Our Blog
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
OKWe may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
When associates behave like owners, good things happen
/in Ideas to help you build a solid team/by Tom DoescherA number of years ago I was on a plant tour, which I really love to do. When we arrived at a particular machining station, the owner asked the operator to explain what the machine was doing. The operator gave the most complete explanation I had ever heard, including the business case for purchasing this $250,000 machine. After she completed her explanation, I made the comment that she really knew a lot about this piece of equipment. Her response was that she had researched it and had recommended that the company purchase it. Later on, as I was reflecting on our conversation, I thought of this rhetorical question: “Do you think the operator was motivated to get that new equipment up and running smoothly fast?” How about you — do you create an environment where your associates behave as if they were the owners? Perhaps you should think about giving them the responsibility to act. If they feel empowered to act on behalf of the company, their sense of personal investment can move the entire organization further ahead, faster.
My son’s name is Kaka
/in Ideas to help you build a solid team/by Tom DoescherHere is another story from China. I was meeting with a Chinese business owner and we were getting to know one another. In an effort to build the relationship and develop a better understanding of each other, I asked him about his family. He started to tell me about the various family members, and when he came to his son, he told me that his son’s name is “Kaka.” He quickly followed it up with, “I think that means _hit in English.” Although that remark might seem “politically incorrect” and/or inappropriate in a business conversation here in the U.S., we had a good laugh and it definitely helped break the ice in a new relationship. This gentleman’s knowledge of our culture enabled him to use humor to make a connection and build a bridge. It reminded me of how important humor can be (I do not mean sarcasm, obscenity, or biting comments, but down-to-earth and genuine humor). Does your company culture make room for a healthy dose of humor when warranted?
Check your ego at the door
/in Sharpening Your Personal Leadership Skills/by Tom DoescherThe other day, I was talking with my mentor of 40 years. He said with a sense of disbelief, “It’s surprising … the older I get, the more famous I am.” In other words, he was saying his legend is becoming bigger than life. I like to say it another way: “There is no room for hubris.” The reason my mentor’s reputation is so strong is because of the great things he has helped others accomplish, both personally and in their business. And he’s successful because he doesn’t dwell on the legends that have sprung up about him and his efforts. Rather, he lets the work speak for itself. It’s one thing when your associates compliment you about how you have been able to lead the organization — but don’t become absorbed by what is written in the press, and don’t pat your own back. Stay focused. Stay hungry. Check your ego at the door.