Congratulations to Diana!   She took on a  tough challenge and has seen great results.  And congratulations to her team.  They were open to the changes and accepted her lead.

We were thrilled to hear about it!    Thrilled for her.  And thrilled to be able to share it with you because it’s an excellent example of what we talk about here:  taking charge in more effective ways, making things happen and inspiring others to do the same.

Here’s Diana’s letter: 

Dear Jan,

In January of 2010, I was working to develop a performance improvement plan for my team of seven. 

I was doing this because the team was  not cohesive and not happy.  As a result,  we had turnover;  we weren’t  achieving some of our goals ; and people did not trust each other.  I wanted to improve morale, communication and energy. 

I went online to find ideas for the improvement plan, searched under “how to be a better manager”, found the Business Class site and became a subscriber.  

As a manager I felt defeated, and the first thing I remember seeing on your site was this quote:

 “The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.” 

In that same issue I also read the “10 Tips for Getting Back Up” over and over again.  That was the beginning that started turning things around.

These are some of the ideas I implemented with my team: 

• Instead of having sporadic, only-when-necessary meetings, I started meeting with each member of my team twice per month.  On alternate weeks, I gather the entire team together. 
• At these meetings I have used a number of materials that I found on the Business Class site – like brainteasers and recordings. 
• As a result of these regular meetings, there is definitely more trust between people;  communication is  great, and there is a lot of brainstorming which has brought on new ways of doing things.  Huge improvement. 
• Also  when a new team member came on board, we took your advice and made extra efforts to sure that the person felt welcome.  We  gave them a welcome basket and also hung a welcome banner. 

Since implementing these ideas, I have seen a  180 degree  change in the team.  They are talking more.   There is more honesty, openness  and lots of laughter, which is good; because our jobs are stressful.  It’s a great place to work now.

Thank you! 

Diana Baker

 Office Manager, Eastern Hemisphere Division

 Exterran  Energy Solutions

 Houston, Texas