The Sandbox Biz

Be The Why

2010-06-25T10:54:00.003-05:00

So much has been written and said about the generational differences when it comes to work. Millennials want a fun, egalitarian workplace. Gen X'ers want a casual relationship with authority and disdain policy. Boomers want a cordial, non-combative atmosphere. The Mature generation wants an environment where loyalty is valued. Whether truth, stereotype, nature, or nurture, the list of perceived differences is long.

On the other hand, there are many commonalities between the generations of workers that are often ignored, but valuable to know. In particular, all ages of workers have consistently said that they want to make a difference. Why is that valuable to know?

As companies establish performance expectations, goals, and objectives, it's not enough to just say, "this is what we're doing." Today's employees want and need to know "why".

Managers need to be able to explain to their employees how their responsibilities and goals fit with the company's plans. Likewise, the company's senior management owes it to the employees to provide goals and purpose that they can align with and believe in.

Purpose has got to be more than "let's make more money". Workers today want to know that they personally matter and that what they're doing makes a difference. How's your company's management connecting what you and your employees do to "why" it makes a difference? Do you know your "Why"?

Make it happen!

Cindy Sanders Meyer

A 5K Investment

2010-06-08T15:39:00.009-05:00

Have you ever wondered why so many people participate in 5K walk/run events for charity? In my town, there are at least one or two every weekend. People turn out to run or walk them by the thousands. They bring their whole family. I have friends that participate in these events just about every weekend from April through September.

Think about it. What is the draw to pay to work hard (and get sweaty) in public with a bunch of other sweaty people? I have some ideas why.

1. People like to start their day feeling productive by accomplishing something important.

2. People enjoy setting and achieving goals; especially those that are realistically high.

3. People feel better, not just from the exercise, but from helping a good cause bigger than them.

4. People are more likely to achieve a goal, if they make a commitment to others. In this case, you sign up to participate in the run in advance, pay to do so, and put it in writing.

5. It’s not just about results, it’s about continuous measurable results. You can manage your own performance and improvement better and sooner when you know how you're doing along the way.

6. People enjoy being encouraged and celebrated on the journey and at the finish line.

How many of these ideas could be applied for achieving your goals or your company’s goals?

Oh, and in case you’re in the Kansas City area this weekend and are looking for a 5K run/walk event for a good cause, I’ll be working one. Check it out at Jazz in the Woods 5K Walk and Run.

Make it happen!

Cindy Sanders Meyer

Celebrity Apprentice Plays Well

2010-05-29T10:17:00.000-05:00

I’ve been a big fan of Donald Trump’s Apprentice shows from the very beginning. In fact, when I led a large team of Fortune 100 project managers, we used to have Apprentice Lunch and Learns after each episode. There was always something new we learned to apply from the way that the participants planned and executed their projects; especially how they interacted with each other, their clients, and even The Donald.

This season’s Celebrity Apprentice series winner, Bret Michaels, showed us lots of good lessons. Along with the obvious of perseverance and leverage your strengths, Bret showed us that you always have to play well with others. He never burned a bridge with his fellow team mates and competitors. He knew when to hold his tongue, which many of the others did not.

In the end, his relationship with the others was how he accomplished so much and won. Bret was the creative person that knew how to leverage relationships in a mutually beneficial way. His ideas were good, but without earning the great support from his team mates, many of his plans wouldn't have been executed so well.

As with many creative forces, Bret did not have a good sense of time constraints and implementation focus. He had to rely on others to help him in those areas. As a leader, he was good at communicating his creative vision, listening to his team mates, and building connections and commitment.

What other business lessons did you learn from this season’s Celebrity Apprentice?

Make it happen!

Cindy Sanders Meyer

It's Not About You

2010-05-27T18:35:00.000-05:00

This topic falls under the category of Big Things I Wish I Knew Then That I Know Now.

One of the best ways to achieve your goals is to engage others in theirs. Paradoxically, to do that you have to STOP thinking about what you want and think about what others want. Not only will adopting a servant attitude help you achieve your goals, but serving others is also one of the best ways to achieve personal happiness. There is even science that proves it.

An article in the March 2009 More magazine titled “The Activism Cure” by Meridith Maran explains that “new science says doing good actually changes you-physiologically.” “Scans show that the brain structures that are activated when you get a reward are the same ones that are activated when you give.” “That activation releases feel-good chemicals, triggering a surge of physical energy,” according to Stephen G. Post, PhD, coauthor of Why Good Things Happen to Good People.

Now for my personal reveal. A servant attitude is hard for me to do when it comes to business. But when I do, it works well, I feel good, and I accomplish more. So, I have the letters INAY, as in It’s Not About You, pasted on my bathroom mirror. Not exactly a positive affirmation, but a reminder to listen better for opportunities to help others.

So next time you’re in a meeting and they’re looking for volunteers, don’t look down hoping they won’t see you. Raise your hand high and give a little. You’ll make a friend and you never know when you might need them.

Make it happen,

Cindy Sanders Meyer

A Networking Twist

2010-05-25T13:29:00.000-05:00

Recently I heard a great speaker at the Central Exchange on the subject of Networking. I have to admit that I wasn’t looking forward to another presentation on Networking. It’s about helping others, don’t talk, ask questions, be sincere, don’t sell, plan ahead… all that stuff. I thought I’d heard it all, but really hoped I’d hear something new. To my surprise and delight, Laura Wynn of Black Widow Enterprises, did not disappoint.

Laura has built a successful marketing business with a unique strategy. She plans events that help others network while supporting a common social cause. The events are hosted by local restaurants that then benefit through greater awareness, more traffic, and goodwill.

One of the keys to her success is the loyal following she has created through her social media sites. And how did she do this? Through good basic networking principles. It’s not about you, give first, connect others, attract and be a power connector, don’t sell, be fun, follow-through, etc.

Oh, there’s one more twist to this Networking tale. Later that same day, I was telling my hairstylist, Kalvin, about what I had learned from Laura’s talk and I casually mentioned that she also had great hair. Kalvin paused a moment before smiling to say, “You must be talking about Laura Wynn. She’s one of my clients.”

If you have a good Networking lesson or story to share, I’d love to hear it.

Make it happen!

Cindy Sanders Meyer