Johnson & Associates

In Our February Issue:

Fabulous Opportunities
Social Media:  Etiquette
Time Running Out!  – Kerrville (TX) Chamber
New Position Opportunity – Terrebonne (LA) EDA
Executive Recruitment Services
Another Anniversary – Another Partner
Time for a Leadership Tune-Up? 
Upcoming Events

If you're receiving this news brief for the first time, you're probably wondering who in the world is Johnson & Associates (J&A) and why am I receiving this information? We've been in operation since 1986 providing economic development, community development and executive search assistance on both a national and international level. Review our web site at www.jatoday.com and learn more about us and our products. And if you decide you don't want to receive any mailings ever again, just let us know and we'll remove your name immediately. But remember, if we remove your name, you won't be receiving notice of what may be the perfect position or program for you. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails, let us know which e-mail address you prefer we use. Keep Jatoday coming! Please add us to your address book or approved sender list.

Fabulous Opportunities!

J&A is happy to be bringing two great employment opportunities to you!  We are starting our 25th year with wonderful options for change! 

Whether you need a change yourself or whether your organization needs new leadership, J&A is your one-stop-shop for pre-hiring preparedness, getting your search committee organized, helping you find the perfect fit, and screening your applicants.  We are skilled at using our database and other resources to scout the country for just what your organization wants!

This month, we have one reminder about an outstanding opportunity about to close and a peek into a brand new one emerging! 

Thank you for your business and referrals!  We sincerely appreciate you!

Chloe Johnson

Chloe Johnson

Social Media: Etiquette

Have you ever read a post on a social media site that was boring, too much information or just plain inappropriate? Most people don’t realize that social media requires a bit of etiquette, especially when you use it for your business. Here are just a few tips to help make your social media platforms most effective.

First, this should go without saying but a professional business profile should always have grammar, punctuation and spelling. “Netspeak” or online abbreviations are hard to read if you are not used them and a business should communicate with full words and correct forms of writing.

Second, make sure that personal and professional relationships are not mixed too greatly. It is fine to enlist personal contacts to connect with your business profiles but to connect your business contacts on personal profiles can become messy.

Lastly, your posts, including status updates, links and photos should be between one and three times a day. Your online community has so much to read on these social media sites that you need your posts to leave them wanting more. If you post too much, it will end up like the boy who cried wolf. You need your readers to look forward to what your business has to say, not ignore it because they just read a post a couple of hours ago.

Don’t let your hard work go down the drain because of a lack of social media etiquette. Just remember to read over everything twice, maybe three times and if you have a question about what is appropriate, just ask!

Thanks to Emily Washburn for her ongoing contributions to J&A’s Newsletter series on Social Media!  Visit her at www.emilywashburn.net

President/CEO – Kerrville Area (TX) Chamber of Commerce

HURRY!  Deadline to Apply:  February 25th

J&A is proud to announce that we have been selected again to fill the position of the President/CEO for the Kerrville Area (TX) Chamber of Commerce.  We successfully filled this position 7 years ago and the board of directors has selected us again to fill it this time.  We sincerely appreciate repeat business from delighted customers like this one!

Position Description

Responsible for providing leadership, management, planning, funds development, reporting and coordination of all administrative operations, programming and activities of the Chamber. 

The Chamber

Kerrville…It’s All Right Here!

From humble beginnings in 1922, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce has been an active and integral part of business. With almost 90 years of history the legacy of leadership has forged the Chamber into the forefront of Hill Country organizations.

Whether the focus has been on tourism, transportation, industrial development or community development, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce has played an official role in the growth of Kerrville and Kerr County for almost 90 years. Membership in the chamber exceeds 1,000 members and continues to be a “must-have investment” for businesses looking to become involved in economic development for our region, building their business in Kerrville and Kerr County and much more.

Close Proximity to Major Metropolitan Area

Kerrville is located in Kerr County, Texas.  It is 100 miles west of Austin, 60 miles northwest of San Antonio on I-10, 300 miles southwest of Dallas, and 250 miles west of Houston. It is in the heart of the Texas ‘Hill Country’ with streams, rugged terrain and the rolling hills of the Guadalupe River Valley.

Year Round Climate for Outdoor Living

The weather in Kerrville is pleasant - year-round! Mid-summer highs go up to 95 while winter lows go as low as the teens. Spring and Fall both have more rain than Summer and Winter. In the Spring, hail and thunderstorms are common. The Summers are warm to hot, but the nights cool down. Fall comes with mild days and cool nights giving way to Winter usually in the middle of December. Cold spells come along, but rarely last more than a few days at a time. Early morning clouds are frequent, but burn off to sunshine by mid-day.

Cultural Activities

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is best known for its beautiful parks that line the Guadalupe River….which runs directly through the city, hunting ranches, and RV parks. It's also the home of Texas' Official State Arts & Crafts Fair, the Kerrville Folk Festival, the H-E-B grocery chain, Mooney Airplane Company, James Avery Craftsman, Schreiner University, the Museum of Western Art, and many other features.  The Texas Lions Camp and many regionally and nationally known boys and girls camps are also located in the Kerrville area.

Educational Opportunities Abound

Kerrville is served by the Kerrville Independent School District, which maintains four elementary schools (Tally, Nimitz, Starkey, and Daniels), two middle schools (BT Wilson 6th Grade Campus & Peterson Middle School), and Tivy High School, a 4A level school with a fairly new campus and great athletic facilities.  The current Superintendent was selected ‘Superintendent of the Year’ two years ago and the district is one of the highest rated in the state.  Our Lady of the Hills Regional Catholic High School is a highly rated parochial school and has recently moved into a new campus.

Kerrville is home to Schreiner University, a private university that was established in 1923 by an ex-Texas Ranger, Captain Charles Schreiner.  The school provides various undergraduate and graduate curriculums and will begin offering a BS in Nursing in the Fall of 2011.  U.S. News & World Report's ‘America's Best Colleges Guide’ consistently lists Schreiner University as one of the top regional liberal arts universities in the western U.S.   Schreiner University is also home to the Greystone Preparatory Academy that prepares selected students for admission to one of the five military service academies

Medical Facilities

Peterson Regional Medical Center was completed in April of 2008.  This beautiful new building complex sits on a 40 acre campus that includes an Ambulatory Care Center and state of the art physical therapy facilities.

The Organization

Mission

The objective of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce is to advance the economic base and enhance the quality of life of the Kerrville/Kerr County area.

Vision

To preserve the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Hill Country by encouraging responsible commerce and carefully managed growth, by promoting opportunities for all citizens, and by leaving a proud legacy for future generations.

The Position 

Work Environment Behavior Requirements
FREQUENT INTERACTION WITH OTHERS

• The position requires a strong "people orientation" versus a task orientation. The applicant will work in an environment with multiple interruptions on a continual basis while maintaining a friendly interface with others.

VERSATILITY

• The position calls for a high level of optimism and a "can do" orientation. It will require multiple talents and a willingness to adapt them to changing assignments as required.  The candidate must be a self-starter that needs little direction to complete the tasks at hand.

FREQUENT CHANGE

• The position requires a comfort level with ‘multi-tasking’.

Management Style and Personal Traits

The ideal candidate will be a confident, hands-on manager and team builder, who is entrepreneurial with a strong customer service orientation and having the following skills: 

• Be committed to providing high levels of service to the community.

• Be a tireless and hardworking champion for residents and local business owners, with a proven track record of getting things done.

• Be able to motivate staff to meet the expectations of the organization and community, hold them accountable, and at appropriate times, defend their actions.

• Feel comfortable with being visible in the community.

• Be creative while being a strategic problem solver who is able to develop ideas and implement them through teamwork and cooperation.

• Have excellent interpersonal/people skills and be able to listen and communicate effectively with visitors, citizens, elected officials, community stakeholders, directors, and staff.

• This person should also be respectful of other’s opinions, but not be afraid to express their own opinions in a tactful and appropriate manner.

• Be action-oriented and be able to mentor and develop staff to maintain a productive workforce.

• Be proactive in bringing issues to the Chairman, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors.

• Keep the Directors informed in a timely and accurate manner on issues as they come up.

• Provide professional recommendations and experience in helping the Chamber fulfill its Vision and Mission statements.

Essential Functions

• Communications

  • Oversight and development of all chamber communications:  newsletter, website, column, press releases, brochures, marketing pieces, and advertising.

  • Community Relations.

  • Member Relations and development of relationships with key members.

• Membership development and member services.

• Leadership.

• Program development and oversight.

• Funds development.

• Budget development and cash flow management.  

• Liaison to Chamber Board and Executive Committee including training.

• Oversight of building and grounds management.

• Development of Annual Report

• Staff Management and development,  including hiring of required staff, periodic coaching, and performance reviews.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Proven experience in management of staff, related personnel issues,  HR policies, and applicable labor law.

• Proven experience in all facets of Chamber of Commerce management.

• Experience in working with volunteer boards of directors, leadership training for said volunteers, and providing a basis for cooperation and goodwill within the organization.

• Planning and organizational skills.

• Strong command of written and verbal communication skills

• Self-starter with a high energy level Proven leadership skills.

• Creative thinker.

• Good working knowledge of computers and business and accounting software.

Education, Certifications and Experience

Prefer a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.  U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute training with the designation of IOM (Institute for Organization Management) is preferred.  Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) is a plus. At least 3 to 5 years Chamber management experience.  

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary:  Range of $70,000 - $80,000 + commensurate with experience

• Civic Club Membership

• Professional Organization Membership

• Health Insurance

• Continuing Education

• Retirement Program

• Relocation Assistance

Residency Requirements

• Must live within Kerr County once hired 

Helpful Links

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

City of Kerrville

Kerrville Economic Development Corporation

Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kerr County Government

Kerrville Main Street

Schreiner University

Kerrville Independent School District
 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates should submit cover letter, current resume with at least five work related references including contact information (name, address, phone, e-mail) by Friday, February 25, 2011.  Finalists will complete a thorough interview/background investigation process to include verification of all credentials, experience, DMV/criminal background check/investigation, drug screening, and credit history review/evaluation. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Submit resumes to: Johnson & Associates; c/o Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Search; 8308 Tecumseh Drive; Austin, TX  78753-5745 or Johnson@JAToday.com. Resume packages will be accepted until Friday, February 25, 201, or until the position is filled.  We strongly suggest that applicants submit a DVD presentation of their qualifications for the position. Semi-finalist will be interviewed using video conferencing technology.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT, PLEASE

NOTE THAT RESUMES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer.

New Position Opportunity!

J&A has just been hired by the Terrebonne (LA) Economic Development Authority to recruit their next President/CEO to Houma, Louisiana! 

In the coming days, we’ll send you the position announcement, which will include details of the position, the community, the compensation, and expectations.

We are so happy to be working with the fine folks in Houma and we think you’ll really be interested to see what they’re looking for.    Stay tuned . . . .

Executive Recruitment Services

No matter what type of professional your organization needs, you can trust J&A’s proven system, extensive relationships, and huge database to help you find just the right pool of candidates for your position. 

Start your year off on the right foot by calling us to see how affordable and how easy it is to get the ball rolling on finding you the perfect placement!  Don’t let another month go by without the right leadership!  

If you need new leadership, turn to us first!  Call, Email, Facebook, or Tweet J&A Today to learn more!  We’re happy to put you in touch with clients so you can talk to them directly about their experiences with us.  We want to earn your business! 

Even if you’re organization isn’t sure if you want to hire a recruitment firm like J&A, give us a call and let us tell you about the process and our resources.  No obligation necessary to learn the facts!  Call J&A Today!

Another Anniversary – Another Partner

We can’t believe it, but we have been partnering with Ted Szaniawski and the fine folks at HRGroup for 4 years now!   Ted and John Guettler have recently formed another partnership with Gayla Doucet and Marti Cizek to establish the TALENT DEVELOPMENT team™.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT team™ is focused on accelerating performance for EXCEPTIONAL Results. TDt’s highly experienced assessment and coaching professionals assist organizations with their most precious commodity – human capital.  Talented employees are high performers – and high performers seek opportunities to further develop their skills and effectiveness, either within the organization or elsewhere.  Retaining employees and maximizing their effectiveness must be on any organization’s priority list.  TALENT DEVELOPMENT team provides innovative resources - leading edge tools and processes - for organizations to identify, develop and retain their top talent.

J&A is partnering with TDt to bring clients like you a comprehensive menu of service to improve your leadership team and take it to new heights!  The following chapter was provided by TDt….

Time for a Leadership Tune-Up?

If you want to enhance your career . . .

focus on your own leadership performance!!

Even the finest automobiles need an occasional tune-up.  It’s not that they’re running badly --- in fact they may be running quite well.  The critical question is whether or not they will continue to perform at a high level in the future.  Without periodic road tests and diagnostic evaluations that analyze the current performance level of the vehicle --- and appropriate servicing --- there is no assurance that high performance levels will continue.

As a leader you are in the driver’s seat for your organization. Your team, your employees, processes and technology are the complex engine that runs the organization.  To ensure you are leading in a manner that guarantees superior performance in your current organization and enhances the likelihood of future success, how often do you calibrate your performance?  Ongoing superior performance cannot be taken for granted --- maybe it’s time to run some diagnostics and find out if your performance needs a tune-up! 

You may question that a personal leadership tune-up is necessary.  Consider the facts!  Our research indicates that approximately 40 percent of the workforce is disengaged.   Organizations routinely abandon 50 to 70 percent of key initiatives and strategies --- they don’t take hold or they fail to attain the desired results! (Strategic Speed, Harvard Business Press, 2010). Odds are that, even as an effective leader, your organization may be experiencing these same issues.

As a leader, you would be wise not to assume a smooth road ahead.  Develop a clear understanding of what is running optimally, as well as what you can and should do to enhance organizational performance by pursuing your own leadership excellence.

FOUR STEPS TO LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE:

I.   DIAGNOSE NEEDS

You probably know the saying:  “The minute you become a leader is the last minute you hear the truth.”  But as a Leader, you set the pace.  You drive your organization and you influence how your team and your employees --- the engine of your organization --- achieve optimal performance.

So how do you determine what needs fine-tuning?  The first step is to self-diagnose.  To begin, dedicate some thoughtful time to candidly ranking your current performance on these 10 key traits in our LEADERSHIP Index:  

RESPONSE SCALE for LEADERSHIP Index™

                                      Strongly          Disagree             Mostly                 Mostly             Agree                  Strongly

                                     Disagree                                    Disagree              Agree                                          Agree

                                  1                  2                  3                 4                 5                    6

                                                                                                                                                  Your Ranking

Compare your LEADERSHIP Index “Tune-up” Score:

60        Smooth Cruisn’ – no Tune-up required; whatever you’re doing, keep doing it!

50-59   Tune-up required – gets you there, but could run better.

40-49   Running Rough – inconsistent, call the repair shop.

30-39   Warning Light – diagnosis needed for trouble spots.

20-29   Breakdown – stalled, call for road-side assistance.

10 -19  Trade-in Suggested – are you driving the right car?

II.  IDENTIFY OBSTACLES

When you have your score, take an objective look at the roadblocks preventing you from accelerating your performance as a leader. Interestingly, leaders themselves often create their own roadblocks again and again.  How is this possible?  Leaders typically achieve promotions through successes in previous positions utilizing well-established behavioral patterns. It is only natural to continue what you’ve always been doing -- especially if it has worked well in the past.   It may not occur to you that indeed your LEADERSHIP STYLE may need an efficiency tune-up to produce increased results in today’s complex organization.

In order to identify “blind spots” you may have concerning your leadership style, consider asking members of your Team to rate you by responding to the same LEADERSHIP Index (above). Simply change the word “I” to “Our Leader” along with minor edits to each statement.  You may discover roadblocks you have overlooked. Discuss the results with your team members to gain additional insights.

III.   DEVELOP STRATEGIES

As a leader, you take care to drive with strategies that address opportunities and map the most efficient route.  But strategies are not the end of the road trip.  It is critically important that you prepare a realistic Action Plan reinforcing leadership strengths and addressing areas for improvement which, if not addressed, may put the brakes on your own optimal effectiveness.  Your personal action plan should include WHAT you commit to doing, WHY you are going to do it, WHEN you will do it, and your targeted EXPECTATIONS.

For example, commit to openly admitting to your own mistakes and agree that you will do this by encouraging honest dialogue which will lead you to corrective action. Your team must be explicitly told that calling you out is indeed acceptable!  The process may not be comfortable for you or for others, but if you’ve given your permission, you and your team can candidly address any detours ahead. You may be responsible for repeatedly creating your own roadblocks.  As you honestly seek to enhance your leadership effectiveness, roadway obstacles must be identified and removed.  

IV.   MEASURE RESULTS

“What gets measured gets done!”   An integral component of the Develop Strategies process is to define expectations. These expectations must be revisited and reviewed routinely in order to be relevant and compelling.  Map out when, where and how the results will be evaluated.  Some steps of the Action Plan may be best addressed at team meetings, some in one-on-one meetings, or even all-employee meetings.  Once commitments are set, drive toward them in order to measure success in reaching your destination. Failing to follow through on your Action Plan commitments will certainly steer you into the ditch!

THE ROAD AHEAD

Whether you are a leader in your organization, or aspiring to enhance your career, you contribute to driving your organization.  Even though the organization may be performing satisfactorily now, there is no assurance that it will continue to run smoothly and successfully in the constantly changing future environment. What high-achieving leaders have done so far in their careers to accelerate success may not be what is required tomorrow and in the future.  It may be time for a Leadership Tune-up to enhance your leadership performance and your career journey!

TDt is Ted Szaniawski, Gayla Doucet, John Guettler and Marti Cizek.

www.talentdevelopmentteam.com

This chapter will be in the soon-to-be-published book “101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career” by David Rankin

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Johnson & Associates

A Full Service Community Economic Development Provider.
We deal in futures . . . Yours!

8308 Tecumseh Drive, Austin, TX 78753
(512) 339-9000