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“With the perennial and emerging changes presented by today’s workforce, companies and managers will be challenged like never before. John’s speech provided clear direction and a compelling purpose about the coming workplace over the next decade. It was the kind of speech every employer needs to hear.”

Crystal Cedro, The Mundy Companies

John Grubbs is on target in identifying coming changes in the workplace and what your organization needs to be implementing TODAY to compete and attract the best talent. He's an engaging speaker, and you'll have better direction as a leader after attending one of John's presentations.

Jane Allison, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

GCI Leadership Blog 

Bad Supervisors and Body Odor(01/08/2013)When it comes to body odor from absent or poor hygiene, individuals may be completely unaware of the strong environmental contribution they are making for others around them. While everyone else around this individual gets to share the odor, the person responsible is completely oblivious to the stench. While certainly a necessity prior to modern hygiene standards, there are people today that do not realize or simply do not care about the aroma they exude for the rest of us. They cannot smell it so how can anyone else? Similarly, most supervisors do not show up at work and consciously intend to be a bad supervisor. They must have developed some sort of leadership fatigue in order to “not” realize the horrible impact they are making on everyone around them. 

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The Learning Spotlight

Steve really does need to be fired!

By John Grubbs

Edward took over as branch manager of this bank eight months ago.  He is new to town and this particular branch but not new to the company.  He has been assistant branch manager with success and his promotion to branch manager at this bank is long overdue.  During his tenure as assistant manager, he was mentored by a very good manager who taught him how to run an efficient and profitable business enterprise.

Overall, most of the employees at Edward’s new bank are excited to have a new manager.  The previous manager was aloof and did not lead the team.  He was more preoccupied with making the branch look good to corporate no matter what the cost or impact to his local team.  As a result, morale has deteriorated to the point that most employees are cynical about management.  They are hoping for better things but are not holding their breath for it to come.

The quality of supervision for this bank is very poor.  In the past, under the previous manager, supervisors had limited authority and did not get much respect from the employees on the front lines.  As a result, good supervisors have left and those remaining are either gluttons for punishment or incapable of supervising at any other organization.  This branch has pushed away good leadership and emasculated the remaining supervisors to the pointthat they have no credibility with the team.  The previous manager had ruled the branch like an autocrat and did not seek the advice or the opinion of other leaders on the team.  What he said went and if anyone attempted to challenge him, they were isolated and made to feel silly for having another opinion.

Steve in particular is a problem.  He is a mid-level manager at the branch and now reports directly to Edward.  Steve has learned the branch business well and can play the political game to gain an advantage for his own agenda.  He is outright sarcastic and cynical to most people while cooperative and understanding to Edward.  Steve’s survival skills are legitimate.  He has learned to kill ideas and proposals that he does not favorby little or no action.  With great skill, he can sabotage any idea that he deems non-beneficial to him and his current view of normality.  Change is not something he desires as he has become quite comfortable in the world of now.

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