| December 17, 2008 | News for association and chamber leaders |
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| Business Leadership |  |  |
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- 7 key questions on talent development
Increased competition for talent means corporate boards have to work harder on career development and succession planning. Claudia Lacy Kelly of Spencer Stuart's human resources practice suggests seven questions executives should ask to judge how well career development and succession planning initiatives are being implemented throughout an organization. Bloomberg Businessweek
(12/9) 
- Fixes for low-performing employees
 When dealing with workers who underperform, managers should investigate the cause of the trouble before pointing toward the exit sign, Susan Tonkin writes in Talent Management. Some of the most common causes of subpar work -- lack of engagement in tasks, gaps in skills or focus on the wrong priorities -- can be corrected with better communication and best practices, she says. Talent Management
(12/2008)
- Practice makes profitable
By now, nearly everyone has heard of the 10,000-hour rule, as proposed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book "Outliers." Being great at anything requires 10 years of practice, 1,000 hours a year. But what does that mean in business -- especially during a recession? "Don't let downtime become wasted time," author and entrepreneur Bill Taylor says. Take advantage of slower workdays to practice a single skill, whether it's making a pitch or writing a news release. "Find ways to work intensely and deliberately on your technical and business skills, confident that hard work will pay off in the long run." Harvard Business Review online/Practically Radical blog
(12/4)
- Harmonious workplace improves employee potential
People can find passion for their work and develop their potential when their environment is dynamic, says Jane Anderson, co-founder of 8 Elements in Phoenix. Anderson recently launched the company with her husband, Allen, drawing on their expertise in performance training and feng shui to help small and midsize businesses improve productivity. American City Business Journals/Phoenix
(12/12)
- Why first, last impressions matter
With more job losses looming in the months ahead, Tammy Erickson advises workers to keep in mind that their reputations often depend on the impressions they make coming into or exiting an organization. "Both of these are times when the phrases 'What do you need?' and 'How can I help?' should be the questions that everyone hears most clearly," she says. "Neither are times to talk about yourself and what you want. They are both times to give back." Harvard Business Review online/Across the Ages blog
(12/12)
| Quick Poll | | |
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Poll: How would you handle an underperforming employee?
Look for the results from today's poll in next week's SmartBrief.
 | Have a review to reiterate what's expected of them. |
| Meet with them to determine why their performance is suffering. |
| I'm a firm believer in the three-strikes rule. |
| In this economy, why wait for the third strike? My rule is bad performance equals unemployment. |
| CEO Update | | |
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CEO Update and U.S. Chamber SmartBrief partner to bring you exclusive association and other nonprofit reports and career listings.
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Up-to-date data
Revenue from dues: In a sampling of CEOs of major associations and prominent nonprofits, 17.4% of CEOs have been on the job for more than 10 years and 9.6% have been on the job less than one year. Find out more at AssociationIntelligence.
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| Chamber Spotlight | | |
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- Ga. group seeks opportunities in Israel
The American-Israel Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta has helped lure more than 50 Israeli businesses to Georgia since the office opened in 1992. This week, eight business executives and utility officials from Georgia visited Israel to look for opportunities for new partnerships. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(12/16)
- Fla. chamber chief discusses workers' comp plan, other issues
 The Florida Chamber of Commerce is opposed to a National Council on Compensation Insurance proposal that was the subject of a public hearing Tuesday. The proposals would increase workers' compensation rates by 18.6% over two years. In an interview with The Bradenton Herald, Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber, said the rates likely will be increased despite opposition, that state government may look to raise taxes on small businesses to make up for budget shortfalls and that regional chambers need to plan for population growth. Bradenton Herald (Fla.)
(12/16)
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| Association Watch | | |
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- Holiday sales lure travelers; 2009 could hold even more bargains
With holiday travel projected to drop 9% this year, according to the Air Transport Association, fare sales are starting to crop up everywhere. Many travel experts agree that the recession will continue to drive down the demand for air travel, and carriers will cut more capacity in the coming months. "All signs suggest that the schedule cuts prompted by high fuel prices in 2008 will deepen in 2009," ATA's chief economist predicted. Some travel experts say that this could mean more travel bargains available next year, especially on international flights, as carriers launch new routes and drop fuel surcharges. USA TODAY
(12/16), San Jose Mercury News (Calif.)/The Associated Press (free registration)
(12/15)
| U.S. Chamber News | | |
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Outlook 2009: The State of American Business
This event, held on Jan. 8, will set the stage for what the Chamber considers a top priority for 2009 in policy developments both inside and outside the Beltway. The program will begin with U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue's annual State of American Business address, laying out the Chamber's agenda for the year ahead. Following Donohue's address, key CEOs will comment on points from the address, such as the economic-stimulus package, energy policy, critical infrastructure reform and the automotive-rescue package. Register!
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Comparative Effectiveness: New Solutions to Address Complex Health Issues
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation will co-host an event with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Oregon Health and Science University on Jan. 15 to educate the public on the innovative and highly timely issue of comparative effectiveness. The rigidity of the current system does not encourage efficiency or reward positive outcomes, which include making treatments more affordable. Confirmed speakers include Dr. David Hickam, professor at Oregon Health and Science Industry; Mark McClellan, director of Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform at The Brookings Institution; and David Nexon, senior vice president of Advanced Medical Technology Association. Register here.
| U.S. Chamber Member Benefits | | |
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Salesgenie Mobile: New feature for U.S. Chamber members
Salesgenie.com® empowers U.S. Chamber members to spend more time with customers and less time in the office by providing quality sales leads. This information is accessible through Salesgenie Mobile for lead profiling and contact management, enabling sales prospecting any time. Save today! Call 866-453-7519 and provide your U.S. Chamber member ID.
| Editor's Note | | |
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Poll results: How successful are your organization's holiday efforts?
From last week's poll:- 37% said very! I look forward to the holiday festivities every year.
- 34% said I'd say they're par for the course.
- 29% said not very -- although I do appreciate their efforts.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Fighting about issues [from] 25 years ago robs our children of resources, which are already scarce."
--Arne Duncan,
President-elect Barack Obama's pick for Education Department secretary
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| | Recent U.S. Chamber SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, December 10, 2008
- Wednesday, December 03, 2008
- Wednesday, November 26, 2008
- Wednesday, November 19, 2008
- Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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