Michelle Ray

Business and Leadership Keynote Speaker

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Entrepreneur or Intrapreneur…Is it an either/or question?

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During an afternoon break at a conference, a participant who had just attended my breakout session on building collaborative workplace relationships approached me to discuss his dilemma regarding whether he should stay with his company or start his own business. He spoke candidly about his managers, colleagues as well as his future employment path, and whether he was ready to take the plunge and venture out on his own. I admired his honesty and appreciated the challenge he faced in terms of making a decision. Based on our conversation, I got the impression that he really enjoyed his work and had great camaraderie with his managers and peers, but wasn’t as enthused about the prospect of being his own boss and running his own company. It is a fascinating quandary that many of us face. I began to ponder whether this needed to be an either/or question?

Being an intrepreneur is defined as follows:

in-tra-pre-neur (In¹tre-pre-nur) n. A person within a large corporation who takes direct responsibility for turning an idea into a profitable finished product through assertive risk-taking and innovation [intra(corporate) + (ENTRE)PRENEUR.] -inftrapre-nouri-al adj. -intra-pre-neuri-al-ism n. -in’trapre-neuri-al-ly adv.

Consider the success story of  Dutch-owned Optiver Asia-Pacific, an algorithmic trading company that was just named Australia’s best place to work. CEO Paul Hilgers says the company has a genuine open door policy and a philosophy that working with “brilliant minds attracts brilliant minds”. Hilgers says: “A brilliant mind isn’t only skill-based. We really want to know who we are hiring and we want to make sure that people know us before they decide to work for us.”  The 2013 study to determine best workplaces was made up 179 competing organizations and their 25,905 employees nationally.

Entrepreneurial skills are highly sought-after by companies that support an innovative culture. If you are an individual who can identify a huge need for ground-breaking approaches regarding any aspect of your  organization’s operations, you could be handsomely rewarded for speaking up and sharing your ideas. Being the catalyst of creativity and change is a very rewarding experience, in terms of career satisfaction and financial compensation. Here are three core concepts to keep in mind:

 1. You CAN make a difference in your workplace

Passion for your work , together with a proactive mindset will always be desirable attributes. When you believe that your initiatives can positively impact your workplace, be assured that people will listen. Especially when your ideas can benefit your customers and the bottom line. Learn to present your recommendations from the vantage point of your leaders. When you demonstrate an understanding of the business from their perspective, you will be in a great position to have their undivided attention.

 2. Build alliances with like-minded people

Surrounding yourself with naysayers is a sure fire way to zap your enthusiasm. On the other hand, seeking out individuals who support your solutions-based way of thinking will energize you as you pursue your plans. Entrepreneurs make a point of aligning themselves with others who can challenge their ideas in a positive manner. Start your own internal mastermind group. When your personal values regarding success, creativity and originality are in sync with those who think and act similarly, you will find opportunities to grow your career path.

 3. Recognize and create opportunities within your organization

There is a difference between critiquing and criticizing…whether it is a system, internal process or someone else’s idea that can be improved upon. You create opportunities to rise through the ranks by demonstrating a willingness to take the initiative and express your ideas for change in proactive manner. When you demonstrate your expertise and innovative ideas in a particular area or job-function, you are carving out your own, entrepreneur/intrapreneaur opportunity.

To Post or not to Post? That is the (social media) question

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This morning I discovered an ad for weight loss on my Facebook Timeline. A few weeks ago, a professional colleague added a post to my post promoting his services. I did not invite their participation into my social media presence. Nonetheless, there they were. These unwelcome intrusions have given me cause to reflect on our rationale for using social media effectively and more importantly, whether we are using it purposefully.

For several years I resisted creating any social media accounts, simply because I felt that the requirement to “say something” on line was yet another task to add to my already jammed to-do list. I did not want to learn how to use the applications and I initially resented the notion of doing so because I’ve never been a fan of the herd mentality. Yet, I succumbed to the idea and began blogging and posting my thoughts. Although I do enjoy reading about the latest happenings with family and friends, I admit that I still have a lot to learn about maximizing the benefits of social media for commercial purposes.

I have come to the conclusion that for personal use, social media is a fun tool to stay in touch. I do not need to have any particular objective for posting a status update.  However, I am mindful about what I choose to broadcast. For business, social media is proving to be a very powerful tool, provided I have a clearly defined strategy. The instantaneous and very public nature of each post demands that I give thought to every word.

In a recent New York Times article “The Flight from Conversation”, psychologist and professor Sherry Turkle says: “We use technology to define ourselves by sharing our thoughts and feelings as we’re having them…In order to feel more, and to feel more like ourselves, we connect. But in our rush to connect, we flee from solitude, our ability to be separate and gather ourselves.”

What began as a means to connect on a personal level has morphed into a force that is beyond our imagination.  Social media has changed the face of human interaction. We now feel the urge to broadcast our innermost thoughts. Each medium is a now a movement that has given the word “socialize”, or indeed the word “friend”, a new connotation that has transcended personal boundaries, changed political landscapes and revolutionized way we do business.

Do we value our virtual social networks; whether they are for personal or business use, as highly as our “real” connections?  Are we creating and posting status updates to impress, or to leave an impression? Are we giving thought to our broadcasts, or are we indulging our egos with endless self-promotion?  As  the world has become a smaller place due to technology, these are important questions for both individuals and organizations to consider.

 

Are you taking the lead with your customers?

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A friend of mine went to pick up his dry cleaning last Friday. While this isn’t exactly headline news, be assured that the dry cleaner in question has no idea that he is the main story of my blog. He doesn’t know that potentially 1,000’s of people are reading about his example of appalling customer service right now.

Most of us expect that if our dry cleaning is tagged for pick up on a particular day, it will be ready. When my friend went to the store, he found a sign on the door that read: “Closed Fridays”. He had several suits waiting for pick-up…the only suits he owned. He needed them urgently and was left high and dry. When he was finally able to pick up his clothes and asked the dry cleaner why he tagged his clothes for Friday, the owner of the store tersely replied: “What do you want me to do about it”? Wrong answer.

The cleaner offered my friend a 20% discount. Although he had not asked for one, the offer made no difference. He had already made up his mind that he would not be coming back. False promises and the owner’s attitude were enough for him to make the decision in a split second. The dry cleaner failed to realize the implications.

Unfortunately, these situations play out every day, worldwide. Businesses of every description often fail to realize the consequences of poor communication as the fundamental reason for people deciding to invest their dollars elsewhere. One “faux pas” can destroy the relationship permanently. This truth applies to transactions at the highest level…from the board room to the mail room. Millions of dollars are being lost due to the absence of a Lead Yourself First mindset.

The tone of your communication is your responsibility. When you say or do the wrong thing, when your advertising is misleading, when your clients question any inconsistencies, listen and apologize immediately. Otherwise, you and your business may may find yourself front and centre on a very popular website known as “I’m-not-happy.com”.

“Money doesn’t talk…It swears”

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“Money doesn’t talk…It swears” – Bob Dylan

In my upcoming book, “Lead Yourself First”, I dedicate several chapters to the subject of values. Values drive our behaviour and decisions, as well as our professional and personal relationships. Making values – based decisions in business and life aren’t always easy, even when we feel that we know ourselves well. One of the most difficult areas pertains to money and finances, especially if we find ourselves at the crossroads regarding career change or making an investment in a new business venture. Although there are some simple truths such as having your finances in order prior to taking such bold steps, conversations around money are often emotionally- charged due to the fact that our values also come into play.  Therefore, the subject isn’t merely about numbers, being practical or even logical.  Going through the process of ascertaining what lies behind the rationale to leave a job or stay, to invest or not to invest; to save or spend is an important exercise because we discover more about what is actually influencing such choices. In addition, the manner in which we justify our course of action is also a reflection of our principles.

The financial values dilemma is not only felt at an individual level. It happens in corporations on a daily basis. If you listen closely, you will hear people frequently professing values-laden statements regarding their workplace or direction of their organization. It isn’t unusual for leaders to experience conflict in this arena, especially during these times of uncertainty. While working with one client recently, one member of the senior leadership team was frustrated due to the push-back he was experiencing from his colleagues. He wished to maintain the status quo in terms of staff retention…in contrast to a number of his peers who he felt were reacting by taking an ultra cautious approach; entertaining cutbacks and terminations. Critical business decisions such as these may appear to be based on fiscal evidence. However, the values of a core leadership team are often driving the process.

Is it possible to be completely objective regarding where one may stand on financial values, or indeed our entire values system?  The challenge lies in the fact that we have all been influenced in varying degrees by the standards of others, be they family members, peers, associates, coaches or well-intended friends. Therefore, the sample inventory exercise below will reveal the extent to which you have allowed yourself  to be governed by accepted morals or ethics that perhaps hinder your professional and personal direction. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers. Rather, your responses reflect your current position and beliefs and illuminate information regarding your financial values that my surprise you. 

Values inventory clarification – Money

  1. What does financial freedom represent to you?
  2.  Do you subscribe to a scarcity or abundance mentality?
  3.  Were you taught to manage your money at an early age?
  4. When you think of the term “financially responsible”, how would you define it?
  5. What were some of the prevailing attitudes around money in your family?
  6. How has the recent economic volatility impacted your career? If you have not been affected directly, have you witnessed the effect on colleagues, business associates, and clients?

Leading yourself first in your organization, your career and your life requires clarity around questions such as these. Can you lead your team with confidence regarding business decisions that impact them directly? Do you trust yourself to take the necessary commercial risk to grow your business into a viable entity? Are you ready to take the leap of faith associated with a career change? When we truly understand that our values underpin everything about us that makes us tick, we are able to approach the crossroads with greater conviction.

Michelle’s book, “Lead Yourself First”  is due for worldwide release this year.

Sixty Seconds On-line: The new imperative for every business

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Life is just a minute. Only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can’t refuse it, Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it. But it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it. Give account if I abuse it. Just a tiny little minute. But an eternity is in it! -Dr. Benjamin Mays

When I came across this amusing and interesting infographic that illustrates what happens every minute on the internet, it made me think of Alvin Toffler’s book, Future Shock,(1970), where he popularized the term “information overload”. Could anyone have imagined then how profoundly the world would change? Consider the enormous amount of information and dialogue happening on-line today. For example, every sixty seconds there are: 100+ new LinkedIn accounts, over 98,000 tweets, 1500 blog posts—the list goes on.

From a business perspective, consider what are you contributing to the social media conversation. The new imperative for us all is to keep up and connect. How are you linked in with this enormous amount of knowledge? Do you know your customers’ social media preferences and are you communicating with them based on their preferences, rather than your own? From a personal leadership perspective, how are you standing out in this ever-expanding crowd? Are you ensuring that you’re not intimidated by this vast global network, but are instead benefiting?

Where is your head? It matters more than your skill set!

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Paul G. Stoltz, Ph.D. has written a fascinating article in Psychology Today, entitled: “Six Ways Mindset Helps You Win at Work.” Thousands of employers in numerous industries and countries were asked if they would prefer to hire a candidate with “perfect skills and qualifications” or one with a mindset that fit the job and company. Almost unanimously—98 per cent—they chose the candidate with the right mindset. The companies further believed that they could predict the mindset of people they would want to hire within the next decade (96 per cent) and thought it far more likely that new hires would develop necessary skills rather than an appropriate mindset (97 per cent). People with the right mindset were chosen as more likely to receive a pay raise or promotion. Perhaps most incredibly, when asked how many ‘regular’ employees they’d trade for a person with the right attitude, the average response was 7.2.

Dr. Stoltz’ findings show that a positive attitude and a demonstrated positive mindset—one which shows “openness and connectivity,” “integrity and kindness,” “resilience, tenacity and intensity”—are a far more valuable attribute than any other, whether looking for a new job, a pay raise or a corner office. The right attitude makes any employee as valuable as seven of his or her peers in the eyes of coworkers and managers.

In recent years, we have witnessed a proliferation in the number of “happiness” books and surveys. It makes sense that most of us see this as the optimal way to live life and look for resources that help us to achieve this state of being.  In fact, the quest to measure happiness has gone global. In 2008, the World Values Survey found that freedom of choice, gender equality, and increased tolerance are responsible for a considerable rise in overall world happiness.

In her book “Happiness at Work…Maximizing your Psychological Capital for Success” Jessica Pryce-Jones says that “the starting point of happiness at work is that it is self-initiated.” This supports my argument that practicing personal leadership; taking charge of our thoughts and actions, is a choice that is always available to anyone who is ready and willing to lead themselves.

Try this quick quiz (answer “yes” or “no”) to see if you are in the right headspace at work:

  1. I speak well of my colleagues in their presence as well as their absence
  2. I express any concerns regarding people and processes in a positive manner
  3. I give the same level of service internally as I do with my external clients
  4. I am aware of my non-verbal communication
  5. I think before I speak; most of the time
  6. If there are misunderstandings, I am able to let them go rather than ruminating
  7. I think of my work in “big picture” terms, rather than routine or mundane
  8. I recognize positive consequences of honing my listening abilities
  9. I am conscious of my mood and how it impacts others
  10.  When I attempt doing something that takes me outside of my comfort zone, I consider the “best case” rather than “worst case” outcome.

Scoring

 7 – 10 “yes” responses

You understand that your mindset contributes to the overall atmosphere. When you put your best foot forward, you realize that your actions create synergy. You can “rise above” the differences and maintain a positive outlook.

 4 – 6 “yes” responses

You are conscious of your thoughts, however you often feel powerless over them. Although you recognize that changing your outlook and responses could be liberating, you find that concentrating on the positive takes more effort

 3 or less “yes” responses

Focusing on the “negative” is habitual and your self-perception is limiting your opportunities; professionally and personally. The willingness to view people and situations through a different lens isn’t a priority. You may be at “burnout” and need more than a vacation or a job-change to get out of your own head.

Lessons in Leadership, Business and Team Spirit: The Vancouver Canucks 2011 Stanley Cup Run

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I immigrated to Canada from Australia during the Stanley Cup playoffs in 1994. Although I had already experienced some exposure to Canada’s passion for the game of hockey, nothing compared to the reaction of Vancouverites cheering on their beloved Canucks’ magical run during the post-season.  In Vancouver, many of us remember the heartbreak of that Game 7 loss to the New York Rangers.  Seventeen years later, it is on again…only this time, the expectations of the team going all the way existed right from the start of the season.

What is it about this team that sends an entire city into a complete frenzy? How has it come to pass that over 100,000 people have watched the game on big outdoor screens downtown? Over half the population of the province has been watching the playoffs!  Millions of us are dreaming about the moment when Henrik Sedin will finally hoist that cup over his head. Imagine what will happen here if the Stanley Cup comes to Vancouver for the first time.

How has this excitement been generated? Looking at the Canucks season and playoff run from a leadership and team spirit perspective, there is a lot one can say about how they have been managed, motivated and inspired to succeed. Here are some perspectives on the Canuck’s success principles that have direct applicability to business and the workplace:

1.       Great leadership

General Manager Mike Gillis took some risky, unpopular decisions when he joined the organization in 2008. One can argue that no matter what the outcome of this series may be, the parallels for business leaders are as follows:

*      Building a team with depth while recognizing the unique strength of individuals; combining to create a phenomenal powerhouse of an organization from the inside out

*      The hiring and firing of key players and personnel

*      Significant, strategic acquisitions of talent over the long-haul

*      Untiring support for his coach and management teem

*      Above all, confidence in his own judgement. He trusts his gut-feelings.

 Lessons: Surround yourself with great people who possess talents and strengths that are different to yours. Believe in yourself and your decisions as a leader and this will resonate throughout your entire organization.

 2.       Resources and support

 No stone has been left unturned by management in terms of providing the support to the front line to excel, i.e. the players have access to an array of personnel as well as resources to ensure that they can perform at their best. 

Lessons:  Give your team the tools they require to succeed and understand their individual personalities and needs. While it remains true that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, recognize that the motivators for each individual differ.

 3.       Creating a sense of community

 “Canucks Nation” is at fever-pitch, even during the off-season. The Canucks are a community on and off the ice.  The players’ and the organizations’ dedication to causes such as the Canucks Place Children’s Hospice are an outstanding example of making a difference outside of their workplace. 

Lessons: People thrive when they feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. By channelling altruistic energy into a meaningful cause, team spirit comes alive and productivity thrives.

 4.       Rising above obstacles outside of one’s control

Politics is part of business. Much has been written about the refereeing, “conspiracy” theories and the politics of the NHL.  At critical times facing intense pressure, the team has remained focussed on the “big picture” and management have not bought into these distractions.

 Lessons: Choose not to buy into morale-busters such as negativity and gossip. Cultivate a positive mindset and recognize that unfortunately there are naysayers who will try and sabotage your success. In Australia this is known as the “tall-poppy syndrome” (when others will try to cut you down to boost their own low self-esteem).

 5.       Commitment to the goal

The ultimate reason for success this season is the fact that the team and the organization have kept their eye on the prize. Everyone is acutely aware of the stakes and shared the responsibility for successes and mistakes. Their allegiance to one another and their unwavering belief is a key ingredient for winning; they have done so one game at a time for a total of 106 games to date.

Lessons:  Goals are easier to achieve when they are broken into manageable pieces. When the entire team shares the same conviction and remain clear about the ultimate objective, everyone wins.  

Summary:

 As a leader, if you and your organization can replicate these principles with patience, perseverance and persistence, your teams and clients alike will be cheering in the stands, excited about your energy and proud to be associated with your achievements.

Being the leader of your life

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Earlier this week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Ignite Excellence Conference in Toronto.  Suzanne F. Stevens, the founder of the Ignite Excellence Foundation, inspired 150 people to attend the event and support her vision of raising funds for African Leaders of Tomorrow. With an incredible line-up of speakers, entertainers and suppliers who gave their time and attended at their own expense, the Ignite Excellence Foundation raised over $30,000 (the final figure may go higher).  All proceeds of the event will be donated to build the Leah Ngini Community Centre at the African National University in Nairobi, Kenya and provide scholarships to prospective women leaders. Suzanne’s dedication and focus on helping educate women in particular to advance their education and realize their own vision is a cause so dear to Suzanne that she has recently sold her house and is moving to Africa early in 2011 to immerse herself in her passion in order to make a difference on a global level. One of the most influential comments to have an impact on her life was this quote from Dr. Douglas Carew, Vice-Chancellor of African National University:

 “The biggest problem in Africa today is not AIDS, poverty, disease, education or urbanization; the biggest problem is LEADERSHIP. When moral leaders of integrity and justice arise, then Africa’s problems will be solved”.

 The event was a phenomenal success, not only because of the dollars raised, but also because the attendees were there to learn about investing in their careers to ultimately lead themselves. Therefore, a dual objective was realized as participants were educating themselves to become the leader of their own lives, as well as helping others in the process. The overall experience of participating in this event and witnessing Suzanne’s vision in action made me reflect on the difference between being transactional versus transformational  in our day-to-day living. Essentially, it is about living a purposeful life rather than just going through the motions of our waking hours. Having a vision and putting energy into making it a reality results in a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Vision –   My top ten favourite quotations:

The world of tomorrow belong to the person who has the vision today – Robert Schuller

See things as you would have them be instead of as they are – Robert Collier

The willingness to create a new vision is a statement of your belief in your potential – David McNally

Vision is the art of seeing the invisible – Jonathan Swift

The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious – John Scully

You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus – Mark Twain

Where you come from is not nearly as important as where you are going – Unknown

The saddest thing in the world is a person who has their sight but has no vision – Helen Keller

Vision without execution is hallucination – Thomas Edison

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it – Michelangelo

The Power of Leading YOURSELF

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“Who” a leader and “what” is leadership?

There are many business books on the theory of leadership and the various models that evolved over the past fifty years regarding leadership in the traditional sense; i.e. being a leader meaning “the title”, generally associated with being in charge of others. A title on a business card or a placard on a desk or door does not automatically make someone a leader. It may give the impression of self-importance and achievement, however, the title alone is not enough. Neither is a job description that notes functions associated with managing people. Rather, it seems to me that there is a pre-requisite for being an effective leader of a team or within any organization. That is the ability to lead oneself first. Honing this specific talent is far more significant in the grand scheme of things, because human beings will progress further in their respective life paths by mastering the capacity to relate to and communicate with the vast array of personality types, cultures, genders and demographics that make up the human race. A business title conveying “leader” is no proof of having acquired this gift. Furthermore, one doesn’t have to be in a workplace to be a leader. A leader is someone who has grasped the ability to take charge of their thoughts, and consequently their actions, in any situation. A leader is someone who recognizes that character is the greatest test of true leadership. A leader is someone who is clear about their values and applies them on a regular basis. In other words, having values and living by one’s values are two distinctive propositions. This has very little to do with moving up the management ladder into a leadership role.