Kneale Mann | Leadership

Seven Percent

2013-06-17T05:30:00.000-04:00

Communication is at the cornerstone of our lives. We email, text, phone, meet, talk, and connect because we have an inherent need to belong. And there are countless studies out there that point to the way we receive communication.

One of the most adopted and accepted appeared in a book by Albert Mehrabian entitled Silent Messages. His research found that the person receiving our messages gives 55% of their attention on our body language and eye contact, 38% to our tone, and just 7% to our words. So how we say it carries more weight than what we say.

What do you mean?

It becomes even trickier with the myriad technology and platforms we use to communicate. This explains a lot of misunderstood emails which we've all received and sent. Sometimes a simple :-) can save a lot of grief.

According to Mehrabian and many others, non-verbal cues carry 93% of the weight of any communication. So if you’re in a leadership role, think about how that can help you strengthen or hinder the culture in your business.

Something to gesture about.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

agilitrix

Thanks Dads!

2013-06-16T08:19:00.000-04:00

The family unit is something we seem to redefine all the time. The days of mom and dad and two kids and a dog and the white picket fence are not as common as they used to be and things have changed over the last half century or so. Divorce, second and third marriages, step kids, half siblings, extended family units, same sex marriages, adoption, etc., all shift our definition of family.

So when we look at long standing traditions like Mother’s Day last month (thanks mom, you rock!) and in many countries around the world, Father’s Day today, we can think of the people not the situation and give pause to the relationship we have or had with him. And thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd who founded Father's Day at the YMCA in Spokane, Washington in 1910.

A few words as we raise a mug to dads today...

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.

We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.
Henry Ward Beecher

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years. Mark Twain

Never raise your hand to kids. It leaves your groin unprotected. Red Buttons

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. Johann Schiller

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person,
he believed in me. Jim Valvano

The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get. Tim Russert

Thanks dad!
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

visualphotos

A 12-Step Program for Leaders

2013-06-11T05:30:00.000-04:00

We like lists. They’re nice and tidy. We can agree or argue over the content or order, but they certainly start conversations. They could be the 10 best restaurants in Philadelphia, the most desirable countries in which to live, the biggest sporting breakdowns in history, etc.

As someone who loves helping and coaching leaders, I thought it was time for another list. Argue, discuss, debunk, or perhaps make your own list for leaders.

These are in no particular order...

• It begins inside us
• We're not supposed to have all the answers
• Understand what we need and then ask what they need
• Bring our life to work so we can bring our work to life
• What got us here won’t get us there
• Reserve at least 30% of our time to help our team, group, department
• Our best work is ahead of us
• Internal customer service begins with us
• Leadership is verb
• Understand collaboration is keeping our mind open to others’ ideas and input
• We must make time for think time
• There are many I’s in team – inspire, insight, include, integrate, idea
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

keaggy

Workplace Perspective

2013-06-07T05:30:00.000-04:00

We live in an era where there could be four or five generations in your company. This creates an interesting tapestry of experience and viewpoints which can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Senior leadership could be in their 50's and 60’s while new recruits might be starting their career.

Older stakeholders may remember a time when we got our news from a paper and phones had to be hardwired into a wall while younger employees communicate and share through their mobile devices with ease. Junior associates may work quickly through the social web and shorthand texting while management who have been in the workforce for decades may want it to be the way it’s always been.

View From the Top

Some senior leaders experience difficulty keeping up with the velocity of today but often forget they were once the new stakeholders who were trying out the new channels and concepts of their day. We are seeing thousands of people retiring every day yet those numbers aren't being replaced in the younger demos at the same rate. This is creating a talent shortage and generational shift. Mitch Joel in his book Ctrl Alt Delete suggests we need to reboot our businesses and our lives depend on it.

When we speak with companies about their key issues, talent acquisition and retention are usually high on their list. They want the best and they want to keep the best. I’m sure you’re the same. But if we don’t grasp that our perspective is not the only one available, we can struggle with what other generations may want and need. But with ongoing education, we can help each other learn from each other.

Age and Perception

Culture can be demographic, geographic, or psychographic. It is the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. And as leaders, we need to recognize the different standpoint within our organizations to tap into its greatest potential.

If we want to improve our companies, embracing and celebrating our differences can be well worth the effort.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

creativecow

Who Are You?

2013-06-05T08:31:00.000-04:00

As we hit the halfway point of 2013, I thought I'd have a quick look at something we posted back on New Year's Day. Perhaps we're braver around year's end when lists and promises are everywhere. Here's the post for perspective.

Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel was a clever yet shy raconteur who created timeless work. For example; "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

It's one of my all-time favorite sayings and it's brilliant. It's not suggesting we disrespect those around us and for us to become unbearably arrogant. It points to the simple genius that says we need not worry so much about what others think about us. There will always be naysayers and complainers. You rarely need travel far to find someone with an opinion or criticism.

Don't Matter. Don't Mind.

Simon Sinek says leaders find others who believe in what they believe. Tom Peters says leadership is not about creating followers, it's about creating more leaders.

Seldom does someone who fails to stand for something, find others who are interested in what they have to say or offer. So be bold, be yourself and take charge. Respect those around you - most importantly yourself.

Be who you are, and say what you mean, or someone else may try and make that decision for you.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

ddtopyaps

What Could We Do Today?

2013-06-03T05:30:00.000-04:00

Today we could worry less. Today we could recognize our goals are not their priority. Today we could exceed expectations.

Today we could stop making excuses. Today we could listen to our own opinion.

Today we could stretch a little more. Today we could make another phone call. Today we could not be so hard on ourselves. Today we could lead by example. Today we could create an open collaborative corporate culture.

Today we could not put it off until tomorrow. Today we could listen more. Today we could be the director of our own lives. Today we could stop blaming others.

Today we could stop worrying about what others think of us. Today we could help someone. Today we could let someone else's idea take the lead. Today we could let others have a voice.

Today we could take a step forward. Today we could not think too much. Today we could laugh at ourselves. Today we could understand this may take a while.

Today we could be less cautious. Today we could be open minded.

Today we could but that's up to us.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

istock

The Power of Wisdom

2013-06-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sometimes silly, perhaps thoughtful, possibly useful, each morning I post a quick comment on Twitter.

Here are some highlights from May 2013.

The voice of doubt will try and derail you, ignore it. Bring your life to work so you can bring your work to life. A fantastic model of collaboration: thinking partners who aren't echo chambers - Margaret Heffernan.

May the fourth be with you. The heart of culture begins with you.

Let's give our attention to good intentions and co-create great inventions.

To become really good, you need to live it and sleep it - Tony Hsieh (Zappos).Thank those who helped you get here.

When was the last time you had a think day? Misunderstanding can often be an insider

Chocolate solves almost everything. Life can often be about enjoying the cast and not always understanding the plot. You are what you choose to be today, not what you've chosen to be before - Dr. Wayne Dyer.

"Always" or "never" are rarely either.
If you want your team to bring their best, bring your best.

If you want collaboration, first be open to others' point of view. Persons appear to us according to the light we throw upon them from our own minds - Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Your USP is you. Two key elements of customer service are service and customer. There are many I's in team - invite, imagine, include, ignite, involve.

The most powerful force ever known on this planet is human cooperation - Jonathan Haidt.

No regrets. It’s better to have a life full of what you like doing, than a life spent in a miserable way - Alan Watts.

The best day to start is yesterday. The second best is today. You may have five generations in your company; ensure you don't just listen to your voice.

Live in the moment and make mistakes. Einstein
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

shutterstock

Same Offer - Different Results

2013-05-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

I was on a call recently with two partners in a company. She is details personified and he is all about the idea. They make a great team save when she wants him to be more specific with his ideas, or when he wants her to just figure it out and make it happen. Often the little things become large obstacles and they get stuck. Sound familiar?

You often see it in sports. Two evenly matched teams play each other to a lopsided result. Each seemed to have the same amount of talent and tools yet it wasn't enough to predict the outcome.

In that perfect world void of egos, job titles, org charts, and territorial battles, every relationship has open dialogue to deal with big things, small things, ideas and details. Once we embrace our differences, find calm in the chaos, and work as a team, we will celebrate more wins.

If conflict can turn to collaboration, magic can happen.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

original: dec 2012 | fineartamerica

Fearless Culture

2013-05-28T05:30:00.000-04:00

There is plenty of data to show we admire people who take chances as well as create and share new ideas. The things we can accomplish are astounding but are we admiring more than doing? It takes effort to have an idea, it takes guts to act on it. But what if you let everyone take more chances, act on ideas, and embrace a more creative culture within your organization?

We often hear of companies that tout their forward thinking attitude and openness. But I suppose the cynicism creeps in when those promises are broken or don’t come to fruition in the purest of ways. Life gets busy and we pacify our need for engaging interactions by telling ourselves that only happens elsewhere.

Connecting the Human Dots

Work and business can often get in the way of great ideas, collaborative culture, and true leadership. The creation of meaningful experiences is often replaced by fear and inaction. Cutting the budget seems easier than taking more chances. The intersection of people and business require relationships and the key ingredient is desire.

Sir John Hegarty is one of the principles at the UK based agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty and in this short piece succinctly sums up the importance of culture and creativity.

Watch this, then watch it with your team.

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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

johnhegarty | omgtoptens

Embracing Your Big Ideas

2013-05-26T05:39:00.000-04:00

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream despite overwhelming opposition and it cost him his life. Steve Jobs built a company that changed the game. Mother Teresa served her religion and her people with dignity and grace. Oprah Winfrey smashed the glass ceiling while creating a unique brand.

Those are big ideas. And we all have them. They don't have to cure a disease or move a generation but we will never know their potential until we explore them, share them, and see where they'll go.

Ideas come to us constantly

Change is work so you won't gain consensus from the start. We don't enjoy buy-in from inception. Management consultant Tom Peters says; “The new idea either finds a champion or it dies. No ordinary involvement with a new idea provides the energy required to cope with the indifference and resistance that change provokes.”

The next time you can’t seem to shake the idea, let it percolate and rest. You won't have all the parts figured out at first. Give it more time to develop. No big idea has ever or will ever be embraced by everyone right away. But throwing it away the moment it meets a naysayer is a waste of an idea that could be big.

Resistance to new ideas is easier than embracing them.
The trick is not to dismiss ours quickly.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

devwijewardane

Ctrl Alt Delete – Our Future Depends On It

2013-05-24T05:55:00.000-04:00

Back in mid-90’s I met this cool smart dude when we were both slogging it out in the music industry. He was running a music magazine and working with musicians while I was programming radio stations.

Fast forward a couple or 20 years and Mitch Joel has become a great friend, someone I look to for advice, and always enjoy reading his daily blog posts.

He Started It

This site exists because five years ago Mitch kicked my ass to write and keep writing. And you can call him a 25 year overnight success because he only works every day at his craft while sharing constantly, speaking around the world, and ensuring his digital agency Twist Image remains healthy and strong. Other than that, the guy's a slacker!

He published his first book Six Pixels of Separation which you should have if you don't already. Now he has released his new book which may scare you then inspire you.

Joel's second book Ctrl Alt Delete: Reboot Your Business. Reboot Your Life. Your Future Depends On It is out this week. Mitch and I will have a chat about it here on the site in a while so we can get even more insight from him. We may even talk a little music while we're at it. Pick up the book and let's learn together. Congrats Mitch!

And check out the best book site ever right here.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

Mitch Joel | Ctrl Alt Delete

Tom Asacker | The Business of Belief (part 2)

2013-05-22T05:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I posted part one of a conversation I had with my colleague Tom Asacker who has published his latest book The Business of Belief.

This is the second part of our conversation.

You write: “We choose what we choose because we believe in it. And those beliefs are driven by our desires.” Can you expand on that?

Tom: Belief is what humans do. Our personal beliefs and desires drive our choices. And in most cases, like fish in water, we’re unaware of that reality. Let’s take a relevant example. Right now someone is reading this blog post. If you were able to ask them why, they might respond, “I enjoy Kneale’s perspective, or I like Kneale.”

If you dug deeper, you may hear, “I was bored and intrigued by the subject matter.” If you go deep enough, you’ll eventually discover that whoever is reading this is reading it because they believe it’s the right decision for them to be making at this time. And why? Because they want to!

It sounds really simple, and it is. But how and why our minds work to create and nourish our beliefs is largely hidden from us. If you become aware of how and why it happens, you’ll know how to better motivate yourself and influence others.

You write there is nothing more powerful than our beliefs and in order to change the world, we need to change our beliefs, but how do we ensure they are our beliefs and not what society or industry or a boss or friend may have convinced us because of their beliefs?

Tom: That’s a great question. And I’m not sure I can answer it in a way that would “ensure” an unbiased assessment. We are all products of our past our upbringing, experiences, acculturation, genetics, etc. It’s simply not possible to scrub our brains of all of that influence. The challenge is to develop a personal philosophy of life and living, and then consciously consider our decisions and choices within that framework. That’s what makes leaders great, and people special.

If you suggest beliefs are nothing more than working assumptions, how do our beliefs become habits or unconscious actions?

Tom: It’s simple, really. If we develop a working assumption, say that a particular brand will do the job for us because we like the price, people, design, et al., and then it DOES that job, we now have evidence to support our belief. And so, we don’t have to spend time and energy considering that particular choice in the future. The process is the same for all of our decisions.

What have been some of the influences in changing your beliefs?

Tom: I’m probably a bit different than most, in that I make it my business to know why people do the things they do. So I’m always looking for the underlying reasons behind various decisions, including my own. And it’s that process, of questioning, that has influenced most of my changes. Of course, I have been influenced by others, including my friends and the media. But I try to make sure that those influences mesh with and contribute to my personal philosophies and evolving narrative. We all do.

Our minds are motivated by various stimuli, how can we shape that data to stay focused on the beliefs that will be helpful to us and those around us?

Tom: Desire will do the shaping for you. The stronger it is, the more influence it will have over your mind’s assessment of the various stimuli. It will screen and interpret the data to reinforce your desires and beliefs. This process is neither good nor bad; it’s simply how the brain works.

You also write in the book that our feeling mind and impulses can lead us astray, so trust our guts or not?

Tom: Know when to trust your gut. If you’ve developed expertise in a particular field or domain, pay attention to the signals being sent from your unconscious with regards to that domain. But, in general, be very skeptical of your feeling mind. It’s a short-term thinker. It’s an impulsive, impatient, and quite fearful companion.

What are the key hopes you have for anyone reading this book?

Tom: To be more conscious, of their beliefs, their choices, their words and actions and to live life on purpose, with caring and daring.

Thanks Tom! The Business of Belief is out now.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

tom asacker | learntoem

Tom Asacker | The Business of Belief (part 1)

2013-05-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

Writing a book is hard work. Many who have never attempted this endeavor, like many disciplines, have an opposite opinion. If you have ever had the inkling, here are a few things to consider. First, you need a thesis to carry your book. It is an angle, a story you want to share, a theory or outline that will hold your readers’ attention.

Next you need to write

For business books, generally that means 50-80,000 words, novels are 75,000 words and up. Then you need someone to edit it to ensure there is a flow which will keep that reader hooked. There are footnotes and credits and all that fun stuff to add in next.

Now the work begins

Once that is complete, you need to actually get it in the hands of readers which requires marketing, advertising, speaking engagements, social networking, or a myriad other channels. Oh, and if you think publishing a book will be an instant financial windfall, well, unless you’re Stephen King or John Grisham, don’t hold your breath.

Still interested?

I first met Tom Asacker through Twitter. He posted something that got me interested, then more, then I visited his website and read more about his work and philosophies. Then watched some of Tom’s speaking engagements and followed that with a phone call. We had a great chat and we've been in touch ever since.

I like Tom’s straight forward approach and he's an entertaining and thought provoking speaker. He is a seasoned business strategist, author, speaker, and marketer who knows his stuff and keeps learning every day.

His latest book is entitled The Business of Belief and it’s a fascinating read. Tom and I touched base a while back and decided to do something different. I asked if I could interview him about the book and his life and he obliged. This is the first of two parts of that conversation.

Why did you write The Business of Belief?

Tom: I don’t know yet. I’m being quite sincere. These types of non-fiction books are really about one thing: Changing people’s lives by illustrating and illuminating an emotional truth. When I hear back from people who have read the book and, as a result, have changed their businesses and their lives, then I’ll know why I wrote it.

You outline in the book that there are two factions or sources of energy working against each other.

First, is our ability to share and spread ideas faster through technology and the second is the difficulty in actually influencing the beliefs and behaviors of our intended audiences. You call it the Issue-Attention Cycle. Explain.

Tom: Awareness is obviously still a prerequisite in any type of communication process. But it’s a time consuming and expensive undertaking if it doesn't accomplish the end goal, which is belief and behavior change.

The issue-attention cycle refers primarily to public opinion, how our enthusiasm for programs or issues initially peaks and then fades off. There’s no doubt that the same thing happens with organizations.

The difference is that the leader of an organization has a captive audience. It’s up to her to make sure that she communicates clearly, frequently and passionately, and that she eliminates competing priorities on her people’s time and attention.

The theme of the book, and I assume now, your life, is belief and the ability for us to stay clear on our values. What is belief for you?

Tom: I’m only human, so many of my beliefs go unquestioned. There’s simply not enough time in the day to evaluate each and every decision. But I do make it a routine practice to question my work: Am I making a real difference in people’s lives and how can I change to improve my impact?

I also continually question my humanity: Am I as compassionate and caring as I can be? Am I making decisions that will make the world a better place in the future? The key is to be conscious, which is hard for people who are hurrying through life making most of their decisions on autopilot.

More with Tom and the Business of Belief tomorrow.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

tom asacker | learntoem

Our Ongoing Education

2013-05-17T06:51:00.000-04:00

We live in a fascinating time. Technology, communication, collaboration, and knowledge bring us more changes every day to connect and grow. As far as leadership and business culture, it’s also an ever more complex time.

We have four and sometimes five generations in the workforce side by side trying to homogenize the experience through systems and processes, strategies and priorities, options and competing priorities. This is challenging for all of us.

I do subscribe to the mantra that education is a lifelong journey and that may be more important now than every before in our existence.

Sir Ken Robinson is a fascinating man who is a tireless champion for creativity, education, and possibilities. Watch his latest TEDTalk and replace teacher with leader and children with team and see if this may help for your career as well as our kids.

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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

TED | Ken Robinson

Be a Human Leader

2013-05-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

There are over seven billion of us on this planet, over two billion online, and the noise is unbearable most days. Look at this, click on that, check my offer, attend this event, go to that store, read this article, buy that cool gadget, the list is endless. Then we're expected to share it, text it, tweet it, connect it, friend it, email it, or blog it.

The cries for attention seem unrelenting and perhaps as we have trained ourselves to sift through endless data, content, and advertising, we have forgotten ourselves? But it would be good to think we take more care with our relationships and careers. This creates strong bonds, great friendships, and successful companies.

Culture Matters

Leadership and culture are not job titles and your team is not a group of robots carrying out mindless tasks to grow the revenue for your shareholders. Like you, they have dreams and goals and a need for more meaning and passion in their work.

If you focus on the meaning of your business, significance of your people, and importance of creating a collaborative culture, the focus on revenue will no longer get in the way of creating all of your goals.

Daily Care

If you feel yourself wanting more on a deeper level, it’s safe to say so does every person you work with, every partner you do business with, and every connection. In a busy world with too much going on, keeping relationships our biggest priority will serve us well. Letting the distractions replace the interactions is dangerous.

If you understand that everyone around you is not too different than you, have a need to belong like you, and want contribute and be a part of something like you, that will go a long way.

As a leader, be human, they will thank you.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

flickr

Awaken the Child

2013-05-10T05:30:00.000-04:00

When you were a kid, you were probably discovering new stuff all the time. There wasn't corporate governance tied to strategic objectives to increase third quarter earnings, you just tried stuff.

Some stuff went well, some not so well, some evolved into other stuff, but you probably didn't over think much because you were too busy discovering and creating. My mom still remarks about how I would get lost in my own world when I was a kid. That kid is alive and well. Is yours?

Snakes and Ladders

But as we grow, we begin to form teams and norms and start to worry more about the opinions of others and grow older and our image becomes more critical than our identity rather than the other way around.

Then we enter the workforce and the race is on to be better than that guy, sell more than her, dress better than him, get the promotion she wanted, make more money than he made, and the world continues to push us to do more – often for them.

Time Flies

So in just a few short years, we go from a kid to a competitive driven individual. Now the business world will love her because there is no place for that childlike wonderment, there is far too much work to be done, meetings to attend, emails to return, and profits to increase. He needs to stay focused on company goals and revenue projections.

Then you may get to a point when you discover your values have been compromised, your goals have been shelved and replaced by those of the person who pays you every two weeks, and you yearn for the simple times when you just discovered new stuff every day without all this noise.

Do As They Say

If you own the company or you’re in a leadership role, telling your employees what to think, want, and feel will work never. Embracing that they do have goals and dreams will work if you do it with authenticity. Don’t be afraid to wake up and help those around you do the same. Put culture and humans in front of profit margins and share price.

Don’t shy away from that young girl who spent hours discovering new ideas on her own. Don’t shun that little boy who lost himself in creativity. Embrace life and let everyone on your team do the same.

The results will astound you.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

static.guim | flickr

Customer Service in Two Steps

2013-05-06T22:46:00.000-04:00

If you were to ask everyone you know if they enjoyed receiving great customer service, the suspicion is most (all) would say yes. If you asked them if they received great customer service 100% of the time, the suspicion is most (all) would say no.

If you asked them if they would enjoy working in a company which supports value-based collaborative culture, most (all) would say yes. Then ask how many have experienced or experience it in their career, and far too many would say no.

Add it up...

So if all of those facts were true, do the math, some of us are giving less than great customer service or failing to create strong company culture. So how do we fix that and work to toward what we say we want?

Here are two suggestions:

Provide superior customer service to your customers, your partners, and your team through strong leadership, culture, and communication.

Then repeat daily.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

wired

Think Time

2013-05-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

I was recently in a meeting with a client and asked how often she has time to think. She laughed and looked at me curiously and claimed she was thinking all the time. I clarified my question by asking when she booked time to just think – no emails, no meetings, and no interruptions. She laughed even louder.

What followed was a list of tasks and deadlines and deliverables like we all have on our plate. There was no time to just think – time is money and there are things to get done.

Cut the Waste

I like to challenge leaders to find 25% of their week they spend on tasks they don’t need to be doing such as; too many meetings, meetings without a clear agenda, meetings that go on too long, emails that can wait, time which could be used to just think and plan and clear their head.

This realization hits me daily as I discover time wasted on unnecessary items that seemed important at the time. They say time is our most valuable resource yet do we give it the priority it so rightly deserves?

A Challenge for You

Find one work day a month and don’t go to the office, don't book any meetings, tell your team you aren't available. Then get a pad of paper, your laptop, your tablet, or any other note taking device of your choice. Get in the car, treat yourself to a decadent beverage, find a spot by yourself, and just think, make notes, get clear, then focus on the core of what you need to get done. Then make time to visualize the things you want to accomplish for you.

Think of it as career or business meditation. You may have immediately dismissed the idea as lunacy because how could you possibly give up one entire day a month to just think? There are things to do, deadlines to meet, emails to send and receive, and... Wait, we’re doing it again. You may realize think time needs to be a part of your life.

Something to think about.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

wallpapersdb

Thoughts from April

2013-05-01T06:42:00.001-04:00

Every morning, I post something on Twitter I’m thinking about or perhaps a saying or quote and here are some highlights from April 2013.

Three simple business rules: Respect. Help. Inspire. Why would you let naysayers stop you today? If you want the best from your team, listen to them. Inspire through action.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes
off your goal. Henry Ford

Take from the past what will help you and discard the rest. Don't let naysayers litter your path. Cut meetings by a minimum of 50% and watch what happens. Learn from challenges; don't wear them around like a bad suit.Take time for you time.

Let's celebrate and embrace our differences. Who can you help right now?
None of us is as smart as all of us. Japanese proverb

Get out of your way. We are not self-made; we are dependent on one another.
Kirby Ferguson

Four powerful words of leadership: What do you think? Be careful not to let collaboration turn to collusion or conflict. Success is measured by experiences not possessions. Busy is not always a good thing.

Relationships are not 50-50, they are 100-100.

Never underestimate what you bring to the table. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Helen Keller

Communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of a successful business. Watch the windshield not the rear view mirror.

Be grateful.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

eandt

Managing Expectations

2013-04-30T07:38:00.001-04:00

We make choices every moment of our lives. If we’re in a group, team, or company, those decisions are often magnified and frequently tied to a financial element.

Through every interaction, in tiny increments, we are making choices and creating expectations. We are agreeing on terms, making verbal and written contracts, setting deadlines, and creating anticipation for what we think will happen.

But are we articulating it well to others?

You see it when a supplier and a customer meet about deliverables, prices, quality, or a myriad other issues. Both parties think they’re right and as often is the case, the truth is somewhere in the middle.

The sales manager expects all of her reps to make a minimum of five prospect calls a day because she included it in an email nine months ago and it is how she built her client list so how could there possibly be another way.

Don’t bring me problems, offer solutions.

That sounds good on the surface, you don’t want a bunch of whiners and complainers, but if your team's solutions aren't implemented then they may stop offering them. Leaders need to create a culture where they are clear what they need and how each member can contribute.

The next time you share an idea, check in to see how it’s been received and how others may want to be involved. And with all of our technology and progress aside, a conversation can go a long way. A lesson I learn every day.

Managing perceptions might be our first step.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

lifehack

What's Your Excuse?

2013-04-26T07:01:00.000-04:00

I was looking for something inspirational this morning. Like you, I’ve seen and read plenty of content on how to get out of our heads or push through adversity, and more will be required as we live our lives, but I wanted something different, something that would be a good stiff kick in the butt.

Leadership isn't about being in control when the road is straight and dry but rather handling difficulties and unforeseen curves along the way.

Meet Sue Austin

TED | Sue Austin

Business is Personal

2013-04-23T08:09:00.000-04:00

It’s been said for generations that bringing your life to work is frowned upon. It was clearly stated that work is for work and if you want to interject something that is happening in your life, do that after work or during lunch or the small talk portion of meetings, but work is for working. And if you had a problem with your kids, finances, parents, spouse, or another ‘life’ issue, those were to be left at the door as well.

But can anyone expect employees to spend a third of their life in robot mode? Well some do, which is short sighted. Igniting passions and embracing differences can garner remarkable results.

Human Work

While we see four generations trying to mix cultures in the workplace plus more telecommuting, virtual teaming, technology, and flex time, we are seeing a shift and the process may not be going smoothly in many cases.

I’m not a fan of stereotypes but generally the older employees are more resistant to change while the younger employees adapt quicker. Yes, there are exceptions, but working all the time isn't healthy at any age.

Collaborate Openly

My friend and colleague Mitch Joel has said for years that he doesn't believe in the old saying - this is business, don't take it personally. He and his partners deliver to clients while providing a creative atmosphere for their staff and they take that personally.

Fast Company published a short piece back in 2005 entitled Making Business Personal where they made the case of balancing time between life and work priorities which states; “Take more of these opportunities to make business more personal, and please don't think your professional contacts will think less of you. In fact, usually the opposite happens. In most cases, this blurring of personal and professional lives seems to be good for business and good for our families, our friends, and ourselves.”

This isn't to suggest comfy lounge chairs and basketball nets in the boardroom will create a collaborative culture but blending generations, mixing perspectives, and allowing life to permeate your company will make it personal and that’s a good thing.

Make your business personal and your team will reciprocate.
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

itsmylife

The Media of Our Culture

2013-04-19T08:48:00.000-04:00

The news this week is filled with updates on the Boston bombings, explosion in Texas, and the killing of police officer Sean Collier at MIT. It’s been a horrible week.

We live in a time when a person can film an event on their mobile device, send to local authorities, and within a week suspects are found. That’s amazing. But that same technology gives us the ability to share or send misinformation.

The Human Network

As updates fly at incalculable speed, I guess it’s not surprising to see global news agencies getting it wrong in their quest to stay ahead of the Twitterverse.

Let's always remember Krystle Campbell, Martin Richard, Lingzi Lu, Sean Collier, and the hundreds affected by the explosion in Texas. As well, thank-you to the law enforcement, medical community, and local heroes.

Hug your kids, call a friend, say thank-you, help a colleague, keep perspective, and stay strong.

Kneale Mann

James Wilkinson

The Importance of Mentors

2013-04-17T05:30:00.000-04:00

I was chatting with a friend recently and we got on the topic of mentors. I have been extremely fortunate to have had several outstanding ones in my career. She lamented she couldn't name one in her life. Then she asked why these people had so profoundly helped me which got me thinking about the attributes of a great mentor.

Teacher

There must be trust. Your mentor has to care about you and your success not simply put their theories and goals on you. My most influential mentor was my boss Stewart. In just five years, I learned more about leadership and myself than I could have in twenty. He was a student of human behavior and not only understood we were different but accepted and embraced it.

He said leadership was 10% about the work and 90% about life, relationships, and people. It's important to do good work but without human connection, company culture won't be strong and your business will struggle. Stewart knew this and created it in our organization. And he's still doing it today.

Student

Stew understood human systems, team dynamics, and the importance of pushing people to be their best. His biggest gift as my mentor was to find those moments to explain how he did what he did and allow me space to find my own style and process. Oh, and if you know him, don't tell him I wrote this, he isn't the look-at-me type.

I connected with his ability to set the course but also explain how he arrived at the plan and how I could find my own way to lead my team, and years later, even bigger teams. He gave me another view of how to find my own way. I didn't realize at the time, but he gave me the foundation for my work today.

Graduate

Mentors are priceless yet the relationship is often not evident at first. You don't see "mentor" on an org chart or job board. It happens when it happens and can't be forced. But as the mentor relationship develops, it will garner immeasurable results.

If you've been fortunate to be a mentor, are one now, or become one in the future, cherish the opportunity to help someone find their way.

That’s leadership!
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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

kidsknowcanada

Decisions and Impatience

2013-04-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

We live in an instant gratification world where quick wins are lauded and our impatience fills the zeitgeist. Get it now, fix it now, win it now, make that call, close that sale, launch that product, etc. I am working on a new venture and we want stuff done yesterday. In my quest to speed up the process, I often get in the way which is something we all need to keep in mind.

Managing our patience takes skill and dedication. When do you make a quick decision? When do you wait? When does it require more data? When are you getting lost in data and scope creep?

One of the biggest stories this week is the departure of JC Penny CEO Ron Johnson. Mitch Joel features the Johnson story in his new book Crtl Alt Delete and recently wrote about the swift departure, saying; “I hope 17 months doesn't become the norm.”

Nimble is the norm and impatience is riding shotgun

In some cases, 17 months is too long, in others too short. I worked with a guy who proclaimed his mantra was - ready shoot aim. Make a decision, do it, deal with the consequences. I think some aiming is important but often we get stuck during the indecision stage, so balance is always the challenge. But waiting for the perfect time to move is a deadly pursuit.

Johnson was tasked with turning around an old brand in a very busy sector shrouded in churn and impatience. But Ron was fired and they're bringing back the CEO he replaced a year and a half ago hoping this time it'll work. Cue the Einstein quote.

Culture is king

Zappos is often used as an example where leadership, patience and culture merge into a cool place to work that makes healthy profit. Culture and revenue can live happily together if done right. The Zappos’ family values are; Deliver wow through service. Embrace and drive change. Create fun and a little weirdness. Be adventurous, creative, and open-minded. Pursue growth and learning. Build open and honest relationships with communication. Build a positive team and family spirit. Do more with less. Be passionate and determined. Be humble.

CEO Tony Hsieh admits both fast and slow decisions cost Zappos a lot of money while affecting their culture.

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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Executive Coach engaging leaders to build successful talent and profitable business.

Flickr | Inc. | Tony Hsieh