Getting Workers Out to Vote 2008

Getting Workers Out to Vote 2008

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in the 2004 Presidential election, there were 32 million people who reported they were not registered to vote. The top two reasons for not registering were being uninterested in politics or missing the registration deadline. 

• Of the 142 million people who reported that they were registered to vote, 16 million did not vote in the 2004 presidential election.
• Of these registered nonvoters, reasons ranged from too busy or conflicting work or school schedules (20%); illness, disability or family emergency (15%); not interested or felt their vote would not make a difference (11%); and 10% did not like the candidates or the issues.

This year’s election is a critical time for our country, and many companies are encouraging their staff to get involved in the political process and vote. 

What are the benefits for promoting social responsibility within the workforce, such as getting employees to become more socially aware and informed?

How are companies and coaches incorporating the value of political awareness and social responsibility into their practices?

Our panel of experts address these questions and more. 

Highlights of the show include:

• Campaign strategies for mobilizing people to vote.
• Why some generations may be more motivated to vote than others.
• Best practices and guidelines employers can use to motivate employees to vote.
• The impact taking a stance on a political issue can have on motivating employees to vote.
• A discussion about the right to free political speech in the workplace.
• How coaches can play a role in helping companies encourage their employees to vote.

Featured Guests:

• Tiffany Adams, Vice-President of Public Affairs of the National Association of Manufacturers
• Barry Hermanson, Green party candidate running for the 12th California District Congressional seat
• Donna Karlin, President of A Better Perspective and Author of Fast Company’s weekly column “Jumping into the Deep End of Leadership”
• Michelle Randall, President of The Juncture Company and Author
• Dana Walsh, Republican candidate running for the 8th California District Congressional seat

Your Insight on Coaching Host,

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Getting Workers Out to Vote 2008

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The Importance of Change Management in Driving Green Initiatives

The Importance of Change Management in Driving Green Initiatives

According to a November 2006 Agility and Resilience Survey commissioned by the American Management Association and the Human Resource Institute, 7 out of 10 executives indicated they had experienced disruptive change in the past year.  Additionally, when asked how resilient their organizations were to change:

• 6% of respondents said “completely”
• 37% of respondents said “very much”
• 42% of respondents said “somewhat.”

Accepting and adopting a new change isn’t easy for many of us, professionally or personally.  On our show dedicated to Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility, it was no surprise to hear that getting an organization to drive and adopt change related to going green and other initiatives is no different. 

Being a change management consultant myself, I loved hearing our guests discuss the importance of:

• Facilitating conversations with senior leaders about environmental efforts.
• Creating and driving an overall impulse to change throughout the organization.
• Developing powerful stories about the company’s green initiatives.
• Supporting middle management in implementing initiatives and driving communications to their teams.
• Working with employees to understand the impact of change on their day-to-day jobs.

When talking about change management, a common question that consistently comes up is – where do I start?

The answer?  With your stakeholders. 

The overall goal of any change management effort is to increase awareness, understanding, and adoption of a new initiative, program, or other type of change.  But what often gets in the way is resistance.

In my company, Insight Educational Consulting, we recommend our clients start with a stakeholder analysis, a service focused on identifying resistance across multiple groups within your organization and developing strategies (by audience) to overcome it. 

Who are stakeholders?  They are the people impacted by the change you’re trying to drive.  Not just executives, stakeholders include directors, managers, and individual employees within various groups, as well as partners, vendors, and customers.

When trying to assess your company’s willingness to go green, first identify the stakeholders who can help you drive the change within all levels of the organization.  Regardless of whether it’s energy conservation, recycling, or reducing waste, sit down and talk with a representative sampling of those groups and individuals who will be impacted by the overall green initiative. 

Once you’ve discussed their concerns and listened to their feedback, you’ll have the information you need to develop an overall change management strategy that will help get you “greener” from there.

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility

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How to Start a Green Initiative in Your Organization – Coaching for Social Responsibility

How to Start a Green Initiative in Your Organization

According to a September 2008 article in Sustained Efforts magazine, author Ann Pace notes that, “GE, HSBC Bank, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Patagonia, Starbucks, Timberland, Unilever, and Wal-Mart are companies ranked by employees as leaders in sustainability. They exemplify the concept that sustainability must be a core strategy toward which all employees and business processes work.” 

• Wal-Mart creates “sustainable value networks”-processes outlining how to achieve sustainability in areas such as greenhouse gas, alternative fuels, and waste to help integrate sustainable practices into all parts of the business.
• Hewlett-Packard announced it had surpassed its goals for recycling e-waste: Globally, it recycled nearly 250 million pounds of hardware and print cartridges in 2007—a 50% increase over the previous year. And it announced a new goal: to reuse 2 billion pounds of products by the end of 2010.
• Regarding its core values, Unilever states, “The long-term growth and success of our business goes hand in hand with ensuring a sustainable future for the planet and its people.”
• Computer component manufacturer Intel provides a forum to be a part of the sustainability discussion on its corporate responsibility blog.

But if your organization is just beginning to look at best practices from other companies and ways to incorporate sustainable practices, where’s the best place to start?

When I asked this question on our Insight on Coaching show, Burton Hamner said – “with the money.”

According to Burton most companies vastly underestimate how much money it’s costing them to not be green.  An interesting statistic he mentioned that really blew my mind, is for every $1 you can account for in waste, there’s $3 to $4 of unaccounted for costs that are hiding in the overhead.

His recommendation?  Start with the accounting folks in the Finance department.

Often times when working with Finance to do an inventory of costs, people begin to realize that the garbage bill is not what it says on the bill – it’s five times what it says on the bill.

Not only does this help get the attention of the management team, it becomes a foundation for building an overall business case and strategy because these costs can be related to the income statement and balance sheet of the company.

In Burton’s own words “If you can show executives how being green translates into sustainable financial performance line by line through the company’s financial statements, you have a very powerful tool.  If you don’t begin with that process, you have a very difficult time generating the performance measures and quantitative information the organization needs to improve its sustainability efforts.”

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility

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The Impact of Employee Motivation on Going Green Initiatives

The Impact of Employee Motivation on Going Green Initiatives

In an August 16th, 2008 article from Environmental Leader.com titled “Half of U.S. Companies Going Green”, the outlet reports that: “Half (50.8%) of U.S. workers say their company has a significant initiative such as carpooling and recycling, but most report being cynical about their employer’s motivation for going green, citing the American Workplace Poll, conducted by Zogby International and released by The Marlin Company.

What are some of the reasons for this cynicism? 

Many employees worry their employer’s green initiatives are targeted more at cost reduction and positive PR then they are at making a difference in the environment.

The realist in me liked that Brian Back called a spade a spade.  He shared it’s interesting to see almost every company proclaiming some sort of green strategy.  But when it comes down to it, not many of them are doing a whole lot.  

Why is this important?  Well many of us want to see our employers’ “talk the talk, and walk the walk.”

How can companies overcome this cynicism? 

Burton Hamner shared it’s really about involving employees in the conversation, and finding out what they would like to see as a result of company sponsored green initiatives.

Additionally, Burton suggested looking at what motivates various groups within the workplace, and addressing those motivations within company green programs.  

For example for many managers, one of the things that motivates them is less and less overtime. 

When speaking to managers about a specific initiative, talk to them about how it will save them time.  When managers start to understand that reducing waste through better efficiency means less hassle for them and less hours staying late – they’ll naturally respond well to that. 

Your Insight on Coaching Host,

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility

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What Does Going Green Mean? Coaching for Social Responsibility

What Does Going Green Mean?

Our Insight on Coaching show on social responsibility definitely started off with a bang.  Kicking off our conversation, Brian Back brought up great points about the phrase “going green” itself.

His point: the phrase “going green” is not well defined, and can mean different things to different companies.

When I asked him to share what going green means to him, he said most companies view it as a strategy focused on energy efficiency and energy conservation.  Because both are issues every division within a company can relate to, it’s easy for many organizations to hone in only on the aspects of efficiency and conversation.  

Examples can include:

• Electrical power from clean renewable sources
• Green buildings
• Reusable water
• Waste reduction

However Brian and several other guests also highlighted the phrase is used by some companies for branding purposes, thrown around like a mantra and touted as an ivory tower vision – but lacking a tangible strategy backed by quantifiable goals and plans tied to the company’s core business strategy.

In terms of how to take the green concept from fluffy idea to core business strategy, Karlin Sloan had fantastic insight as well.  When thinking about what going green means for an organization, it’s important for many companies to think holistically.  She stressed it shouldn’t just be viewed as one program, like recycling. 

Upon doing some of my own research, many articles and other sources say the same. 

For example according to the May 22nd, 2008 edition of USA Today, in an article titled “Companies Discover Going Green Pays Off”, writer Ed Iwata says “A growing wave of companies in all sectors — technology, financial services, energy, retail, manufacturing — are embracing environmentally safe practices and saving hundreds of millions of dollars, according to corporate leaders and an environmental group’s report Tuesday.  SunPower, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Patagonia, Ikea, Nike, Hewlett-Packard, UPS, Yahoo, and others are using green practices in their work sites, in product development and packaging, in energy-saving data centers and other technology, according to a report by the non-profit Environmental Defense Fund.”

In summary – it’s important for companies to view going green as an end-to-end initiative, encompassing every element of the business from the overall supply chain to how the office runs to sourcing sustainable resources.

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility

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Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility

According to a June 7th, 2007 Time Magazine article titled “Going Green at the Office” “several recent surveys show that workers, especially from the generation that grew up separating paper from plastic, don’t want to work for big fat polluters.” 

In fact, one-third of workers would be more inclined to work for a green company, says staffing firm Adecco USA, and more than half wish their employers would be more environmentally friendly. 

From cost savings to an overall desire to “do the right thing,” more corporations are seeing the advantages of going green – and employees are happy about it. 

But why do many studies conclude the majority of companies still haven’t incorporated corporate social responsibility performance into business metrics?  How can this challenge be overcome? 

And how are coaches helping move the green effort along and helping businesses employ corporate sustainability?

Our panel of experts address these questions and more.

Highlights of the show include:

Featured Guests:

• Brian Back, Founding Editor & Publisher, Sustainable Industries Magazine
• Heather Gadonniex, Founder, Green It Group
• Burton Hamner, Principal Consultant/Owner, Cleaner Production International LLC
• Steve Salee, Executive Coach and Founder, SJS Consulting Group
• Karlin Sloan, Executive Coach and CEO, Karlin Sloan & Company

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility


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How Can a Financial Coach Help? – Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

How Can a Financial Coach Help?

According to a September 11th, 2008 article titled “Coaches to Get Consumers Finances into Shape” from Financial Advisor, writer Joan Dubar notes “Financial coaches can help get people motivated for financial planning – and keep them committed.”

With each of our Insight on Coaching shows, my goal is to highlight the important role coaches can play in so many different facets of our lives.  With the credit and mortgage crises, a recession that just keeps getting worse, a risky $70 billion bailout plan, and the worst economic crisis we’ve seen since the Great Depression, now more than ever coaches who specialize in financial planning and management can be critical in helping us. 

Kathy Jo Pollack and Gabe Graumann reinforced several of the same points the article in the Financial Advisor highlighted, and I especially liked how Kathy Jo referred to herself as an accountability partner when she works with clients.

What are some of the benefits a financial coach can provide? 

Until next time!

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

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Should You Buy a Home During A Recession? – Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

Should You Buy a Home During A Recession?

According to an article from U.S. News & World Report, now is the right time to watch closely for good buys because of historically strong gains at the tail end of a recession. The article featured an interview with John Canally, an investment strategist. 

According to John, “On average, you miss a 25 percent uptick by waiting for the end of a recession,” he says. “There’s definitely a penalty for looking in the rearview mirror. You can’t wait until home prices bottom, the recession ends, and the Fed chairman sounds the all clear.” 

Our panelists agreed.  Insight on Coaching guest William Patterson shared that when it comes to the real estate market, there are a number of great opportunities out there for those who have saved sufficient assets.

It made me realize for those of us who wonder how some of our family, friends, colleagues, and others can afford to own multiple properties and make money off of them – the answer is a little clearer.  Many of them save, save, and save some more, and then snatch up good deals from a full inventory of homes, office buildings, and other property that become available during uncertain times.

William added for people who are able to build teams and syndicates to go after properties, they’re able to get these properties at anywhere from twenty to forty percent below market value.

For our financial coaches and experts out there:

• Is our current economy a perfect time to build wealth?
• How can potential buyers overcome challenges and hurdles resulting from the credit crisis to get loans to acquire new properties?
• As a coach, how would you guide someone through a decision to buy a new home or property during this recession?

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

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Saving Versus Spending – Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

Saving Versus Spending

Earlier in the year, a survey by Nielsen Research asked American consumers how they would spend this past spring’s economic tax rebate checks.  While government officials were hopeful the checks would stimulate the economy, 69% of respondents to the survey said the next 12 months would be either a bad or “not-so-good” time to buy the things they want or need.

On our show Erica Sandberg made an interesting observation.  While our society tends to promote a material culture of “spending, spending, and more spending,” both society and the media don’t discuss the importance of saving. 

With the average consumer receiving little or no education about the importance of saving and how to save, American culture has set many people up to fail during a recession.

This led me to a question – during a recession, is it more important to save or spend?  

Is it important to save to continue to build up that 6 to 12 month supply of resources for tough times, or is it better to invest in some of the financial opportunities (decreased prices of homes anyone?) that can arise during a recession?

According to Gabe Graumann, creator of the blog MoneyTalkWithGabe – the answer is both. 

As Gabe explained it, the ideal goal is to be saving and spending in parallel.  However if you have a large amount of debt – you shouldn’t be spending.  Pay off your debt first. 

That said, if you’ve done a good job positioning yourself financially and have some liquidity you can direct toward an investment – do it. 

According to Gabe, you’re going to get the best deals on things like real estate and underperforming mutual funds.  This allows you to buy low and reap some profit over the next four or five years.

What are your thoughts?

• Do you think more people should be spending to help the economy right now?
• Are any of you nervous about your savings, given the current instability within the banking industry?
• For our financial coaches, what are your typical recommendations when it comes to spending or saving during a recession?

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

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Living Beyond Our Means – Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

Living Beyond Our Means

Well our show on Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession was certainly timely, given the news about Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch last Sunday September 14th.  I asked KRON-TV 4 San Francisco financial expert Erica Sandberg how the announcements would impact consumers, for example would it increase the sense of stress and panic that many are already feeling?

Her answer was “no”, because unfortunately the average person won’t be able to articulate what either firm does, let alone how the fall of both of these companies can impact their personal financial situations. 

According to Erica, most of us just want to know if our banks are secure.  And in general, we want to understand how and why the economy is in the state that it is. 

Even worse, many of us are terrified and paralyzed, because we don’t understand how the economy overall is going to impact our jobs, our livelihoods, and our finances in the months to come. 

We also discussed the fact that many Americans have been living well beyond their means.  According to Erica, most of us on average are carrying around $9,000 in credit card debt, and if we’re going to make it through the recession, we need to wake up and change some key behaviors.

Her recommendations?

• Get a copy of your credit report and see where you stand.
• Take a look at your budget and determine your cash flow.
• Stop using your credit cards.
• Don’t become obsessed with your credit scores, instead focus on paying off debt.
• Work with financial coaches or organizations like the Consumer Credit Counseling Service to construct a budget you can live within.

We took a much deeper dive into many of these recommendations throughout our show, but I’d like to hear some initial thoughts from all of you:

• In general, did last week’s announcements and “Black Wednesday” impact how you’ll be spending and saving money in the months to come?
• What are your biggest concerns and fears within our current recession?
• If you’re a financial coach or expert, what are your recommendations to those people out there who may be living beyond their means?  Anything you’d add to Erica’s list above?

Your Insight on Coaching Host,

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Coaching for Financial Success in a Recession

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