ABOUT 
O'HARA BUSINESS STRATEGIES!

O'Hara Business Strategies' mission is "to help clients strategically succeed". Strategically simply means keeping a focus on the key issues and trends facing your company, as well as the long-term success of your organization. Our website is:  https://oharabiz.com   .

O'Hara Business Strategies offers hundreds of POWERFUL, PROVEN AND PROPRIETARY STRATEGIES, SYSTEMS, AND SOLUTIONS to empower your business to become MORE profitable and "worthy of being franchised", as well as becoming the place to fulfill your dreams!

The late Stephen R. Covey, in his classic book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" captured the strategic mindset with his "Begin with the End in Mind" and "Put First Things First" habits. 

Daniel D. O'Hara and his network of associated professionals can help you make the right choices for your organization. Choices that sidestep the pitfalls and allow you to stride confidently forward. Choices that enhance the stability of your company and allow predictable progress toward your goals.

So, please check out this blog (just scroll down) for short articles on business topics & trends, informative internet links, classic quotes, recommended books, and information about O'Hara Business Strategies--the services offered, Daniel O'Hara's background, and more.

BENEFITS OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

Strategic management offers financial and non-financial benefits. It helps an organization's leadership plan with greater intelligence and wisdom.

The ancient Hebrew king Solomon, famous for his God-given wisdom, noted in Proverbs 24:3-4, "Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

SWOT ANALYSIS... One of the classic tools illustrating the wisdom of strategic management is the SWOT Analysis, which considers internal organizational strengths and weaknesses in light of the environment's threats and opportunities to develop strategies for success.

The SWOT Analysis helps management discern and choose the most advantageous strategic choices customized for a company's situation.  It may seem a straightforward exercise to some but a SWOT Analysis requires candor, bold integrity, knowledge and awareness, discernment, and proven business experience and savvy to identify key internal and external factors, as well as prioritize them effectively. Call on O'Hara Business Strategies (and check out our website at oharabiz.com for more information).

OTHER BENEFITS... Strategic plan also offers some or all of the following financial and non-financial benefits:

• Clear direction. Strategic management sets a direction for an organization and clarifies its mission, helping to reach goals and prioritize resources wisely!
• Operational improvement and cost savings. Efficiency and effectiveness often result from the focus and optimized use of resources realized from wise planning.
• Increased profits. Various researchers have shown this link which comes from the competitive advantage and differentiation often achieved from strategic management.
• Improved, faster and more effective decision making.
• More motivated and inspired employees.

STRATEGY THROUGH HISTORY...

    In the complex world of the 21st Century, strategy in business is crucial but it has been happening throughout history.

   In 216 B.C., Hannibal led the Carthaginians across the Alps, to victory in battle against a numerically superior Roman army by using the natural forces of the terrain to defeat the Romans, who were packed so densely that they could not use their weapons effectively and having their retreat cut off, were slaughtered.

   And, in another ancient example of strategy, the God-given strength of Samson, further empowered by the "...the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him..." and Samson "...killed a thousand men with it", with the jawbone of a donkey he killed a thousand Philistines who were the threat to Israel in that day. 

CONCLUSION... Unlike once-and-done strategic plans, effective strategic management requires continuous planning, monitoring and testing of an organization's processes and resource utilization. The bottom line is, strategic management allows an organization to be pro-active, initiating and influencing rather than reacting and responding to its environment.

SOURCES:

1) "Concepts of Strategic Management", 2nd Edition, pgs. 27, 58-61, and pg.85, by Fred R. David.

2) "Strategic Management, A Competitive Advantage Approach, Concepts & Cases", 16th Edition, pgs. 8, 16-17 and pg. 25, by Fred R. David and Forest R. David.

3) Judges 15:14-17 and Proverbs 24:3-4 from the New King James Bible.

4) Photos used from Pinterest according to the Fair Use Rules of the U.S. Copyright Law in this article and throughout this blog.

WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR BEST TALENT TO QUIT YOUR COMPANY?

In today's competitive business landscape, retaining talent is more crucial than ever. Yet, many companies find themselves grappling with high employee turnover rates, perhaps considering it to be a normal condition. The reasons behind these departures are often complex, but one key factor stands out: management problems! Understanding why employees leave can help executives create a more supportive and engaging work environment.

Imagine Sarah, a talented marketing executive who once thrived in her role. Initially, she felt energized by her work, but over time, the excitement faded. Her manager, overwhelmed with their own responsibilities, frequently overlooked Sarah's contributions. This lack of recognition left her feeling undervalued, ultimately leading her to seek opportunities elsewhere. Sarah's story is not unique; it's a common narrative that echoes in workplaces across various industries.

LACK OF SUPPORT...  One of the most significant reasons employees quit is the absence of support from their managers. Employees need guidance, feedback, and resources to succeed. When managers fail to provide this support, it can lead to frustration and disengagement. Consider John, a software developer who struggled with a challenging project. Instead of receiving the mentorship he needed, he was met with indifference. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, John decided to leave for a company that prioritized employee development.

UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS...  Executives and managers may rationalize that employees were given training during the on-boarding process or that staff should research the answers on their own! However, training is often not complete- not addressing the very real "minefields" that are a part of many positions that are not addressed in formal training programs! Also, unrealistic time pressures on employees may mean research on many issues at one time is not realistic, especially when many issues require judgment calls that are not readily researchable. Consider the corporation that make customer service and empathy to be key Core Values within the company but recognizes there may be times that employees need to be able to disengage from a difficult, abusive, or threatening customer...the question then becomes, "Where do you draw the line?" and will an employee be second-guessed, browbeaten, or disciplined if he doesn't read his manager's mind correctly?

POOR COMMUNICATION... Communication is the lifeblood of any organization. When communication falters, misunderstandings can arise, leading to a toxic work environment. Employees crave transparency and clarity from their leaders. Take the case of Emily, a sales representative who felt blindsided by sudden changes in company policy. Without adequate communication, she felt insecure about her role and ultimately chose to resign.

INADEQUATE RECOGNITION... Recognition is vital for employee morale. When achievements go unnoticed, employees may feel that their hard work is in vain. For instance, consider Mark, a dedicated team member who consistently exceeded his targets. Despite his efforts, his manager rarely acknowledged his contributions. Over time, Mark's motivation waned, and he left for a role where his successes would be celebrated.

FOSTERING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT... As company executives, it’s essential to recognize the impact of management style on employee retention. Creating a culture of support, open communication, and recognition can significantly reduce turnover rates. Implementing regular check-ins, providing professional development opportunities, and celebrating team successes can foster a more engaged workforce.

CALL TO ACTION
If you’re a company executive, take a moment to reflect on your management practices. Are you providing the support your employees need? Do you have unrealistic expectations. Are you communicating effectively? Are you recognizing their hard work? It’s time to reassess and take action. By addressing these management problems, you can create a thriving workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to stay.

Let’s build a better workplace together. Contact O'Hara Business Strategies (and check out our website at oharabiz.com ) to learn more about effective management strategies and how to retain your best talent today! 

DDOa