Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Perspectives...

Starbucks has a 'blond' blend now, that is smooth...in the airport this morning, I walk up to the Starbucks counter and I say,"I'll have a tall blond and a short brunette." The north African immigrant looks at me with a lost look, and says,"I'm sorry?". We don't all have the same perspective... (the girl behind the counter was smiling and laughing quietly...)

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Eat mor chikin...

Chik-fil-A has taken a lot of heat for their stand on homosexuality and same sex marriage.  Some have labeled them 'haters' and 'intolerant'.  I suggest to you that they are following the tenets of what made our country famous...the right to your opinion and beliefs.  Good for them, that they stand up for what they believe in.  More Americans should do that, instead of blaming others for their position.  We are each given the right of choice by our God and our country.  Use it...

Support Chik-fil-A by eating there today!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Managing Employees Globally Is Just Not the Same....

So...your employees don't live in the same town, or for that fact, the same country.  Do you manage them the same?  Absolutely not.  Interacting with employees internationally brings to bear some difference of skill.  First, you have to recognize cultural differences.  They may live in a country where an afternoon siesta is just a part of life, or where most people are not comfortable with telling you when they don't agree.  Then , there's the issue of technological functionality- is their internet and phone service good enough for the kind of contact you need in order to stay in touch?  Global employee management is at best stressfull and difficult.  Here are some tips:
1. Study the culture, the nuances, the businesses ethics and practices.
2.  Use some form of video conferencing to be able to 'face to face' them on a regular basis.
3.  Communicate, communicate, communicate. 
4.  Set clear and realistic expectations of what they are to do, and when they are to do it.
5.  Ask questions.  Verify what you know.  Inspect what you expect.
Simple ideas, but they'll help.