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Text Box: Hey There,   We have our Small Business Boot Camp starting March 28th!  If you want to grow your business and take an intense look at it using an effective peer review process, get registered today! We also have Running Camp starting April 2nd!  Running is one of my favorite past times and training for marathons and run coaching is part of my regular routine.  Exercise is one of those necessary activities that we all need to help us keep life in balance.  Check out:  Running Camp -  Ernie

Text Box: March 2011

Text Box:   Test Your Creativity   If you read this one carefully, you might be able to solve the puzzle in your head. If you need help, you can try remembering your high school algebra for which you might need to consult your nearest teenager!     A brick weighs 1 lb plus half a brick. How much does the brick weigh?     *Answers at the bottom!

Text Box:   “It's not enough that we do our  best; sometimes we have to do what's required.”   - Sir Winston Churchill

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Text Box: Executive Coaching  · Strategic Planning  · Team Building  · Continuous Improvement  · Professional Development © 2011, E.A. Lewis Consulting          www.ealewisconsulting.com

Text Box: You are receiving this free newsletter at your request or as part of E.A. Lewis Consulting Services.  If you have been forwarded this newsletter from someone you know and would like to subscribe, please click here to send an email. To remove your name from our mailing list, please click here to send an email.   This material is provided as general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice or consulting services specific to you, your employees, or your organization. This content may be forwarded in full, without permission, when used in a not-for-profit format. No other reproduction of this publication, in whole, or in part, is allowed without the express written consent of E.A. Lewis Consulting. This newsletter is a free service of E.A. Lewis Consulting, Management Tips and Best Practices Newsletter, all rights reserved. Copyright 2011 E.A. Lewis Consulting.   *Brain Teaser Answer:   The brick weighs 2 lbs.

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Text Box:   "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - Anne Bradstreet, 17th century poet

E.A. Lewis Consulting

Text Box: Helping You Achieve Your Personal Best!

Text Box: Tough Love for Employees Helping employees cope with problems in the workplace is a responsibility for all managers. I am often asked, “How do I deal with my employees’ personal issues?” and “How do I get employees to solve problems themselves rather than bring everything to me?”   First, we need to differentiate the two types of problems employees face. They are: personal problems and performance problems.   Personal problems are just that, personal. These are problems that cannot be resolved by management. Examples might be marital problems, a faulty alarm clock, or heavy traffic during the morning commute. All you can do is let the employee vent. Listen and be a sounding board for employees to say what they need to say but be aware that spending too much time here could enable an employee to develop a victimization mentality. Let them vent, then it’s time to get back to work.  If it does seem like a serious issue you might refer the employee to the Human Resources department and or your company’s employee assistance program.   Performance problems are work related.  Management can and should help resolve them. We need to listen and understand why work is not getting done, help employees find solutions and help with implementation if needed. Managers often have knowledge and experience for an effective and efficient solution. However, when possible, refrain from automatically offering a solution. Try this; listen, get the facts, ask them for possible solutions, offer suggestions and resources, let them select a solution, and let them implement.  This way, employees learn to solve problems on their own which means you can focus on other priorities.

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Ernest A. LewisText Box: Running Camp! - April 2nd One of my favorite past times is running and running marathons!  At Running Camp, I coach beginning and advanced runners on good running form, injury prevention, and effective training methods.  Join us to get in shape, look great and feel awesome!   Saturday, April 2nd, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Toledo Area Call for Details:  419-345-4254, or email:  ernest@ealewisconsulting.com  or Register Online

Text Box: Fun Stuff – Words of Wisdom from Kids* "Never trust a dog to watch your food." -Patrick, age 10 "When your dad is mad and asks you, 'Do I look stupid?' Don't answer." -Hannah, age 9 “Never tell your Mom her diet's not working." -Michael, age 14 "Stay away from prunes." -Randy, age 9 "Don't pull Dad's finger when he tells you to." -Emily, age 10 "When your Mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair." -Taylia, age 11 "Never let your 3-year old brother in the same room as your school assignment."-Traci, age 14 "A puppy always has bad breath--even after eating a Tic-Tac." - Andrew, age 9 "Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time." - Kyoyo, age 11 "You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk." - Amir, age 9   *Found on the internet

Text Box: Small Business Boot Camp!  - March 28th Review the fundamentals of effective business growth including having the right business model, effective marketing, appropriate systems, and much more.  Discover the power of peer support and learn how to grow your business right!   Starts Tuesday, March 28th, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., 5 Weeks, Toledo Area, Limited Seating Call for Details:  419-345-4254, or email:  ernest@ealewisconsulting.com  or Register Online

Text Box: Are You Asking for the Sale? Most people don’t ask for the sale.  Obviously, one easy way to increase sales is to just ASK for the sale but we fear rejection, don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, or are not sure how.  It helps to keep in mind that if we are providing a great product or service and our customers can gain some benefit, we have to ask for the sale.  The simple reason being that if we don’t ask, they won’t get the benefit promised from our product or service.  We certainly don’t want to keep that benefit from them!   Next, just ask!  They may say “no,” but we have to keep in mind that it’s not personal.  Some people want what we offer, some don’t.  If we give the “no” people a chance to say “no,” we can move on to the next person who just might say “yes.”   We are not out to twist arms or make anyone uncomfortable.  Either they want our help or not and we can reassure them that either way is fine.   There are lots of ways to ask for the sale.  Google it, read a few books, or email me for a coaching session or a workshop!