I was delighted to have my fellow OI Partners visit Charlotte this past week. We even had our newest partner to join us at this meeting, and it is encouraging to see our corporation of international Career Management and Transition Experts continue to grow.
This meeting is a special annual meeting as we strategize and evaluate how to stay on the cutting edge and find ways to better support our clients (both companies and individuals). Our OI Board had a special meeting to scrutinize and analyze what we are doing and challenges always comes with time.
At this meeting of all attending partners I/CEO of Compass Career Management Solutions and a Managing Partner of OI Partners, invited a highly valued and respected client, Fred Edwards, who is the President/COO of Goulston Technologies, Inc., located in Monroe, NC, to speak to our partners.
As expected, Fred gave an outstanding presentation, which actually helped to emphasize some areas that OI had planned to discuss during our own conference.
Fred shared his history with Goulston, as well as relayed to my partners some background of his company. Some points he made relayed how the different past leaders had contributed to the growth and development of Goulston. Each leader was different, which is normal.
One of the observations Mr. Edwards learned by surveying his employees, as he began his recent presidency, was that there was a lapse in communication within his organization. He made some changes to work on that challenge, and now is finding that communication is not a problem. I found this especially interesting since so many of the employers I meet comment that communication is a big challenge for them as well.
Mr. Edwards spoke of other efforts he has made, which has helped his organization, but I really liked a term he used called "follower-ship". It is one thing to be a good leader, but Fred's efforts in building a good relationship with his employees has created a "follower-ship", where his employees want to follow him. He has gained their respect and built a great foundation as their president.
OI Partners agree that building the leaders of the future is one big priority for companies today. There will be a large number of employees to retire over the next 2-3 years, and developing the talent to fill those shoes is crucial. OI Partners want to partner with our clients to help them build those future leaders.
I want to express a special thanks to Fred Edwards for sharing his insight and experience with my OI Partners, as well as thank my OI Partners for visiting me in Charlotte. We had an excellent exchange and now have some effective efforts to put into place.
Robyn Crigger
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Saturday, May 4, 2013
A TIME TO STRATEGIZE
I am delighted that my fellow OI Partners are finally coming to visit Charlotte, NC this week. Compass Career Management Solutions has been an OI Partner for more than ten years, and our organization, who meets three times a year, has met at some well known locations, but this spring, they are coming to see Charlotte, NC. Hopefully, they will get to see our lovely "Carolina Blue Skies", as we call them.
Though I am not a native of Charlotte, I have lived here most of my adult life, and this is where my husband, Bill Crigger, and I chose to open our business: Compass Career Management-OI Partners. Charlotte is a friendly and receptive community. Even with all the other people/transplants that have come to Charlotte, most embrace the warm southern hospitality. Charlotte has been growing by leaps and bounds for a long time. Our citizens are from many different states and countries, different cultures and nationalities, as well as religions. Still, we live in harmony.
Several years ago Charlotte began a "Mayor's International Cabinet", later renamed the "Charlotte International Cabinet". It is where residents/businesses from all over the world come together and work through issues, misunderstandings and needs. I have found this organization to be very proactive and eager to resolve any concern or need.
At this spring meeting of OI Partners, we take the time to think about the future and how to continue to meet our clients' needs and challenges, as well as research credible resources. There will always be change to manage, and it is important that we, as experts in transition, look for solid tools and resources that can help our client companies and executives.
One upcoming change that will be growing is the retirement of Baby Boomers. From what I hear, many companies have not focused on or developed a Succession Plan. When these BBs choose to retire, it may very well be without much notice. Companies need to be training and coaching their less experienced employees to prepare for this change.
Now is when we all need to take some time and give some deliberate thought about the future of our businesses, and seek a credible resource, like Compass Career Mgmt-OI Partners, in order to plan a strategy for the future. As a responsible employer, it is incredibly wise to give some attention to this matter. Your employees will be counting on that. Contact: Compass Career - OI Partners today!
Though I am not a native of Charlotte, I have lived here most of my adult life, and this is where my husband, Bill Crigger, and I chose to open our business: Compass Career Management-OI Partners. Charlotte is a friendly and receptive community. Even with all the other people/transplants that have come to Charlotte, most embrace the warm southern hospitality. Charlotte has been growing by leaps and bounds for a long time. Our citizens are from many different states and countries, different cultures and nationalities, as well as religions. Still, we live in harmony.
Several years ago Charlotte began a "Mayor's International Cabinet", later renamed the "Charlotte International Cabinet". It is where residents/businesses from all over the world come together and work through issues, misunderstandings and needs. I have found this organization to be very proactive and eager to resolve any concern or need.
At this spring meeting of OI Partners, we take the time to think about the future and how to continue to meet our clients' needs and challenges, as well as research credible resources. There will always be change to manage, and it is important that we, as experts in transition, look for solid tools and resources that can help our client companies and executives.
One upcoming change that will be growing is the retirement of Baby Boomers. From what I hear, many companies have not focused on or developed a Succession Plan. When these BBs choose to retire, it may very well be without much notice. Companies need to be training and coaching their less experienced employees to prepare for this change.
Now is when we all need to take some time and give some deliberate thought about the future of our businesses, and seek a credible resource, like Compass Career Mgmt-OI Partners, in order to plan a strategy for the future. As a responsible employer, it is incredibly wise to give some attention to this matter. Your employees will be counting on that. Contact: Compass Career - OI Partners today!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
PREPARING FOR C-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
Companies and organizations across the United States have experienced plenty of transitions, usually involving the bulk of their workforces. However, the time is approaching when more C-Level Executives will be choosing to move on. The transition of this level will be quite different from middle management, administrative, and hourly employees. Is your company prepared for this transition?
OI Partners Inc. - Compass Career Management Solutions has been working with all levels of employees, faced with transitions since we began in 1994. Many of the aspects of a career transition are similar for all. However, a C-Level Executive has different options and challenges. Though you might think that these executives will just "retire", assuming that they don't "need to work", you may be surprised. Many of these aggressive, motivated, and innovative people cannot imagine staying at home. Yes, there are many who would enjoy more rounds of golf, but that can get old after a while. Even travel is not fulfilling if done often.
These people are used to a challenge. It wouldn't be surprising to hear their spouses say, "go back to work"! Not necessarily that their executive spouse isn't good company, but most spouses know what makes their counterpart happy.
OI Partners Inc.-Compass Career Management has developed a C-Level Transition Program that can provide some great options and alternatives, which could excite these high-level executives about the next chapter of their lives. Gone are the days of an Executive accepting a gold watch and moving into that rocking chair on the front porch. There is too much more to do and explore.
Talk to OI Partners - Compass Career Management Solutions about our C-Suite Transitional Program. Of course, the challenge for companies is then finding the appropriate replacement. We can help with that, too. OI Partners-Compass Career Management are "transitional experts"!
OI Partners Inc. - Compass Career Management Solutions has been working with all levels of employees, faced with transitions since we began in 1994. Many of the aspects of a career transition are similar for all. However, a C-Level Executive has different options and challenges. Though you might think that these executives will just "retire", assuming that they don't "need to work", you may be surprised. Many of these aggressive, motivated, and innovative people cannot imagine staying at home. Yes, there are many who would enjoy more rounds of golf, but that can get old after a while. Even travel is not fulfilling if done often.
These people are used to a challenge. It wouldn't be surprising to hear their spouses say, "go back to work"! Not necessarily that their executive spouse isn't good company, but most spouses know what makes their counterpart happy.
OI Partners Inc.-Compass Career Management has developed a C-Level Transition Program that can provide some great options and alternatives, which could excite these high-level executives about the next chapter of their lives. Gone are the days of an Executive accepting a gold watch and moving into that rocking chair on the front porch. There is too much more to do and explore.
Talk to OI Partners - Compass Career Management Solutions about our C-Suite Transitional Program. Of course, the challenge for companies is then finding the appropriate replacement. We can help with that, too. OI Partners-Compass Career Management are "transitional experts"!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
WHAT RISKS ARE YOU TAKING?
Look at what those companies and organizations, who are "in the news", are doing to grow. They have spent time, effort and money to research how to grow themselves. Yes, they have spent money. In order to grow and continue to move in a positive direction, business leaders have to identify who their solid, talented, and progressive employees are, invest in them and help them to work on efforts that can take your organization to the next level.
Yes, there are risks involved, but with the right team of people and providing them with appropriate coaching, training, and support, they can take the necessary efforts to prepare your organization to take charge of your future. It takes an investment of finances as well as wisdom and courage to gain success.
Note those business leaders who take those risks (which includes doing their homework/research and creating a good team of talent), develop a plan and walk out on that limb. Examples like Smokey Bissell and Doug Parker have been ones to recognize opportunities that could positively impact their organizations. Other companies who have taken risks to grow their businesses include Robert Bosch in their purchase of a portion of SPX and Snyders Lance's purchase last fall.
Look at your organization for those talented employees, who have the good insight to help you develop a growth plan for the future. Invest in these people -- offering them executive coaching or aggressive leadership training in order to grow your organization.
Little can change if you do nothing. In fact, being idle can cause your company to nose dive. Also, watch for those leaders you currently have who might retire in the next 1-2 years. Do you have good people being trained to take their places? Owners/employers can't just be managing the present but preparing for the future. What is in your future?
Robyn Crigger
Yes, there are risks involved, but with the right team of people and providing them with appropriate coaching, training, and support, they can take the necessary efforts to prepare your organization to take charge of your future. It takes an investment of finances as well as wisdom and courage to gain success.
Note those business leaders who take those risks (which includes doing their homework/research and creating a good team of talent), develop a plan and walk out on that limb. Examples like Smokey Bissell and Doug Parker have been ones to recognize opportunities that could positively impact their organizations. Other companies who have taken risks to grow their businesses include Robert Bosch in their purchase of a portion of SPX and Snyders Lance's purchase last fall.
Look at your organization for those talented employees, who have the good insight to help you develop a growth plan for the future. Invest in these people -- offering them executive coaching or aggressive leadership training in order to grow your organization.
Little can change if you do nothing. In fact, being idle can cause your company to nose dive. Also, watch for those leaders you currently have who might retire in the next 1-2 years. Do you have good people being trained to take their places? Owners/employers can't just be managing the present but preparing for the future. What is in your future?
Robyn Crigger
Sunday, April 14, 2013
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING RETIREMENT
Retirement is a HUGE transition! For employers, it is important that they be aware of how many employees and who is close to preparing for retirement. Employere have a lot of adjustments to this stage of life, plus there are preparations to make in order to keep businesses healthy as multiple employees begin to retire. For the employees there are many unknowns of which people need to be aware, in order to avoid some major pitfalls.
Companies of all sizes will need to make adjustments as employees begin to retire. If the employee holds a leadership role, the adjustments and training will hold an even more imortant impact. Hopefully, your employees will give you at least 1-6 months notice of retirement. However, many of the Baby Boomers are ones, who can be more spontaneous and choose to quit working with little notice. That places a lot of pressure and stress on the employer to make sure that leadership roles are being covered and helping the subordinates to make the adjustments.
Good communication is key when multiple employees have chosen to retire near the same time. Good communication should include good training and dependable and experienced resources to help the remaining employees to keep the standard quality and quantity of products in place. Effective communication is also encouraging employees to be supportive of each other through all aspects of the operations and productions.
Employees may choose to begin their retirement with little notice and yet they are encouraged to have received credible information about this BIG transition in their lives. Starting a new job may have seemed a minor adjustment, but retirement, which is usually considered something you do the "rest of your life", has many ongoing changes, of which many can be hard on your budget, as well as being ones with very short notice.
The costs of numerous living expenses tend to experience ongoing increases, with little - no notice. Changes in policies and procedures can be another challenge. Add to these that your physical health will probably encounter some considerable hurdles -- some more difficult than othes. The physical health issues are also accompanied by increased medical and insurance costs.
Employers, you may want to consider an "impartial consultant" to provide educational exercises to better prepare employees for Retirement. Such a practical and resourceful practice could be considered a very worthwhile educational benefit for employees. Providing this insightful information may encourage employees to relay to their employers as they plan their retirement. All aspects of Retirement are important. Open yourself to gather and review all retirement/health information. Robyn Crigger
Companies of all sizes will need to make adjustments as employees begin to retire. If the employee holds a leadership role, the adjustments and training will hold an even more imortant impact. Hopefully, your employees will give you at least 1-6 months notice of retirement. However, many of the Baby Boomers are ones, who can be more spontaneous and choose to quit working with little notice. That places a lot of pressure and stress on the employer to make sure that leadership roles are being covered and helping the subordinates to make the adjustments.
Good communication is key when multiple employees have chosen to retire near the same time. Good communication should include good training and dependable and experienced resources to help the remaining employees to keep the standard quality and quantity of products in place. Effective communication is also encouraging employees to be supportive of each other through all aspects of the operations and productions.
Employees may choose to begin their retirement with little notice and yet they are encouraged to have received credible information about this BIG transition in their lives. Starting a new job may have seemed a minor adjustment, but retirement, which is usually considered something you do the "rest of your life", has many ongoing changes, of which many can be hard on your budget, as well as being ones with very short notice.
The costs of numerous living expenses tend to experience ongoing increases, with little - no notice. Changes in policies and procedures can be another challenge. Add to these that your physical health will probably encounter some considerable hurdles -- some more difficult than othes. The physical health issues are also accompanied by increased medical and insurance costs.
Employers, you may want to consider an "impartial consultant" to provide educational exercises to better prepare employees for Retirement. Such a practical and resourceful practice could be considered a very worthwhile educational benefit for employees. Providing this insightful information may encourage employees to relay to their employers as they plan their retirement. All aspects of Retirement are important. Open yourself to gather and review all retirement/health information. Robyn Crigger
Sunday, April 7, 2013
DON'T LET FEAR CAUSE YOU TO GIVE UP ON WHAT'S IMPORTANT!
From conversations with employers and human resource professionals, as well as comments in the media, one observation keeps resurfacing. Though there are glimmers of economic improvement in some areas, companies are still not spending much money, if any, to invest in their organizations. WHY?
Banks say they have money to loan. Homes sales are on the rise. So why do business owners continue to hold on tight to their funds? If they are afraid, then of what? Obviously, what occurred in business in 2008 could always happen again, but living with fear or controlled by fear keeps anyone from living. A business, which is frozen in place, becomes stagnet and dies.
Organizations need fresh ideas, an influx of investment in order to grow and develop. Like a flower or a plant, they all need to be nurished and given nutrients to grow. If you/business owner are afraid to invest in your business, then you have given up, which brings about the closing of your doors. Is that what you want? Are you ready to give up? Have you given up?
Fear can definitely be debilitating. Fear can stifle you and cause your confidence to disappear. Are you going to let "Fear" win? Is your business not worth saving? Do you not value the organization and business you have developed? If so, you have let Fear win.
Otherwise, wake up and draft a plan to revive your business. Look for credible and creative input from others you admire in business. Craft a plan and begin by taking one step at a time. What will it take to breath fresh air into your business? If you believe in your business, invest in it!!! Give it the key ingredients it needs to grow. Keep an open mind, but use your experience and wisdom to select sound efforts that will benefit your organization.
Robyn Crigger
Banks say they have money to loan. Homes sales are on the rise. So why do business owners continue to hold on tight to their funds? If they are afraid, then of what? Obviously, what occurred in business in 2008 could always happen again, but living with fear or controlled by fear keeps anyone from living. A business, which is frozen in place, becomes stagnet and dies.
Organizations need fresh ideas, an influx of investment in order to grow and develop. Like a flower or a plant, they all need to be nurished and given nutrients to grow. If you/business owner are afraid to invest in your business, then you have given up, which brings about the closing of your doors. Is that what you want? Are you ready to give up? Have you given up?
Fear can definitely be debilitating. Fear can stifle you and cause your confidence to disappear. Are you going to let "Fear" win? Is your business not worth saving? Do you not value the organization and business you have developed? If so, you have let Fear win.
Otherwise, wake up and draft a plan to revive your business. Look for credible and creative input from others you admire in business. Craft a plan and begin by taking one step at a time. What will it take to breath fresh air into your business? If you believe in your business, invest in it!!! Give it the key ingredients it needs to grow. Keep an open mind, but use your experience and wisdom to select sound efforts that will benefit your organization.
- Get solid insight from reliable resources
- Develop a well-thought out plan
- Work on each step via a priority list
- Make each effort count -- use good "ingredients/resources" and apply or implement deliberately
- Be sure to follow up where needed
Robyn Crigger
Saturday, March 30, 2013
WITH SPRING COMES FRESH IDEAS & ENERGY
There are opportunities that are beginning to open up, which many are starting to see, though with these opportunities come responsibilities for those in leadership roles to utilize and implement their powers to move their organizations forward. The business leaders today should research every possibility to strengthen their organizations: business, professions, specific skills, tactical data, strategic insight, etc.
As the future develops, more uncertainty comes and some challenges, that can be overwhelming. This is one good reason to reach out and exchange useful and practical information with others. No one has all the solutions to problems. We can each learn so much from each other, including our elders.
As the Baby Boomers do begin to retire, all are encouraged to capture their extensive knowledge and experience. There can be a tendency for our younger generation to think "they know it all", but those younger should be reminded of the richness of the elders' experience. This way all can benefit. There is much wisdom and insight that we can all share with each other.
When we gather all our wisdom, skills, and talents, anything can be accomplished. Together we are all stronger and can accomplish so much more. Winter months and the reduced activity can dull our senses and brain power, but Spring can open our eyes and other senses and help us to open ourselves up to all resources and fresh ideas. So open your windows, take a deep breath, filling up our lungs and minds! Allow your creativeness and receptiveness to others to help you accomplish your full potential!
Robyn Crigger
As the future develops, more uncertainty comes and some challenges, that can be overwhelming. This is one good reason to reach out and exchange useful and practical information with others. No one has all the solutions to problems. We can each learn so much from each other, including our elders.
As the Baby Boomers do begin to retire, all are encouraged to capture their extensive knowledge and experience. There can be a tendency for our younger generation to think "they know it all", but those younger should be reminded of the richness of the elders' experience. This way all can benefit. There is much wisdom and insight that we can all share with each other.
When we gather all our wisdom, skills, and talents, anything can be accomplished. Together we are all stronger and can accomplish so much more. Winter months and the reduced activity can dull our senses and brain power, but Spring can open our eyes and other senses and help us to open ourselves up to all resources and fresh ideas. So open your windows, take a deep breath, filling up our lungs and minds! Allow your creativeness and receptiveness to others to help you accomplish your full potential!
Robyn Crigger
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