dekyhnsepxt: Oct 18, 2007

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Managing People - No More Mr Tough Guy

I believe the media and our culture sends the wrong messagesabout how to manage people and this makes it difficult forBusiness Owners and Managers.

We've all heard the old clich "nice guys don't finishfirst" and that has a huge impact on how managers deal withtheir people. We're led to believe that successful managersare tough, courageous "no nonsense" type of people. And ifyou're weak or soft with your people, then you'll get walkedon and taken advantage of.

A manager will often look at "successful" managers inbusiness or sport to try and understand what makes themsuccessful. The media often portrays these people as toughguys who drive their people by the force of theirpersonality, shouts and threats - no wimps allowed.

Jack Welch the ex CEO of General Electric writes in his book"jack" - "Strong managers who make tough decisions to cut jobsprovide the only true job security in today's world. Weakmanagers are the problem. Weak managers destroy jobs".

Now that statement may be true however it leads managers tobelieve that they most certainly have to be strong. There'sno way that a manager wants to be perceived as weak.However, it's how you define tough and strong that decideshow successful a manager you'll be.

We're all aware of the big tough sports coaches who runsuccessful teams. In the United States the legendary RedWings coach Scotty Bowman, often billed as the greatestcoach in hockey, was well known as a relentless, heartlessand humourless task master.

Another legend, football coach, Vince Lombardi, was known towork his teams hard. He pushed his players and made themrepeat plays over and over till they got it right. He yelledat his teams for any mistakes, even after games they hadwon. One of his famous lines is - "Winning isn't everything.It's the only thing."He had rigid rules, imposed discipline and had no tolerancefor mistakes.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Europe's most successful soccer coach wasonce in the news due to a dressing room incident atManchester United. The team had just lost a game that hefelt they shouldn't have lost and he was letting the playersknow how he felt about that. Apparently, in his temper, hekicked a football boot across the dressing room and hit oneof his star players, David Beckham, just above the eye.

Unfortunately the media presents these situations andcharacter traits as what makes a successful manager.Managers and particularly those new to a leadership role,try to model themselves on those that they read about andsee on TV.

In a recent seminar I asked a young manager why she thoughtRoy Keane played so well under Sir Alex Ferguson atManchester United - "It's because Alex regularly kicks hisass" was her reply. Now Roy Keane is a real tough guy playerknown for his hard and uncompromising style on the soccerfield. I asked this young manager how she thought Roy wouldrespond to having his ass kicked regularly. She didn't seemto have an answer to that.

Here are some other comments I've read about successfulsports coaches and managers -

John Wooden -
"One of the true gentlemen in sports or any other walk oflife""He taught them to be good people, good sports and still becompetitive"

Scotty Bowman -
"A great sense of humour that people never see""Deep down, a caring man"

Mike Krzyzewski -
"You cannot mistake the fact that he loves his players. Hecares about their schooling and them being model citizens""Coach K still puts up the wins proving once and for allnice guys can finish first"

Wayne Graham, baseball coach, Rice University:
"A demanding coach is redundant. If they are going to behappy with you and produce, they have to know you care"

Managers are misreading the signs sent by the media and ourculture and it's creating difficulty for them. Some managerscan adopt the tough guy approach very easily but most feeluneasy with it. The ones, who're uneasy, in an attempt notto be seen as weak, then manage their people in a way thatmakes them as a manager feel uncomfortable. This ultimatelycauses problems with their teams. I think we should look atwhat really makes a successful manager and it certainlyisn't just about being a "tough guy."

You Don't Find All Drunks in the Gutter: The Story of a Functional Alcoholic!

Today, August 22, 2005, I am clean and sober for eight years which simply means today I am still an alcoholic and on this day I will choose not to pick up a drink. If you look at me today and compared my appearance to eight years ago you probably would not notice much difference (with the exception of a few more wrinkles). Back then I had a pretty high-powered job with a good salary and was working towards my masters degree. Today I work as an administrator for a church and I am developing a life and leadership coaching practice. I am not attending school I am teaching at a local college as an adjunct professor. My life is probably just as hectic now as it was eight years ago. So the question is besides not picking up a drink what is the difference between then and now?

First, it is only through a graceful and loving God, AA, meeting rooms in which other alcoholics openly shared their faith, strength and hope, and a sponsor who saw right through my charade that I can claim eight years of sobriety.

Second, back then I thought I had control of my life and now I realize I do not and everyday I try to remember that fact.

Finally, I have come to learn the difference between change and transition and that has and continues to bring a new perspective to my life.

When I first started to attend AA meetings I remember thinking that the stories these people were telling about their lives arent even close to the life I live. I only drink a little and I am very careful to monitor it so I can maintain my image in the community and the church I attend. These men and women are talking about horror stories in which they lost their jobs, families, savings and literally their self-respect. I would question my sponsor about the possibility that maybe I really wasnt a drunk. Maybe it is just in my head, that perhaps I could drink. He would just laugh and say the mere fact that you have to think about is evidence enough.

My sponsor used to ride in a Hells Angels motorcycle gang. He was one tough dude and probably the complete opposite of me or at least that is what I thought. I actually remember when I began looking for a sponsor God kept putting this man in front of me and I kept asking God to get him out of my way so I could find a sponsor like me. It is odd how I was looking at the outside appearance and God was looking at what was going on inside. I was working from my head (a dangerous place to be for an alcoholic) and God was working from my heart. As it turns out I was just like my sponsor and my sponsor was just like me, at least where it counts, in our hearts and souls.

For the most part of my life I really believed I was in control. Actually I suffered from an anxiety disorder and panic attacks so the only way I could live my life was to be in control, or at least I thought I was in control. Actually my behavior was more obsessive compulsive than orderly. My daughters used to twist the phone cord when they got home from school just so the could watch me faithfully go to the phone each day I got home from work and untangle it. I would vacuum the rugs and then not allow anyone to walk on them. I would comb the little fringes on the ends of the rug. My drinking was just as tidy. I would only drink at certain times and at certain places. Even though most weeknights I would only have one drink or think one drink is all I needed. If the liquor bottle would be only three quarters full I would get another one just in case I decided to drink more and maybe run out. If I was going out somewhere to eat, to a party, trips for work, or vacations I could not wait for the moment when I could justify having that first drink.

As a functional alcoholic it wasnt so much about how much I drank, I would do my best to control when I would take a drink or how much I thought I could safely drink and not get tagged as a drunk. Having an anxiety disorder that centered on low self-esteem and the fact I did not believe I was good enough as a person really helped to maintain my control. The issue with me was the fantasy or the delaying of that first drink. If I were traveling I would be thinking about when I got there and could have that first drink. If I were on a business trip my thoughts would be with once the business was conducted how great it will be to have that first drink in the bar. Many years ago I used to play softball and it got to the point I could not wait for the game to be over so I could go to the bar with the guys to drink. The issue was not just taking the drink but just as importantly, the permission to take the drink, albeit I set the rules in most cases. Unfortunately right before I went into AA I was giving myself more and more permission.

I was giving myself more permission because I was dealing with some changes in my life. Two months before I went into AA my mother passed away. My relationship with my father really was more strained then ever after my mother died. My wife had become ill and she began a month long stay in a hospital and as I had mentioned I was working towards my masters degree. Spiritually I felt dead even though I was faithfully attending church and teaching Sunday school as though nothing was wrong. That is the point; it was becoming tougher and tougher to keep putting up a front or pretending the world was a great place, only to go home and feel so depressed and sad about life that I wish I could just run away and hide.

So what did I learn in AA? Although today I am intellectually describing the process it is obviously the heart wrenching desire for sobriety and the feeling that you have no other place to turn that is at the core of recovery. For me recovery is about understanding the difference between change and transition. We say we want to change our lives and often we do just that. Perhaps we take a new job, a new spouse, a new place to live, a new car, or we want to change our drinking habits. William Bridges in his book, Transitions says, Our society confuses them (change and transition) constantly, leading us to imagine that transition is just another word for changeIn other words, change is situational. Transition, on the other hand is psychological. It is not those events, but rather the inner re - orientation and self - redefinition that you have to go through in order to incorporate any of those changes into your life. If you want to change your habit of drinking alcohol the solution is simple just dont pick up a drink. If you want to get into recovery from alcoholism than as the saying goes you have to deal with the ism part. That means a life transition and now we are talking about a change of heart not a change of thought.

Eight years into recovery I dont believe a day goes by that my head doesnt try to tell me it is OK to have a drink, you probably werent an alcoholic anyway, it is not like they found you lying in the gutter. There isnt a time when I am going to a party or getting ready for a vacation that I dont think what is the fun of going if I cant drink. But then there isnt a day that I wake up that I dont thank God for allowing me to be sober for just one more day. My father died just three years after my mother. I was a year into my recovery when I realized the problem I was having with him was not about him at all it was about me. When I looked at my dad I saw me and that is what got me so angry. That awareness gave me the two best years of my life with my dad. Now each day I see myself becoming more and more like my dad and I could not be more proud of that fact.

Years ago when the USA was seconds away from defeating the then USSR hockey team in the Olympics the announcer shouted, Do you believe in miracles? If you can find someone in recovery they will tell you all about their miracle. Remember God creates miracles and God resides in your heart, not your head. I believe in miracles, I am one!

By Robert Wummer
http://www.intersectionscoaching.com

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UK Investment Property for Sale

Despite the negative press that the UK housing market experienced at the beginning of 2005, there are a number of reports circulating that suggest that figures have shown an increase towards the end of the year. This is of course good news at the end of what some predicted would be quite a difficult year in the UK property market.

There is of course the question of what will happen in 2006 and the UK property market and in particular with investment property. It is never a precise prediction as there can be many influencing factors but what we do know for certain is that over the last few months we have seen interest rates stabilize and property pricing stablising as a result of this.

UK Investment Property

So does that mean we should avoid investing in UK investment property until the market starts to increase again. In some respects many people might suggest that investing in UK property at any time is a good investment. When you consider that historically property has doubled in value, and sometimes tripled in value, every last 10-15 years, then it is likely to see you a good return on your UK investment property if you are prepared to take a long term view. Plus, there still remains a high level of activity from Landlords and investors alike with a number of buy to let mortgage providers suggesting record levels of applications being received. For those looking for a get rich quick overnight scheme, then this is not for you. But when you consider the long term gains associated with the UK investment property market, it might be worth reading on and dont forget that it is worth doing plenty of research and finding out as much as you can about investing in property in the UK. Perhaps pick up a Free Buy to Let Guide.

How to make 166,500 in 15 years

According to research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), the average cost of a home in the could be 300,000 by the year 2020. Currently that figure stands at around 157,000 in 2005 which represents an increase over the next 15 years of 91%.

This figure of 300,000 is achieved by the economic forecaster basing its prediction on the ever increasing population compared to a slower production of house building. As with many commodities, it is the result of lower supply and higher demand that will push up these prices.

With buy to let residential UK investment property, the maximum loan you can apply for is 85%. Based on an average value property in 2005 of 157,000 this would require you to put down a deposit of 15% 23,550 subject to valuation and rental cover which can vary between 115% to 130% in most cases.

Potentially over the next 15 years, this one investment could realize a return of 166,550. This is based on selling the investment property at 300,000 less the loan of 85% of the property value in 2005.

Over previous years there have been times when property has declined in value and other times where it has signifcantly increased in value but a good property investor will clearly see the benefits in both a rising and declining market and will utilize the facilities of a good buy to let mortgage provider to assist in this. Some also offer Free buy to let mortgage quotes.

During a rising market, a property investor may decide to use this window of opportunity to release some of that equity realized in the value of the UK investment property, to use for additional property investment. However, the property investor is less likely to use that capital released during a rising market. Instead, the landlord will wait until the market has re-stablised itself or experiencing a decline. At this point, they will then use this window of opportunity to purchase lower priced investment property and the circle continues. That is why property investors are in it for the long term and why they see the UK investment property market as being profitable to them in all conditions. And when you consider that UK property prices only need to increase by an average of 4.4% year on year, it is easy to see why this type of property investment is so achievable.

Successful property investors will do a lot of research on areas that they believe will become investment property hotspots and areas which are less likely to perform. There are many areas experiencing high levels of growth and financial investment with a lot of regeneration programmes in place or planned in the future. Even by simply monitoring publications such as Construction News can give a good indication of where new commercial premises are being built which can be a good indicator of new businesses moving to the area which it turn can lead to an increase in demand for rental property locally.

It is the general consensus that interest rates have stablised and there is even speculation of a drop but either way, they have been steady for a good number of months now. Slower capital growth does result in buyers having to put more effort into managing and developing their UK investment property portfolios. And more importantly making a profit from investment property. Buying property at discounted prices can be done but you must do your homework to make sure they are genuine discounts and incentives. And dont forget that in a slowing market, vendors will be more likely to listen to your offers. Albeit if they are a bit cheeky. In particular, you can use the negative press that is often surrounded by the property market to your advantage. For example when the media are circulating stories of a dropping property market, then vendors are even more keen to listen to your offers.

How to Get Started in Buy to Let

Do as much research as you can. You can even get some free publications including Free Buy to Let Guides.

Find out what properties are selling for. A good way of doing this is by contacting estate agents and researching on the internet. A good way is to look at property house price websites.

What is the level of demand for rental properties in the area

What type of property is most in demand. For example, if it is a university city , then the demand for shared student accommodation may be much higher than property for professional sharers.

Find out what rent is being achieved on those properties and the likely time to get the property let out. Speak to letting agents and local businesses that may be letting properties already in the area.

Raising deposits for your investment properties, may be easier than you think by releasing equity from any of your existing properties.

So how Do you know if you have bought a good UK investment property

Well there is always an element of risk but providing you follow the main logic you should eliminate most of them. It is also important to make sure you continue to review your buy to let mortgage funding on a regular basis as this can have a big impact on your success and cash flow. As we have said above, the UK investment property market can rise as well as fall so providing that you have some cash funds in the bank to help you through any tougher market conditions then you could reap the rewards in years to come. But its important that you calculate these carefully into your projections to ensure that whatever funding you may need to input into the investment property that it will be outweighed by the eventual gain.

Providing that you are buying a good quality investmnt property in a good area with strong rental demand then its worth considering. Dont just buy an investment property because it is cheap. You might buy a property at a very discounted price, but if you cant let it, you could find yourself covering the buy to let mortgage payments for months to come which will see a big dent in your profits. Find out why it is cheap. Is there an increase in crime in the area, have plans been submitted for a large industrial unit to be built behind the garden etc, etc. Do your research. And dont be afraid to develop an investment property for profit. Buying at the right price, in the right area and doing the right renovation on the property, can also see you return a decent profit. Re-financing the investment property on completion and letting it out could give you the best of both worlds.

Having taken into account all the considerations above, to calculate if it is a good investment property, you need to ensure that your annual rental income exceeds the cost of your monthly buy to let mortgage repayments and maintenance costs. And it is more likely that your annual rental income will be stronger if you select an investment property in area with a strong and growing rental demand as it is less likely that you will experience rental voids and be supplementing the monthly buy to let repayments.

So in conclusion the UK investment property market is likely to remain a prime choice for property investors as long as they are will to commit to the long term.

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Soccer Jerseys - A Fad among Soccer Lovers

Soccer players are not the only persons who wear soccer jerseys. These days more and more people are wearing jerseys of their favorite soccer team. Wearing authentic jerseys to promote their favorite teams and display their affiliations is not a new concept among sports lovers. However, off late wearing authentic jerseys of popular teams has acquired the status of passion. Even though you will find people of all ages wearing replica jerseys, young and college going crowd displays and added inclination towards soccer jersey.

Soccer Jersey- Reasons for Increasing Popularity

Soccer has always lagged behind as sports apparel-merchandising opportunity in America. Traditionally soccer uniforms were not as popular as football, basketball, hockey and baseball sports gear. However, the World Cup Soccer in 1994 has added a new dimension to the popularity of this sport. Thereafter sports apparel of soccer has gained extreme popularity and sports equipment manufacturers are overwhelmed by the continuous expansion in demand for authentic jerseys and replica jerseys.

Authentic jerseys of soccer are not only popular during the soccer season but people prefer to wear them even otherwise. This jersey is a short sleeve T-shirt type jersey and is very comfortable. Since the official gear of soccer teams has bright and vibrant colors, it is more of a fashion statement and display of style for the younger generation.

You can shop for a jersey of your favorite soccer team or player at the nearby sports apparel store, departmental store or online sports apparel stores. If you are on a lookout for authentic jerseys, you should contact the sports store or the team's store selling the official gear. It is better to buy sports apparel at least two months before the start of the soccer season. That time the stores have fresh stock of sports merchandise and you can pick a good jersey of your favorite soccer team.

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Managing People - No More Mr Tough Guy

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