There are two types of relationships: Personal and Virtual. Make sure you spend time grooming and improving both types.
Don't just solve a problem to solve a problem... Solve a problem because the solution could end up creating something bigger and better than you ever dreamed.
Leaders, we have to get out of our silos and work together for "the greater good." Depending on the size of your company and the goals of your organization, the "greater good" may mean different things to different people. But for all of us, I think it means to reframe what we are are trying to accomplish as a collective whole.
Remote work is great. Hybrid work is great. 100% in the office is great. The success of these styles depends on you and your organizational culture. BUT...if you are 100% remote, what are you doing to minimize the effects of "employee isolation"?
Are you willing to take a "long shot?" What do you do when the odds are against you? Rich Strike was 80-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. You may be a long shot. Your goal may be a long shot. It doesn't mean you should not try.
What do you know about Betsy Ross? If you are like me, your answer is "she made the American Flag." Yes, and... She was much more than that. A leader, a skilled craftswoman, a courageous fighter, a passionate American, and more... What an amazing woman with incredible "adaptability skills."
Leaders, it's time to stop your employees from "gaming the system!" Here, I share a story from Epcot about how we experienced this in my organization, and why we addressed it right away! What do you do when your employees try to "game the system" by using a back door?
Leaders should be "sharing their expertise" with others to help them grow. One way is to speak at conferences.
How do the Savanah Bananas implement the Guest Experience Cycle on a regular basis? This short video shares their success.
How do you "view" your competition if you can't see them? Here are a few ways to keep with your competition when they are out-of-sight!
Organizational Culture has its share of twists and turns right now! As a leader, are you adapting and balancing the needs of your employees with the needs of your organization?
Encourage your employees to ask "What if...?" It could help you build a bridge to something great!
Don't discount old or historical property pieces at work. Just a little cost and creativity turns something old into something new!
Have you taken a 30,000 foot view of any of your processes recently? I just did for Volume 200 of Pete's Points! This edition comes with two action items...one for you and one for me! Watch the short video for your personal challenge, and thanks for supporting me through 200 episodes.
What spaces/elements/rooms do you have at your work property that aren't being used 100% of the time? How can you "repurpose" these spaces to use them more often?
With all due respect to the Osmonds, I believe that "...one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch, girl...." Make sure your organization is known for success instead of scandal!
Employees want more than just a paycheck. They want an organizational culture filled with love, fun, flexibility, ed. reimbursement, hybrid work, and more. What are you offering your employees?
We are about to try Spring Football...again! You are about to try the same recruiting process...again! You lead your employees the same way...again! But the results are just not there.
Are these the definitions of "insanity", or do you truly believe that "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again?"
Vacation means Vacation. It does not mean Vacation + Work. There is overwhelming research sharing why we must disconnect from work while on vacation!
Some call it "The Great Resignation." Others call it "The Big Quit."
Whatever you call it, the fact remains that employees have more opportunities than ever to move on from your organization. It's your job to retain then...especially the high-performers.
Leaders can take the transformative power of a small drop of water and turn it into a huge waterfall of employee development. How can you "transform" your employees and your culture?
Dollywood has great rides, shows, and attractions. So why should you care about their little ol' cinnamon bread? Could it be that their cinnamon bread helps to make lot$ of bread for the company?
Sometimes you HAVE to go backwards. It may be the only way to reset, revisit, and restructure your processes. While going backwards all the time is not good, never be afraid to stop a failing project, go "backwards" to the drawing board, and come back with something even better.
In-N-Out Burger is a "must-do" whenever I head to the West Coast.
Today and for the near future, driving your corporate culture is a "must-do" for all leaders!
Disney Parks often use overlays in some of their attractions to "plus" them up during certain times of the year. On what product or service can you add an "overlay" in order to improve your customer experience?
While the end product at V.Sattui Winery is delicious wine, they still needed a "vehicle" to get people to visit when they reopened in 1976. Their picnic grounds and deli were the "vehicle" to get customers to their final product...which is the wine. What "vehicle" are you using to drive customers to your final products?
The Chateau Elan Winery & Resort provides a "Grand" experience. But all you need to do to provide that same experience for your guests could be a simple "Greeting."
Lagniappe is that "little something extra." What lagniappe are you providing to enhance YOUR customer experience? While your lagniappe doesn't have to be as costly as canals, it CAN be as effective, no matter how big or how small.
What have you forgotten recently? Phone? Keys? Wallet? Following up with an employee who now thinks you are a moron as you forgot to give them the answer that you promised to give them by the end of the day? This is why it is so important to minimize "forgetfulness."
Huey Lewis once sang it's "Hip to be Square." There may be positive reasons for leaders to be "square" every now and then. With all apologies to Huey Lewis AND the News, I present these three "Tips to be Square." (sigh)
"Accuracy Matters" is one of many slogans you will hear on local news across the U.S. But how does that apply to us as leaders, and how can we ensure accuracy at work? These two tips may help.
Step 1 of the Guest Experience Cycle is "anticipation." The opposite of anticipation is "hopelessness." As you create a successful customer experience, would you rather they think about their upcoming visit with you with a sense of "anticipation" - or a sense of "hopelessness?"
It's up to you.
Relationships are more valuable than Connections. Are you using the LinkedIn Messaging feature to build relationships? I used it with Kendall before I vacationed in Hawaii earlier this year. It helped us maintain our "Ohana".
As leaders, there is always "danger" in front of us. One way to approach that danger is to view it in terms of "risk vs. reward."
Supervision may look easy, but it is hard work...as is hiking to the top of Diamond Head Crater in Oahu. Be sure not to "underestimate" all the work you have to do to be a successful supervisor/manager/leader.
I love the Disney show, but does "Show" always have to mean pristine? Not when it comes to Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Oahu...and that's OK...because it is awesome! How can you align your show elements to your organizational or community culture?
Some employees are motivated not by regular goals, but by "stretch" goals. Can you set some stretch goals for your team that will help them rise "To The Top?"
The word "play" is not usually associated with work, but it should be! Here is my #1 tip if you are going to try and have fun or "play" at work!
Are you passionate about things in your life? If so, does it make sense to also be "passionate" about your work?
Your employees are always watching you. Your guests are always watching you. Do you like what they see?
What does "success" mean to you? Perhaps it is less about goals and more about enthusiasm.
Do your employees "love" their organization? Every employee I came in contact with at Sandals Resort Negril seemed to Love their Organization. Do your employees feel and share that love with others?
You don't have to be a "Five-Star" resort to provide a five-star customer experience. All you need is employees who will do the little things.
The City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a very cool four-story "symbol" which has become "iconic" and tells a great "story" with which everyone can "connect." Can the symbols and icons of your organization do the same?
90% of their graduates were hired quickly, hired into a job aligned with their major, and hired into a job that they like. With all that in mind, how does your organization stack up?
Our 38th President had leadership thrust upon him. Upon reading this excerpt from him 1974 swearing-in speech in 1974, I found three leadership tips that should help all of us.
Leaders, say Yes! to innovation and moving-forward. But don't forget a 'tip o the cap' to your history, heritage and traditions as well. Enjoy this short #petespoints from St Pete Beach about how this local hotel combines moving forward and looking back.
Inclusion is not a buzzword. It is an essential component of business. What are you doing to make inclusion part of your organizational culture?
Remy the Rat has PASSION to be a chef, and he had PEOPLE to help him. Many leaders need the same things to be successful.
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