Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The AlphaKOR Team

The AlphaKOR Team keeps working well together on the day-to-day tasks, on all the good stuff and with challenges as they arise.

You know when you have a great Team when everyone rallies together at the monthly Staff Meetings and when everyone you lean on steps up and delivers beyond the call of duty!

Leading the AlphaKOR Team and watching us continue to grow  makes me very proud.  We keep working on striving for excellence and we keep raising the bar.

Last week while the Team required some answers, we called on a member who was on vacation who was very helpful.   Sure it would have been easy and even acceptable to avoid the call or simply say "it's my vacation time, talk to me next week".   This is Teamwork!

We had a recent project requiring multiple members to provide timely focus on moving forward.   Everyone called on was quick to re-prioritize their day and to assist.   This is Teamwork!

Thanks to the AlphaKORians for your dedication, commitment and playing your role on the Team.   We may not always say thanks and we may not always recognize it, however, you are always appreciated.

How is your Team working?

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Building Circles via Long-Term Relationships

Received a call this week from a client who eight years ago made their previous purchase.  It was time to replace his home office computer!  Received another call from an associate who provided a qualified referral - he has not replied to any communications over the last three years.

How often are you receiving these types of calls from your Circle of clients and associates?

We experience these types of calls from time to time and as our Circle of network continues to grow we are receiving these calls more often.   

Just because we are not communicating often or our efforts seem to be ignored, there are long-term relationships in place with many different type of people who choose to reach out when they need you.

Why do these people contact us after all these years?

You already know the answer!   Yes it's long-term relationships.  People may not remember exactly what you did for them or exactly what you do, however, they will ALWAYS remember how you made them feel.   This is what sets us apart and what Building Circles is all about.   Sometimes it's the connection you made for this person or the referral you gave them or the business you gave them.

Even one of our longest clients in our "pre-AlphaKOR" portfolio (dating back to 1991) who has been dormant for several years as they handle most of their requirements themselves, called recently asking if we had a specific core competency.   Yes we do!  The call came in simply based on the long-term relationship asking if we could assist.

Thank-you to everyone in our Circle for continuing to support us on  a regular basis.  From the clients with multiple requests per day all the way to those of you who support us every once in a while.   All of you make up our successful growth and we greatly appreciate our long-term relationship. 

We will continue to provide everyone with honesty, integrity and make you know we do care and appreciate you.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

15 Things Successful People Do

Top 15 Things Successful People Do.  Which ones do you agree with or disagree with?

1.   Fail
2.   Set goals
3.   Don't rely on luck
4.   Track progress
5.   Act
6.   Connect the dots
7.   Display realistic optimism
8.   Continued improvement
9.   Commit
10. Be alert
11. Persevere
12. Communicate with confidence
13. Display humility
14. Be flexible
15. Make connections   

When you look at the list they do sound like simple.   Executing them consistently can sometimes be a challenge.  Personally there are none in the list I disagree with.

#12 is my biggest challenge and have to remember to be more clear, concise and simplify the message so everyone can understand it.   Which one is your biggest challenge?

Enjoy #15 and making connections every day while connecting others together as another layer of making connections.   Hence this blog "Building Circles" and the monthly networking group "WindsorEssex Circle" where my role is to make connections for others.

Any to add to the list?

https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130403143109-5799319-15-things-successful-people-do?goback=.gde_2121660_member_229223634&_mSplash=1

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

What is a Leader's Most Important Role?

My immediate response to this question is to effectively lead the team by delegating, following up and ensuring we are fulfilling our responsibilities.   I would add to implement the vision and steer the team in the right direction.

Patrick Lencioni answers this question by indicating  the leader's most important role is to build a healthy organization or team.

I agree with Patrick' definition of no politics and no confusion.   There is a saying we like to use:   "Check your drama, ego and attitude at the door.  Focus on the task at hand."

The four disciplines effective leaders use to build a healthy organization are:

     1.  Build a cohesive leadership team
     2.  Create clarity
     3.  Over-communicate clarity
     4.  Reinforce clarity

We have done a good job with #1 and #2, however, at first glance #3 and #4 seem redundant.   Once you look at this closer, you realize it points to the root of most challenges:  communication.   

Clear, concise and consistent communication is the focus of effective leaders.   Remember to simply the message so everyone can embrace it.

How are you building your healthy organization and team as your leadership role?

For more on Patrick' article go to:

http://network.chick-fil-aleadercast.com/content/#!/the-leaders-most-important-role/