Feature Article
Productivity: Engaged, Equipped, and Beyond
By Bud Haney, President, Profiles International
“Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.” - Will Rogers.
When it comes to productivity, being on the right track is a good start. But that’s all it is. Once you’re on the right track, you want to keep moving. That means having the right engine, the right fuel and the right know-how.
In other words, good intentions may be required for productivity, but they’re not quite enough. Employees who are the most productive – regardless of the type of work they do – are more than just on the right track. In fact, these employees are:
• Engaged: Are your employees engaged in their work? Remember day one when the possibilities, the loyalty to the organization and the determination to succeed seemed limitless? How much more productive would your employees be if they were as engaged on day 100 as they were on day one? There’s a lot written about employee engagement, and how critical it is to success.
• Equipped: Do your employees have the tools and resources they need to work effectively and efficiently? For example, imagine that you have to deliver one message simultaneously to 100 people across four different time zones. If you have email, that’s a pretty easy task. If not, it could be a challenge, regardless of your motivation and commitment. All the good intentions in the world won’t build a house unless the contractor is equipped with the right tools. Being equipped also means being well-trained. The most productive employees tend to work for organizations that provide effective “on-boarding,” job training and ongoing development.
• Aligned: Are the work processes and systems in your organization aligned with the jobs? Jobs can change over time based on the people who hold them. When one person leaves a position and another steps in, does the replacement have the same skills as his or her predecessor? Does the job description reflect the current duties of the position? If not, even engaged and equipped employees can become unproductive. That's a shame, especially when they want to perform. One solution is to conduct periodic “job description inventories” to ensure that each and every jobholder’s capabilities match the job description.
Provide people with the right tools, resources and training. Make sure they can do what you're asking them to do. Frustration kills productivity. So make sure your employees aren’t just on the right track, but moving in the right direction!
Bud Haney, President - Profiles International
Submitted by:
Lisa Lewis, Beyond Excellence Inc.
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Did You Know?
Awards Dinner Tickets
You can play a part in recognizing the incredible contribution volunteers make to Manitoba by purchasing a Dinner Ticket and attending our Awards Dinner! The Awards Dinner takes place April 27th at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Purchasing Dinner Tickets for your organizations volunteers is a great way to show your appreciation to them. Tickets are just $45 each, and include an amazing dinner. The evening features addresses by Mayor of Winnipeg Sam Katz, Manitoba's Premier Greg Selinger, and Lieutenant Governor Philip Lee. For more information on purchasing a Dinner Ticket, click here.
Custom Contracts at Volunteer Manitoba
Flexible Delivery: Where you want it...When you want it.
Volunteer Manitoba is able to deliver workshops to your organization at a time and place convenient to you with content developed to address your unique training needs. There are over 35 topics that are categorized in the following areas: Board Development, Organization Management, Volunteer Management. Our fees are extremely reasonable and are usually less expensive than sending a group of staff to our regularly scheduled workshops. Plus, you get to choose the topic, time, and place!
To discuss your training needs and our delivery options contact: Erik Butenschon, Manager, Training Department at (204) 477-5180 ext. 222, toll free: 1-888-922-4545, email to erik.butenschon@volunteermanitoba.ca.
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Related Resources
Human Resources Internet Sites
A Selection of HR Resources Available Online
Employee recognition
http://www.hrvs-rhsbc.ca/hr-toolkit/keeping-people-employee-recognition.cfm
Retrieved March 24, 2011
Employees who feel appreciated often go above and beyond what is expected of them; are more productive and motivated; and, are more likely to stay with the organization.
Keeping the right people – Employee engagement and retention
http://www.hrvs-rhsbc.ca/hr-toolkit/keeping-people-employee-engagement.cfm
Retrieved March 24, 2011
When organizations put sound HR practices in place, they are more likely to discover that employees feel satisfied, safe and will work to their full potential...and that means they are more likely to stay put.
Keeping the right people – Performance management
http://www.hrvs-rhsbc.ca/hr-toolkit/keeping-people-performance-management.cfm
Retrieved March 24, 2011
More than just an annual performance review, performance management is the continuous process of setting objectives, assessing progress and providing on-going coaching and feedback to ensure that employees are meeting their objectives and career goals.
hrVillage.com - The Work Environment and Employee Productivityhttp://www.hrvillage.com/human-resources/employee-productivity.htm
Retrieved March 24, 2011
This site describes principles of management that dictate how, exactly, to maximize employee productivity that center around two major areas of focus: personal motivation and the infrastructure of the work environment.
HR World – 10 tips for motivating employees
http://www.hrworld.com/features/ten-motivational-tips-112807/
Retrieved March 24, 2011
“In HR, you work with your company’s managers to get the most out of your employees. Here are 10 ways to make your motivational techniques work for every employee.”
Join Volunteer Manitoba for The Professional Supervisor, April 21st, at the new United Way building, 580 Main Street. Learn ways to deal with the challenges that come with being a supervisor, recognize the responsibilities that are inherant in supervisory positions, and acquire strategies for leadership, team building, communication, and motivation!
Volunteer Manitoba’s Resource Centre has all of the information you need on the non-profit sector. Please call the Resource Centre Coordinator at 477-5180, ext. 223 or email for more information.
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Special Events
Special Events Happening at Volunteer Manitoba this Spring
Volunteer Manitoba is pleased to announce an exciting lineup of new topics and special events this Winter/Spring.
Volunteer Manitoba is pleased to host:
Protecting Your Organization From Disaster
Friday, April 1st, 10am - 5pm
The morning portion of this workshop will help prepare your board for unexpected and unwelcome challenges. We will discuss; Preparing a Disaster Plan; The importance of an Executive Committee; and recognizing whether problems are singular or reoccurring. The afternoon will bring in an insurance expert to help you understand everything your board needs to know about Directors and Officers Insurance. Every non-profit board should have this type of coverage. Each policy must be customized to suit the needs of the organization. Sample claims will be analyzed. Click here for more information.
Executive Director Leadership Group. One of Volunteer Manitoba's most popular workshops, our Executive Director Leadership Group, will run this April and May. This program is great professional development for Executive Directors, and offers excellent networking opportunities. For more information and to register click here.
Youre On! Interactive Media Relations
Thursday, May 19th, 9am - 4pm
You’ve attracted the media’s attention. Either through your news release
promoting your latest initiative or they want to discuss recent revelations
about your organization. Are you ready? Whether you want media coverage or
not, it is best to be prepared for journalists’ inquiries. In this full day workshop,
Rob Wozny of Sound Strategy Communications will show you hands-on how to
prepare for an interview, both on-camera or by phone, and by outlining
strategies to position your key messages while overcoming your nerves of
conducting an interview with a journalist. They’ll also help you determine who
is the best spokesperson for your organization, when it’s okay not to speak to
the media and how to build positive relationships to keep the media interested.
Furthermore, “You’re On!” will review media protocol and your role in it. To register for this session please email delores.jansen@volunteermanitoba.ca
For a full listing of all of Volunteer Manitoba's special events, click here.
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Announcements
1st Winnipeg Timeraiser
Tickets are now on sale for the 1st Winnipeg Timeraiser. For information on this exciting new event visit http://www.timeraiser.ca/en/1st-Winnipeg. Attendees can pledge volunteer hours with local organizations in exchange for locally made artwork. Attendees have the chance to meet with local agencies the night of the event to determine which agency they would be best suited to volunteer for. The event takes place May 6th at the West End Cultural Centre. View the above link for all information.
2011 Manitoba Fair Guide
The Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies has released its 2011 Fair Guide. Click here to view information and dates for all fairs and exhibitions happening across Manitoba.
Funding Available for Community Centres and Teams
'First Sports' Program Applications Available Now
Young people, families and communities will enjoy improved sport and recreational opportunities and facilities, and the work of parent volunteers will be supported thanks to the new First Sports Program for recreation and sports clubs and their teams as a result of a new program announced by the provincial government. The program will provide grants of up to $10,000 for community and recreation clubs and affiliated teams to purchase shared sports equipment, as well as maintenance items.
Applications for First Sports are available at community centre offices across the province and online at www.gov.mb.ca/housing/cpp/index.html.
The Application deadline is April 30, 2011.
Call for Facilitators!
Volunteer Manitoba is looking to add to it's list of facilitators and consultants that it uses for providing workshops. If you are someone anywhere in Manitoba who is passionate and has experience in the not-for-profit world, and are interested in becoming a facilitator, or if you already consider yourself a facilitator or consultant please contact Erik Butenschon at 204-477-5180 or email.
2011 Contact Guides
Contact Community Information would like to announce that their 2011 Contact Guides are now ready to order. Click here for more information and to order.
MAVA News
(Manitoba Association for Volunteer Administration)
Join us for Growing the Future 2011 on May 12 & 13! Visit www.growingthefuture2011.ca for conference details. Online registration is now open!
For more information email: mavamanitoba@gmail.com
Volunteer Manitoba's Facebook and Twitter Pages
Volunteer Manitoba's Facebook page now has over 300 community minded people on board! If you are interested in a convenient place to network, share ideas or information on the not-for-profit sector, or stay tuned to special events and workshops, sign up by clicking the links!
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