Owning a house or owning a business – it’s the American Dream. Did you know more than 30% of the American work force is in business on their own? More than half of the 18 – 34 year old age group either plan on starting a business, or have already done so.

Not sure what business to start?

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms

1 Peter 4:10

Insight like this helps us understand that all our business should be to serve others.

So, whether you own a business or work for someone else, The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson shares the secrets to creating, and sustaining, a successful business. With over 15 million copies sold, it tells about managing work and life by serving others. Enjoy more success with less stress. This is my number one recommended resource for business.

Blanchard and Johnson use the parable of a journey to give some powerful pointers. A bright young man who went looking for an effective business manager meets a mentor who shares 3 secrets:
• one minute goals
• one minute praising’s
• one minute reprimands.

One Minute Goals: To set effective goals understand the 80-20 rule. 80% of our results come from 20% of our goals. So a One Minute Manager sets goals in these effective areas. Both the manager and employee agree on three to six key areas of responsibility and set goals in only these areas.

One Minute Praisings: Praising helps people reach their full potential. Catch employees doing something right and give them sincere praise for it. How refreshing this will be for employees who live in a culture of frequent reprimands.

One Minute Reprimands: Correct inappropriate behavior the right way: tell people immediately; be specific; tell them how you feel; shake hands; let them know you value them; but not the situation or behavior and let it go.

Available in a short 2-hour audio, this engaging story conveys more than many university level courses. Principles to put into practice for business success!

Imagine if you could run your business with the world’s most popular management method. Imagine if: everyone had clear goals, you caught people doing something right and people knew that your reprimands were meant to help them reach their full potential. Imagine the impact this would make on any organization.

Attitude: Is your business run like this?

Action: Listen to or read this resource and implement the strategies!

Question: Can you influence your business to be run like the One Minute Manager?

Recommended Resource: Kenneth Blanchard, Spencer Johnson and Robert M.D Lorber. (2009). The One Minute Manager, Simon & Schuster Audio/Nightingale-Conant.