Harness Discretionary Effort and Create a Sense of Urgency
August 3, 2017
Hosted by Larry Sternberg, J.D. and Kim Turnage, Ph.D.
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Discretionary effort is now a new concept; but today it may be more commonly seen as “going the extra mile.” Discretionary effort is the level of effort you are capable of giving to a task beyond minimum requirements, and its impact on the end result can be fairly impressive. Everyone has a reservoir of discretionary effort at their disposal each and every day, and tapping into it improves quality, productivity and job satisfaction. So, how do you as a manager tap into your employee’s discretionary effort? Larry Sternberg and Kim Turnage have the answers in this week’s episode of “Managing to Make a Difference.” They will also explore creating a sense of urgency in your employees. After all, once you tap into someone’s reservoir of energy, how do you inspire them to take immediate action? Most individuals are already working with a sense of urgency, it is simply your job as a manager to point that urgency in the direction you want them to take.
Managing to Make a Difference
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Business Channel
As a manager, do you want to make a significant, positive difference in your employees’ lives? If so, this program is for you. Based on their upcoming book, "Managing to Make a Difference," Larry Sternberg, J.D. and Kim Turnage, Ph.D., discuss principles and practices supported by both research and experience, providing you with practical ways to apply the lessons and learn from your own experience. Join Larry and Kim every week for dynamic and thought-provoking conversation that will help you take action to grow as a manager and leader.
Larry Sternberg, J.D. and Kim Turnage, Ph.D.
Having been with Talent Plus(r) since 1999, Sternberg has served in a variety of capacities beginning as a management consultant and in-depth analyst. He has held leadership positions as chair of management consulting, leadership consulting and client engagement, and most recently president. He is now a Talent Plus Fellow performing duties as an oft-requested speaker and consultant.
Sternberg has been instrumental in helping clients build Talent-Based Organizations. He has designed and conducted training programs on a variety of topics for thousands of executives and managers and has served as a facilitator for numerous organizations to articulate their mission, vision and values. His areas of expertise include selection, training and development, employee engagement, empowerment, self-directed work teams, strengths management, mentoring and leading change.
A longtime champion of Talent Plus, Sternberg utilized The Science of Talent(r) in his roles prior to joining Talent Plus as vice president of human resources with The Portman Hotel Company and as a general manager with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. He pioneered self-directed work teams, achieving remarkable improvements in financial results, guest satisfaction and employee satisfaction. Sternberg holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Hamilton College, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.
Kim Turnage has spent her career figuring out where people naturally excel and connecting them with opportunities to stretch those talents. She first joined Talent Plus ® in 1997 as a Senior Research Analyst and Leadership Consultant. At that time, she directed research, statistical analysis and reporting of results, including the design, initial validation and ongoing validation of selection instruments. She also consulted with clients to develop and implement measurement strategies to help them understand the impact of talent-based selection and strengths-based management on their business outcomes.
She now serves as a Senior Leadership Consultant at Talent Plus. In this capacity, she works with client partners in the selection, development and retention of top leadership talent, including succession planning. She has consulted with global clients including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), Harman Management Corporation, the United States Air Force and Gensler.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Kim earned a B.A. (1990) in English and Psychology, an M.S. (1994) in Psychology, and a Ph.D. (1997) in Experimental Psychology. She was a Presidential Fellow in 1997. During her time as a graduate student and later as an adjunct faculty member, she taught undergraduate courses in Research Methods and Data Analysis, Perception, Cognition and Introductory Psychology.
