Search Video Library for: Personal Performance
Top 20 AssetMore Than a Gut Feeling™ IV
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World-Wide Best-Seller! Interviewers are more apt to select the best person for the job when they use this Behavior-Based Interviewing (BBI) strategy developed by Paul C. Green, PhD. Now in its 4th edition, More Than a Gut Feeling provides practical, easy to use instruction that helps organizations significantly enhance recruiting and hiring efforts, improve employee retention and equip managers (and others) with proven behavioral interviewing skills.
Top 20 AssetAvoiding the Scam! Understanding Your Role in Cybersecurity™
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Cybersecurity is serious business. Millions of dollars are lost each day to cyber crime. Sometimes you hear about it in the news… most of the time you don’t. The four dramatic situations (and information) presented in Avoiding the Scam! tackle the most common gap companies often face in the war against cyber-attacks... the human factor.
No Problem! Serving Others with Respect™
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These days, when most people pick up the phone or walk into an office or a store, they pretty much expect the service they're going to get is indifferent at best, and most of the time is going to be plain awful. It doesn't have to be that way! The truth is... we all make the difference in how a customer feels about our organization; not a policy, not a manager... It's us. Period. If you can help move a customer issue or complaint to a “no problem", then you're going to feel great about doing what you do. And, your customers are going to go away feeling like you treated them right.
Conflict Clock: Taking T.I.M.E. to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace™
Handle workplace conflict effectively with this new program! Conflict Clock™ presents four proven strategies that will help participants break old and negative response habits. Conflict with another person can create stress – the kind of stress that can lead to a response that makes the problem worse, rather than better. Our bodies naturally gravitate toward a Fight, a Flight, or a Freeze response when we feel threatened or upset. This program is designed to help all employees identify and change our responses - better dealing with the conflict at hand.
Are You Going to Get That? (from No Problem!)
Being interrupted by a ringing phone when you're dealing with a face-to-face customer can be a real challenge. It's like you're being pulled in two different directions at the same time. So, what do you do? Well, in most cases, the best approach is to focus on making sure the customer you're dealing with face-to-face takes priority. To do that, ask the customer for permission to put the caller on hold and wait for their response. Then, ask the caller to hold. And finally, thank the customer for waiting and finish up.
It’s A Policy Thing (from No Problem!)
Policies and procedures are good and necessary parts of doing business. But they can easily become an excuse for just telling the customer what you can't do... rather than letting them know what you can do. Obviously, every situation is different. But working to find a real win-win solution - even if that means getting approval to make an exception to a policy - is one of the best ways to ensure long-term customer loyalty. To do that, always be sure to empathize with your customer. Reassure the customer that you will do everything that you can to help. Then use your best judgment to make it right.
Let Me Make Myself Perfectly Clear! (from No Problem!)
Like it or not, you're going to deal with angry customers from time to time. And no matter how much they might test your patience, it's really important to keep a mindset that there’s “no problem” to big that can’t be solved. First, start by just letting the customer vent and acknowledge their emotions. Let them know you're listening by restating or agreeing with something they've said. If necessary, gently confront the angry customer to help gain control of the situation. And then, when you feel it's appropriate, begin to move the customer toward a solution.
Listen Up! I'm Pushing Them All the Time
Listening is the most used aspect of communication, and the way we listen determines what we hear. The most common type of communication is passive listening - when you hear what someone else is saying, but you’re not really actively engaging in the communication process, getting involved with what the other person is saying or telling you, or trying to understand the communication. We need to become active listeners!
Listen Up! Is That What This Is... A Discussion?
An important part of communication excellence is your ability to get your point across effectively by speaking clearly and confidently. In some situations, it’s not always easy to speak up. The situation may be tense, or you may lack confidence in our ability to get our point across effectively. When you want to get your point across, you need to plan for four aspects of your communication.
This Needs to Go Out Today! (from No Problem!)
It can be easy to forget that our internal customers are just as important as our external customers. Sometimes, we tend to take the people we work with for granted. But that's no excuse for not caring; or drawing other employees into the situation. Instead, you should focus on fixing the problem. Look for alternative solutions. And be sure to follow up to make sure things are taken care of.
Why Did I Push All Those Buttons? (from No Problem!)
We all know that customers can get frustrated when dealing with automated phone systems, right? So, when you run into that kind of a situation, avoid making excuses or saying things like - "I know - I hate pushing all those buttons, too." Instead, thank the customer for waiting. Empathize with how frustrating it can be. Reassure the customer that you're willing to help. And be sure to keep your tone of voice and choice of words positive.
You Promised It Would Be Here Today! (from No Problem!)
There's going to be times when you (or someone in your organization) will have to deal with a customer whose expectations aren't being met - for whatever reason. Stay away from making excuses, grilling the customer, or questioning what a co-worker has promised. Instead, stay positive and keep your focus on what you can do to solve the customer's problem. To do that, thank the customer for calling. Do everything in your power to fix the problem. Offer the customer something extra. And be sure to leave things on a positive note by renewing the relationship.
You’re The Third Person I’ve Talked To! (from No Problem!)
Being on the receiving end of a caller that has been transferred a lot of times - especially when the people they've talked to before haven't been very helpful - can really test your customer service skills. There are a couple of things you can do. Be sure to empathize with the caller. Assure the customer that you can help. And, finally, if it's absolutely necessary to send the call to a manager, ask the customer for enough information to make sure that you can direct the call to the right place. And then explain what actions you're going to take to fix the problem.
TrainingBytes® Lunch is On Me!
Each of us has a moral code. Sometimes that code is very clear to us. We may know we wouldn’t steal a jacket from a store or that we wouldn’t violently harm someone else. Sometimes, though, we aren’t quite as clear about how we’ll respond, especially when we’re caught off-guard and don’t have a lot of time to think about our response. We may want to please the other person, or we may think the other person won’t like us if we don’t do as asked.
TrainingBytes® Understanding Trauma Recovery
Trauma is a response to a terrible or negative event. It occurs when you feel emotionally or mentally hurt by something that has happened. Some examples of traumatic events can include the death of a family member or friend, major physical challenges, experiencing verbal or physical abuse, financial ruin, a plane or automobile crash, an extremely difficult relationship or breakup, or a natural disaster like a flood, tornado or hurricane. Most people will experience some form of trauma in their lives. We need to realize that there is always hope for recovery.
TrainingBytes® Understanding Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is adjusting your day-to-day activities to achieve a sense of balance between work life and personal life. In many careers, it’s challenging to achieve that balance. The consequences of a poor work-life balance can be a real strain on your personal relationships and even reduce productivity at work. But, one of the most harmful consequences of that imbalance is a decline in your health. Too many work demands on your time may increase your stress levels.
Implementing Behavior-Based Interviewing (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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Behavior-based interviewing is a powerful tool for interviewing and hiring the best people for the job. This video gives a quick overview of how to implement/use the behavior-based process within an organization.
Ask Open-Ended Questions (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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One of the steps in the behavior-based interview process, asking open-ended questions is essential in getting your interview questions answered... effectively. This video provides some tips on the importance of asking the right questions - in the right way - to get the most accurate information from interviewees.
Ask for Contrary Evidence (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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One of the steps in the behavior-based interview process, asking for contrary evidence is essential in getting your interview questions answered... effectively. This video provides some tips on the importance of asking the right questions to get the most accurate information from interviewees.
Ask Probing Questions (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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One of the steps in the behavior-based interview process, asking probing questions is essential in getting your interview questions answered... effectively. This video provides some tips on the importance of asking the right questions to get the most accurate information from interviewees.
Control the Interview (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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One of the steps in the behavior-based interview process, controlling the interview is essential in getting your interview questions answered... effectively. This video provides some tips on the importance of controlling the interview.
Intro / Turnover is Costly (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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We all know that turnover is costly. And that is what generally happens when we hire the wrong people. This video sets up the behavior-based approach - hitting on the true costs of turnover.
Preparing for the Interview (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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When it comes to effective interviewing... preparation is essential. This video walks you through the preparation needed for conducting a behavior-based interview.
Reviewing the Process (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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After learning about the importance of behavior-based interviewing, this video reviews the essential components of the process for effective interviewing and hiring.
The Interview Sequence (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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There is a process when it comes to behavior-based interviewing. This video gives you look into the powerful interview process based on the world's best-selling interviewing program.
Understanding Behavior-Based Interviewing (from More Than a Gut Feeling™ IV)
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The key to effective interviewing is having a plan.. a plan that's grounded in behavior-based interviewing principles. This video gives you an introduction to the behavior-based interviewing concept.
Maximized Leadership™ Helping Employees Feel They Belong
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Everyone needs and wants to feel accepted, included, heard… and be a part of something bigger than themselves. It’s a basic human need - as important to us as food… clothing… or shelter. Helping others feel like they belong is the cornerstone of inclusive leadership. Part of how we define ourselves depends on what types of groups to which we belong: family units, social groups, religious affiliations, and common interest groups such as fitness, music or hobbies. The need to feel like we belong doesn’t end when we enter our place of work.
Maximized Leadership™ Understanding Empathy
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Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another person's position. It’s a powerful tool to build and maintain relationships – both inside and outside the workplace!
TrainingBytes® Preparing for the Post-Pandemic Workplace™
Due to the recent pandemic, organizations are navigating a broad range of issues that span from keeping their employees and customers safe to re-configuring business operations and getting things to a 'new' normal. This short video program is a great introduction to what employees might see in the post-pandemic workplace.
TrainingBytes® Stressed Out? Tips to Get Relief
Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. In simple terms, stress occurs when something is impacting us… mostly based on the fear of the unknown. Stress is a part of life – both at work and at home. Tackling it head-on is the best way to overcome the negative results of stress!
TrainingBytes® A Good State of Mind!
Get to the bottom of what good mental health means! Good mental health is what should be desired in life – both at work and at home. Tackling it head-on is the best way to overcome and have a life worth living! This short, information-packed video is a fantastic follow-up to the popular TrainingBytes® Stressed Out? Tips to Get Relief program featuring Bob Monserrate (Stress & Mental Health Counselor).
TrainingBytes® Who Are You?™
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“Who are you?” That’s been asked by the greatest minds over the centuries. We’re not going to attempt to answer that universal question, but…we CAN address it as it relates to ourselves at work. We can choose to be a person with purpose. We can choose to be a person of respect. We can choose to look for the positive in others and bring out their best. When you think about what your alternatives are, it can help in making that choice….who you want to be.
Courage 2 Coach™
Let's face it. Being a manager these days is tough. We've all got a lot on our plate, and there are days when some of the people we manage seem to have a hard time with the concept of "common sense." And, as competitive as the job market is these days…it’s difficult to attract and retain good people. The only thing that works is having the courage to coach.
Beyond the Box - Activity Package
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Make a big impact in your organization in a short amount of time by using Beyond The Box: Smart Activities to Enhance Learning, a companion guide Sollah's discussion/meeting opener video collection. Whether you are looking for ways to promote your culture, trigger meaningful discussion, assess individual or team development areas, or reinforce organizational priorities and philosophies, you will find the combination of using short videos mixed with fun activities a powerful means to help achieve your goals.
Training Activities Package
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A package of over twenty activities designed to encourage longevity of skills. Use this activity bundle to support skill development and to help turn appropriate actions into habits for maximum long-term impact.
TrainingBytes® Telecommuting Tips & Tricks
Working from home is great on so many levels. But there are a whole new set of challenges, too. How do you keep from getting distracted when domestic duties call? How do you handle a family member who stops by unannounced in the middle of the day? How do you get anything done if you have kids around? This video provides a few quick tips for successfully navigating the pitfalls of telecommuting.
Interviewing: More Than a Gut Feeling™ (How-To Book)
World-Wide Best-Seller! Now you can take the guesswork out of hiring by relying on fair, logical ways to identify the best candidate for a job. This excellent how-to book will help you learn how to use the behavior-based approach to interviewing. By asking questions that probe for past behavior, you will be able to identify the candidate best suited for the job. You’ll also discover tips on how to save an uncomfortable interviewing situation. This How-To Book™ is 96 pages.
ATTITUDE!™ Resolving Difficult Situations in the Workplace
Powerful tools to fix everyday workplace issues! Let's be honest, nobody likes to deal with a difficult attitude... In fact, most of us would rather sit in a dentist's chair before we'd confront one of those bad apples who are making our lives miserable at work. But did you ever stop to think about what kind of price we're paying for that self-imposed misery? This program helps employees and leaders use emotional intelligence skills to recognize the characteristics of difficult attitudes in today’s diverse workforce and sort out the problems when they arise.
ATTITUDE!™ - Resolving Difficult Situations in the Workplace (Healthcare Version)
When it comes to working with others, there are always going to be people who don't have the same way of looking at things that we do. That's reality. The question is - how do we deal with them so that we get done what we need to get done... and keep our sanity at the same time? This program helps employees and leaders use emotional intelligence skills to recognize the characteristics of difficult attitudes in today’s diverse workforce and sort out the problems when they arise.
Mentoring 201™ - The Next Steps for Success
A mentor is one of any organization’s greatest resources. Having a committed mentor is a key factor to improving employee engagement - and we know that good engagement means employees will stay longer and their contributions increase. Mentoring 201 takes a closer look at some key elements of the mentor/mentee relationship that includes: planning for a successful discussion, setting goals, identifying career paths and establishing development needs.
TrainingBytes® Telecommuting Tips & Tricks (Employee Interview)
There is a really great upside about working from home. But it can get crazy! You need to have a plan of action and some preparation when working remotely. This short video gives you some tips and tricks from an employee perspective. Learn how, as an employee, you can prepare and successfully (and productively) work from home.
Mentoring For Success (How-To Book)
In order for businesses to survive and remain competitive, they must respond to this changing environment. As Tom Peters observes in Thriving on Chaos, “Excellent firms don’t believe in excellence—only in constant improvement and constant change.” As part of their response to change, successful organizations seek ways to support and foster employee growth and development. Managers are developing skills to facilitate this process. They are acting as mentors to their employees. Coworkers and other employees with company experience and skills are also offering their services as mentors to less-experienced employees.
Mentoring 101™ - The Basics
When you’re a mentor, you’re really like a coach… someone who can speak from experience… a resource that can give insight, even tips - that will help someone else be successful at what they’re doing. Some organizations have official mentors while others have an informal approach to mentoring. No matter how it happens, as a mentor, you’re filling a vital role to the on-going success of your organization.
Johnny the Bagger® A True Story of Customer Service™
Inspire your workforce to deliver service from the heart. Based on the work of noted author and speaker, Barbara Glanz, this inspiring, best-selling program features the true story of "Johnny," a young man who made a positive choice about his personal responsibility to provide from-the-heart service and changed the culture of an entire organization. Use Johnny the Bagger to empower and excite all employees about bringing their best service to the front-line of business.
Seek Transformation - A Quick Conversation
For weeks after birth, a caterpillar eats continuously; growing nearly 100 times its initial size before it spins itself into a chrysalis. Within the chrysalis, the caterpillar’s robust body completely breaks down into a DNA soup, where it takes several more weeks to reform into a beautiful, adult butterfly. Like the foraging caterpillar, a team spends time nourishing their group culture in order to prosper. However, in order to evolve even further, there comes a time when even the strongest teams need to break down and transform their fundamental team roles, structure, processes, goals, and vision in order to grow.
Conflict 101™
Most of us would agree that one of the biggest challenges is dealing with conflict… whether at work or at home. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the tools to resolve conflict in a healthy way. We end up damaging relationships, we lose trust… the list goes on and on. Conflict 101™ is a new micro-learning program packed with conflict resolution tips and tools.
Being Cooperative and Respectful
How building rapport, sharing credit and keeping a manager informed creates cooperative and respectful behavior.
Establishing Development Needs (from Mentoring 201™)
Up until now, you’ve covered overall goals and career path options with your mentee. How did they get there? That’s where an important topic for discussion comes into play … namely, development options. These are the strategies and tactics that your mentee can draw upon to help them grow and develop so that they can make their goals a reality.
Identifying Career Paths (from Mentoring 201™)
Another key part of your conversation with your mentee involves diving more deeply into their future career paths. By this time, you’ve already looked at the big picture of where your mentee would like to be in the years ahead. Now it’s time to come up with some options for them to consider as they take their next steps ahead.
Planning for a Successful Discussion (from Mentoring 201™)
Just like any important conversation you’re planning, you need to do your prep work. Think about your mentee and his or her strengths and weaknesses. That will help you ask the right questions to guide the conversation in the way that’s right for your mentee. In fact, it’s a good idea to prepare these questions in advance.
Setting Short-Term & Long-Term Goals (from Mentoring 201™)
A key part of the conversation you’ll have with your mentee over time is about their short and long-term goals. As part of this, it’s important to ask your mentee to discuss their strengths and weaknesses - both interpersonal and job-related skills.
TrainingBytes® Understanding Suicide
There were over 48,000 suicides in the United States - equal to about 132 suicides each day. Suicide is most often preventable. Most victims do not want to die. They have run out of options, see no way out or can see no end to the pain. Raise awareness and understanding about suicide.
Office Politics Is...™
Have you ever been blind-sided… ambushed… or side-swiped by somebody at work? Being the target of office politics is never fun. This thought-provoking, powerful short video uses impactful imagery, video and music to inform and encourage discussion the on the ups and downs of office politics within an organization.
Taking Care of Your Future Is...™
Stimulate discussion about what it really takes to succeed in a career. This thought-provoking, powerful short video uses impactful imagery, video and music to stimulate a discussion about what it takes to get your career on track and rolling. A common sense approach to understanding the important things to remember in the workplace.
Transition to Boss Is...™
Stimulate discussion about new managers/supervisors accepting their new role, establishing clear boundaries, communicating and taking action. This thought-provoking, powerful short video uses impactful imagery, video and music to inspire and stimulate discussion about new supervisors within your organization.
Accurate Communication - A Quick Conversation
In New York, taxi means a “black and yellow,” in India a “rickshaw,” in Thailand a “tuk tuk,” and in Haiti a “tap tap.” Travelers in foreign countries can be very surprised by another culture’s definition of taxi. Therefore, even with the most common of words, understanding the context in which that word is used is critical to understanding the significance behind what is being said, whether communicating across the world or across the hall.
Acknowledge Vulnerabilities - A Quick Conversation
Hermit Crabs live in empty seashells. As they grow they have to find larger shells to move into. In the search for a new shell, the crab is particularly vulnerable to predators. When organizations undergo growth and change, such as becoming more diverse, it often challenges employees to grow in new ways. Just as the crab feels vulnerable when it changes shells, employees in this time of transition may feel particularly susceptible.
Adapt to Encourage Growth - A Quick Conversation
Whales possess the ability to adapt what they hear and then make it their own. Adaptive communication is a skill that is also critical to organizational growth. Keeping something the same just “because this is the way we have always done it” hinders an organization from innovating and progressing.
Adversity Creates Inspiration - A Quick Conversation
When diverse teams come together, there can be conflict if there is a lack of understanding and trust among team members. When there is a lack of trust, the team is fighting its differences instead of embracing them. When teams embrace the challenges that come with differences, the differences can be leveraged for inspiration and growth.
Build a Foundation for Growth - A Quick Conversation
Navel oranges are neither native to Florida nor a natural tree. Navels are a graft of two citrus trees, the root stock and the bud wood. Both these parts contribute different, but essential resources that are necessary in order to produce sweet oranges. Oftentimes, behind the scenes tasks are overlooked as being nonessential; however, they are a vital component to the health and productivity of the team.
Build On The Collective Effort - A Quick Conversation
The survival of a hive of honeybees is dependent upon the collaborative and collective efforts of every bee. The work of the hive is divided into specific tasks, each with designated worker bees. Only when every bee is doing its work can the hive stockpile the honey needed to survive the cold winter. A company is like a beehive that depends upon the collective effort of all of its employees. It is critical that each employee understands their role and how it contributes to the success and of the company.
Challenge What Needs To Be Changed - A Quick Conversation
There are times when faced with the choice of following the rules or fighting for a principal such as equality, that a fight against the rules is the right action to take. When working in a diverse environment, pay attention for opportunities to fight for the principal of inclusion instead of following the unspoken rule of “that is the way it has always been done.”
Craft Your Message With Purpose - A Quick Conversation
An enduring whimsical tradition that many people are familiar with is the act of placing a written message in a bottle and tossing it into the sea. The composer of the message has no idea who is going to receive the message or when they might get it -or if anyone will at all. Not knowing the end recipient of the message limits the ability to communicate with intention. Communication across differences is often done in a similar fashion.
Create Your Own Opportunities - A Quick Conversation
When working on diverse teams, sometimes you have to create your own opportunities by putting forth new ideas, proposing collaborations, and building networks that will help accomplish your goals.
Cultural Quick Tips - A Quick Conversation
Work forces around the world are diversifying daily. Understanding the implications of a diversified workplace or marketplace is critical for any organization. A company that lacks the ability to attract and retain diverse employees risks dulling its competitive edge. Being proactive about assessing and understanding demographic trends allows an employer to prepare for change rather than react to a trend after the fact.
Differences Create Insights - A Quick Conversation
When working on teams, having a different point of view can provide powerful insight, if people feel respected enough to share that idea. If the team lacks respect for individuals then great ideas won’t be shared. Being respectful of others’ points of view is the first step to developing powerful teams.
Explore Unchartered Territories - A Quick Conversation
America’s best-known Colorado River explorer was John Powell, who lost his right arm in the Civil War at the Battle of Shiloh. In 1869, he started with 10 men to explore the length of the Colorado River. Three months later, six would complete their journey after some harrowing experiences. Powell returned in 1871, to map the river and to conduct geological studies. Powell inspired courage and belief in the men that he led and he never put any limitations on his abilities. While not battling white water rapids, working on diverse teams with divergent points of view, creates opportunities for a different kind of courage.
Find the Missing Ingredient - A Quick Conversation
On the surface, a desert appears sparse and desolate. The harsh conditions do not seem conducive to growth. Yet, on the rare occasions that rain soaks the desert, it becomes a plethora of color and life - often overnight. Sometimes team projects seem like a desert, as if all of the efforts are providing little visible signs of growth. And yet, when the right ingredient arrives, the program flourishes and ‘flowers’ on cue.
Gauge Opportunities - A Quick Conversation
Like the surfer selecting the right wave, people encounter endless opportunities for growth and must decide whether the opportunity is worth the inherent risks involved. Some opportunities may involve moving to a new country, working with colleagues with different backgrounds, or taking on a new role.
Invest Your Time for Others - A Quick Conversation
On teams, it is important to be willing to invest time into the lives of other team members. We do this by learning about what they need and what obstacles they face and by then offering our assistance. This investment pays off in greater team cohesion, inclusion, and trust, as well as the removal of obstacles that stand in the way.
Link Different Points of View - A Quick Conversation
The U.S. railroad was started in 1862 during the Civil War. President Lincoln and Congress understood both the symbolism of connecting the country and also the need to think long term, even while the country fought within itself. The railroad removed geographic barriers, spread ideas, and introduced a new way of life – a fresh start that was badly needed. Building a railroad symbolically within a team can mean bridging together two divergent points of view, bringing new insight into a situation.
Move From Conflict to Growth - A Quick Conversation
Unlike other pine trees that shed their pine cones and seeds annually, the pine cones of the jack pine will hold on to their seeds indefinitely until exposed to intense heat. In the charred wake of a forest fire, jack pine seedlings take root and begin the forest’s rebirth. Like a fire, a conflict between colleagues with different work styles and backgrounds can cause short pain and intense emotions.
Overcome Obstacles - A Quick Conversation
Tree limbs grow so that the leaves can absorb sunlight, the energy needed to sustain and create growth. Obstacles never stop a tree from finding the sunshine. Limbs bend around buildings, grow over street signs, and through abandoned structures. In the same way that trees need to be flexible and persistent in their quest to find sunlight, diversity projects need to grow under, through, or around any obstacles that block their path moving forward.
Pay Attention To Nonverbal Communication - A Quick Conversation
While your colleagues in the workplace communicate both verbally and non-verbally, understanding how to interpret their nonverbal communication can be a great advantage. Keep in mind that the meaning behind body language and facial expressions may vary from culture to culture, so it is always good to check for understanding.
See Potential Contributions, Not Limitations - A Quick Conversation
When working on teams, it is important not to look at limitations but instead at the potential contribution that each person can make – regardless of what kind of package that contribution comes in. This will allow you to maximize the skills and abilities of all team members.
Teamwork Through Innovation - A Quick Conversation
In the sport of barrel racing, when a horse and rider are working well together, the horse will intuitively move under the rider if it feels the rider start to fall. This automatic response is only possible due to the bond and unspoken communication that develops between a horse and a rider through the many hours of practicing together. When you devote time and effort to communicating with a colleague, especially one from a background different than your own, you can improve the fluency of your communication and eventually be able to detect minute changes in these communications.
Tell Stories to Build a Strong Community - A Quick Conversation
Across the globe, cave drawings thousands of years old have preserved the remnants of ancient civilizations. While the drawings may be scattered over great distances and originate from different cultures, they all have one aspect in common: they tell stories. The drawings recount stories about successes, hunts, trials, and daily life. Storytelling is at the heart of what makes us human and is a universal tool used by groups of people to explain who they are and the experiences that shaped their history. While we might not use cave drawings anymore, we still use storytelling to capture collective histories and lessons learned.
Understand How To Use Your Skills - A Quick Conversation
A guitar in the hands of a novice is simply an object to hold. In the hands of a master, that same guitar becomes an instrument that makes beautiful music. The guitar itself does not change; it just requires well-developed skills to unlock its musical potential. With effective instructions, open communication, and management support, employees are able to unlock and cultivate their natural talents and interests into skills that add to the strength of their team.
Understand Preconceived Notions - A Quick Conversation
Hear the word flour and what comes to mind is probably baking, bread, and pizza crust. The preconceived notion that flour is only found in baked goods can lead to surprise when it is discovered that it can also be an ingredient in: pasta sauce, hot dogs, salad dressing, soup, taco sauce, and even dog food. Having preconceived notions about other people is like assuming that you know all of the ingredients of an item of food just by looking at it.
Understand Your Significance - A Quick Conversation
Both captains and lighthouse keepers have roles that, although different, are important to the navigation of ships. Likewise, each position within a company plays an important role in helping the company to navigate the global marketplace. When employees understand how their role contributes to team success, they are able to take pride in doing their job well and in contributing to the overall progress of the company.
Understanding Context - A Quick Conversation
When a rubber band is stretched taut it has potential energy. This potential energy is only important if the rubber band is released and the band moves towards a target. A diverse team can also have incredible intrinsic potential. However, if team members do not feel comfortable contributing their unique ideas, they will not release their great potential energy towards the target of innovation.
Understanding From Experience - A Quick Conversation
A documentary about life in the sea will provide knowledge about ocean life. However, that knowledge is enhanced when it is combined with the experience of scuba diving. The combined knowledge and experience deepens your understanding of the sea exponentially. Scuba diving augments book knowledge with a visceral experience. The act of learning about people with different cultural backgrounds can be viewed in a similar way. Learning about a culture by reading a book or talking to people from that culture gives you a base of knowledge.
Understanding Hidden Beauty - A Quick Conversation
The majority of the time, a male peacock looks ordinary and small. However, when given an opportunity to showcase himself, he becomes a world-renown beauty. While he has the beauty every day, it is only when he feels duty-bound to be his best, that it is displayed and appreciated. People can be like peacocks. When they are not given opportunities to shine, they don’t let their true beauty show.
Understanding Impact - A Quick Conversation
A single drop of water splashing against a rock may not seem to have an erosive impact. However, there is power in water drops, for over time water has the strength to wear down stone. The Colorado River, which began millions of years ago as a drop of water, carved the Grand Canyon. Positive every day actions are like water drops. While each act may not seem to have much impact, over time, the cumulative impact of many drops of water can wear down fear, negativity, and resistance to help forge a new path ahead.
Understanding Passion - A Quick Conversation
The energy of a “match on the pitch” comes from a group of people sharing in their common passion. Being in the midst of your passion is an energizing experience. It is obvious when people are in their passion: their eyes light up, excitement fills their voice, and they are “in the zone.” Inquiring about a co-worker’s passion is a great way to gain insight into a person that you work with. Demonstrating a desire to understand a co-worker’s passion enables you to build connections and begin to create common ground.
Understanding Perceived Value - A Quick Conversation
During the Revolutionary War, lobster was considered such inferior food that it was used to feed the British prisoners, and even they revolted against it. With the advent of railroads, trains brought lobster to the Midwesterners, who had no cultural bias, and found it to be a delicacy. Gradually, New Englanders came to the same conclusion. Often it takes an outside perspective to realize the inherent value that is already on your team and within your company.
Understanding the Fear - A Quick Conversation
Jumping out of an airplane might seem insane to some people, while to others it is an exhilarating and often repeated experience. What makes one person deeply afraid may not be at all scary to another person. Much of what causes people to react with fear to a situation are perceptions and assumptions about what that situation will be like. After facing their fears, people often realize that the perception of the experience created more fear than the experience itself.
Discussion Card: After the Conversation
So you've had a difficult discussion with an employee, direct report, staff member... what's next? Things like action items, open issues, follow-up and more! These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (A.F.T.E.R.) along with thought-provoking questions on effective ways to follow-up with a tough discussions with grace and respect. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: Before the Conversation
Having a difficult discussion is hard. Though it must be done to get to resolution, you must be prepared. That includes understanding ground rules and preparing yourself mentally (working through a checklist). These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (B.E.F.O.R.E.) along with thought-provoking questions on effective ways to tackle the tough discussions with grace and respect. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: Creating a Civil Workplace
Being civil means interacting and responding courteously and respectfully. These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (C.I.V.I.L.) along with thought-provoking questions on being polite towards others. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: During the Conversation
We all know that having a difficult discussion can be hard. It's important to watch out for key indicators during that conversation. This includes ground rules, verbal and non-verbal cues, and so much more! These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (D.U.R.I.N.G.) along with thought-provoking questions on effective ways to tackle the tough discussions with grace and respect. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: Purpose of the Talk
It's not always easy having workplace discussions - whether to simply gather information or to tackle a tough situation. Shying away from key workplace topics/issues don't make those problems disappear. These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (T.H.E.C.H.A.T.) along with thought-provoking questions on effective ways to tackle the tough discussions with grace and respect. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: Resolving Conflict
When it comes to resolving conflict, we all know it can be tough - especially if you don't have a plan! These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (R.E.S.O.L.V.E.) along with thought-provoking questions on better understanding & addressing conflict. Great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: Starting Conversations
When it comes to having a tough conversation, just starting is often the most difficult part. These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (S.P.E.A.K.) along with thought-provoking questions to create a respectful flow of communication. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator for all employees and managers.
Discussion Card: Starting Conversations with Grace
Need to have a serious talk with an employee or front-line staff? Having the tough workplace discussions are never easy. These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (G.R.A.C.E.) along with thought-provoking questions on effective ways to tackle the tough discussions... effectively and with respect. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: Understanding Intent vs. Impact
Having the tough workplace discussions are never easy. Opening up the proper lines of communication (getting your intent and impact across) to discuss the 'not-so-easy' stuff is essential to properly address them. These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (I.M.P.A.C.T.) along with thought-provoking questions on effective ways to tackle the tough discussions with grace and respect. These cards are great for a quick training reminder, reinforcement or as a conversation generator.
Discussion Card: Working on Diverse Teams
These easy-to-use, straight-to-the-point cards provide a simple model (R.E.S.P.E.C.T.) and questions to address common team issues and areas for improvement. These cards are great for a quick training reminder or conversation starter.
Discussion Card: Working with Integrity
These easy-to-use cards provide a simple model (I.N.T.E.G.R.I.T.Y.) along with thought-provoking questions on truth and honesty in the workplace. These cards are great for a quick training reminder or conversation starter.
Program Introduction (from Mentoring 201™)
A mentor is one of any organization’s greatest resources. They fulfill that crucial role of helping newer associates & team members learn about their new role – and their new organization. But this vital mentor-mentee relationship goes well beyond the initial first few days on the new job. In fact, it’s a relationship that can last throughout the respective careers of both participants.
How Do You Measure Success? (from Mentoring 201™)
So, you’ve had a lot of conversation with your mentee. You’ve listened. You’ve heard their goals. You’ve shared your feedback. But how successful has it all been? This video provides some other questions that can help to uncover the true underlying value of what you’ve achieved together.