You May Not Like the Way You Have to Lead

Feb 5, 2013 | Leadership Development

When it's your turn to take over and step in to your predecessor's leadership shoes, what is your focus? Is it to lead the way that's easiest for you? Or, is it to lead the way the team or organization needs to be led? I recently observed a leadership transition that's been in the works for over 24 months. The new leader is smart, capable, and charismatic. However, during his first official stakeholder's event, he made his first noticeable leadership gaffe. He forgot a golden rule...

Create a Succession Plan in Eight Steps

Nov 20, 2012 | Succession Planning

I was recently asked by an association president what basic steps he and the executive committee should consider as they create a succession plan that's effective and simple. There are no plans for the CEO to leave. However, the association has a sound strategic plan and process now in place, so wisely, the association leadership team is looking to put a sound succession plan and process in place as well. That's a smart thing to do. Let me share with you what I shared with him so that you too...

Let Me Introduce Myself

Oct 9, 2012 | Sales, Marketing & Customer Service

Hmmm, this is interesting. This meeting with the executive team was supposed to start at 9AM and here it is 9:05AM and no one is here yet. Oh wait, I hear someone coming. Let me get near the door so I can introduce myself as everyone comes in. Ah, here's the first person... My hand goes out. "Hello. I'm Liz Weber." The gentleman is a bit surprised but says, "Hey. How ya doin'?" shakes my hand, and starts to walk to a seat at the conference table. A bit surprised, I say, "I'm sorry but I...

Get Customers. Get to Know Them

Jul 31, 2012 | Sales, Marketing & Customer Service

I recently received a thank you note from Matt, one of my nephews. I had helped him revise his resume and practice for interviews, as he needed to "get" a co-op in his final semester of college in order to graduate. Matt wrote that he had "gotten" a great co-op position with a company that has strong future employment opportunities for him as well. Our work in getting to know the prospective organizations had paid off. He was selected while other students with higher grade point...

Succession Planning – Your Next Big Project

Jun 5, 2012 | Succession Planning

Every day, there are stories in the media discussing the importance of succession planning, yet many of us business owners aren't paying heed. According to a global study released by Korn Ferry International, "40% or less of organizations today have a capable CEO-in-waiting." Also, according to a report released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), four out of ten small to medium-sized business owners intend to retire and exit their businesses within five years....