Culture Archives - Sharon M Weinstein

January 31, 2020 By Sharon Weinstein

There is no box…not even on the golfcourse!

When I learned to play golf at age 50, the topography was beautiful and challenging. As we approached the 14th fairway one Sunday afternoon, my husband said, “Start thinking about how you will manage that water hazard.” Hazards on a golf course may be lakes and rivers, man-made hazards such as bunkers, or a tall tree or thick rough. If it gets in your way, it is a hazard. I looked ahead and then said, “Water, I don’t see any water.” Of course, there was water ahead, but I knew that I could not let it get in my way. It is that concept that has taken me through a myriad of countries, opportunities, challenges and success stories.

We all face challenges in our personal and professional lives. By looking beyond the hazard, or outside of the box, we see opportunity. We forge ahead and achieve success. See what I mean here!

I grew up in a big box and was told that I should not ask, nor should I try, because I would never amount to a thing. Moving beyond that box opened many doors and a chance to ask for what I needed and get it. Many of us are stuck in that box…unable to get out because of perceived barriers to change. We must encourage others to thrive and survive. I am who I am today because I learned how to ask. A storyteller, I go beyond “once upon a time” to a place we’ve all been – where obstacles stood in our way and held us back.

President/Founder of SMW Group and the Global Education Development Institute, I educate and train others to be the best version of themselves. A native of Philadelphia, I completed my nursing education at Pennsylvania Hospital, followed by undergraduate and graduate degrees in Florida and Texas. I’m a graduate of the Kellogg Executive Management Program and a recipient of the Frist Humanitarian Award. I use my nursing platform to create change and empower others to succeed.

#removethebox #mindset #leadership #serviceexcellence

January 4, 2019 By Sharon Weinstein

What’s Your Business Theme for 2019?

It’s a New Year, and perhaps you have already set your resolutions. Perhaps you’ll be successful at accomplishing each of them; on the other hand, perhaps you’ll disband them by the end of January.

I prefer a theme, and I examine that theme from every aspect of my business and my life. Deciding on a theme depends on the type of business, the stage of your business, and your purpose in life. Start by reviewing 2018, and ask yourself:

What worked well?
What did you love?
What went wrong?

Use those questions to position yourself, and your theme for 2019. Write out the answers to the three questions, and use those answers as your GPS as you forge ahead. Your theme is a quick reminder of what you want to manifest this year. It will keep you focused and on track for success.

Examples include:

Lean-in
I am deserving
Moving up
Establishing roots
Being the best me
Actionable steps
Attitude of gratitude
Elevate
Innovate
Engagement
Be bold, be brave, be YOU

These are examples, but you get the point. Think of something that resonates with you and your business goals. Think of something that can be measured, appreciated, and celebrated at quarterly milestones, and at the close of the calendar year.

June 2, 2018 By Sharon Weinstein

What do you bring to the table?

A potluck? Not at all- just a simple question. What’s your value-add? What skills, attributes, talents, energy, and insight do you bring to the table?

Whether it is at work, at home, or within the community, you add an element of value? Have you thought about your own value-add, and how that benefits those with whom you work, live, and play?

I bring my nursing platform to the table; it has served me well and provided the basis for a journey that has taken me around the country and across the globe. Throughout my career, I have used the lessons learned from my initial educational program to grow personally and professionally. And, I have taken it to the next level- by being of service to others, by mentoring the next generation of leaders, and by giving back.

I have worked with unique populations and have created a model that can be used as a prototype for every educational program that has international as a part of its mission. I believe that we have much to offer and a lot to learn. The model that I have created can be used to foster additional professional partnerships among growth-minded leaders from multiple industries. I am committed to enhancing the business outcomes of my colleagues and helping these high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, organizations, families, and communities. What about you- what do you bring to the table? What value do you add?

April 1, 2018 By Sharon Weinstein

Culture drives performance…engagement

Employees are unhappy at work, and companies are paying for it! Results matter and to survive and thrive in today’s economy, companies need an engaged workforce. The bottom line, in companies large and small, is a concern that can be managed through culture and hiring practices.

If you were to rewrite the future of your organization, what might that look like? What changes could you make in your company’s culture that would drive performance, enhance the bottom line, and generate an engaged workforce that ensures your success and theirs?

As a master of work/life balance, I’ve spoken and written about the impact of the environment on behavior, productivity, relationships, and yes- health! What I know is that CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE…and a culture of success is the first step in communicating your goals, your vision, and your mission. Employees can and should be ambassadors for your organization; they will do so if you set expectations with them, communicate those expectations, and hold them accountable.

Reward your superstars by recognizing and cloning them. Author Seth Godin has often referenced past culture (follow instruction, be on time, work hard, suck it up), with current culture (be remarkable, be generous, be creative and connect people and ideas). What I know is that CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE, and a culture of recognition and replication will lead to success.

You are familiar with the Good to Great philosophy of “having the right people in the right seats on your bus.” Take it a step further with the right fit credo. Hire for values! What I know is that CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE, and a value-driven culture will attract and retain the right people.

In the words of John Ruskin, “In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it. They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it.”

Ruskin says in a simple quote what I know to be true: CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE, and a culture of success, recognition and fit will drive your future!

To start the process: