Communicate to Win: 012 – Big Rule #1: The Magic Number Seven RuleHoward Schultz grew Starbucks from a Seattle boutique into the global mega-brand we all know today. At one time, he left Starbucks, but agreed to come back in 2008. In his first letter to employees upon his return, he said the company must shift its focus away from “bureaucracy” and back to customers. He wanted to focus on “Big Rules,” such as customer service, instead of checking boxes on the forms created to run the business. Read more
Communicate to Win: 011 – RACI MatrixAs I have noted in my last few posts, the problem solving process requires a lot of effort. Research at each of the four steps is very involved. Here, I take a look at the RACI matrix, which is a responsibility chart to help assign resources to action items. You can use this tool not only as part of this problem-solving process, but also to assign responsibilities connected to any set of tasks within your organization. Read more
Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #089: Play in the SandboxEach week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week, we bring you a template to illustrate the demand on resources. Read more
In the previous post, I addressed steps 1 and 2, Structure the Issue and Plan an Analysis, for solving a problem. I’ll continue the discussion with steps 3 and 4, Execute the Analysis and Find the Solution. Read more
Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #088: Things are ChangingEach week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week, we bring you a change management plan. Read more
Communicate to Win: 009 – Four Steps to Solving ProblemsIn previous posts, I addressed the process of defining the problem. Now, you can get down to business and take satisfaction in solving the problem. During this process, you’ll use project management tools that plan the project phases, map the workflow and arrive at a solution. Read more
Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #087: The Road AheadEach week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week, we bring you a template to help you illustrate your vision. Read more
Communicate to Win – #008: Creating an SCQIn the last couple of posts, I addressed defining the problem through four steps moving from your current reality to the desired destination. In this post, I will drill down into step four focusing on translating your information into Situation, Complication and Question (SCQ). Read more
Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #086: Structure, People, Process & StrategyEach week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week we bring you a diagram to guide a turn-around situation. Read more
Communicate to Win – #007: Four Steps to Define ProblemsIn last week’s post, I took a close look at defining the current reality and the desired destination. Now, I’ll offer some tips to further break down how to define the problem. Read more