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 (source: Challenger, Gray & Christmas) (source: Booz & Co.) (source: the National Association of Corporate Directors)
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Welcome to the Tero International Monthly eZine
Oprah has championed the concept and several universities have programs for their students to exemplify it. What makes paying it forward so intriguing and so fulfilling? Does it work in business?
The concept was first described by Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 22, 1784: "I do not pretend to give such a sum; I only lend it to you. When you meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money."
Woody Hayes, legendary college football legendary coach used the term with one of his famous quotes, "You can never pay back; but you can always pay forward."
The term "pay it forward" was further popularized by Robert A. Heinlein in his book Between Planets, published in 1951: The banker reached into the folds of his gown, pulled out a single credit note. "But eat. Do me the honor of accepting this as our welcome to the newcomer.", "Uh, thanks! That's awfully kind of you. I'll pay it back, first chance."
"Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it." Heinlein practiced this philosophy and the Heinlein Society, a humanitarian organization that continues paying it forward, was founded in his name.
Can we have such an attention to humanitarianism in the office? Would we be doing a great deal by doing a little bit?
This month's eZine illustrates ways we "pay it forward" in business. The side bar shares some stats and facts about succession planning. Prior to changes in management and responsibilities, how can we "pay it forward" to our organization and the individuals working there every day? Good succession planning does that. Identifying leaders and strategic plans ensures that the hard work and effort someone is devoting today to their role will not be for naught. A good leadership development program and succession plan paves the way for continued prosperity and success, and allows for people to build the organization through their work every day.
Has anyone ever taken the time to introduce you to someone important for you to know? Did you appreciate it? The development activity focuses on the art of the introduction. We pay it forward whenever we take the time to help people extend their network by facilitating introductions. The beautiful thing is, they not only feel valued by us when we introduce them but they value us for doing it.
Paying it forward also happens when we recognize service that is good. This month's article gives us tips for tipping - whether you are in Des Moines or Dubai. Also check out the Q and A. Some tips for ways to go out of your way are found there, and the What's New Section announces some talented new interns at Tero this summer. Interns pay it forward in the work they do to learn and contribute to business on a short term basis, and we as employers and colleagues have an extraordinary opportunity to help them in ways we might hope someone will help our children, nieces, nephews, or friends starting out.
It is said the mathematician Paul Erdos at Harvard University met a promising math student on the verge of expulsion for inability to pay his tuition. Erdos paid the young man's tuition in full. Years later, the man offered to return the entire amount to Erdos, but Erdos insisted that the man rather find another student in his situation, and give the tuition to him.
Are there ways you can see yourself paying it forward this month? We would like to thank you in advance for your efforts, and for making a lot happen for others and your organization - from a little.
Source: Wickipedia, Paying It Forward
Ask Tero
This section contains questions asked of the training professionals at Tero. Do you have a question for Tero? Let us know! If there is a topic or question you would like to see addressed in a future eZine, please make suggestions so we can give you the resources you need. Thank you for the continued responses we receive each month.
Question: If the server at the restaurant provided poor service to my table, how should I tip?
Tero says: To tip or not to tip! If you are experiencing poor service, the best thing you can do is find a quiet place away from the table to respectfully address your server. Rather than expressing emotions, explain kindly what was wrong or insufficient, how you would have hoped to be served and the consequence to you and your party. This way the wait staff can process how the service affected you, image what your expectation was and realize the effect on your experience. It also will give you time to hear from them. Maybe they were having difficulty in the kitchen and it affected timing. Maybe there was an extenuating circumstance that influenced their service.
By handling the situation with a kind conversation, you help the server understand the problem in a way that can make a difference rather than just assign blame. I would err on the side of still leaving a tip, perhaps less than the customary 15-20%, but something, as wait staff wages are insufficient without tips. Even though things were not up to par, they still worked to serve the table.
Question: I recognize that my company should begin succession planning, but how do I get started?
Tero says: Succession planning is more than just having a plan in order to promote employees from within the company. Likewise, it is more than an employee development initiative. While both areas play a key role, successful succession planning begins with answering questions such as: What are the future needs of the business? What talent, skills, knowledge and abilities will the future leaders need? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing workforce?
It is also important to be prepared to address several typical challenges:
Do your homework. Network with professionals in organizations who have experience with succession planning. Engage the assistance of succession planning experts and leadership development professionals.
Feature Article - The "Tipping" Point
Whether we find ourselves digging into our wallet to find some single dollar bills to tip a porter, or doing the math on a receipt to calculate how much to leave our waiter, tipping is a part of everyday life. Not only customary in U.S., it signals gratitude to the one tipped for services rendered and is an opportunity for the tipper to communicate a level of graciousness and respect.
It is said tipping originated in the "penny university" coffeehouses in England. It originally meant "to insure promptness" and was a custom of giving a tip to encourage the server to get the drink to the customer promptly while it was hot.
Tipping hasn't always been popular in the U.S.
Professional Development Activity - Using the Art of the Introduction
Using the art of the introduction, you will not only connect people to others, but be remembered as a leader and an experienced networker.
Formally introduce three people
The rules of introducing in a business setting are simple. First decide in the situation who is the most important person. Say that person's name first.
Example: Carl Rogers, I would like to introduce TO YOU, and then say the other person's name.
The words "to you", in that order, keep the precedence intact. With regard to whose name to say first, dignitaries override everyone, and a client is always considered most important.
Formal introductions are a wonderful, but often forgotten, tool to use not only to connect people, but to convey you value them.
Resources
Leadership Development
Tero now accepts American Express and Discover cards
Pay It Forward Book and Movie
Magellans Travel Supplies
What's New at Tero
Welcome Tero Interns
Tero Student Scholarship Recipients Announced
Image and Influence: Polishing Your Professional Look
IMPACT - How To Speak Your Way To Success
Time Management Through Goal Setting
Selecting Top Performers: Recruiting and Interviewing
Click here to register for a public workshop Online Resources
Are you a graduate of a Tero workshop? Your feedback is important to us.
Click here to fill out an evaluation of how your Tero acquired knowledge has impacted your everyday work and life. This opportunity is available in each eZine or you can visit the Tero website at www.tero.com to give us your feedback.
Inspiration - Things to Think About
"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal."
"Be an opener of doors for such as come after thee."
"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."
The Tero International Monthly eZine is written for the graduates and friends of Tero training programs. It is published by Tero International, Inc., 1840 NW 118th Street, Suite 107, Des Moines, Iowa 50325. Copyright 2009, Tero International, Inc. All rights reserved.
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website www.tero.com
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