Free Book Giveaway May 17
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. That way you'll always stay up to date with what's happening here at The Wisdom Journal. Thanks for visiting! If you aren't sure how to use an RSS feed, read this post.
My next book drawing is coming up TONIGHT and I’ll be giving away The Millionaire Next Door
This is a fantastic book on how millionaires actually lived their day to day lives. It goes into detail on how they made their money, how they spend it, the cars they drive, the homes they live in, the watches they wear, and how they live their lives. It’s a great read and one reader will get a freebie!
To have your name entered in the drawing, simply email the FREE BOOK CODE at the bottom of my RSS feed to ron dot haynes at thewisdomjournal dot com. I even pay the shipping! I’ll announce the winner tomorrow morning in my weekly roundup and get it mailed out on Monday. Additionally, if you’re the book winner and you have a blog, I’ll be sure and link to some of your posts in my roundup. It’s a great deal all around so subscribe today!
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related ContentCommon Costly Blunders When Selling Your Home
Selling your home in today’s market is a feat unto itself. Increase the odds by avoiding these costly mistakes.
Blunder #1: Seeing your property through the eyes of the buyer.
Sounds counterintuitive doesn’t it? In reality you should forget what you would want to see if you were buying the home. You’re not buying this home, someone else is and your job is to make sure it appeals to as many people as possible. There are some common traits among all home shoppers. One of these traits is the desire to see their potential investment in perfect condition so read and follow my 52 tips to make your home irresistible to home buyers. Today’s buyers will be picky, so you must be picky too.
Blunder #2: Inadequate Marketing.
The perfect buyer for your home isn’t going to leisurely stroll through the front door by chance. a more likely scenario is that you will have to put the home in front of the buyer’s eyes. A highly effective marketing strategy must be in place to ensure your house receiving maximum exposure in the market place. If you’re working with a real estate agent, make sure she is getting the word out to as many venues as possible. Verify these venues yourself! Consider smaller local papers, bulletin boards, church newsletters, and the Internet!
Blunder #3: Ignoring the exterior of your house (curb appeal).
First things are formative, last things are lasting. It’s very easy for someone about to spend or invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a snap decision NOT to even go into your home if the outside appearance is shabby. Dress it up. Use colorful flowers, cut the grass and trim the shrubs. Paint or stain the front door. Make the mailbox look nice with paint and flowers. If it gets people IN the home, it’s working!
Blunder #4: Ignoring health and safety issues.
Be truthful about any problems with the property. These problems will be discovered at some point, and it’s in your own best interests to take care of them before they become disputes or lawsuits. Note any potential safety hazards and pay attention to environmental concerns.
Blunder #5: Trying to be present for every showing of your home.
Many sellers feel they must be an active part of every showing, but this can actually work against them. Of course, if you’re selling the home yourself, you’ll have to be there, but while they look, wait in a small room, on the deck, patio, or porch, or even in your car. If you have chosen to use a real estate agent, by all means, leave. The buyers may have brought their trusted real estate agent with them so let that agent do her work.
Blunder #6: Not pricing your home correctly.
This is a critical part of marketing your home. Listing your home too high can lead to reduced showings. Pricing too low could lose you thousands of dollars. Check other homes in the neighborhood, check the courthouse for recent sales in the area, and be willing to show your home to your friends and family to solicit their input on how it looks and the price it could be listed at. Remember that what you NEED from your home may not be what you’ll GET from your home in today’s real estate market.
Blunder #7: Not planning your own move early in the process of selling your home.
I know from personal experience that moving can be overwhelming when not planned properly. Consider renting storage space for things you don’t use everyday (that will also reduce clutter when showing your home). Take an inventory of what you have to move and label things clearly so you don’t waste time in your new home going through box after box. File with all receipts for expenses occurred during the move, as many of these could be tax deductible. Be sure you have all these steps in place far in advance of the actual move date so you aren’t running around at the last minute while trying to complete the sale of your home.
My Credit Card Is Dead! Long Live Freedom!
Today, my credit card died. But it was an untimely death, one that should have happened a long time ago. Today the old bat is pushing up daisies, with big X’s over its eyes.
The balance is ZERO! Woo Hoo! Let’s celebrate!
I haven’t been credit card debt free since 2002, and even then, I had been credit card debt free for only a couple of years. Since 1988 I have had credit card debt for all but two years. That’s 18 years of debt that is now gone for good and here are the reasons why:
I’ve realized how destructive credit card debt can be. It’s destructive in more ways that just the high interest and the financial bondage I’ve suffered under.
Credit card debt is a lie.
It’s a lie that I can have whatever I want with “easy payments.”
It’s a lie that I can “pay it off any time I want.”
It’s a lie that I deserve it.
It’s a lie that “it’s so convenient.”
It’s a lie that I need the airline miles.
It’s a lie that “I need it to build credit.”
It’s a lie that I’m in control.
It’s a lie that I only use it in “emergencies.”
It’s a lie that I only got it for the T-shirt.
Credit card debt is financial meth.
It drew me in, promising big screen TV’s, fancy electronic gadgets, plush new furniture, super 4 wheel ATV’s, and glorious vacations. Credit card debt is worse than keeping up with the Joneses because it convinced me that I could be the Joneses that everyone else hoped to keep up with. It suckered me into thinking I “needed” things to be happy…and I so easily believed it. The truth is: I wanted to believe it.
So, what’s different this time about being credit card debt free? Well, this time, I’m willing to admit those lies were lies I told myself. That’s a big step in the right direction. This time, I have my head on straight. I’m much more focused on my financial future and getting OUT of debt rather than focused acquiring “stuff.” I’ve realized that “stuff” only clutters up my life, my mind, and my garage. All that “stuff” will one day have a $1.50 sticker on it and be sitting in my driveway under a sign that reads “YARD SALE.”
Since December of 2007, my wife and I have paid off $12,000 in credit card debt. How did we do it? I used a large chunk of my bonus, took some money out of savings, used my Federal tax refund, used my state refund, used my Economic Stimulus check, and doubled the amount I was paying on a regular basis by saving money on food using The Grocery Game.
What’s left on our debt plan is to pay off my daughter’s braces and then my wife’s minivan. Those two debts along with the old amount I was paying on the credit card will free up a great deal of cash that I can use toward paying off my student loans. With the amount I’ll now be paying per month, they won’t last long. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel!
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related ContentBook Review: 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back And The Truth That Will Set You Free
Steve Chandler has written a powerful motivational book, 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back and the Truth That Will Set You Free
When we were growing up, we had so many dreams and ambitions. Those dreams pulled us forward into making decisions. But for some of us, those dreams never get fulfilled and those decisions never get made because of the lies we tell ourselves.
Every lie we tell ourselves is based on fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the fresh and the beautiful. Fear of that daring plunge into unknown beauty. Fear of uncertainty. Fear of being courageous, evolving, and creative. Fear of risking being a total fool. Fear of taking a stand for greatness.
Those fears inspire lies. The lies give us an easier, softer way to go every time. They remove us from daring action and huge commitments, from inventing a future in the face of total uncertainty.
Chandler says that there are “white lies” we tell others to spare their feelings. There are public lies told by public figures. There are lies that we tell to make ourselves look better or get out of work.
Then there are lies to our souls. Those are the lies that we tell ourselves to convince us we have no power. Chandler says that we always have power. There is ALWAYS some positive action we can take.
Here are the lies and the truths about them:
- It’s who you know - it’s really how you use who you know and the actions you take.
- There’s something wrong with me - failing AT something doesn’t mean YOU’RE a failure.
- I’m too old for that - there’s no time like the present!
- I can’t because I’m afraid - courage is revealed in action.
- I’d love to do that, but I don’t have the time - there’s always time to do what’s important to you.
- There’s nothing I can do - there’s always something I can do.
- I worry because I care - stop worrying and take action!
- I’m sadder now, but wiser - happiness comes from wisdom, not sadness.
- The longer I have a habit, the harder it is to break - you can break any habit you WANT to break.
- People really upset me - you allow people to upset you.
- Winning the lottery would solve everything - money only magnifies problems, it doesn’t solve them.
- They’re too beautiful for this world - will is the way to nirvana, laziness is the way of death.
- You hurt my self esteem - self esteem comes from action, not other people.
- It’s a shame we didn’t catch that on video - focus on the present and the future, not the past.
- That’s just the way I am - you can change anytime you want.
- What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger - don’t drug your soul.
- I am helpless - you are powerful, powerful enough to seize the day and make it the way you want.
Some readers might discount a few of these lies as not being applicable to them, or just plain not true. But if you’re willing to accept the challenge, you will discover, as I did, that your own mind has accepted some of these lies.
The overweight person might disagree when Chandler knocks Lie #9 (”The longer I have a habit, the harder it is to break.”) off its pedestal. They might point to medical evidence that “proves” the addictive nature of food (or cigarettes, or alcohol, or drugs). Satisfied that they have proven him wrong, they may not feel motivated to simply decide not to pick up the next greasy burger. But the truth is, you can break any habit you want when you decide to break it. The real question is: do you want, really, really want to break it? Are you willing to change those aspects of your life necessary to break it?
Chandler says that many people subconsciously or unwittingly are lying to themselves. The lies, regardless of which one it is, share a common denominator: they are crutches that simply make people’s lives easier, or really just easier to live. The real question is why do we want an easy life when self-esteem, joy, fun, vibrancy, fullness of life and inner strength often come from doing what is difficult? Could it be simple laziness? Chandler is a motivator and by definition, an optimist. His writing is honest, direct and often very personal. But don’t worry, Chandler is not a judgmental or harsh author as he gently skewers these popular excuses and crutches.
17 Lies That Are Holding You Back & the Truth That Will Set You Free, is a quick read with only 237 pages, but the book is full of life-changing insights that will give the motivated and unmotivated alike food for thought. I found myself arguing with Chandler at every turn, but because his insights are so well-reasoned, I found myself coming around to his way of thinking before the end of each chapter.
Buy or don’t buy?
This is a book that every person needs to read. I wholeheartedly recommend the book, especially for those who are graduating and about to embark on a life of new friends, new work, and new opportunities. They probably haven’t ingrained the lies too deeply into their souls and there is still a pliability to their natures that will allow them to pursue those dreams and opportunities.
If you liked this review, you’ll love the book.
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related Content12 Reasons Why High Gas Prices Are GOOD For America
——-
Could there actually be a silver lining on the storm cloud of high gas prices?
(Devil’s Advocate Post)
After reading about all the doom and gloom about $4, $5, or $6 gas prices, I’ve begun to see some positives, and not just changes in people’s behavior, or in learning how to hedge against high gas prices. Here’s what I see as the potential positives from high gas prices:
1. High gas prices are causing America to rethink it’s dependency on foreign oil. More than one person believes that our economic engine’s dependency on foreign oil is a potential threat to our national security since we import nearly 60 percent of the oil we depend on. Back in 1985, that number was 20 percent.
Regardless of what you think the solution is, whether drilling for more oil, scaling back our demand, or using every tip in the book to save gas, we have needed to reduce our dependence on foreign oil for several decades. These high gas prices are putting our dependence front and center on our minds.
2. High gas prices are causing people to drive slower to conserve fuel. What’s the positive here? Fewer highway deaths. According to an article in USA Today, there have been fewer highway deaths every month since October of 2007…just when the current run up in gas prices began in earnest.
3. High gas prices cause families to plan their summer vacations closer to home. As a result, families can discover the great attractions offered nearby. They will spend less time in transit and more time enjoying each other’s company as well as more time enjoying the attraction and their vacation.
4. High gas prices are causing some Americans to rethink (or at least reduce) their attraction to “stuff.” We’re a consumer society without a doubt, but these high gas prices have caused boaters to downsize, RV’ers to downsize, giant SUV drivers to downsize. We’re finding that our needs can be met quite nicely with something smaller, more fuel efficient, and practical. Or maybe we can be satisfied with what we already have.
5. High gas prices are causing more people to ride bicycles or walk to work. What would happen to our society as a whole if a significant portion of the population had to exercise just to get to work? We would potentially see our health care costs go down and our life expectancies go up!
6. High gas prices are increasing interest in mass transit and van pools. What is the direct result? More interaction between people, fewer headaches trying to find a parking space, less fuel consumed, more ideas exchanged (in the van), and more revenue for cities that utilize mass transit systems.
Some business executives are even opting to take the bus for business trips. It’s slower than flying for sure in some cases, but considering that you don’t have to arrive 90 minutes early, your trips are very rarely canceled for no apparent reason, you aren’t at the mercy of a freak weather system, and the seats are actually comfortable and spacious, it might be an option that more business people should consider.
7. High gas prices are causing people to re-think where they spend their money. According to another USA Today article, fewer people are gambling in casinos because of the money they have to spend on the gas to get there. Sure, the money may be spent anyway on something else, but gambling is probably a far worse way to spend it. At least when you spend money on gas, you’re going somewhere. Gambling is a fast road to nowhere and the MPG’s are horrible.
8. As gas prices creep ever higher, we may finally get some new leadership in our government. I believe that if $5 per gallon gas were to hit by November, every incumbent would be thrown out of office…and that may not be a bad thing. We do need fresh leadership, fresh common sense leadership that’s willing to lay aside party politics and finally work to shore up the country for the next generation, not just the next election.
9. High gas prices are even boosting the real estate economies in some cities. Cities that offer homes, condos, and apartments within walking or biking distance of employment, schools, shopping, and cultural amenities are seeing increased interest compared to the suburbs where everything is too far away for a walk or even a bike ride.
10. High gas prices are causing some fuel retailers to offer discounts for cash. With a potential savings of 2.5%, you’ll save about 10 cents per gallon as gas hits the $4 mark. Anything that encourages people to use less credit is a GOOD thing in my book.
11. High gas prices are helping fuel the online economy. As it becomes more and more expensive to drive to the mall, shoppers are turning to their keyboards and letting their fingers do the walking. If you’ve ever considered starting an online store on Ebay, now’s the time to do it.
Another by product of the online community is the increased use of conference calls, webinars, and video conferencing to reduce the amount of money spent on travel expenses. When an executive goes to another location, not only are there significant expenses with the actual travel, but also with car rentals, meals, entertainment, hotels, and other incidentals. My one week business trips usually cost a minimum of $2,500 by the time everything is added. A video conference would cost considerably less and I wouldn’t spend another week away from my family.
12. High gas prices are causing local governments to tighten up and become more efficient with how they spend our tax dollars. Those high gas prices may also cause local governments to purchase more fuel efficient cars and trucks. When the economy DOES rebound (and it will), those governments will already have fuel efficient vehicles in their fleets and will hopefully continue to focus on the cost savings they represent.
——-
I don’t like filling up for $70 either and I know high gas prices are a burden on many people, but there is very little we can do about it in the short term according to most experts. Focus on what we CAN do: conserve, reduce driving, make smarter choices when it comes time to buy a vehicle, maintain it well, live beneath your means, and look for the positive in every situation.
Even though the raw price seems high, when adjust for inflation, we’ve just now hit the same price levels as 1981 but, with our more fuel efficient vehicles, we’re spending 50% less of our gross domestic product on gasoline than we were in 1981.
Can YOU think of anything positive that is a direct result of higher gas prices?
Technorati Tags: gas prices, money
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related ContentFrugal Is As Frugal Does - How to Care for Your Shoes
One important aspect of frugality is taking care of things that have value. If we can stretch the useful life of an article, such as our shoes, we can avoid having to spend money to replace them, that is, unless you’re Imelda Marcos or if you have some “thing” for collecting shoes. 
Since the most expensive shoes I have are made of leather, I’ll start with those. Dirt and other debris can easily embed into leather so I keep my shoes clean and well maintained so they remain protected and the leather is supple. Soft, supple leather is always preferable in my book to tough hard leather so I keep my leather shoes polished and protected by shining them often.
Here’s my 5 step process to shine my shoes:
1. Begin by using a soft cloth and a shoe shine brush to remove any dust, dirt, or other debris. Take your time and get into all the nooks and crannies of the shoes. If they have laces, remove them and be sure to clean those areas that aren’t always seen as well as the areas that are. By removing the laces, you’ll be able to polish the tongue of the shoe as well as avoid staining the laces.
2. Next liberally apply and even coat of the shoe polish with a brush or a soft cloth. I prefer to use a cloth (an old T-shirt). Make sure to get the polish into all the surfaces you want to shine. Set one shoe aside to allow the polish to dry and work on the other shoe.
3. Only after the polish has completely dried (about 4 to 5 minutes), use another soft cloth to remove the polish. Don’t worry too much about getting every little bit, but try to be thorough. You’ll notice a marked improvement in the shine.
4. Begin brushing the shoe again with a different brush. Always use different brushes for dirt removal and for polishing. Use quick strokes and make sure you get every little bit of polish off with the brush.
You can stop at this point if you’re satisfied with the way your shoes look, but if you want a really high shine, keep reading!
5. Some old timers will employ a technique called “spit shining” where they actually do spit on the shoes and then buff them with a soft cloth using a very quick, aggressive back and forth motion. I prefer to use a few water droplets.
Then re-apply a thin coat of polish and use a damp cloth to remove it, employing the same motion. Continue to build up thin coats of polish and remove them until you have a mirror like finish.
Once you’re done, you’ll have a pair of shoes to be proud of. Here are my two shoes, one has been polished and one hasn’t. What a difference it makes!
Other shoe care tips:
- If you don’t want to go through these steps but still want to properly shine and care for your shoes, use an instant shine liquids. I don’t personally like them, but that’s just me. Simply remove excess dirt with a cloth and/or a brush and then apply the liquid shine evenly to your shoes. The formulation restores color and dries to an instant shine - without the need to buff.
- Use protective products to help waterproof your shoes and to protect them from stains caused by water, mud, dust, snow or salt.
- Store your leather shoes using a shoe tree, this will help the shoe retain its shape. If you don’t have a shoe tree, stuff the toe cap with newspaper or tissue (remember removing that when you bought them?).
- Suede shoes look their best after a good brushing. There are special brushes and cleaners just for suede.
- Never store leather shoes near direct heat. Don’t use direct heat to dry them either.
- To keep your shoes lasting longer, don’t wear them every single day. Rotate them with another pair and you’ll find that BOTH last longer.
- When you buy a new pair of shoes, protect them with polish or a waterproofer first.
- If your shoes get wet, allow them to dry completely before wearing them again. Stuff them with newspapers to help them hold their shape. Once your shoes have completely dried, waterproof them again with a multi-purpose protector such as mink oil or some other manufacturer recommended product.
- Tennis shoes can be cleaned with a gentle soap and a soft cloth. Avoid washing them in a washing machine and especially avoid putting them in the dryer. That’s just too harsh of an environment for the fabrics, leather, and glues that hold them together. Be sure to dry them thoroughly.
- Use a shoe horn to assist with putting on your shoes particularly if you’re lazy like me and prefer to slip on all shoes. Using a shoe horn will keep the heel from losing its shape.
- When you travel, always place your shoes inside a shoe bag or wrap them in a soft material.
——-
Our generation hasn’t grown up taking care of things like our grandparents did. We grew up with disposable razors, disposable diapers, disposable this, disposable that. Our grandparents grew up with high quality items that were repaired, cared for, polished, and maintained.
Being frugal isn’t just buying the cheapest thing. It isn’t about self deprivation, clipping coupons, and wearing ragged clothes. It isn’t about driving a bombed out Pinto and eating rice and beans. Being a frugal person means buying the things you need and taking care of them. It means going ahead and buying a higher quality item if it has real value. It means maintaining your things so that they last, whether it’s your car, your furniture, your hardwood flooring, your roof, your clothing, or even your shoes. Look at the things you trade for dollars as assets and take care of them.
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related ContentRoundup and Link Love - Blogger Meetup Edition
This week I had the unique opportunity to meet Patrick, a fellow personal finance blogger who authors Cash Money Life. We ate a fantastic lunch at one of City BBQ’s locations in Ohio. As a born and bred Southerner, I must say I was impressed with the barbecue, but I was blown away at how much I learned from Patrick about blogging and his perspective on business. He is a true professional who sees the big picture. He also served his country in the armed forces. Patrick, thank you for your service to our country.
Here are some of my favorite posts from Patrick:
The road less traveled.
A penny saved is worth more than a penny earned.
25 ways I save money.
Where’s my economic stimulus check?
Be sure and subscribe to Patrick’s feed and read it daily!
Here are a few other links that I enjoyed reading this week:
The debtor’s toolkit @ The Simple Dollar.
Your take - what would you do with a million dollars? @ Blueprint for Financial Prosperity
Frugal or cheap? Here’s a test @ Moolanomy.
How I shaved $92.32 off a $121.66 grocery bill @ On Financial Success.
Valuable gift ideas for mother’s day @ My Supercharged Life.
Our experience staying in a rental earthship home in Taos @ The Good Human.
The soggy hotdog - A personal finance wake up call @ Frugal Dad.
The impact of gas prices on the family trip @ All Financial Matters.
One must be organized to be frugal @ Being Frugal.
Saving for retirement if your company doesn’t offer a 401k @ Sense to Save.
Inflation then and now @ Debt FREE Revolution
Want some extra income? Try odd jobs! @ The Digerati Life.
Personal finance is about freedom–what will you do with yours? @ Mrs. Micah.
Thoughts on minimizing debt while in college @ Five Cent Nickel.
Get a jump on summer with these warm weather money saving tips @ GenX Finance.
Dealing with the debt time bomb @ Gather Little By Little.
Why you should stay invested in the market @ Free Money Finance.
Everyman’s guide to decreasing expenses @ Quest For Four Pillars.
How to Turn Mistakes into Opportunities (a real life example) @ The Dough Roller.
There. Those should keep you busy and explain why I’ve been reading so much lately!
Honestly, these are some fantastic sites run by some fantastic people. If you ever get a chance to meet another blogger, I’d encourage you to do it!
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related Content7 Things I Learned As A New Manager
That first big promotion. What a rush! I held the keys, I made decisions, I made the schedule, I was in charge. Nothing beats the smug satisfaction of a career that’s on track. Add to that the bigger paycheck and the confidence that came from being called “boss,” and I felt like I was on top of the world. After all, I was in charge, right?
Well, not exactly. One thing I discovered once I was “the boss” was that mine weren’t the only hands on the steering wheel of my career. The fact was, my success (or lack thereof) was largely controlled by those I managed. Scary.
Don’t get me wrong, I DID have a say in my success, and my peers played a role in it as well, but at the end of the day, that old saying “Promotion is a push-up not a pull-up process” meant that my future was in the collective hands of those who worked for me. I realized early on that, for me as a newly promoted manager (and also for experienced managers on a new assignment) it was important, very early on, for me to get my leadership skills in line. It wasn’t something that I could put aside for a later date, after I had settled in, or figured out where my favorite parking space would be. No, the leadership clock started ticking immediately - hour one, day one.
Here, then, are the leadership secrets that I quickly learned that placed my career success firmly back under my control:
1. I had to know what I was talking about.
In the beginning, if you don’t know something, it’s better to keep quiet and appear foolish than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. You must be careful to know and understand the basic operational issues with your new role as well as various company policies and avoid any knee-jerk decisions - or worse, dithering uncertainty - so as to NOT diminish your credibility. It might take weeks, even months, to recover.
Assuming your skills and expertise are sound, (you DID get the job, after all.), your staff will still wonder, particularly during the critical early days, whether they could do a better job than you. It gets worse if one of them was passed over for the promotion YOU got. An understanding of your company’s policies in personnel matters, operations, workplace safety, and other job-specific duties is crucial, both to your staff’s perceptions and your confidence, so learn as much as possible, as early as possible (preferably before you arrive on the job).
As a new manager, my level of maturity and willingness to learn sent a clear message that I fully understood where I was on this new learning curve. Becoming the boss wasn’t as easy as it appeared, but I was, and I was going to make it work.
2. Make a good first impression.
If at all possible, I recommend having a meeting with ALL your staff to give them an glimpse into who you are, what you stand for, some brief details of your background, and one or two cornerstones of your leadership style such as your open door policy or your team approach. You could refer to a long standing problem on which you will be “seeking their assistance” to resolve. Use lots of “we” and “us” rather than “I” and “you”. Keep in mind, too, that displays of authority are out of place here. Sure, remain businesslike, demonstrate a firm grasp of the big picture, and speak confidently (despite the butterflies!). But the value of projecting a friendly image, will get you some significant mileage.
Remember, they’re already checking you out, forming their opinions, and in some cases, deciding whether or not to give you a fair shot. Smile, acknowledge their contribution to the company, and if appropriate, mention other supervisors and key people (by name) that you’ll be consulting with.
Leave with the promise that you will be out and about over the next few days and weeks to talk with each of them, to become fully acquainted with the role they perform, and to get a close up view of day-to-day operations. This is a promise you must keep.
3. Define your leadership style.
How you conduct yourself on day one is vital, but if all that open friendliness you mentioned was an act, you must keep at it until it becomes a part of who you are! Also, be aware of the image you project in how you dress and how you conduct yourself. Don’t parade your authority, but acknowledge that you understand your position and responsibilities.
Avoid the tendency to be one of the boys or girls. Managers promoted from within can find this difficult to overcome, but in career terms, it’s a dangerous approach. Remember to be “fair, firm and friendly, but not familiar.” But don’t wear your new management status like a medal. On the contrary, quality of leadership depends on your actions, not where you park your car, or if you have a corner office. You might seek opportunities to play down any symbols of position. If, for example, your staff’s working day commences at 7am, arrive at the same time regardless of management norms. And if there is some necessary weekend overtime, show up and demonstrate your willingness to be there if needed.
In my current role, I make sure my staff sees that I’m willing to help unload a truck, speak with a customer, help with a display, or load a customer’s truck. When they see me do these things, I can tell they’re surprised, and that they are energized. “Hey, he really DOES understand what we do.”
4. Hone your interpersonal skills.
Insure that the chain of command is respected. Those people earned their positions and you shouldn’t be going around them unnecessarily. But it an urgent situation demands a direct approach to an employee to carry out a particular task, let the supervisor know about it, and why, as soon as possible. Supervisors appreciate being kept informed and the appreciate your recognition of their standing.
It boils down to treating people with dignity. Respect their efforts, their experience, and their right to “have a say”. At meetings, publicly recognize (by name) worthwhile ideas or outstanding work.
Learn every subordinates name and a little about them. By getting to know your subordinates by name and learning something of their non-working lives, you demonstrate your humanity. Show interest, smile a lot. They too, are human, with strengths, weaknesses, dreams and fears. Treat them accordingly.
5. Go TEAM!
Let’s face the facts: Floor employees have a better grasp of operational details better than management. It is foolish to ignore this wealth of expertise and experience, yet so many managers do. Every one of your people from the janitors to the cashiers to the smallest project managers, even new employees, can add value to the decision-making process. When you involve them, it serves to demonstrate that their input is valued.
But if your ultimate decision runs counter to their ideas, take the time to explain it. If you don’t, you may not get too many ideas or suggestions from them in the future.
Remember that successes belong to them and failures belong to you. Demonstrate that you accept the
buck stops with you. At the same time make it clear that, with their support, “we” will get it right next time.
In a subtle way you are gaining their trust, and trust is the glue that holds a team together. In return, you must trust them, their skills and abilities. You must trust that they will get on with the job without you constantly looking over their shoulder. Is there anything worse than being micromanaged? You don’t like it when it’s done to you, so don’t do it to your staff.
6. Blitz those problems.
What keeps many people from assuming management ranks is the unwillingness to face those inevitable problems. How many times have I heard, “I wouldn’t HAVE your job.” People usually want the money, but not the responsibility of facing and overcoming problems because it usually involves some sort of confrontation. Most people avoid confrontation.
But every little win, especially in the early days of your new management career, makes the task of managing incrementally easier. Be alert for everyday gripes and look closely at issues like staff amenities, safety, and housekeeping. Any high profile win in these area in your early days not only boosts your confidence, it shows your people that you’re a doer not a watcher, looking out for them.
When the inevitable poor-performance situation arises, step back for a moment and consider that the real problem probably lurks somewhere between interpersonal relationships, lack of training, or off-the-job personal issues. The task before you is to quickly uncover which it is, then act accordingly.
7. Look out world, here we come.
Keep an eye on your collective futures by keeping the team moving in the direction of your group’s goals. Don’t allow comfort zones to dilute your efforts, or responsibility apprehension to hold you back. It’s natural to drift toward areas where you feel most comfortable, perhaps spending too much time in the office, or over-managing secondary functions you enjoyed on previous jobs. Stay alert because comfort zones are, at best, a form of laziness and, at worst, a manifestation of fear.
Pushing comfort-zone barriers applies equally to your staff. Growing people are productive people, so look for development opportunities in training, exposure to new operations, or wider responsibilities. If appropriate, arrange for them to visit other departments, vendors, or customers. Expand their horizons, show them how they fit with the mission and emphasize their value to the organization. You should soon be grooming your eventual replacement.
Finally, there’s one invaluable trait guaranteed to leverage success: loyalty. Always verbalize support, upward to your boss, sideways to your peers, and most importantly, downward to your staff. Never be afraid to stand up for those who, directly or indirectly, can enhance your career.
On the other hand, the time may come when you have to back a senior management decision that is difficult to accept. Express concern – with reasons – but only in private to your boss. If the decision still stands, get behind it and move on.
In communicating difficult decisions to your staff, you must not only articulate reasons behind the move, but also accentuate the positives. Never voice doubts and negative opinions to subordinates.
There you have it. With a sound mix of honesty, courage and human respect you can meet the challenges of your new management role. More to the point, you can create the sort of leadership environment within your new workplace that, ultimately, puts career control back in your hands.
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related ContentDon’t Forget The Free Book Giveaway!
My next book drawing is coming up in about a week and I’ll be giving away The Millionaire Next Door
This is a great book that dispels a lot of the myths surrounding millionaires, how they made their money, how they spend their money, the cars they drive, the watches they wear, and how they live their lives. It’s a great read.
To have your name entered in the drawing, simply email the FREE BOOK CODE at the bottom of my RSS feed to ron dot haynes at thewisdomjournal dot com. I even pay the shipping!
If you liked this post, would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? Sphere: Related ContentStop Identity Theft With A Credit Freeze
Identity theft and the assault on our credit records continues to get worse. The latest statistics from the Federal Trade Commission, indicate about 8.3 million people as victims of identity theft in 2005. My identity was stolen the previous year so I understand the frustrations those 8.3 million people felt in trying to repair and subsequently protect their credit. For perspective, back then 40 out of the 50 states had smaller populations than the number of people with stolen identities in 2005!
What’s the best way to protect your credit and keep your identity from being stolen?
Credit Freeze
The credit freeze is the single best way to protect yourself from identity theft in my opinion. If you’re only going to do one thing to protect your credit record, the credit freeze is the way to go. I’ve had a freeze on my personal credit for almost 4 years and since then, I’ve had no more problems. How do you put a credit freeze on your credit records?
1. Understand what a credit freeze is: A credit freeze allows you to lock (freeze) your credit record so no additional accounts can be opened. You select a secret credit freeze code that will allow you to temporarily “thaw” your credit should you need to apply for a loan. That added layer of security means that thieves can’t do anything with your information even if they get it somehow.
2. Understand how to initiate a credit freeze. Up until recently, not all states allowed you to put a freeze on your credit records unless you were the victim of identity theft. Lately, with the prevalence of identity theft, state legislatures have all lifted the ban on the credit freeze and all now allow you to use this valuable tool to protect your good name even if you haven’t been a victim. Non-victims have to pay for a credit freeze whereas victims do not, but the cost is only $10 per credit bureau. Believe me, that’s a lot cheaper than getting your identity stolen.
To unfreeze your credit record, you’ll also have to pay a fee, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on applying for loans in the future. Since I’m not planning to apply for any loans, a credit freeze is cheap insurance against identity theft for me!
To initiate a credit freeze, you’ll have to write letters to the credit bureaus, and you’ll have to provide proof of identity by sending copies of your driver’s license, state, or military ID and copies of your current utility bill, bank statement, or insurance statement. Be sure you send these certified, return receipt requested.
If you’re an identity theft victim (I feel your pain), you’ll need to supply a copy of the police statement along with the other identifying information to get a credit freeze.
Here are the addresses you’ll need to write to get a credit freeze from all three of the major bureaus:
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
TransUnion
Credit Freeze
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
Each of the three credit bureaus have different policies and procedures for initiating a credit freeze so be sure and follow their instructions. You can find their credit freeze information by clicking the links below.
Credit freeze information from Equifax.
Credit freeze information from TransUnion.
Credit freeze information from Experian.
For a comprehensive look at the credit freeze, check out the Consumers Union’s Guide to Security Freeze Protection.
—–
Here’s what others are saying:
Signs you may be a victim of tax related fraud
How to keep your child’s identity safe
Dealing with the theft of your personal data
My StumbleUpon Page
