THE POWER OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Most CEOs that I've worked with over the last 25 years share the same two frustrations: Employees that either don't see "the big picture" or employees that see big picture needs but don't hold themselves accountable to act on their own. Both types of employees can sink an organization.

No business can afford to employ people that wait around being told what to do. You need staffers that are in tune with the organization's circumstances. They should know what customers expect and how competitors may be crowding the marketplace.

When problems arise, your people should feel justified taking the appropriate steps to resolve them. When business opportunities appear, your employees should feel confident acting upon them. But developing this type of highly motivated workforce is neither accidental nor easy. It requires organizational leaders to cultivate a dynamic work environment, which I call a Vibrant Entrepreneurial Organization.

One of the things a VEO does really well is inspire employees to hold themselves accountable. Management does this by sharing the vision and encouraging risk-taking. Employees have to understand the organization's goals and direction. But they also have to understand that they are allowed to take risks . . . if those risks will help the company meet those goals!

For more information on employee accountability visit www.keygroupconsulting.com/growingyourveo.htm.

Perhaps only that you'd like to preserve your computer's monitor? Well, an article in Woman's World Magazine suggested that your choice of screen saver images could tell other people something about your personality.

Family Photos - According to Psychologist Dr. Philip Gray, people with family photos on their computer's screen saver place friends and family first. They seldom forget what's important in life. It could mean that you are an easygoing person with plenty of patience.

Nature Scenes - If your screen saver features beaches, mountains, flowers and other scenes of tranquility you may actually be an overachiever. Those placid pictures don't necessarily mean you're a tranquil person. Dr. Yvonne Thomas, a psychologist, says that these are people who lead busy, stressful lives but who use peaceful images to find a small piece of tranquility in an otherwise hectic day.

City Scenes - If scenes of London, Paris, New York and other urban meccas grace your computer screen you may be a romantic person who uses the scenes to stay motivated and optimistic. They remind you of places you've visited or dream of visiting one day.

Space Images - Scenes of star fields, the moon, space stations and other similar themes suggest that you may be the type of individual that is organized and good at planning. Dr. Thomas says these are people who definitely see the big picture (and what bigger picture is there than outer space?). They are quick thinking, inquisitive and future-oriented.

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY . . . HAVE YOU LOOKED IN THE MIRROR LATELY?

Robert Burns, the Scottish poet wrote, "What power the gift could give us, to see ourselves as others see us."

How do others see YOU as a leader? Do they see you as a taskmaster or a motivator? Do they think you're a "hands on" manager or a "paper pusher?"  With our new system you can finally see yourself through the eyes of your employees!

Our Checkpoint Online System is designed to collect input from a number of different people that you manage so they can provide feedback on your leadership skills.  Responses are anonymous and are kept confidential, reported only as group information. Why not take advantage of this unique and confidential survey to gain invaluable insights into your leadership strengths and needs?

To get more information on how to arrange for a Checkpoint Online System evaluation, call Jan Ferri-Reed at 800-456-5790 or email.