Micro Management is necessary when dealing with unskilled workers and young children; but it can become insulting and de-motivating to skilled workers. At first it is extremely helpful to have someone checking on your progress and answering questions. But soon, your management skills will come into question once tasks and procedures are accomplished.

Micro Managers are seldom respected by their employees or upper management, which presents a new set of issues to be overcome. It is as if you are announcing to the world that you are fearful and uneasy with your ability to manage. Micro Managers also feel overworked, because they are devoting so much energy into supervising every move of their employees. It is as if you are in charge of ten energetic toddlers. By the end of the day you are exhausted and feel that you have accomplished very little.

To change, you must do the following:

• Honestly evaluate the skill level of your staff and determine who can be left on their own, with MINOR supervision.
• Apologize to your staff and tell them you are trying to give them more freedom. This can be empowering to your employees.
• Ask skilled workers to assist those with less talent. Again you are recognizing a worker’s accomplishments.
• Take a deep breath and relax. Your job is to encourage rather then question and challenge the competency of your staff. You will soon discover that you are enjoying life again.

Ken Bear Cole

A Second Look Business Consulting LLC

The tax credit incentive was a joyous ride for a lot of people! Those who had the means to pay a mortgage instead of rent will benefit in the years to come. The $8000 enabled new home owners to update less expensive older homes. It allowed them to put back the money they used for the down payment and or closing cost associated with home ownership.  The tax credit allowed family members to gift monies to help with the purchase of the home and then have it paid back to them after the tax credit was received. Some states like Washington and California  allowed the tax credit to be used during the closing process. This program, whether you agreed with it or not, helped a lot of families get into a home of their own. I know,home ownership is not for everyone, but this program helped, some families out run their inability to save enough money for  the purchase.

Some government programs just don’t work as we all know. Some programs can’t be measured. Most of us know someone who benefited from this one.  Let them feel proud they have a home to call their own.

Millions of Americans have been out of work for more then a year. Being unemployed is a discouraging and depressing situation. I know. I was out of work for nine months in 2002. I questioned my self worth and wonder if things would ever change. They can and will, but you may need to take a different approach. Here are some things to consider:

• Don’t hang out at home in your PJ’s or sweats. Get up at a regular work time and get ready to face the world. This will prevent you from forming depressive habits of low self worth.

• Find someone to partner with. It is true that two heads are much better then one. Having a partner can help keep both of you on the right track. You will gain strength and encouragement from each other as long as it does not evolve into a pity party.

• Sharpen your skills. Read articles and books to stay abreast of changes in your industry. Keeping your mind fresh and alert will fight off depression.

• Volunteer and help others. This will help take your focus off yourself and it can provide opportunities for joy in your life.

• Attend business-networking meetings. Search for Chamber of Commerce meetings or Trade Association meetings. You can visit at no charge for up to 3 times each organization. There are hundreds of networking meetings listed on line. Go meet new contacts. This is much better then sending resumes from home.

• Consider starting your own business. Downsizing has left companies needing services on an as needed basis. Discover if there is a need for your skills. Call and survey companies. You may find a new way to make more money then your old job paid. You can typically charge twice as much as you were making as an employee, but don’t forget that you will need to pay taxes on your new found income.

• Exercise. You don’t need to join a gym. Do push ups, crunches, walk around your neighborhood or beat your pillow with a broomstick. You need something to relieve your frustration and anger.

Ken Bear Cole

A Second Look Business Consulting LLC