Janet Fouts's Blog, page 14

Maria Ross The Empathy Edge on #MindfulSocial

Empathy in the workplace? What do we need that for? Ummmm. Everything silly.

When we have empathy for our customers we deliver better service. When we show empathy to our co-workers or our employees we can put ourselves in their shoes and better understand the dynamics of any situation.

Maria Ross shows us how every business should be embracing empathy and compassion to understand what’s really going on with our customers, our team, and our competitors.

In her new book; The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success Maria helps us see what makes people successful is not just the most intelligent person in the room, Not necessarily the best concepts,  but the teams who have the best soft skills, the best collaboration, empathy and how we are starting to see more data and proof that soft skills really do make a huge difference in how success happens. Want to hear more about that? Listen up to the podcast. Then go get the book!

Listen to the Podcast!

About Maria Ross

Maria Ross, the founder of brand consultancy Red Slice, believes cash flow, creativity and compassion are not mutually exclusive. Maria has authored multiple books, including  The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success. Maria understands the power of empathy on the brand and personal levels: In 2008, shortly after launching her business, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed her and inspired her memoir, Rebooting My Brain. She has spoken to audiences ranging from The New York Times to BlogHer and has written for numerous media outlets, including Entrepreneur.com.

Find Maria on her website and social media:

LinkedIn
Twitter 
Facebook
Instagram

 

Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation Workshop

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” –Sun Tzu

The word negotiation often implies there are a winner and a loser. If we don’t win, then we lose. But why is there a negotiation in the first place? Is the intent to co-create relationships and workable outcomes for all involved?

In a perfect world, we can look at negotiations as more than a one-off situation, but a way to build lasting relationships that are for the betterment of all. In most negotiations there is the hope of a future relationship or transaction. A realtor negotiating with another realtor in the same city knows that at some point they may meet again over another transaction right?

How do you want to be perceived at the next negotiation and the next?

Great negotiators know that leaving the table with all parties satisfied is the best-case scenario. If not completely satisfied but feeling safe, heard, recognized and respected they will come back for the next transaction as well as relate to others that you were tough yet fair.

The mindset we bring to the table is crucial. What we expect to see from the other side is what we are most likely to get, but if we come with an open mind and set our pre-suppositions aside it might be something completely different.

Join Janet for a 2-hour deep-dive workshop on emotionally intelligent negotiation. Learn emotional intelligence skills to:

Build rapport at the bargaining table
Have better self-regulation
Be prepared to respond, not react
Reduce stress on both sides with clear communication
Pick up non-verbal cues more quickly
Resolve disputes with skill
Handle interpersonal engagement with grace
Build referrals and lasting relationships

This workshop will be held in Downtown San Jose at 18 S Second St.October 14, 10 AM- 12 PM PT.

What’s your social listening strategy?

Let’s face it, most of us make purchase decisions emotionally, rather than logically. However, the trend in marketing is focused on big data, filtered and sifted, often to get the results that validate our company and products rather than to divine what the customer wants.

For decades brands have focused on selling the product on hand rather than identifying and filling the needs of the consumer first.  We see an opportunity and attempt to fill it, safe in our own little vacuum. We think we’ve got the best possible answer to the problem so we don’t need any advice, thank you very much.

We’ve used a variety of research tools to understand the problem and the solution by gathering data based on our goals and the “answer” we want to hear that validates our own decisions, and the existence of the product. Then we complain that consumers appear to say one thing in that research and do another. We did the research, so why aren’t they buying? Why are consumers so unpredictable?

It’s how we are listening (or not listening).

Scraping the web, surveys, competitive research, all give us loads of data, but is it the right data, and how do we parse that data for the truth?

Data from research tools like these are particularly flawed. Why? Because they are based on the expectation that people make rational decisions based on facts.

People may see the logic in choosing product A. over product B. when presented with only product highlights and specifications, analysis and data.

BUT when the buying decision actually occurs, we are likely to choose product A because it is RED and red makes us feel good.

Perhaps we associate with a friend whom we respect who said that SHE liked this particular product.

Maybe we have loyalty to a specific brand because of a particular memory association. These are not the most logical decisions, but they “feel right”. We “feel it in our gut”.

Analysis paralysis

Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio studied individuals in the 1990’s who had specific brain lesions that limited their ability to connect emotionally. Damasio found participants were unable to make good decisions because they didn’t feel emotions connected to their choices. They could reason, based on the data, but lacked the “feeling” about the data necessary to come to a decision.

Understanding how emotion comes into play in buying decisions can be extremely useful when listening on social media sites. Rather than making decisions based on parsing the big data, we can listen in on conversations about our product, our competitors’ products, and the needs of the consumer.

Gathering information this way is slower, and requires a level of engagement that most brands eschew because it takes a lot of resources to do it well. It’s not entirely accurate to use tools that judge sentiment as a data point either. For example, we may say, “Oh I hate it when it’s easy to win”. Do we hate winning? Nah, we’re being facetious. Sentiment analysis may add some context, but in general, we are guessing when we build predictive models based on social media data sets.

Still, I will say that social media is ever so much better a resource than using focus group scenarios. Why? because people know they are being watched in a focus group. In many cases, the demographics of the people who regularly do focus groups is fairly homogenous. People who like to take surveys sign up to take surveys, but is that really your actual market? Social media users are a much bigger pool to draw from.

Listening mindfully

All of this is to say that data is not enough to base your social media marketing on. You’ve got to back it up with real conversations with real people.

Listening for those who have questions that can help you learn.
Listening to a wide range of conversations on social media gives you a perception of what people really think, unfiltered and, generally, unguided.
Be a fly on the wall without an agenda to change the conversation.
Ask questions to find out more without trying to sell ANYTHING.
Be generous, curious, helpful.

When I teach mindful listening to a group we’ll spend some time in pairs taking turns describing a personal perspective or situation. Each person has a turn to speak and a turn to listen, both without judgment or advice. You’d be amazed the trust that develops simply by listening and being heard in turn.

Let’s try that with our prospective markets, shall we?

 

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

Losing the stress in the hospitality biz

Nobody who has ever worked in the hospitality industry is oblivious to the stress and fatigue that comes with the territory. Long hours on our feet, demanding and challenging work situations can add up to sleepless nights and wondering why we do this!

It’s common to turn to maladaptive behaviors like drugs, alcohol, overloading on late-night video games and simply not practicing self-care. But it doesn’t have to be like this. When we bring the tools of emotional intelligence and mindfulness into the mix we can get off the treadmill and take care of ourselves better.

About this class

The idea with this class is to bring my knowledge of working in the trenches and the weeds and combine it with tools to help us be more resilient, better communicators and team members. With a little sleep and some self-care we are all better humans aren’t we? Let me show you.

This isn’t the usual webinar where I show you a bunch of slides and you read your email. It’s on Zoom so there will be plenty of opportunities for real discussion and getting your questions answered. You’ll leave with real skills you can take with you to reduce stress and improve your relationships at work and at home!

Why me?

I’ve worked in hospitality since I was a kid, helping guests at my parent’s resort. Since then I’ve worked in pretty much every position in foodservice, from busser and dishwasher to waiter, bartender, pantry, pastry, sous chef and restaurant manager.

I loved those days but moved into tech with an award-winning community for people working in the business. Since then I’ve been trained in the art of coaching people on how to practice self-care with mindfulness and emotional intelligence. I’m also a best-selling author, speaker, facilitator, and mindfulness coach.

The class will be held online through Zoom, October 7 and 3 PM PT.

C’mon, sign up and let me show you how easy it is to get a fresh perspective on work and life.

You can view it on any internet device, from your smart-phone to a desktop. There will be a recording available, but it’s better if you can be there and bring your questions.

Sign up below for all the info.

 

Working with Emotional Triggers #nearlymindful

Emotional triggers happen to us all day, every day. A trigger can be pretty much any topic that makes us feel strongly, whether that’s negative or positive.

They can be a memory, a conversation, or simply a feeling that we respond to in a certain way. Triggers can spark joy, happiness, frustration, fear, sadness, anger, and a host of other responses. Some good, some not so good.

An example of a positive trigger might be the sound of someone laughing which causes you to smile.

An example of a negative trigger might be the sound of someone laughing and it reminds you of an instance when someone laughed at a mistake you made, and that causes you to feel sad, hurt, or angry.

Both are triggering events with opposite responses.

When triggers become a problem is when they keep us from being productive and happy in the world, and missing out of living up to our purpose in life.  We can use emotional intelligence to recognize and manage emotional triggers more skillfully.

This e-book will help you understand the emotional triggers that cause you to react in ways that don’t serve you, keep you small and prevent you from being your best.  We’ve provided the tools to change how you respond to them.

Get the e-book now by subscribing to the Nearly Mindful newsletter below. I’ll be sharing tips to use a mindful approach to emotional intelligence to be happier and more balanced at home and at work.

Relationships first – #MindfulSocial with @BryanKramer

On the show this week is Bryan Kramer. We’ve been friends for years, and seen the changes in social media marketing from what used to be seen as a marketing tool to people actually want to communicate with each other, and how moving from the hustle of a marketing agency has changed his outlook on work and life.

Bryan speaks frankly about what it’s like to go from the hectic world of the hustle and chase of running a digital marketing agency of 17 years that was really just not healthy.

 

He took a scary yet freeing leap of faith to a new model of working that brings him to a happier, more joyful place working with individual leaders as a full-time coach.

Now, with a new perspective on the potential for leaders to enact change, he’s thinking about how we leaders can create trust with our listeners and readers in the age of automation and AI.

We also touched on the realities of starting a new business today. Building a website is no guarantee for business, you’ve got to reach out to real people to get things started.

About Bryan

Bryan Kramer is a renowned social business strategist, global keynote speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author. He’s one of the world’s foremost leaders in the art and science of sharing, and has been credited with instigating the #H2H human business movement in marketing and social.

With more than 350,000 social fans and followers, and an intimate understanding of the intricacies and interworking of both social technologies and social behaviors, Bryan is both a practitioner and authority on the subject.

Bryan’s first book There is No B2B or B2C: It’s Human to Human #H2H rose to the #1 top-selling spot in Business Books on Amazon in its first week. In January 2015, #H2H was named as the number one buzzword for 2015 by The Writer.

His latest book, Shareology: How Sharing is Powering the Human Economy, published by Morgan James Publishing, made the USA Today’s Top 150 Book List the week of its release, as well as #1 on Amazon in four categories including Business & Planning. The book explores the history, art and science of sharing, and illustrates why sharing is what gives us a unique competitive advantage as individuals and brands.

A founding leader in the Human Business Movement, Bryan speaks all over the world to marketing and social audiences on the topic.

 

 

Why retreats are important

I remember the first retreat I went on. It’s been some years now, but I remember how nervous I was. Thinking I’d stick out like a sore thumb, maybe judged as a newbie. Could I last 3 days? I really had no idea what was going to happen beyond what I’d read in the brochure, and that was pretty slim.

But I needed a break for myself, and some help figuring some stuff out, so I took a leap of faith.

Yes, some parts were challenging. I chose a silent retreat, which was ambitious. I’d never done one and, well, I talk a lot! Could I even be quiet? Would I go nuts?

After the initial welcome, our group went into silence for the remainder of the retreat.  The teacher spoke of course, and there were opportunities to ask questions, but by and large, we were silent, even during our mindful work sessions in the kitchen. I loved it, especially working side by side, preparing meals, doing dishes, mopping the floors, all in silence. The camaraderie, the communication was so easy, and yet none of the usual banal chatter. We looked into each other’s eyes to understand what needed to be done. Simple gestures, a smile, we just figured it out.

I’ve been to more retreats now and led a few myself as well, and if you’ve never been you really should take a chance and go. Silent or not, every retreat brings some new revelation with it. An epiphany or a simple “AHA!” that brings new light into my life. The people I’ve met have become friends, even if they live across the world, we stay in touch, we share with each other in ways we rarely share with our acquaintances. The connection is safe, honest, open, and deeply gratifying.

Once I started leading my own retreats I began to understand why teachers like them so much. Not only do I get the benefit of dedicated time to pursue my passion for learning and growth, I get to introduce others to a similar experience. Talking to someone who was a first-time guest, or a returning student, I see how this has changed them for the better. How they are just that much more open to discovering the world and understanding themselves. It’s wonderful.

I honestly would be thrilled if I had the opportunity to do retreats more often, and I’m making that happen this fall.

In September I’m collaborating with Sophie Beaudry of Corpo Innovation in Quebec, CA at the  Eastman Spa for a 2-day retreat. The dates are September 21-22. Learn all about it and register here.
In November I’m hosting a retreat in the redwood forest of  Santa Cruz Mountains of California at The Sequoia Retreat Center. The dates are November 1-3. Learn all about it and register here.

I’m also developing some private corporate retreats for spring, and I’m excited about helping build teams with compassion and awareness. This is powerful stuff. Can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Have you been on retreats before? How was it for you? What did you enjoy and what didn’t go so well? I’d love to hear your story!

Have questions about retreats? I’m here to help. Leave a comment!

Image by silviarita from Pixabay

What do you really know about #caregivers?

Did you know there are more than 40 million Americans caring for a family member or friend? Many of them are working a full-time job (or more) while also dedicating  20-40 hours a week* as a caregiver for a family member, friend or neighbor.

There are a lot of assumptions made about who caregivers are and what they do. As a caregiver myself, and through my work with caregivers, I wanted to share a fe myths and facts with you.

Myth: The majority of family caregivers are caring for children at home.

Fact: 82% of family caregivers are caring for at least one other adult (18+), and 15% care for 2 adults.

Myth: It’s always a woman who is providing care

Fact: It’s true that 65% are female but that is changing. In fact, a recent study from Harvard Business School showed that men are more likely to leave a job to care for a loved one than women. (Men 38%, women 27%)

Myth: People become the caregiver because they either aren’t working or have a lower-paying job than others who might provide care for family.

Fact: In the Harvard study they discovered that 61% of those who quit their job to be a caregiver for family we senior leadership in the workplace. 44% were managers of managers and 23% were regular employees.

Myth: Keeping family at home will be easier and saves money

Fact: We often overlook the costs of keeping family at home, especially when they are our parents. Running errands, home maintenance, doctor’s visits, therapy and the prospect of hiring professional care at some point sneaks up on us. Most insurance won’t cover the cost of family care, only professional care.

Myth: Only the patient matters

Fact: The stress of caregiving can be immense, and often the caregiver goes into super-hero mode. “Here I am to save the daaaay!”. That’s great in a crisis, but with longer-term care it’s important to care for yourself too or you may experience burnout, depression and a feeling of inadequacy. Practice a little self-compassion too and get help.  Seek out counseling or support from groups. Give yourself a break. For me, taking a mindful approach to caregiving was the answer When Life Hits the Fan.

Myth: Nobody wants to help

Fact: In my experience working with caregivers, many feel that they are the “only one helping”. We may have to face the fact that we aren’t letting others help. Often the caregivers I meet are the family go-to to solve problems, so naturally, the rest of the family defers to them and doesn’t “get in the way”. Being frank about what you need and how people can help can make a world of difference.

How can I help you?

I’ve spent the last several years understanding how a mindful approach to caregiving can help caregivers not just survive but thrive. It quite likely saved my life and my relationships at home and at work.  Ask me how.

 

*Caregiver.org

Image by Miguel R Perez Rivas from Pixabay

The #MindfulSocial podcast with @mckra1g

My guest on Mindful Social this week is Molly Cantrell-Kraig. Boy, does this woman have a story! She’s been through the wringer a few times in her life, yet she’s managed to do so much more than survive, she’s thrived. Her new book Circuit Train Your Brain- Daily Habits That Develop Resilience is such a great read. You know by now that one of my favorite topics is resilience and when you bring mindfulness and emotional intelligence into the mix it can be golden! Molly has written the book with small bites of information you can pick up and do without straining your brain. It’s easy to read yet full of richness. You’re gonna love it.

Molly is launching the book on Amazon on July 11 and I hope you’ll head right over and buy the book Thursday July 11! She’ll be randomly drawing winners of the mug in the picture above as a thank-you gift for purchase.



About Molly

An author, media consultant, life coach and speaker, Molly Cantrell-Kraig has been recognized as one of CNN’s Visionary Women and profiled by the Christian Science Monitor, and the Shriver Report. Cantrell-Kraig has also been interviewed on the Women’s Media Center and the BBC, speaking on such topics as women, independence, gender roles and life transitions. From her beginnings as a single mother on welfare, Cantrell-Kraig is a self-described work in progress whose focus is on helping others achieve their goals by sharing her own experiences.

Learn more about Molly on her Website, Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Work doesn’t have to suck! Mindful Social with Jason Lauritsen

This week on Mindful Social, I really enjoyed chatting with Jason Lauritsen this week about his new book, Unlocking High Performance,  and his work with leaders, working to improve broken workplace culture and our relationship with work.

When you ask someone about their experience in the world of work, what kind of stories do you hear? Many of us go to work and come home feeling stressed, less than enough, exhausted. Friday is looked forward to. Monday? Not so much. Listen to the podcast below for more from Jason on improving your relationship with work!

About Jason
Jason is a keynote speaker, author, consultant, and an employee engagement and workplace culture expert who will challenge you to think differently.

A former corporate Human Resources executive, Jason has dedicated his career to helping leaders build organizations that are good for both people and profits. He also led the research team for Quantum Workplace’s Best Places to Work program where he has studied the employee experience at thousands of companies to understand what the best workplaces in the world do differently than the rest.

Jason is the author of two books: Unlocking High Performance: How to use performance management to engage and empower employees to reach their full potential and Social Gravity: Harnessing the Natural Laws of Relationships.

Connect with Jason at:
https://jasonlauritsen.com/
https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/