Business Education

You Don’t have to Meet a Politician to Find a Hypocrite — Your Mirror Might just Reflect One

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez just moved into a luxury apartment in Washington D.C. It doesn’t contain one affordable housing unit. In fact, the complex doesn’t even comply with D.C.’s Affordable Dwelling Units program. This, after campaigning on a platform which included “Safe, affordable, adequate housing for all.”

George H.W. Bush infamously said, “Read my lips. No new taxes.” LBJ promised the country not to escalate America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. George W. Bush campaigned, in-part, against excess government spending. Then, expanded several federal programs.

How Hypocrisy Hurts Businesses

The list goes on and on and on. Bernie Sanders, who rails against wealth inequality, owns three houses, has a net worth of about $2 million, and earns a six-figure salary. You get the idea. And, these are just a handful of politicians. It doesn’t include entrepreneurs, celebrities, professional athletes, and other public figures.

As a business owner or manager, it’s important to practice what you preach. If you require employees to be available 24/7 while you’re MIA, or you’re constantly texting on the job while you prohibit employees from using their phones, for example, your hypocritical behavior is sending the wrong message to employees, and they may resent you for it. —Business News Daily

Of course, hypocrisy is everywhere. When it occurs in a business environment, it’s very harmful. Hypocrisy undermines your ability to lead. After all, it’s essentially telling your employees to literally do as you say, NOT do as you do. You lose respect. It compromises your standing. Plus, it makes it very difficult for others to even work with you.

3 Key Ways to Avoid Hypocrisy as a Business Leader

Hypocrisy is a dangerous trait. It essentially subverts morale and threatens the very viability of a business. It can even go so far as to cause a self-inflicted implosion. So, just how do you avoid being hypocritical? Here are a few helpful suggestions for how to avoid hypocrisy as a business leader:

Practice self-awareness. You might call this “practice what you preach.” It’s an obvious reminder but one definitely worth mentioning. Every day, you should stay vigilant and stay self-aware about your own behavior. While it’s not rocket science, it’s quite difficult to put into practice.
Be consistent with decisions. It’s almost impossible not to have or even show bias. We all do it in a variety of ways. You might treat team members differently due to your own personal biases. When making decisions, consider all sides of the equation.
Actively solicit constructive criticism. It’s always good to encourage feedback from your employees (as well as your customers). And, doing so could reveal hypocrisy you commit but don’t consciously act against.

What other advice would you give about avoiding hypocrisy? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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How To Quickly – But Smartly – Fill a Very Sudden and Unexpected Vacancy in a Key Position in Your Small Business

December 13, 2023 No Comments

How To Quickly – But Smartly – Fill a Very Sudden and Unexpected Vacancy in a Key Position in Your Small Business Ever been hit with the unexpected departure of a key team member, leaving a crucial role vacant? It’s unnerving and quite unpleasant. But, don’t panic. There are effective strategies for dealing with this very situation. Well, you’ve found the right place to get the advice you’re seeking. In this article, we’ll explain the art of filling a vacancy rapidly – but strategically. So, let’s transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth with a playbook that ensures your business sails smoothly through uncharted waters. How Small Business Owners Can Fill a Vacancy in an Important Employee Role You know that sinking feeling. The email arrives or the text chimes and suddenly you’re staring at a gaping hole in your team – a vital position vacated without warning. Your brain screams, “Oh no!” Breathe and step back. We’ve all been there. But here’s the good news: filling an unexpected vacancy (especially in a small business where everyone wears multiple hats), doesn’t have to be a disaster. With a sprinkle of MacGyver ingenuity and these battle-tested strategies, you’ll not only plug that gap, but you might even emerge stronger on the other side. Step 1: Triage Time – Assess the Damage and Your Options Before you launch into a hiring frenzy, take a moment to assess the situation. What’s the critical function of this role? What are the immediate needs, both short-term and long-term? Can existing team members temporarily cover essential tasks, or is a full-blown replacement a must? Remember, you’re not just filling a job description; you’re patching a leak in your ship. Prioritize tasks that keep the boat afloat, delegate where possible, and resist the urge to overthink things. Step 2: Forget the Perfect Fit, Embrace the Quick Fix Casting a wide net and hoping for the “unicorn candidate” might not fly right now. Instead, embrace flexibility. Consider internal talent – that design whiz who secretly loves spreadsheets, or the customer service rep with a developer’s mind. Could upskilling or cross-training bridge the gap? Think outside the traditional “employee” box too. Could a freelancer, consultant, or even a temp agency be the right way to go as a short-term fix? Feel free to get creative and mix-and-match solutions to find the right puzzle piece for this immediate need. Step 3: From Panic to Process – The Art of the Speedy Hire Even with a “MacGyver approach,” you still need some structure. Here’s how to turbocharge your hiring process without sacrificing quality: Crystallize your ideal candidate. What skills and experience are non-negotiable, and what can be learned on the fly? Craft a concise yet compelling job description highlighting the immediate need and your company culture. Tap into your network. Emergency situations necessarily call for emergency measures. Reach out to your trusted network – colleagues, mentors, even former employees – and spread the word. You might be surprised at the hidden gems lurking just outside your usual talent pool. Master the “interview-a-thon.” Time is of the essence, so ditch the five-round interview marathon. Utilize video calls, skills assessments, and even a good old-fashioned phone chat to quickly gauge potential. Look for passion, adaptability, and a willingness to jump in headfirst – those are the qualities that will get you through this storm. Step 4: Remember, You’re Not Drowning, You’re Surfing – Embrace the Learning Curve and Lean on Your Team Filling a sudden vacancy is stressful, but you don’t have to go it alone. Your team is your anchor, your support system. Delegate tasks, ask for feedback, and foster a spirit of collaboration. This is a chance to solidify your team’s resilience and discover hidden strengths. And hey, if things don’t go according to plan at first? Don’t beat yourself up. This is a learning experience. Adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward. You’ve got the grit, the ingenuity, and the metaphorical duct tape to get through this. Stay Calm and Take Stock of the Long-Term Journey So, the next time the talent void opens, remember – it’s not the end, it’s just a detour. With a clear head, a dash of creativity, and the unwavering support of your team, you’ll not only weather the storm but emerge stronger on the other side. Now, go out there and show that unexpected vacancy who’s boss! Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family, which is why you started your business in the first place? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

What a Disgruntled Ex-Employee Who Cost a Company $678,000 Can Teach All Business Owners

June 26, 2024 No Comments

What a Disgruntled Ex-Employee Who Cost a Company $678,000 Can Teach All Business Owners In early June, Kandula Nagaraju, a 39-year-old former National Computer Systems employee from India, received a two-year, eight-month prison sentence for unauthorized access and deletion of 180 test servers at his previous workplace. Despite being terminated in October 2022 due to performance issues, Nagaraju retained access to company systems. He used this access to develop and execute scripts that deleted the servers. This action cost NCS approximately $678,000 to rectify. Fortunately, his nefarious deeds did not compromise sensitive data as the servers were isolated and used for app testing. But, the company still suffered an enormous financial loss. Plus, things could have been a lot worse. This single case serves as a critical reminder: ex-employees can still be a liability, and if they maintain their insider access, they can exploit said access to inflict extensive damage. Not only monetarily, but on a much wider and more consequential scale. So harmful, that it could bring a company down and ruin its reputation to the point of no return. Why Businesses Should Always Delete the Credentials of Former Team Members Sadly, Nagaraju is just one example of many. Several companies have suffered immensely – but unnecessarily – simply because those organizations did not take the proper steps to protect themselves. Instead, they were complacent or too late to act and the results were disastrous. Because of these instances, businesses should always remove ex-employee credentials to keep their corporate data and work product secure for several reasons: Data security. Ex-employees may still have access to sensitive company information, such as customer data, trade secrets, or financial information. Removing their access ensures that this data remains secure and is not accessed or misused by unauthorized individuals. Prevent unauthorized access. Even if an ex-employee has left the company – even on good terms – there is always a risk that they could use their access to the company’s systems to make changes or access data without approval. Removing their credentials prevents this from happening. Compliance. Many industries have regulations that require companies to protect sensitive data. By removing ex-employee credentials, companies can ensure they are meeting these compliance requirements. Insider threats. Ex-employees may be disgruntled or may have left the company under less-than-ideal circumstances. They could potentially use their access to company systems to sabotage the company or steal data. Removing their credentials helps to mitigate this risk. Avoid confusion. If an ex-employee’s credentials are not removed, it can lead to confusion about who has access to what. This can make it more difficult to manage access to systems and data. And last but not least, data breach prevention. If an ex-employee’s credentials are compromised, it could lead to a data breach. Removing their credentials helps to prevent this. By deleting their access, companies have less risk of sensitive information getting out into the public domain. Because once that data is out, it’s up for grabs for anyone to capture it. So, businesses of all sizes should have a process in place to address such security issues. When an employee leaves the company voluntarily or a team member is terminated, that person’s credentialed access should immediately be removed. Additionally, steps must be taken to fill that new void to ensure workflow continues virtually uninterrupted in order to meet benchmarks and deadlines. Moreover, to keep proprietary data safe. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at (602) 541-1760, or, if you prefer,

3 Effective Strategies for Dealing with Networking Fears

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Networking fears are far more common than people think. Having jitters when out at a conference, while professionals get together, or any other event, can make even the most astute business person feel overwhelmed. It’s difficult for some people to get past their nervousness, and they wind up avoiding everyone else, which completely defeats the purpose of being out-and-about in the first place. But, you don’t have to be paralyzed by anxiety, if you rely on some effective coping methods. Why Business Networking is Important Everyone starts somewhere in business, which is to say at the bottom. Most people don’t open a business and get flooded with tons and tons of sales right away. So, it is necessary to get you and your brand out in front of the public and networking is a great way to build a reputation. Everyone experiences bouts of networking anxiety! Rather than avoiding a handshake or resorting to only interacting with your smartphone when you’re at a conference, use [proven techniques] to face your networking fears head-on. —Inc.com It’s also a terrific way of keeping your interpersonal skills sharp, as well as learning your preferred choice for dealing with awkward situations, including breaking the ice. Ultimately though, it’s about building a network of contacts that can benefit your business, as well as those of others to be a help to them, thus building a two-way, win-win street. 3 Effective Strategies for Dealing with Networking Fears It’s quite common for people to experience at least a small or slight level of apprehension when networking. Of course, some have more severe anxiety than others, but there are effective ways of dealing with these types of feelings. Here are some of the best ways to deal with networking fears: Ground yourself in reality. Start by asking yourself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” You already know the answer but your fears can get in the way. When you feel nervous and apprehensive, it’s very easy to blow things out of proportion. Rest assured there is really nothing to be afraid about. Open yourself to other options. Networking doesn’t have to be done at large events with dozens upon dozens or scores galore of people. Instead, think of some alternatives, like having breakfast or lunch one-on-one. Or, get together in a small group of just a few individuals, instead of having to brave a super-sized group of people. This strategy works best for people who are afraid of large groups, especially those who like to avoid a chaotic fish bowl. Be confident in your value to others. The best source of strength you’ll have in any networking situation is to be confident in what you have to offer others. You do have something of value and are competent in your wheelhouse. So, draw on you are sense of confidence in order to project an attractive and positive energy. What other advice do you have to deal with networking fears? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.