Why Ego is not the enemy.

The ego is not always negative. It can be a great motivator for achievement and growth; a tool for empowerment. 

It can be a very healthy part of our individuality... the self, me... I. It's what fuels your sense of purpose; your "Why." But this ambition can turn negative when left unchecked.

Your "Why" is a Siamese twin connected at the hip, both arguably fed by the ego but in very different ways.

The first of those twins is the Altruistic "Why"—”the beautiful twin”. That’s the politically correct sense of purpose. It’s the generous giving part of your "Why". It’s the motivation that makes you the consummate social entrepreneur or humanitarian. It’s the part of you that cares and wants to provide a service that makes the world a better place. It’s the one you read of in company mission statements designed to capture the imagination of the consumer.

The second half of your purpose is the secretive and negatively viewed Ego-Driven "Why"—”the ugly twin”. It’s the selfish reward, applause-seeking and self-validating feeling you get from your achievement, even from your giving. It’s the selfish empowering emotions of feeling relevant, loved, powerful, important, rich, accepted, elevated, and beautiful and of value (all listed traits dependent on your personality type and values). There is no need to deny that “ugly twin”.

I am by no means condoning narcissism or total objectivism. Simply don’t let the “selfish” why get the better of you and control your decisions and actions. I believe in altruism as a foundation for a better society. The irony in being selfless, is that it makes the giver feel good about themselves, which we could argue is feeding the ego by bringing value or importance to the existence of that individual. It's a slippery slope worth thinking about.

Don't feel obliged to deny your deepest needs to be "politically correct" in an age drowning in undeserved trophies and awards for participation. Life is tough. Survival and self-actualization even tougher. Don't hesitate to put the oxygen mask on first and stay alive with humility and gratitude. The more empowered you are the more you can give and empower others. The “red herring” in the “put your mask on first” concept is that it is oftentimes leveraged to validate selfishness purely for the benefit of the ego and inconsiderate of others.

The Ego only becomes negative when it blinds us of the bigger and better picture of doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons.

The ego is a complex matter.

What is simple is that the negative Ego invites conflict, greed, disengagement, disappointment, resentment, envy, bullying, jealousy, and misunderstanding due to lack of empathy. It feasts on fear and control. None of these are positive traits of empowerment or value-creation for others and society. 

Find the balance and thrive. The choice is yours as to whether the ego is the enemy or your friend.

If this blog was of value, please like or share. Feel free to comment, even if they are ego driven :)

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Vital Germaine

6 Relevant Company Culture Stats You Need to Know About.

Your culture defines your brand.  Establishing an environment that promotes and enables strong emotional connections amongst your team is crucial to the success of your organization.  It starts with executive leadership and trickles down to your interns.

Healthy and engaging cultures are about happy employees that are unified with themselves and your mission and vision. Strong and clear communication channels, and a positive attitude of collaboration and accountability fueled by trust need to be created. 

It sounds simple, yet many companies fail or overlook the value and impact their culture has on their bottom line and brand strength.

Here are the fascinating results of a survey of more than 1,400 North American CEOs and CFOs, executed by Shiva Rajgopal, an accounting professor at Columbia Business School.

1. Only 15% said their firm’s corporate culture was where it needed to be.

2. More than 90% said that culture was important at their firms.

3. 92% said they believed improving their firm’s corporate culture would improve the value of the company.

4. More than 50% said corporate culture influences productivity, creativity, profitability, firm value and growth rates.

5. Turnover at companies with a poor culture is 48%

6. Turnover at companies with a great culture is just 14%

ENGAGE is renowned for its ability to inspire teams to see beyond the ego, embrace differences and deny inhibitions. The result for you the client is a more engaged, more focused and dynamic, collaborative team effort. This promotes problem-solving, increases produtivity and efficiency. It also lays a foundation for a healthier and happier work environment where everybody can thrive and thereby strengthen your brand and increase revenue.

WE BUILD HAPPIER TEAMS AND TRANSFORM CULTURES.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A PROPOSAL.

Thank you, Vital Germaine

President, ENGAGE Consulting

Understanding the Millennial Consumer 101

WHO AND WHAT ARE MILLENNIALS: Born between 1980 and 2,000's (also called Gen Y). They currently make up 25% of the US population.

The only way to remain relevant and competitive in this faster-than-ever changing business climate is to adapt and embrace change. 

1. The Millennial consumers: 

   1. They will have a purchasing power of $200 BILLION annually by 2018, in the

   2. Millennials are estimated to spend over $10 MILLION per individual in their lifetime.

   3. They are more informed through social media: research and reviews. They sometimes know more about the product you're selling than you do. They can compare product features and benefits at a single click.

   4. They are very socially aware and conscious, caring about your company values and evaluating them when making purchasing decisions.

   5. They desire an experiential shopping experience and dislike the feeling of transaction.

   6. Technology is a part of the experience they expect. Your technology better work, be user friendly and not outdated.

   7. They wish to feel engaged in the process and experience of your company and product.

   8. Millennials desire an authentic personalized experience as customers.

   9. They are influencing commerce and society at every level.

Growing up I remember hearing adults (GI Generation: 1901-1926, and The Silents: 1927- 1945) complain about my generation.

"Yes, but we at least did this and didn't do that. We had morals and didn't feel entitled. We respect our elders. We didn't have tattoos and wear ripped up Jeans. We didn't shake our hips in a disgusting manor like that Elvis guy. The world has gone down the toilet. The youth of today, they're a disgrace. Back in the day... "

I'm sure you experienced the same if your of a previous generation and you're not a Millennial or a Generation X-er.

The Millennials will one day complain about Generation Z. The cycle will continue unless we learn to accept change without fear. Whenever we don't understand a person, group or organization, we will experience resistance. It is through understanding that barriers and misconceptions are removed. 

It is through training and informing your workforce to better understanding the modern consumer mindset that you will improve customer experiences and enjoy a better portion of market share. 

Thank you, Vital Germaine

President, ENGAGE Consulting

Can't remember names?

Anybody who is familiar with, and has studied Dale Carnegie will know the value of remembering and using the names of your prospects and clients. It is a very powerful tool of persuasion and turning leads into paying customers. 

CASE STUDY:

3 experiments done by The Journal of Consumer Research demonstrated that remembering someone’s name facilitates their compliance with a purchase request made by the rememberer. 

Experiment 1 showed that name remembrance increased request compliance. Name forgetting, however, does not cause a decrease in compliance.

Experiments 2 and 3 showed that name remembrance was perceived as a compliment by the person remembered, which mediates compliance with the purchase request. Experimental manipulations of the likelihood of name remembrance (experiment 2) and need for self-enhancement (experiment 3) provided results consistent with a complimentary explanation for the findings.

 

The 3 simple strategies:

STRATEGY 1. Repeat their name 3 times within 60 seconds

Immediately after the introduction and when receiving somebody's name, you repeat their name and give it back. If the name is unique and not easy to pronounce, when you repeat it, make sure to ask if you pronounced it correctly. People can get offended if you pronounce their name wrong. Example.

"Hi, my name is Vital. And you are?"

"I'm Erin."

"Nice to meet you Erin. Erin as in E-R-I-N."

"Oh, you're from Chicago. I love Chicago. Where abouts in Chicago Erin?"

STRATEGY 2. Use word association.

Do they have the same name as a friend? If so, connect their name to your friend. By thinking of that friend you will remember their name.

Does their name sound like another word? Example. This is a true incident that recently happened. The lady's name I met was Samela. I said her name 3 times during the first 6- seconds but felt I wouldn't remember it. I said, "Great name, very unique. How do people remember that?" She said, "Pamela but with an S." I will probably never forget her name though powerful word association.

Don't be afraid to ask people for tips on how to remember their name. They will gladly help you. 

STRATEGY 3: Visualization.

Depending on what works best for you, there are several options regarding visualizing their name. I tend to imagine seeing and reading their name printed on their forehead. 

You can visualize their name as an oversize art installation, on your computer screen, filling up the wall in your living room. Use what ever methods works best for you, but use a strategy that will help you achieve the goal of remembering names. It pays high dividends.

If they have the name of a celebrity I imagine talking to the celebrity for a moment. Example: If their name is Henry, I'll imagine them dressed as Henry VIII. If there name is Bill, then I'll imagine them using their thumb to highlight a point.

Once you have remembered their name, remember several meaningful facts about that person that you have discovered are important to them during this initial conversation: where are they from, do they have children or pets... this will provide you a platform to find common ground, making you more relatable. In addition it will help you customize the experience to their needs and personality.

Now that you have their name memorized, use if often throughout any interaction with them. BUT! Make sure to not OVER-use it. That will defeat the purpose of making them feel important and valued. 

Thank you - Vital Germaine

If this blog was of value, please feel welcome to borrow, steal, borrow, and/or share.

Why creativity is crucial to your organization's success.

1. Of CEOs polled, 60% agreed that creativity was the most important skill to have in a leadership role.

2. Companies that foster creativity are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their competitors regarding revenue growth?

3. 43% of business executives that participated in a 2014 PwC study agreed that innovation is a “competitive necessity” for their organization.

4. A 2016 study by Nielson shows that 63% of customers like it when manufacturers offer new products.

5. 82% of companies believe there is a strong connection between creativity and business results.

Innovation mindset.

A fundamental component of growth and innovation is a creative mindset, whereby perspectives and boundaries are broadened, attitudes are changed, horizons are expanded, scaling established and relevance maintained. This in turn sponsors the production of new and relevant ideas and methodologies. Without creativity there can be no differentiation. The modern consumer is engaged by the new, the faster and the better. 

Gallup Chairman and CEO, Jim Clifton said in a Fast Company article that, "To stay competitive, we have to lead the world in per-person creativity." 

Innovation is no easy achievement. It takes courage to implement, let alone make a part of your cultural DNA. It's your strongest differentiator! It is not an overnight outcome, but the result of ongoing and repeated exploration, risk-taking, mistakes. Organizations must have a pulse on the needs and pain-points of the modern consumer and adapt accordingly. The modern consumer desires, if not demands technology and innovation to improve and simplify their lives. 

The fact is every successful business needs innovation and a forward thinking culture in order to compete and stay relevant in todays faster-than-ever, changing business trends. Clients are hungrier than ever to find that next best thing. Creative ingenuity provides a platform upon which to shape that next best thing – be it developing memorable sensory experiences for your customers, or implementing ground-breaking marketing and sales strategies - even identifying new markets, or creating defining products that will separate you from your competitors.

CLICK ON THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE

At ENGAGE build happier, forward thinking cultures that elevate customer experiences and increase company profits.

We are renowned for our ability to inspire teams to see beyond the ego, embrace differences and deny inhibitions. The result for you the client is a more engaged, more focused and dynamic, collaborative team effort. This promotes problem-solving, while increasing produtivity and efficiency. It also lays a foundation for a healthier and happier work environment where everybody can thrive and thereby strengthening your brand and increasing revenue.

BOOK US TODAY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT.

KEYNOTES AND TRAININGS BY VITAL GERMAINE PRESIDENT OF ENGAGE

Optimize your team performance with these 7 steps.

It's never easy to keep your team focused, motivated and performing at optimum capacity. Flat-lining at some point seems to be inevitable. How can you prevent this ailment that costs the US economy up to $550 BILLION annually in lost productivity? More simply than you think. 

Humans tend to flat-line when they become board and uninspired, be it at work or life in general. The sense of excitement and passion withers away through repetition and monotony. Corporate bureaucracy, leadership and culture are the guilty parties. Rigid corporate strategies, rules and tradition tend to stifle passion and motivation by slowing down the process of inviting and embracing the new, the different. 

Here are the 7 steps to revitalize your workforce

1. DISRUPTIVE LEADERSHIP: The number 1 killer of innovation and employee engagement are controlling managers, rigid SOP's, un-defined cultures, and outdated strategies... "It's how we've always done it". By continually repeating yesterday's success formula, we plant the seeds of stagnation. Everybody within that static culture will disconnect from their original "why" and lose the growth mindset that keeps successful companies relevant and competitive. You risk inviting them to perform on auto-pilot. Keep them on their toes by consistently challenging them. Leadership must invite and inspire change.

Without being challenged we stagnate, GET BORED, become complacent.

The challenge is not in the form of peer rivalry and comparison, but rather healthy competition whereby they  mutually encourage and elevate each other's game.

Challenge your team by inviting them to find a solution to a problem - allow them to flex their creativity and decision-making muscles. Empower them with added responsibility. Empower them by encouraging them to express themselves and in turn listening to their ideas, suggestions and solutions.

Once you've inspired and empowered your team, get out of their way, relax and enjoy their success.

2. PERSONAL DREAMS: Also, connect their personal aspirations/dreams to the workplace so they evolve as individuals within your company - yes, you risk losing them as they pursue their own goals - but on the flip-side, do you really want their unmotivated and disengaged persona to stay and contaminate your culture, your brand and your customer base? 

3. AUTONOMY and INCLUSION: When you relinquish the reins and trust them with a project or the added responsibility, that project will feel like they own it. Ownership is powerful. They will carry that responsibility with pride because it belongs to them. They will nurture it like their own baby, filled with love, understanding, purpose, joy, commitment, passion, and fulfillment. 

4. COMFORT ZONE: Make sure that the challenge is not overwhelming, intimidating or simply beyond their ability - it will trigger a fight, flight or freeze response. However, definitely push them beyond their comfort zones. Give them the gift of control. Get management out of their flight path - take away the roadmap. Let them figure out what the destination is and how to get there. Offer support and resources when necessary. Sit back, watch them grow and fly without a net.

5. OBLITERATE THE BOX: As a former Cirque du Soleil performer, team captain and recently as a consultant and facilitator for their newly created corporate training platform called CIRQUE SPARK sessions, I learned many invaluable lessons from Cirque's philosophy. They constantly push themselves and their team members - they encouraged us to extend our vision beyond the existing horizon and ignore the limitations of the proverbial box.

6. RISK | EXPLORATION | FAILURE: The side effect is the exploration and discovery of so many more options and possibilities.  The freedom with which Cirque gifted its performers, allowed us to spread our wings, thrive and FLY WITHOUT A NET. They encouraged creativity: expression, exploration, risk-taking, and failure as an option. But without providing us the appropriate leadership, environment, tools and liberty (void  of anarchy and chaos), we would flatline, become disconnected, and lose our passion, drive and commitment to excellence.

This philosophy of empowerment inspired us to explore, learn, grow in confidence, and remain focused and committed to maintaining and enhancing the expected Customer Experience that is synonymous with the Cirque du Soleil brand. 

7. FUN: Bring it all together in an environment and culture that is fun. We learn more when having fun and are more receptive to change, growth and responsibility. Companies with fun, happy cultures experience on average 20% higher profits with elevated retention numbers.

Thank you for reading. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

If this blog was of value, please feel welcome to comment, steal, borrow and share.

VITAL GERMAINE

Becoming a better leader through communication skills.

I recently experienced a very unique and memorable Leadership Excursion. What made it so memorable is that horses were both the teacher and the student. The experience reinforced the power and impact of our non-verbal communication.

Here are 3 crucial take aways that will make you a stronger leader and more effective communicator. 

1.    Self-awareness

The Horsemanship Leadership Excursion began with the trainer (Kaitlyn), and owner Kri, helping us understand the fragility in developing a strong bond between the horse and the trainer. Be trustable, likable and relatable - this definitely applies in real world scenarios. Each horse is very unique, as are humans. Both the horse and the human participants are observed in regards to their characteristic strengths and weaknesses. That information is shared to help build self awareness (emotional intelligence), with the objective that leaders and employees can grow and improve their skills and clarity of communication and elevate engagement.

An organic synergy needed to be developed between horse and trainer, with the horse being very sensitive to all levels of the trainer’s energy and personality. The stronger and more streamlined the synergy or relationship is, the greater the odds of success… perhaps this sounds just like the workplace and client experiences you live.

 2.    Clarity and Simplicity

For those of you familiar with Albert Merhabian, you will know that 55% of communication is body language, and only 7% are words, with the remaining 38% based on facial expressions or tone of voice. Most of us confuse our colleagues because our words and facial expressions don’t fully align with what our body is saying. We complicate the communication with unnecessary information. If Mehrabian’s 7%-38%-55% rule is true, then how often have I (you) potentially confused team members through incongruent communication.

Miscommunication costs organizations money!

David Grossman reported in “The Cost of Poor Communications” that a survey of 400 companies with 100,000 employees each cited an average loss per company of $62.4 million per year because of inadequate communication to and between employees. Debra Hamilton asserted, in her article “Top Ten Email Blunders that Cost Companies Money,” that miscommunication cost even smaller companies of 100 employees an average of $420,000 per year.

 A Watson Wyatt study found that companies that communicate most effectively are more than 50% more likely to report turnover levels below the industry average compared with only 33% for the least effective communicators.

3.    Anticipation

The horse trainer highlighted that the major component of effective interaction and “teambuiling” was her need to anticipate the horses behavior. This made me think of how great leaders are sensitive/aware to the pulse of their workforce. It allows them to make needed adjustments ahead of time, minimizing roadblocks or loss of enthusiasm. Equally, in order for business and organizations to remain relevant and competitive, they must be fully aware of shifts in markets and trends… they must anticipate on all levels.

Bring it together. Implement these 3 steps and experience a significant improvement in all your personal and business relationships. Employee productivity and company efficiency will also increase.

THANK YOU

Vital Germaine

President of ENGAGEteams360

Top-selling author, Vital Germaine is also Las Vegas' most dynamic keynotes speaker and corporate trainer. His sessions are an experience designed to inspire extraordinary performance. BOOK VITAL TODAY for:

• KEYNOTES

• EXECUTIVE TRAINING

• EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

• WORKSHOPS

• BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

https://engageteams360.com/communication

Is motivation an empty promise.

We’ve entered an era with motivation pops up everywhere in our lives. Do more of this! Try these 3 steps! Be positive! That’ not really how motivation works.

Ironically, I am considered or called a motivational speaker. I've never liked that label. As a speaker and trainer, I only INSPIRE action or change. CNN legal and social commentator  and "motivational" speaker, Mel Robbins, gives a great talk on this topic. 

mo·ti·va·tion ˌmōdəˈvāSH(ə)n/noun: the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

What is motivation?

Motivation is not an external force. It is an internal desire, hunger or need to change something.  It’s built on your sense of purpose (your WHY). Finding your purpose is not an overnight solution. It’s something that is cultivated over time. Yes, some know without a doubt what their purpose and passion is at a very young age. Most aren’t that fortunate. Be patient in finding your purpose. Nuture it consistently until it becomes evident and fuels your drive. Don’t really on others to motivate you… that’s only short-term fuel that won’t get you there.

The only "motivation" somebody can gift you with is to help you feel empowered by building your confidence and belief, or providing hope that they can - the can only inspire you. Add enthusiasm or optimism to that inspiration and you are cleared for take off.

Don’t be fooled by short-term promises disguised as motivation. Dig deeper and find true motivation (purpose) within YOU. Understand what you really want by digging deeper than the superficial desire.

Something probably happened during your childhood (positive and/or negative) that established your sense of purpose. Take time to connect with that most authentic WHY. You will be surprised!

If this blog was of value, please feel welcome to comment, steal, borrow or share.

Thank you for reading,

VITAL GERMAINE

Top 5 drivers that optimize employee performance

Every company wishes they could improve and optimize the productivity and efficiency of their employees. By doing so, profits would increase. However, most companies fail miserably in regards to getting the best out of their employees. Your customers suffer as a result, as does your brand. It's really simple! Make your employees feel great about working for (or with) you and they will thrive, elevating Customer Experiences.

“The way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel.” –Sybil F. Stershic

The 5 following drivers will optimize employee performance. Collectively, they come under the umbrella of respect.

1. LISTEN: Wall Street journalist and top-selling author Bryant H. McGill says that, one of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say. Sir Richard Branson further highlights the value and impact of listening in his book, THE VIRGIN WAY, how to listen, learn and lead. There are however different types of listening ranging from PRETEND listening to EMPATHETIC listening. As leaders we must place ourselves in the shoes of those we influence. We must truly listen to understand, rather than listen to await our turn to speak. Empathetic listening is the only way to truly hear and understand. How empathetic are you in your listening skills? 

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Everybody likes to be acknowledged regardless of their "love" language. It's a great tool to express appreciation, and there is nothing more impactful than feeling appreciated, be it in the workplace or at home. Acknowledgment can be an announcement at a meeting, a personal pat on the back, an email, a recognition memo, an award... the options to demonstrate appreciation are endless and the rewards are massive. 

3. HELP: Modern leadership is shifting to increased autonomy in the workplace, with hierarchy fading into yesterday's outdated standards. The key is to set your employees free, all the while offering help, support and encouragement whenever needed. We all need help! Make sure that help or support are a clearly communicated option within your culture and business strategy. In addition, make sure that the channels to obtain help are easy and simple. Don't let bureaocracy or process hinder the ability for your team to ask for advice or obtain help.  Knowing that leadership has your build the confidence of team members.

4. GRATITUDE: A simple thank you is the most direct form of valuing the efforts, insight, expertise, and time that your team offers and shares - also be grateful for their failures as they are platforms from which to learn, grow and improve. Gratitude in any capacity offers high rewards regarding feelings of well-being. A simple verbal thank you goes along way in terms of employee engagement. Consider taking it to a different level by extending thank you cards or other tangible gestures that show you care and appreciate. 

5. EMPOWER: Have confidence that your team will do the right thing at the right time. If you have trained them well, clearly communicated company objectives and implementation strategies, then you're well positioned get out of their way. Let them know you trust them by giving them the power to take initiatives and make decisions. Empowerment is not a free for all. It will depend on your culture and who you've hired.  Strong and effective modern leaders hire the right people. Once this quintessential first step has been achieved you are cleared for take-off.  When employees feel they have ownership in decision-making and ideas, they will nurture and take pride in that work as if it was their own baby.  Besides, you'll be surprised as to who will step up when handed responsibility and freedom. 

At ENGAGE we offer fun and meaningful trainings and keynotes that focus on optimizing employee engagement. We revitalize and build happier teams that thrive and learn how to fly without a net. We are agents of relevant change in culture and leadership. Contact us today and initiate the paradigm shift!

THANK YOU for reading - Vital Germaine

The #1 Killer of Innovation

The most common and worst possible reaction to ideas being shared is somebody saying… "That's a great idea... but!"

1. Have you ever heard that? 
2. Have you ever experienced that?
3. Have you ever done that?

We've all done it. I've done it! We've all murdered an idea at its conception.

"Don’t murder the birth of innovation when somebody shares an idea."

The challenge is to focus on the potential of the idea as a starting point that will lead to the optimum solution. Let your team, fail, explore, discover, breathe, flow and expand until they spread their wings and fly without a net..

Throughout my years in varied positions of leadership and while giving corporate trainings and workshops around the world, I've seen and heard many murderers of innovation. Don't squash an idea from the onset when somebody makes a suggestion... you'll otherwise miss out on an incredible amount of potential. Allow all ideas to be shared, heard and considered, regardless of how valid or invalid the initially appear. Listen to a "bad idea" with full consideration for "what if"... or even better, "yes, and!" This attitude and collaborative approach will open the door to a better idea, which in turn will inspire the right idea. 

“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” - George Bernard Shaw

At ENGAGE we believe that the single most effective solution or STEP, to inspire ideas and collaboration is through creative empowerment. Disrupt your leadership, culture and innovation strategy. Invite your employees to participate and contribute more. Allow them to act as a launching pad and catalyst for innovation, change and ultimately growth and differentiation.

 

Inspire and stimulate creativity and innovation by making risk and the acceptance of  failure a part of your strategy and identity.

In order to achieve this objective, leaders must embrace individuality (within a teamwork mindset), and get out the way, allowing team members to be free to spread their wings, reach higher, and fly without a net

Find out more about our trainings, workshops and keynotes that are designed to strengthen leadership, stimulate creativity and build happier teams: ENGAGEteams.com

If this blog was of value, please feel welcome to borrow and/or share. 

THANK YOU - Vital Germaine