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Welcome to Vantage Business Support & Insurance Services
We all know how important small business is to the U.S. economy. Some statistics that you may not know are:
(1) they represent 99.7% of all employer firms, (2) they employ just over half of all private sector employees, (3) they pay 44% of total U.S. private payroll (4) have generated 64% of net new jobs in the past 15 yrs.
VANTAGE has been servicing the small business community for over 35 years. Over the years we have accumulated much knowledge, contacts and experience in helping to protecting small businesses and help them become successful and grow. As such, we will be publishing a semimonthly newsletter geared toward providing small businesses with the latest news, products, and guidelines to assist in their success and growth. Please feel free to comment and/or request topics that are important to you for us to research.
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Please view our products list in the right sidebar
This is just a sampling of what we feel would be important to you. We have much more to offer. If you have any questions or need more information please contact us at 877-886-8277 or click the link below.
CONTACT A VANTAGE PROFESSIONAL |
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The 7 Most Destructive Phrases to Avoid at Work
 Your words matter and have a huge impact on your employees. Avoid these 7 phrases and watch your employee productivity and engagement soar.
Sometimes leaders make statements that have an effect entirely opposite of what was intended. These phrases might be well intended, but the interpretation can be very damaging. Instead of leading to efficiency and productivity gains, these phrases can result in destructive consequences. Use the seven phrases below with great caution. Instead of being helpful, you are apt to find negative outcomes, including resentment, lowered creativity, reduced engagement, and higher turnover.
1. We already tried that: This is a statement borne out of something that did not work in the past. Maybe it was an idea that was ahead of its time, or maybe it wasn't executed properly. Regardless, it should not forever be used as an excuse not to try again. Particularly as the time gap widens, what once failed may now be a wild success.
2. That's not your job: Role clarity is essential, and none of us like it when someone needles into our area without asking. At the same time, this statement prevents people from stretching themselves to do more. It's important to encourage people to make the most of their ability, and allowing them to take on stretch assignments and projects outside their immediate area can advance this.
3. Who's job is on the line if this doesn't work?: With any goal or project, there needs to be a person that is accountable for its success. But this can be done in a positive way. Statements like this or "Who get's fired if this doesn't work?" create an atmosphere of negativity and fear. This will prevent people from taking strategic risks that can set your business apart.
4. Don't reinvent the wheel: If the wheel was never "reinvented" Lamborghinis and Porsches would be driving on top of 4 wooden disks! Many market leading companies lost their edge--or even went bankrupt--when the failed to try to make their products better. Think Kodak, Blockbuster Video, AOL, etc. Other dangerous variations of this phrase are "If it ain't broke don't fix it" and "We've always done it that way."
5. That won't work: Don't just shut someone down. Ask the right questions to get at the heart of what they were trying to do or propose. Provide suggestions and engage in an interactive dialogue and you may soon find something that will work.
6. Just get it done. This is another phrase that leads to a culture of fear. As a result, people feel immense pressure to deliver, regardless of how it gets done. At its best, employees don't treat each other as well and corners get cut; at its worst, people begin to delve into practices that might be borderline unethical, or even illegal. Instead ask them what they need in order to get the job done.
7. I already knew that. Sure you may have, but a "shut up" statement like this will make people feel little. They are subsequently less inclined to speak up next time they have an idea. Thank them for the suggestion, or better yet, give them credit for the idea.
SOURCE: DAVID VAN ROOY |
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DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
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Small Business Products
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VANTAGE has a wide range of products designed to sustain Small Business success and growth. These products include: Health Insurance Exchange Group Medical Group Dental / Vision Disability / Critical Illness Business Liability Directors & Officers Errors & Omissions Business Interruption Key Person Insurance Small Business Tool Box Workers' Compensation Employment Practices Lia Employee Theft Commercial Auto AARP Sponsored Auto & Home Umbrella Property Product Liability Start-Up Assistance Legal Assistance Human Resources Marketing Business Planning |
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