I’m still saying Happy New Year! How about you? I’m still saying it to connect the fact that we have the power to make it happy. As a leader, let me invite you to think about the role that “happiness” or otherwise said – well-being – plays in the success of your enterprise. I get a…
Of late, I’ve been in a state of reflection. In order to do that, I’ve had to slow down a bit. And breathe. And listen. The challenge with reflection is there is always such noise going on in our heads – and in the myriad devices at our fingertips – that often the higher…
What a mess the world seems to be in today! Looks like the economy’s up, the market’s heading down, the institutions we once counted on can’t seem to be trusted (think Wells Fargo, VW and Equifax) and people are very very edgy. Seems while some people win, a whole lot of others lose. It’s enough to make…
Have you ever gone into a department store, bank, or restaurant and been greeted by someone who was acting polite, but who you knew couldn’t give a rip? It’s a major turnoff for most people. (That’s because it’s a sure sign of insincerity and a lack of caring.) But you and all the…
They’re always watching you. 50 – 70% of an organization’s climate is determined by the actions of their leaders. Yep, that means you. Much of the time you spend at work is spent in clear view of those who report to you. In clear view of those who either admire you (and look for…
Most people on my mailing list have heard me speak. So it’s likely you’ve heard me talk about my genuine distaste for the phrase “No Problem” (and its brother “No Worries.”) I tell the story of young man who answered my request for a late checkout time with the word “No” and how my stomach…
Years ago I was on assignment in NY, training a large number of people in a financial services firm. While the training programs themselves were about customer care, in reality there was a lot of work I did to help people manage stress. I was called in at a time when a fair number…
Spending time with Little Miss, my 2 ½ year old granddaughter, is always a learning experience. For her and for me. Just recently while I was attempting to help her put on her jacket, she pulled away and shouted, “I do it my own self!” I couldn’t help but laugh (the kid cracks me up)…
We are all beginning to realize the value of developing long term, loyal relationships with our customers. They buy more and refer more, help us develop the next generation of products and services, and they even help us keep our advertising costs in reason. But are our customers (people external to our company that buy things from us) the only people we should be building long term relationships with? No. The relationship strategy applies externally and internally as well.
It’s hard to be one of the best – it’s hard to be great. It takes real effort to be a Nordstrom, a Container Store, a Whole Foods or a Southwest Airlines. It takes focus, commitment and discipline to craft a culture that yields consistently positive customer experiences — and consistently profitable returns.
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