Whenever I visit a new city on vacation, I like to hire a Guide who shows me around the city. I find that the Guide can provide insights that I would not find in tour books or on my own. Obviously, the Guide knows the city much better than I do. It also helps to identify those areas of the city that I want to go back and spend more time exploring. The Guide helps me see those areas that are interesting but do not need much more attention than a brief encounter. The Guide’s tour allows me to see a broader view of the city that I would have not seen on my own.

This “broader view” is also helpful in business. We as Business Leaders get caught up in what we know versus those areas where we have little experience. That is why utilizing “Business Guides,” with expertise in areas we know little about can steer us in a better direction. Those Guides can also help us become aware of those areas within our Companies that need attention and require more time for “exploring.”

Are you aware of those areas within your Company that need guidance? If not, take our free, four Simple Start Assessments in order to gain insights where you have areas for improvement.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me at CharleneA@mycooresources.com. Also, check out our blogs and previous newsletters and/or emails at http://www.mycooresources.com/?cat=3

The movie, Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks includes that iconic saying “Life is like a box of chocolates.” The truth is, Forrest was right.

Have you ever sank your teeth into a chocolate that delighted your taste buds or on the flip side, caused you to spit it out? Life can be like that. Surprises – some good, some bad – are around every corner.  Life is full of unknowns and adventures, just as biting into the chocolate.

Our ability to manage those surprises can have a huge impact on our ongoing success – both personally and professionally. Learning to address those issues – and being prepared for them when they occur – is critical.

With this in mind, consider the following:

• Have you empowered your Staff to manage day-to-day surprises that arise?
• Have you defined an Escalation Process for use when issues require Management’s involvement?
• Have you established a Dispute Process to ensure Clients’ concerns are being effectively addressed?
•  Do you have a Business Continuity Plan for use when surprises are catastrophic?

If you need help managing surprises, we can help. Do not hesitate to contact me at CharleneA@mycooresources.com. Also, check out our blogs and previous newsletters and/or emails at http://www.mycooresources.com/?cat=3