Number one thing for hiring?

Last week I was infront of a group of college students (In which Caden my son happened to be part of) and was ask what the number one thing I look for in a potential candidate was and it was quick to come to my mind. EQ - or Emotional Intelligence. There is about as much online about this than you can possibly read. Yet what does it mean to me. - The ability to control your emotions - To be self aware - a link to empathy for others I am keeping this list simple on purpose. Why is EQ most important to me? I can teach other skills, still I believe that you can enhanse somesomes EQ but if they do not have a good foundation you cannont start on sand.

Number one thing to building a successful team?

Ok at least in the areas I deal is confidence. The confidence to do the right thing, to activate without having to ask permission. (Sometimes a wrong decision is better than a delayed or no decision) Another way I have seen this put is that people with FU equity are some of the most powerful. They are doing the job because they like to do it, or it is the right thing for the customer. Not the money or security. Ultimately if you build trust with your team that you have their back they will out perform those who are simply there to collect a paycheck.

The best over time?

I have a friend and coworker that I have been working with for 25 years and recently we have been traveling together. I am thankful for so much in this relationship but here are the quick ones. 1. He keeps it simple 2. No drama 3. Ability to handle almost any situation 4. Blending into any enviornment 5. Able to have fun 6. Consistent OK not mind blowing but sometimes you appreciate the simple things in life like a good friend.

Business Lessons from Facilitating and interacting with businesses around the globe

Can it really be that simple? A question I was ask earlier this month. Well...Yes. What I have seen is the most successful businesses simply execute on business objectives using proven methods. OK you say proven business objectives? In the peer groups you see others execute or you see Subject Matter Experts come in and present how they were successful. The successful businesses follow their method (And let me be clear, pretty much exactly) The opposite is what I see more often. 1. Businesses that are too busy to be successful - They just keep doing the same thing with the same results. 2. They take the template and think they know better and take short cuts or change it in some way then not creating the same successful results 3. Looking for silver bulets. Something easy that knocks down all the problems. Most of the time this is not something you can find 4. Don't stick with it long enough. Many times getting a business flywheel rolling it takes at least a quarter if not a year. Recently I heard a presentation that said (Abbreviated) Take care of your customers, charge well and make it simple. That is success. Remember your business is perfectly organized to produce the results it is producing today.

Over 10 years of facilitating industry peer groups!

First of all, what an amazing experience. I was in my early 30's when I started and now I look back on those in the room that are that age and think wow. But I learned so much from the experiences. 1. How to facilitate - To prepare for meetings, get vendors on the page, set agendas and more. 2. Finance - How, why and impacts and so much more. 3. Met so many great people. From presentors to amazing entrepreneurs and so much more. 4. Business in so many different area. I would compare it to a MBA but more. 5. Contacts! From every walk of life. I feel like I have a contact for almost anything. 6. Culture 7. The personal side of business (The tough stuff) 8. Traveled 3 countries! 9. Helped involved my team in the experience (Legacy) It was tough to think about stepping away. Who knows, maybe in the future I will come back to it. As for now I do look forward to getting back a month a year of my calendar. Thanks Arlin Sorensen, HTG, Evolve and team for the experience.

Teaching Presenting?

Recently I have been involved with a lot of people that are either needing to present, wanting to learn the skill or simply tuning their skills. I was ask to co-present a training to a team of people. I have to be honest, I have co-presented before and it is “OK” but it isn’t great! If you have to give a lot of content it definitely can reduce the load. However many times I have found that it increases the load. You have to sit down together, you have to play nice (I know I should anyways) and it ends up being more work. It definitely depends on who you are doing it with. My opinion is to only do it when you get to pick who you co-present with. NOW I do realize that the person being ask is not doing the choosing. Problem. Anyway, back to presenting training. After thinking this over quite a bit I have determined that it is personal. Sure you can give some over all structure guidelines. The real issue to me is the fact that when presenting you have to remain true to your natural style. If you are quit and reserved you cannot be loud and interactive. I am sure there are many other comparisons. But basically you can’t “Teach” a reserved person to be large on stage (I am sure there are exceptions) The best coaching that can be given is to; • Why are you presenting (What is in it for you) • What is in it for the crowd • Have a structure (No rambling) • It is a performance – be entertaining • Have fun (It will show) • Details matter (Where you stand, can they hear you, how you dress and so on) • Stories are best (Personal experiences are even better) I get it, not a complete guide but some starting thoughts.

Is my phone broken?

I can call people but for whatever reason no one will return my call! I am going to pick on a local car dealer. 3 weeks ago there was a recall on my break pads. They said give them a couple days. Nothing Called them back today - no one answered the phone. So I left a voice mail. Guess what, they did not return my call (At all!) I just want some company to have customer service? Let me be clear, just CALL ME BACK! It is beginning to look like to have a decent business if you just do what you say you will win!