If the Program Fits, You Must Apply: A big lesson learned as CEO of a small business

There is a time to sacrifice and a time avail yourself of what is rightfully yours. Suffering needlessly is not a good business strategy.

Read my personal lesson ...

veteran, women owned, small business, African American, people of color, veteran owned, Coronavirus, Covid-19, Lessons learned

Why Remote Work Fails

The coronavirus has taught us that there are both positives and challenges to working remotely or working from home. It can be a bit of a minefield but getting things set-up well and starting out the right way can mitigate many of the challenges. If your employees are already engaged in remote work, you can make some small adjustments to have a big effect.  Take a look at these aspects of remote working, especially for small businesses or departments. 

Remote Work, Working, Productivity, Belonging, Engagement

Leadership Lesson From COVID-19: Tough Decisions

It’s not easy to be an effective leader, but effective, strong, and decisive leadership is what is needed when you are entrusted with the health, safety, lives and/or livelihood of others. 

When Gavin Newsom and Jay Inslee (the Governors of California and Washington state respectively) essentially shut down their states, the timing was excellent. The novel coronavirus had already invaded. Citizens were concerned. We had seen what happened in China and it was time for decisive action. While the decisions to send everyone home from work and shut down stores, entertainment, and religious gatherings seemed dramatic, the leadership shown was effective. As days and weeks followed they have been lauded for their actions. It didn’t stop the virus from afflicting the states’ residents but it apparently slowed the curve and magnitude of incidents.

Leadership, Management, COVID-19, Decision making,

Managing Remote Teams: beyond work during COVID-19

Almost everyone has been sent home. You may or may not be able to continue business remotely. Remote workers during non-pandemic times say they most miss a sense of camaraderie and interaction with coworkers. As a manager, you can help to keep your employees engaged.

Remote Work, Management, COVID-19, beyond work, engagement,

Managing Remote Employees: Five Common Concerns and How to Address Them

Remote work, which includes multi-location teams and a telecommuting workforce, is on the rise. According to the website WBUR.org, “68% of millennials now say they expect a work from home option to be part of the package before they'll sign with a company.” This article explores common management concerns.

Remote Work, Telecommuting, Management

Why and How to Create an Independent Contractor Handbook

Independent contractors, consultants, contract workers, 1099 “employees”, and outsourced staff. All of these are names used to refer to individuals who work for you, but are paid outside of payroll. there are many benefits to having a handbook specifically developed for these independent members of your team.[...]Before you write a handbook for them, let’s make sure the individuals you are paying...