Susan Scott's Blog, page 60

Fierce Tip of the Week: ‘Tis the Season to Delegate

It is common this time of year to have less employees (and focus) in the office. With holiday trips, family visits, and general festivities, people have their time and priorities stretched very thin. So now is the time to get creative about who and how projects get completed.Consider this: We are rounding out a new year, and when we interview leaders, people often want to take on new things at this time of year. That perfectly aligns with the opportunity to take on new tasks when people are away.This week’s tip is to use delegation as a way to get more things accomplished during the holiday season. Well in advance of your departure, identify team members or colleagues who either have experience with similar opportunities or who have shown aptitude in other areas and an interest in yours. Clearly outline the level of decisions they can make around each item and how you would like those decisions communicated.Then it is time to let go and trust the process. If you are a Type-A control freak, know that you have set-up the decision-making strategy. Have confidence. And if anything goes differently than expected or needs course correction, you can discuss it post-holiday.Instead of being stressed this time of year, engage your team members to help get things done. Bonus gift? You will definitely learn more about yourself and each other.

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Fierce Resource: Engaging Your Employees is Good, but Don’t Stop There

This week’s Fierce resource was originally published on Harvard Business Review and explores how to not only engage but also inspire your employees.Recent studies by Bain & Company found that inspired employees are 125% more productive than satisfied employees and 56% more productive than engaged employees.So I ask: How do we take employees from satisfied to truly inspired?It starts by looking at the top. Managers and leaders are often the ones who decide where an organization’s resources and efforts get invested. Too often they focus solely on monetary incentives, which can lead to a purely transactional relationship. According to the article Engaging Your Employees is Good, but Don’t Stop There, real inspiration starts by connecting your team’s or the individuals’ mission to the company’s overall purpose.Are you meeting each individual’s pyramid of needs?“The foundational elements—call them employee satisfaction—are fundamentals such as having a safe work environment and the tools necessary to do the job. Abraham Maslow taught us that we can’t concern ourselves with higher goals until we have the necessities of life, including security. So it is in the workplace: first things first.Read the article.

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A Fierce Chat with Salesforce: Tips for Engaging with Prospects in the Age of Over-Connectivity

In the very fast-paced and competitive world of sales and marketing, it can be tricky to find solid footing. It can be even trickier to make sure you stand out from your competitors.

Which brings us to our main point: You need to find new ways to connect with prospects and customers. Don’t stress about it, just pick up the phone to connect! That’s the great advice of Stacey Engle, Vice President of Marketing for Fierce, who recently explained why talking can prove to be better than texting.

Tell me about your business and the solutions it offers customers?

Fierce is a global leadership training company that transforms the way companies communicate and connect with their employees and customers. We partner with our clients to build conversational skills that create more candor, engagement, and accountability. Our vision is to better the world one conversation at a time. Fierce Conversations change the way we connect with each other, they alter our perceptions of what it means to lead, and they become the behavior that propels individuals and teams toward success. We facilitate workshops inside of companies both in person and virtually, as well as train facilitators to use our content. We are translated into 12 different languages and work globally in organizations, from Fortune 50 to start-ups to nonprofits.

What are some challenges you are facing at this time and what are you doing to overcome those hurdles?

One challenge that we are focusing on is a better way to connect with all of our Fierce Facilitators around the world. They are our champions inside of organizations, and we value each and every one of them. Next year, we are continuing to develop our Salesforce Community portal called MyFierce.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and why?

Always be truthful. I think this is the best advice, because it relates to all facets of life and business. First and foremost, it is important to be truthful with yourself. Asking “what am I pretending not to know? Why am I assuming this about x or y or he or she?” Always seeking that truth. Only when you are grounded in your truth can you really help move the needles for others. And secondly, it is relevant to be truthful with business and marketing. It sounds so simple, yet so many people find the reasons why they shouldn’t or don’t have to. Share your realities, share what you are learning, share your truth. Don’t lie and pretend to know something you don’t. Don’t compromise what others can handle. It is a surefire way to erode success — both internally and externally.

What’s the worst business advice you’ve received and why?

When I was young in my career, I stayed with a company for four years. At about year two I was told, “You need to bounce around and experience new things. It is a mistake to stay — you will stagnate.” I think that is very short-sighted. In today’s fast-paced, always-changing world, it can be tempting to move from one problem to another, or one company to another, but it is so valuable to get a deeper understanding and perspective that sometimes only comes with time. I think that is relevant for so many marketing challenges, especially when looking at business impact. You have to be interested in short and long-term results. If you’re dedicated, you want to learn more.

What are three tips for companies that are looking to connect with their prospects?Be authentic. Our work is all about being real and showing up as yourself. Use your real face. It is important to be with integrity with what you do and sell. People on the other end of the conversation — in person, behind the screen, or on the phone — will be able to tell.Do your thing. It can be tempting to always try new things — it is required for sales and marketing teams. And yet, it is important to continue to do what you know uniquely works for your company. That thing that only you can do. Our Fierce customers still appreciate how our relationships started with personal notes and invitations. It is powerful to build relationships like that.Pick up the phone. Being a conversations company, I am a big proponent of picking up the phone. People crave connection in the workplace these days, and according to recent research, more people text than call now. Be different. Pick up the phone — it works.What’s the story behind your company name?

Fierce, Inc. was founded after Susan Scott published Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work & in Life One Conversation at a Time. When she originally wrote the book, the publisher wanted her to change the word from “Fierce” to “Powerful.” However, she refused. Fierce, with its name, was meant to make a splash and a statement.

What is your company’s superpower and why?

Superhuman strength. Having fierce conversations is not easy. It takes a lot of courage and strength to express how you feel and say what you mean. Superhuman strength allows you to do the things you think you can’t. Great conversations unlock that power.

by Erin Sherbert, Content Marketing Manager, Salesforce

View the full article here.

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Fierce Tip of the Week: Yes, It Matters. Acknowledge the Best.

Madeline Albright once said, “What matters anywhere, matters everywhere.” That statement is especially relevant in our increasingly divisive American and global landscape. In those five words, she says: Don’t act like something doesn’t apply to you. Don’t brush off an issue thinking it isn’t yours. We are connected. Yes, that matters. And yes, those people matter. We can’t run away from that.So let’s assume you support that idea. Then we, as humans, have an obligation to recognize people, even in far reaching corners and places, who make our world better. Their efforts may not immediately affect us; however, we are connected. Their setbacks are our setbacks. Their progress fuels our progress.Oftentimes our acknowledgement as a collective is shown in the form of an award. Nobel Prize Day is this Thursday, December 10. The Nobel Prize exists to award those who have done their best to benefit the world in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.According to their website, here are three 2015 winners:The Nobel Peace Prize 2015 was awarded to National Dialogue Quartet “for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011”.The Nobel Prize in Literature 2015 was awarded to Svetlana Alexievich “for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time”.The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2015 was awarded jointly to Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich and Aziz Sancar “for mechanistic studies of DNA repair”.
These individuals have left a permanent mark on the world with their contributions. Who in your world has made an incredible impact? Who deserves praise? This week’s tip is to celebrate someone that you think exemplifies the best in your world. So often we can be tempted to wait until we give formal awards or prizes. But this week, give your own. Schedule a time to connect one-on-one with the individual you want to recognize. Be specific about the contributions you feel make them the best.Who are you going to acknowledge?

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Fierce Resource: How Technology and Work Culture Drive Each Other

This week’s Fierce resource was originally published on Huffington Post and explores the link between employee engagement and the future of workplace technology.The need to keep up with ever changing technology can sometimes leave your head spinning. But if used in the proper way it can also lead to higher productivity and happier, more engaged employees. The trick is not to bring in a new solution expecting it to be one-size-fits-all.According to How Technology and Work Culture Drive Each Other, gamification, intra-company social networks, and external applications all pay a role when it comes to maintaining the health and well-being of employees. Each solution also brings its own set of problems, which if left unchecked can make it less effective.Is technology making life for you team easier or harder?“While cash prizes are nice, they are not as rewarding as simple recognition. People want to be recognized for their skills and job acumen. Using a gamification program doesn’t necessarily mean more money, but does mean creating personally meaningful rewards.”Read the article.

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To Text or Not to Text: That Is the Question

The first text message was sent on December 3, 1992 by a Canadian test engineer. It said Merry Christmas. On the eve of text messaging’s 13th year anniversary, it is only appropriate to talk about how text messaging has affected our communication. We often get asked so many questions around technology use in companies and how texting should and should not be used.First and foremost, the simple answer is that you must obey your instincts about when and how to use texts. Your “gut” does act as an internal compass that can serve as a powerful guide. The best part is that it happens automatically – you simply have to tune in and listen. Then check your results.If you notoriously do not get the results you want when texting, then you need to reassess. Here are a few pointers on dos and don’ts. And for those who say it is common sense, use it as a reference when you are triggered or feeling emotional. We all have days where it can go awry.Do Use Text to…Communicate logistics and more directive statementsShare small praises and appreciationConnect on special occasionsTalk through simple scenariosDon’t Use Texting to…Convey more than three sentences of thoughts at a time – a novel is not appropriateTalk about complex emotional thoughtsShare confidential informationConfront someone Come on master texters – what would you add?

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Fierce Tip of the Week: Make Your Screen Time Meaningful

“How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” – Annie Dillard

According to a recent mobileinsurance.com survey, the average person spends up to 23 days a year staring at their phone screens. Almost a month per year! That’s a big deal.So I ask: Does the time on your screen each day add more value to your life? Or does it detract from it? This week’s tip is simple – make your screen time worthwhile. Use technology to enhance your relationships and your work. If you feel yourself wasting time on it, practice shutting down.Oftentimes we get caught up in our emails and social media. We let time slip away, although we know time it is a valuable asset. We are not alone.If you are desperate, use technology to help your technology issue – yes, it sounds counterintuitive. Yet, there are many apps that track your usage like Moment . This is its description:

Moment is an iOS app that automatically tracks how much you use your iPhone and iPad each day. If you’re using your phone too much, you can set daily limits on yourself and be notified when you go over. You can even force yourself off your device when you’re over your limit.

We all need help sometimes. Do you have any other tips you use?

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Fierce Resource: Behind REI’s Black Friday Rebellion

This week’s Fierce resource was originally published on Fortune and uncovers the real reason behind REI’s decision to opt out of Black Friday.When REI announced they would be closing all 143 of their stores on Black Friday, Wall Street was shocked and horrified. How could a retail company close on the busiest shopping day of the year? They are voluntarily taking themselves out of the running for the millions of dollars in consumer spending that is traditionally up for grabs.Their decision isn’t just a PR ploy, it reflects something deeper. According to the article Behind REI’s Black Friday Rebellion, the choice aligns with the company’s mission and shows their commitment to employee welfare. For REI, it’s about giving back to the people who are the ultimate source of their success.Is your organization staying true to its mission?“It’s no coincidence that REI is one of only 13 companies that have made the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list every year since its inception in 1998. The companies on this list are characterized by strong trust-based relationships and values-based decision making. As such, REI is well-equipped to say no to Black Friday because they’ve had plenty of practice in choosing to uphold their company values when challenged by the norm.”Read the article.

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Three Thankless Offices and What to Do

Gratitude is in the air this time of year. While we all want it, the harsh reality is that many work environments can be quite thankless. From “always busy” managers to ever changing agendas, feeling recognized is a scarce commodity at times.With an emphasis on meeting deadlines and hitting revenue or sales goals, especially at the end of the year, the numbers seem to get all the attention. However, that intense focus on numbers rather than the people driving them may be what ultimately costs a company its success. The health of the organization and the bottom line are directly affected by the strength and satisfaction of each individual. In fact, employees that are happy are 10 to 12 percent more productive, so ensuring employee happiness is critical to the long-term success of any organization.Last week during a status update call, we were discussing a client’s employee engagement survey results. The executives on the line wished that their people leaders would share suggestions and improvements to the current systems. Inevitably, they can’t have the weight of everyone’s happiness on their back. This is where we all come into play – we all must work to make our environments better for everyone, including ourselves.Below are three thankless work environments that we regularly encounter and some tips on how you should navigate.Churn and Burn Central This office is where you work ungodly hours, and your efforts are not recognized. “Gratitude” is primarily shown through corporate programs that give appreciation in a less than timely manner. At this office, it is common to hear comments like, “It’s hard, but I was in that role a few years ago, and you have to pay your dues.”Fierce Tip: You must ask for what you need in this environment – don’t sit around and be a victim. Make sure your needs align with what is best for the business, and make your suggestion is tangible. For example, if you are feeling burned out, ask your manager to leave the office on a certain day every week to do something for yourself like yoga or golf. Emphasize that your goal is to increase your overall wellbeing and bring your “A game”.Beauty Pageant This office primarily recognizes the shiniest and most grandiose achievements while ignoring the others. People who get recognized are often the top sales producers, award-winning contributors, or the ones who toot their own horns. Oftentimes people stop contributing or sharing their discretionary efforts, because they know that people won’t notice or even acknowledge them.Fierce Tip: It is important to share your achievements and efforts. Do not sulk in your lack of recognition, instead do something about it. Share your actions with your manager and a peer, and better yet, tell them how you would like to be recognized in the future. Many organizations are not very savvy with asking their people how they want to be recognized. When the topic comes up, management usually welcomes feedback and ideas.Land of Empty Promises This office contains people who share their gratitude and recognition, which is positive. The catch is carrots are dangled in front of you that do not come to fruition in a timely manner. In this office, management may say things like, “We think you are going to be one of our next leaders. Keep at it, and it will come.” When you push to get a timeline…crickets. You may bring up the topic many times and never hear enough detail for it to feel real.Fierce Tip: You need to confront the issue at hand. If you have been promised something that doesn’t not feel real, you need to be grounded and share that you need more details. Here you can ask more questions: What can I provide to make the future plans more tangible? What do you see getting in the way? This conversation is an opportunity to gain a large understanding of the big picture, and the new knowledge can help you partner better.To be fierce in these situations, you must take the accountable stance. If anything is to change, it is up to you – regardless of the side of the table you are on. Are you in one of these environments? What tips do you have?

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Fierce Tip of the Week: Don’t Be Shy, Show Gratitude in Your Workplace

During the Thanksgiving holidays in the United States, we often focus on giving thanks to family and friends. We eat and celebrate during our days off and have much needed relaxation time. Some of us travel to the other side of the country to reconnect. Others curl up at home.Before you leave the office (mentally or physically) to enjoy the holiday, this week’s tip is to show gratitude and encourage its expression in your workplace. Think about your colleagues and teammates. You most likely spend more time with them than your family and friends.What stands out to you? What will you do to show appreciation? How can you help your team show it?One idea is to supply cards for team members to write notes to one another expressing appreciation. The goal is to make each note very specific and share why it is significant to the team and/or organization. Encourage employees to focus on how colleagues make their lives easier and/or more enjoyable.What other ways are you going to show gratitude in your workplace this week? (And bonus, if you want a gratitude exercise for your Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, here is my family’s.)

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