Discover Creative Thinking

January 19th, 2009 admin

Successful companies and individuals are required to eliminate attitudes that devalue creative thinking.  To foster creativity in the workplace, a creative company doesn’t rely on the same data that their competitors have access to.  The creative company seeks new experiences and ways of thinking about their market, products, and internal processes to insure their successes.

In the book “Thinking For a Change” by John C. Maxwell, the following phrases are listed to guarantee to kill creative thinking.  Don’t let yourself or anyone else subject you to these creativity killers.

* I’m Not a Creative Person

* Follow the Rules

* Don’t Ask Questions

* Don’t Be Different

* Stay Within the Lines

* There Is Only One Way

* Don’t Be Foolish

* Be Practical

* Be Serious

* Think of Your Image

* That’s Not Logical

* It’s Not Practical

* It’s Never Been Done

* It Can’t Be Done

* It Didn’t Work for Them

* We Tried That Before

* It’s Too Much Work

* We Can’t Afford to Make a Mistake

* It Will Be Too Hard to Administer

* We Don’t Have the Time

* We Don’t Have the Money

* Yes, But…

* Play is Frivolous

* Failure Is Final

“You can’t use up creativity.  The more you use, the more you have.”
Maya Angelou

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Elevate Recognition to the Next Level, Part II

January 19th, 2009 admin

Most business and positive mental attitude books touch on the importance of interpersonal relationships.  As an individual you understand how effective you can be when you care about the other person’s needs.Interpersonal relationships are more important than ever as companies retain, recruit, and engage employees.  Don’t wait to tell a new employee that he is appreciated.  At SnagAJob, employees receive a $400 recognition gift certificate with a letter from the company’s president on the first day of work.  Other companies are providing employees with their favorite snack or soda at the end of their first day.  These ideas give a strong message to the new employee that he is greatly valued and fully welcomed.  It makes their day!In order to immediately engage employees, many companies are asking new employees how they want to be rewarded.  With a four-generational workforce, it is important to ask how an employee wants to be rewarded; time off, gift cards, choice of gift, or travel?  This will help you match what your people want to the recognition that you are giving.The most common recognition awards are length-of-service awards and performance-based awards.  By adding immediate awards, such as suggested above, and providing a shortened time frame for traditional awards, you develop an engaged and loyal employee.Studies have indicated that “pay” just doesn’t tell employees that they are valued.  Tangible incentives work because they are identified as something extra for extraordinary behavior.  Cash is a satisfier, not a motivator.Contact us at sandy@ksyocum.com

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Elevate Recognition to the Next Level

January 15th, 2009 admin

Successful Corporations realize employees are their most valuable asset.  They are leaders in recognizing employees for their accomplishments: years of service, leadership, peer performance, peer recognition and other contributions.Mid-size and smaller corporations face major challenges in operating dynamic recognition programs-the difficulty and costs involved in developing and operating meaningful programs.  Customization often has been out of the question.Using the latest print technology, we have made vibrant recognition a reality.  We offer a series of ready-to-go and custom solutions that enable virtually any organization to implement a recognition program that complements its image and brand.  We provide lifestyle awards and stylish communications that make employees’ “special moments” truly meaningful. Studies have shown that the majority of employees favor lifestyle recognition awards over traditional emblematic items.  They prefer something that touches their daily lives…awards they can share with family and friends. We have developed a selection of lifestyle awards that is ideal for recognition in today’s environment.    This includes Ready-to-Go award brochures as well as custom awards selections.  Both approaches offer elegant communications and support material that positively impact your employees, and can be offered online for speed and ease of ordering. Customized websites for sales promotions and other contests are available as well.  Contact us at sandy@ksyocum.com and we will demonstrate sight applications for you. Content From Our Associate: Partners for Incentives

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