Cosmetic Surgery, Digital Style
Remember The New Yorker cartoon picturing a dog in front of a computer with the caption, "on the Internet, no one knows you're a dog"? That cartoon was the embodiment of the then new era of desktop publishing, which is now ubiquitous in our lives.
Today we have a variation on this theme. Through smart phones, social media, and myriad digital devices, we're able to design and reinvent our personas. We choose how we want to world to see us.
Instead of editing at our desks, however, we send these ever-morphing images of ourselves into cyberspace wherever we may be at the moment, and alter them as we receive feedback from strangers.
The proliferation of personal information on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and countless other sites gives us many places to test who we want to become. A little nip here, a tuck there....the construction of personas is an ongoing, evolving phenomenon.
This is cosmetic surgery, digital style.
One of the interesting consequences of this trend is reconciling your developing digital image with the "real thing". When people meet each other "live", how does the reality stack up with the digital image?
Many implications emerge for the workplace. Much has been written about really knowing whom you're hiring. But there's much more to consider.
Do you know how your people's outbound messages reflect on your organization? How do we even know what's real and what is fabricated? How do you communicate face-to-face when you spend so much time texting or tweeting? And these questions are just for starters.
Interesting questions, to be sure. The cliche, "what you see is what you get" should now give pause to asking, "Really?"
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game."
- Voltaire
On this Day in History
In 1973, the Sears Tower in Chicago became the tallest building in the world at 1,454 feet.
Creative Competitiveness
In a recent editorial, "The Creative Monopoly", The New York Times op-ed columnist David Brooks presented an interesting commentary on the potential conflict between competitiveness and creativity.
He observes that "the competitive spirit capitalism engenders can sometimes inhibit the creativity it requires". Creative people dart and weave in search of solutions. More conventional workers, on the other hand, tend to stay on a predetermined competitive course, and may miss other alternatives or opportunities as a result.
The roots of this dichotomy are in the educational arena where students follow a set curriculum and are encouraged to strive for all As, rather than focus on their areas of greatest strength or interest. The corporate environment reinforces this by frowning when someone appears to go "off point" (which is what creatives do when they solve problems).
Of course, it's possible to create a balance between creativity and competition. You can develop this equilibrium by being aware of the inherent conflicts, and taking action to promote and support creative pursuits while not losing focus on the end goal.
Organizations that foster this balance will develop a stronger competitive edge. Your people will feel empowered to be more creative, which may lead to even better solutions than you originally envisioned.
When you encourage attributes such as independent thinking and resourcefulness, your people will bring out their best. Your organization, your people, and your clients benefit, so everyone wins.
I'm interested in how you manage the balance between creativity and competitiveness, so feel free to drop me a note to share your thoughts.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day."
- Thornton Wilder
April 26th Trivia
Today is Poem in Your Pocket Day, as part of National Poetry Month. People are encouraged to share a favorite poem with friends and co-workers.
To Be Congruent (or Not)
I recently met a young, talented, up-and-coming manager who is trying to accelerate his career. In particular, he's hung up on being perceived as an executive, and thinks that updating his resume will result in being recognized as one.
I asked him what "being an executive" means to him, and he responded with a huge mouthful of buzzwords and textbook cliches. The truth is that he really doesn't know what it means to him, only what he thinks it means based on what he has heard and read.
His actions and behaviors are not congruent with this manufactured image, and as a result, he runs the risk of making a fool of himself as he interviews for higher level jobs.
When our behaviors match our beliefs, we act congruently. When we espouse one thing and behave differently, we are incongruent. People have radar when it comes to perceiving another person's congruity, so when you don't "walk your talk" you lose credibility.
In this case, talking like a big shot and behaving immaturely is incongruent. People will see right through his inconsistent demeanor. This could significantly slow the pace of his career advancement, and might even cause a minor derailment.
It's important to provide reality checks to our rising stars (and, indeed, to all of our people) as they advance in our organizations. Truly talented people may be a few steps ahead in their heads than they are in reality, but will adjust their behavior if a savvy leader provides constructive feedback and guidance.
Self-awareness precedes congruity. If someone is self-aware, it's easier to coach them to be congruent. If they're not as self-aware, it may take a little longer to get to the goal.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
- Native American Proverb
April 19th Trivia
Today is National Amaretto Day. Although this popular liqueur has been around since the 1500s, it only arrived in the U.S. in the 1960s.
On this Day in History
In 1775, the American Revolution began as fighting broke out in Lexington, MA.
What's Your Mindset?
A notable work place issue that has become more relevant in the "new normal" of constant change relates to people's ability to quickly adapt. Leaders need to be effective role models of this skill, and unfortunately, often that is the problem.
Many mid- and senior-level managers learn management skills in the context of doing things a certain way, according to specific processes and procedures. Constant change, of course, can shake up that foundation.
What worked yesterday may not work today, and you may not have the luxury of time to develop a new system. You need to act now.
"But I've always done it this way" becomes the kiss of death in these situations. Leaders need to be more agile in how they manage under different circumstances.
Carol Dweck, the author of Mindset - The New Psychology of Success, researched how people deal with failure. She identified two mindsets: one is a "fixed" mindset, where people believe that their talents are finite. This creates a need to continually prove what you know, and rarely do you venture out of your comfort zone.
The "growth" mindset, on the other hand, is based on the concept that you can change and grow through your experiences. You become more creative and open to trying new ways.
It might not seem intuitive, but you can develop the skill to adapt more nimbly. Although you may fail from time to time, those failures become great teachers as you learn to grow through your experiences.
Now, before this makes you nervous, keep in mind that everyone has elements of both mindsets. A good goal is to become more aware of when you're functioning in the fixed mindset ("we've always done it this way") and start to shift to the growth mindset ("let's see what happens if we do it this way"). Before you know it, your efforts of trying new ways will reinforce your new behavior.
Please feel free to email me any questions or comments, and I'll follow up in a future issue.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."
- Margaret Atwood
April 12th Trivia
Today is "Support Teen Literature Day" where librarians nationwide will celebrate the growing genre of teen literature.
On this Day in History
In 1877, a catcher's mask was used in a baseball game for the first time by James Alexander Tyng.
Customer Lifetime Value
I have a friend who returned a pair of shoes to Nordstrom because the back of the shoes irritated her heels and tore her stockings. Although the shoes had been worn only a couple of times, the salesperson accepted the shoes and gave a full refund, no questions asked. He also added a voucher for 6 pairs of panty hose.
My friend has always bought shoes from Nordstrom ever since.
Now, contrast this to the more common scenario that goes something like this: "we can't take them back because you wore them". End of story.
Companies that think beyond short term profits understand the concept of the lifetime value of a customer, client, or patient. They understand that investing in client retention usually prolongs the amount of time that your customers will purchase from you.
Even though it's easy to forget about or ignore lifetime value during difficult economic times when sales and profits may have suffered, it's important to include this in your marketing mix.
Think about what you can do to delight your clients. What additional value can you add that will place you ahead of your competition?
Returning to our Nordstrom example, it's a safe bet that my friend has purchased more than shoes in the years that have passed. Not only has her life expectancy as a customer extended, but the average purchase has increased in value.
Of course, it's important to acquire new clients. But you also need to keep the ones you have and expand what they do with you. Think about how you can invest in client retention to become the Nordstrom of your industry.
Have a great week ahead, and all best for the holidays.
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain." T.S. Eliot
On this Day in History
In 1621, the Mayflower returned to England, sailing from Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Mental Retrofitting
I'll bet that you love dealing with technology changes....
Even if you're a techie, you have to admit that many people wrestle with these changes, especially how to get up to speed with new procedures and processes. Leaders and workers at all levels struggle with this.
Of course, most employers provide some sort of training to ease the pain during software upgrades or technology transitions. More often than not, though, this training provides only the foundation. Then it's up to the worker to learn on the job.
I had this experience recently with something as innocuous as getting a new BlackBerry. I learned the basics, but within a couple of days, I ran into obstacles. In one case, I accidentally locked the keyboard and didn't know how to unlock it!
But that's not even the problem.
The real challenge is that many of our co-workers aren't keeping up. Yes, they receive the training, and yes, they do their jobs, but their minds need to be retrofitted. How many of your people are so mired in the past that their attitudes are keeping them from advancing into the future?
Several of my clients deal with this issue regularly. In spite of enthusiastic and patient leadership, some of their workers resist the new ways and long for the old days. They are so terrified to go out of their comfort zone, that at some point they become liabilities.
Now, I know you won't admit it, but I'll ask anyway. Are you doing the same thing? If your mind is locked in the past, you need to mentally retrofit or not only will you hold yourself back, but you'll slow down those who work for you, too.
If you're comfortable keeping pace with technological changes, lend a hand or offer resources to those who are stuck.
The pace of technological change is only going to get faster, so this skill of mental retrofitting is well worth honing.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
A Burst of Spring Cleaning
This week marks the beginning of spring. And it even feels like spring in New York. The weather has been so warm that we're enjoying flowers that normally wouldn't be in full bloom for another few weeks.
With the season comes the annual ritual of spring cleaning. I don't know how many people actually go through this rite the way our grandmothers did, but the concept still resonates. It makes you think of fresh air, sparkling rooms, and a brand new start after the winter.
Although I have absolutely no interest in spring cleaning my apartment, I do embrace the idea of metaphorically spring cleaning the workplace. It's time to pitch out the unused, unwanted, and unneeded to free up space, both actual and mental.
If you've delayed making changes in systems or processes, "spring cleaning" gives you the excuse to toss out the old and introduce newer, more efficient ways of doing business. If you've been complaining about your job so much that you're even boring yourself, set up some informational interviews to explore new possibilities. If you've been dragging your heals about something that you're avoiding, either do it or delete it.
(And, of course, you can clean out the clutter in and around your office. It can be a very disagreeable job, but I know you're up for the challenge!)
Don't make professional spring cleaning into a big production; I know you have tons of other things on your endless to do list. But if you pick a few things and take some easy actions, you'll feel that you accomplished something. And, as a bonus, you may receive a welcome burst of energy.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"
- Mark Twain
March 22nd Trivia
Today is World Water Day, which brings attention to issues of global safe water and sanitation.
On this Day in History
In 1457 the Gutenberg Bible became the first printed book.
"We've Always Done it This Way"
I had the displeasure of standing in a relatively long line in a very warm post office recently. Two clerks were serving customers while a third clerk just sat at her station doing nothing, because her window was stamps and money orders only.
My dissatisfaction shifted to amusement as I watched her, hunched over, head in hand, refuse to take the next customer in line. I was highly entertained as I observed people respond to her rigid behavior.
I appreciate the idea of an express line to buy stamps, but if no one is buying, help the next person in line! This seemed so obvious to all of us who were waiting.
Yes, this is a good example of why the USPS is struggling for survival, but it's also a metaphor of what happens when we aren't willing to change our own way of doing things because we've always done it a particular way.
This runs the gamut from strategic planning to acquiring new clients, from managing people to hiring. Just as we spring clean our homes, it's a good idea to do some organizational spring cleaning.
Take an objective look at your processes and determine which of them may benefit from a fresh approach. This is a great exercise to do with your team, as they're likely to have ideas that you haven't considered.
After you've identified the areas that could benefit from change, create a plan for how you'll implement, including a timeline and who is accountable for the tasks involved.
Upon implementing the change, solicit some feedback from those who are affected by the changes you've made. If appropriate, you can make any refinements and repeat the process until it works well for the users. (Remember, it's about the people who use the process, not about you.)
Give this a try, and let me know how it goes.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"When Irish eyes are smiling,
'Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing."
- Author Unknown
March 15th Trivia
Today is Camp Fire Day in honor of the founding of Camp Fire USA in 1910.
On this Day in History
Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.
Etiquette in the Era of Smart Phones
Last week I attended an awards breakfast attended by several hundred people. Of course, everyone was busy networking during the designated time. When the presentations began, however, some of my tablemates intrigued me.
Ten people sat at my table. Five were interested in and paying attention to the awards presentations. The other five were interested in the awards presentations, yet they were also quite busy on their smart phones. Two were reading and responding to email and three were texting or tweeting.
And all of the phone folks asked questions of the others about what they missed when they weren't paying attention.
Demographically, the five who weren't tethered to their phones were in their 50s or 60s. The emailers appeared to be in their thirties or early 40s and the tweeters were in their twenties.
Generational differences? Perhaps, but you can't generalize. I have a Baby Boomer friend who is more committed to her BlackBerry than anyone I know from Generation Y.
Importantly, this is not unique as "event behavior". This happens at staff meetings, while on the phone, during one-on-one meetings, and my personal un-favorite, while people are in the rest room.
If you're advancing in your career, developing relationships with clients and prospects, or simply trying to make the best impression possible, you should think first before whipping out your phone. Even if you think you're not distracting the person next to you or on the other end of the phone, you never quite know how the other person will react.
My best advice is to be present when you're engaging with one or more people and to put your phone aside. If you're awaiting an important call or text, tell the others so they don't think you're being rude.
I'm interested in your thoughts, so please feel free to email me.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."
- Charles Dickens
March 8th Trivia
Today is International Women's Day, which dates to the early 20th century. The purpose of the holiday is to inspire and celebrate women's achievements.
On this Day in History
In 1952, a 41-year old man was the recipient of the first artificial heart, and stayed alive for 80 minutes.
A Little "Think Time" Goes a Long Way
As reported recently in the Wall Street Journal, scholars from the London School of Economics and Harvard Business School logged and studied the schedules of over 500 CEOs to learn how they spend their time.
With schedules filled with meetings, calls and email, the research revealed that CEOs average only 6 hours a week working alone. Think about this: the day-to-day "stuff" dwarfs the strategic elements of the job.
I nag my clients about this: Schedule "think time" on your calendar, and make it sacrosanct. If you don't take time for it, by the end of any given week you'll feel like something is missing.
Once the designated time arrives, it's important to "think hard". Much of our thinking is semi-automated; for example, you take the same route every day to the office, you routinely pass through a subway turnstile, or you make coffee without really thinking about how to do it. You just do it without thinking.
In order to think hard, you need to put some energy into it. Your thinking needs to be deeper and more intense. If you don't process information differently or ask new questions, it leaves little room for discovering a better way to do something, let alone enhance creativity or innovation.
An hour of serious think time can yield amazing results. You'll get more clarity and focus, which will have an impact on everything that you do afterward.
In a nutshell: a little goes a long way, so give it a try.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"Comedy is acting out optimism."
- Robin Williams
March 1st Trivia
Today begins National Optimism Month, where the goal is to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative (thank you, Johnny Mercer...).
On this Day in History
In 1780, Pennsylvania became the first state to abolish slavery.