New Rules…

I’m often asked for techniques to engage team members who are quiet in meetings. 

Try this:  At the beginning of the meeting, set expectations with this ground rule.

Silence = Agreement.

Silence doesn’t mean I’m thinking about it, I’ll get back to you or I’m multi-tasking, it means I’m in!

Then go around the room and get their agreement to the rule.  If it’s a virtual meeting, either go around the virtual room and ask their thoughts by name or have a group text, IM, google hangout or Webex to give team members a chance to write their question or comment.

Featured Product of the Month...

Are you switching seasons?  Perhaps you're talking more about A/C plans and A/C units and less about heating products and services?

Idea of the month:  Featured Product of the Month

Take pictures of the products and units you are selling, enlarge them and post them for all to see.
Add notes on the features and benefits of that product, write them out in 'winning phrases,' so that in a pinch everyone can talk knowledgeably about the product.

Having the visual helps the team focus and work together towards the goal.

Tip: Having trouble getting a big pic of the unit you are selling?  Contact the manufacturer, I'm sure they'd love to help!

Make the most of your meetings...

Many of you are implementing regular meetings in your departments.  That's terrific!

Here are 3 tips to help you succeed as you build your reputation as an efficient meeting manager:

1.  Start on time.  Get to the room early, be prepared and start at the planned time.  Waiting for stragglers sets a bad precedent.

2.  Share the objective for the meeting with everyone, in advance.  Confirm the objective again in person and add a 'WIIFM' - a what’s in it for me statement that adds value for everyone attending.  For example, it could be simplifying the work process or helping them meet goals and earn possible bonuses.

3.  Finish early.  Keep the group focused and if you finish early, let them leave early.  It will help ensure attendance and focus at your next meeting.

Tip:  If you can’t identify a clear objective (#2) – don’t have a meeting!

Actions and Reactions...

Visual of the week: You!

Your team is listening to what you say, but doing what you do.  Knowing that, effective Managers choose their actions and their reactions.
 
Action:  When the phones get busy, great Managers jump in and help
Reaction: When there is a new email outlining some new information or procedural change, great Managers are mindful of their reaction.  They know that if they read that email and get visibly upset, the team will notice and will have a similar reaction.
 
This week, think about the power you have to influence others and use it for good vs evil.

And speaking of evil...Happy April Fool's Day

That was then... This is now...

First impressions stick and lead to expectations.

When they are good, we may assume positive intentions for everything a person does (halo effect), when they are not good, we assume the worst (horn effect).

Consider Sarah.  

When Sarah started, she didn’t know the database that well and asked a lot of questions that she could have answered on her own with a query.  

One day, as you are rushing out of the office to meet with a client, you realize you forgot to research a couple of key items about that client that you think might be captured in the database.  You see Sarah, but hesitate to ask her to check on it because you are stuck with the first impression – Sarah doesn’t understand how to use our database.  It makes you impatient and grumpy.  And it may undermine Sarah’s abilities.

The solution is to challenge your assumption and ask for her help.  If she helps you, re-write the story of Sarah in your head. 

Who needs a second chance at a first impression in your office?

When your favorite words are "now boarding..."

I spend a lot of time at airports.  And as glamorous as that sounds, it's not my preferred location. In fact, traveling is the part of my job that I like the least.  What I like the most is being in the classroom helping people find ways to make their jobs and their lives easier.  

What are the things you enjoy about your work?  

What are the things you don't?

After I identified what I liked and what I didn't, I set out to discover how I could enjoy the things I like the least, more.   

I choose to focus on the benefits.  If I didn't travel, I'd miss those 'ah-ha' moments in the workshops; I'd miss the chance to have great personal interactions with interesting people.

I choose to take time to enjoy the location I'm traveling to.  It's really fun to have a coffee or dinner with someone in the city I'm visiting.

And I choose my attitude about airports.  When I travel now, I assume the flight will be delayed or late and make sure my laptop is juiced up so I can work anywhere.  I've turned that downtime into productive time so that when I get home, I can relax with my family instead. 

Give it a whirl and see how it works for you.  What's the thing you don't like to do and how can you change your attitude or approach to that thing?  As Stephen Covey reminds us, we are less stressed when we focus on the things that are in our control.  

Word of the Day

Spot the difference:

Let’s get this done.

Let’s get this done together.

Yes, just one little word, "together."  Turns out that the feeling of working together can lead to greater motivation, engagement, and performance. Even with virtual teams or when the team member is completing their work alone, this word can help.  The word "together" signals that you belong, you’re connected, and there are others you can trust.

Let’s try it together.