It is possible for purpose and profit to coexist, but there must be intention. The Business Roundtable, a group of almost 200 CEOs of the largest U.S. corporations, recently issued a statement that fundamentally redefined the purpose of a corporation. It suggests that a new social contract is being struck between corporations and society. “for the benefit of all … [Read more...]
Bill Gates answers, “What should we never forget?”
Niklas Göke comments about watching the new 3-part documentary about Bill Gates on Netflix < link >. The interviewer asks question after question of Gates who answers directly and honestly. He was asked the question, “What was the worst day in your life?” The answer? “The day my mother died.” Göke shares the following: No matter who you are in this world, no … [Read more...]
The real meaning of customer-centricity and how to develop it (includes video)
Like a well-written elevator speech, Denise Lee Yohn discusses how to implement a customer-centric operating model. She promotes cultivating a culture that embraces a customer-focused mindset and values. Beyond “a customer is always right,” customer centricity is about identifying your most valuable customers and then organizing and operating around them. Source: SmartBrief, … [Read more...]
Realistically unplugging
Rashan Dixon, a senior business systems analyst at Microsoft, says being plugged in at all hours comes with a cost. Our addiction to technology can be so overwhelming that it jeopardizes everything from our health to our relationships, even our careers and businesses. He shares five reasons he distanced himself from technology: Tech increased the amount of stress and … [Read more...]
Teach new technology to older employees
Older workers shouldn’t be dismissed because they lack tech savvy. They need to be educated to become tech savvy which allows them to simultaneously exploit the knowledge of experiences and new skills. Baby boomers may be reluctant to dive into digital tools. But they should be encouraged, because they still have so much to offer.” Nick Candito Source: Entrepreneur, July 12, … [Read more...]
Mess up . . . fess up. Avoid shifting blame.
In a recent SmartPulse poll, 32 percent of respondents admitted to blame shifting in the face of an error. The author offers advice about taking responsibility. None of us likes to make mistakes let alone claim responsibility for them. Source: SmartBrief, June 11, 2019. Link. Many mistakes have multiple parties contributing. No one wants to take the blame for someone else’s … [Read more...]
10 tips for improving your remote conversations
John R. Stoker discusses the challenges of remote workers. What he shares also applies to remote discussions with customers. Because we are not working with these people in a face-to-face environment, we are forced to communicate by text, email, phone, internet or teleconference. The most challenging types of communication occur without being able to either see the person … [Read more...]
Opinion – Getting work done while dealing with being human, part 3
Our VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) world frequently makes it hard to choose between our work and personal life. Beyond balance issues are human factors that challenge our humanity. In this third installment, the articles deal with purpose and time. Putting my purpose to work for me now, SmartBrief, May 31, 2019. Link. Being armed with purpose makes us … [Read more...]
It’s spring. Clear the clutter.
“When our space is a mess, so are we,” writes Libby Sander. Her research and that of others has shown that our physical environments significantly influence our cognition, emotions and behavior, affecting our decision-making and relationships with others. Cluttered spaces can have negative effects on our stress and anxiety levels, as well as our ability to focus, our eating … [Read more...]
Plan B when your presentation goes awry (includes video)
You’ve done the work, gotten the speaking gig or the appointment and zap – your technology fails. Whether it’s a bad internet connection, the streaming portion in the PowerPoint stops or your Windows slides don’t play on the old Mac, it is time to implement plan B. It happens to nearly all of us at some point. See how Steve Jobs handled a malfunctioning clicker in the video … [Read more...]
If it was your money, would you spend it like that?
Mike Figliuolo shares a summary of a survey about employee stewardship of resources. Twenty percent of respondents have issues with people being good stewards of their organization’s resources. A culture of waste can have a tremendous negative impact over time. Source: SmartBrief, October 9, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider making this a topic to discuss at the next staff … [Read more...]
5 mindsets that contribute to poor results
John R. Stoker discusses five specific mindsets may cause you and others to behave in unproductive ways that diminish results and stifle your ability to work well with others: To be right, not wrong To be respected, not disrespected To be in control, not out of control To be appreciated, not unappreciated To be safe, not unsafe Source: SmartBrief, April 30, … [Read more...]
It’s up to you to create a civil workplace
According to Georgetown University researcher Christine Porath, more than 40 percent of employees say they hesitate to show civility at work because they fear people will take advantage of them. The workplace, with its reliance on technology as a primary means for communication, increasingly distances us from face-to-face interactions. This, in turn, makes many of us a rusty on … [Read more...]
Reboarding existing employees
Robert David makes a strong case for continuous boarding of new and current employees. He discusses the ways technology has changed how we work, but also how employees approach their work and careers. Source: SmartBrief, July 31, 2017. Organizational effectiveness initiatives should be geared toward continuous onboarding of employees, and this is especially the case for … [Read more...]
Gain more experience in less time
We all recognize the importance of job and life experience. Yet, for many new leaders, experience can be hard to come by. Naphtali Hoff shares ways to shorten the normal timeline of gaining experience in today’s fast moving employment and leadership environments: Go for training Volunteer Find a mentor/peer group Read/watch leadership experts Reflect and take … [Read more...]
Great leaders focus on one important thing
We preface our comments reminding animal health pros that in any given interaction any one of us may be the leader. Results come from great teams, and great teams start with a strong coalition. If you know relationships could be your key to getting ahead, but you’re struggling to get them right, read what Joel Garfinkle shares about how coalition building can help you succeed … [Read more...]
All of us need to be in sales (video)
Sales is that five-letter word no one wants to mention. But, John Baldoni makes a case for everyone to consider sales as a reflection of you, your work and your commitment to customers. Source: SmartBrief, July 14, 2017. Re-framing sales then means re-thinking what you do. Very basically, consider sales as everything you do for a client -- service, execution, follow up and … [Read more...]
Brain science shows time management can help you succeed
Time management is more than just work-life balance. The way you successfully manage your time is less about a packed schedule and more about a clear and organized mind. Learn what brain science says about how to manage your time so you can be more successful: Manage your time by prioritizing information to make better decisions Manage your time by being wise in how you … [Read more...]
Being bold and making tough decisions
LaRae Quy was an FBI undercover and counterintelligence agent for 24 years. She is the author of “Secrets of a Strong Mind” and “Mental Toughness for Women Leaders: 52 Tips To Recognize and Utilize Your Greatest Strengths.” She says, “It’s no secret that business and life are not as simple as they were, either. Executives, business owners and entrepreneurs need to take a bold … [Read more...]