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level. In situations like this it may be time to
find a buyer who brings resources to the table
so your business can continue to grow and
prosper, which should be good for you, your
employees and new ownership.
Hiring decisions are never easy. It can be
difficult to determine if the need is real or
perceived. Timing can also be tricky to nail
down. But, with a small investment of time
and effort spent on measuring your opera-
tion’s output, the decision will likely become
clearer. Once you decide to hire remember to
be diligent in your search for the best possible
employee you can afford. You want someone
who can grow with your company and con-
tribute to its success at all levels. And finally,
remember that not all of us are effective
managers. We need to be smart enough to
know when to step aside and let others man-
age the company’s most important assets.
COMMUNICATE TO LEAD
Improving your communication skills will help put you one step closer
to being a leader and getting that position you’ve been eyeing. Lori
Bauer, vice president of sales at BIC Graphic, shared these tips during
her presentation, Communication: The Art of an Effective Leader, at the
PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference in July.
When communicating with those in positions above you:
• Invest in relationship chemistry with your boss
• Lighten your boss’s load when you can
• Do the jobs others won’t
• Know when to push and when to pull back
• Be prepared when you take your leader’s time
When communicating peer to peer:
• Complete don’t compete
• Be a friend to peers
• Avoid office politics
• Expand your circle of acquaintances
• Don’t pretend you are perfect
When communicating with those in positions below you:
• Model the way
• Don’t play favorites
• Explaining the “why” can be an eye-opener
• Provide small awards for achievements
John Schimmoller is chief
operating officer at Fort
Wayne, Indiana-based business
services provider Certified
Marketing Consultants.
SEPTEMBER 2015 •
PPB
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