Manufacturing Effectiveness

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge ~ What If All You Need Is Feedback?

2012-01-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

Some of the best and brightest people will tell you that one of the key elements to their success is ongoing constructive feedback. Why is it that many in the corporate world shy away from either giving or receiving feedback? When done correctly, constructive feedback can be extremely motivating. You may want to keep in mind my simple, common sense approach to feedback. Take a look!

Video # 100 ~ Karin's Bloopers

2012-01-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Since January 2010 I have produced weekly videos to serve the manufacturing industry. If you take a look @ my youtube channel, you will notice how much better I have become since I started. Practice, practice, practice and continuous effort is the price you have to pay when you want to consistently get better at what you do. However, I believe that life is sometimes far too serious and that's why I also like to have fun along the way. This is video # 100 and it is a laughing matter. If you want to start your week with a good laugh at my expense, please take a look at a couple of bloopers from my past video productions. Enjoy!

My Next FREE Workshop at the Richmond Hill Library is on February 7, 2012

2012-01-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

Lost your Job? Hate your Job?

Discover what you want and go for it!

Have you been laid off once or multiple times? Are fearful that you may be laid off soon? Do you feel stuck in your current career? Do you want to change direction but don’t know how? Are you ready to be proactive and make a plan for your life?

I can help! I provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Sometimes it's tough to stay positive considering all the fears and insecurities we have to deal with. However, I have learned from my own experience that attitude is everything and it is my goal to communicate to YOU how you can turn a positive outlook in your job search into action.

Come and join me! It's time to sign up.....

My commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give me your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!

"When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don't see the one that has opened for us."

~ Helen Keller

When? February 7 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm

Where? Central Library, 1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill, L4C 0H5 (west/south corner of Major Mackenzie and Yonge)
Why? This is our contribution to serve the community

Please register @ the Library or via email at karin@karicosolutions.com.

Excellence - Did You Know?

2012-01-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

Each day we have many decisions to make but have you ever thought about the decisions you make unconsciously? Do you find yourself making decisions without really thinking? It is my firm belief that most of us are not used to thinking. In fact, it has been psychologically proven that the majority of us are on auto-pilot. Do you want to learn more? Take a look.

Manufacturing Excellence - Inspire, Lead and Succeed with ETHICRESPECTALITY!

2012-01-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

~Oprah Winfrey

If you think I made a mistake when you look at the word ETHICRESPECTALITY, you may be correct because you will not find it in the dictionary - at least not yet. However, I like to be creative, I like to create, and I like to play with words.

Over the Christmas break, I was thinking about what really makes a great company great. There are so many things that go into the creation of a successful business but mainly it's the people who work there, who value what they do and who think about what they can do better every single day.

The first thing I see when I walk into an organization is not the CEO and most likely not any one of the VPs. What I do see are the regular people who represent the company. I truly enjoy observing people's behaviour - the receptionist, the customer service department, and the employees in general. How do they act? How do they respond? How do they walk? How do they talk? By looking at the people who work in a company, I can immediately tell how the message from the top is being received, if certain philosophies are being lived and if organizational values are just on the wall or walking down the hall.

EthicRespectAlity stands for Ethics, Respect and Quality. These are common sense values that we shouldn't even have to talk about and yet it seems we could all do better by increasing our awareness and standards when it comes to this business philosophy.

Ethics:

When did people start to think that personal and business ethics are two separate entities? You are either ethical or you are not.

Respect:

Why does it seem to be so difficult to be respectful to one another? Employees will never give their discretionary effort if they are not treated with respect.

Quality:

How can we shift from a cost to a quality mindset? Customers are willing to spend money if they get what they pay for.

I do my best to model good behaviour for others and I know first hand that this is one of the most difficult things to do. It takes a certain discipline to expect more of yourself than you expect of others. However, if you believe that it is "Time for Change", please consider including EthicRespectAlity in whatever you do and want to accomplish in 2012.

A Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.

A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. "

~ Bill Vaughan

There is really something about the amazing energy of a New Year as long as we don't hope for a new start on old habits. May all your personal and professional hopes, dreams and aspirations come true!

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you Health, Happiness and Prosperity in 2012!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge -Do You Know What Educational Spam is?

2011-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Spam is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. For me, spam is commercial advertising, often for dubious products, get-rich-quick schemes, or quasi-legal services. Educational spam on the other hand is something entirely different. It's from someone whom you know and it may be well worth your time to explore. If you're still not sure what it is, please take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - What Do You Know about the Reshoring Initiative?

2011-12-08T18:56:00.000-08:00

Meet Harry Moser, the Founder of the Reshoring Initiative! The mission of the Reshoring Initiative is to bring good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States by assisting companies to more accurately assess their total cost of offshoring, and shift collective thinking from 'offshoring is cheaper' to 'local reduces the total cost of ownership.' Take a look!

Manufacturing Excellence - Inspire, Lead and Succeed with HUMOUR!

2011-12-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."
- E.E. Cummings

Sometimes when I walk into manufacturing facilities I am shocked by the depressing atmosphere that some people have to work in. Why do people think that everything work related has to be serious?

How can employees find joy and satisfaction in the work they do if they are not allowed to communicate with one another? When there is no fun you run the risk of creating a stagnant and boring work environment.

How can you feel alive and energized if there is no humour in the workplace?
How can organizations succeed if people are disengaged and demotivated?

As a manager, can you imagine the impact you could have on your employees if you would improve your communication skills and spruce up boring presentations by making them funnier and livelier?
How would you feel if people actually listened to what you had to say?

If you have a moment, please check out this great video with a very original idea:

Humour @ Work

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Women in Manufacturing?

2011-12-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the exciting opportunity to be part of an event that was a milestone for women in the 21st Century. About 150 women executives, managers and supervisors gathered in Cleveland, OH at the First Annual "Women in Manufacturing" symposium. This unique networking and educational event was designed exclusively for women who have chosen a career in the manufacturing industry. I had the privilege to interview some very dynamic women. I invite you to hear their insights.

Our Next FREE Workshop at the Richmond Hill Library is on December 6, 2011

2011-12-05T05:01:00.000-08:00

Lost your Job? Hate your Job?

Discover what you want and go for it!

We can help! We provide a supportive and positive learning environment and empower people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. It is all about taking action and taking 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!

Sometimes it's tough to stay positive considering all the fears and insecurities we have to deal with. However, we have learned from our own experience that attitude is everything and it is our goal to communicate to YOU how you can turn a positive outlook in your job search into action.

Come and join us! It's time to sign up.....

Our commitment to you is to give you positive energy, a lot of new ideas and a fantastic workshop without any investment for you, except your time. If you give us your commitment to participate, please do not let anything prevent you from attending. It will be well worth your time and effort.

This attitude alone will separate you from others who are looking a job. I firmly believe, how you do anything is how you do everything!

"When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don't see the one that has opened for us."

~ Helen Keller

When? December 6 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm

Where? Central Library, 1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill, L4C 0H5 (west/south corner of Major Mackenzie and Yonge)
Why? This is our contribution to serve the community

Please register @ the Library or via email at karin@karicosolutions.com.

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - A Great Interview with Richard Stape

2011-11-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how we can give manufacturing the recognition and attention it deserves? Have you ever wondered if we're doing everything possible to attract the next generation of skilled workers to the manufacturing industry? Manufacturing is a skilled profession and many employers are concerned that people are not receiving the right education to equip them for jobs in manufacturing. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - A "Must See" Interview with Zane Ferry

2011-11-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

Ambition, drive and staying ahead of the competition is now more important than ever. We have to do everything it takes but the question is if we are on the right track. I always try to expand my knowledge by asking for other people's perspective and that's what I did in my Skype interview with Zane Ferry. Zane is a Process Improvement Advisor for TPS / Lean Manufacturing, and I wanted to get his personal opinion on some very interesting questions. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - What Can We Learn From Steve Jobs' Philosophy?

2011-11-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

Being innovative, creative and passionate - that's how Steve Jobs lived his life and his countless speeches, quotes and business philosophies have made him an inspiration to many. One of his life philosophies was to "stay hungry
and to stay foolish". There are many things we can learn from him but there is something specific that we should always keep in mind. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Are New Leaders Forced to Pretend?

2011-11-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Good leadership is important but are we doing enough to support new leaders to succeed in their job? How can we help them to meet the expectations? Do they know what's expected of them? Do we give new leaders the feeling that it is o.k. to learn what they have to learn or does the pressure of a leadership position force them to pretend? If you want to hear my perspective, please take a look at my most recent video.

Our Next FREE Workshop at the Richmond Hill Library is on November 8, 2011

2011-11-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Lost your Job? Hate your Job?

Discover what you want and go for it!

"When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don't see the one that has opened for us."

~ Helen Keller

When? November 8 from 6 pm - 8.45 pm

Where? Central Library, 1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill, L4C 0H5 (west/south corner of Major Mackenzie and Yonge)
Why? This is our contribution to serve the community

Please register @ the Library or via email at karin@karicosolutions.com.

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Your Self-Worth is Your Responsibility

2011-10-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

Lack of self-worth and self-confidence are two of the biggest overlooked issues in the workplace. Have you have considered that uplifting and sincere comments are the greatest gift you can give to anyone? Unfortunately, we cannot always rely on uplifting comments from others. Most of our beliefs are established during childhood because our parents are our role models and we think that whatever they tell us must be true. As we grow older, various other role models start influencing our life and often our self-worth can become significantly damaged by the time we become adults. If you want to take control and increase your self-worth, take a look at this short video!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Can Emotions Hurt Your Business?

2011-10-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

All humans have basic emotional needs. These needs can be expressed as feelings, for example the need to feel accepted, respected and important. While all humans share these needs, each differs in the strength of the need, just as some of us need more water, more food or more sleep. One person may need more freedom and independence, another may need more security and social connections. One may have a greater curiosity and a greater need for understanding, while another is content to accept whatever he has been told. When emotions are relevant, you should be able to recognize them - they can be indicators of both opportunities and dangers - and can either leverage or defuse them. Take a look at my simple way of helping you to visualize it!

Next Complimentary Webinar "Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science"

2011-10-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Please join the following online event in cooperation with the Western Illinois University:

Webinar 11/03/2011

Illinois Time Zone 10.00 am CDT

Toronto Time Zone 11.00 am EDT

Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science ~ How to Engage People's Hearts and Minds!

"Our expectations determine the gap between what we want and what we get." ~ Karin Lindner

"Please check your brain at the door." No one ever says that to employees that directly, right? Not really, instead management sends that message loud and clear every day through multiple interactions. Why? Because too many people in management positions think employees are mentally lazy and only want to put in time to collect a paycheck and employees, hearing that message, respond accordingly.

On a positive note, let's say you are one of those who feel your people probably have some good ideas, would like to benefit from those ideas, but are struggling to make it happen. Merely asking them for their ideas doesn't work because there are too many contradictory messages. It requires a change in the environment to one where your employees want to contribute ideas and the management team encourages it. The solution? Create an REO (Ripple Effect Outcome).

You can reach this event using the following link (you may have to copy and paste the link):  http://1306139.videoconference.talkfusionlive.com/golive/m/GFgzO6uqeROCYvnk

Simply sign in with your name or a nickname!

The event will take place on Nov 3, 2011 @ 11:00 am EDT / 10:00 am CDT

Save the date and register today for this complimentary Webinar!
Email: karin@karicosolutions.com or Bill Jorgeson: WC-Jorgeson@wci.edu or call 1-647-401-5274.

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - "IronMind" Your Business!

2011-10-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

My visit to Penticton in British Columbia inspired me to do this video. I was a spectator in the Subaru Ironman Canada competition. What's that? It is a triathlon that consists of a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) lake swim, 112 mile (180.2 km) bike ride and 26.2 mile (42.2 km) marathon run - all to be completed within 17 hours to constitute an official finish. More than 3,000 competitors from 37 different countries are registered to compete. According to a survey of past Ironman Canada competitors, the average contestant spends eight months (16 - 23 hours per week) training for the event. What can businesses learn from the Ironman Competition? Take a look at this inspirational interview!

Manufacturing Excellence - What do you think?

2011-10-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge -Toyota Manufacturing, Now This Is Sexy!

2011-09-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

The improvement possibilities in the world of manufacturing are endless and very exciting. Companies such as Toyota are rare and lead by example. They paint the picture of what is possible. Sadly, few companies are capable of following Toyota's management philosophy. A day does not go by where they don't strive to be the best. High technology and automation combined with organization, self-discipline and the human aspect will be the future of successful companies. Are you ready? Take a look!

Complimentary Webinar "Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science"

2011-09-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

Please join the following online event in cooperation with the Western Illinois University:

Webinar 09/30/2011

Illinois Time Zone 12.30 PM CDT

Toronto Time Zone 1.30 PM EDT

Employee Engagement is not Rocket Science ~ How to Engage People's Hearts and Minds!

"Our expectations determine the gap between what we want and what we get." ~ Karin Lindner

You can reach this event using the following link: 
http://1306139.videoconference.talkfusionlive.com/golive/m/aqQNjJaZD1UxcE5z

Simply sign in with your name or a nickname!

The event will take place on Sep 30th 2011, 01:30:00 PM EDT, 12:30:00 PM CDT

Thank you!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

2011-09-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

If your employees don't go the extra mile for you, there is a reason. Business has more to do with emotions than most business people care to admit. So how can we unleash this mysterious inner drive to bring out the best in ourselves and in our people? It's not rocket science. Take a look!

Manufacturing Leadership Challenge - The "Iceberg Theory"

2011-09-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

It truly is a challenge to bring out the best in people but it's not as difficult as you may think. It requires the ability to keep an open mind and the willingness to approach things in a different way. It may push you out of your comfort zone and it may also push your people out of their comfort zone, but in the end it is truly worth the effort. Take a look at my unique way of painting the picture!