Articles by Steve Wilheir on ArticleSnatch.com

Can Transactional Leadership Keep Your Team in Shape?

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:19:04 -0500

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs demonstrates that most people are more likely to act when they expect rewards or fear punishment. Any social system is more effective when a hierarchy clearly exists. People who are hired to work, implicitly agree to heed all of their manager's instructions, and that is the main reason that subordinates are employed. When rewarding a subordinate, a transactional leader must create a clear structure of what is required of said worker when following orders. Alongside rewards, there should be a well understood formal system of discipline in place, although not always talked about. In transactional leadership, negotiation of the contract defines the relationship. The contract needs to spell out salary and benefits, as well as what claim the company has on the employee and his work. Employees will be punished for their failure if things do not go correctly, just as they would be rewarded for their successes. When a job is given to an employee by the Transactional Leader, the employee is fully accountable for its completion. This accountability applies whether or not the employee has the means or ability to finish the project. **End Summary** Topics: Maslow's Needs Hierarchy]]> Leadership]]> Motivation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant. Read more Project Management Articles , learn more about Abraham Maslow and hierarchy of needs .

Teaching at the Top - Educating Beyond Survival Skills

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Abraham Maslow developed the Theory of Hierarchical Needs and published it back in 1943. The theory is so ubiquitous and versatile that concepts underlying it have been modified and used as a basis of other theories dealing with ways to motivate a variety of subjects, including individuals in education. Maslow theorized that human beings experience life in terms of satisfying needs, which can be divided into hierarchical groups, the most basic of which must be met in order to ascend to the opportunity to address and meet the next most essential requirements. The first and lowest level of these, common to all individuals, is that of physiological survival. Safety is the second most basic motivation for action, and must be achieved before people can hope to fulfill social responsibilities. These in turn supersede a person's requirement for self-esteem. The highest level in the Hierarchy is that of self-actualization. Although Maslow created his Hierarchy to reflect general life experiences, it has often been used in a variety of other life experiences. For example, one's basic needs for air, food, water, and sleep must be met before one could expect to make successful strides in their educational endeavors. **End Summary** Topics: Maslow's Needs Hierarchy]]> Motivation]]> Education]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant. Read more Small Business Management Articles , learn about Maslow and Maslow's needs hierarchy .

Personal and Professional Improvement with Kaizen

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu Kaizen is a way of upgrading yourself. To practice it, you begin with one tiny step, and go on from there. Kaizen means "improvement" in Japanese, and it can mean self-improvement for you. The Kaizen approach is uncomplicated: 1. Seiri - being tidy 2. Seiton - being orderly 3. Seiso - being clean 4. Seiketsu - cleaning according to basic standards 5. Shitsuke - being disciplined Breaking a persistent bad habit or acquiring a positive new one is tough, as all our shattered New Year's resolutions can attest. If you know someone who's tackled a major life change like quitting smoking or losing weight, they would probably agree that it's done not all at once, but one smoke or one calorie at a time. Small changes strung together add up to surprising results. Kaizen is a tool that can help you effect change both in your personal life, and in your career. Those who succeed in achieving their goals will likely tell you that they did it because they made small changes over time. These small changes led to success because new habits were formed. **End Summary** Topics: Kaizen]]> Self-Improvement]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant and expert in Kaizen . If you like the Kaizen concept , Learn more about What is Kaizen?

Kaizen Philosophy

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Accomplishing small improvements with the involvement of everyone in the team is the primary aim of Kaizen. In the due course of time, it is these small improvements that will result in greater effects than doing the common one big project method. The goal is not to recreate or reinvent the fundamentals of the existing system, but to boost its productivity by making small but significant changes, not drastic ones. Managers at all levels encourage, and are involved in, the learning process. Continued scrutiny of how the current system works reveals and targets opportunities for change, and the implementation of those changes can improve the system's process and potential. Adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) helps maintain control, but once improvements are in place, SOPs will change to reflect the new work environment. Lean and Six Sigma are commonly perceived to not be substitutions for each other; yet, for effective preliminary streamlining and process improvements in a business, for addressing variations and issues regarding quality, and for eliminating waste, a combination of these two processes with Kaizen are ideal. Kaizen projects are performed as elements of the Lean manufacturing process. They both contain mission statements. **End Summary** Topics: Kaizen]]> Lean]]> TQM]]> Quality]]> Total Quality]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project manager. If you enjoyed these 5 Total Quality Management Tips Read more about Total Quality Management at total-quality-management.info and learn What is Kaizen?

Project Planning and Management using Gantt Charts

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Intricate projects need excellent project management software as well as tools for scheduling like Gantt as well as PERT diagrams, although a lot of more trouble-free projects which require few workers in a short time period will further necessitate a more straightforward methodology in order to conclude. This denotes that generally a simple project will just employ a small number of work items. These tasks will commonly be dependent on all the other steps which come before them. They might furthermore be fairly effortless to manage for the project manager in control of these tasks. The Project Management might want to use a tool like Gantt chart for such simple tasks and projects. The implementation and creation of a marketing plan can be an example of such a project.Another example can be a single owner business. Gantt charts can actually make a simple project more complicated than it should have been. It may not be that important for such simple planning needs. However, it can be very helpful if all the members of a project are aware about the tool and understand it, so that there is a good communication between all the parties involved. **End Summary** Topics: Gantt Chart]]> Project Management]]> PMP]]> Project Management Certification]]> Project Management Software]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a management and marketing consultant. Consult these resources to learn more about Gantt Charts , Pert Diagrams , and Project Management Software .

What Fishbone Anaylsis Is and How It Can Help You

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The process of finding out the fundamental flaw or "root cause" as to why a problem or defect has occurred is called Root Cause Analysis. Once such an event is pinned down, it can be planned for probabilistically in the future, and hopefully prevented from reoccurring, or at least have its effects minimized. This is an important component of Design Theory. Many tools have been created to perform root cause analysis. A few of these tools include the Pareto chart, the fishbone diagram, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). Although all of these are valid and useful tools, we will take a closer look at the fishbone diagram. The fishbone chart has several other titles like the cause and effect charts, 5-Whys, and the double-why chart. These titles fit well since this tool functions as a method to discover the reason why a certain event occurred. To complete the analysis, you should identify the effect and work backwards. With this process you will try to determine the cause. In order to identify the cause of the effect, you will need to ask the question "Why did this effect happen? **End Summary** Topics: Fishbone Analysis]]> Ishikawa Diagram]]> Fishbone Diagram]]> Project Management Professional]]> PMP]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant. Learn more about finding the root cause of your organization's teamwork issues, and learn more about fishbone charting and his Project Management Training

Team Building and Collaboration: Keys to Success in Modern Business

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Industrial Revolution significantly changed the business world. Modern workers have become more specialized, found themselves to be more isolated, and work more impersonally than before. Despite the fact that technology has dramatically increased productivity, long-term business success still requires effective human interaction and collaboration. Since the time of the Industrial Revolution, there have been continued evolutions to the world of business. Work conditions for the modern employee are more and more specialized, restricted, and detached. In spite of the fact of modern technology's ability to maximize human productivity, continuing success in business will require more human interaction and cooperation. For effective communication, people need not necessarily be in the same place, though there is nothing to replace personal physical interaction for building good relationships and team bonding. Humans become more than just mere impersonal names on email distribution lists. They become a team which is working towards achieving a common goal in the work place. Employees become more active and cohesive to accomplish shared goals. The competitive nature of the business world means companies must adapt quickly and solve logistical issues creatively. Collaboration allows teams to see and grab opportunities as markets change. **End Summary** Topics: Covered Wagon]]> Team Building]]> Motivation]]> Morale]]> Off-site]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant. Find more Team Building Ideas, techniques, and exercises or learn more about finding the root cause of your organization's teamwork issues.

Fine Tuning Your Leadership Development Skills

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Every person interested in developing the qualities of a leader should consider the benefits from training their abilities through leader development programs. Each persons unique talents and abilities, with the help of proper coaching, can grow into the necessary tools of a leader. A select institutions are specifically tuned to helping develop leadership quality. And once these leadership skills are found, they can be utilized in every range of position in a corporation, from CEO to secretary. Making that choice is the first step. Leadership development learning courses which are held every day are intended to help you learn all the leadership quality secrets with greater facility. Boldness isn't the only requirement for a person to become a leader; understanding and teamwork are other important qualities that a leader needs to have. Building up strong bonds among team members is another thing that a leader has to do. A lot of tricks and hints are out there to help leaders keep up a high degree of team spirit. Being accepted by all members of the team is vital for those wishing to be good leaders. **End Summary** Topics: Leadership Development]]> Leadership Training]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant and the founder of Leadership Development training. Visit his site for more information on Traits of an effective leader and Leadership Qualities

Gantt and PERT Charts: A Must For Project Management

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Ability to deliver, staff and plan are the three key factors that repeatedly bother a project manager. Delivery plans are very much determined by the commencing and the deadlines assigned for the project as well as other tasks within the assignment. Budgeting determine appropriate finance allocation and expenditure for each task undertaken and time spent. The expenditure budget is always imperative for an assignment and the organization must check on how both relate. PERT and Gantt charts assist the Assignment Director plan for tasks and as well can help communicate to the customers on the project location. The Assignment Director must subdivide tasks into parts prior to any analytical planning, in regard, contribution from customers regarding to ending dates and time span is important. Though not the answer to all problems, there are a variety of tools which can assist the Project Director to plan a project. PERT is an acronym for Project Evaluation and Review Technique, it was developed by the military in the 1950s for the scheduling of events. There are nodes that are labeled on a diagram and each one represents a task in the project. **End Summary** Topics: Gantt Charts]]> PERT Charts]]> Project Management]]> PMP]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a marketing and management consultant. Consult these resources to learn more about Gantt Charts , Pert Diagrams , and Project Management Software .

Is Something Fishy Here? Root Cause Analysis Using Fish Bone Diagrams

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

For the root cause analysis of a specific problem, a fishbone diagram tool is used. To monitor the potential root causes while brainstorming, this diagram gives a structural way to record. This diagram also helps the team to approach a particular problem in an organized way and to go deep to explore the lesser visible reasons. The fishbone model, a kind of cause and effect chart, was originated by a quality control professional from Japan named Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa. Hence the other nickname for this diagram, the "Ishikawa Diagram." It is commonly referred to as a "fishbone" model because in appearance it is similar to the skeletal structure of a fish. The "backbone" of the fishbone diagram is a horizontal line that divides the paper in two. The analysis starts with a problem to be investigated. On the right side of the page the problem is written in the form of a question. Sometimes a drawing of a fish head or an arrow will point to the question under consideration. The following group of bones symbolize main categories of facts that might be a part of the main cause. **End Summary** Topics: Fishbone Analysis]]> Ishikawa Diagram]]> Fishbone Diagram]]> Project Management Professional]]> PMP]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant. Learn more about finding the root cause of your organization's teamwork issues, and learn more about fishbone charting and his Project Management Course

Kaizen - A Practical Tool For Improving Operational Efficiency

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

"Kaizen," a Japanese word meaning "continual improvement," is often heard in a professional context where it refers to a team-based project that is focused on swift, constant improvement. Kaizen-focused events are a common part of lean production methods. They can occur in many ways, but typically begin with specific missions or objectives. For instance, in a store, "to make sure there are never more than 3 people in line at any one register," or "to increase sales of hair accessories by 10%." The objectives in these examples are clearly defined. Notice that they aren't things like, "reduce the amount of people standing in line" or "increase sales." In addition to a clearly defined objective, there is a set beginning and ending point, for example from Monday to Friday. The projects related to these events are never especially long. It is common to see them referred to as blitzes, for the very reason that the targeted period of improvement is very short. **End Summary** Topics: Kaizen]]> Six Sigma]]> Lean]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant. If you like the 5 Tips for Total Quality Management Read more about TQM at total-quality-management.info and learn to Define Kaizen

Use Gantt to Establish Baseline Plans for Your Next Project

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Not maintaining any Gantt charts for its project indirectly led to a construction company's failure and untimely demise. It had incurred extensive charges in penalties and eventually had to close down its construction which had run nearly 15 months behind schedule. In my previous article, I stressed that Gantt charts can be very useful in improving time management. Gantt charts are not a panacea, however. On the other hand, failing to follow the results of Gantt charts can lead to lost money and even bankruptcy. One major firm went under recently because it failed to maintain a Gantt chart to track the progress of a substantial contract. Penalty Charges The contract failed to reflect a time schedule plan for a project explaining the various procedures involved in the construction of the apartment block. Some alterations were introduced by the client which were a deviation from the original plan. In the absence of the time schedule plan, a revised plan could not be produced specifying as to how the alteration would affect the timely completion of the project. This culminated in a delay in handing over by good 15 months from the original date agreed upon, leading to avoidable penalty. **End Summary** Topics: Gantt Chart]]> Project Management]]> PMP]]> Project Management Certification]]> Project Management Software]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Wilheir is a marketing and management consultant. Consult these resources to learn more about Gantt Diagrams , Pert Charts , and Project Management Software .