Last month in my newletter, The Beacon’s Guide, I referenced contract workers as a resource to consider for helping to getting work accomplished. You can download the full article as a PDF file here: september-inside_out.

The complexity of locating, hiring, and managing a team of qualified trainers, especially on short notice and with a need to cover multiple locations, can be daunting.

If any of the following scenarios seem familiar, then your company is probably also wrestling with the stresses associated with coordinating the large-scale training programs associated with these major business initiatives:

• postmerger or acquisition integration
• upgrading or implementing new technology
• expanding operations or opening a new location
• entering the process of complying with new regulations and laws.

And while you are struggling to keep up with these growing educational needs, you also may be wondering how that training might relate to your strategic business goals, or how you can link training costs to bottom-line return?

Increasingly, businesses are turning to out-tasking, an arrangement where selected services are provided by an external service provider, offering access to skilled expertise, a manageable and variable cost structure, and opportunities for increased focus on an organization’s core business. Businesses keep control of the training function, but gain a strategic partner that can address key needs at a reasonable cost.

To read the full article discussing the challenges and benefits of out-tasking, download the PDF file here (right-click/”save as”): september-inside_out.

Being a working parent I often struggle with how to give my child quality time while also making sure I keep my business running. Here are some tips others have shared with me that helps them:

1. Telecommute — obvious but not to all. Even working from home one day per week can help with sending the kids off to school or seeing them when they get home. This helps them and you feel better about being away from home on other work days.

2. When traveling, send e-mails to each other talking about your days or keep a journal and have your kids also keep a journal of the day’s activities. It is truly fun to sit down after a trip to share the moments with each other.

3. Install a webcam on your laptop. It is so much fun. It doesn’t replace being home but it sure does feel great to see those faces on the other end of the camera!

4. Schedule time in your day and week that is totally dedicated to your children. Find that time and treat it as important as the meetings you schedule with clients or team members.

Join Allison at one of her workshops and change your life and career!

Choose from either a full day or half day workshop.

Morning Session
Problem Solving:
Right Decisions Made Right

Afternoon Session
Don’t Waste Your Talent!

2008
October 2
2009
January 8
April 2
June 4

Morning Session
Emotional Intelligence – An Introduction

Afternoon Session
Navigating Political
Waters Inside Organizations

2008
October 21
2009
January 27
April 28
June 23

Stay tuned for registration.

Questions?
1-888-BAS-7179
1-888-227-7179

INQUIRY DECISION PROCESS

A Harvard Business Review study surveyed more than 350 global companies about their organizational effectiveness. Only 15 percent of this group said that they have an organization that helps their business outperform competitors. What sets these top performing companies apart? Quality, speed and execution of decision making.

Only 15 percent – that is amazing.

WHY THIS OCCURS

There are many theories. Here are a few I have found in my work as a consultant and through researching articles and studies as the biggest obstacles to more effective decision making:

1. Lack of role clarity. Who makes what decisions, at what level and at what location?
2. Decisions are treated as a one time event as opposed to a process.
3. Not having clear communication about a decision and implementation for all people in organization.
   

One approach on how to improve the decision making in organizations was the program outlined in last month’s Beacon’s Guide, Right Decisions Made Right by Discovery Learning. Another approach is one that David A. Garvin and Michael A. Roberto outline in their article, in HBR, What You Don’t Know About Decision Making which they define as Inquiry Decision Process.

Inquiry decision views the concept of decision making as a collaborative problem solving process. During the process there are on-going testing and evaluations. Each person in the process takes on a critical thinking role. Balanced arguments are presented, openness to alternatives needs to exist as well as the ability to accept and give constructive feedback. During the process all views are cultivated – none are dismissed or discouraged – they are only evaluated.

By instituting decision making as a process, the inquiry approach will become second nature in an organization. Decisions will become more effective, come more quickly and are implemented. My clients all indicate this as something they all would like to have happen in their organizations.

Email Allison at aemeyer@beaconadvantage.com.

Two years ago I began doing research for an article and a book. I conducted several interviews and sent out surveys to many in the Jacksonville market. Based on what was happening with my elder parents and the time it takes to manage their lives, I placed this research on hold. I want to thank all of those I met with and who completed the survey. The article and book will be written, but it will not be for another year before anyone will see the results. The positive note on this is that I am still gathering data from working with clients and meeting with people all over the U.S. and internationally. Thank you all for your patience, while I leveraged my prioritizing my life for the moment technique and delayed the finished article and book.

I am often asked: how can we improve making decisions around our office? Clients are frustrated with how slow it takes for a decision to happen, how quickly a decision is expected without having all the information, and/or once a decision is made why do we not follow through?

There are as many theories on how decisions are made and why decision making fails within organizations due to varied decision and problem solving styles. In future blogs you will be presented with strategies and tools on how to improve decision making for yourself and within your organization.

One tool that I have often used and have seen to be very successful when implemented in organizations is Right Decisions Made Right. After implementing this tool with a large financial technology organization, the division leader stated: “The Right Decisions Made Right tools and techniques transformed our division from being slow to make and implement decisions, to an agile organization that was able to make decisions and implement decisions at the right level so we can be more competitive.”

Chris Musselwhite, Ed.D., CEO and founder of Discovery Learning and developer of Right Decisions Made Right, shares perspective on how to improve decision making and problem solving in your organization.

1. Know your decision making style - understand what your style is and then understand what style is best needed for the situation or decision.
2. Have clarity, comprehension and commitment to the decision – to make a decision you must ask yourself these 3 questions:
   • Am I completely clear about the problem? (Clarity)
   • Do I have all the information I need to make the decision or do I know where to find it? (Comprehension)
   • How much help from others will be necessary to implement the decision? (Commitment)
3. Time is the most critical factor. Often getting input upfront is not available, having a decision making process will accelerate a decision
4. Building Trust/ Confidence through decision making. Successful leaders are
   praised for their good decision making skills. You build trust and confidence within an organization by allowing them to how decisions are made.

The article below highlights what process and tools are shared within the Right Decisions Made Right program. I will be holding a half-day workshop in the near future on this topic in the fall. Stay tuned!

Download: ba-managementstyle

One effective technique I have seen many coaches and practitioners discuss when working with people concerned about work/family balance issues is prioritizing for this life’s moment. This is similar to the technique you use to prioritize your work. Here are the steps:

1. List all of the items you must juggle and want to juggle
2. List your values – those guidelines for your life
3. Estimate the time that each one takes (which usually means that you need to have 48 hours in a 24 hour day, without sleep),
4. Re-Create the list by prioritizing the items you need to juggle based on your values

For this exercise to work, you need to be honest with yourself and be willing to give up on what is expected by the community, friends and neighbors and do what is right for you and your family. Good Luck!

• September 25 – 28
• Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA

Tired of getting a three-ring binder notebook and nothing else from informational, event-based training programs?

This yearlong program actually creates fundamental behavioral change. It will not only change how you manage and lead, it will change your life.

Take a positive step today!

Whether you are a company or an individual, use this downturn to sharpen the saw and be the best that you can be in anticipation of the economic turnaround that is just around the corner.

Prior to the conference, you will be given emotional intelligence and health evaluations in order to assess your needs. During the conference, you will create personal development and wellness plans and be given all the tools that you need to improve your leadership skills, improve your health, and reach your goals both personally and professionally. Most importantly, after the four-day kickoff, you will be contacted by a health/wellness coach and a life/leadership coach throughout the year to encourage you, motivate you and give you what you need to become the best that you can be. Click here to see the conference agenda.

Stop paying for conferences that don’t create mental or behavioral change. We will focus on creating lasting mental, emotional, and physical changes that will positively affect your abilities and strengths as a leader and as a human being. Click here to see what you will get out of this conference. Click here to see the cost.

Register now. Space is limited to the first 100 people and we expect this conference to sell out quickly. Discounts are available for groups. (5% for 2-5 people and 10% for 6 or more people.)

• Register Now with Credit Card
  
• Register Now and Request an Invoice

There are no additional occupancy charges at Callway. Make it a family vacation! Get away with your spouse! Better yet, sign up together and work toward your life goals!
• More information: aemeyer@beaconadvantage.com

• Date: June 24, 2008
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12 Noon
• Location: Omni Hotel – Jacksonville Room; 245 Water Street
  Jacksonville, Florida 32202
• Cost: $199.00; $149.00 for members of SHRM, ASTD and PRSA
• Register: Contact aemeyer@beaconadvantage.com

This half-day workshop allows individuals to assess their talents and identify opportunities for career growth.

• Contact: aemeyer@beaconadvantage.com for more information

As college tuitions continue to sky rocket, families are looking for ways to help their children determine the best school for him/her. Better knowing your child’s skills, abilities and personality can determine the best school and major.

A growing trend in schools is offering families to participate in workshops geared to assessing a child’s abilities, skills and personality types while they are in high school.

Sherpani Partners, an organization based out of Atlanta, GA, has had success with families and offers these workshops. To learn more about what is being offered to families through their schools go to www.sherpanipartners.org.