Today, we have a listener question from Will Walsh. Will has a complex question. In short, he asks, “What do you do when leaders have to tend to legitimate family issues that will keep them out while they prioritize family?” Will specifically asks about those in management who will be missing multiple shifts in a given month.
It is not an easy needle to thread. In today’s cultural setting, it is important to allow employees the space to prioritize family. The workforce today isn’t looking to live to work; they want to work so they can live. So they can provide for their family. It says a lot about a culture when employees know there is space to take time and care for their families. Whether it is for bereavement or a medical issue, it is an issue that communicates value.
It is also important to keep your company running. It may be easier to look at someone in a non-management role and allow them to take extended or repetitive time for a family issue. With management, it is a bit more nuanced. A conversation is in order. Help them however you can and keep your business going. Discuss it with them. Maybe they need to move into a new role and find a position that better facilitates their current season of life. One example may be a temporary step into an hourly role.
It can be a difficult situation to navigate. Your employees know you are trying and see you working on their behalf. The knowledge that values align and their life outside of the office is important to leadership says a lot about a culture. Now, more than ever, values are more important than benefits.
Spring is in full bloom and it is time to start planning your next getaway. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.
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Today, we have a listener question from Rich Urich. Rich asks, “Can you talk about the interview process and how to prepare?” Thankfully, we live in a day and age when preparing for an interview is easy.
First and foremost, look presentable when you show up. It is better to be overdressed and need to scale back than to be underdressed and try to recapture the first impression. Dress for the job you want and be in step with the industry. A tech company may have a different atmosphere than a fortune 500 organization. Dig around and see what you can find out.
Second, dig deep and learn all you can about a prospective company. Google is your best friend. What do they stand for? What do their current and previous employees say about them? What are their goals, and do they align with what you want to do? An interview isn’t just one way. You need to ask questions and figure out if what they expect and require is what you want to do. Make sure you walk into interviews with open eyes. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions you need to make an informed decision. There is no excuse to not know what you are walking into.
After today’s episode, you may want to stay at a Marriott. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.
Every business, no matter the industry, can benefit from having a purpose statement. People need to know what you want them to do and how their role fits into the overall purpose. Often, it can be complicated. Sometimes, that overarching goal hasn't been clearly defined, in a way that everyone understands. That is where a purpose statement comes in handy.
When you are developing a purpose statement, make it simple. So simple, anyone can understand it. When you have a clear statement of what you want people to do, and you train people on how to do it, you are that much closer to producing the best experience for your customer.
How do you develop a purpose statement? First, sit down and talk about it. Get with team members from every area and ask them. What is the one thing they want as employees? What is the one thing that your customers want? Once you have that clear, you can create a simple, repeatable statement. Keep the statement in front of your team and train them with that end goal in mind. No matter the task or job, it all comes back to the same purpose.
If you have a vacation coming up, give Magical Vacation Planners a call. Let them know what you want to do, then sit back and let them take care of everything. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you have been around for a while, you may be familiar with our Main Street Leader Newsletter. This topic is one I have mentioned in the Main Street Leader before, and it is a simple concept with a great return. The pre-shift meeting is a tool that can be a difference-maker for your company and team.
When we get ready to embark on the day, we need to ensure we connect and get on the same page. Once shift starts and customers arrive, it will be too chaotic to ensure everyone has the game plan. These pre-shift connect points are short and equip our team to be the expert for what they will be doing over the next few hours. If you are in the restaurant business, it might be covering the specials or what is not available. If you're in retail, it might be discussing promos and making the team aware of any pertinent information.
These pre-shift meetings are perfect for providing information, inspiration and equipping the team for what is coming. To ensure the time is valuable and that you utilize it fully, make an agenda. Determine the headings you want to cover and jot down the notes. Give your team a chance to ask questions and add value as well. The key is being prepared and finding out what works for your team.
If you would like to learn more about the Mainstreet Leader, you can find out more at The Cockerell Academy. It is included in the Cockerell Academy or as a standalone subscription.
If you want to show up as an expert to your next trip, a pre-vacation meeting with Magical Vacation Planners can really help. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Today, we have another question from a faithful listener, Tanner Brock. Tanner requested advice on becoming more comfortable and confident in your professional background. Especially in situations where business partners or fellow team members have a longer tenure in the workforce.
It is part of the game and part of learning business. We all start out being intimidated by others having experience. It takes time to get smarter; to learn new things. Pushing yourself to expand your understanding will help you grow and learn. With time, you won't be intimidated, because you have gained experiences of your own. Wisdom comes with age, education, experience, and exposure.
If you want to get past intimidation, you need to get outside of your immediate sphere. Meet people and put yourself in situations where you can learn willingly. Spend time around your customers and employees. You have to work at it. Be intentional about seeking out understanding; you don’t just get to absorb it.
Rather than being intimidated by the experience of others, use it as an opportunity to ask questions and learn. Make it a goal. Never stop learning. Ask questions every day. This will help you gain experience and confidence; it will keep you from becoming prideful and resting on your laurels, as you gain the experience you desire.
If you want a fun way to gain exposure and experience, take a vacation. Magical Vacation Planners can help you get everything you want out of your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
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