That’s right. In 65 days this year is over… If there was ever an opportunity for you to make sure this year ends better than it started now would be the time to get busy!
What is the ‘unrealistic’ goal you’re committed to achieving before the end of this year?!
The boundaries, short comings, lack, inexperience, pitfalls and limits that you experience are created in your mind…just ask Mr Roger Bannister - and the 32 athletes who also broke the 4 minute mile within a year of him doing so.
Apply yourself wholeheartedly to your goal every single day for the next 65 days, no compromises.
I recently attended a big job fair in Canada in order to assist my client in the process of creating a compelling employer brand. Strolling amongst the many stands of corporations vying for the next crop of young talent I couldn’t help but be amused at some of the representatives present at the aforementioned stands. Several companies had hired ‘promotional’ girls, complete with looks, legs and lip gloss to hopefully woe prospective young men closer. Just for laughs I asked one of the girls what ‘her company’s’ policy on flexi-time, daycare and continuing studies subsidies were? ‘Well at …. we care about our employees and we believe they should be able to have as many babies as they want, but speak to Jim (pointing at remarkably less attractive HR division employee - who was already trying to juggle 3 other prospects/conversations) he can give you more information’. I felt like I was watching the hilarious Ms South Carolina. Legs and Lipgloss might work when we’re out on the weekend and need to decide between a Redbull and Vodka or Southern Comfort and lime but stupidity doesn’t fly with the new breed of top talent.
I thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the more important issues at play for the next generation of talent. These fundamentals form the backbone of a solid and fulfilling career for employees but are also integral as they allow employers the opportunity to mould their current corporate culture around the new expectations of their workforce.
Flexibility
(If you consider yourself as a talented next generation employee read the last paragraph again, and again, and…!)
Due to the rapid rate of change experienced by this up and coming generation (for example, the short product lifecycle of their consumer electronics and advances in other technology or visible changes in the environment and accompanying policies) they’ve come to expect CHANGE and have an inherent (or should we say, better ability than other generations) ability to adapt to it. Should they be in an environment which doesn’t cope well with change or isn’t flexible/adaptable in it’s nature and policies, you’ll often find a reluctant, resentful or resistant employee…
Companies who want to successfully attract, develop and retain their talented staff and ensure their competitive advantage in their market will need to consider various factors as it relates to the concept of flexibility. Employees want to feel that they have a certain amount of FREEDOM, whether this means it’s ok if they’re not at their desk from 9-5, that they can take the afternoon off to play golf with a potential future client, pick their child up from school at 2pm or attend that conference in town which might not even be directly related to their core business. Done are the days of clock-cards and assuming that someone is working when they’re at their desk.
By allowing a certain amount of freedom you’ll create happy employees and start addressing another important quality, RESPONSIBILITY. By granting FREEDOM you will automatically be demanding and developing the quality of responsibility in your talented staff - i.e. Is their work getting done?! This is important because sooner or later you will hear this from one of your staff ‘I want more opportunities and responsibility in my day to day work’. If you’ve offered a certain amount of FREEDOM to that employee up until now they’ve probably shown whether (and which level) they’re ready for more responsibility. Find ways to harness the leadership qualities of your young talented staff, it doesn’t mean they need to be promoted!!! BUT, dismiss their requests for added responsibility at your own peril.
Lastly there needs to be an interest in (by the company) or an ability to explore (for the individual) INNOVATION! No corporation will be delivering the exact same services or products through the exact same channels to the exact same consumers/clients in the exact same manner for the rest of their existence! Allow your talented staff to explore, develop and drive the new trends in your industry! Never pay corporate lip service to innovation but then shoot down the first wacky request or suggestion from a talented employee… Dedicate time and money to innovation, whether this be in a workshop/conference/one on one/research/development manner.
Flexibility is essential for the future success of companies as it relates to their products/services/people!
If you’re a talented employee (or future employee) and your company does not communicate and display the qualities of FREEDOM, RESPONSIBILITY or INNOVATION there’s a very good chance that you’re working for (or considering working for) the wrong company. Do yourself (and them) a favour and leave (or don’t apply) because you will only resent your work/career/industry or the company in question. Harness your unique talents, leadership qualities and abilities and make sure you prove your ‘talented next generation’ title!
One of the key issues I tackle with all our clients is the ‘Engagement’ of top young talent. Not in the get down on one knee and propose sense, although there are a few similarities…
If your talented employees are thinking short term raise instead of long term growth path they’re not engaged. If your employees are more interested in their flexi-time hours than being a member of the team handling that exciting new contract they’re not engaged. Yes, Generation Y is difficult, self involved and demanding but with the right initiatives any company can establish a culture where their top young talent is engaged, delivering amazing results and loving every second of ‘working’ for their ‘employer’.
While in the States recently I explained this ‘engagement’ principle in the marriage sense. ‘When you’re engaged you’re on a high, loving every second of love, excitement and putting everything into the relationship but sometimes after getting married some people feel like they’re in bed with a relative. You need to have your employees be engaged for as long as possible!’.
Companies have to deal with a talented Y-generation that will probably not spend 30 years of their life with one company. The ability to engage your talent pool will not only ensure their (and your) maximum productivity but also establish a corporate culture that will attract other talented individuals who are currently stuck in a dead end marriage with their employer - your competition.
When I was 5 years old I saw an amazing toy store commercial on TV (complete with acrobats, stuntmen and special effects) for the Spiderman suit, after begging, pleading and a few tantrums my Mom finally gave in and we drove to the nearest store to buy the the outfit. On the drive home I couldn’t contain my excitement and climbed over to the back seat where I proceeded to flash the lady driving behind us while (changing clothes) transforming into my childhood hero! The car stopped and I ran to the backyard with spidey speed to practice my web shooting, swinging and wall climbing… (thanks to the comic I knew it even took Peter Parker some getting used to!)
I remember my first practice webshot (aiming at the dog)…….Kabam! Nothing. Ok, I was new at this and maybe aiming at the dog was a bit malicious….ok, the clothes line…..Swoosh! Nothing. After a few more failed attempts the ultimate ego and body bruising realisation came when I fell off the 2m high wall at the back of our house when gravity seemed to overpower my (supposed to be) sticky hands and feet. As I lay there in a little crying ball of anger, pain and sadness I vowed never to believe another ad from that toy store. Many birthdays were littered with gifts that I didn’t trust and I turned to Lego or taking apart our Microwave for fun, instead of conventional toys…
In my initial conversation with many of the companies I work with (or present to at strategic events) they seem to be perplexed as to why the new breed of talent, human capital or ‘Y Generation’ leave the organisation shortly after joining or stay longer but never seem to showcase the amazing potential they did prior the hire. I hear this a lot… ‘They’re just not engaged, committed or inspired about doing what needs to be done’
The question is, does your brand promise live up to the brand experience? Does your oragnisational culture really epitomise the values, people and practices which you showcased in your ‘commercial’ to your prospective employees? If not, why not? You might have an army of spideys running around, with the highest amount of ambition, commitment and passion, just waiting to unleash their potential and help your company soar… but their webshooters don’t work or their manager believes that mentoring is a waste of time or the only time someone involves them in the smallest process of strategic thinking it’s usually in the implementation/grunt work phase…
Employer branding is becoming more vital to attracting the top talent in your industry but making sure that talent is engaged will take a conscious effort of ensuring that your company culture and experience marries and exceeds that initial branding initiative.
What happens when you use an amazing product that not only meets but excels at it’s initial promise? I tend to tell all my friends or anyone who might want/need that product. (Some people I know need Mitchum more than they might want it…) With the internet and my Y generation connectivity that can mean up to a few hundred friends with one click or a few thousand readers on this and other sites. Scary. So if the conversation around products have been amplified to this degree what do you think people are or could be saying when asked about their job, company and career? Either your top talent are resenting you or they’re your biggest advocates!
Consciously create a company brand, culture and community that your organisation can be proud of, that your talented workforce is driven by and raves about to everyone they meet. When your brand promise matches and exceeds your brand experience your top talent will hang from buldings to achieve the organsational goals! SWOOSH!
Regular readers will note that we’ve taken down a lot of posts, pages, videos, presentation and workshop outlines etc. This is due to the entire site being redesigned. Everything should be up and running by next week. Thanks for your patience. For any work related requests please contact me directly - christof[at]christofappel[dot]com.
I arrive in Vancouver tomorrow morning and can’t wait to soak in the sights, sounds and smells of this work/life balance haven… Over the past few years Vancouver has consistently featured in the top 3 ‘best quality of life’ global city rankings. I’ll be doing a bit of work in the city over the coming week (and partying of course!) and it’s going to be interesting to experience the ‘business culture’ of Canadians as I’ve only been exposed to the ridiculously hospitable, polite and friendly ‘tourism’ side of Canada…
I have no doubt that my experiences in the business world here will mirror the amazing pleasure it’s been meeting and interacting with everyone in Canada to date. Vancouver will be hosting the Winter Olympics in 2010, a year that will be tremendously exciting for everyone in South Africa as well, as we’re hosting the Soccer World Cup…I guess that the stadiums in Vancouver are probably already built though!
I’ve been traveling through the Rockies in Canada and one of the must see spots is Lake Louise, it’s truly a natural wonder with it’s shimmering water and glacial peaks…and there it was, a monstrosity of an hotel. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. To say the building is ugly and out of place would be the understatement of the year.(pic below is extremely complimetary as it’s taken from a distance)
It might have been more acceptable were it built in a city scene where it’s sharp lines and colouring would’ve been par for the course. Instead it looks as thought the main aim was to build a big chunk of hotel for as little as possible, with little appreciation or thought being given to the surrounding environment. Compare it to the Fairmont in Banff (pic below) only 50kms away, same hotel group, different architectural design and suddenly you have an iconic landmark which people flock to see and photograph in it’s environment.
While walking around Lake Louise I didn’t hear one positive remark about the hotel’s placement or appearance. In fact people looked visibly disgusted and hardly took any photos from the trail leading back towards the lake entrance, where the hotel is situated…
The question is, do you add value to the overall equation or not? Several companies I work with have needed to address their value proposition to the new breed of potential employees and customers who are caught in the WII4M and WDUS4 mindset (What’s in it for me & What do you stand for?) Secondly, as a consumer or employee brand, are you perceived to be the darling or the eyesore in your industry, as a matter of fact, what about in your country, in the world? No employee or customer will be positively emotionally engaged to a company if they do more harm than good. Do you know what your market determines to be good or harmful? Has your company defined ‘good’?
Wow, this place is ridiculously beautiful… I’ve spent the last few days roadtripping through the rockies with none other than my Mom! She works overseas and we don’t get to see each other a lot so this trip posed as the perfect chance for us to unwind and catch up. Added to that she’s a legend, so easy going and probably one of the coolest people to travel with, ever!
We’ve traveled through Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise on our way to Vancouver. It’s summer here at the moment which means day time temperatures have reached as high as 32′C and as South Africans we’re feeling at home! Apparently the winter turns ugly when temperatures can dip down to -30′C in the Rockies. Are you freakin kidding me?!!? Summer sees most of the usually snow covered Rockies exposed and the Bow river is flowing strongly through the valley…
Everyone who knows me knows that I’ve never been religious, I do believe that there is some form of higher being but I just think that people/religion try to define him in a way that suits them, sadly it causes judgement and has caused a large part of the conflict found in the world today. No before things get heavy, I’ve always felt an amazing connection with nature, from surfing the oceans of the world through to hiking up mountains, this amazing planet and it’s natural wonders have always been ‘my church’ the place where I feel closest to ‘that guy’ (or girl, in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if a she runs the show)…
This is no more true than in Canada, Banff & Jasper National Park are probably in the top 10 most beautiful places one could ever see. I went for a run through the mountains and a I kid you not, I got goosebumps just by looking around me. Canada should be on everyone’s list of places to go and the Rockies provide the perfect chance to camp, canoe, white water raft, hike, enjoy the snow and just sit back and revel in how lucky we are to be…
Last night I placed 2nd in my semi-final. Which means I don’t qualify to go through to the final of 10 people on Saturday. It’s a huge disappointment but quite honestly there’s nothing you can do about it, except hope that you’re having a bad dream.
Statistically the winner comes from the 2nd half of the draw, I drew speaking slot number 1 - many people consider it the unforgettable/slot of death, not a good start. Funny enough, the 1st place and 3rd place went to the speakers who were in second to last and the last speaking slot. Imagine that. It also helps to have a large contingent of your countrymen in the audience, the large group of Australians were there, were loud and even brought flags.
It’s doubly as bitter because this is the second time I’ve placed 2nd (placed 2nd in Washington DC in 2006 as well). Too many 2’s there.Who was that guy who finished in 2nd behind Lance Armstrong 4 times? Oh, no one cares.
Some people say that summer in London has come and gone…that means it was two weeks long! I love London, the history, architecture, sophistication, first world public transport, football games, Hyde park, the Thames, Trafalgar Square and catching up with all my South African friends who live and work there! Note, I’ve never had to spend more than 3 weeks at a time in London so whenever I’m there the rainy/cloudy weather is a bit of a novelty…
I spent some time in Windsor along the river and also visited friends in Putney, Fulham, Wimbledon, Piccadilly, Hyde Park, Notthing Hill and Soho. I caught up with a good friend who works in Finance in the Royal Exchange Building. This building is absolutely beautiful inside and out and it shows how a well revamped building can showcase a perfect mesh between historical grandeur and sleek modern style.
I had to travel through Terminal 5, the infamous terminal which caused so much havoc for passengers and their luggage when it opened a few months ago. It’s a ridiculously modern building with glass and steel everywhere making it somewhat cold but show me an aiport that isn’t.
I am somehow jinxed by airport security. On my first trip ever to London someone was caught with a fake passport 1 hour before I arrived, the surname he used - Appel. As soon as my passport was handed over I was escorted to a room by two stern security officers and I needed to use all my persuasion skills in order to avoid a cavity search. This time round things were going along smoothly until a little Police dog literally ran across an entire customs area to jump onto my laptop bag. On any other day I would have considered him cute. Not today. Apparently his sense of smell was so amazing that he could smell the biltong I had in my bag 3weeks ago…well this is what they told me after my hour delay!
I’m off to Calgary in Canada tomorrow and the time difference will make things interesting…
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