ThinkOnIt4Business

Add Value Where You Can

thinkonit4business — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:03:53 +0000

People’s capacity to learn and retain information is linked to three things: hearing, writing and reciting. When we only hear information, we only remember about 10% of what was said. When we take notes as we hear, we remember between 50% and 70% more. However, when we listen, take notes and share what we heard, we are most likely to remember 90% to 100% of what we heard. While I can’t cite the exact source I heard this from, I can attest this has held true in my own life.

If you’re looking for a way to add value in your profession, start with taking notes. Much can be accomplished with a good summary of meeting decisions. Read more

Filed under: Business Skills, Example, Leadership Tagged: business, efficiency, productivity, value

How to Craft Purposeful Presenations

thinkonit4business — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:01:19 +0000

Think Through Purpose What’s the reason for the presentation in the first place? Figure out the main reason and stay focused on it. You might ask yourself whether any of these purposes fit:

To provide status
To obtain approval
To sell a product
To communicate a program
To propose a new business opportunity
To convince management to fund a project

Filed under: Business Skills, Example, Leadership Tagged: efficiency, presentations, productivity, purpose, value

Process Documentation Adds Value

thinkonit4business — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:59:24 +0000

What is process documentation?
Process documentation is a combination of a process map or flow chart and written procedures. It describes how something gets done. It outlines the specific steps or tasks of a job function so it is easy to follow. That means work can be done right. It also means it is repeatable, so whether two or ten different employees performing the functions, everyone can do it the same way. This ensures quality of the process.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: efficiency, Process Mapping, Six Sigma

Are You a Good Listener?

thinkonit4business — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:55:37 +0000

Most people are born with two functioning ears to listen with, but sadly, not many actively engage their God-given hearing devices. For those trying to communicate something, it can be frustrating when the other person does not acknowledge they heard you! Don’t be like those that frustrate others. Learn to listen. Read more

Filed under: Business Skills, Example, Leadership, Witnessing Tagged: Business Skills, listening skills, productivity, value

Integrate VOC in Marketing Plans

thinkonit4business — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:53:00 +0000

In today’s rapid paced, highly competitive landscape, and uncertain economic conditions, dollars are tight. When we launch an expensive marketing program we need to know it will address the customers’ real needs. Because if the programs don’t address the real needs, we won’t achieve the kind of return on investment we’re hoping for. Spending that kind of money without some kind of guarantee of attracting customers is a poor business decision. So how can we be sure our programs meet the customers’ needs? One way is by integrating customer feedback into program design. Read more

Filed under: Business Skills, Six Sigma Tagged: Elizabeth Marks, Marketing Plans, Six Sigma, VOC

6 Things to Avoid in Process Mapping

thinkonit4business — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:48:32 +0000

Think process mapping is easy? It is really a skill that gets better the more you use it. Let’s look at some common mistakes as well as some recommendations to make your process maps great. Read more

Filed under: Business Skills, Leadership, Process Mapping, Six Sigma Tagged: Business Skills, efficiency, Elizabeth Marks, Process Mapping, Six Sigma

Godly Leaders Get Real

thinkonit4business — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:25:16 +0000

I saw a cartoon by Fletcher in the fall 2008 issue of Leadership magazine. Picture two men shaking hands, there’s a sign behind them reading “Today’s sermon: Dealing with failure”. The caption of the cartoon: “We love when you preach from your own experience.”

There is much truth in that cartoon, don’t you think? Leaders are only good when they learn from their mistakes and use them to help others avoid failures. “The difference between a skilled Christian and a true leader is how interested they are in the success of other people. It’s about equipping others instead of being the superstar yourself” says Neil Cole, pastor and director of Church Multiplication Associates (CMA).

Leaders who are transformational are those who talk about their past mistakes. They realize without having gone through those trials they wouldn’t be who they are now. Godly leaders know God uses all things for good to carry out His purposes.

This question is do you let God use your failures? Or do you run from them or try to hide your flaws?

Get real. No one wants to follow a pretender. Be yourself, warts and all. Watch how God uses it all.

Posted in Example, Leadership Tagged: Character, Christian faith lived out, humility, witness at work, Witness in workplace

Time for Thanks

thinkonit4business — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:24:35 +0000

Be first in your area to start a gratitude list or a Thanksgiving Tree. It’s easy.

Start by posting a simple question? “What are you thankful for in the workplace?”

Where do I post the question, you ask? If you’re like me, you work in a cubicle. It’s perfect for this exercise.

I wrote the question on pieces of paper and used push pins to stick them on the outside of cubicle.

Then place some index cards, pen and push pens or tape near by, so those who walk by can contribute to your wall.

It’s a great way to get people smiling. It’s also a good conversation starter. Not to mention, it helps us focus on what’s more imporant rather than worrying about everything left to do at work.

Paul exhorts us to think on the eternal things rather than the temporary. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Posted in Character, Example Tagged: be thankful, give thanks, gratitude, moral booster

Emotional Intelligence or Compassion

thinkonit4business — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:47:05 +0000

Interesting article on emotional intelligence. Read it first.

“Today’s successful leaders, in just about any field, will be skilled in the use of EI as a leadership tool, and be most adept at using the natural competences they have. “ Do you use emotional intelligence? Those who do are worth more than their weight in gold according to the article.

If we’re not naturally good at it, can we learn it? “One of the questions we must ask is, of course, whether or not EI can be learned and practiced in a way that at least provides the support given by those who are lucky enough to have it naturally.”

But is emotional intelligence just another fancy term for compassion? You decide.

Posted in Uncategorized

Turn Org Charts into Prayer Charts

thinkonit4business — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:23:13 +0000

Looking for ways to improve your business? Partner with God and let loose His power in prayer.

While reviewing an organization chart, pray for each person and their team. Drill down in the organization as far as you can. Unleash God’s power through prayer on behalf of your company, your co-workers and the entire organization.

Pray for wisdom, discernment, knowledge and godly business decisions. Pray for things you know about specifically. If Sally has a problem being on-time to work, start with “God, help Sally manage her time more efficiently.”

Ask God to help your company bring Him glory and carry out His purposes. Pray everyone manage their work as though they were working for God instead of men.

Try it!

Posted in Prayer Tagged: God's power, Prayer, prayer changes things