When you know better, you do better. When you learn more, you know more. In this episode, I am answering Glenn’s question. Glenn asked a question based on a quote of mine. You’ve got to know more to be more. What does that look like?
Knowledge is power. When you know things, people listen to you. You have more power, more influence. You get better opportunities, and you make better decisions. You can help people more. There is value in education. I’m not just talking about college, but the hunger to learn and grow.
When paired with your experience and what you are exposed to, your education makes you a better person. If you aren’t getting knowledge, you aren’t getting “it”. You can learn a lot in as little as 15-20 minutes in a day. Break it down into bite-size chunks. Listen to a 10-15 minute podcast once a day. In two years, investing 10-15 minutes a day, you can become an expert in most topics.
Everything is connected, in one way or another. Get a wide range, varying points of view, and make sure you get out of your comfort zone. Do what makes you uncomfortable. That will help you grow and become better.
Glenn wrapped up his question with a follow-up. How did you coach yourself beyond your introverted tendencies?
With any challenges, you do the same thing. Do the hard things. For me, it was practicing public speaking and putting what I learned into action. Don’t underestimate what you can do. Don’t be afraid to get help in the areas you aren’t strong in. Practice anything, and over time, you will get better.
If you want to work with educated, experienced people that will expose you to new things, you need to call Magical Vacation Planner. They know the ends and outs and will help you to have the best experience. Call them at (407) 442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com
No one likes breaking bad news to people. As a leader, sometimes that goes with the job description. It may be logistical issues or maybe even breaking the news to someone about a promotion they will not be getting.
In this episode, I will answer a listener question along these lines.
This week’s question comes from a listener who was actually in this situation. How do you navigate any fallout from having to hire only one person out of a pool of leadership options?
Often, we want to overcomplicate things. We end up spending more time and effort worrying about the outcome than needed. The best answer is always to tell them the truth. Sit down one on one and explain to them. There can be only one person, and sometimes, it is a matter of one person being the best fit out of a strong pool of candidates. Let them know if there was a key differentiator. If there is hope for a promotion in the future, communicate that.
Don’t try to manipulate it, and don’t overcomplicate it. Deal in facts. Most of the time, people will understand. Sometimes, they may leave. Each person has to make the decision they feel is best for them. Great leaders know how to have hard discussions, free from manipulation and in a way that communicates the point with empathy and discipline. It’s part of your job: Be fair, be firm, and you will be fine.
The quicker you have the conversation, the better it is for everyone. Be to the point. Be clear. Be respectful and be kind. Success takes time. Help them to understand, you don’t have to do it all at once, you just have to get it done.
If you need to make sure something gets done when it comes to your vacation, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planner. They will be the ones to make your reservations and sit on hold if that time comes. Call them at (407) 442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com
Jody and I are in person again, recording from my office in Orlando. We are trying a new setup. One topic is on my mind as we navigate a world opening up after an unprecedented pandemic: what has happened to customer service?
During the shutdown, many businesses had to pivot. They had to make changes and figure out how to work in a “touchless” world. As things continue to open up, companies have to make the call: continue delivering bare-bones or embrace customer service. If you are the one making the call, there are a few things you need to remember.
The market will take care of people who skimp on service. Rather than looking for ways to cut costs at the expense of your customers' experience, try treating them like you would someone visiting your home. Taking shortcuts trying to save a few bucks will backfire in the end.
It can be difficult; navigating the new normal. Keep talking to your customers. Find out what they like. Pay attention to how they respond to the changes you are making. Efficiencies are great, but not if they are at the expense of the customer experience. If a customer does not feel they are getting the value they deserve, they will go somewhere else to find it.
Seek out feedback. You don’t need to hire a research firm. Just ask your customers; they want to let you know. Treat people as individuals, it is how we all want to be treated. You can take it a step further. Treat them like the grandmother you have been waiting for and expecting to arrive. Meet them, greet them with joy. Help them with whatever they need. Lastly, send them on their way, knowing you are looking forward to the next time you get to see them again.
If you are looking to be treated as an individual and are planning a vacation, Magical Vacation Planners is just the company you are looking for. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Jody and I are recording in person again from Orlando. After a recent conversation with Ron Logan, the question of building a solid reputation is at the forefront of our minds.
Your reputation gets to other people before you do. How you treat people and how you help them gets spread around. People’s opinions of you get broadcast. Like it or not, people are talking behind your back. Good or bad. Your reputation is getting better or worse every day based on what you do or don’t do. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but it is one way to ensure you are building a trustworthy reputation.
Every day, make sure what you say you will do is something you can live up to. You are judged by whether or not you live up to your word. Every day, your reputation is being formed…by you. If you want to be trusted, you must be trustworthy. To be trustworthy you have to do what you say you will do.
Practically speaking, make sure you have an open mind and respect those you work alongside. Don’t let ego get in the way. Remember that your end customer is the true winner or loser of what you accomplish. Leaders know how to get over themselves and do what needs to be done.
Get to know what the people around you do. Don’t be afraid of opposing voices. When you have the big picture, and everyone checks their ego at the door, you can foster a culture that invites collaboration and working through the options.
Leaders get it done, and they get it done the right way. Your influence matters. Be known for being the person who does the right thing, even if it is hard.
One way to make sure your vision for a vacation is executed with excellence is to enlist Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Also, make sure to stay up to speed with everything happening in the Cockerrell Academy at cockerrellacademy.com.