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Saturday, December 12, 2009

Is there a ROI on training initiatives?


Of course there is!

I found interesting data and would like to share it with you:
http://www.workforce.com/tools/features/roi_employeetraining.pdf

I am always a little puzzled that so many companies still view training as an expense rather than an investment. I wonder if this is because previous training initiatives did not produce the expected results.

What would be the best way to shift people's BMW (blaming, moaning, and whining) attitude into possibility thinking?
What if we are determined that a training initiative will yield the expected results?
What if we do everything it takes to create the attitude of a winning team?
What if we learn to have more respect for each other?

Here is my winning formula to attain, achieve, and maintain the outcomes you are looking for:

1. Determine the gap - Where are you now? Where do you want to be?
2. Commit (and I really mean commit with your body, mind and spirit) to an end goal
3. Develop a plan with a deadline
4. Communicate the plan along with measurable objectives and outline the benefits for the whole team to your people
5. Ask, ask, ask for the input of your people and HEAR what they have to say
6. Monitor the process and enjoy being a part of it
7. Personal Development is a must
8. Celebrate little successes along the way with the whole team
9. Goal Achievement
10. Sustain and strive to become even better

Always remember, you differentiate yourself from your competition by being more driven and prepared.

Don't let your competitor be ahead of the game!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Our Next FREE Workshop is on December 9, 2009


We have scheduled our next workshop "Layoff During Difficult Times - The End or a New Beginning?"

Did you lose your job?
Are you fearful and stuck, looking for guidance?
Are you ready to be pro-active and make a plan for your life?
Do you need help identifying and setting your goals?
Do you want a confidence boost and create more self-awareness?
Do you know someone who lost their job recently?
Do you want to move forward and find the right job for YOU?
Are you thinking about self-employment?

We can help! We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Sometimes it's tough to stay positive considering all the fears and insecurities we have to deal with. However, we have learned from own experience that attitude is everything and it is our goal to communicate to YOU how you can turn a positive outlook in your job search into action.

Come and join us! It's time to sign up.....

Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!

"The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it's possible."
- Rich Devos

When? December 9, 2009 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm
Where? Rexall Health Centre, 9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill (south of Major Mackenzie in the Weston Produce Plaza)

Monday, November 30, 2009

The Man in the Mirror


There are only two pains we will suffer from in life: discipline or regret. Just in case you are wondering, the first one is the better one.

The more focused we are on achieving our goals and positive results, the more likely we will achieve them.

Self-improvement, self-management, self-discipline are all words that redirect the focus from others to ourselves. Not a lot of fun....
It is simply so much easier for all of us to think other people need to change and that it's not necessary for us to change.

We like to think that we legends in our own minds.
We like to think that our opinion is the only one that matters.
We like to think that we are always 100 % on top of things.

How many of us are really willing and ready to face the truth?

Please take the time to watch this short video:


Friday, November 20, 2009

Manufacturing Effectiveness - Excellence is not a skill. It's an attitude.


I am passionate about creating positive change in manufacturing environments. If you want to hear what I have to say, please take a look at this short video.

We live in fast changing times and things cannot continue as they used to be!

Don't you think it's time to work together in new ways?

Friday, November 13, 2009

Our Next FREE Workshop is on November 19, 2009

We have scheduled our next workshop "Layoff During Difficult Times - The End or a New Beginning?"

Did you lose your job?
Are you fearful and stuck, looking for guidance?
Are you ready to be pro-active and make a plan for your life?
Do you need help identifying and setting your goals?
Do you want a confidence boost and create more self-awareness?
Do you know someone who lost their job recently?
Do you want to move forward and find the right job for YOU?
Are you thinking about self-employment?

We can help! We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Sometimes it's tough to stay positive considering all the fears and insecurities we have to deal with. However, we have learned from own experience that attitude is everything and it is our goal to communicate to YOU how you can turn a positive outlook in your job search into action.

Come and join us! It's time to sign up.....

Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!

"The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it's possible."
- Rich Devos

When? November 19, 2009 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm
Where? Rexall Health Centre, 9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill (south of Major Mackenzie in the Weston Produce Plaza)

For further information please email: karin@karicosolutions.comor phone: 647-401-5274

Monday, November 2, 2009

Ready, set, go.....


Last weekend I participated in a halfmarathon and my goal was to run a PB (personal best) and ...... I did. I was # 9 out of 64 women in my age group. I like to run half-marathons despite the fact that I am a marathon runner as it gives me a good opportunity to work on my speed but I still get a great endurance workout at the same time.

I always set an ambitious goal before I enter the race because the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment I feel after passing the finish line is worth every minute of suffering and pain during the race.

I really do compare marathon running very much to running my own business. I would say that there are a lot of the same qualities required and sometimes when the going gets tough, you cannot let it go and you have to keep going in order to get what you want.

My secret recipe for my strength in my personal and professional journey as well as a marathon runner is my positive attitude with a lot of SPICE. Spice stands for self-discipline, persistence, integrity, courage, and energy.

If you can work on these attributes EVERYTHING in life is possible.


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Disenchantment with work is growing. What can be done about it?


Just yesterday a friend of mine forwarded an article from the "Economist" to me and I want to share it with you, as I think it is important to increase awareness about this very serious topic.

Oct 8th 2009
From The Economist print edition

Illustration by Brett Ryder

SUICIDE, proclaimed Albert Camus in “The Myth of Sisyphus”, is the only serious philosophical problem. In France at the moment it is also a serious management problem. A spate of attempted and successful suicides at France Telecom—many of them explicitly prompted by troubles at work—has sparked a national debate about life in the modern corporation. One man stabbed himself in the middle of a meeting (he survived). A woman leapt from a fourth-floor office window after sending a suicidal e-mail to her father: “I have decided to kill myself tonight…I can’t take the new reorganisation.” In all, 24 of the firm’s employees have taken their own lives since early 2008—and this grisly tally follows similar episodes at other pillars of French industry including Renault, Peugeot and EDF (see article).

There are some parochial reasons for this melancholy trend. France Telecom is making the difficult transition from state monopoly to multinational company. It has shed 22,000 jobs since 2006, but two-thirds of the remaining workers enjoy civil-service-like job-security. This is forcing it to pursue a toxic strategy: teaching old civil servants new tricks while at the same time putting new hires on short-term contracts. Yet the problem is not confined to France. America’s Bureau of Labour Statistics calculates that work-related suicides increased by 28% between 2007 and 2008, although the rate is lower than in Europe. And suicide is only the tip of an iceberg of work-related unhappiness.

A survey by the Centre for Work-Life Policy, an American consultancy, found that between June 2007 and December 2008 the proportion of employees who professed loyalty to their employers slumped from 95% to 39%; the number voicing trust in them fell from 79% to 22%. A more recent survey by DDI, another American consultancy, found that more than half of respondents described their job as “stagnant”, meaning that they had nothing interesting to do and little hope of promotion. Half of these “stagnators” planned to look for another job as soon as the economy improved. People are both clinging on to their current jobs, however much they dislike them, and dreaming of moving when the economy improves. This is taking a toll on both short-term productivity and long-term competitiveness: the people most likely to move when things look up are high-flyers who feel that their talents are being ignored.

The most obvious reason for the rise in unhappiness is the recession, which is destroying jobs at a startling rate and spreading anxiety throughout the workforce. But the recession is also highlighting longer-term problems. Unhappiness seems to be particularly common in car companies, which suffer from global overcapacity, and telecoms companies, which are being buffeted by a technological revolution. In a survey of its workers in 2008, France Telecom found that two-thirds of them reported being “stressed out” and a sixth reported being in “distress”.

A second source of misery is the drive to improve productivity, which is typically accompanied by an obsession with measuring performance. Giant retailers use “workforce management” software to monitor how many seconds it takes to scan the goods in a grocery cart, and then reward the most diligent workers with prime working hours. The public sector, particularly in Britain, is awash with inspectorates and performance targets. Taylorism, which Charlie Chaplin lampooned so memorably in “Modern Times”, has spread from the industrial to the post-industrial economy. In Japan some firms even monitor whether their employees smile frequently enough at customers.

A more subtle problem lies in the mixed messages that companies send about loyalty and commitment. Many firms—particularly successful ones—demand extraordinary dedication from their employees. (Microsoft, according to an old joke, offers flexitime: “You can work any 18-hour shift that you want.”) Some provide perks that are intended to make the office feel like a second home. But companies also reserve the right to trim their workforce at the first sign of trouble. Most employees understand that their firms do not feel much responsibility to protect jobs. But they nevertheless find it wrenching to leave a post that has consumed so much of their lives.

Can anything be done about this epidemic of unhappiness? There are some people, particularly in Europe, who think that it strengthens the case for expanding workers’ rights. But doing so will not end the upheaval wrought by technological innovation in the telecoms sector or overcapacity in the car industry. And the situation in France Telecom was exacerbated by the fact that so many workers were unsackable. The solution to the problem, in so far as there is one, lies in the hands of managers and workers rather than governments.

Companies need to do more than pay lip service to the human side of management. They also need to learn from the well-documented mistakes of others (France Telecom has belatedly hired Technologia, a consultancy which helped Renault with its suicide problem). Bob Sutton of Stanford University argues that companies need to do as much as possible to come clean with workers, even if that means confirming bad news. He also warns that bosses need to be careful about the signals they send: in times of great stress ill thought-out turns of phrase can lead to a frenzy of anxiety and speculation.

As for the workers, the habit of battening down the hatches, which so irritates many companies, may be a sensible response to economic turmoil. In the longer term workers can take comfort from the fact that history may be on their side: in the rich world, low birth rates, an impending surge in retirements and caps on immigration could reduce the number of people of working age by 20-40%. Today’s unhappy workers may one day be able to exercise the ultimate revenge, by taking their services elsewhere.

Our next FREE Workshop is on October 21, 2009

We have scheduled our next workshop "Layoff During Difficult Times - The End or a New Beginning?"

Did you lose your job?
Are you fearful and stuck, looking for guidance?
Are you ready to be pro-active and make a plan for your life?
Do you need help identifying and setting your goals?
Do you want a confidence boost and create more self-awareness?
Do you know someone who lost their job recently?
Do you want to move forward and find the right job for YOU?
Are you willing to communicate this message to employees who are affected?

We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Sometimes it's tough to stay positive considering all the fears and insecurities we have to deal with. However, we have learned from own experience that attitude is everything and it is our goal to communicate to YOU how you can turn a positive outlook in your job search into action.

Come and join us! It's time to sign up.....

Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!

"The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it's possible."
- Rich Devos

When? October 21, 2009 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm
Where? Rexall Health Centre, 9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill (south of Major Mackenzie in the Weston Produce Plaza)

For further information please email: karin@karicosolutions.com or phone: 647-401-5274

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Secret to the Road of Success



It is kind of cool that I got to write a chapter in a book together with Stephen Covey, Ken Blanchard, and Brian Tracy.
What's next? My own book of course.....

If you want to purchase this book or to know more about it, please don't hesitate to contact me at karin@karicosolutions.com.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The How of Happiness

Just recently I read the book "The How of Happiness" by Sonja Lyubomirsky and I found it to be an excellent read. It is a comprehensive guide to understanding the elements of happiness based on groundbreaking scientific research.
Why did I read this book?
I consider myself a very happy person and I find that I always observe people. For this very reason I can't help but wonder why some people are happy and others are not.
What does this have to do with my work?
There is no question about it, if we are happy, we are more productive and also more willing to show initiative in different areas of our life. That's why I want to understand this subject.
Here is a brief summary for YOU!
What determines happiness?
Set Point 50 %, Intentional Activity 40 %, Circumstances 10 %
That's right, we have a genetically determined set point. The set point for happiness is similar to the set point for weight. But just because your happiness set point cannot be changed doesn't mean that your happiness level cannot be changed.
The fountain of happiness can be found in how you behave, what you think, and what goals you set every day of your life. "There is no happiness without action."
If we can accept the fact that life circumstances are not the key to happiness, we'll be greatly empowered to pursue happiness for ourselves.
Besides our genes and the situations that we confront, there is one critical thing left: our behaviour. Thus the key to happiness lies not in changing our genetic makeup and not in changing our circumstances, but in our daily intentional activities.
What are the thinking and behaviour patterns of happy people?
  • They devote a great amount of time to their family and friends, nurturing and enjoying those relationships.
  • They are comfortable expressing gratitude for all they have.
  • They are often the first to offer a helping hand to coworkers and passerby.
  • They practice optimism when imagining their futures.
  • They savor life's pleasures and try to live in the present moment.
  • They make physical exercise a weekly and even daily habit.
  • They are deeply committed to lifelong goals and ambitions.
  • Last but not least, the happiest people do have their share of stresses, crises, and even tragedies. They may become just as distressed and emotional in such circumstances as you or I, but their secret weapon is the poise and strength they show in coping in the face of challenge.

Pursuing happiness takes work, but consider that this "happiness work" may be the most rewarding work you will ever do.

In becoming happier, we not only boost experiences of joy, contentment, love, pride, and awe but also improve other aspects of our lives: our energy levels, our immune systems, our engagement with work and with other people, and our physical and mental health. In becoming happier, we bolster our feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem; we benefit not only ourselves but also our partners, families, communities, and even society at large.

If you are not happy today, then you won't be happy tomorrow unless you take things into your own hands and take action.

How to find happiness activities that fit your interests, your values, and your needs?

It goes without saying that a person needs to make an honest effort in trying a new strategy in order to achieve any benefit.

  • Fit with the source of your unhappiness: The pessimist may benefit from cultivating optimism, the pleasure-lacking individual from savoring, the traumatized person from learning coping skills, and so on.
  • Fit with your strengths: You can start by identifying your strengths, talents, or goals. For example, an achievement-oriented person may do well at pursuing significant life goals or taking up competitive sports as a way to boost his happiness, while a creative person may choose to express gratitude or forgiveness through painting or writing.
  • Fit with your lifestyle: Think about the extent to which the activities you choose can be adapted to your needs and lifestyle. For example, if your life is stressful and hectic, then you can choose activities (like counting blessings) that don't take any extra time out of your day.

What are some happiness activities?

  • Expressing Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Start writing a gratitude journal!
  • Cultivating Optimism: Looking at the bright side, noticing what's right (rather than what's wrong), giving yourself the benefit of the doubt, feeling good about your future, or simply trusting that you can get through the day are all optimism strategies.
  • Avoiding Overthinking and Social Comparison: The combination of rumination and negative mood is toxic.
  • Practicing Acts of Kindness: The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer wrote: "Compassion is the basis of all morality."
  • Nurturing Social Relationships: Indeed, people with strong social support are healthier and live longer.
  • Developing Strategies for Coping: No life - if we live long enough - is without stress, adversity, or crisis. In the wake of acute challenges like these, many people become depressed, fearful, or confused.
  • Learning to Forgive: Forgiving is something that you do for yourself and not for the person who has wronged you.
  • Increasing Flow Experiences: The key to creating flow is to establish a balance between skills and challenges.
  • Savoring Life's Joys: We postpone our happiness, convincing ourselves that tomorrow will be better than today. It is important to learn how to appreciate and take pleasure in mundane, everyday experiences.
  • Committing to Your Goals: People who strive for something personally significant are far happier than those who don't have strong dreams or aspirations.
  • Practicing Religion and Spirituality: On the face of it, science and religion cannot mix. An essential path to finding meaning in your life is to work on developing your faith.
  • Taking Care of Your Body (Meditation): Meditation has multiple positive effects on a person's happiness and positive emotions.
  • Taking Care of your Body (Physical Activity): Physical activity reduces anxiety and stress; reduces the risk of numerous diseases; builds bones, muscles, and joints; increases quality of life; improves sleep; protects against cognitive impairments as we age; and helps control weight.

The challenge lies in sustaining the new level of happiness! Here are the five hows, grounded in the scientific literature.

  • Positive Emotion: Although all human beings endure negative emotions, happy people experience positive states more frequently than their less happy peers. It's worth noting that in our day-to-day lives, emotions, thoughts, and experiences are connected and typically occur together.
  • Optimal Timing and Variety: It is good to make happiness a habit but you need variety. So sprinkle a little of this and a little of that, revivify your happiness as an adventure, full of enterprise, developments and detours.
  • Social Support: Think of social support as essentially a force that works with the behavioural change.
  • Motivation, Effort, and Commitment: Just think of it, you are on the threshold of altering your life! Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before.
  • Habit: We all have habits - some good, some bad. Habits form with repetition and practice.

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Our next FREE Workshop is on September 23, 2009


We have scheduled our next workshop "Layoff During Difficult Times - The End or a New Beginning?"

Did you lose your job?
Are you fearful and stuck, looking for guidance?
Are you ready to be pro-active and make a plan for your life?
Do you need help identifying and setting your goals?
Do you want a confidence boost and create more self-awareness?
Do you know someone who lost their job recently?
Do you want to move forward and find the right job for YOU?
Are you willing to communicate this message to employees who are affected?

We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Come and join us! It's time to sign up.....

Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!
The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it's possible.
Rich Devos

When? September 23, 2009 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm
Where? Rexall Health Centre, 9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill (south of Major Mackenzie in the Weston Produce Plaza)

For further information please email: karin@karicosolutions.com or phone: 647-401-5274

Monday, September 14, 2009

Fearless Living - The Secret to Overcoming Your Personal Obstacles

We respond to your need to better cope with stress, fear and changing times!
Please take advantage of our early bird special!

If you are interested in attending or to answer any questions you may have, please contact David or myself!



Saturday, August 29, 2009

Commitment - Just a Word Without Meaning?


Lately I have been wondering what makes it so hard for people to keep their word.

From my parents I have learned to speak with integrity. It is very important for me to say what I mean and to mean what I say.

My observations in my professional and in my personal life seem to be very different.

I know many busy people and they always say that they have a lot of commitments - places to go, friends to see, errands to run. However, I believe there is a difference between these kinds of commitments and commitment itself, which is an internal process.

Commitment is self-initiated and each of us makes our own commitments. Many times these commitments turn into "should do" activities and then turn into "no shows" or cancellations. Everyone knows that it is important to keep promises to oneself and to others but it simply is so much easier in theory than in real life.

In my opinion a commitment is a promise that we make to ourself or to others. Can it be that this lost its meaning?

Sometimes I feel that people really want to do something but simply can't follow through - life gets in the way so to speak. Other times there are individuals who "try to be" polite but have a tough time being real and saying how they really feel.

Bottom line is that not keeping our word, does not make us look good and certainly does not earn us a very good reputation.

I learned once in a seminar "how you do anything is how you do everything". If you start observing the people around you, you will realize how true this statement is.

Unfortunately I see very few people who hold themselves to rules and agreements so it's almost impossible for them to hold agreements to others if they can't hold them to themselves in the first place. Do you agree?

For the longest time this was very upsetting for me but I have now made peace with the fact that I cannot change people and their behaviours. Whenever I am faced with experiences like that, I do the best to change my perspective. My realization is that I can only lead by example and I hope to inspire the people around me to keep their word.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Testimonials from our workshop on August 19

Heidi and I facilitated another workshop for laidoff employees last week and here are some of the comments we received. I also want to share their contact information with you. In case you have any positions to offer or you know of companies that may be interested, please don't hesitate to request their resumes.

Good Morning Karin & Heidi:

First, I would like to thank you both very much for a very uplifting, informative and well structured presentation last night. It was three hours well invested. I have been to many seminars/workshops and the like, but yours ranks in the top echelon of well organized and enjoyable. I thought it is important for you to receive feedback.


Thanks again for a wonderful workshop, and all the best to you both.

Judy Shapiro
Fundraising Consulting/Special Event Management, Thornhill
Judy.shapiro@rogers.com

The workshop with Karin and Heidi was very interesting. I met different people and found that not only me is looking for a job. I found that many other people with even more work experience and better skills are in the same situation. Karin and Heidi provided us with many ideas and techniques how to overcome fear, stress and encourage ourselves. The most important was that all their ideas and suggestions were based on their own experience. It was excellent workshop with very personal attitude to each participant.

Thanks a lot for your help and for your interesting and encouraging workshop.

Best regards,


Dace Lauva
Purchasing Agent, Richmond Hill
dlauva@gmail.com

Dear Karin,

I would once again like to thank you for the wonderful workshop you held last night. I came away with so much information and great tips how to move a head. I would like to ask you for a copy of your goal sheet? Also can you send me the name of the person who wrote the quote on your last slide I want to putit on my wall so I read it every day.

Thanks again,

Christine Schaefer
Marketing Graphic Design Specialist, Richmond Hill
(corporate design, packaging design, promo material)
c.schaefer@sympatico.ca

Dear Karin,

When you are searching for your next job sometimes it can be hard to see the forest for the trees and you can easily feel lost and confused. I wanted to personally thank both you and Heidi for offering your time to present the free workshop “ Layoff During Difficult Times – The End or a New Beginning” to help keep me on the right path to success. Your workshop was extremely candid, inspiring and is helping to guide me down new directions I never saw before. Your passion is evident in what you do which makes all the difference and I wish you both continued success.

Thanks again,

Shawna Yorke

Environmental Department Assistant, Aurora
syorke8@gmail.com

Hi Karin,

I wanted to thank you for the insightful presentation you and Heidi gave last night.
I learned that there can be a positive side to everything and that good things can happen if one applies themselves to it.

You mentioned something about having additional resource information if we send you an email to you requesting it. I would be pleased if you can forward to me that information.

Also, can you tell me more about the "Toastmaster Organization"?

Regards,


Daniel McDonnell
Business Systems Analyst, Aurora
dmac773@gmail.com


Heidi and I find this work very rewarding and we know that we make a difference. Unfortunately some people make it very hard for us to promote this FREE workshop. Shouldn't it be in everybody's interest to assist people in finding a job and help them to build up their self esteem?

Do you know the the Starfish Story? If not, take the time to watch it because that's how we feel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GunVwl6K4M

What do you do to make a difference?


Our next workshop will be on September 23, 2009 - please forward to people who may be interested!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Fearless Living - The Secret to Overcome Your Personal Obstacles

We respond to your need to better cope with stress, fear and changing times!

If you are interested in attending or to answer any questions you may have, please contact David or myself!





Friday, August 7, 2009

The Shame of Blame in the Business Game


Have you ever wondered why some companies succeed while others fail?

How important is it to succeed anyway? Isn't it easy enough to shift the blame, change the rules, redirect the focus of your critics, spin the media, and redefine success........?
Didn't we have enough recent examples in the corporate world?

At the moment I have the feeling that many organizations and their people are committed to the blaming game - organizations blame their own failure of leadership on the recession, managers blame low performance on their employees, and employees blame their job dissatisfaction on management.

"Love it, change it, or leave it.........!"

When will people start to realize that it is time to take a criticial look at yourself first instead of pointing the finger at someone else? Don't forget, whenever you point a finger at another person, three fingers point right back at you.

At the moment I see many blamestorming sessions going on..... You know these are these special meetings where people are gathered together to discuss why a project failed and why a deadline was missed, and whose fault it was.
This is certainly a very effective way to waste time and focus all the attention and energy on problems instead of solutions.

It is human nature to avoid admitting a mistake and that's why I thought you may enjoy the following story:

Once upone a time there were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Sombody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got really angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Can you see the truth in that?

Friday, July 24, 2009

Our next FREE Workshop is on August 19, 2009




We have scheduled our next workshop "Layoff During Difficult Times - The End or a New Beginning?"


Did you lose your job?
Are you fearful and stuck, looking for guidance?
Are you ready to be pro-active and make a plan for your life?
Do you need help identifying and setting your goals?
Do you want a confidence boost and create more self-awareness?
Do you know someone who lost their job recently?
Do you want to move forward and find the right job for YOU?
Are you willing to communicate this message to employees who are affected?


We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!


What are you waiting for? It's time to sign up.....


Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.


This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!


When? August 19, 2009 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm
Where? Rexall Health Centre, 9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
(south of Major Mackenzie in the Weston Produce Plaza)


For further information please email: karin@karicosolutions.com or phone: 647-401-5274

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Where is the human touch?



Part of running your own business is also the business of cold calling. I don't mind it at all and it can be a lot of fun if............. you actually get to talk to someone.

Lately all I hear are these automated voice systems....
If you know the extension you wish to reach, please enter it now..... If you want to speak to customer service press 1, if you want to speak to shipping press 2, if you want to speak to human resources press 3 and if you want to access our company directory, please press the # sign......

Who invented this most impersonal phone system the world has ever seen? It must have been someone who is not in touch with his or her own feelings and emotions.

Yes, we live in a hi-tech and automated world but I can’t help but wonder...... What if you are a customer? What if you are actually faced with a problem or issue? What if you actually want to talk someone to receive immediate assistance? What if you are a new potential customer and this is the first impression your get? How much fun can it be to talk to a machine?

It’s not surprising to me that we are in this economic mess. Everyone is focused on the numbers and on saving money. There is nothing wrong with that but my challenge is..... - are companies saving money in the right areas? I probably make between 90 and 150 phone calls a week and I can truly say one thing - if I speak to a live receptionist who is knowledgeable, shows initiative and is friendly, this company stands out in my mind.......
It is a great way to differentiate yourself from your competitors!

Aren’t there more efficient ways to save money than cutting the job of a receptionist?
Hmmmm, obviously this would require more creativity and resourcefulness!

A general manager in a manufacturing plant told me a long time ago: "I don't have a receptionist; her title is 'Director of First Impressions'." I have never forgotten this statement. Isn’t that so true?

Wouldn't it make sense to pay a receptionist well and shouldn’t the receptionist be willing to go above and beyond in positively reflecting her organization every single day? Why would you place an incompetent person who is rude and doesn't like what he or she does right in front of your customer?

Recently I walked into a company where the receptionist was playing solitaire. I talked to receptionists who were rude. I talked to receptionists who hung the phone up by mistake and I talked to receptionists who don't even know what's manufactured in the plant.

Why do these people still have a job?
Who decides who should stay and who should go?
Is this something companies should take a closer look at?

Another unbelievable scenario is that when you press # 1 on the automated system to get connected to customer service…..guess what...... nobody picks up the phone. Wow! I tried this now so many times and 75 % of the time no one picks up the phone.

Let's just be honest and face it - customer service in Canada sucks and if companies really want to compete globally, this attitude will have to change.

If we speak about companies who are successful, we should never forget that it’s the people behind the company name who make it a success.
Every person puts different effort into their jobs but if you give it your all, then you are doing your part to make the company successful.

I firmly believe that employees deserve to be happy in their jobs but I also believe that companies deserve to have employees who are willing to go the extra mile if they collect a pay cheque. It's all about give and take!

There is no question about it..... times are changing and companies are changing.
I just hope our organizations won't be run by a few well programmed robots one day......- otherwise our CEO's and Presidents may have to fear for their jobs as well. :-)

In my opinion we all have to work harder on keeping the human touch in our organizations - for the sake of our customers, our employees and for the shareholder value.

What do you think?

Thursday, July 2, 2009

The Art of Listening


Today in my yoga class I could not overlook how many people have a tough time listening to spoken instructions. Most of the newer members need to see a yoga posture in order to do it. Having said that, I can remember that I had the same problem when I first attended a class but I have learned to listen more actively and that's the main thing.

We live in an information driven world where we are influenced by so many fast pace technologies that it has become really tough to sit still, shut up and listen to what's being said.

Well, what does this have to do with my business blog?

I think I just connected what I observed in my yoga class today with what I see in organizations all the time. I mean I know way too many managers who don't listen and who couldn't care less about connecting with their people. Their mission is simply to create profit and value for the shareholder. Nothing else is important.

Yesterday a manager shared some interesting thoughts with me......... He said that we have too many "nice weather" managers and not enough leaders who are able to lead through crisis. Most of them have never experienced difficult times like these but they are also not open-minded enough to learn new techniques which could help them to succeed.

He stopped for a moment to analyze his response to my question: Why do so many managers stop educating themselves once they reach a certain level in their career? His answer:
  • Many think they already have a wealth of knowledge and don't see the value of continuous education (ego);
  • Many don't have the time ( poor time management / self management skills);
  • Many don't want to take the time because they have already arrived at their destination (how sad is that?!);
  • Many don't have a boss who encourages them to take the path of continuous learning/education;

However, we live in a time of change and it is important that we understand that doing the same things every day will NOT deliver new results. To change the results we are getting, we must try new things and/or change the things we are doing.

My view is that learning means growing and if we stop growing, we may as well die.

There is absolutely no question about it that a company will become unstoppable if leaders put a conscious effort into understanding the people who work for them. If leaders care about their people, in turn, the people will care about the company.

In order to get a clear sense of what the environment is like within your organization you have to listen to your employees....., you have to listen to your co-workers......., and you have to listen to yourself. Not an easy task to do but it can be done.

Unfortunately so many managers think that they "have to know it all". Why? If you have an important decision to make - why not ASK? I know that my teachers in school (in Europe) never really encouraged us to ask questions. In school we learned that we have to answer questions, not ask them. Does it now make sense as to why we are so hesitant to ask questions?

Please be aware that you should not have already an answer in mind when you ask a question. Be open-minded and listen to new ideas!

I heard somebody once say "people are not aware because they are not aware that they are not aware." I really like that. I see it as my mission to help people increase their awareness to become the best they can be. What about you?

Carl Jung used to say "To ask the right question is already half the solution of a problem."

It sounds so easy and still isn't done. Why not?

Do you know the dreams, hopes and frustrations of your employees?
Do you know if your employees trust your leadership style?
Do you know how much faith employees demonstrate in themselves?
When was the last time that you have listened to your people with the intent to understand?

In today's marketplace it is essential that you do everything it takes to be a success. Why not enjoy a competitive advantage by doing things differently than your competition? - Ask questions, listen, and...........be courageous enough to take advice!


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Workshop Testimonials :-)

Heidi and I are very excited that our first workshop "Layoff During Difficult Times - The End or a New Beginning" at the Rexall Health Centre was a success. The location was very accommodating and we want to thank MaryAnne Istiglou who made it possible for us to use this great meeting space at no cost. We also want to acknowledge Marj Andre (http://www.onrichmondhill.com/) for assisting us to advertise the workshop on her website and in her newsletter, and for getting us connected with MaryAnne in the first place.
Great people make great things happen!!! Thank you!

We had 12 people sign up and 9 people showed up. Not bad for our first workshop, which was a freebie - it was very nice weather and the chances were pretty good that people would rather sit on a patio than learn something new.

We want to acknowledge the people who went out of their way to attend our workshop. These are the people who separate themselves from the rest of the job seekers because they took action and showed up.

Here are some of the testimonials we received:

I came to this workshop with an open mind. I didn't know what to expect and I just wanted to give it a try.
Thank you for the invitation. I appreciated your perspectives. I enjoyed a fresh perspective on the job search and the self assessment.
Steve M., Richmond Hill

Thank you for doing such a great inspirational, positive impact workshop. Well laid-out & good information about our goals. I was really very impressed. Nice work.
Carmen M., Aurora

Your workshop was more than just an ordinary workshop. You two inspired me to work on myself to find out my purpose and destination. You are two very talented ladies. Thank you so very much for going above and beyond to show us what is possible and how to do it.
God Bless,
Axel M., Scarborough

I liked your workshop because in contrast to other similar workshops, you provided people with positive energy. Positive energy gives people the power to stand up and continue their efforts in finding work placements. After losing a job usually people's overall confidence level is down; they just got rejected by an employer. It doesn't mater whether the employer was good or bad, people take a layoff as a personal fault. And what you did... You supplied people with energy, positive energy.
Good luck!
Yury F., North York

We will schedule the next workshop soon - stay tuned!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Our first FREE Workshop is on June 15, 2009


I am a firm believer in taking action and we have scheduled the first date for our Workshop "Layoff during Difficult Times - The End or a New Beginning?"

What a journey it has been since October 2008 to put this workshop in place. It was not an easy task to get some media attention and I have to say that persistence pays off in the long run. There is so much complaining and blaming and very few people are willing to create a change for the better. I am very proud and happy that we made it happen and I hope our workshop will benefit as many people as possible.

  • Did you lose your job?

  • Are you fearful and stuck, looking for guidance?

  • Are you ready to be pro-active and make a plan for your life?

  • Do you need help identifying and setting your goals?

  • Do you want a confidence boost and create more self-awareness?

  • Do you know somebody who lost his or her job recently?
  • Do you want to move forward and find the right job for YOU?

  • Are you willing to communicate this message to employees who are affected?

We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking on 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

When? June 15, 2009 at 6 pm

Where? Rexall Health Centre, 9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

(south of Major Mackenzie in the Weston Produce Mall)



For further information please email: karin@karicosolutions.com or phone: 647-401-5274

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Layoff during Difficult Times - the End or a New Beginning?


Just recently I had a discussion with a friend of mine who said that NOBODY would do anything for free in business. Really?

This is certainly not a valid comment for me and for what I believe in.

There is too much complaining, too much blaming and not enough action! I always like to say that I don't drive the BMW - I am not blaming, moaning and whining. I am a firm believer in taking action and people who know me, can attest that I "walk the talk"!

Please check out the latest article about my commitment for the community and if you know of any laid-off or to be laid-off manufacturing workers in the Toronto area, I would appreciate if you could pass this article on to them!

http://www.yorkregion.com/article/92190

Purpose:
  • To offer guidance, emotional support, build up self esteem, provide alternate career options and assistance in finding a potential new direction in life.

Participants learn to:

  • Explore various reactions to an instant change
  • Face fears and learn how to overcome them
  • Discover the power of attitude and positive thinking
  • Identify their own inner strengths
  • Define goals and an action plan

The value for the learner is to see the importance of having a positive mental attitude and getting clear on what they want going forward. It is a personal growth seminar that will show you what success habits you have to create to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Sometimes losing your job can be a stepping stone to a better opportunity – it’s just a matter of how you look at it.

It is about taking on 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!


"If you think you're too small to have an impact,
try going to bed with a mosquito in the room."

- Anita Roddick (Founder of the Body Shop)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Leading change for the better....


Just recently I read a really good article in the Globe and Mail and I want to share with you some of the insights on how human nature gets in the way of your change effort:


We all know that you can't manufacture passion or "motivate" people to feel passionate. You can only discover what ignites your passion and the passions of those around you. You can't say to your employees, "Okay, folks, let's get passionate about what we do." It doesn't work that way. You need to lead by example. Let your employees see your passion and your desire to be the best you can be. Encourage them to be part of a winning team. Acknowledge and reward them for their creativity and innovation.

Ask yourself:

  • What can I do to obliterate complacency and foster an environment of creative and innovative thinking?
  • Do I really appreciate my employees and regularly thank them for their great work?
  • What's my attitude? Is it worth catching?
  • How does my company respond to downturns?
  • Do we continue to build for the long-term even during difficult times by tapping into the creative solutions that employees have to offer?
  • Does my company strive for excellence? Is our goal to do better tomorrow than we did today?
  • Do my employees enjoy coming to work? Do they feel that they are part of the "big picture"?

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Why Manufacturing?


I cannot stop wondering why so many people think that manufacturing in North America won't survive. Of course it will! There will be fewer companies but the ones who will survive will come out of this recession stronger than ever.

Since I started my business people have been wondering why I chose manufacturing as my niche. However, since the recession hit us, people understand it even less. Everywhere I go and many of the people I meet ask me the same question....... Karin, why manufacturing? Why not approach the government.... , or the banks, ..... or why not just offer coaching and training in general?

Recently it crossed my mind that it is about time that I answer this very valid question on my blog. This way everybody has the opportunity to read how I feel about my chosen niche. This is actually something which is very easy for me to express and I ask you.....

How much integity would I show if I would throw in the towel when confronted with my first challenges?
How much faith in organizations would I show if I would turn my back on an industry I believe in?
How much commitment would I show if I would start forgetting about my passion?
How much dedication would I show if I would not do everything it takes to make my business a success?
How much intelligence would I show if I would forget to serve other people?
How much competence would I show if I would want to be a specialist in everything?
How much loyality would I show if I would forget about the people who believe in me and what my business is all about?
How much creativity would I show if I would walk the same path as everyone else?
How much flexibility would I show if I could not deal with changing times?
How much respect would I show if I would not appreciate the clients I have at the moment?
How much discipline would I show if I would not go above and beyond what people expect of me every single day?
How much trust would I show if I would not believe in the people around me?
How much courage would I show if I would let fear get in my way?
How much humour would I show if I would take myself and life too serious?
But most importantly.....
How much happiness and fulfillment would I experience if I would give up on my values and my beliefs?

Training and coaching in manufacturing environments is my passion. I have important knowledge and experience to share and I am great in what I do. I trust people and this makes them trust me. I have a tremendous love for people and my vision is to help manufacturing organizations and individuals to become the best they can be.

Just recently Heidi and I have received an email from one of the workers who attended our training sessions and I want to share his comments with you.

“You’re doing a great job. All of us guys from the night shift felt emotionally charged after your sessions. No kidding! We became kinder and more supportive to each other. We began seeing each other as members of one family. You did touch some strings in our souls.”
- Sergey Tishkin, CNC Mill Operator

When we receive emails like this, then I know that we are on the right track.
For the record, you now know why I chose manufacturing as my niche.


Monday, April 27, 2009

My perspective on the SAE World Congress in Detroit


Last week Heidi and I went to the SAE World Congress in Detroit. Networking, exploring the news from the automotive front and a meeting with a prospect were on our agenda.

It was quite interesting to see that the SAE was about 30 % smaller than in previous years. Our conversations with people at the booths led us to believe that there were also way less potential clients. On the contrary, we saw a lot of people who dropped off their resumes.
Unfortunately, we did not get to see my fellow countryman Arnold Schwarzenegger who opened the SAE with a keynote speech on Monday. The people we asked about him had only good things to say and all of them were pleasantly surprised at how well prepared and informed he was.


For me it was quite interesting to see the different approaches the automakers take. At GM, there were a lot of marketing people around but they seemed more interested in talking to each other than to the visitors at their booth.

At Ford, they had some really good cars - for small cars, the new Ford Fiesta with the new blue colour for 2010 looked great - but they failed to leave the car doors open so that visitors could experience the "indoor feeling". There was only one marketing guy who was either on the phone or working on his laptop, not even bothering to look up. What a great impression he made on me! Maybe it was also because I am a woman and therefore he did not see the need to answer my questions. I had flashbacks to my car shopping experiences.

Nissan had the most appealing transmission showpiece with different colours to attract curious visitors. The marketing and sales people there approached me immediately in a very friendly manner to promote Nissan and they answered all the questions I had.
However, my personal favourite was Honda. It is not surprising for me to see WHY the Japanese are so far ahead of their North American competitiors. It's their attitude and their indisputable ability to be innovative and creative.



These two guys walked around with a Honda walking assist devise. These are basically supplemental robot legs for humans who have difficulties walking.
They told me that Honda does EVERYTHING that has to do with mobility. Both of them visited the US from Japan and their English was not the best but...... their friendliness and their willingness to answer any question visitors would have, could not have been overlooked by anybody.
Honda had approximately 10 people at their booth, all very friendly, everyone smiling but the smart thing was that although they paid for their booth, these two guys promoted Honda with this unique walking device throughout Cobo Hall.

Hmmm, do you think there may be one or two things we could learn from them?

Saturday, April 4, 2009

ME first - TEAM second - VISION last


Correct me if I am wrong but in order to be a successful organization........, shouldn't this be the other way around?

In our work we focus on employee engagement and motivation and it is devastating for me to see that morale in most companies is at an all-time low at the moment. Why?
In my opinion we are faced more with a leadership crisis than with an economic crisis.

Due to the lack of leadership and the lack of communication nobody knows what the future will hold. How can we be productive and go the extra mile if we are paralyzed by fear and worry?

Everybody needs to see the brightness of the future and row in the same direction. Instead, companies are in fire fighting mode and the focus is on problems instead of solutions.

Many people are in it for themselves and for the money. It almost seems to me there is no more loyalty. There are too many fact driven managers and not enough visionary leaders.

It is never one person only who makes a company a success. However, if this leader has emotional intelligence and works with and for the people, miracles can and will happen.

Let's talk to people, get to know the issues, ask questions, try to learn as much as we can from the people and try to involve them to create effective solutions. In order to be respected leaders we have to earn the respect of the people first.

How many of us are really doing that?

VISION first - TEAM second - ME last.......... That's the route we have to choose!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

No training need during difficult times?


Isn't it mind-boggling that we spend 12 years or longer in school and university before we even start our career and then in a constantly changing world forget about training as a way to keep current?
Life is a learning process and as the world changes we will lose our effectiveness unless we keep up our skills.
Is there really no time or money for personal development? Or is it much rather the lack of drive and initiative to work on our skills to become the best person and leader we can be?
Good companies recognize the need for training and should measure the ROI based on their ability to improve the weakness identified.

I always say ROI = ROI; your return on investment are your relationships, outcomes and improvements in your organization.

One single training session does not change anything. Trainers need to work with the commitment of all the people involved. If you have a progressive management team who is willing to take the challenge of change and they actively work with the feedback of a trainer to put an action plan together, results can be seen in 6 months - 1 year. And believe me, this would be noticeable results!
A skilled and motivated workforce will be essential to ensure organizations are well placed to take advantage of the recovery when it comes.
Unfortunately most companies want to have a quick fix and by the employees this is most of the time seen as the "flavour of the month".

If organizations want to have a home run, everybody needs to be in the game!
I would love to hear your perspective......