Val Wright's Blog, page 5

The Disappointing, Ridiculous, And Fabulous Tale Of Three Car Dealerships

We bought a new car and it was far more painful than it needed to be. 

The Disappointing: We’ve had two Mercedes of various models for the last nine years but lately the service and after care just has been dismal. Each visit always resulted in having to return the car again as the problem hadn’t been resolved as promised… whether a knocking sound when turning a corner or the parking camera not working, it would go in to be fixed but it never quite worked out. A minor inconvenience once maybe but when it kept happening my patience wore thin. 

It wouldn’t have taken much for someone to pattern match in the service department and give us a call and acknowledge the issues and ask us what we planned to do with our two cars. But instead, radio silence. 

The ridiculous: When we decided to try a different manufacturer I couldn’t make this next story up. We needed a 7 seater and decided to take a look at the Kia version because of the size of the storage space. The car drove ok and we may have been tempted to buy one…but when we walked in the actual dealership that soon changed! It was like a scene from Wolf of Wall Street with a 99% all male staff sat at computers, excessively high giving each other and loud music blasting with the sales “guys” all hustling around a “deal desk” like they were on a Wall Street trading floor in the 1990s. . 

I had a strange feeling it wasn’t going to go well when our sales person incessantly was trying to get me to sit in the car again after I just got out, it took me saying no four times before he finally stopped asking!

But the strangest part was being handed a blank sheet of paper with four boxes on it where we were to write the price we wanted to pay for the car, how much we wanted for our trade in, how much cash we wanted to put down, and how much we wanted to pay a month —-I was speechless. 

When we were left to sit and wait while our sales person went and did a deal for us, I was convinced it was being wired out to make it look like he was negotiating for us. Needless to say I spent that time looking up Yelp reviews to see what other customers had to report and it wasn’t pretty so we decided to leave. 

As we were walking out we were hastily introduced to someone else who shook my husbands hand formally but then smiled and waved at me as a would to a three year old child! We couldn’t get out of there fast enough. 

Finally the fabulous:

Next up was the Audi dealership where, spoiler alert, we bought our next car. There was no fanfare, marching band, or unexpected amazing moments just good, simple, speedy service by a sales expert who just listened. To both of us equally. After the debacle that morning we were delighted to have someone talk factually to us. 

Complaints, mistakes, and failures are the best time to win a customer for life. Mercedes lost a near decade long customer this week but I’m not sure they really care. 

I’m curious how you show you care when you fail a customer. 

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/

The Brilliant Sign I Saw In Yosemite This Week

Have you ever said “yes of course” when secretly wondering how you would actually be able to make It happen?

Perhaps you are highly optimistic and want to impress those around you so “let’s do it” comes out of your mouth at the same time as your brain telling you that you are crazy to commit to it. That new product launch in record time, that off the charts customer request, that analysis and research that seems impossible…You are not alone in your willingness to overstate what is possible. 

When we arrived at our campsite in Yosemite National Park last week we were handed an information packet that included safety instructions for those wishing to recreate the Free Solo movie or for those hoping to conquer the famous Half Dome hiking trail. 

In addition to those tedious monotonous safety instructions about bears, the cold, and swimming in rivers, this brilliant notice caught my eye:

“Don’t let your brain write a check that your body cannot cash”

Now I know that checks ( or cheques) around the world might be diminishing in their use in favor of faster technical payment solutions… but the quote was just too good not to share!

I get it. ambition, bravado, group pressure, your own image of what you can achieve….can all cause you to have a heightened sense of what you can achieve whether you are deciding which hiking trail to take or which projects, initiatives, or additional work you decide to say yes to. 

But how do you know when your ambitions are realistic or just plain crazy?

This quote might be the ultimate test of how Thoughtfully Ruthless you are. Do you have the time, energy, and resources to make your goals happen?

What are you saying yes to that is tiring out your team or causing them to say yes because you haven’t figured out how to help them say no?

Do you feel the tension that you believe your company and team can achieve the equivalent of conquering a mountain like California’s Half Dome when your team might be dubious, doubtful, or downright scared?

… perhaps it’s time to ask them how they really feel about your aspirations? -truth telling isn’t easy when you have a boss with grand visions and ambitions!

Does your company have a culture that allows people to comfortably say “that isn’t possible and here is why…”

…maybe it is time to evaluate your plans and make sure your team are behind you, or feel free to tell you exactly what is possible. 

…perhaps you have underestimated your team. 

…perhaps your team doesn’t know what they can truly achieve

…perhaps there are new capabilities that you need to add

…perhaps there are people in your company that don’t understand WHY you think your company can achieve what you can see

…perhaps there are mismatched employees that aren’t in the right role for the future 

Perspective is a beautiful thing especially when you have just spent 5 days unplugged camping on the valley floor below ancient 3,000 ft rock formations millions of years old. 

If you ever get to stand at the base of mountains like El Capitan and see small dots on the cliff face of people camping on the side of the mountain. It shifts your perspective of what is truly possible. (Watch the movie Free Solo to get a glimpse!)

You just have to have those around you understand it and believe in it. 

You can’t brute-force belief. First comes understanding. So spend some time this week testing the understanding of your team. 

Can they see the same mountain as you and are they as equally excited at the prospect of conquering it?

Enjoy the journey. The views are spectacular.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/

How To Master Leading Your Team To Be Calm In A Storm

It is time to take the mic and grab the camera!

That is what I have told many executives this past week as I have spoken to them about the various storms they are living through.

Despite the WSJ reporting this weekend that the IPO market might be significantly weakened with only one third of companies completing an initial public offering compared to the same point last year that doesn’t mean storms aren’t brewing.

I am observing an unprecedented level of acquisitions, mergers, ruthless prioritization of investments, and big bold bets on innovative partnerships that are creating storms everywhere. 

Whether unexpected or predicted, the ability to weather the storm and remain calm is an art that everyone can learn. 

I call these storms tornadoes because of the various stages that require you to act differently. I created The Change Tornado to help leaders at all levels understand how they can help their teams remain calm regardless of what is thrown at them. 

Imagine the storm you are currently experiencing and ask yourself what phase are you in? - perhaps the eye of the storm where all is quiet while you freeze waiting for the devastation to hit. Or maybe one of the other five phases of the 

The five phases of the storm are:

decision

anticipation

devastation

freeze

devastation

rebuild.

Each phase requires an intentional approach, like playing chess you have to consider what might happen, how it might impact you and how you will react if it does. 

Playing the “what if” game with trusted advisors helps you remain calm and be ready for what might happen next. This is particularly useful during potential change of ownership or job moves. 

Always questioning what exactly you are optimizing for will help you make sure you are understanding how those around you are making decisions so you can question, contest, and debate alternatives. 

Most importantly… your people want to hear you and see you. So take the mic, grab the camera and point them in your direction to share what you want others to know. Otherwise the void will be filled with others stories which may or may not be true.

You can find out more in Chapter 4 of my latest book…

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au,  Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/

How To Shed What No Longer Helps Your Growth And Happiness

Do you have any idea how often a snake sheds its skin?

I was surprised to learn that it is once a month on average. This shedding, also known as ecdysis, is a process that can last between seven and fourteen days. The purpose for the ecdysis is so the snake can keep growing; their old skin doesn’t fit them, so they need to lose it to survive and get stronger.

We all need to shed what no longer serves us well to remain successful, I call this the Ecdysis Evolution. 👈 Click that link to see Featured in Chapter 11 of Words That Work: Communicate Your Purpose, Your Profit, and Your Performance, Kogan Page, January 2022

You can follow the diagram to go through your own evolution. (Drawing created by my 11 year old daughter Naomi and probably one of my most memorable diagrams that I use with executives!)

Click on the link above and then follow these four crucial stages of your Ecdysis Evolution.

Stage 1: Habits

Consider what habits currently do not serve you well and note them below the snake. Add new habits you want to incorporate above the snake, representing the new stronger you.

Stage 2: People

Next, comes my most unpopular but valuable advice:

“Which friends or colleagues (or bosses!) do you need to divorce?”

Without overthinking, debating, feeling guilty, or second guessing, write the names of any friends or colleagues in your life who are not serving you well, do not lift you up, or do not fill you with joy at the thought of spending time with them.

Above the snake, note friends or colleagues who you don’t spend enough time with—those who already have caused a smile on your face just by thinking of them and the energy they bring to you.

Stage 3: Commitments

Then reflect on all of your regular commitments—in your work life, whole life, social life, and charitable life—and note which you want to shed. Consider where you want to add new commitments that will help you fulfill your raison d’etre. This may take additional thought and time.

Stage 4: Priorities

Finally, note in the shed zone what your current default priorities have become. Because as work and life becomes more demanding, there is a natural order to what gets prioritized, even if it is the person or project with the loudest voice or the greatest risk. The opportunity is taking back control of what you prioritize so that you are intentional, or what I call being Thoughtfully Ruthless about what you focus on when. Now you can use your insights from your Ecdysis Evolution to make the changes you need.

You can find out more in Chapter 11 of my latest book…

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/

How To Quickly Tell If You Have The Best Cooperation Possible

It’s easy to notice when cooperation is failing, but can you describe precisely what it takes to create an environment where cooperation comes naturally?

I developed the Five Cooperation Foundations (Figure 3.1 from Chapter Three of Words That Work) as conversation starters for teams and companies that want to increase their cross-team results.

When a board chair of a technology company asked me if I could meet with a CEO and his executive team because they weren’t delivering their quarterly earnings results as expected for the third quarter in a row, he shared his concern that each member of the executive team seemed to be operating on their own, and that their strategy and implementation lacked cohesiveness. When I met with each of them, I asked them to score the Five Cooperation Foundations using the following scoring system:

Green—it is a consistent strength;

Yellow—there is room for improvement or greater consistency; and

Red—it is a concern that needs dedicated attention.

Five Cooperation Foundations

I feel confident everyone has my back.

I observe that across teams, functions, and locations, we are all working to common goals.

I have experienced that asking for help is acceptable and encouraged.

I have been part of successes that are jointly celebrated.

I have seen mistakes objectively deconstructed for lessons learned, not to attribute blame.

As they individually shared their color coding and answered what it would take to make each foundation a strength, there was a common reaction from all eight executives: they realized they had never had the conversation about how they worked together or how they wanted cooperation to occur in their company. They had discovered for themselves the power of taking time out to intentionally declare expectations of how they would communicate and cooperate. I share the results of their evaluation in Chapter Three of my latest book, Words That Work.

For the first ten readers who reply or DM me their results of their Cooperation Foundation Assessment I will provide you with insights and ideas customized just for you.

a quick reminder…

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning:

http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsle...

How Being Sensibly Selfish Will Actually Help You Support Everyone Else More

Wondering how you can help your team more? Support company initiatives? Be there for your family and friends? Contribute to other communities who are need your help?

First you have to be selfish. 

Many executives I talk to are still in limbo. Not quite fully back at the office, managing large teams through transitions, acquisitions, changing customer demands and I recommend to all of them to reset their selfish charter. 

I’ll admit it isn’t completely selfish. There is a sensible element to it, but one where you do put yourself first. 

Ask yourself…

- what you time, couple time, family time, friends time, alone time, silent time, self care time, do you need in your life right now. - 

This is what you can put in place that will boost your own energy levels so you can continue to support everyone else?

There is a chapter in my first book Thoughtfully Ruthless that covers in detail how to be Sensibly Selfish. 

Many of the executives I work with are responsible for billions of dollars of revenue and hundreds of employees. They have responsibilities to shareholders, board members, employees, their families and themselves. But that order needs to be reversed so the priority is YOU first. 

It’s time to press reboot on your commitments. 

…I’m writing this just before I am on my way out for dinner with three dear friends. The last two years I chose to drop some of these habits but now I’m ready to reintroduce my regular standing social engagements with people who make me laugh till my face hurts and always have my back.

a quick reminder…

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au,  Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/

The Surprisingly Way To Recover From A Shock Or Stress

I’ve told this stress relief trick many times on stage and this weekend I got to put it in practice for real when my new five month old puppy got bitten by a dog who wouldn’t let go. (He is fine)

When a deer encounters an attack or is hunted right afterwards they physically shake their body from head to tail. That shaking helps them recover from the shock of the situation. My therapist told me this several years ago and recommended that humans too can learn from the physical reset by rigorously shaking your body if you have experienced something stressful. I’ll admit after my skeptical giggles at the time it did make me think and have used it many times as parental advice with my three daughters and even with some executives who have all told me it is helpful.

Taking our new puppy Winston for a walk this morning with one of my 11 year old daughters, I didn’t expect to need to use it. We are still teaching him how to pass other dogs and have been quick to explain to dog owners that we have a puppy in training who is still learning to interact with other dogs. On our quiet neighborhood street, after asking permission and being reassured the larger dog was friendly, we quickly discovered it was not! Some mutually cautious sniffs quickly turned into the dog biting Winston on the back of the neck and not letting go! The owners didn’t know what to do, froze, and couldn’t stop their dog clinging onto Winston’s neck who was yelping and couldn’t get away.

Without thinking, I went behind the dog and used my thumbs to prize open his jaw to let go of Winston. I’ve no idea how, but there was no blood, and it didn’t break through his skin. After a trip to the emergency vet, he was given the all clear.

I’m not sure I would have been quite so prepared if the husband of one of my clients hadn’t done something similar last month when his dog got attacked. Unfortunately, he was more seriously hurt but his story came into my head in that minuscule -what do I do now?- moment.

Then we did what the deers do and shook it off.

Now I understand where the phrase “shake it off” comes from. These past two years has given much for us to emotionally carry and while I’m no therapist, I do love passing on small stories that might encourage others to pause, think, or even explore hiring a therapist too.

Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. If you want to learn more, there is a whole chapter dedicated to Learning To Love Your Emotions in my latest book:

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsle...

Don’t Miss Out on One of These Great Topics for Your Team

A trend I’ve been seeing across executives in the last few weeks is an unprecedented influx of requests for me to lead strategic retreats, host customer advisory councils, work with executive teams and boards, along with being interviewed on company podcasts and internal and external media outlets.

I didn’t want you to miss out on seeing some of these topics, so if you have an opportunity you want to discuss, let me know because my 2022 dates are filling up fast and I don’t want you to be disappointed if I am not available on the dates you request.

Below are some of my most popular topics executives are asking me to discuss with their teams right now.

Which of these topics would your company, event, or team benefit from the most?

Let me know and I can share how it can be customized in unusually creative and impactful ways.

The Ultimate Leapfrog Strategy for Growth

How to Successfully Lead During Times of Crisis

Why a Tornado of Change can catapult innovation.

The Innovation Trifecta® : How to create a symbiotic relationship between creative, technical, and business teams

How to benchmark your company using the Innovation Inventory Measurement assessment

How to Create a Truth Telling Company

I’ve got your back: creating cross function support that focuses on results

The Art of Giving Feedback That Actually Changes Something

How to Increase Your Executive Power Circle of Support

Putting Customers at the Heart of Your Company

Discovering Moonshot Ideas That Can Catapult Your Company

How to Define and Find Your Perfect Next Role

How to Influence and Communicate With Anyone

How to Speed Up Decision Making

The Crucial Role of the CEO for Rapid Growth

Building and Leading an Exemplary Board of Directors

The Power of No and Why You Need to Say it More

Why Being Sensibly Selfish Will Boost Your Personal Energy and Success

How to Immediately Galvanize Your Team for Maximum Results

The Thoughtfully Ruthless Guide to Rapid Growth

The Influence Bullseye: How to Rapidly Increase Your Power of Influence

How to Become Brilliant at Demonstrating Your Brilliance

How to Show Your Employees You Give A Damn

Finally, did you get your copy of my latest book yet? I’d love to hear your favorite parts.

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/

How to Use the Power of Amazing Music to Inspire Others

I time travelled during the Super Bowl half time show yesterday…

(I know, how could I not mention the Super Bowl living in LA after the Rams won?!)

Mary j Blige dominated my cassette player in my teenage years (yes I even had a bright yellow Sony Walkman!) and to hear her again on stage at the Super Bowl halftime show left me full of fabulous memories.

Music captures the heart and emotion of those around you and it isn’t played often enough at work or important moments!

While the excess and glamor of a Super Bowl game might call for a mid game concert honoring musical legends Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 cent and Mary J. Blige, you don’t have to go to such extremes.

You can reveal more of who you are by sharing your favorite music with your team.

You can liven up any meeting or event by incorporating curated playlists that have meaning and connection to what you are trying to achieve.

Vinyl records are peaking beyond 1992 levels of sales - which I put down to the increased understanding and value of nostalgia which evokes past memories through music.

..and if that doesn’t spark a desire to put on some tunes, music has been proven to boost productivity!

Want to learn more about the power of music? I cover more in my latest book…

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Five Strategies Leaders Need To Communicate Effectively With Their Staff

Think back to your last significant communication...

How did you feel as you started speaking?

Did you feel in control, confident of your lines and excited to share your message?

Or perhaps you were running between back-to-back meetings, hadn’t had time to clear your head or review your script?

Have you ever felt like a talk­ing head where you can’t connect to the words that are falling from your lips that someone else wrote for you and you are wondering exactly what you will say next?

Preparation is crucial. It needs to be done at a pace you are comfortable with. Some leaders like to write their own talking points and scripts then let someone else finesse and edit them. Others prefer to give a verbal download and let their communications guru craft the soundbites and stories. Others still prefer to be handed their full script and make minor edits.

Any of these scenarios can work if it is intentional. Your preparation will also depend on your confidence in your communications team and their ability to ‘get’ your voice and the voice of your company. This takes skill and ability to craft both the unique angle of the company while also infusing the leaders voice throughout.

The most crucial part of your preparation is blocking enough time in your calendar ahead of the event to allow for edits and revisions.

You can follow the Triple 30 rule for intentionally communicating at every level. If you follow these goals for each of the three 30s, you will calmly get your message across right before the event:

30 days prior: the purpose, audience, topics, and messages are clear.

30 hours prior: the details, logistics, and script are confirmed.

30 minutes prior: your free silent time to prepare.

This is the first of five strategies for communicating effectively with your team. You really need to... Prepare the precise words you will use.

The next four are in summary below and you can find the detail in my interview with the Association of MBAs Ambition Magazine here.

2 Create real and relevant content (a story of an executive getting a tattoo to get his message across on stage!)

3 Use the power of music (an idea you can use in your next meeting today)

4 Practice and refine your delivery (an uncomfortable tip you will love to hate)

5 Know where you are brilliant (a tool for you to evaluate where you are brilliant)

Had a chance to read my new book yet? I’d love to hear what your favorite part so far is!

Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca

Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/