Posts Tagged ‘perspective’

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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Posted in Vision/Strategy | No Comments »

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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Posted in Trends/Challenges | No Comments »

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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Posted in Trends/Challenges | No Comments »

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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Posted in Customer Service | No Comments »

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 »

Truth…or Consequences?

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Truth...or Consequences?

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry…” Sadly, that truth only exists in the movies! As long as we’re working with people, there will always be the need to apologize. Apologizing is like a “room freshener” for your company’s culture: You may not realize you need it until there’s a big stink! An effective apology is honest, genuinely offered and presented sincerely.

Whether you’re speaking for yourself as a company manager or speaking for the company to the media, an effective apology can even impact your company’s bottom line. A heartfelt “I’m sorry” can mean the difference between smoothing ruffled feathers and a big, hairy lawsuit!

So, how to apologize? I suggest some basic rules of thumb:

Own your actions. If you made an unpopular decision, admit it. If you’re the guy that cut out the free coffee in the break room, don’t hide behind budget cuts, even if it’s true. Just say, “I’m the person who made that decision.” Don’t try to justify your actions with, “Well, if that other guy hadn’t….” Or if you had just….” If you were part of a team that made an unpopular decision, admit it and, if asked, explain why. Most people’s respect level goes up for a person who owns his actions, even if they disagree with them.

Own your impact. People want to be heard – sometimes even more than wanting to be right. They want the apologist to acknowledge that their words/actions/behavior/decisions caused the apologee pain or problems. That’s why insincere phrases like “I regret;” I’m sorry YOU feel that way;” and “It’s unfortunate the event occurred” rarely help and sometimes even aggravate the situation. Acknowledging your role in the negative outcome makes your apology effective.

Own the solution. Be the first to look for and offer a solution. If the reason for the disconnect is behavioral, suggest a different way you might have handled it. If it’s a two-party conflict, discuss ways both parties could approach it if a situation occurs in the future. You might want to offer the person the opportunity to contribute positive solutions for change. Allow them to participate in the solution part of the process. Of course, do what you can to prevent the problem from happening again. Learn how to turn “no way” into know-how solutions.

Own the connection. If at all possible, offer peace and connection with the person you are apologizing to. Even if you are letting someone go and follow a prescribed script, giving a concerned and empathic look can mean the difference between their acceptance of the situation and bad PR on the street.

We won’t be able to fix every problem with an “I’m sorry.” But we can make progress toward a more harmonious work environment. Love doesn’t mean “never having to say you’re sorry.” Indeed, saying “I’m sorry” may create a more friendly and peaceful workplace. What are your thoughts?

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Posted in Customer Service, Feature | 2 Comments »