.htm As a result of this diverse population and changing American lifestyles, large multinational companies are losing talent and resources to the threat of people going into business for themselves. The reality is that telecommuting, flexible work hours and leading virtual teams are no longer just "nice-to-haves" in big companies, but they are essential for retaining talent and minimizing turnover. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:42:35 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Adapting_Fast_Enough_1506617x1215614555.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Adapting_Fast_Enough_1506617x1215614555.htm With organizations growing large and global every second, a single strategy could be catastrophic. In order to cope with market transparency, labor mobility, global capital flows, and instantaneous communications, one has to be open to change. Changes become all the more difficult to implement when they are targeted towards souls (people). Bringing change in humans is perhaps the most difficult, but the most important task for any top management of an organization. Plans themselves do not capture value; value is realized only through the sustained, collective actions of employees. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:21:08 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Time_to_Change_With_Change_Management_1500492x1215602468.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Time_to_Change_With_Change_Management_1500492x1215602468.htm In many cases they include the drama of tense and difficult negotiations and the pulse racing challenge of meeting a tight deadline and raising sufficient capital to fund the purchase. Add to this, challenges from outside competition and you may be wondering why MBO's are actually a daily occurance in the UK. Management Buy Outs happen when the company in question becomes available because the owner wants out, or the current management team see that their business has outgrown the parent company. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:48:36 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Business_Of_Management_Buy_Outs_-_How_To_Avoid_The_Pitfalls_1386061x1215578916.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Business_Of_Management_Buy_Outs_-_How_To_Avoid_The_Pitfalls_1386061x1215578916.htm Employees will always react to change...positive or negative reactions. It doesn't matter if the change is major or if it's a minor change to a process. People react! So how do you as a manager handle your team's reaction to a change? Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:14:08 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Employees_Reactions_to_Change_1386089x1215544448.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Employees_Reactions_to_Change_1386089x1215544448.htm If you looking to change the culture of your company or small business to become more creative and innovative, one of the best things you can do is to introduce a structured idea management system into your daily business practice. Here are five reasons why it's vital to your business. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:03:51 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Managing_Your_Idea_Process_is_Vital_to_Your_Business_1500498x1215493431.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Managing_Your_Idea_Process_is_Vital_to_Your_Business_1500498x1215493431.htm A leader in any field has to set an example to others, more so in business, he has to be a role model. A leader has to be a good listener. Honesty and integrity are extremely important for any good leader. The leader should choose team members who can complement each others skills. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:51:31 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Leadership_-_Qualities_of_a_Good_Leader_1386073x1215478291.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Leadership_-_Qualities_of_a_Good_Leader_1386073x1215478291.htm In the last couple of weeks Robert Mugabe's position has become increasingly ridiculous and untenable, even in the eyes of some who previously were reluctant to speak out. Most despots didn't start off that way, they started off with ideals, some of them well intentioned, but perhaps as David Owen (Lord Owen) argued in his recent book, perhaps there is a "medical" condition to do with the effect of power on previously rational and high valued people that causes them to become blind to their own actions. This distortion is clear to see in extremes like Mugabe's, but by definition more difficult to spot in ourselves. Leaders of organisations aren't immune to the effect that power can have on the way they manage and lead, blind as they often are to the gap between how they think they are coming across to those around them and the effect their actions and decisions are actually having. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:34:55 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Boiling_Frogs_1500493x1215444895.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Boiling_Frogs_1500493x1215444895.htm "We think performance measures are important, yes, but we just don't have the time for it!" You'll never hear these words uttered in a business or organisation that is truly successful. And that's because success depends on being able to make measurable progress toward your goals. It's not an accident. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:32:15 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Too_Busy_NOT_to_Measure_1386026x1215433935.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Too_Busy_NOT_to_Measure_1386026x1215433935.htm Statistics frequently lead us down the garden path as we look at each finding and muse on the implications. Put all the findings together and you quickly see that the consciousness that got us into the situation is not the consciousness that will lead us out. To make the shift, out of the box learning is required along with a desire to forge a future with greater hope. This takes courage, leadership and the intrinsic talent held in the leader within. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:04:17 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/13_Reasons_For_Radical_Action_-_Keeping_Pace_With_the_Speed_of_Thought_1500496x1215428657.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/13_Reasons_For_Radical_Action_-_Keeping_Pace_With_the_Speed_of_Thought_1500496x1215428657.htm Assessment of your in-house talent pool can offer you a much larger talent pool than you may have thought. Here are a few ideas for easily assessing your in-house talent pool. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:41:59 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_Your_In-House_Talent_to_Build_Sustainable_Change_Management_1386091x1215412919.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_Your_In-House_Talent_to_Build_Sustainable_Change_Management_1386091x1215412919.htm Change doesn't always have to be immediate, major, or risky. Incremental change is one way to achieve progress while avoiding some of the turmoil. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:26:27 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Incrementalism_-_A_Path_to_Change_1500497x1215397587.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Incrementalism_-_A_Path_to_Change_1500497x1215397587.htm A person has a comparative advantage at producing something if he can produce it at lower cost than anyone else - this is what i remember of studying this as part of macro economics during my intermediate college, graduation and of course as part of my Management graduation. So the point I am trying to make is that the outsourcing or I would like to call it as comparative advantage is not a new concept and definitely not correct on anybodies part to complain that it has eaten up their job. If that is the case so, I should cry ... Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:39:50 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Comparative_Advantage_1500494x1215387590.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Comparative_Advantage_1500494x1215387590.htm Learn the top tips that will help you deliver a successful change project. A seasoned executive coach gives advice on making any change project a success. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:08:15 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Executive_Coaching_&_Change_Management_-_Top_Tips_For_Delivering_A_Successful_Change_Program_1386056x1215338895.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Executive_Coaching_&_Change_Management_-_Top_Tips_For_Delivering_A_Successful_Change_Program_1386056x1215338895.htm Everything changes. Organizations that try to implement too much change at once run the risk of alienating employees and adversely affecting performance. The key to implementing change is to find small changes that create exponential results. Review this list of five small or incremental changes that when done inspire passionate performance. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:07:49 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Incremental_Changes,_Exponential_Results_-_Making_Small_Changes_Can_Inspire_Passionate_Performance_1500495x1215320869.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Incremental_Changes,_Exponential_Results_-_Making_Small_Changes_Can_Inspire_Passionate_Performance_1500495x1215320869.htm This article outlines the reasons why you should use an experienced executive coach to help you with change programs. Also giving some real world references as to the culture of successful change and why 70% of change projects fail. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:50:10 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Executive_Coaching_&_Change_Management_-_Why_You_Should_Use_An_Executive_Coach_To_Help_With_Change_1386071x1215312610.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Executive_Coaching_&_Change_Management_-_Why_You_Should_Use_An_Executive_Coach_To_Help_With_Change_1386071x1215312610.htm The productivity profile of a coach didn't include a very important issue: change. A coach is a manager of a team and responsible for the performance of the team. When a team is under-performing for some period of time, like was the case with Valencia, than the (new) coach is not only a coach but also a change manager. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:52:57 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_New_Coach_-_What_Can_He_Do_The_Valencia_Case_1386085x1215291177.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_New_Coach_-_What_Can_He_Do_The_Valencia_Case_1386085x1215291177.htm Innovation, consistently high standards and speed are necessities in the competitive environment of today's business world. In this fast-paced business world, there is little room for error or experiment. In both small and large organizations the pressure for success is huge. The ability to become a new type of manager in the Information Age and transition change seamlessly is what separates great managers from good managers. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:36 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Fostering_a_Positive_Climate_For_Change_1386024x1215260916.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Fostering_a_Positive_Climate_For_Change_1386024x1215260916.htm To manage effectively across the organization, acute awareness regarding the interdependency of departments, partnerships, culture, and subcultures is critical. Amplified global competition, rapidly developing advancements in technology, and the fluctuations of customer demand have produced shorter product life cycles, thus creating the need for faster product development. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:26:34 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change-Management_in_the_Twentyfirst_Century_-_Best_Practices_1412126x1215257194.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change-Management_in_the_Twentyfirst_Century_-_Best_Practices_1412126x1215257194.htm As many of you well know the Pareto Principle, or the 80-20 rule, affirms that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. For example 80% of what you wear each day is, in actuality, comprised of only 20% of your entire wardrobe. Same thing with the items you may use in your office, and the groceries you eat in the course of a week, and the colleagues you email during your work day. In all cases, 80% of the items you use are only 20% of all of your options. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:11:37 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Pareto_Principle_-_The_8020_Rule_1386062x1215195097.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Pareto_Principle_-_The_8020_Rule_1386062x1215195097.htm Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke climbed Capital Hill on Wednesday with some bad news. "It now appears likely that gross domestic product (GDP) will not grow much, if at all, over the first half of 2008 and could even contract slightly." By one definition of the word, six consecutive months of decline in the GDP (the value of all goods and services produced in the United States) constitutes a recession. What can you do to protect your business? Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:19:46 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Recession-Proof_Your_Business_1386105x1215181186.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Recession-Proof_Your_Business_1386105x1215181186.htm I met John by appointment in his office just before the Christmas holiday some years ago while I was still an Independent Financial advisor. The appointment had been made for me by my staff so I had no prior contact with him. The meeting was arranged on the basis that I would show him how to reduce his company tax by deflecting profits into his own account, in other words I was there to sell him a company pension scheme. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:26:08 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/If_Only_I_Had_Told_Him_Sooner!_1386086x1215026768.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/If_Only_I_Had_Told_Him_Sooner!_1386086x1215026768.htm Creating inspired visions based around shared value, principles and innovation are important starting points for radical change. But something more is needed to make change lasting. People and teams need to reorganise around the new things that need to be delivered. The need to ship something new transforms inspiring words into concrete actions. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:04:46 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Build_Something_If_You_Want_to_Build_Great_Teams_1486093x1215025486.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Build_Something_If_You_Want_to_Build_Great_Teams_1486093x1215025486.htm That age old question, what makes a great leader, can be answered if you know where to look. Find out more in this article. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:31:10 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/So_What_Makes_a_Great_Leader_1474476x1215012670.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/So_What_Makes_a_Great_Leader_1474476x1215012670.htm In any improvement process, managing the influence of change and the anti-change culture that will continually try to raise its head will be one of the most ardent tasks. Learn to deal with this as effectively as you do the project management itself. There are many well-written books on the subject of change in every category of change that you could imagine. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:48:44 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_Change_in_a_Quality_Culture_1488146x1214995724.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_Change_in_a_Quality_Culture_1488146x1214995724.htm Change in organizations is constant. But "early adopters" have certain characteristics. When you know what to look for you can identify them make the change process smoother and more effective for managers, supervisors and employees. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:00:58 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Managing_Your_People_Through_A_Change_Process_1386083x1214978458.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Managing_Your_People_Through_A_Change_Process_1386083x1214978458.htm In today's modern world nothing stays static. For businesses and individuals to keep up with today's busy world, Change Management can ease the transition from old practices to new practices in a painless and effective manner. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:19:29 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_Enhances_Business_1486094x1214954369.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_Enhances_Business_1486094x1214954369.htm Having started and run over 40 businesses (including a couple of failures), I know from personal experience that successfully making the transition from a family run business to a professionally managed organization is difficult and challenging. Done right, however, the reward (in terms of unleashed business growth) is far greater than the challenge. This informative article lays out the four biggest challenges in making this transition and then addresses each in turn, giving you the full picture of how to manage effectively this change and take your organization to the next level of success. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:29:11 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Transitioning_From_a_Family_Run_Business_to_a_Professionally_Managed_Company_1486096x1214936951.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Transitioning_From_a_Family_Run_Business_to_a_Professionally_Managed_Company_1486096x1214936951.htm One of the key tasks for a new leader is to achieve 2-3 "small enough to win, big enough to matter" wins within their first 100 days of joining a new company or accepting a new role. Yet often their new team doesn't understand the need for change or is fears disrupting the status quo. New leaders can apply the four key strategies of the "Power of Surprise" to connect their new team with the need for change. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:45:07 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Power_of_Surprise_-_How_New_Leaders_Can_Connect_Their_Team_With_the_Need_For_Change_1474475x1214923507.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Power_of_Surprise_-_How_New_Leaders_Can_Connect_Their_Team_With_the_Need_For_Change_1474475x1214923507.htm Most employees (and people in general) are afraid of change; they perfer to stay in their pattern behaviors than embrace change. However, when we understand our talents and our natural strengths, we can learn to play to them when change arrives. This encourages our confidence and soon, we use change to invent, discover and rebuild greater responses. Fear of the unknown is vanquished when we focus on what we are good at and respond from our areas of strength or talent. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:21:14 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Who_is_Afraid_of_the_Big_Bad_Change_Focus_on_Talents_to_Survive_the_Changing_Workplace_1439385x1214918474.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Who_is_Afraid_of_the_Big_Bad_Change_Focus_on_Talents_to_Survive_the_Changing_Workplace_1439385x1214918474.htm Having a business is a challenge especially in health. Learn the ins and outs of competition and how you can compete to other stair lift manufacturers in terms of product creation. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:03:26 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Compete_to_Other_Stair_Lift_Manufacturers_1386103x1214903006.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Compete_to_Other_Stair_Lift_Manufacturers_1386103x1214903006.htm Businesses can face many common obstacles in implementing a good, workable system of idea management. Learning from others' mistakes means you don't have to waste time making the same mistakes. So here are four common obstacles businesses face in idea management and ways to avoid them in your business. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:53:18 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Four_Ways_to_Overcome_Common_Obstacles_in_Idea_Management_1474477x1214884398.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Four_Ways_to_Overcome_Common_Obstacles_in_Idea_Management_1474477x1214884398.htm If you examine all the companies who have successfully implemented any initiative of any kind into an organisation you discover one simple truth; they all have a common understanding and commitment to the initiative which has been chosen at the very top of the organisation. Think of Jack Welsh at GE or Bill Smith at Motorola, they and their board agreed that they would use Six Sigma as their improvement initiative and everyone agreed; the rest is history. This is why you always hear the phrase 'Top Down commitment is essential for successful deployment'. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:42:25 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Team_Understanding_and_Commitment_1412135x1214876545.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Team_Understanding_and_Commitment_1412135x1214876545.htm Change management is one of the most important disciplines of Information Technology Infrastructure management. The Wikipedia defines change management as "The objective of Change Management in this context is to ensure that standardized methods and procedures are used for efficient and prompt handling of all changes to controlled IT infrastructure, in order to minimise the number and impact of any related incidents upon service." Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:31:54 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_is_the_Importance_of_Change_Management_in_Your_Organisation_1486095x1214857914.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_is_the_Importance_of_Change_Management_in_Your_Organisation_1486095x1214857914.htm Have you ever gone back to a place-a store or a restaurant-after some time only to find that it has changed and not for the better? It could be the service, perhaps the product or even just the ambiance of the place. Whatever it is, by the time you walk out you know that you will never go back again. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:01:32 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Requiem_For_A_Fallen_Business_1386111x1214852492.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Requiem_For_A_Fallen_Business_1386111x1214852492.htm Trust is the foundation of all human interactions, and the cornerstone upon which high-performing organizational cultures are built. The Organizational Trust Index was developed by the Breckenridge Institute as a method for measuring the level of trust in an organization and the degree to which an organization's culture is either motivated by trust or driven by fear. Managers have two choices. They can either consciously build organizational trust, or they can allow day-to-day issues, ineffective communication, and misperception to erode trust and develop a fear-based culture. The six perspectives of the Organizational Trust Index can help managers evaluate the level of trust in their organization, determine the degree to which their culture is either motivated by trust or driven by fear, and provide a step-by-step process for building a culture that is based on trust. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:59:40 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Organizational_Trust_Index_as_a_Window_into_Organizational_Culture_1386107x1214827180.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Organizational_Trust_Index_as_a_Window_into_Organizational_Culture_1386107x1214827180.htm Dreams start to die when we become afraid of risk. Here are three tips to making a marketing change. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:21:25 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Risk_Opening_The_Door_To_Business_Success_1386064x1214785285.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Risk_Opening_The_Door_To_Business_Success_1386064x1214785285.htm The 5-S methodology for organizations is designed as a housekeeping and warehouse maintenence tool. Here are some ways to make the implementation go smoothly. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:22:47 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Maximizing_Your_Success_When_Implementing_a_Basic_5-S_Program_1443123x1214770967.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Maximizing_Your_Success_When_Implementing_a_Basic_5-S_Program_1443123x1214770967.htm The Six Sigma methodology is adopted by most of the organizations that aim at overall quality improvement. But what is Six Sigma training? Six Sigma training uses a set of systematic theories that uses statistics as its basic approach in order to solve any complications or queries that may arise, especially the ones that the workers are not aware of. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:13:46 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_Of_Six_Sigma_Training_1386052x1214702026.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_Of_Six_Sigma_Training_1386052x1214702026.htm When you decide to implement Six Sigma, you have to consider people for various roles like master black belts, Black Belts, Green Belts and so on. You need to decide who will be trained as Black Belts. Black Belts work under the Master Black Belts to apply the Six Sigma methodology to specific projects, and they are involved in project execution. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:41:45 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Sigma_Black_Belt_Candidate_Qualities_1471587x1214606505.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Sigma_Black_Belt_Candidate_Qualities_1471587x1214606505.htm Are you truly delighting your customers, or do they see you as just one of many viable alternatives that they could leave at any time? If you're not deciding to act on your customers' best interests, then someone else will. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:46:40 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Even_Better_Than_the_Real_Thing,_Or_Barely_Better_Than_the_Other_Guy_1386047x1214506000.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Even_Better_Than_the_Real_Thing,_Or_Barely_Better_Than_the_Other_Guy_1386047x1214506000.htm For firms to compete today, they must change to meet the demands of the business environment. In fact, change can be used to create a competitive strategy for your organization. By aligning the strengths and values within the organization, it will improve the overall success of the competitive strategy and meet with the long-term goals of the organization. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:18:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Success_-_Organizational_Change_and_Culture_1386095x1214497089.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Success_-_Organizational_Change_and_Culture_1386095x1214497089.htm The ability of an organization to leverage their resources to provide excellent service, to meet and exceed commitments and to move forward technologically is a huge competitive advantage. Some organizations just seem to do a better job than others - one of the main reasons is resourceful leaders - at all levels. What are the qualities resourceful leaders share - regardless of position within an organization? We asked our clients - here's what they identified as eight essentials for resourceful leaders. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:25:38 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Qualities_of_Resourceful_Leaders_1467101x1214493938.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Qualities_of_Resourceful_Leaders_1467101x1214493938.htm Change occurring in a workplace can either be embraced or rejected by the workforce; it all depends on how the management of change is handled. Change Management is a term everybody should know, as it nearly all organizations will go through the process to keep up with technology. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:10:20 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_in_the_Workplace_1386092x1214475020.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_in_the_Workplace_1386092x1214475020.htm If you want your business to be a creative success and break into new markets previously unavailable to you, you need good innovation. Innovation only comes from finding creative and new ideas to solve existing problems. You need to gather, evaluate and manage ideas in your business. Idea management is the term currently used in business to mean the generation and collection of ideas, the tools used to evaluate or assess the ideas and the processes where ideas become new, practical innovations (turning ideas into reality!). Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:31:30 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Ways_to_Encourage_Ideas_in_Your_Business_1467103x1214253090.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Ways_to_Encourage_Ideas_in_Your_Business_1467103x1214253090.htm Creating financial abundance for others and for personal being is my goal. I am an empowered entrepreneur who is constantly building an avenue of wealth with individuals of the same caliber. My mission is to raise the consciousness of individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their lives in order to live masterfully with radiance and abundance. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:18:41 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Does_it_Take_to_Find_Good_Leaders_1467102x1213993121.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Does_it_Take_to_Find_Good_Leaders_1467102x1213993121.htm To better understand part of the reason that change efforts fail, it is important to understand the differences between the cultures of the executive, who usually starts major corporate change initiatives, and the employees. The CEO and/or a handful of leaders at the top of the company are responsible for the short and long term financial success of the organization. Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:12:32 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Organizational_Culture_and_Change_1364892x1207516352.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Organizational_Culture_and_Change_1364892x1207516352.htm In an increasingly knowledge driven world, organizations need sustain velocity by setting up an accelerated learning path that focuses on "real" issues and treating the erstwhile traditional classrooms as problem-solving workshops. The author explains how the mental makeup towards training needs to change to bring about dynamism and accountability. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:18:27 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Delivering_Unmistakable_Value_Through_Training_1488970x1206461907.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Delivering_Unmistakable_Value_Through_Training_1488970x1206461907.htm Change management is a structured approach to change in individuals or organization to achieve a smooth and efficient transition from the current state to a desired state. From an individual perspective, the need for change may be in the area of behavior. From a business perspective, the change may be a new business procedure or policy and/or the adoption of new technology. But managers today are facing a flood of continuous, overlapping, and accelerating change that has turned their organizations upside down and managing people through that kind of change requires effective communication and leadership strategies. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:20:52 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Tips_-_Change_Management_1371271x1205853652.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Tips_-_Change_Management_1371271x1205853652.htm Lean is a methodology that is used to accelerate the velocity and reduce the cost of any process (be it service or manufacturing) by removing waste. Lean is founded on a mathematical result known as Little's Law... Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:50:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_is_Lean_1361953x1205578209.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_is_Lean_1361953x1205578209.htm Benchmarking is simple as a concept but much more involved as a process. The ultimate payoff is that you can become the best of what you do, and continuously improve upon that superiority. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:58:08 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Benchmarking_for_Lean_Six_Sigma_Businesses_or_Processes_for_Projects_1356320x1204945088.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Benchmarking_for_Lean_Six_Sigma_Businesses_or_Processes_for_Projects_1356320x1204945088.htm TPC Analysis seeks to identify, label and understand sources of resistance as either Technical, Political, or Cultural. Building off the Key Constituents Map Template and Attitude Charting Template, This tool helps the team to more clearly understand the nature of the resistance they will likely face and begin to developed a strategy to eliminate or lessen it. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:06:56 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/TPC_Analysis_1208473x1204682816.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/TPC_Analysis_1208473x1204682816.htm Is loyalty hiding at your company? Learn to identify factors that keep it hidden, how to increase employee loyalty and how to increase customer loyalty, revenues and profits. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:02:35 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Peak-A-Boo_-_Is_Loyalty_Hiding_At_Your_Company_1295464x1204531355.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Peak-A-Boo_-_Is_Loyalty_Hiding_At_Your_Company_1295464x1204531355.htm Is it time to review, revise or even rewrite your mission statement or vision statement? Here are three signs that say it's time! Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:10:04 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Review,_Revise,_Rewrite__3_Signs_That_Say_It_Is_Time_to_Work_on_Mission_and_Vision_Statements_1260774x1204467004.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Review,_Revise,_Rewrite__3_Signs_That_Say_It_Is_Time_to_Work_on_Mission_and_Vision_Statements_1260774x1204467004.htm While it is tempting, the application of public capital market practices, those one sees reported in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), is the same as believing that a comparison between an apple and an orange is not a logical fallacy. Each middle market privately held company that successfully manages to maximize their asset value and sell to a substantive buyer has created an individually attractive market opportunity for that buyer. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:05:59 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/All_Transactions_Are_Ad_Hoc_in_Private_Capital-Company_Transactions!_1505769x1204286759.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/All_Transactions_Are_Ad_Hoc_in_Private_Capital-Company_Transactions!_1505769x1204286759.htm In this third of a series of four articles, I will explore what is required to change people's behaviour with regard to serving customers, as an example. This article explores control beliefs. It illustrates how it may be measured and what influence may be brought to bear on it in the workplace. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:43:46 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_3_-_My_Control_1368092x1204109026.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_3_-_My_Control_1368092x1204109026.htm In this second of a series of four articles, I will explore what is required to change people's behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour with regard to serving customers, as an example. This article explores normative beliefs and subjective norms. Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:05:15 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_2_-_Subjective_Norms_1368093x1203948315.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_2_-_Subjective_Norms_1368093x1203948315.htm Any one change is multi-dimensional in terms of time, resources, dependencies, expectations and costs. Every change is subject to further change as internal or external events of situations dictate. Multiple change efforts clash and collide; clarity and cohesion across all change is all but absent or ineffective - cost overruns, delays, quality issues, organization turmoil, stakeholder dissatisfaction, ruined reputations and worse proliferate. In sum; this is normal, this is the rule rather than the exception, this is the Sum of Change. Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:03:08 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Sum_of_Change_1255377x1203908588.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Sum_of_Change_1255377x1203908588.htm 'Change management' today is based on many wrong assumptions: 'people are resistant to change', 'cultural change is a long and painful process', etc. But in Viral Change(TM) mode, people will talk less about 'the programme' and will do more in a way that infects other people, creating 'tipping points' where the new behaviours and the new changes become visible and sustainable. Sun, 24 Feb 2008 03:39:44 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_The_Way_We_Think_About_Change_-_How_Does_Viral_Change_(TM)_Work_1260771x1203842384.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_The_Way_We_Think_About_Change_-_How_Does_Viral_Change_(TM)_Work_1260771x1203842384.htm Today, like yesterday and doubtless tomorrow; change is coming down the pipe and most if not all who read this piece have been, are and will be impacted by change. Depending on your rank and role; you may conceive, approve, plan, execute or be the recipient of efforts to strengthen, grow, streamline, consolidate or simply improve what the business does and how it does it. Here's the bad news - The odds are stacked against you! Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:29:28 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Archaic,_Linear_Thinking_Equals_Business_Improvement_Disaster_1127734x1203733768.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Archaic,_Linear_Thinking_Equals_Business_Improvement_Disaster_1127734x1203733768.htm A rough scientific definition of momentum is "a mass in motion," a force. Momentum is also a business force, and can be described as a series of successes. Political candidates and sports figures talk about it all the time. Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:39:11 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_To_Build_Momentum_In_Your_Business_1504849x1203521951.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_To_Build_Momentum_In_Your_Business_1504849x1203521951.htm The categories to consider in the development of Metrics are discussed in the article. It also touches on the importance of a company's goals and objectives in Metric Development. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:12:55 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Company_Goal_And_Objectives_In_Metric_Development_1351661x1203466375.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Company_Goal_And_Objectives_In_Metric_Development_1351661x1203466375.htm A successful BPR can result in dramatic performance improvements, increase in profits, better business practices, enormous cost reductions, dramatic improvements in productivity and so on. It can also create substantial improvement in quality, customer service, employee satisfaction, profitability and other business goals of the company. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:31:10 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_To_Improve_Your_Business_By_Improving_Business_Processes_1488967x1203121870.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_To_Improve_Your_Business_By_Improving_Business_Processes_1488967x1203121870.htm Innovative leaders are comfortable with ambiguity. They know that there are many answers to any question. They light fires and they put them out. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:39:17 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Start_Fires_and_Put_Them_Out_1504846x1202924357.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Start_Fires_and_Put_Them_Out_1504846x1202924357.htm This article talks about 3 major issues: embracing the need for change, considering the impact of habits and laying the foundation of principles. He who can work within the ebb and flow of these 3 issues will be enriched with professional experiences. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:54:36 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_The_Need_For_Change_-_The_Impact_Of_Habits_And_The_Foundation_Of_Principles_1371272x1202860476.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_The_Need_For_Change_-_The_Impact_Of_Habits_And_The_Foundation_Of_Principles_1371272x1202860476.htm Change means one door is closing and a new one is opening. Are you willing to take the risk to walk through the new door? Do nothing and you will continue to get the same results. Take a chance step from the familiar to the unknown. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:46:17 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Creates_Opportunity_1496414x1202802377.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Creates_Opportunity_1496414x1202802377.htm In the beginning companies created IT and IT was simple. The departments created applications and they were simple. Then companies began to grow. Departments grew and created more applications. Applications began to multiply exponentially. IT was forced to grow without a plan. IT is complex and out of control. Companies need simple again. Companies need SOA. Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:15:24 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Service_Oriented_Architecture_(SOA)_1215861x1202588124.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Service_Oriented_Architecture_(SOA)_1215861x1202588124.htm If your business is to succeed, you need systems and processes that will stabilize your company and support future growth. This is why a well-planned transition strategy is so important. Sat, 09 Feb 2008 05:37:15 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Making_The_Transition_From_An_Entrepreneurship_To_A_Professionally_Run_Business_1260776x1202553435.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Making_The_Transition_From_An_Entrepreneurship_To_A_Professionally_Run_Business_1260776x1202553435.htm Even though Six Sigma evolved with links to manufacturing, its focus is not products, but processes. In IT, Six Sigma works to measure and better both internal processes like network speed and reliability and line of business processes which involve an IT roles. Software development, hardware implementation and testing in the IT domain make IT a big user of processes and therefore compatible to Six Sigma applications. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:01:37 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Sigma_In_IT_Project_Delivery_1071996x1202353297.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Sigma_In_IT_Project_Delivery_1071996x1202353297.htm Success does not mean that you can forget about your customers. Start reducing costs to save money, without thinking of the impact it has on your customers, and you will have no customers left. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:50:26 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Improving_A_Process_By_Adding_Value_For_The_Customer_1084241x1202349026.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Improving_A_Process_By_Adding_Value_For_The_Customer_1084241x1202349026.htm So what is the most important question you can ask? Is there just one? Being a good listener and asking better questions are hallmarks of all remarkable leaders, but is there maybe just one 'most' important question that you need to have at your disposal? Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:55:54 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_is_the_Most_Important_Question_You_Can_Ask_1091882x1202320554.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_is_the_Most_Important_Question_You_Can_Ask_1091882x1202320554.htm Change is a fact of life. What are the key challenges in making change? In life and business we face constant change. Our ability to adapt to new circumstances, new challenges or opportunities has a real bearing on what we achieve. Yet in truth there are many challenges when it comes to change. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:20:50 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Challenges_of_Change_1260773x1202318450.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Challenges_of_Change_1260773x1202318450.htm Communicating change is often the first public step in managing change. It is therefore one of the most important steps. Yet time and time again leaders make these fundamental deadly sins. Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:43:20 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Seven_Deadly_Sins_of_Communicating_Change_1310783x1202067800.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Seven_Deadly_Sins_of_Communicating_Change_1310783x1202067800.htm Define the value HR creates-for customers, employees and investors. Institute measures for your performance, or face the inevitable- outsourcing of your function. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:20:53 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Human_Resource_Deliverables_1024803x1201886453.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Human_Resource_Deliverables_1024803x1201886453.htm Have you ever spoken out at work? Has there ever been a problem with your job tools that you needed to bring the matter to your supervisor's attention? Were you afraid to do this? Afraid of repercussions or of losing you job. Or the possibility of being branded a trouble maker. If you have answered yes or no, read on. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:02:14 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Speaking_Out_At_Work_1201788x1201806134.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Speaking_Out_At_Work_1201788x1201806134.htm Our love-hate relationship with change is reflected in our tenacious clinging to old beliefs on the one hand and indiscriminately embracing new beliefs on the other. Even when the old beliefs don't seem to be working, we often resist accepting new ones and even when the old way works just fine, we jump to the new one just because it is new; this ambivalence has a long, long history in the evolution of mankind. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:26:09 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Our_Love-Hate_Relationship_With_Change_-_Whats_it_All_About_1310784x1201605969.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Our_Love-Hate_Relationship_With_Change_-_Whats_it_All_About_1310784x1201605969.htm Do we really hate change? Or is the lack of control that we fear? How well we cope comes down to our attitude. Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:55:22 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_-_Do_We_Really_Hate_It_947362x1201481722.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_-_Do_We_Really_Hate_It_947362x1201481722.htm The U.S. health care system is a unique system in which competitive market forces influence the development of national health care policies. Cost, quality and access are all unique factors that have help shape the delivery of care. The adoption of other national health care system may only help to stem the reality that health care for all may never be achieved in a competitive market such as the U.S. In the review of other nations the U.S. seems to be the only country that depends on competition as a developmental instrument of health care reform. Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:56:23 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Globalization_of_Health_Care_1173675x1201478183.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Globalization_of_Health_Care_1173675x1201478183.htm Change can be managed effectively through commitment, accountability, and recognition. The first step toward change is requiring everyone to participate whether or not he or she agrees. Having a few naysayers in the crowd lays the groundwork for a more successful implementation. Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:37:37 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Strategies_For_Overcoming_Resistance_To_Organizational_Change_1179756x1201444657.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Strategies_For_Overcoming_Resistance_To_Organizational_Change_1179756x1201444657.htm Maximizing change is more that capitalizing on new growth platforms. It is about creating positive change for the organization, its employees, and customers. If implemented with structure and precision, change can maximize the potential of people and organizations. This article offers ten simple ways to help business leaders maximize the process of change. Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:17:36 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Maximizing_the_Process_of_Change_-_10_Simple_Steps_to_Go_from_Change_to_Growth_906396x1201367856.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Maximizing_the_Process_of_Change_-_10_Simple_Steps_to_Go_from_Change_to_Growth_906396x1201367856.htm Leadership in the complex health care environment in the 21st century will need individuals to be committed to the promotion of team effectiveness. Sarner (2006) suggest leadership is a "power- and value-laden relationship between leaders and followers who intend real changes that reflect their mutual purposes and goals." In plainer language, leadership is the dynamic that galvanizes individuals into groups to make things different or to make things better -- for themselves, for their enterprise, for the world around them. Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:10:58 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Leadership_Model_For_A_21st_Century_Health_Care_Organization_1163832x1201345858.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Leadership_Model_For_A_21st_Century_Health_Care_Organization_1163832x1201345858.htm If you're in the business world, you have either heard of lean manufacturing or six sigma. Almost every company in either the service or manufacturing sector has adopted one of these two disciplines as an improvement methodology. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:06:47 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Lean_Six_Sigma_Roadmap_and_Implementation_Guide_1492871x1201309607.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Lean_Six_Sigma_Roadmap_and_Implementation_Guide_1492871x1201309607.htm Have you ever worked for a Temporary Employment Agency? Did you like it? Did you find it stimulating? Did you get hired as a permanent employee? If you have answered yes or no, read on. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:59:27 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Can_A_Temporary_Employee_Make_A_Change_In_Office_Procedures_1201787x1201237167.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Can_A_Temporary_Employee_Make_A_Change_In_Office_Procedures_1201787x1201237167.htm Leadership plays an important role for any change in business or service organization. The article brings out a fact of the importance of leadership in management of a change process. It also throws light on the reasons for resistance to change and how these can be effectively managed by a correct leadership oriented approach. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:22:23 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Leadership_Matters_In_Managing_Change_Effectively_805939x1201198943.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Leadership_Matters_In_Managing_Change_Effectively_805939x1201198943.htm Is the Measurement process good enough to guide process improvement efforts and to meet customer needs? Lean Six Sigma conducts a Measurement System Analysis (MSA) during the Measure and often the Improve phase to ensure data collection is accutate. Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:56:18 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Measurement_System_Analysis_(MSA)_789019x1201132578.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Measurement_System_Analysis_(MSA)_789019x1201132578.htm Trust is essential for a leader to effectively lead teams through change and transition. The leader must ensure that trust exists before the change initiative begins in order to have the ability to lead the team effectively. Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:48:04 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Magnify_Trust_in_Leadership_1364893x1201114084.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Magnify_Trust_in_Leadership_1364893x1201114084.htm In this final of a series of four articles using Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour, I will explore what is required to change people's behaviour with regard to serving customers, as an example. This article explores intentions and the limitations of actual behavioural control. Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:44:19 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_4_-_My_Intentions_1368091x1201031059.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_4_-_My_Intentions_1368091x1201031059.htm Change Management is on everyone's lips. Yet for Change Management to be successful, organization's have to "change" how they do business internally. It's messier, it means loss of control, it means trusting your people. It also means a greater chance of success. And that's what Change Management is all about! Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:13:22 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/1_Main_Reason_Why_Change_Management_Doesnt_Change_a_Thing_1173674x1200939202.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/1_Main_Reason_Why_Change_Management_Doesnt_Change_a_Thing_1173674x1200939202.htm Changing jobs, or just positions, can be very stressful. Here's how to deal with the "bad" stress and use the "good" stress to move forward. Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:54:22 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Work_Transition_814980x1200765262.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Work_Transition_814980x1200765262.htm As Napoleon's Imperial Guard were wont to say - Some shot will go straight to the target every time; some shot will explode in the barrel while some shot will ricochet in the wrong direction. Replace the word shot with the name of someone you are about to entrust with leadership of a critical and probably very expensive corporate transformation / business improvement project. Can he or she hit the target every time? Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:16:30 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/If_Business_Improvements_Keep_Missing_the_Target,_Aim_is_Not_the_Only_Thing_to_Check!_1179755x1200500190.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/If_Business_Improvements_Keep_Missing_the_Target,_Aim_is_Not_the_Only_Thing_to_Check!_1179755x1200500190.htm Thinking is one of the most valuable skills in modern business. It is the basis of all problem solving, is critical for risk assessment, and enables business to grow with confidence about the future. Business needs people who can think, but thinking requires carefully balancing of a host of issues that are permanently in a state of flux. To be a thinker means living and working with paradox. Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:53:00 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Paradox_of_the_Thinker_799903x1200451980.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Paradox_of_the_Thinker_799903x1200451980.htm As humans, we want - actually we need - to feel a sense of belonging. Belonging provides meaning, context and value in our lives. It also provides a feeling of comfort and security that can't be found in many other ways. Help each person within your organization feel that sense of belonging and you will help more than the bottomline. Here's how. Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:13:54 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Where_Do_I_Belong_772957x1200435234.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Where_Do_I_Belong_772957x1200435234.htm You likely have learned that asking questions is one of the most important things you can do to become a better leader and a better learner. However, there is more to asking the right question that just making the words come out of your mouth. Here are five things you can do to make your questions even more meaningful. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:19:48 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Five_Keys_to_Great_Questions_1208471x1200359988.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Five_Keys_to_Great_Questions_1208471x1200359988.htm In the first of a series of four articles I will explore what is required to change people's behaviour using the theory of planned behaviours using serving customers, as an example. This article explores behavioural beliefs and attitude. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:14:37 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_1_-_My_Attitude_1368094x1200291277.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Changing_Service_Behaviours_-_Part_1_-_My_Attitude_1368094x1200291277.htm Being your personal best involves developing your personal and professional standards and to evaluate yourself against these standards. Your standards are a reflection of your authenticity (your true identity, your character and your attitude) and your competence (your expertise, skills, and your know-how). Your authenticity creates the strong foundation for personal leadership, self-responsibility and freedom. It is the foundation on which to build your public leadership in the field of your calling. Focusing on competence before authenticity is like putting the cart before the horse and leads to high levels of stress and mediocre performance. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:46:40 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Personal_Best_in_Leadership_1105047x1200268000.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Personal_Best_in_Leadership_1105047x1200268000.htm Responsibility Grid - A useful tool to help the project team sort out "who will do what" in terms of decision making. Based on the theory that not all constituents have the same vested interest in the decisions the team will make, it can help the team identify the areas where they need to be "politically" sensitive to the needs and desires of various groups and individuals as they relate to activities (execution), decisions and milestones of the project. Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:10:59 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Responsibility_Grid_759414x1200161459.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Responsibility_Grid_759414x1200161459.htm Ground-breaking studies like Jim Collins' books, Built to Last and Good to Great and John Kotter's book, Corporate Culture and Performance have shown that while an organization's culture powerfully molds its operating style and can positively (or negatively) affect the performance of work-groups and entire organizations culture has remained an overly-complex and somewhat mysterious topic for most organizations. The Breckenridge Institute® has identified the constituents of organizational culture and formulated them into a Culture Equation" that describes what organizational culture is in simple, concrete terms. Sat, 12 Jan 2008 10:36:40 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Culture_Equation_-_Taking_the_Mystery_Out_of_Organizational_Culture_968397x1200152200.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Culture_Equation_-_Taking_the_Mystery_Out_of_Organizational_Culture_968397x1200152200.htm Sales metrics are something that no company can ever do without. They are needed in ensuring the sales performance of companies today. Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:14:24 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_the_Implementation_of_Sales_Metrics_1361952x1200071664.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_the_Implementation_of_Sales_Metrics_1361952x1200071664.htm The best organizations create a strong culture of change management. In fact, management at these organizations is constantly encouraging change for the good of the overall organization. The following are seven change management secrets to creating a winning culture of change: Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:54:52 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Seven_Change_Management_Secrets_to_Creating_a_Winning_Culture_of_Change_796124x1199861692.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management_-_Seven_Change_Management_Secrets_to_Creating_a_Winning_Culture_of_Change_796124x1199861692.htm Trust is based on the principle of reciprocity which binds society together. In value exchange trust occurs when we receive something, based on the "perception" or "feeling" that we are receiving what we expect. From the emotional stand point we feel trust, when we expose our vulnerabilities to others, believing they will not take advantage of our openness. There are some emotions we associate to trust: companionship, friendship, love, agreement, relaxation, comfort. Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:06:49 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Is_Trust_1084243x1199660809.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Is_Trust_1084243x1199660809.htm What is organizational personality? Personality is composed of a person's innate tendencies, such as left-handedness or introversion, and external influence such as upbringing and experiences. Both influences, natural and learned, shape assumptions, beliefs, interests, and behavior. Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:24:36 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Align_Change_Strategy_with_Organizational_Personality_1295463x1199651076.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Align_Change_Strategy_with_Organizational_Personality_1295463x1199651076.htm What does it cost a company to maintain and manage quality? Well, a lot less than a company that doesn't. You see poor quality detracts from your brand, makes customers angry and costs you in returns and re-dos. Personally, I do not believe anyone should manage a company until they learn about quality and thus, let me recommend a couple of really good books on this subject by Philip Crosby: Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:29:32 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Management_of_Quality_-_A_Quantifiable_Must_1037281x1199640572.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Management_of_Quality_-_A_Quantifiable_Must_1037281x1199640572.htm Great sports teams win year after year. To accomplish their winning record, they have great leaders at the helm. Same thing in business... great leaders know how to build a winning team. Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:07:27 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Build_The_Winning_Team_947363x1199617647.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Build_The_Winning_Team_947363x1199617647.htm Many businesses embark on change programs but up to 70% fail. Why? Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:16:00 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/6_Reasons_Why_Change_Programs_Fail_1185690x1199567760.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/6_Reasons_Why_Change_Programs_Fail_1185690x1199567760.htm The purpose of culture (any culture) is to teach people how to "see" the world. More specifically, organizational culture is created, reinforced, promulgated, and maintained through the powerful See-Do-Get Process where managers and staff members are "taught" how to see themselves, other people, and the world around them. Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:05:06 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/When_It_Comes_To_Organizational_Culture_What_You_See_Is_What_You_Get_1050957x1199545506.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/When_It_Comes_To_Organizational_Culture_What_You_See_Is_What_You_Get_1050957x1199545506.htm 1. Haziness - A poorly defined goal leads to a difficult to control change. Organisations become stuck in transition from the period of shock and denial to the period of acceptance of change; letting go of the past. Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:48:03 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Seven_Deadly_Sins_of_Managing_Change_1084242x1199443683.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Seven_Deadly_Sins_of_Managing_Change_1084242x1199443683.htm Inside the lean manufacturing community, there is talk of a few high profiles failures recently. There is a lot of discussion with the lean community regarding how this could happen. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:33:55 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/6_Reasons_Why_Lean_Manufacturing_and_Six_Sigma_Fails_740076x1199244835.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/6_Reasons_Why_Lean_Manufacturing_and_Six_Sigma_Fails_740076x1199244835.htm Data Collection Plans are used in the Measure Phase of Lean Six Sigma projects. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:45:35 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Data_Collection_Plan_783682x1199191535.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Data_Collection_Plan_783682x1199191535.htm Managing change is a given in today's world. As a manager of change, understanding people's reaction to change will enable you to prepare and plan your communication through the change lifecycle. Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:15:00 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/4_Strategies_For_Change_1201789x1199160900.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/4_Strategies_For_Change_1201789x1199160900.htm Leaders today, even leaders of successful thriving businesses, must look for ways to improve themselves. Do not for a minute let your guard down, being the greatest one day does not mean you can't fall the next. This is a lesson that history has had to teach leaders over-and-over again. Do not allow your organization to become another pupil of this harsh lesson. Sun, 30 Dec 2007 19:51:32 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Even_The_Greatest_Have_To_Change_799905x1199062292.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Even_The_Greatest_Have_To_Change_799905x1199062292.htm Are you still using the antiquated "org chart" mental model of how your business works? Here's how you can use the "systems view" of your organization to drive performance improvement. Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:08:23 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_Your_Organization_as_a_System_693422x1199045303.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_Your_Organization_as_a_System_693422x1199045303.htm Your brain isn't a muscle, but the more you use it and challenge it and work it, the more powerful it will become; much like weight training builds your muscles. These three suggestions will help you train your brain. Sat, 29 Dec 2007 22:22:28 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Exercise_Your_Learning_Muscles_1208472x1198984948.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Exercise_Your_Learning_Muscles_1208472x1198984948.htm Six sigma is an improvement tool utilized by manufacturing, distribution, service, and healthcare companies. Combined with lean manufacturing tools, the lean six sigma improvement methodology provides maximum results. Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:53:57 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_Six_Sigma_Applies_to_Healthcare_982772x1198961637.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_Six_Sigma_Applies_to_Healthcare_982772x1198961637.htm Best represents a finality and an end in itself. Better represents the process and hence there is no limit to improvement. Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:08:38 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Best_And_Better_1302442x1198894118.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Best_And_Better_1302442x1198894118.htm 5 Why Analysis helps to quickly identify the root cause of a problem. It helps determine the relationship between different root causes of a problem. It can be learned quickly and doesn't require statistical analysis to be used. Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:16:44 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/5_Whys_Analysis_734801x1198865804.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/5_Whys_Analysis_734801x1198865804.htm Do you really think you can get the results you require on your own? Why you need to be involving key players in the management process if you want to see significant results. Tue, 25 Dec 2007 19:21:48 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Developing_Solutions_for_a_Complex_World_-_The_Stakeholder-Involved_Process_689356x1198628508.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Developing_Solutions_for_a_Complex_World_-_The_Stakeholder-Involved_Process_689356x1198628508.htm You must have heard Henry Ford's famous saying, "coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success." The quote certainly manifests the basic idea of Team Building, the concept that is often used for developing the spirit of teamwork at organizations and business corporations. Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:30:41 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Basics_of_Corporate_Team_Building_-_Corporate_Barcelona_1208474x1198308641.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Basics_of_Corporate_Team_Building_-_Corporate_Barcelona_1208474x1198308641.htm We all ask questions every part of every day from "Did you sleep well?" to "How can we come in under budget?" to "What was the best part of your day?". Simply asking questions isn't enough - you already do that - asking better questions is the key to more success and greater achievements. This article offers 10 ideas separated into three categories designed to help you ask great questions. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:09:48 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/7_Ways_to_Harness_the_Power_of_Questions_759411x1198282188.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/7_Ways_to_Harness_the_Power_of_Questions_759411x1198282188.htm In the Chinese booming economy, a broad network of suppliers producing quality and competitive industrial parts and equipments is rising. Sourcing in China is the opportunity for Western industrial companies to increase margins, create or maintain a competitive advantage. But there are many challenges in the implementation. The biggest one is to manage CHANGE internally. Here is a list of changes essential to make it happen. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:42:27 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Sourcing_In_China_-_Change_Management_Must_Be_Part_Of_The_Initiative_662850x1198276947.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Sourcing_In_China_-_Change_Management_Must_Be_Part_Of_The_Initiative_662850x1198276947.htm Studies have shown that the forces, trends, and pace of the business environment have the single greatest influence on shaping organizational culture. But there are even more global forces affecting the business environment in subtle, but profound ways that define how organizations must interact with customers and respond to competitors in order to achieve sustained business performance. The Breckenridge Institute® has identified Four Global Forces that will shape organizational culture for the next 50 years: a) Advances in Science and Technology, b) Global Redistribution of Knowledge, Power, and Wealth, c) Competing Political, Cultural, and Religious Ideologies, and d) Sustainability of the Physical Environment. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:16:33 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Four_Global_Forces_That_Will_Shape_Organizational_Culture_for_the_Next_50_Years_958096x1198250193.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Four_Global_Forces_That_Will_Shape_Organizational_Culture_for_the_Next_50_Years_958096x1198250193.htm I thought to myself? WOW, what would it be like to be this guy? Everyone was fired up to see him. He can't go anywhere in public or he'd be swamped with fans everywhere he went. This notion struck a cord with me. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:52:39 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_A_Parrot_Head_1215860x1198090359.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_A_Parrot_Head_1215860x1198090359.htm In order to effectively manage any major change in organisations, it is necessary to understand the culture of the company, and the way that culture may actively resist any changes. Here are the top ten blockers to change, and ways to mitigate them. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:43:12 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management__-_The_Top_Ten_Blockers_in_Organisations_772958x1198075392.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Change_Management__-_The_Top_Ten_Blockers_in_Organisations_772958x1198075392.htm "Inadequate sourcing competencies are costing mid-size firms more than $134 billion in missed supply savings opportunities annually" says the independent research firm Aberdeen Group. Hidden behind marketing spin, fear enticing sales pitches and entertainments to buyers is the fact that sourcing raw materials and services today is a non core competency that leveraging only your spend puts you at a severe disadvantage in costs to your organizational bottom line. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:44:23 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Procurement_Optimization_Has_Changed_-_Has_Your_Company_1050956x1198071863.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Procurement_Optimization_Has_Changed_-_Has_Your_Company_1050956x1198071863.htm Getting people to work well together and as part of a team is something than can in the long term help to generate income for a company and prove more profitable than the cost of organising and covering the cost of such trips. Doing these events abroad can also add an extra dimension to the experience and companionship between the employees and deep working relationships can be created: Below we look further into what types of events can benefit the employees and also we talk specifically about team building. Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:56:31 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Team_Building_And_Corporate_Team_Work_707181x1197942991.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Team_Building_And_Corporate_Team_Work_707181x1197942991.htm Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma are wildly popular continuous improvement methodologies, utilized by thousands of corporations today. Some companies decide to implement lean manufacturing, while others believe six sigma is the necessary initiative to improve their business. Sat, 15 Dec 2007 23:57:23 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Lean_Six_Sigma_729175x1197781043.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Lean_Six_Sigma_729175x1197781043.htm Firms like General Electric and Digital Equipment Corporation deploy a senior management team to examine management practices in some of the best managed firms in the world to identify key processes for improving productivity. It was concluded that best practice in human resources should focus less on a particular practice than on a set of general principles. Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:24:40 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Challenges_For_HR_to_Become_a_Strategic_Partner_1024802x1197725080.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Challenges_For_HR_to_Become_a_Strategic_Partner_1024802x1197725080.htm Let's face it; anyone who feels they have a little bit of ownership over something has more interest in its wellbeing. Leaders need to use human nature to assist in accomplishing their visions. Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:19:23 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Successful_Change_Management_Starts_With_Employee_Ownership_1208470x1197577163.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Successful_Change_Management_Starts_With_Employee_Ownership_1208470x1197577163.htm Companies of all sizes are now implementing lean manufacturing. Businesses as small as a dentist office are blogging about using lean manufacturing techniques to improve the process and lower costs. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:32:54 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Lean_Manufacturing_Consultant_772956x1197477174.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Lean_Manufacturing_Consultant_772956x1197477174.htm Recent research stipulates that advertising expenses, web development, television production and other media means are simply too costly to the bottom line. The article addresses a deep rooted concern of seeking ways to improve relationships with current clients to aid business success! Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:52:19 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Win_Customers_Buy_Expressing_Your_Concern_918596x1197467539.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Win_Customers_Buy_Expressing_Your_Concern_918596x1197467539.htm OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) is one of the most popular business metrics today. It measures machine and process effectiveness in a lean manufacturing environment. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:12:18 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/OEE_662852x1197454338.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/OEE_662852x1197454338.htm What Is a Multi-Generation Project Plan? A Multi-Generation Project Plan is a vehicle to help focus the project team's energies on a manageable project scope that can be completed relatively quickly. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:26:39 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Multi-Generation_Project_Plan_759410x1197422799.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Multi-Generation_Project_Plan_759410x1197422799.htm Most people want jobs that are meaningful and allow them autonomy to make decisions and contribute to the company in significant ways. Effective organizations are those moving beyond attempting to control people to trusting and empowering them with the resources, information, tools, skills and support to manage their work processes and create products and services of unprecedented quality. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:38:54 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/If_You_Keep_Doing_What_Youve_Been_Doing_-_Youll_Keep_Getting_What_Youve_Been_Getting!_1163833x1197337134.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/If_You_Keep_Doing_What_Youve_Been_Doing_-_Youll_Keep_Getting_What_Youve_Been_Getting!_1163833x1197337134.htm When customer retention is falling or returns and cancellations are increasing it doesn't take a genius to determine something is terribly wrong. The exact reason(s) these bad things are happening may be related to actions taken by someone other than you. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:22:39 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/When_Something_Has_To_Change_Its_Up_To_You_To_Create_That_Change_759416x1197336159.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/When_Something_Has_To_Change_Its_Up_To_You_To_Create_That_Change_759416x1197336159.htm You pay managers more due to their added value, but how do you measure that value? You want to keep your company continually improving so you can accomplish your goals. Therefore, you need managers, who in addition to handling their daily responsibilities are able to make quality decisions, maximize their contribution to the company, and then take personal responsibility for the success or failure of those decisions? This article will pull the most out of your managers - can you afford any less? Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:48:47 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Skill_That_Makes_Your_Managers_Worth_Their_Weight_In_Gold_799906x1197046127.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Skill_That_Makes_Your_Managers_Worth_Their_Weight_In_Gold_799906x1197046127.htm Mergers and acquisition has emerged out as the name of the game in today's fast changing market place. However while taking of success drivers for post merger integration process, organization need take care of several factors specially in the areas of human resources as preventive measures.These preventive measure becomes the basic fundamental for the success or failure of the entire initiative. Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:48:42 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Dynamics_of_Scalability_670538x1197020922.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Dynamics_of_Scalability_670538x1197020922.htm Change is a major challenge for most organisations. Research suggests that 70% of change projects are not sustained. In a period of change, communication is key. Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:44:18 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/7_Tips_for_Improving_Communication_in_a_Period_of_Change_1488509x1196905458.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/7_Tips_for_Improving_Communication_in_a_Period_of_Change_1488509x1196905458.htm Henry Ford is reported to have quipped, "Why is it that I always get the whole person when what I really want is a pair of hands?" The 21st century version doesn't sound quite like that, but its essence prevails in plenty of workplaces. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:10:28 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Whole_Person_703493x1196788228.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Whole_Person_703493x1196788228.htm One of the greatest complaints we hear from senior managers is "projects are successfully completed, but I'm not seeing a significant change to the bottom line." Lean Six Sigma uses Process Modeling to create a simple simulated model of the process. Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:33:59 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Process_Simulation_740074x1196634839.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Process_Simulation_740074x1196634839.htm D. Wayne Lukas once noted that "the speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack." This means that leaders have to be very careful how they lead an organization through periods of change. Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:57:34 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Leaders_Are_Responsible_For_Managing_The_Pace_of_Change_805938x1196621854.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Leaders_Are_Responsible_For_Managing_The_Pace_of_Change_805938x1196621854.htm Why would a four-section grid personality-type quiz lead a suburban housewife to cry uncontrollably? What elements of her personal style, once identified and acted upon, could lead her to happiness and success? Sun, 02 Dec 2007 10:33:01 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/On_the_Grid_-_What_is_Your_Business_Personality_805937x1196609581.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/On_the_Grid_-_What_is_Your_Business_Personality_805937x1196609581.htm No matter what type of corporate transformation /business improvement initiative; no matter what size, scale, grandeur, cost, criticality or potential ROI; no matter what the reason or rationale! It is all but certain that whatever you wanted to do to improve the business did not meet expectations. Take heart, you are not alone! Fully 75% of all efforts to improve the business fail to meet expectations. Cold comfort in your hour of frustration perhaps; BUT, since you want to find out why what was otherwise a neat, good and slick idea to improve the business blew up, take a few moments to consider Shooting at the Moon! Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:04:38 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Improvement_-_Shooting_at_the_Moon,_Again_and_Again_and_Again_1105049x1196427878.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Business_Improvement_-_Shooting_at_the_Moon,_Again_and_Again_and_Again_1105049x1196427878.htm A new job has emerged in recent years, the title of which more resembles a karate instructor than a business professional. It is called the Six Sigma Black Belt. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:15:56 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Sigma_Black_Belt_662853x1196338556.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Sigma_Black_Belt_662853x1196338556.htm A business based exclusively on the owner is a business awaiting on disaster. A business based on systems and processes can survive much longer than a business based only on the talents of one person. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:53:56 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Think_You_are_Immortal_1091883x1196286836.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Think_You_are_Immortal_1091883x1196286836.htm Change is part of business and life. What is it that distinguishes those changes that deliver from those that don't? Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:33:22 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_5_Essential_Ingredients_for_Successful_Change_651272x1196264002.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_5_Essential_Ingredients_for_Successful_Change_651272x1196264002.htm Collective bargaining is a successful way for workers to reach their goals concerning accept able wages, hours, and working conditions Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:27:32 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Collective_Bargaining_625426x1196252852.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Collective_Bargaining_625426x1196252852.htm In a push to remain competitive in the global economy, innovation has become critical in long term corporate strategy. HR succeeds in hiring the best innovators, and in 6 months nothing has happened. Why? These 3 Elements will give you a clue. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:33:57 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/HR_Cannot_Driv