 By Jana Axline, MBA, DTM, PMP, Axline Solutions
In my consulting experience, I have found that many companies struggle at managing change. They often move forward with an initiative without managing the change that needs to occur. Below are 8 of the common pitfalls that can cause a team to fail at leading a successful change initiative. Fail to obtain leadership alignment. Change is hard. It’s exponentially harder if leaders are on separate pages. Take time to align your leadership team and coordinate messaging that will be shared throughout the organization. Make change unidirectional. Change can rarely occur top down or bottom up and reach maximum success. Change needs to flow from both directions. While it may be initiated from one direction, it needs to be driven at all levels. Fail to assess current state/future state and the gap between them. This manifests itself a few ways. Sometimes it’s rolling something out and fitting it to an old way of doing things without assessing if those processes should change. Other times it’s implementing something new without doing a gap analysis between the future state and where the team is today. When that happens, we often underestimate the size of the change, failing to craft our communications and training accurately. Focus only on why the company benefits. Decisions are often made through the lens of what’s right for the company, and hopefully, if it’s right for the company it’s right for the employees. Messaging should be centered around why the employee should care about the change (and increased revenue is not why). How does the change directly impact their daily lives? Ignore the cons. Don’t put lipstick on the pig. Most changes have a positive and negative aspects; don’t ignore the negative. The employee knows. And by ignoring it, it sends the message that the company doesn’t care. Lack of communication. Not communicating enough or assuming one size fits all for communication is a mistake. Don’t make the mistake of believing if you’ve communicated it once, then everyone’s got it and they’re ready to move on. Communication needs to happen in various forms. It can take 8 occurrences of communication for one message to sink in. Thorough and effective communication is key. Don’t check in. Along with not communicating enough, leaders may neglect to follow up and see how people are doing with the change. Taking a pulse periodically allows you to adjust your methods according to the current adoption rate. Don’t align measures of success to end state. Often change will result in a change of what success looks like, yet how employees are rewarded doesn’t change. This encourages employees to continue doing things the way they’ve always done them. Align rewards with what success looks like now. Whether you are rolling out a new policy, new software, or heading up a merger, change needs to be managed. In order to have successful projects, it’s important to plan change activities. By doing so, your employees and team members will be much happier.  By Chris Castillo, Millennial Career Coach and Corporate Trainer
With a booming job market, it’s a great time to be a job-hunter. That said, as hiring managers, it can be more and more challenging to attract great talent. There are so many opportunities out there! How do you ensure that millennials will want to work for your company? Since employees are a key asset of a business, here are a few tips for attracting millennial talent: Have room for growth. A company with room for career development is a must-have for young employees. Especially as more millennials are considering the path of entrepreneurship, having a company that allows them to develop long-term skills is crucial. Sit down with your employees and ask them how they want to grow their careers. If they’re not as interested in their current path, try and find another way for them to do more fulfilling work internally. As a business, be sure to share these stories. By highlighting employees’ abilities to design their careers, you’ll draw attention from more job-seekers. Emphasize a culture of transparency. Since many job-seekers have their choice of several opportunities, culture is becoming a larger factor in decisions. If you have internal processes to share feedback with the senior leadership team, or a flat organizational structure, be sure to mention these perks in interviews. A culture of candor is paramount, so if you have this, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd. Invest in your managers. An employee’s manager has a huge impact - as the old adage says, it’s often what keeps (or repels) them at a company. With that in mind, it’s important to know that your management team is up to the task. Unfortunately, often I hear from clients about managers who don’t really know how to manage; they’ve never been trained to do it and are simply in a managerial role because they kept getting promotions. This is not what we want. We want managers who have been trained on developing their employees and realize that this is a central part of their role . By investing in your management team, you’re more likely to attract and retain great talent. There are so many complex factors when it comes to retention and company culture, but if you start by truly investing in your employees and their career satisfaction, I’m certain that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.  by Chris Castillo, Millennial Career Coach and Corporate Trainer www.beempoweredachievers.com
Rapport leaders are the people who other employees look to during times of transition or those who are respected within the company. If there is a round of layoffs, you can bet your staff will be listening closely to see how the rapport leaders respond. “Do they seem worried? Should I feel worried?” In a company-wide training, people will be looking to them to see how closely they are paying attention. These are the quiet cues that answer things like, “Based on how this person I respect is acting, how should I act?” It’s human nature. Rapport comes from your status or from your personality. People can be respected because they’re a high-level executive, or because they’re simply well-liked and plugged into the office. Considering what a huge impact rapport leaders can have on a company, though, it’s no wonder that it’s essential to get them on board with the company’s direction. If you’re managing one of these respected leaders within a company, you have a big job. Here are a few tips: Give them responsibility. One of the best things you can do as a manager is to help your respected employee feel special by giving them a job. Ask them to take on additional responsibility, such as leading the weekly stand-up. You’re not only using their natural magnetism to your advantage, but you’re also grooming them for a future leadership role. Share their impact. Make them aware of their influence. Of course, we don’t want to inflate their ego here, but most of the time, rapport leaders don’t fully understand their impact. They’ve always been charismatic, and they don’t realize that it’s the exception instead of the norm. Talk to your direct report about how the team looks to them in such high regard, and explain that when they’re frustrated by something, others may take that on. Use them to establish buy-in with others. The best move that a company can make is having a coalition of rapport-builders who are in charge of engagement and culture. These can be the people who are the sounding board during times of change and are responsible for sharing feedback upwards to senior management. If leadership is able to go to their committee and discuss change before it’s shared with the rest of the organization, it will be easier to get other employees on board. Most importantly, rapport leaders are the people you want on your side, so be sure to keep them engaged with the company. When a well-respected employee starts to feel apathetic at their organization, their negative energy will spread like wildfire. Soon, you’ll be left having to hire a lot of backfill. By Donna Moriarty I may be a dyed-in-the-wool introvert, but last night I had an epiphany about networking. I discovered I love it. Okay, maybe I’m going a little too far. How about, I discovered that meeting people in a business or social setting doesn’t deserve the fear and loathing I’ve invested in it. In fact, it can be almost fun. I just need to remember a few simple principles.  Photo credit: gratisography.com I’m the sort of person who would choose a root canal over a networking event. Seriously. I have a really great oral surgeon who makes me laugh between bouts with instruments, and frankly, I would prefer that experience to a networking event that resembles some of the kind I’ve had. But now I know there is a better way. Earlier this year I hung out my shingle as a sole practitioner of editorial services after decades of corporate and nonprofit staff positions. In those days, whenever I attended a networking event for my employer, I had no real purpose other than to schmooze, show the company flag, and just get through it until the boss signaled it was okay to leave. Those occasions were marked by the most craven wallflower-ness. I would lurk in the corners of the room like some cobweb, scanning desperately for someone I knew or wasn’t too intimidated by. After glancing at my watch for the third time in 10 minutes, I’d sidle up to one of my colleagues and begin talking about how much I hated networking and was it time to go yet. It’s easier to understand the root canal now, right? It wasn’t until I started my writing and editing business that I knew I really and truly had to get over this phobia. So I did what anyone would do: I typed “I hate networking” into a search engine, and scanned the results for something that would put me out of my misery. I found it in Devora Zack’s wonderful book, Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected. I completely related to Devora’s insightful yet playful observations about being an introvert in an extroverted world. I loved reading her take on the differences between people who love networking (e-verts, feel free to wave your hands and yell, “That’s me!”) and those who hate it (i-verts, you can raise an eyebrow in recognition—or not). I was so enchanted by her insights that I resolved to do a better job. I downloaded her book to my phone, registered for a local small business association’s holiday party—one of Devora’s tips (if I don’t register, I’ll find some excuse not to go), and then forgot about it until the day of The Event. I woke up in dread. I thought about it all day. I was on the verge of bailing. And then I remembered Devora’s book. I opened my e-book to the chapter on The Networking Event Reimagined. Get there early. Hm, now there’s a concept. Instead of entering a room teeming with people, I could more readily approach the small number who were milling about at the start. Scan the nametag table to get an idea of who’s attending, and whom you might seek out for connection. Another excellent idea I’d never considered. Set a goal, even if it’s only two new connections. Ok, check. Two new connections, a low bar to be sure, but hey—training wheels. Survey the crowd before jumping in. Hand a plate to the person behind you in the food line. After a couple of interactions, take a break to regroup before starting another one. Ask questions, and listen. Know when it’s time to move on, and prepare a simple exit line. Before long, I didn’t have to think about it; I knew what to do. Something about my confidence seemed to make a difference, too. A few people approached me, which made starting a conversation infinitely easier. I began to enjoy myself. I asked myself new questions, like, “Have I gotten the most out of this, or should I stay a little longer? Can I try something really bold, like approaching the CEO of a company that I’d love to land as a client?” By the time I looked at my watch—for the first time—there were only 15 minutes left before the evening would officially end. Well, shut up! I survived! So all hail, @Devora_Zack, for rescuing me from a life of antipathy toward my fellow networker. All hail to the lively, helpful people at the business association’s holiday bash. And all hail to the quiet people out there who believe networking mastery is beyond their ken. It’s possible to do the impossible if you just remember who you are and what you are about. And be a little brave. After all, it’s not root canal. Donna Moriarty I’ve been writing since the age of seven, when a nun caught me telling an outlandish story, and said I would be a writer one day. After spending three decades writing copy and producing publications for various employers, I founded Silversmith Writing and Editing. I rarely meet a sentence I can’t improve, even just a little. A lot of website and marketing content, churned out just to fill space, really doesn’t try very hard. “Good enough” copy is stale, full of jargon and riddled with clichés. It needs a makeover. I like to tell my clients, “sit back, relax, and let me bring out your beautiful story.” When I blog, I like to tell stories from my own observations that can illuminate the dim corners of our everyday experiences.
You can learn more about Donna Moriarty at www.silversmithwriting.com.  Suzanne Evans Build Your Speaking Biz Bootcamp Written by Krystal Covington
"Most speakers are men, that's just the reality of our industry." I learned this illuminating fact at Suzanne Evans' Build Your Speaking Biz Bootcamp. On the stage sat 5 professional event planners whose job is to book speakers for events throughout the year. They shared some of their best tips for how speakers can get noticed by event planners like themselves, but when a woman asked the question "how can I stand out as a speaker?" the response was simple.  When you become a thought-leader you become part of the elite 1% of people who take the lead and educate others. Content creators are a rare breed, and you want to be a part of that pedigree.
According to a Forbes article: 1% of people create all the content 9% of people share the content 90% simply consume the content  By: Alyce Blum, CPC
I recently became a certified professional coach and started my own business, Alyce Blum Coaching. At first I didn’t think starting a business would be so hard, how naïve of me, right? As it turns out, it’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I’ve quickly learned that having a support system of other coaches who I check in with on a regular basis is key to moving forward. Every week I meet with two other coaches that are part of a mastermind group, a place where we coach one another and create space to get support from fellow entrepreneurs. A few weeks ago we all did an exercise where we had to think about the most influential experience in our life; and share how that experience has affected the way we live our lives today, the way we make decisions, how we treat others, and ultimately the way we see ourselves. Below is what I wrote and I hope it will be a source of inspiration for you to take the time to think about the places, people, and actions, that have greatly formed the person you are today. I have included questions that are meant to guide you in doing this exercise on your own. (Or grab a few friends, a bottle of wine and make a night of it!) Question #1: What was the most influential experience in your life? Living abroad in Guayaquil, Ecuador at the age 16 was the most influential experience in shaping who I am today. These days I work by myself and when I can't seem to find the inspiration or motivation I need to keep building my business I’ll find myself thinking about the time when I lived in Guayaquil. My vivid memories of feeling nervous, overwhelmed and alone mimic many of my current challenges as a new entrepreneur. I’ll stop and think about how brave I was when I was only 16 years old and that if I could successfully live in a foreign country at such a young age, then today, I can do anything I put my mind to. Question #2: Which of your 5 senses (sight,smell,touch,taste,hear) transports you to a time in your past, helping you relive a certain moment? What do these memories create space for you to think about in your current life? (gratitude, aspirations, current challenges, etc.) My interest in going abroad was sparked by my sophomore year geography teacher, Mr. Muncakchi. I clearly remember sitting in his class next to a huge world map. He asked the class to think about what we really knew about the world, about the people who live in it and about the billions of differences that existed. At that moment I looked up at the map and I felt something deep inside and heard myself say, "Holy crap, I don't know anything about the world...but I want to know everything!" After convincing my parents it was a good idea to let me go abroad I was off for 6 months that would ultimately change my life forever. There are many times where I've smelled something so distinctly ‘Ecuadorian’ that it immediately brings me back to living abroad. Heavily perfumed, scented cleaning products, and most notably burning garbage are two scents that epitomize my time in Guayaquil. Immersed in these smells I stop to think back to that time when I could barely speak Spanish, let alone find gratitude for the life I was living. Today, recognizing this helps me to stop and be present in the moment, ultimately reminding me of the beautiful life I’m living. Question #3: How did your influential experience challenge you at the time and how did you deal with those challenges? I recall the language barriers and intensely missing my family and friends so much that it forced me to turn to myself for comfort, love and support. It also made me question my Jewish identity as I lived with an extremely religious Catholic family and went to church with them every Sunday. At first I felt so weird and uncomfortable going to church, but then I would calm myself by saying, "It's ok, this is part of the experience...you're not betraying Judaism or your family. After a few months of attending church I recognized that it had in fact strengthened my connection to myself, to the Jewish religion and I was able to share some of my Jewish traditions with my host family. While living there I learned so much about life, about people, about poverty, and about the lack of respect that millions of people endure simply because they are born into inhumane conditions. Watching my host mom communicate with no respect to the maids in our home angered me and I quickly learned that the way we speak to one another has a huge impact on our feelings of self-worth or lack thereof. Today I try to think about the words and tone I use to everyone I speak with and am reminded that communication is an extremely powerful tool that is available to us all. Question #4: What did you learn about yourself after your influential experience came to an end? I've learned more about myself in the years that followed my return than when I was actually living there, and surprisingly in ways that I didn't expect. For example it made me recognize that the minimal communication I chose to have with my parents while I was abroad was simply because I was too prideful to admit how sad and lonely I was. It was easier to be hard headed towards my parents, and push them away, rather than just admitting that I was crying every day and desperately needed their reassurance that everything was going to be O.K. It also made me realize that my ability to be happily independent has often times worked against me rather than working for me. I've had to work hard over the past few years to accept the fact that it's O.K. to ask for help and I’ve learned how to be outwardly vulnerable so that others can be a source of support and comfort to me even when I think I can do it all by myself. Today I’ve come to recognize that when I felt most uncomfortable, those were the times I was in fact growing, maturing and gaining a wider perspective in life. Question #5: Imagine your life 5 years from now, what actions will you look back on that will have positively influenced you? As a coach, an entrepreneur and a human being I practice the art of gratitude daily to help ground me and bring me back to the events that have shaped who I am and ultimately carved the path I’m on today. I am grateful to Mr. Muncakchi, for peaking my interest and for encouraging me to think beyond the world I knew. I am eternally GRATEFUL to my parents for always believing in me and for supporting my growth, education and desire to explore new cultures when they weren't ready to be empty nesters, but they put their desires aside so I could take flight and see the world. If you find yourself craving change and desiring to widen your lens of the world, remember, that if you ask for help the journey will be a lot smoother and ultimately more joyful. Potentially, this exercise will remind you why you chose your career, the place you live and the people you surround yourself with today. Or, if you’re looking to make changes in your life this will give you the space to incorporate aspects from your most influential experience into the life you’d ideally like to be living. Be kind to yourself and use this a reflective tool to highlight that all of life’s experiences happen for a reason and that when we are open to them we can always learn and grow. ABOUT ALYCE BLUM, CPC Alyce Blum Coaching LLC | www.AlyceBlum.com Trained under the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) Alyce provides public speaking, strategic facilitation and consulting services for leaders and visionaries in the private and non-profit communities. As a leadership, executive and networking Coach Alyce actively listens to her client’s needs by asking the right questions. Honoring a confidential and non-judgmental space results in clients creating their own solutions, which ultimately builds confidence and self-esteem. Working with Alyce provides a set time to create benchmarks while holding clients accountable for their desired success. She is passionate and believes in the coaching practice because it directly enables clients to ask for what they want in their life and then come up with a deliberate plan to take action. Before pursuing a career in coaching Alyce was a legal recruiter with Patton Boggs LLP in Washington, DC and facilitated international trade with the Canadian Consulate in Denver, CO. Alyce thrives on connecting like-minded individuals through networking events and multi-cultural experiences. Having traveled to over 19 countries Alyce believes that many of life’s greatest lessons happen when you’re forced out of your comfort zone and are forced to quickly assess and adapt to new and challenging situations. Alyce’s lens on life has been shaped by the various opportunities she’s had connecting with people from different backgrounds. |
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