Archive for category: Professional Development

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Interviewing Tips For The First-Time Manager

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Bigg Challenge
Adam just got promoted into his first management position. He has a position that needs to be filled. He would like some tips on interviewing so he makes a good hiring decision.

Bigg Advice – 4 Tips For Interviewers

#1 – Set the tone upfront.
Create an environment that will put your candidate at ease. Start off the interview by saying something like …

“I just want to chat with you today so we get to know each other better. I have some questions for you. But I also want to answer all your questions, so you know if this is the right job for you.”

#2 – Remain neutral throughout the interview.
Novice interviewers often make the mistake of making leading questions or statements. For example, let’s say you’re interviewing someone who tells you that he left his previous job because he couldn’t make it to work by 8 AM every day.

You should NOT respond, “That’s not a very good reason for leaving a job, is it?”

Because if you do, your candidate will edit his answers from that point on. You won’t uncover the real person.

Another thing you don’t want to do is sell the candidate on the job UNTIL you know you want to offer it to them. You want to explain, not sell, throughout most of the interview.

#3 – Find out what the candidate DID do rather than what the candidate WOULD do.
It’s easy to give hypothetical answers. But you’re not learning about the candidate’s ACTIONS; you’re learning about his or her INTENTIONS. It’s easy to make New Year’s resolutions. It’s much harder to keep them.

#4 – Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up.
Ask a question. Listen attentively. Then follow-up. Keep drilling down to learn all you can about the real person underneath the candidate.

A sample portion of an interview
On the show, George played the role of an interviewer and Mary-Lynn played the part of the interviewee to illustrate some of these concepts.

George: Why are you thinking about leaving your current job?

Mary-Lynn: I’m looking for a more positive environment.

George: A more positive environment?

Mary-Lynn: Yeah, where people want to work together and help each other be more productive.

George: And that doesn’t happen where you work now?

Mary-Lynn: No, there’s a lot of office politicking there.

George: Could you give me an example of that?

Mary-Lynn: My boss has a few favorite people. They get all the cushy assignments. All the rest of us get the leftovers.

George: So what have you done to try to resolve that?

At this point, Mary-Lynn may describe exactly what she did. Or maybe she didn’t do anything – leaving is her answer. Isn’t it good to know she solves problems by running from them?

She may say something more about her supervisor. As you inquire about other supervisors, you may find that she has never had a supervisor she liked. If you hire her, you’ll be the next supervisor she can’t work for!

Notice that George never commented, positively or negatively, about anything. And he kept following up to learn exactly what Mary-Lynn meant.

He asked four follow-up questions – that’s what it took to learn something significant about Mary-Lynn in this role playing exercise. That’s the way it works – you have to keep following up until you’re satisfied.

Thanks, Adam for sharing your bigg challenge with us. We wish you bigg success!

Are you facing a bigg challenge? E-mail it to us at bigginfo@biggsuccess.com

Our bigg quote today is by an unknown author:

“If you think hiring professionals is expensive, try hiring amateurs.”

So take the time to hire right so you don’t waste time on the wrong hire.

Next time, we’ll discuss some simple tips to get rid of clutter and save an hour a day. Until then, here’s to your bigg success!

(Image by My Boy Dodger, CC 2.0)

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Age Matters: Bridging The Generation Gap

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Today’s show was inspired by an episode of the television show Monk, called Mr. Monk and the Really, Really Dead Guy.  In case you’re not familiar, Monk is the “defective detective”. He has an amazing gift to see details that don’t fit, but those same traits lead to his idiosyncrasies.

During this episode, Monk and his team are at the murder scene of a young woman when they get called to another case – the gruesome murder of a young man. It’s believed that the two murders are unrelated.

However, there’s a serial killer on the loose who will kill again in 36 hours, according to the note he left on the young man’s body. The mayor immediately calls on the FBI. They send in a very high-tech unit staffed with young techno-savvy agents.

A tug-of-war ensues between Monk’s team and the young agents. They think Monk’s methods are outdated. Monk thinks they are missing something.  In the end, he puts the pieces together and realizes that the two murders are related.

So here are 5 lessons we can learn from Monk and the young agents.

#1 – Just because “we’ve always done it this way” doesn’t make it right.
For example, there’s a lead on the case. The young agents, using their technology, find the fastest way there. Monk and his team dismiss it because of all the red lights. The young agents, using their technology again, turn all the red lights green.

Lesson: Don’t resist change. If there’s a better way, don’t be stubborn – adopt it.

#2 – Just because it’s new doesn’t make it better.
The young agents could profile suspects with their technology. Unfortunately, that led them to a totally innocent person. Meanwhile, Monk solves the case with old-fashioned methods – getting inside the mind of the killer.

Lesson: Focus on getting the right result. Then find the most efficient way there, whether that’s old or new.

#3 – Speed is good but only if you already have direction.
See the bigg picture before you dive into the details. Then you’re ready to move fast!

#4 – Don’t view each other as competition.
The two sides felt that they had something to prove – that there way was better. Had they worked together, they could have solved the case faster. Appreciate the differences – your respective strengths and weaknesses. Focus on how you complement each other because there are lessons to be learned on both sides.

#5 – Age doesn’t matter when learning new ways, even if they’re old ways.
Some wisdom is timeless. There may be leading-edge ways to use that timeless wisdom. But remember this, they’re both valuable!

Speaking of technology, can you imagine trying to explain to Monk how to subscribe to our RSS feed?

It’s an easy way to quickly browse our daily show topics. Click on the link at the bottom of today’s blog to subscribe. There you go – technology made simple!

Our bigg quote comes from J.B. Priestly, who said:

“There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age – I missed it coming and going.”

You may be a young gun or you may be an old fart. Just don’t let the age difference keep you apart.

Or you can bridge the generation gap … and be young at fart!

Next time, we’ll discuss the seven step system to solve any problem. Until then, here’s to your bigg success!

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This Advice Is Not For The Faint-of-Heart

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 On the show, George said he once had a student who underperformed, primarily due to sporadic attendance. As the semester wound down, he found out the reason – his student had a severe acne condition. Most of the time, it was under control. But it occasionally flared up, and this student wouldn’t leave his apartment.

George said that, had he known what the problem was, he could have helped. The University has fantastic support services for students. But this student didn’t take advantage of it.

So why don’t people, who need help, ask for it?

  • Youth and inexperience
    Some people just don’t know any better. They may have never faced the situation before. 
  • Insecurity
    Other people don’t ask for help because they lack self-confidence. They’re afraid they’ll be embarrassed or “look stupid”. 
  • Ego
    Yet other people are too proud to admit that they’re in over their head. 

All of which leads us to the common perception that keeps many people from succeeding:

They think that they will look weak if they ask for help.

George has a friend who is a multi-multi-millionaire. He owns many businesses. He has real estate all over the country. He travels extensively. He is a well-respected leader in the community.

But it hasn’t always been easy. A few years ago, he almost ran out of cash in his franchise business. He approached anyone and everyone within the franchise organization that he thought could help him. Together they found a solution that helped him get back on his feet!

The moral to these stories … only the strong ask for help.

So, assuming you’re strong enough, here are three tips to get the help you need.

#1 – Know who to ask.
Don’t ask people who can’t help you, but ask anyone and everyone who can. George’s student may have talked to friends, but they didn’t know what to do. The businessman talked to the appropriate people with the franchisor. They helped make it happen!

#2 – Present your situation properly.
People respond best to opportunities. So, whenever possible, frame your situation as an opportunity, not a problem. Obviously, this won’t apply to all situations.

The student didn’t have an opportunity to offer, per se. However, there are people at the University whose entire job is to help students in that type of situation. This was an opportunity to fulfill their mission.

The businessman presented an openness to consider anything, but a desire to help his franchisor solve their problems, too. He ended up partnering with them in yet another business, which led to his fortune.

#3 – Be willing to accept advice and act upon it or don’t ask in the first place.
You’ll demonstrate that they’ve helped you by implementing their solution and letting them know how it goes. Otherwise, don’t waste their time.

Do you need help with a bigg challenge you’re facing?
E-mail us at bigginfo@biggsuccess.com.We' love to help!

Our bigg quote today is by Ric Ocasek, the lead singer of The Cars.

“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.”

So “let’s go” ask for help. I usually get “just what I needed” to “shake it up” and create some “magic.”

Can you tell we’re bigg Cars fans?

The title of our next blog says it all – “Help! My Spouse Spends Too Much Money!” We’ll help one of our newsletter subscribers stop the bleeding without getting bloody! Until then, here’s to your bigg success!

 

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The Negotiating Table

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We know a gentleman who’s bought and sold businesses for years. He closes a deal about every ninety days. He said that every time he buys, he feels like he paid too much. Conversely, when he sells, he always feels that he didn’t get enough.

Negotiating is a nerve-wracking process – whether it’s for a job, a car, a loan, or anything else!

So today, we’ll serve up some delicious tips for negotiating your next deal. Think of it as a three-course meal – an appetizer, the main course, and dessert.

There are two things to keep in mind before we get to our three courses.

  • Know what you want. What are your taste buds craving? What’s your ideal deal? Have a clear picture of this before you start.       
  • Ask for what you want. It may not be on the menu. Ask for it anyway. You never know – the chef might be able to whip it up for you!

Appetizers
You won’t get filled up at this stage, but you will get a taste of what’s to come. During this course, you’re feeling things out. What are they looking for from you? What might they offer?

Will you be working together long-term if this deal is consummated? If so, focus on building the relationship. Look for win / win. And keep this in mind – if they like you, you may get a better deal.

Try to determine how much leverage you have. Why do they want to do this deal? How badly do they want it? Do they have to do it? Who’s in a stronger position – you or them?

Be careful not to put too much on the table during this course. For example, you’ll save things like your price and terms for the next course.

Main course
You may walk away before you get to this course. If you’re still interested, here’s a caveat. Negotiations often stall here. So if you like what you’re hearing, find ways to keep things moving along.

If you get stuck on a point, set it aside and come back to it later. Maybe if you chew on something else, this will be more appetizing later.

Don’t lose sight of the bigg picture because you’re trying so hard to win a point. You may get a morsel but lose the meat!

You shouldn’t concede unless they do so as well. This sets the tone you want. For example, let’s say you’re negotiating your salary. Maybe they can’t quite pay you what you want, but they are willing to give you some additional time off. You may accept that trade-off.

Dessert
You may decide you don’t want dessert – you know you can’t come to terms. But assuming you decide to stay, you’re ready to negotiate all the details. That’s one reason this course can be the most nerve-wracking of all. Plus you’re getting closer to actually committing.

You probably won’t feel fully satisfied at the end. Be happy if they’re equally unhappy!

Ultimately, they may reject your offer or you may turn them down. In either case, what are your options? Keep them open so you have a back-up.

What techniques do you use at the negotiating table?
Share them with us by leaving a Comment below.

Our bigg quote is by John F. Kennedy. We’re sure he had loftier ideas when he said this, but it’s still appropriate.

“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

So, enter every negotiation knowing that, you don’t have to do it, but don’t be afraid to do it.

In our next blog, we’ll answer a question from a member who wants to know if she should keep her job or buy a franchise. Hopefully by then, we’ll be recovered from this bigg meal! Until next time, here’s to your bigg success!

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Women Can’t Win

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According to Catalyst, an organization that studies women in the workplace, gender stereotypes still play a major role in how women are judged. If they act consistently with female stereotypes, their competence is questioned. But if their behavior is consistent with that of the stereotypical male, they’re viewed as being too tough.

Catalyst has done these studies all around the world. They’ve found that the characteristics of a good leader vary from region to region. But whatever is considered ideal, women fall short.

So it would seem that women can’t win.

We understand that you can’t change people’s perceptions. To be more direct, you can’t change bias that’s based on stereotypes. You can’t control anyone else.

So why worry about it? Focus on what you CAN control – how you conduct yourself and your business. You are the CEO of the most important organization in the world – YOU, Inc.

So today we’ll offer 3 tips to overcome stereotypes, gender-based or otherwise.

Tip #1 – Be yourself.
You can’t change opinions that can’t be changed. But if people like you, or at least respect you, you’ll succeed. So if you’re a nurturing person, nurture. If you’re assertive, be assertive.

Don’t try to please everybody. Don’t second guess who you are. Don’t try to become what someone else wants you to be. And don’t ever apologize for who you are.

Tip #2 – Promote yourself.
Make sure you’re 132 getting the credit that you deserve]. Don’t be so humble. Make sure you keep document what you’ve done. Make your boss aware of it. Then you’ll be in demand – with your current company or a new one.

Tip #3 – If all else fails, find a different workplace.
If your boss or your company isn’t supporting you, move on to a company that will. If you’re not completely ready, start making preparations. And that doesn’t have anything to do with preparation H! This isn’t an easy solution, but you have to go for what you want in life.

Tip #3B – Start your own business.
Create a workplace where you’d like to work. That’s the motivation for a lot of women starting a business. And women are starting businesses today at three times the rate of men.

Turning stereotypes upside down
Here’s something that we found very interesting – traits that are often viewed as negatives in the corporate world are being turned into advantages in the entrepreneurial world.

Margaret Heffernan wrote a great book, How She Does It: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing the Rules of Business. She says that female entrepreneurs emphasize values and relationships. They create a culture that includes employees, customers, and the community at large.

The result – they are building companies that last AND make a contribution. Doesn’t that sound like good leadership?

How have you beat stereotypes, gender or otherwise?
Share it with us by leaving a Comment below!

Our bigg quote is by Anonymous.

“Some leaders are born women.”

But no one is born a leader. You have to take action, but you can do it! After all, you’ve come a long way, baby!

Next time, we’ll sit down at the negotiating table for some delicious tips to negotiate your next deal. The women are having steak … the men are having quiche … how’s that for beating stereotypes?

Until then, here’s to your bigg success!