Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/875930
28 • october 2017 • world fence news FASTENER CAPS for the fence industry ALL TYPES Snap-Caps, Tap-Caps, Kappets, Hex-Caps, Hinge Caps All colors and sizes available in small or large quantities Easy to order through PRO-DEC.COM Check us out! Setting goals and developing a business plan by tom luby, president, profit builders international Having an enjoyable work en- vironment reduces daily stress and makes coming to work a lot more rewarding and worthwhile, wouldn't you agree? Last month I spoke about some simple ways to help improve the work environment, or culture, for di- rect labor employees, and this month I wanted to touch on a few pointers to help improve the work environment for the entire company. This has to do with setting simple and attainable goals and objectives. What would setting goals have to do with making work more enjoyable and fun you may ask? Everything! Let me explain. How many times have you asked yourself why? Why am I getting up at the crack of dawn, dragging myself off to work and toiling on a daily basis other than for a paycheck and to earn a living? If you do not have a good answer, you obviously don't have any goals to accomplish and you will be chained to hard work for a lifetime. But things can be better, and set- ting personal and corporate goals is a fundamental part of the solution to end the drudgery of the daily work routine. There are also great finan- cial rewards in setting and achieving goals. There are two categories of goals that carry equal importance in any organization: corporate goals and per- sonal goals. One of the first roles of an effec- tive owner or manager is to set reason- able and attainable corporate goals, and from those goals develop a mis- sion statement and business plan. But every manager must also re- member it is just as important to con- sider your employees' personal goals, and to build a work culture that is ef- fective, efficient and fun; or at least as fun as possible. This is how all successful compa- nies run; not on a one way street for only the goals of the company, but as a two-way super highway of building and exchanging ideas, and the devel- opment of a desirable work environ- ment that promotes results and profits that benefit both the company and the individual. That is the win-win scenario ev- ery company is looking for. Let's talk first about corporate goals, as the primary function of any company is to make money and not necessarily to provide a fun place to work. And no matter how important morale is to a well-run company, prof- it is still and always will be the num- ber one corporate responsibility. Next month, however, I will touch on personal goals and how they can translate into corporate goals and ac- tually help achieve greater profitabil- ity for the company and individual employees. Let's face it, without goals you, or your people, have no idea what it is you (or they) want to achieve, and if you do not know where you are going, how do you know if or when you ever arrive? This is why it is imperative to set achievable personal and corporate goals. Also remember that both personal and corporate goals are dynamic; they constantly change and grow with the people and the company. The first suggestion is to keep things simple, start small and work to build on your goals step by step. Both personal and corporate goals can be financially based, but do not limit goals to only profits or pay in- creases. Without getting too complicat- ed, also try to look at the big picture. Where do you want to be and where do you see the company in one, three and five years. You can even look at 10 or more years out, but put it down on paper and set some goals for yourself and your company; don't just wander aimlessly in the night. Planning and goal setting are es- sential parts of every business. A plan of action must be established with continued on page 30 Tennis - Baseball - Basketball - Soccer - Volleyball Fence Screen - Protective Padding - Custom Netting 1-800-553-8907 douglas-sports.com USA Manufacturer Quality Sports Equipment for Fence Contractors