Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Equality of Opportunity & Upward Mobility in America

upward mobilityThis blog we share results of a study to help you improve your income and situation

Angie attended 18 schools before she turned 16. The only work she had seen her father do was to hold a cardboard sign on a street corner saying that he would work for food. Two women in her Church took an interest in her. They helped her believe in herself, improve her grades, and learn to set goals.  She got a job and was admitted to a good private university. She joined the Army after graduation. She served in Afghanistan in community building. After two tours, she got a great job in Pubic Administration.

Study on Upward Mobility

Harvard University released findings from the Equality of Opportunity Project on upward mobility and geography. The findings section of the study stated the following:

  • “In particular, areas with a smaller middle class had lower rates of upward mobility
  • A high concentration of income in the top 1% was not highly correlated with mobility patterns
  • Areas in which low income individuals were residentially segregated from middle income individuals were also particularly likely to have low rates of upward mobility
  • Quality of the K-12 school system also appears to be correlated with mobility
  • Areas with higher test scores (controlling for income levels), lower dropout rates, and higher spending per student in schools had higher rates of upward mobility
  • High upward mobility areas tended to have higher fractions of religious individuals and fewer children raised by single parents”

Cities with the Most Upward Mobility

Absolute Upward Mobility is a measure of the intergenerational income mobility of a place, i.e., a higher number means that a person with low income parents is more likely to earn a high income. It is defined as the expected income percentile for children born to parents at the 25th income percentile.

The top five cities, with their Absolute Upward Mobility score,  include:

  1. Salt Lake City, UT 46.4
  2. Pittsburgh, PA 45.0
  3. Boston, MA 44.8
  4. San Jose, CA 44.7
  5. Newark, NJ 44.6

Friday we continue our review of Harvard’s study on opportunity and upward mobility

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 16: Summary & the Importance

Vision for the futureThis concludes our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Bennie was a good person and a good manager. He started managing a mid-size branch of a global charitable organization. He performed well, made friends with other managers, and fit into the organization very well. As a result, he received a promotion to upper management at the global headquarters. Once again, he made friends and fit into the headquarters staff. He headed up the organization’s response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. That led to a prime assignment in the Caribbean, then, back to headquarters. In all situations, Bennie’s ability to make friends, understand the corporate culture, and fit in led to his promotions and good reputation.

Summary of How to Fit In

We have discussed several ways for you to fit into your organization. They included fitting in

  • Culturally
  • Visually
  • Conversationally
  • Organizationally
  • Professionally
  • Socially
  • Written rules
  • Unwritten rules
  • Support team members
  • Stay connected with former friends & co-workers
  • Make your boss look good

Your mentor, internal network, and research help you fit into the organization.

Consequences of Not Fitting In

Companies do not reward, nor appreciate people who do not fit in. You’ve probably worked with someone who doesn’t fit into the organization. People who don’t fit in can impact the organization negatively. People who do not fit in may:

  • Irritate co-workers, clients, or suppliers
  • Reduce productivity and morale
  • Drive away your best workers or team members
  • Cost time and money

Why would companies reward someone who creates these situations?

Importance of Fitting In

You need to fit into the organization to keep your job, earn the biggest raises, and get the best promotions. Team players—who produce well—get rewarded. You follow these guidelines, you will get rewarded too.

Companies seek to run smoothly. They seek cohesion among their employees. Even when companies seek for diversity in thought and action, they want teams that work well together. Smooth work means smooth production, efficient production, effective production. That’s how companies think. Fit in.

Wednesday we review new studies of about geography, education, & poverty

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 15: Study Corporate Culture

Corporate Culture iconsThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Clare was one of the great mentors, workers, and leaders I’ve ever had the privilege to know. He had been blessed to have been the protégé of one of the great leaders in the world. He shared his knowledge with others graciously and freely. He excelled at discerning and fitting into corporate cultures. As a result of fitting into the culture, he grew and expanded every department and division he directed. He was a master seed planter. He would plant an idea in someone’s mind and let the idea mature and grow within them to the point they championed the idea as if it were their own.

Learn What You Can

Our final recommendation for fitting into the organization includes learn what you can about the culture of each organization in which you work. In the first post of this series, we discussed identifying and fitting into the specific culture of your organization.

In this post we refer to studying the concept of culture. The more you understand the concepts of corporate culture, the better you fit in. We suggest you read one item a month and attend one seminar a year to understand culture better.

Sources of Information

You can study corporate culture from a variety of sources: articles, books, consulting firms, and more.

Monday we conclude our series on fitting into the organization with tips to tie it all together

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 14: Build Your Internal Network

TouchpointsThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Brent understood the power of building a network. He naturally reached out to people. His friendly demeanor and outgoing personality made positive impressions on co-workers, colleagues, and suppliers. His network of contacts allowed him to accomplish more at work because he always knew someone who could help him perform more effectively. He also received an unexpected benefit. One of his contacts told him about a part in a local theater production. One performance created additional casting and eventually parts in independent films.

Connecting People Together

Electronic networks connect different devices together: computers, printers, scanners, tablets, and more. Human networks connect people from different divisions, departments, and disciplines. An internal network consists of people you connect inside the company. You may connect to people whose expertise can help you get your work done quicker, can help them get their work done better, and improve everyone’s career.

Examples of people you should add to your network include people working in:

  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Secretaries
  • Receptionists
  • Call centers
  • Transportation pool
  • Facilities and housekeeping
  • Manufacturing
  • Shipping and receiving
  • Information technology
  • Human resources
  • Purchasing

Learn, Serve, Grow

I’ve mentioned Jared and Sarah Stewart’s concepts outlined in City of Influence. One of their keys for building relationships is learn, serve, grow. They will guide you to developing your network of friends and contacts.

  • Learn about them, their needs, their goals, and problems
  • Serve them to help them achieve their needs, goals, and problems so they
  • Grow their productivity, performance, and careers

Ensure Two-Way Benefits

Make sure that you keep the relationship mutually beneficial for your network. Too many people make the mistake of taking advantage of their network by focusing the benefits of the relationship on their own needs.

You will gain more benefits from the relationship if you focus on providing benefits to your network, more than the benefits you receive from the relationships. Seek formal and informal ways to do something nice for your network.

Friday we suggest good sources of information to study about business culture

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 13: A Mentor Will Help You Fit In

Mentor definitionThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Kerry was looking for a new job. He attended one of our groups to accelerate his job search. We shared how 35% of people find jobs through word-of-mouth and the need to contact family and friends. The next day he informed the group that he had contacted his first mentor from when he worked at a Fortune 100 company. His mentor was now an executive vice-president with the same firm. The mentor mentioned how nice it would be to have Kerry back at the company. He arranged introductions for Kerry to six directors. All because he contacted a mentor.

Definition of a Mentor

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mentor as “a trusted counselor or guide” and “tutor, coach”.  The title comes from the story of Odysseus who entrusted the teaching of his son Telemachus to his friend Mentor.

Everyone needs a trusted guide, coach, or mentor to guide them through the alligators of business. Even new chief executive officers require someone to tutor them about the culture, written, and unwritten rules of the company they lead.

We discussed how mentors help you fit into the organization in each of the posts related to this topic. Mentors orient you to the culture, the written and unwritten rules regarding appearance, communication, productivity, and more.

How to Develop a Relationship with a Mentor

Companies used to manage mentor programs for new employees. In the day when companies sought the loyalty and long-term tenure of their employees. They found formal mentoring programs prepared future executive and top managers provided an excellent return-on-investment.

Few companies invest in formal mentoring programs anymore. They don’t find a long-term return-on-investment in employees they expect to stay with the company less than 5 years. So, you must find your own mentor and develop a mentor and protégé relationship.

Several sources will help you:

Wednesday we emphasize the role a network plays in helping you fit into the organization

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 12: Make Your Boss Look Good

Make Your Boss Look GoodThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Curtis, one of my original mentors, taught me a very valuable lesson when I started my career. He taught that the role of a good employee was to make your boss look good. He emphasized the importance of focusing on ensuring that you contributed to achieving the metrics your boss needed to fulfill. Curtis practiced his own advice very well. As a result, each time his boss received a promotion, he took Curtis along with him. Curtis ended his career as the COO of a global retail chain.

Focus on Achieving and Exceeding Your Boss’ Goals

Discuss your production and quality goals with your boss. Verify that  your goals align with your boss’s. Then,

  • Create a graph using a spreadsheet or graph paper
  • Write your weekly and monthly goal on the graph
  • Adjust your goals for seasonal changes.
  • Enter your actual production on the graph each week so you can compare actual production to goals.
  • Communicate your success to management and verify that your production meets their expectations.
  • Ask your supervisor, on a regular basis, if expectations changed.
  • When you are meeting expectations, ask your supervisor if there is anything else he or she would like you to do.
  • Offer to do more than you currently do. We used to call it be a work grabber.

 

Improve Something at Work

Look for a process or situation you can improve at work.

  • Observe it for a while
  • Think of ideas to solve or improve it
  • Discuss what you observed with your supervisor
  • Share your ideas to improve it
  • Ask their opinion and permission to implement possible solutions
  • Communicate your success with home run statements

Resist the urge to take credit for all the improvements in your production and the processes at work. Recognize the contribution your supervisor makes to your success. Maintain open communication with your boss. Remember, make opportunities to make your boss look good.

Monday we highlight how to build a relationship with a mentor that helps you fit in better

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 11: Connect to Past Co-Workers

Inbox with an emailThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Dave attended college 35 years ago. He kept intermittent contact with his former classmates over the years even though none of them lived in the same state. He started his own business after years of successfully working in several businesses. One of Dave’s major clients reduced their work by 30%. Dave reached out to his former colleagues and found an entirely new market that more than compensated for the lost work.

Keep Important Information About Friends and Co-Workers

My best friend in high school and college had a birthday this week. He calls me on my birthday every year. We stay in touch. Old friends add their competence to yours vicariously. They built different skills, connections, and wisdom. You can tap into theirs and share yours with them if you stay in touch.

Take time to add the names, job titles, phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays and other information about people in the same company to your address book: a real book, a Gmail or other email account, or Microsoft Outlook. Change the information if they go to another company.

 

Contact Current and Former Co-Workers

Call or email 2 people who used to work at your company, but moved to a new company. Share a few brief & positive comments about what is happening at work. Ask them about what is happening in their workplace: what they like, what they do, people they work with, and projects they work on. Limit the call to no more than 5 minutes. Keep the conversation professional and not gossipy. Do not backstab.

In addition, build your internal network by strengthening a relationship this week. Ponder what you have to do on your job. Identify someone that does that task better than you do. Talk to them this week about how they learned to do it so well. Ask them for tips you can use to improve your ability to do that task.

Friday we review how Making Your Boss Look Good (MYBLG) helps you fit in

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 10: Support Other Team Members

Treats for co-workersThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Dianna was loved by all her co-workers. She made friends easily because she was a good friend. She demonstrated sincere interest in others. She brought treats on their birthdays and other special days. She frequently offered to help others with their assignments. They respected her abilities as an administrative assistant. She became the assistant that mentored all the new administrative assistants.

 

Strengthen Your Co-Workers

Look for an opportunity to talk to someone in a different division or team than yours once a month. Tell them a little (30 seconds) about your job. Casually ask them 2-4 questions about theirs: What they do? What is the best part of their job? What is the most frustrating part of their job? Do not interrogate them.

Find a way to help someone in your group perform better on the job. Teach them a skill you possess. Introduce them to members of your network. Help them improve their productivity or ability to fit in. Mentor them to be a better employee.

Mentoring another co-worker helps you learn your job more effectively. You can teach the co-worker the skills you possess and the written and unwritten rules you understand. Mentoring another person to work harder and smarter brings personal gratification as well as the appreciation of management.

 

Do Nice Things for Co-Workers

Lots of co-workers take vacation during the holidays. Consequently, your work will operate with fewer workers than normal. You can impress management by offering to cover for people on vacation. Offer to do extra work during your regular hours, or offer to work extra shifts. Communicate what you did to management.

Occasionally bring some treats to share with your co-workers. Verify you do not violate company policy bringing food to work. Place the treats where everyone can get to them. Be sensitive to any health or personal diet challenges in selecting your treats. Do not use the treats to call attention to yourself.

Wednesday we discuss how to stay connected with former co-workers and managers

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 9: Abide by the Unwritten Rules

unwritten rules on fileThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Tyler got a great job after graduating from college with his degree in business administration. His work for a global petroleum company gave him opportunities to work in state-of-art finances, world-class leadership, and travel. He seemed on the verge of promotions, when his career screeched to a halt. Failure to abide by unwritten rules stalled his career. He did not fit into his work team and soon found himself transferred to a less prestigious work group. Within three years he left his perfect company for a better opportunity.

Understand the Role of Unwritten Rules

Organizations develop written rules, policy and procedure, to ensure uniform performance and processes. Companies develop unwritten rules to provide structure and tradition. Examples of unwritten rules may include:

  • Arriving and leaving at certain times of the day in spite of written policy
  • Standards about dress and appearance
  • Expectations about taking lunch together or socializing after hours
  • Rates of production, performance, or operations
  • Lines of formal and informal communication (how people learn about things)
  • Access to, and protection of, leadership (implied open door that is not really open)
  • Adaptations to change, refinements, departures, and arrivals of staff
  • Organizational etiquette, the giving and receiving of favors or gifts
  • Use and cleaning of food in a common refrigerator or lunchroom
  • Management or leadership style micromanagement, authoritative, delegated, etc.
  • Response to mistakes in performance, operations, or services

 

Discover the Unwritten Rules

Failure to comply with unwritten rules, or tradition, may carry harsher consequences than violating written rules. Improve how you fit in by learning and observing the unwritten rules of your organization. You may discover the unwritten rules through a variety of methods:

  • Observe how people act within the organization
  • Ask questions of co-workers and supervisors about unwritten rules
  • Let your mentor teach the corporate culture and unwritten rules
  • Listen to your internal network of contacts and learn from them
  • Stumble around making mistakes and learn from the mistakes

Monday we will discuss how supporting your co-workers helps you fit in more effectively

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 8: Understand the Written Rules

Bewerbungsbilder, bewerber, arbeiter, mitarbeiter,This continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Lauren worked hard for the company. She averaged 45-50 hours a week managing a storefront service that was open 9am-9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 8am-5pm Monday and Friday. She also worked at lest one Saturday and Sunday a month. The written policy gave permission for her to adjust her hours to cover the operation. The written policy changed to operational hours of 8-5 Monday through Friday. Lauren failed to change to abide by the new hours. She received a formal reprimand even though she was working longer hours than the policy. She was not working the hours outlined by the written rules.

Study the Written Rules

Corporations and businesses establish written rules to create dependable processes. Companies may call written rules policy, procedures, or operational guidelines. Written rules outline appropriate behavior in the corporation. Written rules define how employees should act with each other, with clients, and with vendors. Guidelines state the processes that lead to branded or expected results. 

You should study operations guidelines, policies, or procedures regularly. In the past, policies and procedures resided in notebooks, 3-ring binders, or printed booklets. In recent years, corporations digitized the written rules to save on paper costs. Digital versions also allow companies to update written rules quickly and with minimum fuss.

As a result of regular updates, you need to review them regularly. Failure to abide by written rules may lead to formal discipline or termination. Frequent changes in policy, procedures, or operational guidelines create confusion if not followed. Yet, companies continue to change them frequently.   

Seek Guidance from Others

Others may help you interpret and understand the written rules of the company. Your mentor and network of friends inside the company may offer differing viewpoints about the written rules. They may also help you prioritize which rules carry the most importance. They can help you avoid problems by abiding by the written rules and policies.

Friday we spotlight the need to understand and abide by the unwritten rules to fit in

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 7: Fit in Socially with Work Teams

Lunch group 2This continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Dwayne worked for a major utility company. He started as an engineer with good technical skills. An early mentor loved golfing, so Dwayne learned how to play. They enjoyed golfing together. As his boss received promotions, he kept Dwayne very close by promotions.

Practice Good Business Etiquette

Etiquette or manners allow people to work and get-along together. Making mistakes in business etiquette can prevent promotions, key assignments, and salary increases. . You must learn and practice the etiquette of your company to fit in and be accepted. Ask your mentor and network to teach you.

Occasionally bring some treats to share with your co-workers. Verify you do not violate company policy bringing food to work. Place the treats where everyone can get to them. Be sensitive to any health or personal diet challenges in selecting your treats. Do not use the treats to call attention to yourself.

 

Socialize with Co-Workers

Many times people at companies socialize after work. Completely ignoring them can distance you from the team. You do not need to attend all of them. Take time to attend some of the social activities. Ensure that you fit into the team by attending social events.

Keith Ferrazzi’s wrote a book titled Never Eat Alone. The concept is take to time eat lunch with your normal group of colleagues and co-workers. It also suggests expanding your circle of friends and invite people you don’t usually eat with to have lunch with you. Try it for two weeks. See how you feel. Check to see if it revitalizes you.

 

Keep in Contact with Old Friends

My best friend in high school and college had a birthday this week. He calls me on my birthday every year. We stay in touch. Old friends add their competence to yours vicariously. They built different skills, connections, and wisdom. You can tap into theirs and share yours with them if you stay in touch.

Wednesday we emphasize the importance of understanding the written rules to fitting in

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 6: Fit in Professionally

Professionals Fit InThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Dan worked for a corporation with several divisions and profit centers. He continually tried to improve his skills based on what he perceived the organization needed most. He also spent time staying connected with people in the organization. He served on a committee of the local Chamber of Commerce which allowed him to extend the reputation and prestige of his company. As a result of his efforts and successes, he received 3 promotions in six years.

Define Your Professional Identity

Do you know who you are in the world of work? Find your professional identity to define the direction you want to pursue and fit into the organization. You may define your identity by the industry you work in “I’m a retail worker”, job title “I’m an accountant”, or skills you love to use “I help the company identify and solve problems to increase profits”. Define your professional contribution.

 

Increase Your Professional Value

You increase your value to the company when you improve your skills and knowledge. Updating a skill keeps you current in the workplace. Select a skill that you need to do your job better, or that you will need on your next assignment. Several methods exist: seminars by vendors, on-line courses, community education programs, reading journals and articles online. Search on the Internet for the “skill online training”.

Professional associations offer additional training within your field. Most professional associations provide libraries of articles and books you can use to learn more. In addition, they offer monthly or quarterly luncheons or meetings with speakers related to your profession. Take advantage of both to improve your skills and knowledge.

 

Improve Others Professionally

Find a way to help someone in your group perform better on the job. Teach them a skill you possess. Introduce them to members of your network. Help them improve their productivity or ability to fit in professionally. Mentor them to be more professional employees.

Monday we discuss how to fit in socially with co-workers, supervisors, and future supervisors

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 5: Fit in Organizationally

Fit in OrganizationallyThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, explains that great companies get the right people in the right seats on the metaphorical bus. Bob understood the principle very well. He examined the organization of the company that employed him and compared his strengths with the needs of the organization. He developed relationships with supervisors in the division he thought would benefit most by his strengths. Soon, he found himself in the right seat on the bus.

Determine Where You Will Fit in Best

You cannot fit in well, if you don’t enjoy what you do for a job. Begin your preparation by deciding exactly what tasks or responsibilities you enjoy performing. List the kind of people you would work best with, which workstations and supervisors you would serve best. Write down where you would fit in best and compare it with what is available.

Then, examine the organization you work for. Identify the project or work teams or divisions that do the work you would love to do. Ask questions of the people working on those teams or who know about those teams. Write down the benefits and drawbacks of each team. Compare them to objectives you wrote down earlier.

 

Build Relationships to Fit In

Identify the manager over the next assignment or position where your skills will help the most. Begin to slowly build a relationship with them. Smile, wave or nod your head, at them when you see them. Occasionally ask them how work is going. This courteous inquiry should not expect a long reply. Also your replies to such queries should be brief. You could respond with a brief home run statement or praise for your supervisor.

In addition, maintain good relationships with your current co-workers and supervisors. You must fit into your current team organizationally by performing your responsibilities and duties fully. Verify with your supervisor that you fit into the organization effectively 

Friday we discover ways to fit in professionally to your work team, organization, & company

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Fit Into the Organization 4: Fit in Conversationally

Fit In ConversationallyThis continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Becky received a promotion when the manager of her branch retired. She had earned the promotion through her competence and results. She also fit into the global organization very well. She listened to others and implemented their ideas exceptionally well. In addition, people basked in her insightful, yet uplifting, conversations. She could face the brutal facts of flaws in her operation equitably and make improvements immediately. Yet, she never sounded critical or negative. Becky’s positive, uplifting conversations enhanced her reputation for fitting into the organization.

Lift and Motivate with Informal Conversations

Listen to your informal conversations at work. Do you lift and motivate your co-workers to enjoy their jobs and appreciate what management does, or do you criticize and find fault with people? Start looking for positive things that you can sincerely say. Begin to highlight the good things about work. Show appreciation to others for what they do. Be sincere. Do not flatter falsely.

Frequently, we tend to judge, condemn, or criticize directions that come from above us. Sometimes we do not trust them or understand their vision. As a result, our conversations become negative. We murmur. Resist that urge. Do not criticize what you do not understand, and never murmur. It always hurts you and affects you worse than anyone else.

Express Appreciation to Others

Regularly, express your appreciation to your co-workers and supervisors. Identify something specific that each one did for you during the past year. Occasionally, find a way, either with a card or small gift, to share your gratitude. Then, begin looking for the actions you will thank them for next year.

 

Receive Feedback Well

Ask your supervisor for suggestions for your improvement. Listen to what they say without commenting or defending your current performance. Repeat back what they said using their own words. Thank them for the suggestion. Focus on improving what they suggested. Report your improvement to them in four weeks with a home run statement.

Wednesday we explore how you can fit in better organizationally

This blog will improve as you submit comments, questions, and experiences. We will answer your questions in future blog posts. Please submit your comments and questions so we can answer them.