| January 2011
The Enlightened Manager Newsletter
Helping executives accelerate and manage growth since 1999
Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.
- Vesta Kelly
=====================================================================================================
|
In this issue:
======================================================================================================
|
|
 1. A strong start: conducting one-on-one meetings
One of the most important times in the life of a sales or operations manager is the start of a new assignment with new employees. Last newsletter I talked about how to hold an effective introductory meeting with your direct reports. This month I'd like to discuss the equally important one-on-one staff discussions.
Some managers may choose to conduct these sessions prior to the team meeting. Consider asking the following questions:
- What are your responsibilities? (Listen but also ask positive probing questions.)
- Are there any significant roadblocks to your job assignment success?
- What do you see as your main strength and biggest weakness?
- What is your long term career goal? Development needs?
- Is there is anything I can do to help you do your job better/faster?
- Is there anything you would prefer I not do? (If anyone complains about their previous boss, just listen. But, don't feel you have to say anything other than thanks for the feedback.)
Tell them you will always try to make yourself available to talk. Take all the input you get in this first week or two and then formulate a 30-60-90 day plan to discuss with your boss.
Like the team kick-off meeting, these first individual discussions are a get-acquainted and information gathering expedition. So, remember to keep it light and listen ten times/talk one time!
Wishing you a happy new year!
Mike
For operations or sales management coaching support
========================================================================
|
|
2. Essential Marketing Tips (from Mixtur's Annie Eissler)
As we all know, the days of "build it and they will come" are long gone, so a solid business plan and go to market strategy are essential. If you want to maximize your chance of launching a successful product or service, take a look at one of these recent Marketing Tips from one of my teaming partners, Mixtur. They just very well may apply to you!
Marketing Tips
======================================================================== |
|
3. Inaugural Business-to-Government WTIA Community Meeting
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
Guest speaker: Congressman Jay Inslee
Doing business with this new Congress
Plus:
2011 Federal government technology market outlook presentation
Kevin Plexico, Senior VP, Operations, Input
2011 state & local government technology market outlook presentation
Executive, Onvia, invited
The recent shift in Congressional make-up as well as pressing technology and economic issues should make for a challenging year. Be sure your company has the information it needs to formulate an effective and successful strategy.
Representative Jay Inslee has represented Washington state at the federal level for more than a decade - as representative for the 4th Congressional District from 1992-1994 and the 1st Congressional District since 1999 - writing and sponsoring legislation in clean energy, health care, the environment, and high speed communications.
Networking reception: 5:30 to 6:00
Comments by Congressman Inslee: 6:00 to 6:30 pm
Question and answers: 6:30 to 6:45 pm
Market outlook presentations: 6:45 to 7:30 pm
Meeting location:
KL Gates, 925 4th Ave #2900
Seattle, WA 98104-1158
Business to Government Community
Meeting Frequency: Quarterly
Leadership Committee: Mike Lisagor, Celerity Works; Annie Eissler, Mixtur; Lew McMurran, WTIA; Derek Crick, KL Gates
Cost:
Members = Free
Non-Members = $20
To register or for further information, please contact:
Aaron Eggers, 206.448.3033 x109
Please RSVP by 2/1/11 at 12pm
Stay tuned for details or follow me at:
 !
Questions? Ideas? Speaker suggestions?
======================================================================== |
|
Winning and Managing Government Business (click to read more or order)
"Winning and Managing Government Business is a concise, easy-to-understand and to the point overview of securing and doing business with the federal government. It provides step-by-step instructions on approaches for penetrating government markets, how to do your prep work prior to proposal time, and then how to respond and win opportunities. It's a definite must read if you're new to the government space. It's also very handy if you're a savvy veteran as it's full of checklists, timelines and templates you can use in real world situations. I've been involved with government contracting for over 15 years and found this book to be very useful and practical."
- M. Cosgrave, VP, ManTech International
The Enlightened Manager (click to read more or order)
"Whether you are new to a management role or a 25 year management veteran, these 20 concise morsels of enlightenment are the heart of being a successful leader. Worth reading every year !!"
- Business Confluence
| Both available in paperback at www.amazon.com
|
|
|
|
About Mike and Celerity Works
Michael Lisagor founded Celerity Works in 1999 to help government, industry and non-profit executives improve their performance and accelerate their organizational growth. He has performed over 450 organizational assessment interviews, facilitated 200+ meetings and workshops, and coached over 250 managers for 65 organizations.
Benefits and results:
- Government contractors - Win more government business
- Government agencies - Improve performance and manage program risk
- Commercial businesses - Become more efficient and accelerate growth
Consulting services:
- Action-oriented planning and retreat facilitation
- Management performance improvement coaching
- Improved decision making and focus
- Streamlined business growth planning
- Effective program risk management
Government management and risk consulting services available on GSA MOBIS schedule.
Facilitation and performance coaching services available on King County contract.
|
|
|
|
|
|
