Make work fulfilling and fun...

Las Vegas is on another growth spurt: a recent newspaper article listed a dozen new projects here that will again change the local skyline. New hotels, convention centers, arenas, restaurants, and stadiums all mean more jobs and visitors. But to me they mostly mean more opportunities for people to get involved in start-ups that are filled with teamwork and collaboration. The pre-opening phase of these projects includes people working in temporary office facilities with tight timelines and forging bonds that in many cases last a lifetime: they certainly create unforgettable experiences and memories. I run into people all the time who worked with us on casino opening projects, and they still talk about the wonderful and unique things that were achieved: those were special times and relationships that never seem to fade. It’s not just special projects that enjoy this level of team spirit: good managers nurture these kinds of environments and cultures every day, involving employees in start-from-scratch experiences, creating great tw0-way communication programs, getting employees engaged in projects, recognizing their efforts, and making work fun. Create great teamwork and team spirit opportunities for your team today.

Mattie Stepanek (1990-2004): Youthful American Poet

Get in synch...

When I worked in Atlantic City, colleagues invited me to join a Crew club and we would go out on the water regularly. Growing up on a lake, I knew about canoeing and kayaking; those were easy compared to rowing in a 4-person scull. It’s the same when  working alone and then becoming part of  a group: it’s all about the coordination. And that kind of coordination comes first from making sure everyone understands and agrees with the goal: that’s alignment. Then it takes training, practice and continuous improvement to promote the possibility of success: that’s goal attainment. There were many mornings on the back bay in Atlantic City when one of us would not be paying attention and get out of synch with the other rowers: that kind of a hiccup sometimes meant we capsized and all went into the water. Just like those times at work when teams aren’t coordinated: that’s when production or service, and customer satisfaction, suffer. Make sure your employees all know what’s needed, and why; then go out and exceed your goals today.

Tom DeMarco (b. 1940): American software engineer, author, and consultant on software engineering topics

Great service is a team effort...

Today’s author wrote The Three Musketeers, one of my all-time favorite books and movies (in all its renditions)… and today’s quote is appropriate for this week’s theme: teamwork and team spirit. Teams, on the field or at work, are usually well- choreographed, especially in businesses that are family owned and run. We took a ride in the country this past weekend and discovered a family-owned meat market in the middle of nearly nowhere: the family was all there and all-in, and actively worked to make every customer feel welcome. You sort of expect this with their regulars, but we were obviously not: that didn’t stop the owner and his family from giving us a very warm welcome, complete with smiles, introductions and all the obligatory questions. They had an extensive stock of good quality and well-priced meats, and everything you could want to go with it; but hey, meat’s a commodity: we can buy it anywhere. What will make us take that extra drive to return to this out-of-the-way surprise is the warm feeling we left with. Make sure your family, team or business (or any combination thereof) works together to make every customer feel special today.

Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870): Writer, and Author 

Balance your work and life this summer...

Like most Americans, yesterday we spent the day outdoors, cooked hot dogs and hamburgers and sweet corn, and sat out under the stars to watch some fireworks. Those are Fourth of July traditions we look forward to and, again this year, we were not disappointed.  There’s something to be said for holidays that mix family and tradition: they remind us of the important things in life. For many, today is the start of the rest of summer, a time when we really try to balance work and life: the challenge is to do both without either being short changed. Get out your calendar and plan the days and nights of the next two months carefully and thoughtfully: that’s the best way to do everything you want and avoid the hard work that is the easy work you didn’t do at the proper time. And it’s the best way to begin to enjoy your summer today.

Bernard Meltzer (1916 – 1998): American radio host for the "What's Your Problem?" advice call-in show

Make someone's day today - say "Thank You"...

I’m often asked what’s the hardest job in the hospitality industry: unequivocally, it’s housekeeping. When asked whether they make their own beds every day, most people might semi-seriously say “no – I’m only going to get back in it tonight”.  So, you can imagine how hard it is making 14 or more beds every day, and cleaning that many bathrooms and parlors and mirrors and carpets and more. The standards housekeepers in many hotels meet every day are often much higher than we set for ourselves at home. The ranks of this mostly taken-for-granted team are filled with professionals who work hard, have a lot of pride, and rarely get the respect and appreciation they deserve. It’s like doing spring cleaning every day: try that and you’ll quickly realize that housework (or cleaning hotel rooms), if you do it right, is really hard work… not that it will kill you, but it sure feels like it could. Think about this the next time you stay in a hotel: these behind-the-scenes professionals make your day and stay that much better by their tireless efforts. If you see them in the hall, say thanks; and when you check out, leave them a tip. Make their day.

Erma Bombeck (1927 – 1996): American humorist and newspaper columnist

Don't be afraid of change...

Getting older provides an opportunity to try different things and meet new people. Looking back, I never could have imagined all of the twists and turns that made up my career. Whether a career or life change is your choice of not, it can be an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in places you often could not have imagined previously. If you find yourself in a situation like this, take an inventory of the things you’ve done and learned, and look for opportunities to share them with others. Become a mentor – there are lots of people who could learn from your professionalism. Become a teacher – there are lots of students who could benefit from your knowledge. Become a volunteer – there are lots of groups that would cherish your participation. Or become a hobbyist – if you’re able to just kick back and relax you’ll probably find all kinds of things that interest you. If you’re presented with change, look at it as an opportunity to try different things, refresh your outlook and create new energy: it can be whatever you want it to be. Don’t be afraid to take yourself in new directions today.

James Iha (b. 1968): Co-Founder and Guitarist with Smashing Pumpkins

Create your dream job...

People often ask me for career advice… thinking I know better than them what they really want to do. Here’s how I try to help them find an answer. I start by asking “what do you like best, and least, about the jobs you’ve already had”: making a list like that helps identify a direction. Then I ask “if you could wave a magic wand, what would you rather be doing”: it’s good to dream as you plan a career.  And lastly, I encourage them to complete a simple SWOT analysis on themselves: identifying their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats puts things in perspective. Armed with the answers to these 3 questions,  it usually becomes clear that the best job is the one they currently have – the trick is making it the one they want. If this is a question you’re pondering, work with your supervisor to find the right mix of the things you like and can do to help maximize your performance, effectiveness and job satisfaction. That’s how to thrive in your job today. 

Ashley Goodall: SVP of Leadership and Team Intelligence at Cisco Systems, Inc