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Behavior, conversation, Corporate, debate, Decision making, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, Leadership Insights, Literacy, Marketing, politics, social media, Visionary, Wisdom, Workplace

When common sense died . . .

So many meaningful articles are focused on ideas that used to be known as “Common Sense.” It may be common to one generation and not another. Here is an example on innovation. Sound contemporary advice founded on what the Silent Generation already knew!
Consider the American Revolutionary, Thomas Paine, who wrote a pamphlet with that title. His effort to stir the Colonists to oppose British rule was successful because it spoke in “plain language,” everyone could understand and he inspired the readers.
Every generation must define what Common Sense means to them. In the world of social media, abbreviations have become the common language that baffles older folks. However, Common Sense exceeds a simple definition of words.

In my universe, Common Sense is a method of thinking something through to include the impact of the action or words. It relates to timing. It is not just stating the obvious. It opposes short-sightedness. 
Consider the recent statement of Bank of America’s CEO, Brian Moynihan, who said he has a right to make a profit for his company. Is this view one that advances good will or positive presence in the marketplace? 
If he was my client, I would “play back” his response and watch his body language. My guess is he would cringe when he heard his words played back and he could hear them outside his internal voice. We would dig deep to get to what he really meant and craft a new comment in Plain English. We could discuss how it matters what people think, especially when they feel robbed and cheated with the threat of rising fees! 

I would remind Mr. Moynihan about Peter Drucker’s business wisdom about the purpose of business—to create a customer—and, how his focus on profits makes him appear cold and greedy. Also, I would show him how he can drive away his existing customers with his lack of sensitivity that will ultimately cost him money he so dearly protects. A dose of Common Sense would have served Brian.

So,  Common Sense can be a business tool to test a message before broadcasting it:
  1. The unintended consequences of statements made, for example, by politicians and business tycoons, are more powerful than ever because of the speed and repetition of digital media.
  2. Words matter and stand the test of time (and You Tube video!).
  3. Select words that support your meaning rather than have you appear out of touch with the moment. Consider Eric Cantor’s use of the word, “mob”, to describe the Occupy Wall Street participants. Given a do-over, I bet he would choose a different word like “protesters.” See how less inflammatory that word is?
  4. Above all, say what you mean. Ask for what you want. Double talk and hyper-speak turn people off. (Consider the usage of “utilize” when “use” is the accurate word.)
  5. Earn the trust of your audience by being authentic and accurate. The “fact checkers” on news channels and interview programs must have migraine headaches with the tsunami of misinformation pounding us everyday.
  6. Avoid clichés. They muddy meaning because Gen Y does not get the older references, for example.
  7. Offer your audience a message that helps them align with what you are seeking.
  8. Avoid motivating by fear—it is negative and short-term. You will be forever associated with it, too.
  9. Listen to generations different than your own. They “hear” things differently.
  10. Align your actions with your words. Generation Y is watching and they despise phonies—have your word mean something.

Now, go and inspire someone with your ideas. There is so much work to be done. mc

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Behavior, business coaching, change, Creative, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, entrepreneurs, Performance, Visionary

What Better Time To Be Contrarian?

Call it what you will. It cycles around every decade. AKA innovative, creative, progressive—it means you are different. Isn’t that the intention of marketing and earning top-of-mind share?

In my business coaching practice, I am ever amazed at what little people understand about the art of running a business. My favorites, the “Widget Makers,” are darned good at what they know. BUT, they are limited by that same trait. They can borrow on a bit of the vision they pour into their wares.

Being contrarian can make people feel uncomfortable because they are heading into new terrain. Isn’t that what innovation really is? Fear of failure is the biggest obstacle people face for a variety of reasons:
1. Don’t want to own the idea. (Consider classical comedic set-up when someone is about to be scolded and it turns into a promotion!)
2. Affects budget allocation next time ’round.
3. Appears not to know what was doing.
4. All of the above and more . . .

If other similar businesses have already blazed a trail, why would someone want to tread the same path? Safety in the “me-too” mindset. Then, the so-called leader can claim they weren’t responsible. It’s a convoluted way of working. Consider the inertia of U.S. Congress.

Own the idea
Put your name all over it. Seth Godin agrees with me on this. Once you own it, your more likely to attract champions to the idea. If it is so appealing, others will want to ‘steal’ it and make it their own. Good; let them. After all, innovation isn’t about our name in lights; it’s about falling forward. They will improve it so it looks like their idea!

Tom Edison Had It Right
When asked how he continued to experiment with the light bulb after so many disappointments, Edison (I paraphrase) replied, “I found 999 ways that didn’t work.”

The Secret Sauce
To put yourself into an innovative place, you only need one ingredient—curiosity. It is so powerful because it keeps you objective. Curiosity engages you and your audience.

Your Assignment
1. Write down how many ways you offer curiosity as a “pull” toward your company offerings.
2. Consider your web and ad copy, presentations and personal interactions.
3. Think crayons, paste and paper. Remember how much fun that was in art class?

4. Ask about my Legos and Leadership™ Program for up tight, Type A people ;-).
5. Paint something with your fingers. What does it “say” to you?

This can be the beginning of an exhilarating experience and can spice up your relationships, too. Let me know how it goes.
Your Coach, MC
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Behavior, career, change, communication, executive, fulfillment, planning, Value, Visionary, Wisdom, Workplace

Will Female Majority In the Workplace Force Changes?

The title of this article, , prompted this post. I think it is deceiving. More accurately, it may mark the end of male domination in the workplace and be the final step toward pay parity.
I am not a “basher” on any topic, especially the “battle of the sexes.” What I took from this commentary was the opportunity to progress. Jeannie (Genie) is not going back into the bottle
Here are ways I see from my experience and practice that can influence the work arena:
  • Just like women perceive colors differently, they can lead differently, too. Feedback and active listening are key success factors and leave a “quarterback” mentality in the dust. Leading a team rather than being the lone star is highly effective.
  • Women work differently than men. The female perspective is different. More cooperation and less competition is welcome in this strange economy.
  • We may see a return to a committed work ethic because historically women would do tasks and take on projects that men would not touch. Generational attitudes affect this, too.
  • The rigid vertical organizational “chart” will change as women gain in leadership positions. We will likely see more circular and matrix linked organizations working together. This thinking began in the late 1980’s under the “innovation umbrella” a la and quality circles. Women enjoy collaboration so we may see a surge in this activity.
  • Recruiting attitudes and energy will change. Women now have a stronger voice and will ask for conditions that serve them beyond on-site nurseries.
  • We are moving into an age of diplomacy like never before. Remember, it was attention and support to the League of Nations at a time the U.S. was turning toward isolationism. Her efforts helped move the League of Nations into the United Nations.
  • As the world population is more than 50% female, we are finally employing the full force of half our resources into play. Imagine splitting yourself in half and attempting to be fully functional.
What are your current and past experiences?
Do you see any changes in your own lives? 

Please comment. -MC

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