Posts Tagged ‘clarity’

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Friday, October 21st, 2011

Recently, my husband and I were treated to a private tour of the Perot Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas (currently under construction) and had a training course of how building cranes are put together and torn down. It was far from surprising that they both start with an incredibly strong foundation based on what they would be expected to support.

That’s a great principle for construction, and it also works just as well for any organization, as large as a government or corporation to as small as a family unit. The leaders of the organization must remember that it takes a strong foundation to stand, and that the quality of the foundation is instrumental in any organization’s success.

Uncover and dust off that Strategic Plan developed long ago. Is it still strong enough to sustain the load it’s carrying? Reanalyze the objectives one by one. Prioritize whatever needs shoring up, and implement those improvements in stages. Change can be overwhelming, or it can be invigorating as you work toward the future you want to have.

Don’t forget your personal foundation. Never has it been more important to be standing on firm ground. Ask yourself, “Do I have the right supports in place to carry my goals?”

The greater responsibilities and desires for the future, the stronger your supports need to be.

Leadership is never complacent, and never loses sight of the prize.
If you see a crack in your foundation, or you want to add more stories to your building, what are you going to do to make it happen?

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Stay in The Game – Hire a Business Coach

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Football Coach

Football season is well underway. But sports teams aren’t the only ones hiring coaches. Many executives are proactively participating in their own recession recovery by hiring a business coach to sharpen their vision. It’s not just CEOs; small business owners also realize that they should use every weapon in their arsenal to their business advantage. A recent study showed that life, executive and career coaches are a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Business coaches are nothing new; they came to popularity in the early 90s. The resurgence is both a reflection of the individualization of the marketplace as well as a reflection of the collaborative, global focus of the times. A business coach’s job is to ensure that their client’s values and skills are identified, highlighted and used to their highest and best use.

How do you decide whether you need a business coach?

Are you ready for change? In other words, are you willing to quickly implement the coach’s suggestions, at least give them an opportunity to succeed?

What are your knowledge gaps? Do you understand all the aspects of your business? Are you willing to make honest assessments and adjustments?

Would you prefer someone local or remote? With our wireless world, your business coach could reside anywhere. One company, The Coach Connection, is entirely telephone-based.

Are you and your coach a good fit? This is essential. Some coaches specialize in a specific business or industry. Others take a more holistic approach, integrating the leader’s life and work goals. Some coaches ask a series of questions to help a client arrive at a conclusion. Some coaches are business experts, others are not. Find a coach that works for you.

Leading and executing a vision can be a lonely quest, but you don’t have to go it alone. My consulting company brings perspective, insight and clarity to executive coaching services. Contact me for more information.

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Does your vision need LASIK?

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Your Vision

LASIK eye surgery procedures work because a person’s vision is not nonexistent. Instead, the existing vision needs to be clarified and sharpened. In tough times, it takes a focused leader with sharpened vision to navigate through the jungle of adversity.

Be a true visionary. Sharpening your vision includes taking control of the environment, not letting it control you. A true business vision has clear objectives and defines your daily tasks. Know exactly what you want and be strategic in getting it.

Review your map. Check your business vision for clarity and complete understanding across the board of your company. Be proactive in your strategy. Empower your team to outthink and outperform your competition.

Check your “windshield.” Are there “floating objects” that cloud your vision? A true business vision by definition eliminates time-consuming, non-productive tasks.

Elevate your game. True performers perform in the clutch when behind. Think Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Build on existing successes. Change things up if need be.

There have always been visionaries who found a way to succeed no matter how tough the times. You can become one of them by sharpening your vision.

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Staying the Course in Rough Waters

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Rough Waters

Waves of negative quarterly reports. Lightning-fast layoffs and cutbacks. Winds of bad news. We’ve been in economic downturn cycles before. But slowly, finally, things are slowly starting to look up. Here are my thoughts on how to prepare for smoother sailing as well as stay the course in rough waters:

Think like a newbie. If someone approached you with a business plan for your existing company, what would you tell them? This is a good time to bring in coaches who can offer a fresh perspective on achieving your company’s vision.

Act like an entrepreneur. What do Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Disney have in common? According to Bankrate.com, they all started during economic downturns. So did half of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones industrial average. In fact, entrepreneurial startups by laid-off and downsized employees, managers and executives often help get the economy growing again. What can you learn from companies (like Southwest Airlines) who epitomize lean and mean?

Connect the dots. What people, resources and strategies need to be in place for your organization to achieve its existing business goals? Start planning now to get what you need in the future.

Go against the grain. Listen to a variety of perspectives and strategies, including the ones you don’t agree with. It will make you a more well-balanced decision-maker.

Tighten the purse strings. Get efficient when you don’t have to. Spend money on the things that help you make money.

Take a deep breath. Literally. Deep, cleansing breaths can help lower blood pressure and bring calm, both of which you’ll need to think clearly as you plan your company’s next move.

What is the most effective method you’ve employed for thriving in tough times? Thoughts?

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Posted in Leadership | 1 Comment »

Do A New You – Reinventing Yourself

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Challenge Yourself

Eight-track tapes to cassettes to CDs to MP3s to streaming online. In roughly 40 years, music has stayed the same but the delivery medium has changed. Madonna, the musical mother of reinvention, has experimented with her musical style so many times that she’s now on her third “greatest hits” CD!

Master change artist Madonna has reinvented herself too (and extended her career in the process). How about you? Have you changed? If you’re still functioning the same way in your life and work, are you surprised at the results? More than sixty-nine percent of Boomers plan to work past retirement age. Many of them are embarking on second, third and even fourth careers. You can simultaneously draw from past experiences and still transition into new career paths that are less stressful and more fulfilling. After all, it’s not just about your career – it’s about your life. Here are some thoughts on how to get started:

Dare to dream. Interior designers like to start with a clean, empty room. Take yourself on a mental trip. What does your new career look like? What does it feel like to live and work differently? Do you work from home, in an office, or at the local Starbucks? Are you working in the same state or country you’re living in? Take the limits off your dreams.

Research your dream. The Internet is an amazing resource. Use it to learn more about your new life. Attend a local Meetup group. There’s another company called Vocation Vacations that offers “vacations” working in your prospective career.

Study the experts. Identify five people who are excellent at reinvention. They don’t have to be in your city, or even people you know. They don’t have to be in your industry. Study them. Read their interviews. How they face their fears. If they are accessible and available, reach out to them. Create five questions you’d like to ask, and then submit them via email, LinkedIn, Plaxo or another social networking site. Respect their time. If you’re fortunate enough to get a brief visit, respect their time. Follow up with a thank you. You may just earn a new mentor.

Volunteer a few hours in the industry you’re interested in. The time spent may help make the difference between a “go and a no go in your decision.

Face Your Fears

Face your fears. Sometimes there’s simply no template for what you do. That’s OK – It’s time for you to do it! Ignore the naysayers.

How have you (or someone you know) reinvented yourself into a fabulous new life?

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Posted in Balance | 1 Comment »

Will You Work Till You Drop?

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Work Til You Drop

“I’ll work till I drop” used to be a cliché. But with depleted retirement savings and as 401(k) dropping and more than 14 million people in the job market, it looks like more American workers are delaying retirement indefinitely. A recent survey shows nearly four in 10 workers over age 62 say they have delayed their retirement because of the recession. In my book, Blueprint for Success, I note that since boomers (born between 1945 and 1965) are healthier, more active and living longer, are going to work longer, and since other generations are now in and entering the workforce, we are going to have five generations in the workplace as well as expanding lifestyles.

I believe the most effective way to handle this is to create a multi-cultural generational “salad” with an emphasis on hiring employees of various ages and stages who possess creative thinking and passion for what they do.

How do you think the trend of working boomers will affect your company? Thoughts?

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Seven Steps to Great Customer Service

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

The perfect salmon filet at a local café. A product packaged in the perfect shade of blue. People have positive buying experiences every day. Customer service, in a nutshell, is influence translated into delivery and execution. I know everyone’s company is fantastic and everyone customer loves them. But does your customer agree? Here’s seven ways to make sure:

Make customer service a priority. Sounds simple, but it’s a rare find. Making exceptional customer service the backbone of your company’s vision is the key to repeat business. The goal is to “wow” your customer’s expectations.

Know your stuff. Generation Y’s usually scope out your company thoroughly before they ever contact you for a sale. Your Web site should detail your company’s products, services and return policies, if applicable. Customer trust and confidence depend on your ability to know AND show your stuff. Try to anticipate the types of questions that customers will ask. Update and amend your FAQ page frequently.

Smile when you say that. There’s a reason Chick-Fil-A employees present your food with a smile and a “My pleasure.” Not only is it courteous, it creates a positive customer experience. Smiles release endorphins, the “happy hormone,” which makes for a repeat customer.

It’s about the people. Henry Ford famously said, “You can have our cars in any color as long as it’s black.” Today’s customer wants it the Burger King – i.e. their – way. The more you can customize your product or service, the more inroads you’ll make in the marketplace.

Never argue with a customer. You know very well that the customer isn’t always right. However, it is important that you do not focus on the missteps of a particular situation; instead, concentrate on how to fix it. Research shows that 7 out of 10 customers will do business with a company again if that business resolves a complaint in their favor. Research also shows that the instance of repeat business goes up to 95 percent when complaints are resolved on the spot.

Underpromise and overdeliver. Everyone knows this cliché; few actually act on it. It’s much better to do what you can rather than make promises you can’t follow up on. When you deliver your products or services, be sure to check back to ensure that the customer is happy.

When you make a mistake (and eventually, everyone does), say you’re sorry. (See my Truth or Consequences post for more details.)

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Hello World and Welcome to My Blog!

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Petey Parker

I’ve been in the business world as a keynote speaker and consultant for a long time. I’ve learned what to do and what not to do from my experience as a corporate executive for 30 plus years as well as a speaker and consultant. It’s time to share my perspective with you, as well as offer my comments on today’s issues and headlines. I carefully curate topics from a variety of sources, inside and outside the news media. I’m bringing perspective on what’s important to you and your company. We’ll cover interests as varied as leadership, bridging the generational divide, changes in the way we communicate and tech trends. I understand all of us are busy; you can expect short updates and even video posts about twice a week.

I’m opening our conversation this quarter with the topic, ETC: Expectations, Training and Consequences. With all the public mea culpas flying around in recent weeks, I think we should talk about how to apologize and the consequences of a bad apology. Let me know what you think. My blog won’t be all business, either. (Neither are you!) I’m going to South Africa in a few weeks with my wonderful hubby, Jim Fite. I’ll be sharing words and pictures of the beauty in other parts of the world.

By the way, this is not a monologue. I want to hear from you as well. I know that you have a lot to say and I want to hear your voice. So…let’s talk.

Timing is everything. I’ve been asked for some time to share my thoughts and experiences with you in blog form, but was puzzled on how to go about it. Then I walked into Jeff Crilley’s monthly PR Meetup (fabulous! You should go). I had no idea that one of the pieces of the puzzle would be waiting for me. I met Charlotte Ann Moore, an amazing creative writer, speaker and soon-to-be author. I became her client and she became a trusted friend. Charlotte Ann, along with her business partner, graphic/Web whiz Chaney Credeur, and my my Marketing Manager, Elise De Cleva, put together the wonderful site you see here. If you’re interested in creative design and content for your company, I highly recommend Charlotte Ann and Chaney. You can reach them at www.CharlotteAnnMoore.com and/or www.ChaneyCredeur.com.

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Posted in Feature | 7 Comments »

Are You Ready to ROWE?

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Are You Ready to ROWE

The workplace has long been familiar with the notion of flextime and telecommuting. Now, there’s ROWE: Results Only Work Environment. ROWE was created by two former Best Buy employees who wanted to reshape their company’s culture. Now Gap Outlet has adopted the practice for its more than 137 employees.

ROWE is a corporate culture initiative designed to significantly improve employee productivity, accountability and engagement. Departments that implement a ROWE environment empower their employees to work when and wherever they want to – as long as their performance goals are met.

ROWE methodology is different from simple “flextime” in two key ways: 1) it’s employee-driven and 2) it’s self-policing. In a ROWE environment, the emphasis is taken off time/hours worked and placed on performance. The fear of employees abusing ROWE is minimal, as each employee has a stake in their ability to work in an incredibly freeing environment. They’re not afraid to “snitch” on someone who could sink the ship! ROWE deals with nonadaptees in a performance management framework, thus removing the “I worked 60 hours this week” excuses of workers who still don’t hit performance targets.

The program seems to be working: Productivity increased more than 21 percent at the GAP outlet. A post-pilot assessment conducted in February 2009 revealed that productivity increased 21 percent and quality improved 15 percent among the pilot group.

The ROWE program was adopted in San Francisco, one of the worst cities in the U.S. in terms of commuting. They found it particularly helpful to female employees working to balance work and family needs.

In my book, Blueprint for Success, I noted that there will be a sonic boom as part-time baby boomers and flextime Generation X & Y’s collide. It’s important that we hire the best talent that we possibly can, and adapt to their skills and demands. Generations X and Y are highly motivated by autonomy and flexibility.

If your company is considering a ROWE-type experiment, be sure to do your homework. It promises to a remarkably effective generational bridge.

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Get Back In the Game!

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Get Back In the Game

OK, we get it: It’s bad and we know it. More than 7.2 million jobs have been lost since the beginning of this recession. The average growth rate in annual earnings has dipped to 2.5%. With a steady news diet of layoffs, price increases, and other issues, it’s easy to turn into a corporate Cowardly Lion. Even in the best of times, we leaders face one challenge after another. But we also have the power to change the game – if we stay in it. Riding the storm out is not always easy, but it’s the most attractive option. So….let’s talk about some things we can do in the meantime to turn your game around:

Learn the “why” behind the “what”. Find out exactly why things are going the way they are. What’s important to your company? What are you focusing your time and thoughts on?

Touch the troops. Communicate with the people who make it happen. Take time for one-on-one feedback from your sales and customer service staff. What are their challenges? What can you do to make their job easier? Do they feel overworked and underappreciated? What is their feedback about your customers? If customers are leaving, do they indicate why? Why do they stay? Are they staying until they find an alternative?

Thank your customers. Don’t stop reaching out to your existing customers. Think of innovative ways to express your thanks that fall within company guidelines. Be versatile – no one idea will reach everyone. What do they think about your product or service’s quality and customer service? People will likely stick with a company if they perceive quality customer service.

Shake things up – then calm things down. Make courageous, informed decisions. Face the hard tasks head on. If conditions require you to make budget or personnel cuts, reassure and encourage the people you have left.

Take a moratorium on bad news. Famed communicator Mark Victor Hansen (www.MarkVictorHansen.com) states, “For the next thirty days, look, act, think, walk and smell as if business is booming – and it will.” Fear is infectious. So is excitement! When you consistently adopt a spirit of enthusiasm in the face of adversity, success is inevitable.

Even in this sobering economic climate, we can make progress toward a more positive outcome. Those of us who have been here before know the timeless truth from Zig Ziglar (www.ZigZiglar.com): Tough times never last, but tough people do!

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