May 2018
Strategies for Success Newsletter May 2018 Issue 149
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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies
www.sellingstrategies.com
Copyright 2018 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.
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In this May 2018 issue:
- Thoughts from the Office
- Thoughts from the Road
- Josmo’s Cafe
- Stay Energized
- Emily Live
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- Thoughts from the Office
New employee – fit or no fit?
Meg, a new supervisor, asked my advice on how to deal with her most pressing management challenge. Ann, her new employee, interviewed well, had the experience to do the job, was hired, and started off strong. Over the next few months, Meg told me, Ann’s work has had recurring errors and she’s not meeting deadlines. Meg stepped up her training and checking Ann’s work. Nine months have now passed, and Ann still isn’t learning the job to work independently. Meg feels like she’s doing two jobs – hers and Ann’s. What should she do?
I told Meg that waiting too long to formally address new employee performance is not unusual. At this point, she’s probably working too hard to provide Ann the training and attention she needs to successfully do the job. Within three months, an employee should function independently and accurately on assigned work. My guess is Ann is not a keeper.
The pain of having a poor-performing new hire can be diminished by implementing a formal 90-day review process with 30 and 60-day checkpoints. Advise the new hire at the onset that fundamental work practices and the ability to learn the job will be evaluated over the first 90 days.
I developed a 90-day Performance Review form. I hope it will help you avoid a similar situation to Meg’s.
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- Thoughts from the Road
Bonjour!
John and I made our fifth trip to France in March with our friends Debbie and Richard. This time we expanded our horizons beyond Paris. We stayed for a week in the city of Avignon located in the beautiful region of Provence. The area is filled with amazing history (Pont du Gard, Palais de Papes, and the bridge of Avignon), incredible wine (Chateauneuf du Pape) and pastries (almond croissants, baguettes and fruit tarts) to die for.
We have always found the French people welcoming, helpful, and friendly. I believe one reason our view is different from those who find the French standoffish is that many years ago we learned a valuable tip about a French custom.
The custom is to say “Bonjour!” (Good day) and pause before an exchange of conversation or service begins. This practice was even more important during this trip since most people outside of Paris spoke little or no English.
What a difference it makes to acknowledge the person, get his or her attention, and hear a pleasant “Bonjour!” in return. We Americans generally launch into conversation with no pleasantries at all. The greeting I get at my doctor’s office is “What’s your name and appointment time?” My dry cleaner asks, “What’s your phone number?” The grocery store checkout people religiously ask, “Did you finally everything you needed?” To that question, I always say “Yes.” I don’t know what they would do if I said no!
In the six weeks we’ve been home, I’ve made it a practice to warmly greet people with a big smile and hello before starting a conversation or making a request. What a positive difference it makes getting conversation started by acknowledging the person!
Give it a try. Offer a smile and upbeat greeting and see if you notice a difference in attitude, tone, or response.
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- Josmo’s Cafe
Our family loves baked goods that combine lemon and blueberries. My cousin Quincey, 14 years old, and I decided to try a more challenging recipe (meringue folded into the batter) during our last baking day to expand her baking skills. The Lemon Soufflé Cheesecake with Blueberry Sauce we made was a triumph! The lightest most flavorful cheesecake ever and worth the extra effort. Enjoy!
We hope you will try other Josmo’s Cafe recipes that are listed on the website.
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- Stay Energized
Many thanks to those of you who let me know how much enjoy my Energizer Minutes!
Our Energizer Minute podcast for May is What’s Your Story?
Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.
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- Emily Live
- Private Client – Minneapolis, MN – Be Your Best Self – June 8-9, 2018
- Private Client – Minneapolis, MN – Revving Up Revenues – September 5-6, 2018
- Private Client – Fargo, ND – Be a Great Communicator – October15-18. 2018
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Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.
© 2018 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.