KEYGroup® Current Articles

One of the ways we open doors to success is by passing along the benefits of our learnings. Here's some information on timely leadership topics to help you work more effectively and better assist those who work for you.

Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce
Before making assumptions about employee retention based on past experience, consider that you are about to see a new wave of employees with a whole new set of expectations swarm the workplace. Known as Generation Y, they have been entering the workforce since 1998 and will continue to do so in burgeoning numbers. Managers need to prepare for the unique requirements of Gen Y and the inevitable clash between Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers, and Traditionalists as they mix in the workplace.

Keys That Open Doors To Success -- Key Words for Leaders
I've worked with many excellent leaders over the years and no two were exactly alike. Some had great technical knowledge while others had great vision. Some were charismatic and inspirational, while others were introspective and insightful. But, no matter what gifts they brought to the role of leader, they all had one thing in common: their primary tools of leadership were words.

Seven Secrets for Giving a Presentation that "Knocks Their Socks Off"
You know the feeling. It's that sense of dread that settles in the pit of your stomach. It's a clammy feeling that envelops your hands. It's that sense that somehow your designer shoes have been turned into a heavy pair of leaden boots. You've just agreed to give a big presentation and you're asking, "What have I gotten myself into?"

The Private Sector: Challenges of engaging Gen Y workers reap rewards
Retiring baby boomers are leaving gaps in our work force that can be filled by only young people born between 1978 and 1990. But the transition comes with challenges and clashes. Never before has a generation been more enigmatic to Pittsburgh companies and more at odds with traditional work styles than Generation Y. This may not apply to all Gen Y's, but our experience tells us that it is, indeed, true of a great many.

Nine Signs That You Have an Overly Political Organization
Democrats and Republicans aren't the only ones playing games; your employees probably are, too. Joanne G. Sujansky, PhD, helps you ferret out common political problems ... and transform your company into a VEO.

Save Your Gas $$$ -- ‘Vacation’ Right Here in Pittsburgh
Gas prices are skyrocketing. Airfare isn't much better. And if you're like many people, some unexpected expense – a major car repair or a new heat pump or braces for the kids – is already forcing you to pinch pennies. All of these factors combined have you fretting, "How will I ever manage a fun family vacation without going way over budget?" Local business leader Joanne Sujansky, Ph.D., commonly referred to as the Ambassador of Pittsburgh by her clients, says the solution is simple: spend a week exploring your hometown.

11 Keys to Leadership
In today’s marketplace, leading a company to success can be difficult. A stagnant economy, increased unemployment rates, and unpredictable market changes make many executives uncertain of what to do.

Work / Life Matters
IAre you trying to change something that’s unchangeable? If everything seems to be working against you these days, maybe it’s time to sit down and think about life for a little while. What is it that you are struggling against? Is it something you can change? If not, why are you struggling against it? Are you wasting your time and energy? Is what you are doing worthy of your time and energy? Effort to change something can bring about wonderful results, but only if the thing you are trying to change is appropriate. Contemplate the words of Jimmy Dean: “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

Setting Up Goal Posts: Six Tips for Creating a Goal-Oriented Culture
Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat said it best: When you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there. Do your employees know where they are going? It's a good question to ponder as the next quarter approaches. You may assume your people are working toward goals that advance your corporate vision. But blind assumptions are rarely correct. Joanne G. Sujansky, CEO of KEYGroup, says if goal-setting is not a priority, your employees likely view your company as “wonderland”—as in “Wonder what we should be doing next?”

Five Ways to Achieve and Maintain Resilience
With so many demands and pressures on us every day, it's easy to feel like a rubber band. Each stressor we experience pulls the rubber band tighter and tighter until it finally snaps.

Ten Ways to be Prominent as a Leader
Have you ever asked yourself "How can I stand out as a top performer and leader in my organization?" Top executives of organizations are always on the lookout for well-rounded leaders who are able to move the organization forward.

Common Characteristics of Five Top-Performance Companies
What do Wal-Mart, General Electric, Bank of America, Nestle, and Hershey's have in common? Besides the fact that all five are among the top one hundred profit-making companies in the world, these companies also have similar values that contribute to their success. While each company has its own unique bundle of values, three ideals stand out across the board: leadership, integrity, and teamwork.

Coaching: Giving Feedback
Coaching refers to managers and employees helping each other identify ways to enhance or improve individual and group effectiveness. This involves using active listening and positive response techniques to help each individual develop skills, leverage resources, acquire information and make decisions.

Getting a Pulse on Employee Satisfaction: When and How to Survey Your Employees
If you answered honestly, how would you respond to these questions: How do your employees feel about their jobs? Are they satisfied? What would they change if given the option?

What it Takes for Managers to Partner -- The Ingredients of Effective Partnerships
Whether change occurs through solving problems or through seizing opportunities, partners can only be as successful in these activities as they are in their partnerships.

Ten Positive Behaviors to Help You Stand Out in Your Company
Being self-motivated is critical for anyone to become successful. But, doing a great job and waiting for recognition won't work. Here are 10 tips for standing out and moving forward.

You and Your Brain: New Ways to Unleash Your Creativity
New medical research technology, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography scans, has let scientists gain insights like the aforementioned by seeing the living human brain in action.

Leadership
The most effective form of leadership is built upon a sincere desire to make a positive contribution - linked with key leadership skills.

Failure to Train Has Legal and Monetary Implications
Think you're safe with just a non-discriminatory hiring policy? If so, consider the case of...