Leadership

Many of my readers are in the retail business.  Retail businesses sell things, whether it’s shoes, clothes, food, gifts, etc.  The idea is to buy items at cost and sell at a mark-up thus generating a profit.

If you’re in the retail business, then without question, you know what ‘shrink‘ is.  If you don’t have shrink, then don’t waste your time reading this article.  For the rest, by all means, take time to read and digest what is said here.

A few weeks ago, I was asked to define shrink.  What is shrink?  Without hesitation, I answered:  (more…)

In my years of operating businesses, I learned many keys to being successful. In any given business, operating procedures will vary – some more detailed than others. The equipment and tools will vary in different businesses. (more…)

This is a great example of A Series of Dots . . . , i.e., a series of Coaching Moments, directing the recipient to a specific point and to a specific desired outcome.

Where was Blake Last night? (more…)

A little play on word’s for our modern society! The term is actually called “the Pareto Principle”.

I felt that this was an excellent topic to (more…)

Many years ago, at a job interview I was asked this question. After the interview, I really pondered the question and the answer and eventually came to fully understand it’s meaning.

Set The Standard
In business, we often hear someone reference standards: “It’s not up to standards” or “that’s standard operating procedure”. As a leader, mother, father, teacher, or coach we feel (and it is expected) that we should “set the standard”. “Setting the standard” is definitely expected from our employees. The minister at our church is expected to set the standard. Setting the standard is easier to do if you can define “standard”. (more…)

Often as a business owner, we are so into being a “Manager” that we don’t take time to be a “Leader”. Yes, there is plenty to manage on a daily and weekly basis! Without question, a business owner has a tremendous amount of tasks that must get done. If you’ve been in business for even a small amount of time, you’ve probably learned that the only way to succeed in accomplishing all those tasks is to have someone to help you each day. That someone is your employees and your employees are “people”. Let me set you straight right now.

People are your most important asset!

Yes, people are an asset. You invest time and you invest money in hiring and training people. People help you to be successful. People are definitely an asset to your business. The difference with this asset is that it has feelings, emotions, family, and a host of other human characteristics. People are an asset that you treat differently to other assets. When treated properly, people are your Most Valuable Asset! Having said that, you need to always remember this: (more…)