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The Art and Science of Management

What do managers do? Why do we do it? How can you be part of it? Here's what you need to know.

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John's Management Blog

When Does The Decade Really End - The Results

Wednesday December 30, 2009
Just before Thanksgiving, in a story about the biggest business stories of the decade, a controversy arose about when the decade really ends. Here are the results of our unscientific, five-week poll.

Most voters who responded to our poll agree, by about two to one, that the decade isn't over yet. According to the poll, this decade won't end untl December 31, 2010.

You can still vote in the poll and add to or just read the comments here. Don't forget to cick the "Poll Results" link to see how others have voted.

Don't Make New Year's Resolutions This Year

Tuesday December 29, 2009
I hope 2010 will be a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year for you. We know it will be a difficult year, especially at the beginning, and that all managers will continue to face many challenges, but we'll be here to try and help you through them.

One of your biggest challenges will be keeping your people focused and motivated so they stay with you and stay productive. Resolve for 2010 to value your people for the critical, valuable asset they really are. They are the only real competitive edge you have over your competitors. Your ability to survive, and even to thrive, in the coming year depends on your loyal employees. Treat them like you understand that - or someone else will.

As you set your New Year's Resolutions for 2010, be sure to read New Year's Resolutions vs. New Year's Goals. Resolutions are fine, but you'll accomplish more this year, whether for your company or for yourself, if you set measurable goals instead.

Do We Spend Too Much Of Our Lives At Work?

Thursday December 24, 2009

It is easy to get wrapped up in what's going on at work and get totally focused on your job. That may be good for your career, but it may not help the other parts of your life. It is very important for managers to maintain a balance between work and the rest of their lives (and make sure their people do the same).

The article Employee Benefits as a Management Tool begins with a quote from Brian G. Dyson, former President and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises titled "Glass Balls and Rubber Balls". I encourage you to read it.

Here are some additional Work/Life Balance resources.

Package Tracking Services For Midwest Snowstorm

Wednesday December 23, 2009
A major snowstorm is hitting large parts of the US. It is affecting mail and package delivery. If any of the clients or workers you ordered holdiay gifts for is out of town, and you chose to have it delivered by one of the package delivery services, you may want to check on its location.

If you're like me, you don't have time to look up the web page for the carrier who picked up your package and then drill down to find their tracking page. So bookmark this page instead. Here are links directly to the package tracking page for the major carriers, Airborne/DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS all on this one page, which also includes similar links for selected major retailers.

I've got one last present I ordered for my wife that's due tomorrow. I'm tracking it all the way in. As soon as it get's here I'm done with shopping. Happy holidays everyone.

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