Dale Carnegie Blog

Best Practice Training for Project Management

By Caug124 on September 2nd, 2010

Good project management is an essential part of every business. A good project manager will not only take on a task, but complete it on time and on budget, which will ultimately lead to success for the company. However, the skills required to be a good project manager do not come automatically — they must be developed.

A good way to begin is by enrolling in a management training program. Through this type of program you can begin to learn and practice the methods and skills that will make you a good manager and an asset to your company. Then you can look into specific project management skills.

There are five main steps to follow for the successful completion of any project. While they most often apply to business, they could be put to use in many different aspects of your life, like planning a wedding or completing projects around the house, to help you get some more practice.

Step 1: Define the objective. What is the purpose and desired outcome for the project? Only when you have a clear goal and know what you are working toward will you be successful.

Step 2: Set goals. Once you have the purpose established you can begin developing the goals you need to accomplish along the way to reach completion. Breaking each area down step-by-step will help you understand what you need to do as well as help you feel like you get more done each time you reach a goal.

Step 3: Make a schedule. With the purpose and goals in place you can begin developing a schedule. This is particularly important if you are working with a tight deadline, but is also important if you want to complete the project in a timely manner.

Step 4: Establish communication. When the plan is in place you can begin sharing it with your team. It is important that everyone is on the same page and understands what needs to be done and what their individual tasks are.

Step 5: Assess and reassess. Throughout the project it is vital that you assess the progress, make adjustments for any changes, and continue to re-evaluate the purpose and goals.

It is impossible to guarantee success every time; however, if you put these steps into practice you will greatly increase your likelihood for successful completion of any project.

Tags: management training, project management
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The Benefits of Customer Service Training

By Caug124 on August 31st, 2010

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The importance of quality customer service training cannot be overemphasized for your company or business regardless of your size or even service or marketing priority. In fact, the most successful companies take customer service farther than their consumer relationship practice and apply it to the staff itself. When a service or sales team regards and treats each other with the same consideration and respect that they would offer the customer, amazing team spirit is created and overall work dynamic of the establishment is improved.

Meanwhile, regardless of whether or not you are considering the service needs of staff or the customer, there are certain skills, tools and priorities that are essential. And the benefits that excellent customer care skills provide your business are endless. Not only can it make the difference between an immediate sale or lack of, it can also make or break a potential long term client relationship. And with everything else being equal, almost everyone will choose the company that treats them well and recognizes their needs over one that doesn’t.

When dealing with quality customer service, the most immediate and important factor is establishing an orientation of respect. This is immediately felt by the consumer and the lack of respect is also instantly noticed. And this alone can invite a hesitant customer into a purchase or it can also cause an immediate turn around and you will see them walk right out the door. After the respectful attitude is established, then a focus on the customer’s needs is next. This is when active listening skills are essential, and it is important to listen to what the customer is saying, as well as what they are not saying. However, with that in mind, it is never okay to assume what your consumer might be thinking. But you can make an educated and attentive guess and then offer a suggestion based on this.

There are numerous other skills that are essential to customer service and many of these are derived from these two early examples. Another important thing to remember is that excellent costumer service begins long before the actual purchase is made or the service is ordered. Customer service begins on the telephone or as a customer is walking through the door and it does not end, well ever. That’s the easiest way to ensure ongoing approval and repeat patronage. Never assume your services are no longer needed. These skills and others can be learned and there are some excellent training programs that focus on important customer service skills. Workshops can be tailored to specific fields and they can also be more generalized and cover the the all purpose aspects of what has been discussed here. And it is also important to remember that customer service is extremely important regardless of the type of service or product your company offers.

Tags: Customer service training, training programs
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Management Training Myths: What Doesn’t Work

By Caug124 on August 30th, 2010

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The history of management training and various work ethic philosophies that have gone along with it and evolved through time demonstrate various perspectives and approaches to training management staff. In addition, they demonstrate the changing orientations toward dealing with employees that have occurred in recent decades. Interestingly, the greatest changes have occurred in the last couple to few decades and represent an increase in respect and support for various staff levels. Years ago there was an extreme power differential between management and support staff, however recent trends demonstrate that eliminating these hierarchies in attitude creates a more positive work environment.

With this and other discoveries, there have been great changes in management training program philosophies. Certain myths and historic beliefs about how to appropriately train management and consequently treat staff have been uncovered and are no longer in place. These earlier beliefs are now considered to be destructive to the well being and success potential of a company, and changes in approach to training and staff treatment have demonstrated strong growth in the companies that affect it.

Micromanaging may be appropriate in certain, though uncommon, contextual situations, though as a general rule is ineffective and results in a frustrated and stagnant workforce. In addition, training management to engage in insulting correctional behavior is also counter to productivity. A supportive and communicative manager has been seen as weakness and ineffective leadership in the past, though this was based on stereotypes that are not comical. It is important to train management in positive communication and delegation skills, and the attitudes and practices of early 20th century training are recognized as destructive and sometimes in appropriate. One of the most noticeable of the beliefs that has been eliminated is the myth that men are smarter and more capable managers than women. There are many others that are similar in pattern and intent.

Tags: management training, management training program
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Effective Words to Express Strong Leadership Skills

By Caug124 on August 27th, 2010

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There are some standard aspects of strong leadership skills that are essential to management and supervisor positions for any business. This is one of the strongest reasons many corporations and private businesses send their management personnel to quality leadership training programs and workshops. These will teach the necessary delegation and communication skills that are essential to quality management, and these are also some of the same skills that are lacking from business programs in universities. However, it is the practical and interactive skills that will either make or break a supervisor’s leadership abilities.

Most of the quality workshops will focus on certain aspects of leadership training. Strong language skills and effective words to express effective leadership are inherent to the programs and they are great ways to deal with staff communication. There are some different aspects of communicating with staff and they deal with effective delegation, conflict resolution, team building and confronting insubordination without a power struggle. When a supervisor or manager has a solid grasp on these elements, it will almost guarantee a positive and constructive work environment.

These are all contributing factors to the success of any business. The leadership of a company will designate the overall atmosphere of the organization and the attitude from management will trickle down through staff. When a supervisor has effective communication skills and can articulate staff responsibilities and for a team oriented environment, the productivity of that company increases exponentially. The same is true in reverse of these skills and poor management communication can bring down the best of businesses. With all of the other issues faced by businesses today and the enormous competition that exists in various markets, any business or corporation can’t take the chance that poor management communication skills will negatively effective their success. Meanwhile, it makes great sense to ensure your business has the best possible advantage, and this begins with leadership.

Tags: communication skills, leadership skills, management skills
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Team building in the corporate world

By Caug124 on August 20th, 2010

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There are certain fundamental aspects of corporate and business work atmospheres that not only contribute to the attitude of staff and employees but can also affect the potential success of the company. And the importance of a positive work environment has moved beyond the feel good metaphysical realm and executives are paying attention to the research the indicates a positive atmosphere in the workplace contributes to greater productivity, collaboration and output. And these are all factors that spell success.

Corporate team building is not as difficult, or for that matter even as simple as what many people initially believe. There are plenty of quality training programs that will provide management with essential skill that contribute to a team oriented staff. Some of these include the ability to delegate, conflict resolution, time management, effective communication and even dealing with staff insubordination without succumbing to power struggles . If the management staff has a united front and comes from the same philosophical and ethical school of leadership, the staff will be much more likely to respond positively to them.

Staff that is under effective management will also be more accountable for their actions and responsibilities and be inclined to work better as a team. When staff feel that their work is important, that their voices are heard and that they matter to the company they are much more likely to feel a commitment to teamwork and the work community. Contrary to traditional belief, threats, belittlement and unappreciated work forces tend to be less productive, less responsible and less committed to the company. A corporation that has a strong team work structure is not only contributing to the well being of its staff, but is also giving it better chances of survival and success. And with the continued competitive of today’s markets corporations cannot afford to ignore these important statistics.

Tags: corporate team building programs, team
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Simple Ways to Improve Your Sales Process

By Caug124 on August 18th, 2010

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The sales field is one that continues to expand and grow throughout various social trend and career trends as well as economic conditions. However, and important clarification to make is that while sales itself continues to grow, there are certain jobs in sales that can see stagnation and slowing during difficult economic times. The recent recession is a perfect example and car sales have been down in response. Meanwhile, certain medical supplies and necessary service sales continue to remain strong.

If you are a salesperson or own or manage a company that deals with sales, it is important to understand the dynamics of the industry and if you’re in a field that is vulnerable to economic conditions or social trends, then your skills, professionalism and abilities can determine not only your level of success but your ability even to survive. Meanwhile the good news is that there are actually some simple ways to improve your sales success and there are also some great training seminars and workshops that can help hone your fundamental skills. Many of these sales process improvement trainings focus on skills such as effective listening and clear communication as well as professional conduct.

The sales field is always extremely competitive and this is true regardless of whether or not you’re selling dresses, cars or funeral arrangements. And the competition also extends beyond the economic situation bounds while there are ups and lows in many of the fields, solid skills and professional conduct will keep you at the top of your industry. Market trends may be unavoidable but to understand the importance of listening, spending the time to build trust from your customer and being respectful of them will help you to stay alive and even succeed regardless of the social or economical climate . These and others are all important sales skills and they can be learned and improved on in any stage of your career.

Tags: market trends, sales process, sales process improvement
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How to Interview For an Executive Training Position

By Caug124 on August 4th, 2010

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Applying for jobs and scheduling interviews is a large part of the business world right now. With so many changes in the economy, businesses, and individuals, for many it is only a matter of time before they will find themselves on the other side of the desk, facing the scrutiny of a potential employer. Most of us don’t enjoy interviews, but by going in prepared you could walk out with the job.

Before you head to your interview it is important that you do your research. Search the Internet for information on the company and person you will be interviewing with, paying close attention to any new press releases, new reports, statistics, etc. If you are able, try out their product ahead of time. The more informed you are about the company the more they will see your interest in the position, and the more impressed they will be.

In many ways an interview is as much about what is said non-verbally as verbally. First impressions are key. Upon meeting your interviewer greet them confidently, look them in the eye, smile, and give them your first and last name. Throughout the interview, maintain eye contact and show interest and enthusiasm for the position. Be aware of the signals that you are sending out through your body language. If you are slouched over and distracted, they will take that as a sign that you are not interested in the position.

Answering questions can be one of the most nerve-racking parts of the interview; however, if you prepare ahead of time you will feel more confident when the time comes. Think through typical questions that are asked at interviews. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? Also, assume that they will ask questions about any executive training you have received and past job experiences.

Don’t hesitate to ask a few questions of your own. What responsibilities does the position entail? What are the greatest challenges of the position? And, most importantly, don’t forget to ask what your next step should be. Verbally express your interest in the position and your desire to keep the process moving forward.

By following these simple steps and maintaining enthusiasm and honesty, you’ll have that new job before you know it.

Tags: executive interview, executive training, executive training position
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Dale Carnegie on Engagement and Self-Confidence

By Caug124 on August 3rd, 2010

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Enthusiasm is the engine that fuels the ability to achieve a breakthrough. It enables us to exceed our own expectations, stoking the fires of self-confidence. Communicating ideas with enthusiasm often enhances our effectiveness as leaders. The ability to establish and maintain relationships enables us to learn from others and achieve results we could not accomplish alone.

In a world where risk, challenge, competition, and change go hand-in-hand, self-confidence is the competitive edge. You must build your confidence and stretch your comfort zone (the area in which you are most comfortable operating). You must be confident in dealing with negativity in the workplace, and, as a leader, you must build the confidence in others to help them be more enthusiastic and positive. Employee Engagement leads to effective communication and professional development

Learning from our past experiences can increase our self-confidence. When we establish a solid foundation with others and increase our self-confidence, we can significantly advance toward our visions.

Achievements can be viewed as patterns of success. When setting breakthrough goals, we build on previous achievements. These reference points provide evidence that we can continue to achieve great things.

“We can all endure disaster and tragedy, and triumph over them-if we have to. We may not think we can, but we have surprisingly strong inner resources that will see us through if we will only make use of them. We are stronger than we think.”-Dale Carnegie

“Naturalness is the easiest thing in the world to acquire, if you will but forget yourself-forget about the impression you are trying to make.”-Dale Carnegie

“Take the chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The “sure thing” boat never gets far from shore.” -Dale Carnegie

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest steppingstones to success. No other element can do so much for a man if he is willing to study them and make capital out of them. Look backward. Can’t you see where your failures have helped you?” -Dale Carnegie

“Enthusiasm is the dynamics of your personality. Without it, whatever abilities you may possess lie dormant; and it is safe to say that nearly every man has more latent power than he ever learns to use. You may have knowledge, sound judgment, good reasoning faculties; but no one-not even yourself-will know it until you discover how to put your heart into thought and action.” -Dale Carnegie

“This is the day of dramatization. Merely stating a truth isn’t enough. The truth has to be made vivid, interesting, and dramatic. You have to use showmanship. The movies do it. Radio does it. And you will have to do it if you want attention.” -Dale Carnegie

”Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.” -Dale Carnegie

“You can’t get anywhere in this world without wanting to do something.” -Dale Carnegie

“If half a century of living has taught me anything at all, it has taught me that “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”” -Dale Carnegie

“I honestly believe that this is one of the greatest secrets to true peace of mind-a decent sense of values. And I believe we could annihilate fifty per cent of all our worries at once if we would develop a sort of private gold standard-a gold standard of what things are worth to us in terms of our lives.” -Dale Carnegie

“We all have possibilities we don’t know about. We can do things we don’t even dream we can do. It’s only when necessity faces us that we rise to the occasion and actually do the things that hitherto have seemed impossible.” -Dale Carnegie

“About ninety per cent of the things in our lives are right and about ten per cent are wrong. If we want to be happy, all we have to do is to concentrate on the ninety per cent that are right and ignore the ten per cent that are wrong. If we want to be worried and bitter and have stomach ulcers, all we have to do is to concentrate on the ten per cent that are wrong and ignore the ninety per cent that are glorious.” -Dale Carnegie

“All the king’s horses and all the king’s men can’t put the past together again. So let’s remember: Don’t try to saw sawdust.” -Dale Carnegie

“When we hate our enemies, we are giving them power over us: power over our sleep, our appetites, our blood pressure, our health, and our happiness. Our enemies would dance with joy if only they knew how they were worrying us, lacerating us, and getting even with us! Our hate is not hurting them at all, but our hate is turning our own days and nights into a hellish turmoil.” -Dale Carnegie

“Put a “stop-loss” order on your worries. Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth-and refuse to give it anymore.” -Dale Carnegie

“Don’t fuss about trifles. Don’t permit little things-the mere termites of life-to ruin your happiness.” -Dale Carnegie

“Get the facts. Let’s not even attempt to solve our problems without first collecting all the facts in an impartial manner.” -Dale Carnegie

“Do you remember the things you were worrying about a year ago? How did they work out? Didn’t you waste a lot of fruitless energy on account of most of them? Didn’t most of them turn out all right after all?” -Dale Carnegie

“Look facts in the face, bitter though they may be: make a decision, and after you have once made the decision. Devote all your time to carrying it out. Don’t spend any time worrying about whether or not it is right. Make it right!” -Dale Carnegie

“If you were to read everything that has ever been written about worry by the great philosophers of the universe, you would never read anything more profound than “Don’t cross your bridges until you come to them” and “Don’t cry over spilt milk”” -Dale Carnegie

“Life truly is a boomerang. What you give, you get.” -Dale Carnegie

“I know men and women can banish worry, fear and various kinds of illnesses, and can transform their lives by changing their thoughts. I know! I know! I know! I have seen such incredible transformations performed hundreds of times. I have seen them so often that I no longer wonder at them.” -Dale Carnegie

“The chief thing you are seeking in this world is happiness; and happiness does not depend upon good health or money or fame, though good health is a large factor. It depends, however, principally on one thing only: your thoughts. If you can’t have what you want, be grateful for what you have. Keep thinking constantly of all the big things you have to be thankful for instead of complaining about the little things that annoy you.” -Dale Carnegie

“You can get ahead in the world. But you will have to work, you will have to want tremendously to accomplish something, and then be willing to pay the price. Are you willing?” -Dale Carnegie

“Mix judgment with ambition and season it with energy. It makes a splendid recipe for success.” -Dale Carnegie

“The difference between a successful person and a failure often lies in the fact that the successful man will profit by his mistakes and try again in a different way.” -Dale Carnegie

“Don’t let anything discourage you. Keep on. Never give up. That has been the policy of most of those who have succeeded. Of course discouragement will come. The important thing is to surmount it. If you can do that, the world is yours!” -Dale Carnegie

“Instead of worrying about what people say of you, why not spend your time trying to accomplish something they will admire.” -Dale Carnegie

“If you want to be happy, set yourself a goal that commands your thoughts liberates your energy and inspires your hopes. Happiness is within you. It comes from doing some certain thing into which you can put all your thought and energy. If you want to be happy, get enthusiastic about something outside yourself.” -Dale Carnegie

“If you have some idea you believe in, don’t listen to the croaking chorus. Listen only to what your own inner voice tells you.” -Dale Carnegie

“That is what every successful man loves: the game. The chance for self-expression. The chance to prove his worth, to excel, to win. That is what makes foot races and hog-calling and pie-eating contest. The desire to excel. The desire for a feeling of importance.” -Dale Carnegie

“Stop and look out the window and see how beautiful the world is. It is there-enjoy it. Go out tonight and look up at the stars. They are the wonders of nature.” -Dale Carnegie

”The world is filled with interesting things to do. Don’t lead a dull life in such a thrilling world.” -Dale Carnegie

“The small man flies into a rage over the slightest criticism, but the wise man is eager to learn from those who have censured him and reproved him and “disputed the passage with him.”” -Dale Carnegie

“Keep your mind open to change all the time. Welcome it. Court it. It is only by examining and reexamining your opinions and ideas that you can progress.” -Dale Carnegie

”The trouble with most of us is that we keep our eyes closed to opportunities that thrust themselves at us; and rare is the man who searches for his opportunity or sees one even when he stumbles over it.” -Dale Carnegie

“By talking to yourself every hour of the day, you can direct yourself to think thoughts of courage and happiness, thoughts of power and peace. By talking to yourself about the things you have to be grateful for you can fill your mind with thoughts that soar and sing.” -Dale Carnegie

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Community Based Leadership Training Best Practices

By Caug124 on August 2nd, 2010

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In the past, many companies, especially larger ones, were somewhat oblivious to the communities in which they ran their businesses. They seemed to forget that the community is what pays their bills and keeps their businesses running. However, recent years have seen that trend change. Large chains like Target and Wal-Mart are giving back and getting more involved in their communities. For any business, it is important to take the community into consideration when providing training for their employees.

Leadership training is an important part of any business training. There are several components that make up traditional leadership training. Developing and improving on the skills that are necessary for bringing a team together and completing a goal in a high quality, timely matter is important for employees in any business; however, when considering community based leadership training, there are several more areas to include.

Population. The size of the community is going to play a large part in the level of involvement as well as approach to leadership. In a small community there is more face-to-face interaction with the community. There are fewer businesses, and customers, to choose from. However, there are countless ways to get involved and become a leader. In a larger community, such as New York City, there are thousands of customers and businesses so it is harder to get involved, especially for smaller business, and most people probably won’t take much notice of a business setting up a community service project.

Demographics. Understanding the demographics of a community is essential. If the median income of a community is $60k per year, they probably wouldn’t get very involved in an high-end fashion show, even if the proceeds did go back to the community. Understanding the different cultures that make up the community is also important. Being offensive to a particular people group is a sure fire way to not only damage business but also the businesses standing in the community.

Although many employees will come from the community, it is important that they understand how important the community is to the business. When business leaders and community leaders work together then everyone is successful.

Tags: how important the community is to the business, Leadership training, Target
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Drug Testing in the Workplace

By Caug124 on August 2nd, 2010

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Doing drugs in the workplace is never a good idea. While the legal implications of being allowed to test for drugs in the workplace is debatable, it is a common practice for a number of good reasons. If you work in an area that impaired judgment of any kind could affect your work or your safety, many employers find it reasonable to fire you for violating drug policies and will often include the drug policy in an employee handbook as an introduction to the job as well as telling you about the rules before you are hired. This means that when you take the job, you agree to their drug policy and will allow them to test you for drugs as necessary.

Drug use or addiction can affect your job performance, making it a concern for many employers. If your job is taking care of kids in a large organization, you are expected to not show up to work drunk, on drugs, or in need of a cigarette. This is because you are a role model for the kids that you take care of, and their safety is in your hands– if a child gets injured through your negligence, you and the company you work for can be held liable. If you are working in a more physical job it makes sense that you will be tested for drugs after any major injury as most workers compensation will not pay for an injury if it is found that the employee was impaired in some way. This means that if you work for a hospital or a kitchen, even if there is not regular drug testing done, if you get injured you are likely to face a drug test when your injury is treated.

Drugs in an office are a little more tricky, but managers should always refer back to the company handbook and their management training for help in such situations. Many offices these days perform drug tests and will ask workers to test for drugs on a regular or random basis. It can be a sensitive matter, but when someone is on drugs and is in violation of the company policy they will need to be approached and their behavior discussed. In such a case, managers should tell them upfront what is going on, why they are in violation and that they will not be arrested, but what the consequences will be if the suspicions are found to be true.

The reason workplace drug tests are considered legal for the most part is because it is allowed for federal offices to give their employees drug tests. Some states have also passed specific laws making it undeniably legal for private companies to also drug test their employees. Any managers who need clarification of handbook policies or advice about handling suspicions about drug use on the job should consult their HR department and, if necessary, their legal counsel. It’s also a good idea to consult HR in how to deal with employees who are returning to work after undergoing drug rehab or other addiction treatment programs.

Tags: drug policy, drug rehab, management training, specific laws, their safety
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