Search results for ""author richard lepsinger""

CLOSING THE EXECUTION GAP Once upon a time strategy was king. Leaders immersed themselves in the matter of planning how best to achieve their company's goals. The subject dominated the attention of senior executives and the writings of consultants and management gurus. Experts of various stripes weighed in on how to put strategic planning processes in place and transform employees at all levels into strategic thinkers. Naturally, leaders assumed all this strategizing would pay off. And yet, for too many organizations the promised results never came to pass. Quite simply, they couldn't execute. Now, the business world has shifted its focus to the consistent delivery of results. If an organization can't execute its plans and initiatives, nothing else matters: not the most solid, well thought-out strategy, not the most innovative business model, not even technological breakthroughs that could transform an industry. As it turns out, the "conventional wisdom" about what it takes to implement strategy and deliver results isn't all that wise. So what really differentiates the companies that are able to get things done day-to-day and deliver consistent results? The answer is found in the pages of Richard Lepsinger's ground-breaking book, Closing the Execution Gap. Based on extensive research and years of practical experience, the book outlines five prerequisites for effective execution and five "Bridges" that differentiate companies that do it best. It also describes six "Bridge Builders" leaders at all levels can use to close the execution gap in their company or team and help people get things done. Specifically, it addresses: What really gets in the way of getting things done—for individuals, teams and entire companies What leaders can do to enhance their organization's ability to close the execution gap and achieve solid business results What it takes to consistently execute plans and initiatives at a day-to-day operational level The book features many case studies of companies that have a track record of effective execution (Hewlett-Packard, Costco, Procter & Gamble) and those who have struggled with closing the gap between creating a vision and delivering results (Dell, American Airlines, GM). As the business world becomes more competitive and less forgiving, execution matters more than ever. This is a book for the times we live in—and one that for many companies could mean the difference between success and failure.

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More and more organizations are using 360-degree feedback to provide an opportunity to talk about key changes. This second edition of the best-selling book includes research and information that more accurately reflects who is using 360-degree feedback and where and how it is being used. In addition, the authors incorporate information about the impact of advances in technology and the more global and virtual work environment. This new edition includes case examples, tips, and pointers on preparing 360-degree feedback and information on how to implement it.

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In today’s complex organizations it is not uncommon to have as many as 50 percent of employees working on virtual teams. As the “virtual revolution” continues to spread, how can companies ensure that virtual team collaboration is producing the desired results? Highly practical and easy to navigate, Virtual Team Success leverages the authors’ robust global research study and hands-on experience to provide an immediately usable resource for virtual team members and team leaders. This groundbreaking book is a hands-on, practical toolkit filled with down-to-earth examples and insights that can enhance the virtual team experience for everyone involved. The authors’ research study is one of the most comprehensive applied studies ever conducted on virtual teams, and all of the recommendations outlined are based on these findings as well as the authors’ years of experience helping virtual teams and virtual team leaders effectively lead and collaborate from a distance. To help organizations and leaders enhance virtual team performance, the book includes: Why Virtual Teams Fail—outlines the four pitfalls that frequently derail virtual teams Profile of High Performing Teams—addresses the characteristics of the most effective virtual teams and what makes them successful Virtual Team Launch Kit—provides practical guidelines and tools for successfully launching virtual teams How to RAMP Up Your Team’s Effectiveness—introduces a practical research-based model of virtual team effectiveness to improve team performance Profile of Top Performing Virtual Team Leaders—identifies the practices of the most successful virtual team leaders Facilitating High-Impact Virtual Meetings—includes tips and techniques to effectively lead “v-meetings” Virtual Team Success also includes practical resources for virtual team leaders, quick reference guides for diagnosing virtual team problems, and six lessons for virtual team success.

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How Do You Ensure that Employees Are Doing the Right Things? Many of us ask, "What does it take to do a job well?" and stopthere. But there's more to it than that. What skills and knowledge are necessary for effectiveness in acertain job? Does the employee have the appropriate skills andknowledge, or is some kind of training necessary? Are these jobexpectations aligned with the culture and strategy of theorganization as a whole? These questions are essential to performance improvementefforts. And competency modeling is designed to help you findanswers to questions such as these. A competency model is . . . a descriptive tool that identifiesthe skills, knowledge, personal characteristics, and behaviorsneeded to effectively perform a role in the organization and helpthe business meet its strategic objectives. From the authors of the best-selling book The Art and Science of360° Feedback comes this guide to the design andimplementation of competency models. "The authors have taken competency modeling out of the domain ofacademics and social scientists by creating a practical 'how-to'work that clearly and simply explains the steps in developing andusing competency models. I recommAnd this book to anyone whose jobincludes the pinpointing and sharpening of relevant competencies,for themselves or for others." --Scott B. Parry, chairman, Training House "Lucia and Lepsinger have demystified competency models and putin the hands of the reader a blueprint for developing meaningfulrecruiting, performance measurement, and succession planningsystems. They succeed with a straightforward, pragmatic style,using actual examples that make the book an easy read." --Frank Ashen, senior vice president, New York StockExchange Get the Results You Expect! Competency models are a means of ensuring that your investmentin your employees will yield the expected results. The popularityof competency modeling is steadily increasing: human resourceproYou'll use this cutting-edge guide to: * Clarify job and work expectations * Hire the best available people * Maximize productivity * Enhance a 360° feedback process * Align behavior with organizational strategies and values * Adapt to change

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