Posts tagged northstar360
Dear Santa, What Our Business Really Needs This Year
Dec 16th
If St. Nick Could Solve Your Business Dilemmas, What Would You Ask for this Year?
Children from around the world are putting the final touches on their letters to Santa Claus. What if Santa granted your business wishes this year? Instead of a new fire truck, he delivered an engaged workforce? And instead of a dolly that opens her eyes; a plan for improving quality?
NorthStar360 wants to know, what would be in your organization’s letter to Santa Claus? What are your top business challenges as we head into 2014? Let us know in this 1-question survey. We’ll share the results in the January newsletter.
Click Here for this 1-Question Survey
Reservations Open for Oct. 22 Emotional and Social Intelligence Workshop
Sep 30th
FREE For Professionals Looking To Learn More About This Important Topic For Their Organizations Reserve Your Seat Now; Limited Space Available
Numerous studies confirm utilizing Emotional and Social Intelligence in the workplace results in an increase in productivity and efficiency, more engaged employees, more creative teams and more nimble management. But … what exactly is Emotional and Social Intelligence? Join us for a free Lunch and Learn Workshop on Tuesday, October 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Glenwoodie Golf Club in Glenwood, Ill. Expand your knowledge and pick up pointers for how to for how to incorporate them into your organization.
We hope that the time of this event is conducive to your workday, too. However, presenters will be available at the end of the workshop for folks who are interested in speaking more specifically about challenges their organization may be facing with employee and organizational development.
Please keep in mind that seating is limited for this event so please R.S.V.P. now by clicking here.
Manager/ Supervisor Training Nov. 13-14
Sep 30th
Back by popular demand, NorthStar360 will be offering another two-day training program to help frontline managers and supervisors manage more effectively on Nov. 13 & 14 at the Hampton Inn in Munster, Ind. Managers and supervisors of frontline employees have a significant impact on performance, in fact a larger impact than managers at any other level. These managers have a direct influence on things like employee performance, engagement, and retention. We tend to look to the top of organizations for direction and leadership, although frontline managers have the most impact on our employees!
“We offered this same program this past summer and people asked us when we would be doing it again. That told us that there’s a need for it,” said Rick Riddering, president of NorthStar360 Training & Development.
According to a recent Gallup poll, bad bosses are the number one reason why employees leave. Ineffective supervisors are costing organizations turnover and productivity. Gallup found that poorly managed workgroups are an average 50 percent less productive and 44 percent less profitable than well-managed groups. Is this a surprise?
“Often times, frontline managers have worked their way up the ranks because they were great employees. But, just because you’re really great at your job, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be a great manager. Managing requires a much different skill set,” explains Riddering.
This two-day seminar will teach managers just that – the skills essential to a manager’s (and the organization’s) success; skills that will improve productivity, employee engagement, retention, and profitability.
The training runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 & 14. Registration for the two-day session is $675 per person and includes all materials, customized action plan, two breakfasts and one lunch. There is a $75 early bird discount for those who register by Nov. 1st. To register online, please click here. Payment is not required at the time of registration.
Thon Joins NorthStar360 Team
Sep 5th
Long time NWI leader and educator Bill Thon and Dyer-based training and development company, NorthStar360, are proud to announce a strategic partnership.
Thon is no stranger to training and, in fact, spent more than eight years as the Executive Director of the Corporate College for Ivy Tech Community College/ Northwest. Additionally, he served 17 years in various Manufacturing, Human Resources and Training roles at Rieter Automotive. He’s eager to use this experience and know-how to help area businesses better their organization and achieve key business goals.
“I’m very proud of the work I’ve done throughout my career and I’m thrilled I can use my experience to help more businesses in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland with developing their employees. Working more intimately with organizations and helping them achieve results is exactly where I want to be,” explains Thon.
NorthStar360 helps businesses maximize their success through comprehensive hiring practices and in-depth employee development programs. The company customizes its training and tailors its development programs to meet the specific business goals of its clients.
“NorthStar360 is thrilled for this new partnership with Bill Thon. His knowledge and areas of expertise will be invaluable for our clients and for new clients. His expertise really supplements what we’re already doing so I can’t wait to see some of the new, great things we’ll be working on as a result of our partnership,” said Rick Riddering, president of NorthStar360.
Pre-Employment Assessments and Employee Development Boost Revenue, Confidence at Local Recycling Company
Jul 31st
Auto Recycling Magazine Features NorthStar360
“When it comes to businesses our size, you hear consultant and you think $60,000. Six months later, you’re broke and the consultant wasn’t much help,” describes Steve Dykstra, owner of Metro Recycling and Metro Auto.
NorthStar360 began a partnership with Griffith, Ind. based Metro Recycling and Metro Auto Recyclers last year. With humble beginnings, this family-owned recycling buy-back center and auto scrap service has achieved steady growth, carving out a very specialized niche in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. In Ind., the company also has locations in Valparaiso and Indianapolis in addition to its location in Blue Island, Ill.
But Dykstra wanted more. After much discussion and deliberation, the management team decided to bring in … that’s right, a consultant.
The consultant team worked with Dykstra to identify key business goals that were impeding growth. Susan Riddering, vice president for NorthStar360, explains that Employee Assessments are a smart first step for organizations. It helps them take a snapshot of where their company and employees are, and identify specific, measurable goals for the future.
The team agreed the employee assessments were the best first step. For Dykstra, the assessment process helped to accomplish two things: 1. Measure current employees’ strengths and areas for development and 2. Ensure new hires were a great fit for the position. Current employees have learned about their strengths and what they bring to Metro. For managers, skill gaps were identified and they attended concept-based workshops designed to bridge those specific gaps. After each seminar, managers worked with a business coach to talk about how they have implemented those new skills and concepts at Metro.
“The coaching requires follow-up and holds each person accountable. They have to think about what they learned and how to apply it day to day. It’s really a key component of the learning,” advocates Dykstra.
The pre-employment assessment is a useful tool for Metro as well and is now an integral part of the hiring process. When used in combination with the application and interview, the assessment helps identify candidates that are a good fit for a particular job.
“It is nice to have a tool that identifies candidates who are a good fit. It’s not just a gut-check anymore for us,” explains Dykstra. “The process also shows prospective candidates that our team is prepared and focused.”
Dykstra said the results for Metro have been business-changing, increasing employee productivity, retention and morale. Employees are happier and more fulfilled. “Our people see we’re trying to develop them so we can grow to new levels. We care about them, and we have created more credibility as a company,” he explained.
As for the bottom line, there are direct savings from decreased turn-over. “We all know turnover costs money; in searching for a candidate, training and day to day turmoil from having a vacant position,” said Dykstra. In addition, there are savings from indirect costs like productivity, retention and morale.
Metro owner Dykstra and CEO Neil Samahon are confident, the growth they have experienced would not have happened as seamlessly without hiring NorthStar360. “Two years ago I wouldn’t have wanted to grow to this extent. Now owners and upper management are ready. All the work we’ve done gives us the confidence to plan for growth,” cites Dykstra.
Dykstra admits; hiring a consultant can be scary because businesses associate it with a high cost. But for this family owned business, it was exactly what he needed to launch ahead, and Dykstra assures businesses there is a great return on investment. He recommends companies research area consultants. For Metro, NorthStar360 specializes in growing small to mid-size businesses with a niche for companies with 50-500 people, a perfect fit for Metro. “Rick and Susan at NorthStar360 are our experts,” said Dykstra.
Based in Dyer, Ind., NorthStar360 Business Solutions, LLC was founded to help businesses maximize their success through comprehensive hiring practices and in-depth employee development programs. The company customizes its training and tailors its development programs to meet the specific business goals of its clients. For more information on NorthStar360, please call (219) 864-1576 or visit www.northstar360.com.
Published in Automotive Recycling Magazine, March/ April 2013 issue. View article:
Supervisors Master the Management Essentials
Jul 31st
Managers from across Chicagoland attended NorthStar360’s Management Seminar last month held in Munster, Ind. The two-day seminar focused on key skills like self-awareness, management traits, and creating employee engagement. Well-trained, engaging managers have a positive impact and direct impact on things like employee performance, engagement, and retention… 50 percent more productive according to a recent Gallup poll!
The program included a hands-on experience for participants who could share and learn from one-another through case studies, activities and completing a personal plan of action. Utilizing real-life examples, supervisors can more fully implement their plan of action, contributing to a stronger and more successful organization.
“Investing in your new managers today is essential to build a strong organization for the future,” says Rick Riddering, president of NorthStar360. “Providing your managers the opportunity to participate in ongoing training will pay back your organization for years to come.”
Mastering the Management Essentials is one of many community business training events. To schedule an on-site seminar or customized program, please call (219) 864-1576 or visit www.northstar360.com
Training Planned for Managers and Supervisors-May 16-17, June 13-14
Apr 1st
Dyer-based NorthStar360 will be offering a training program to help frontline managers and supervisors manage more effectively. These training sessions are being offered May 16 & 17 in Glenwood, IL and June 13 & 14 in Munster, IN.
Managers and supervisors of frontline employees have a significant impact on performance, in fact a larger impact than managers at any other level. These managers have a direct impact on things like employee performance, engagement, and retention. We tend to look to the top of organizations for direction and leadership, although frontline managers have the most impact on our employees!
“Often times, frontline managers have worked their way up the ranks because they were great employees. But, just because you’re really great at your job, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be a great manager. Managing requires a much different skill set,” explains Rick Riddering, president of NorthStar360.
This 2-day seminar will teach managers just that – the skills essential to their (and your organization’s and your employees’) success; skills that will improve productivity, employee engagement, retention, and profitability.
“Investing in your new managers today is essential to build a strong organization for the future,” says Riddering. “Providing your managers the opportunity to attend this training session will pay back your organization for years to come.”
Participants may choose from the two sessions: May 16 & 17, located at Glenwoodie Country Club in Glenwood, IL or June 13 & 14 at the Hampton Inn in Munster, IN. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. Registration for the 2-day session is $695 per person and includes all materials, customized action plan, two breakfasts and one lunch. There is a $70 early bird discount for those who register by May 1st.
Complete registration information is available at www.northstar360.com/events, or contact NorthStar360 at (219) 864-1576 or email to info@northstar360.com.
NorthStar360 Connects with Acclaimed Training Leader and Author
Feb 28th
Founders of Dyer-based NorthStar360 Business Solutions Rick and Susan Riddering met with Dr. Roger Allen, co-founder of the Center for Organizational Design at the annual 360 Solutions learning conference earlier this month in Dallas, TX. The three served as presenters at the conference and met to discuss the latest trends and best practices in training and organizational development.
This meeting was extra special for Rick and Susan Riddering because NorthStar360’s training programs and workbooks were authored by Allen. Allen is a respected expert in the training industry, as well as an author, coach, teacher, and co-founder of the Center for Organizational Design, based in Denver, CO.
“We were thrilled to work with Dr. Allen when we launched NorthStar360. His materials have been used and proven successful with many Fortune 500 companies. We reviewed hard data showing rates of success. In addition, we share a similar philosophy of adult learning,” explains Susan Riddering, vice president and co-founder of NorthStar360.
Dr. Allen has been credited for the development of the Transformation Model, which NorthStar360 uses to help understand an organization and guide a strategy for success. The Model breaks down the complexity of an organization to eight key variables, including: environment, strategy, core process, structure, systems, culture, results, and leadership; that form a “big picture” of an organization. Realigning and adjusting these variables will result in major improvements in customer service, quality, efficiency, cycle time, profitability and satisfaction of employees.
“Utilizing the Transformational Model that Dr. Allen developed has allowed us to provide better training to organizations in Northwest Indiana. We are able to customize concepts and tools to fit each client and mirror the kind of results cited by Fortune 500 companies,” explains Rick Riddering, president of NorthStar360.
Employee Engagement: Part One of a Five Part Series
Feb 4th
Perhaps the companies of old were on to something; long live the life long employee. Employee engagement is not a new buzz word or an old adage that is being revisited. Simply stated it is an approach to business and employees that is producing exceptional results. Unfortunately, a recent Towers Watson survey indicated that nearly two–thirds of U.S. employees are not fully engaged in their work and are less productive as a result.
This initiative starts from the ground up as employees alone do not drive engagement. The entire organization, its managers and its employees comprise the level of engagement. For engagement to truly “work” employees must be happy and productive. That’s a tall order. Managers must communicate and lead their employees toward the goals of the organization.
Research has shown that managers do not feel communication is a job responsibility, but this is not the case. Contrarily, organizations and leaders must identify clear visions and goals. They need to spearhead and encourage the communication of this vision throughout the company. And, simply having a mission statement or employee program does not fulfill this requirement. Proper training, marketing and support are mandatory for engagement to thrive in any corporate culture.
To address the many needs of employee engagement, NorthStar360 has developed a hands-on, 5-pronged approach to addressing each of the involved aspects:
1. Developing the Plan
2. Crafting a Working Environment
3. Supporting Employee Development
4. Coaching Employees
5. Maintaining Engagement
In upcoming newsletters and blog posts, we will outline each step in additional detail, a how-to guide for employers if you will. These steps together develop a more engaged, productive, happy and committed employee (and supervisor!). Stay tuned and salivating for the March NorthStar360 newsletter. And if you just can’t wait, contact us today for a custom-designed program for your organization.
NorthStar360 Presents at Conference
Feb 4th
Rick and Susan Riddering, founders of NorthStar360 will present at the International 360 Solutions Learning Conference taking place in Dallas, Texas later this month. Rick and Susan will share their training best practices with other trainers and speakers. The session features some of 360 Solutions’ most successful strategic partners, including NorthStar360.
“We are honored to be asked to present again at this year’s conference. We can share our strengths and best practices with other trainers and collaboratively learn from them as well,” explains Susan. “And all of this translates to higher quality training for our clients.”
This conference welcomes participants from over 20 countries and across the U.S. to learn about the latest research in training and development and how to make training more impactful for business owners and their employees. Hot topics this year include assessments, sales training, and emotional intelligence.
Rick and Susan Riddering join an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Roger Allen, author, consultant, executive coach, and co-founder of The Center for Organizational Design, Chip Wilson, founder and CEO of 360 Solutions, and Kevin Berchelmann, president and CEO at Triangle Performance.