Eric Jacobson

OCTOBER 8, 2015

Rick Lindquist Millennial Rick Lindquist is making his mark in the business world and enjoying the success of his co-authored 2014 bestseller book, The End of Employer-Provided Health Insurance. Lindquist, in his 30's, is the President and CEO of Zane Benefits, Inc. He joined Zane Benefits as its thirteenth employee in 2007. He was promoted to Director of Sales in 2009 and took over as President in 2011.

CEO 81

CEO Books Insurance BHAG 81

Eric Jacobson

APRIL 6, 2015

'I had the pleasure of interviewing Leigh Branham over the past few years. He''s the author of the popular book called, The 7 Hidden Reasons Employees Leave , and he''s the owner of the Overland Park, KS-based business called Keeping The People. He told me that in research that he has done about the leaders of companies that have won " Best-Place-To-Work " competitions in 45 U.S. cities, that there are six things these effective leaders do that don''t cost money.

Uncertainty 81

Uncertainty Open-book Cost Tips 81

Eric Jacobson

OCTOBER 10, 2015

In your leadership role, it's vital that your team members know how to deliver excellent customer service. " Knock Your Socks Off " type service as book editor Ann Thomas and Jill Applegate would say. Part of delivering excellent customer service is saying "Thank You" to your customers and knowing when to say "Thank You". Thomas and Applegate recommend telling your customers "Thank You" during at least these nine situations : When they do business with you.every time.

Power 80

Power Books Team Productivity 80

Eric Jacobson

MARCH 12, 2015

'Consider this advice from author Paul R. Timm. He recommends a different twist on asking your customers questions : stop asking your customers the "typical" questions and instead ask them open-ended questions. Here''s specifically what Timm recommends: Don''t Ask : How was everything? Can I get you something else? Did you find everything you need? Will that be all?

Advice 80

Advice Power Management Leadership 80

Eric Jacobson

JUNE 12, 2015

Edward M. Marshall's book, Transforming The Way We Work -- The Power Of The Collaborative Workplace , remains relevant today, more than a decade after Marshall wrote it. Particularly useful is the book's section that teaches readers how to be a collaborative leader. Marshall says that there are seven different, important roles and responsibilities of collaborative leaders when leading teams , and those leaders should select the appropriate style to meet the team's needs.

Participative 79

Participative Books Operations Team 79

Eric Jacobson

AUGUST 22, 2015

Edward M. Marshall's book, Transforming The Way We Work -- The Power Of The Collaborative Workplace , remains relevant today, more than a decade after Marshall wrote it. Particularly useful is the book's section that teaches readers how to be a collaborative leader. Marshall says that there are seven different, important roles and responsibilities of collaborative leaders when leading teams , and those leaders should select the appropriate style to meet the team's needs.

Participative 79

Participative Operations Team Organization 79

Eric Jacobson

AUGUST 23, 2015

In John Baldoni's new book , The Leader's Guide to Speaking with Presence , he provides these tips for listening as a leader and learning as a leader: When Listening As A Leader : Look at people when they are speaking to you. Make eye contact. Ask open-ended questions, such as "Tell me about." or "Could you explain this?" Consider the "what if" question: "What if we looked at the situation like this?

Automotive 79

Automotive Open-book Banking Tips 79

Eric Jacobson

APRIL 22, 2015

'Have you checked out the relatively new book, The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership: Classical Wisdom for Modern Leaders ? As you dig in, you''ll step back in time to learn philosophies of the past and how to apply them today. Authors M. A. Soupios and Panos Mourdoukoutas offer a fresh approach to becoming a great leader by learning from antiquity''s great thinkers, such as Aristotle, Hesiod, Sophocles, Heraclitus, and others.

Leadership 79

Leadership Learning-by-Doing Energy Information 79

Eric Jacobson

JUNE 19, 2015

Here are some of my favorites quotes from John C. Maxwell's book, The 5 Levels of Leadership -- a book I believe should become a must-read for any workplace/organizational leader: Good leadership isn't about advancing yourself. It's about advancing your team. Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.

Leadership 78

Leadership Books Development Power 78

Eric Jacobson

MARCH 7, 2015

'I so appreciate this advice from William Arthur Ward , one of America''s most quoted writers of inspirational maxims: Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.

Leadership 78

Leadership Participative Advice Management 78

Eric Jacobson

AUGUST 25, 2015

Here are 10 important questions business leaders should ask, according to Ken Blanchard and Garry Ridge, authors of Helping People Win At Work : Does my business have a clear, meaningful, and easily understood vision/mission? Do I have the right people in the right seats on the bus? Do I have a BHAG (big hairy audacious goal), and have I communicated it to my employees?

BHAG 78

BHAG Blanchard Goal Information 78

Eric Jacobson

APRIL 19, 2015

'Edward M. Marshall''s book, Transforming The Way We Work -- The Power Of The Collaborative Workplace , remains relevant today, more than a decade after Marshall wrote it. Particularly useful is the book''s section that teaches readers how to be a collaborative leader. Marshall says that there are seven different, important roles and responsibilities of collaborative leaders when leading teams , and those leaders should select the appropriate style to meet the team''s needs.

How To 78

How To Books Participative Team 78

Eric Jacobson

JANUARY 11, 2015

'The next time you are interviewing a candidate and you want to access their leadership skills, consider asking the candidate these questions : What personal qualities define you as a leader? Describe a situation when these qualities helped you lead others. Give an example of when you demonstrated good leadership. What is the toughest group from which you''ve had to get cooperation?

Skills 78

Skills Armstrong Handbook Cooper 78

Eric Jacobson

AUGUST 28, 2015

These quotes truly inspire me : “The three common characteristics of best companies -- they care, they have fun, they have high performance expectations.” -- Brad Hams “The one thing that's common to all successful people: They make a habit of doing things that unsuccessful people don't like to do.” -- Michael Phelps “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." -- Harry S.

Leadership 78

Leadership Covey Drucker Brand 78

Eric Jacobson

JULY 4, 2015

"The challenge for the organizational architect is to systematically create the blueprint for an organization that consciously connects everything to purpose ," explains author Clive Wilson , in his new book, Designing the Purposeful Organization. "The product of doing this are measurable results and, importantly, a felt sense of success. Wilson's book is packed with case studies and activities that help you put to practice in your organization the learnings from the book.

Organization 77

Organization Open-book How To Case Study 77

Eric Jacobson

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

I wish the book, What To Do When You're New , would have been published twenty-five years ago. Being more introverted versus extroverted, the author's advice and teachings would have helped me during new jobs and after promotions, when relocating to new cities, when joining new clubs and organizations, and whenever I became a member of a new team. The book, by Keith Rollag, is all about how to be comfortable, confident, and successful in new situations.

Restructuring 76

Restructuring Learning-by-Doing Books Stress 76

Eric Jacobson

MAY 12, 2015

Too often, we think of only external customer service, and forget about the need for excellent internal customer service. No matter what type of business, organization or team you lead, teach your team members/ employees the need for and importance of internal customer service. Similar to external customer service, that means employees/team members should: 1.

Politics 76

Politics Team Organization Management 76

Eric Jacobson

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

In a short 144 pages, Ken Goldstein delivers an enjoyable and powerful business parable with timeless lessons on how to have repeat success by concentrating on three essentials - People, Products, and Profits – in that order. Goldstein's lessons are in his new book, Endless Encores , and are demonstrated through a fictional dialogue one night in an airport lounge between a successful CEO and a manager besieged with troubles.

Productivity 76

Productivity Products Diversity Books 76

Eric Jacobson

OCTOBER 9, 2015

" Catalyst leaders represent the gold standard -- energetic, supportive, forward-thinking mentors who spark action in others," explain Tacy M. Byham and Richard S. Wellins , authors of the new book, Your First Leadership Job -- How Catalyst Leaders Bring Out the Best in Others. More specifically, the authors share that a catalyst leader: Asks and listens Fosters innovation Provides balanced feedback Builds trust Focuses on people's potential Collaborates and networks Empowers others Encourages d

How To 76

How To Delegation Mentor Learning-by-Doing 76

Eric Jacobson

MAY 30, 2015

From Paul Smith's book, Lead With A Story , here are the 10 reasons for embracing storytelling as a business tool : Storytelling is simple Storytelling is timeless Stories are demographic-proof Stories are contagious Stories are easier to remember Stories inspire Stories appeal to all types of learners Stories fit better where most of the learning happens in the workplace Stories put the listener in a mental learning mode Telling stories shows respect for the audience Smith goes on to say that:

Storytelling 76

Storytelling Tools Audience Books 76

Eric Jacobson

JANUARY 17, 2015

'"Today''s customers demand something unlike anything they have ever wanted in the past -- a connection with your business," explains Noah Fleming , author of the new, must-read book , Evergreen. "This means that in order to increase customer loyalty, you need to create a relationship with that customer on a deeper and much more profound level," adds Fleming.

Customer Loyalty 75

Customer Loyalty Loyalty How To Content 75

Eric Jacobson

MAY 2, 2015

Your words of recognition and appreciation delivered face-to-face with your employees will be compelling, effective, meaningful and memorable. As an employee's leader, you are likely the most important person to them in the workplace. Their knowing you appreciate their hard work and success is critical to keeping them motivated and engaged. So, don't underestimate the power of a verbal "thank you" for a job well done!

Power 76

Power Motivation Succession Management 76

Eric Jacobson

FEBRUARY 9, 2015

'These quotes truly inspire me : “The three common characteristics of best companies -- they care, they have fun, they have high performance expectations.” -- Brad Hams “The one thing that''s common to all successful people: They make a habit of doing things that unsuccessful people don''t like to do.” -- Michael Phelps “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." -- Harry S.

Leadership 76

Leadership Covey Drucker Brand 76

Eric Jacobson

JANUARY 14, 2015

'The April 2014 issue of Inc. magazine featured a fascinating list of 35 questions from business owners, entrepreneurs and management thinkers. Each offered the one question they would ask to move a company forward. From the list, my favorites are : Are we relevant? Will we be relevant five years from now? Ten? What prevents me from making the changes I know will make me a more effective leader?

Company 76

Company Magazine Entrepreneur Execution 76

Eric Jacobson

MARCH 29, 2015

'Entrepreneur magazine''s February 2012 issue offers these great tips on how to give praise : Praise followed by criticism is not praise. Praise followed by praise is probably a little too much praise. Ending an expression of praise with ".and stuff" nullifies the praise. And, Make it timely. The closer the recognition is to the behavior, the more likely the behavior will be repeated.

How To 76

How To Magazine Entrepreneur Tips 76

Eric Jacobson

NOVEMBER 7, 2015

Within the first 100 days as a new leader in an organization, you'll want to assess your organization's risk. Authors George Bradt, Jayme A. Clark and Jorge Pedraza, in their book, The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan (third edition), recommend you do your assessment using the 5Cs : Customers : First line, customer chain, end users, influencers Collaborators : Suppliers, allies, government/community leaders Capabilities : Human, operational, financial, technical, key assets Competitors : Direct,

Organization 75

Organization SWOT How To Politics 75

Eric Jacobson

MAY 13, 2015

You can't lead if your employees, team or followers don't trust you. Building trust takes energy, effort and constant attention to how you act. To help build trust, follow these 16 tips , recommended by author Susan H. Shearouse: Be honest Keep commitments and keep your word Avoid surprises Be consistent with your mood Be your best Demonstrate respect Listen Communicate Speak with a positive intent Admit mistakes Be willing to hear feedback Maintain confidences Get to know others Practice empath

How To 75

How To Energy Tips Commitment 75

Eric Jacobson

MARCH 19, 2015

'Dianna Booher ''s new book, What More Can I Say? , presents nine core principles of persuasive communication in an easy-to-read and easy-to-digest format that makes for a compelling read for anyone wanting to succeed in changing behavior or changing minds. The nine core principles are: The Law of Trust vs. Distrust The Law of Collaboration vs. Monologue The Law of Simplicity vs.

Restructuring 75

Restructuring Workshop Books Skills 75

Eric Jacobson

AUGUST 30, 2015

I'm super excited to read David Grossman's new book, No Cape Needed. David is both a communications and a leadership expert and I use his advice all the time. His new book provides, "the simplest, smartest, fastest steps to improve how you communicate by leads and bounds," explains David.

Advice 75

Advice Books Leadership Management 75

Eric Jacobson

MAY 10, 2015

Every leader experiences periods of ups and downs. Hopefully, more up periods. If you struggle with too many down periods, it might be because you have perfectionist tendencies. Transform yourself into an optimist by: Viewing failure as an opportunity to learn and understand that failure is part of a fulfilling life. Making room for pain. Don't deny yourself permission to feel painful emotions.

How To 75

How To Goal Books Management 75

Eric Jacobson

MARCH 28, 2015

'Here are some great tips from Michelle Tillis Lederman''s book, The 11 Laws of Likability. They are all about: what to do and what not to do to be a leader who''s an effective listener : Do : Maintain eye contact Limit your talking Focus on the speaker Ask questions Manage your emotions Listen with your eyes and ears Listen for ideas and opportunities Remain open to the conversation Confirm understanding, paraphrase Give nonverbal messages that you are listening (nod, smile) Ignore distractions

How To 75

How To Open-book Tips Project 75

Eric Jacobson

OCTOBER 31, 2015

The Cycle of Winning has five parts: Decide, Overdo, Adjust, Finish, Keep Improving. These are the five actions that winners take to get on track and to help stay on tract. Theses actions create Serial Winners, explains Larry Weidel in his new book, Serial Winner. "Serial Winners leverage a cycle of winning action to make progress," says Weidel. "They do something every day that puts them on a course for the things they want in life.

Succession 74

Succession How To Loyalty Books 74

Eric Jacobson

JULY 29, 2015

Take some quality time to read the book by C. Elliott Haverlack , Unbunde It , because it explores the issues you face as a leader with a twist that is different from many other leadership books. Throughout, the book offers suggestions on how to overcome the burden that complexity creates in our lives and businesses. Most intriguing for me is Haverlack's straight-forward, unbundled insights on teams.

Power 74

Power Team Environment Tips 74

Eric Jacobson

APRIL 23, 2015

Liz Wiseman 's latest book is Rookie Smarts. It's all about living and working perpetually on a learning curve. She contends that we do our best work when we are new to something. And, she teaches us how to reclaim and cultivate the curious, flexible and youthful mindset called "rookie smarts." "Something magical happens when a skilled veteran successfully re-learns his rookie smarts and is still able to retain his veteran acumen," explains Wiseman.

Wiseman 74

Wiseman Learning Curve How To Books 74

Eric Jacobson

APRIL 3, 2015

'As the season of spring vacations continues throughout the U.S, communication expert, David Grossman, encourages you to take his pledge for an email-free vacation. When you take the pledge you''ll also learn from David his recommended Eight Great Steps to Unplug & Recharge. David has found that a growing number of his clients are looking for new ways to address mounting email overload in their workplaces.

Consultative 74

Consultative CEO Leadership Development Company 74

Eric Jacobson

SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

In his book, The Responsible Leader , Tim Richardson explains that to create a high-performance culture , you need to plan and prepare for the following moments to ensure the conversations surrounding them are both meaningful and intentional: recruitment and induction of new team members performance management discussions promotion interviews and talent management discussions coaching discussions customer sales presentations handling customer complaints and problems briefings to the press, analy

Planning 74

Planning Short-term Committee Talent Management 74

Eric Jacobson

JULY 17, 2015

A couple years ago, I was aksed, " What five most important traits must a leader have to be effective ?" I could reply fairly quickly, but I did take a moment to remember that when I asked a similar question in a LinkedIn group discussion, group members offered up nearly 100 different adjectives to describe an effective leader. But, for me, I contend the five most important traits are : Good communicator.

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Servant Leader Leadership Motivation Follow-up 74