At the end of every year, we look back at our most popular ideas that others believe make a difference in their personal and professional lives. These gems are worth pondering once again as you move into the new year. Thanks for reading along.
The Coolest Company in America
Zingerman’s (Deli in Ann Arbor, MI) has been a case study for brilliant branding, a company that has held steadfast to their story and chose to remain small giant. As Bo Burlingham wrote in his book, Small Giants, they “chose to be great instead of big.” What’s Zingerman’s secret?
(Their) Open Book Management requires every employee to think, lead and act like owners of the company. All associates are trusted and shown all financials underpinning the company. That’s right, all financials. It’s daring and it works.
According to research done by Denison Consulting Group, companies using Open Book Management are the in top 10 percent of corporate cultures.
Zingerman’s Guide To Good Leading states it perfectly, “If you want the staff to give great service to customers, the leaders have to give great service to the staff.”
Zingerman’s creates flawless experiences, enjoys amazing growth and gets the best out of their associates by practicing transparency. They choose to be GREAT instead of BIG.
What is your “why”?
Organizations that surpass competitors do so because of their purpose (their “why”), not just strategy. IBM’s Ex-CEO, Lou Gerstner, once shared “corporate culture is not part of the game: It is the game.”
One’s “why” is the intersection (or sweet spot) of where one’s passions, calling and distinct skills intersect. “He who has a why can endure any how.” — Nietzsche
If you want to get to your “why” you need to understand the truth about how you are showing up and where you thrive. There are three questions worthy of exploration at your next team meeting.
- What is your team’s why?
- What’s your story?
- How do you affect others?
A sculptor chips away at stone to uncover the creation within; likewise, one’s identity (or “why”) is often buried within, waiting to be discovered. Healthy leaders do not run from these three questions; they embrace their identity. They embrace their “why”.
“You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only one who does what you do.” – Jerry Garcia
People Leave Bosses, Not Companies
The dirty little secret with the majority of exit interviews is that 70 percent of people leave a company because of their boss and the culture.
Sydney Finkelstein’s most recent book, “Superbosses” reminds us that the qualities of high performing bosses can be nurtured and taught. They “generate and regenerate talent on a continual basis.” And the common denominator between them all is strong emotional health, no matter their background or training. They practice being present with others and possess an outward focus. They are not threatening.
We are in a battle for talent and organizations must get this right to win longer term. You cannot be a great culture and lose your best talent.
“You can’t legislate a culture of honor. You can only model it.”
Are You Present?
People spend 46.9 percent of their waking hours distracted, says a Harvard University study published by psychologists Mathew A. Killingsworth and Daniel T. Gilbert. Studies show that 91% of adults have their mobile phone within arm’s reach every hour of every day. Most people are not present!
Being present means mastering focus and awareness. Do you truly understand the benefits of effective listening?
There are three strategies to help you take back the moment.
- Pause: Practice pausing for an extra second or two prior to answering a question or addressing someone in conversation.
- Simplify: Consciousness must be activated by silence.
- Intermissions: Periodic downtime provides you the poise and energy to actively listen.
Are you in the moment with others, or are you teased away to another land? The most impactful people I know are with you word for word.
