Month: January 2024

Corporate CPR Episode 106: Taking Care Of Your Employees’ Emotions During An M&A Process Can Be A Lifesaver For Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how taking care of your employees’ emotions during an M&A process can be a lifesaver your company.  

Jonathan Bennett, C.Dir., is a highly sought-after leadership coach and strategic advisor, offering his expertise to CEOs, executive teams, politicians, and boards of directors throughout Canada. With a background spanning urban, rural, remote, and First Nations communities, Jonathan excels in social purpose business strategy, governance, branding, change management, and communications. Before venturing into coaching, he founded Laridae, a management consulting and training firm that has served over 200 clients. As Laridae’s inaugural CEO, he transformed the startup into a leading B Corp. Jonathan, also a Special Graduate Faculty at Trent University, contributes his extensive experience as a director to boards like Accerta and CashCo financial. Additionally, Jonathan has held leadership roles in notable organizations, including Chair of the Board of Directors of Ontario Telemedicine Network and the Kawartha Haliburton CAS. An accomplished writer, Jonathan has authored seven books and resides with his family on a lake near Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Episode Highlights:

  • Anticipate Employee Reactions: Leaders implementing major organizational changes, like mergers, should anticipate varied employee reactions, from excitement to fear. Understanding and addressing these emotions is crucial for successful change management.
  • Effective Communication is Key: Clear communication is essential. Leaders must not only communicate what will change but also emphasize what will remain unchanged. Using diverse communication channels accommodates different learning styles and calms employee concerns.
  • Ongoing Dialogue for Support: Change is a process that requires time. Leaders should initiate ongoing dialogues to address employee questions and concerns, emphasizing that the initial announcement is just the beginning of continuous information sharing and support.
  • Acknowledge Emotional Impact: Leaders often underestimate the emotional impact of changes on employees who were not part of the decision-making process. Acknowledging and understanding this impact is vital for fostering a positive organizational culture during transitions.
  • Active Leadership Engagement: Senior leaders must actively participate in decision-making during significant changes. Avoiding abdication of decision-making responsibilities ensures alignment of vision and fosters an environment conducive to successful change.

Jonathan’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. You can’t communicate too often. Decide to over-communicate and schedule it.
  2. Change is hard. Give people the time they need.
  3. Be self-aware about how you’ve dealt with change. You aren’t doing it right or wrong and the folks around you aren’t doing it right or wrong. You’re just doing it your way. Give yourself and others grace and space.

How to Connect with Jonathan:

Website: https://clearlythen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan/

Remote Work Routines: Finding Your Perfect Productivity Flow

/ Jana

Remote work has become more than just a trend; it’s a way of life for many professionals. The freedom to work from the comfort of your home—or anywhere with a reliable Wi-Fi connection—offers countless advantages. But it also brings its own set of challenges, one of the most prominent being how to establish and maintain a productive routine.

As we navigate this new normal, finding your perfect productivity flow is essential to ensure that remote work not only works for you but thrives. Here are some tips and strategies to help you strike the right balance and create a remote work routine that suits your unique style:

1. Set Clear Boundaries: One of the perks of remote work is flexibility, but it can quickly turn into a curse if you don’t establish clear boundaries. Define your working hours and communicate them to your family, housemates, or anyone who might interrupt your workflow. A dedicated workspace can also signal to others that you’re in ‘work mode.’

2. Morning Rituals: Kickstart your day with a morning routine that gets you energized and focused. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a quick workout, or meditation, having a consistent ritual can help you transition into work mode more smoothly.

3. Plan Your Day: Take some time each morning to outline your tasks and priorities for the day. Tools like to-do lists or digital planners can be a lifesaver. Break your day into blocks of focused work, short breaks, and longer breaks for meals.

4. Dress for Success: While the allure of pajamas is tempting, dressing up for work—even at home—can positively impact your mindset and productivity. It helps you mentally switch from relaxation mode to work mode.

5. Limit Distractions: Identify common distractions in your workspace and find ways to minimize them. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and use website blockers if needed. Noise-canceling headphones can also be a valuable investment.

6. Embrace Technology: Leverage technology to your advantage. Use project management tools, communication platforms, and time-tracking apps to streamline your work processes and stay organized.

7. Take Breaks: It might seem counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks can enhance productivity. Short breaks between tasks can refresh your mind, and longer breaks give you the chance to recharge.

8. Socialize Virtually: Remote work can sometimes feel isolating. Combat this by scheduling virtual coffee breaks or team catch-ups. It’s a great way to maintain a sense of camaraderie with your colleagues.

9. Reflect and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your routine. What works for one person might not work for another. Regularly assess your productivity flow, adjust as needed, and be open to trying new techniques.

10. Wind Down: Just as you have a morning ritual to start the day, create an end-of-day ritual to signify the transition from work to personal time. It could be something as simple as shutting down your computer or taking a short walk.

Finding the perfect productivity flow in a remote work environment is an ongoing journey. It requires patience, self-awareness, and the willingness to adapt. By implementing these strategies and fine-tuning your routine, you can make remote work not only productive but also enjoyable. Embrace flexibility, and freedom, and make remote work work for you!

Corporate CPR Episode 105: How Success Might Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how success might be killing your company. 

Alex Atwood, a purpose-driven entrepreneur, has built a career marked by success in founding and leading four impactful companies. Over two decades, Alex has served over 8,000 satisfied customers in staffing, hospitality, and facilities management. Beyond entrepreneurship, Alex is an angel investor supporting ventures for a better world and a philanthropist, particularly dedicated to family businesses. Engaging in personal growth, Alex participates in Landmark Worldwide coaching and adheres to Nonviolent Communication principles. A diverse range of interests includes meditation, self-exploration modalities, drumming, and a newfound passion for skateboarding. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex’s latest venture focuses on providing non-toxic disinfection services, promoting regulatory compliance, and reemploying displaced hospitality workers in the D.C. and Baltimore metro area.

Episode Highlights:

• Warning Against Complacency: The danger of complacency, especially after achieving success, is highlighted. Complacency can lead to stagnation and negatively impact both individual and organizational progress.

• Impact of Complacency on Industries: The concept extends to how complacency can cause a “mortality event” for companies and even entire industries. Examples, such as the transformation of the taxi industry with the rise of ride-sharing, emphasize the need for continuous adaptation.

• Transformational Mindset: A transformative mindset is described as being continuously curious about possibilities and embracing evolution. The importance of thinking outside the current framework, fostering creativity, and maintaining an open thought process is emphasized.

• Empowering Culture: Transformative leadership involves empowering employees by creating a culture where curiosity, creativity, and diverse ideas are encouraged. The role of leadership in establishing an authentic, empowering culture within an organization is underscored.

• Strategic Innovation and Continuous Transformation: Companies need to prioritize strategic innovation and continuously transform, not just in products or services but also in the way they manage their organizations. The key lies in staying ahead of the curve, being receptive to change, and having a genuine commitment to transformation.

• Psychedelic Therapeutics and Business Transformation: Business leaders increasingly turn to psychedelic experiences, such as ayahuasca retreats, to break through self-limiting behaviors and enhance their effectiveness, reflecting a broader trend of exploring unconventional practices for personal and professional growth.

• Integration of Psychedelic Experiences: The psychedelic journey involves intentional preparation, group interactions, and post-experience discussions, emphasizing the importance of integrating insights gained into daily life for sustained personal growth.

• Transformation in Business Analogous to Personal Growth: Examining companies like McDonald’s underscores the imperative for businesses to continuously transform and adapt in messaging, branding, and offerings to remain relevant in a dynamic and evolving market.

Alex’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Be curious in everything you do.
  2. Empower others. 
  3. Have fun. Be more creative and enjoy the work you do because it doesn’t need to be a grind. If you’re not having fun, you’re probably doing it wrong. 

How to Connect with Alex:

Website: https://alexatwood.co/         

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexatwood/

Mastering the Art of Remote Team Management: Essential Strategies for Success

/ Jana

Managing remote or distributed project teams is increasingly common in today’s globalized business environment. Effective management of such teams can yield exceptional results, but it also presents unique challenges. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the complexities of managing projects with team members working from different locations.

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels

  • Consistent Tools: Choose a set of communication tools that everyone has access to and feels comfortable using. This could include email, video conferencing apps, and project management software.
  • Regular Updates: Establish a routine for regular updates. This might mean daily stand-ups or weekly team meetings. Ensure everyone is aware of these schedules and adheres to them.

2. Foster a Collaborative Environment

  • Shared Platforms: Utilize shared platforms for document management and project tracking. Tools like Google Drive, Trello, or Asana can be invaluable.
  • Encourage Interaction: Create opportunities for team members to interact and collaborate beyond just work-related tasks. Virtual coffee breaks or informal chat groups can help in building team camaraderie.

3. Set Clear Goals and Expectations

  • Define Objectives: Clearly articulate the project’s objectives and each member’s role in achieving these objectives.
  • Track Progress: Implement mechanisms to track progress against goals. This helps in identifying any roadblocks early and keeps everyone aligned with the project’s objectives.

4. Respect Time Zones and Cultural Differences

  • Flexible Scheduling: Be mindful of different time zones and try to schedule meetings at times that are reasonable for all team members.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledge and respect cultural differences which can influence work styles and communication preferences.

5. Invest in Relationship Building

  • One-on-One Check-ins: Regular one-on-one check-ins with team members can help in understanding their challenges and providing necessary support.
  • Team Building Activities: Organize virtual team-building activities to foster a sense of belonging and teamwork.

6. Provide Necessary Resources and Training

  • Equip Your Team: Ensure that all team members have the necessary resources, be it hardware or software, to efficiently perform their duties.
  • Training and Development: Offer training sessions to help team members adapt to remote working tools and methodologies.

7. Encourage Accountability and Responsibility

  • Empowerment: Empower your team members to take ownership of their tasks. This enhances their sense of responsibility and commitment.
  • Feedback Mechanism: Establish a system for providing and receiving feedback. This helps in maintaining transparency and continuous improvement.

8. Focus on Results, Not Activity

  • Outcome-based Evaluation: Measure success based on outcomes and deliverables, not just activities or hours spent.
  • Trust Your Team: Trust is a key element in remote team management. Avoid micromanaging and focus on the end results.

Managing remote or distributed project teams requires a mix of technology, clear communication, and trust. By implementing these tips, you can create a productive and collaborative environment that transcends geographical boundaries. Remember, the key to successful remote team management lies in adapting your leadership style to meet the needs of a diverse and dispersed team.

Corporate CPR Episode 104: How To Help Your Employees Become More Resilient

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how to help your employees become more resilient. 

Michele Phillips is a seasoned corporate trainer and transformational personal coach. As President of Key Performance and award-winning author of ‘Happiness is a Habit,’ Michele has shaped a fulfilling 23-year entrepreneurial career. Her impact extends globally, guiding Fortune 500 companies like TAG Heuer and Pfizer. Michele excels in one-on-one coaching, seamlessly integrating neuroscience, habit formation, and positive psychology to elevate happiness and performance. With a Master’s in Organizational Development from Fordham University, Michele’s expertise is honed by certifications and mentorship. A sought-after writer and speaker, her book ranked among Amazon’s top self-help books in 2017.

Episode Highlights:

  • Empowerment and Recognizing Inner Power: The speaker underscores the importance of empowering individuals to recognize and utilize their inner power, asserting that everyone possesses more power than they realize.
  • Three-Pronged Approach in Corporate Training: The speaker employs a three-pronged approach in corporate training, including training workshops, individual coaching, and result evaluation to ensure employees make a positive impact.
  • Continuous Improvement in Project Management: Emphasizing the dynamic nature of project management, the content stresses the importance of continuous improvement, adaptability, and regular reflection, encouraging a commitment to learning from both successes and failures.
  • Results-Focused Agile Leadership: The speaker advocates for a results-focused approach in leadership, emphasizing regular assessment of project phases, adoption of agile methodologies, and investment in professional development for project teams.
  • Resilient Leadership and Preparedness: Leaders who value development and provide ongoing support, including training, coaching, and resources, contribute to building resilience in teams. Additionally, preparing employees for economic uncertainty involves keeping skills updated and fostering an adaptable mindset.

Michele’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Ask yourself, if you want your business to grow 30%, what are you doing to grow your people 30%?
  2. As a leader, make sure you have the propensity to develop other people.
  3. Invest in training and coaching. 

How to Connect with Michele:

Website: www.key2unlock.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707/

Continuous Improvement in Project Management: Elevating Success through Iterative Excellence

/ Jana

Project management is a dynamic discipline that requires adaptability, foresight, and a commitment to improvement. In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, embracing a mindset of continuous improvement can be a game-changer for project managers. This blog will delve into the concept of continuous improvement in project management, exploring how this iterative approach can contribute to the success and longevity of projects. 

Understanding Continuous Improvement: 

Continuous improvement, often associated with Lean and Agile methodologies, is a philosophy that encourages ongoing enhancement of processes, products, or services. In project management, this translates into a commitment to refining workflows, methodologies, and team dynamics throughout the project lifecycle. 

The Iterative Nature of Project Management: 

Projects are not static; they evolve, face challenges, and encounter unforeseen circumstances. Recognizing this inherent dynamism, project managers can implement continuous improvement cycles to refine strategies and tactics. Whether it’s adopting lessons learned from previous projects or adjusting current methodologies based on real-time feedback, an iterative approach allows for agility and responsiveness. 

Key Components of Continuous Improvement in Project Management: 

Regular Reflection and Assessment: 

-Schedule regular retrospectives to evaluate project phases. 

-Identify successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. 

Encourage open communication and feedback among team members. 

Implementing Lessons Learned: 

-Create a knowledge repository for documenting lessons learned. 

-Apply insights from past projects to enhance current and future endeavors. 

-Foster a culture that values learning from both successes and failures. 

Adopting Agile Methodologies: 

-Embrace Agile frameworks for their iterative and collaborative nature. 

-Break down projects into smaller, manageable sprints with frequent reassessment. 

-Utilize tools like Scrum or Kanban to enhance project visibility and adaptability. 

Investing in Professional Development: 

-Encourage ongoing training and skill development for project teams. 

-Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends. 

-Foster a culture of continuous learning to keep the team’s skills and knowledge current. 

Benefits of Continuous Improvement in Project Management: 

-Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability

-Quick response to changes in project scope or priorities. 

-Increased ability to pivot strategies based on evolving requirements. 

Optimized Efficiency: 

-Streamlined processes lead to more efficient workflows. 

-Reduction in unnecessary delays or bottlenecks. 

Improved Stakeholder Satisfaction: 

-Proactive identification and resolution of issues. 

-Increased transparency through regular communication and feedback. 

Higher Success Rates: 

-Projects are more likely to meet or exceed expectations. 

-Greater adaptability to unforeseen challenges ensures successful project delivery. 

Continuous improvement is not just a buzzword; it is a mindset that has the power to transform project management. By integrating this philosophy into the DNA of project teams, organizations can foster a culture of excellence, ensuring that each project becomes a stepping stone for the next. Embracing the iterative nature of continuous improvement can elevate project success, enhance team morale, and position an organization as a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of project management. 

Corporate CPR Episode 103: How Playing It Safe Might Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how playing it safe might be killing your company. 

John Miller is the Founder of Scribewise, a dynamic content marketing agency dedicated to aiding B2B firms and healthcare providers in achieving growth through thought leadership and demand generation. His team of writers, designers, and strategists excels in humanizing complex business conversations by crafting and disseminating compelling, audience-focused content. With a firm belief in courageous marketing, John advocates for breaking free from the mundane and injecting excitement into the business world. His passion extends to his book, a manifesto at PlayingItSafeSucks.com, aimed at inspiring marketers and companies to adopt a bold and impactful mindset.

Episode Highlights:

Courageous Marketing Manifesto: The book, “Playing It Safe Sucks, A Courageous Marketing Manifesto,” challenges the prevailing mindset of playing it safe, emphasizing the importance of making companies stand out, build credibility, and trust.

Assessing Risk and Timing: Delving into the concept of risk in marketing, the discussion highlights the importance of assessing the right time for bold marketing moves and the need for internal champions to push innovative ideas.

B2B Marketing Focus: The conversation underscores the distinctive aspects of B2B marketing, emphasizing the longer consideration cycle and the need to build trust at scale rather than merely focusing on website traffic or SEO.

Effective Communication within Organizations: Addressing the challenges of communicating courageous marketing ideas within organizations, the emphasis is on starting small with experiments, proving concepts, and gradually expanding initiatives. Internal champions and alignment with company culture are vital.

Navigating Uncertain Times: The discussion challenges the “Playing It Safe” mentality during uncertain times, urging marketers not to give in to the temptation of playing small. It encourages finding ways to bring innovative ideas to market, even in the face of internal politics and red tape.

John’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Be courageous in your marketing.
  2. For B2B companies, let go of your obsession with website traffic and SEO.
  3. Don’t follow trends or follow the masses. Focus on figuring out your message and audience instead. 

How to Connect with John:

Website: https://scribewise.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnmillerscribewise/