How to Win @workSocial Networks, Leadership Styles & Generational Gaps –

OH MY!

3 themes work for or against you

PerceptionSkillsSocial

Online and Offline Experience

Common goal

You are a NetworkWhether online, in person, good, bad, or indifferent, people inherently have social networks with those they know.

Types of social connections you have:

Peers Cooperatives Influencers

Peers

Peers are independent relationships that are binding because of similar experiences.

Peers see each other at an equal footing regardless of title and don’t necessarily work together.

CooperativesPeople who are committed to a cause or goal and willing to put in effort. Accomplishment is best achieved

with complementary skills.

Cooperatives gain lasting respect through their reputation for getting things done.

Common goal

InfluencersInfluencers are those that connect people

and spread information organically.

Influencers can range from powerful extraverted higher-ups in an organization to humble, experienced and independent introverts that live low on the totem pole.

Be HonestWhat is winning to you? Acknowledgment? Credit? Accomplishment? A title? A lifestyle?

Look at relationships around you. Do others share your goal? Are there peers in other industries that can give you a new perspective? Who are you influenced by? Do you influence others? Who makes the decisions necessary for you to reach your goal?

It’s Lonely at the TopThere is truth to this saying.

When you visualize your ‘win’ is it… A. at the expense of others B. or WITH and BECAUSE of your work with others?

Cooperation is necessary. You can’t do it all on your own. Pick and choose who you work well with and why.

The Magic of AuthenticityAuthenticityAuthenticity comes from…• Passion (or deep interest) about a topic• A genuine comfort in an exchange of ideas– Connection with whom you are communicating– A personal experiene that links you to the topic

• An openness to listen or empathize

Why ‘Authenticity’ may feel ironically Unnatural• Pressure or expectation to perform• Intimidation• Fear of failure or rejection

REMEMBER:No one should trust you if you can’t trust yourself

Take yourself seriously or no one else will either. It’s hard to overcome self doubt, but get comfortable with the following:

1. I will be wrong sometimes 2. I can admit it and move on when I am wrong3. I can always learn best after a mistake

Leadership Ability, Strengths, and Craft

Practice your strengths

There’s plenty of buzz about focusing strengths these days. Checkout Strengthsfinder.com to learn more.

Make a point to exercise and experiment with your skills. Talk about it with others and be open to criticism. You already know you are good at it, but what does it take to be expert?

Leadership isn’t a titleThe most successful and respected leaders, lead by example and illustrate their strong convictions. They bring together teams based on unifying goals.

Typically, they start out as independent studiers. Then, they evolve into collaborators once they decide to act. Once the followers reach a point, the leader becomes a powerful influencer.

Give Credit AwayInevitably, great influencers go under scrutiny. Jealousy, intimidation, and skepticism are natural human reactions to those that gather a following.

The best way to avoid the glaring spotlight is to share the limelight. It also helps your real cause take center stage.

Each one, teach one"[Being a good mentor] takes good listening, observation, and collaboration skills. It takes imagination, because you have to see the potential in someone who isn’t yet able to demonstrate everything they’re capable of. It takes a willingness to explore and wander a bit instead of going down the path of least resistance."

Kim Goodwin, VP Design & General Manager Cooper

Ways Personality, Style, and Culture Can Clash

Talkin’ Bout My GenerationGeneration Approx. birth range Key hot topics

Radio Babies Before 1945 Radio, depression, saving, World war

Baby boomers ~ 1946 to 1964 Portable radio, Tv, VCR, woodstock, vietnam

Gen X ~1965 to 1979 Cable tv, CDs, DVDs, Internet, computers, space travel, aliens, & video games, cold war

Gen Y/Millenials

~ 1980 - 1994 Portable internet, text messaging, DVR, social networking, open 24/7, entitlement, environment, economy, 9/11

Srsly, duz this matter?People have their own lenses on the world. Everyone’s opinions start out rooted in their own experiences and upbringing.

Maturity is about looking outside yourself. Leaders need maturity and flexibility.

Each generation, regional area, and industry have their own social shortcuts and jargon. Be prepared. No one person can know everything.

Social Norms only scratch the surfaceBusiness practices change over time. Most of today’s management practices were created at the time of radio babies, where uniformity in assembly lines was necessary for success.

Gen X works as a bridge generation that can balance the hard work ethic of boomers and the uniquely vibrant “think out loud” new generations that appear self-entitled.

You can’t make people understand

Some people don’t handle change and different processes well. One of the worst things to say is that someone doesn’t ‘get it’.

Appreciate people’s limitations and move on. They may come around later if you keep from burning bridges. Respectfully disagree and leave it at that.

Perceptions vs. ‘Reality’It took many years to convince some that the world was round. Relationships and intentions don’t have such a black and white way to prove who is right.

It’s normal to be upset or surprised when someone misconstrues your actions or motives. Learn to be direct and honest without being too harsh. Avoiding issues can cause more problems.

Look for ways to clearly make your point, appreciate someone else’s perspective, and know when to move on. Psychopaths, stalkers, and even fans or old friends can believe they are in a relationship with you that you don’t see. Don’t compromise what you believe, but consider the other side, and let people know where you stand.

A Recap of How to Win1. Focus on what Winning means to you2. Take note of your influencers3. Ask yourself, “Am I cooperative?” and

“Am I authentic?”4. Learn everyday5. Practice your strengths6. Give credit away7. Admit mistakes8. Be aware and sensitive

KTHXBAI!@digitalcandy