Do you have someone in your life that can help you see your challenges or ideas in a different light? How about someone who can help you find the awe in an everyday experience?
In her book,
"On Looking: Eleven Walks with Expert Eyes"cognitive scientist Alexandra Horowitz takes eleven otherwise routine strolls in her neighborhood with a different expert to gain a completely new perspective on her New York City hood.
Her walking guides included an urban sociologist, a typographer, blind woman, artist, and
even a toddler (as 'Pop Up' to an adorable 3-year-old grandson, I can personally attest to the awe-inspiring, curiosity-fueled power of neighborhood strolls with a toddler).
A sound designer helped Horowitz experience how buildings impact the sounds we take for granted. A geologist put the neighborhood in a much older context and pointed out fossils embedded in some of
the building limestone, while an animal researcher helped her see through the eyes of a rat and her own dog.
How might this work in your workplace?
How about bringing in customers, partners, and yes, children to your next brainstorming meeting?
What if you went on a field trip with a top client? How might a coach or mentor offer up new insights on old challenges? How might a 21-year-old mentor help you see things from a more youthful perspective? Or could a mastermind/sounding board offer fresh insights and help you grow your career?
Sometimes the breakthrough isn’t in finding a new answer - it’s in finding a
new set of eyes.
My next virtual presentation is on Thursday, June 4: "Creating a Service-First Culture That Drives Extraordinary Results"
According to a Harvard study, 80% of businesses think they provide fantastic customer
service, but only 8% of their customers agree! OUCH! We need to talk! Or you need to attend this session! Or both!
I'll be sharing why customer experience matters more than customer service, how to consistently deliver experiences your customers will talk about, essential customer service messages every employee needs to hear,
why customer service starts on the inside, the importance of following up and following through, how to keep your service messages alive, and why you need to STOP providing good customer service!
"Your expertise in delivering insights on elevating customer experiences, anticipating needs, building genuine connections, and consistently delivering above
and beyond expectations has been truly transformative. The depth of your guidance on fostering a culture of excellence and creating memorable service moments has provided lasting value and inspiration." Nishesh Naharki
For details and to register hop over to Creating a Service-First Culture. And as always, if you can't make the live event you'll still have access to the recording and bonus resources.
Mike's Fun at Work Tip
Monday, May 25th, is Nerd Pride Day so encourage everyone to wear their nerdiest ensemble to work, hold a photo shoot, and award a prize for the nerdiest dressed (just, you know, make sure they are actually participating in the contest before warding this prize!).
Quote of the Week
“Your relationship to uncertainty defines your leadership.”
Sierra Larson
Funny Business
The New York Mets will be giving sunglasses and fake moustaches to the first 15,000 fans on May 29th as part of their Bobby Valentine Disguise Night.
It's a celebration of when manager Bobby Valentine was
ejected from a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 9, 1999, but later snuck back into the dugout wearing sunglasses and a fake moustache.
Cost-Savings to Bring Hall of Fame Speaker Michael Kerr in to Energize Your Team!
Kelowna/Penticton: Need to see my
family special rates!
Ontario: June dates
Toronto: June 22-June 25*
Vancouver/Victoria: July dates
Toronto area: September dates
England: October 12-20
*Huge savings this week!
Small Moments, Big Outcomes This idea-packed book can transform how you lead and help you create the kind of workplace where everyone wants to work!
(Psst...did you know that if you buy 10 or more copies for your workplace, Michael will join you for a virtual debriefing coffee meeting
answering your questions!)
