Be a Slinky

I wonder if Richard James immediately knew the magnitude of his invention when he accidentally discovered the Slinky nearly 70 years ago. While trying to invent a spring for the Navy, he invented a toy that every American kid has played with, or at least knows about. I can fondly recall a couple of childhood memories where I spent hours trying to get that metal object to navigate down my parent’s shaggy carpeted stairs without toppling over or stopping midway. Those memories are probably 20+ years old by now, and I haven’t played with a slinky for quite some time.

That is until 3 years ago when my friends decided to do a white elephant gift exchange for Christmas. At the encouragement of my best friend, I picked his small neatly wrapped gift from the pile, and low and behold, I was reunited with an original metal slinky in that unmistakable red box. At first, I didn’t understand the impact of this gift, and I’m betting that my friend didn’t either being that it was more of a gag gift, but having a slinky has made a lasting impact on my life.

For the last couple of years, that little toy has sat on the edge of my work desk. I would reach for it when I was pondering something, or carrying on a conversation with a co-worker. I’d slink it back and forth between my hands, or let it accordion from my hand towards the ground, as we talked. There was something cathartic about that familiar sound of the metal rings clanking together.

Sometimes I would come in to my office and the slinky would be gone. My coworkers would grab it and take it to a meeting or use it to keep their hands busy while they thought through a challenging problem. It traveled a lot over the past three years. Sometimes it would be gone for weeks on end, and it has a couple of bruises to reflect the use that it has seen.

“Leaders become followers, and followers become leaders.”

About six months ago, I was listening to Episode 4 of the Entreleadership podcast and the slinky took on a whole new meaning. In this episode of the podcast, Jon Acuff, interviewed Dan Cathy, President and COO of Chick-fil-A, who compared a slinky to servant leadership.

Instantly my ears perked up. I’ve had this little metal object on the edge of my desk for years, and I never made the connection to one of my favorite concepts, but as soon as Dan mentioned it, I immediately saw the correlation. Being a servant leader in an organization, and in life, is exactly like being in a slinky:

• Each of us is a ring in the slinky. Each ring is tied to one another.
• Sometimes, your ring in the slinky means that you need to take the first step, even though you may not know where that next step may take you. You must trust those behind you, knowing that they’re going to follow. In turn, they trust you, knowing that you’re putting your best foot forward to take everyone to the next level.
• Sometimes, being your ring in the slinky means that you must lift another up so that they can take the next step, even if it means that they get there well before you.
• When in motion, the entire slinky moves forward as a unit, one step at a time, or it fails and falls down together. Regardless of what happens, the slinky moves as one, or as Dan Cathy elegantly put it, “Leaders become followers, and followers become leaders”.

Since hearing Dan Cathy’s reference to the slinky, I have used the analogy twice in a large group setting. The first time being when I left my last position 4 months ago, and more recently, at my new organization’s company meeting. Each time, every person present received their very own metal slinky. The speech and the gift was well received.

At my last company, I had a hard time finishing the explanation because I, and several of my team members, had tears in our eyes as we recollected the many difficult steps that we had taken together over the past years. And today, in my new organization, I frequently hear that cathartic sound of the metal rings clanking together and can’t help but smile.

If you’re on the path to becoming a servant leader then I strongly recommend grabbing a slinky and adding it to the workplace toys you have at your desk, and I wish you nothing but luck in taking that next step…

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Rob.
Posted in Leadership | Leave a comment

Interview 101: Back To Basics

In one of my previous posts, Choose Your Employer Carefully, I mentioned several less obvious items that I look for when interviewing with a potential future employer. Now that I’m all settled into my new position, and having spent weeks speaking with candidates to possibly join our team, I feel compelled to take a step back and restate some of the more obvious things that any job candidate should do during an interview. It seems as though these items are just lost on most people. So here we go:

• Be Prompt, But Not Über-Early – Having an office in an off the beaten path part of town means that a lot of our interviewees will arrive early because they’re unsure of our exact location. However, there’s a fine line between early and being too early. Showing up 15 minutes before an interview is completely appropriate. Showing up an hour early is not. That means that you’re left sitting in the lobby or a meeting room with too much time on your hands in an environment that you’re unfamiliar with. Go for a drive around the area – find the nearest eateries, or sit in your car and listen to your favorite songs, but don’t go into the office space until 15 minutes before the interview.
• Shake Hands Like You Mean It – A lot of business deals have been created over a simple handshake. It’s a powerful thing, and says a lot about your character. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to shake your interviewer’s hand in a way that says that you are powerful, confident, and purposeful. So on your next interview, grab your interviewer’s hand firmly, look them in the eyes, smile, and shake their hand.
• Dress for Success – We’re a small company with a great culture. The dresscode is very relaxed. That doesn’t mean that you should show up to an interview dressed as if you already work here. Employers are looking for commitment. That means getting your best threads out of the closet, giving them a proper ironing and coming to the interview looking crisp and refreshed.
• Watch Those Non-Verbal Cues – Interviewing can be tough. However, it’s not going to be as hard as the real job is. If you’re on hour three of your interview day, make every effort to ensure that you appear as sharp as you did on your first hour. Sit up straight, keep your fidgeting to a minimal, and try not to touch your face – especially rubbing your eyes. Even the strongest candidates start to crack after a couple of hours of interviewing, so in-between interviews, use the restroom to take a quick pause, stretch your legs, and take some deep breaths.
• Resume Paper Was Created For A Reason – Most interviewers will bring a copy of your resume with them to the interview, however, I’m starting to think that I might just ask each candidate to give me a copy. If I can take 5 minutes to print out your resume, then so can you. Those that are serious about a position should go the extra mile and print their resume out on some high quality paper. I know it’s expensive, and most interviewers will already have a copy of your resume with them, but even taking it out and setting it on top of your notepad or binder shows that you came to play ball. That brings us to our next topic…
• Take Notes – Our company’s website does not have everything about us listed on it. There are a ton of things that make us a special place to work. If you’re truly interested in what we do and are looking for a place that fits your wants and needs, and not just provide you with a predictable paycheck, then take notes and ask interesting questions. We’re looking for people that “get the joke” and this is always a way to send that message.
• Follow-Up – As an interviewer, I will always hand out my business card, and I mean it when I say “if you have any questions or comments that pop up on your way home, or even a couple of days later, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me”. If I do not hear from you, I will assume that you are not interested. Whether it is an hour or a week after the interview, it means a lot to me, and most potential employers, to hear from you after the interview. Sending an email takes 15 minutes and may land you in a position that you like for a company that you love.

So there you have it. I’m sure that there are several more items that are no brainers, but these are the ones that seem to be missed time and time again. What do you think? Do you agree/disagree? Is there anything else that you think is absolutely essential to do on an interview? If so, leave your comments down below; I look forward to reading them.

Choose Your Employer Carefully

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work for a variety of bosses. Some good. Some not. After 10 years in the working world, I’ve decided to return to my very first employer, the one who brought me on as an intern and showed me the ropes. They’ve been a continual point of reference for me over the years, and I’m happy to return – older, smarter, and with some great experiences under my belt.

Remember, looking for a job is like dating…Be informed and particular.

What’s the biggest reason for making the switch? The owners of the company. Frankly, they’re easily described as people who just ‘get it’ and I’ve always admired them. Here are some of the factors that helped me to make my decision; maybe they’ll help you, too:

• Body Language – When it’s time for the in-person interview, body language is a dead giveaway for how your future boss will operate. If your potential boss sits across the desk from you with their arms folded tensely across their chest and they look like they’d rather be somewhere else, then take note. They should be looking for the best fit for their organization and be dialed into the interview. Remember, your time is important, too. Make sure that you’re greeted with a firm handshake, and eye contact is a must.
• Physical Fitness - Now before I get into this, let me first say that I know that there are some very smart, very great people in this world that are a bit flabby around the belt line. But we’re looking for a leader, someone that has a well-rounded lifestyle and looks themselves in the mirror daily to make sure they’re in check. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your future boss’ physical well-being. Someone that finds time to get to the gym and eats healthy is planning on being around for a while, and their work-life balance is where it needs to be.
• Observe Your Surroundings - Sometimes this one can be a little hard, considering that some companies have interview rooms that are void of any decorations, but if you’re lucky enough to meet with your potential employer in their office, then I strongly encourage you to take a look around. People surround themselves with things that make them happy. Is their office cluttered with papers or is it neatly organized? Do they have pictures of their family or are their walls adorned with diplomas, certificates, and awards? Is their desk facing the door or do they have their back turned to it? All of these things will quickly give you an indication of how your potential boss views the workplace, and what is important to him/her in this world.
• Dress The Part - Your clothing says a lot about you. I’ll never forget the day that I hopped onto an elevator with one of my previous employer’s executives. While we were hurdling up 40 stories, he took one look at my bargain dress shoes and scoffed. I was clearly not dressed appropriately to him, and for as long as I was there, I never wore those shoes again. Your boss’ attire will let you know a lot about his/her management style. Are they pushing the boundaries of business casual or are they wearing custom tailored shirts with their initials on the cuffs? Neither way is wrong, but ensure that it works for you.
• Transparency - This may be a difficult one to hone in on, but a true sign is ‘business speak’. If your potential employer thinks that phrases like “synergistic alliances”, “paradigm shifts”, and “value propositions” are a part of the English language then politely stand up, thank them for their time, and exit the building immediately. Anyone that masks their words is masking other things as well.
• Any Questions? – The most important part of the interview comes at the end, where the interviewer becomes quiet, takes a deep breath, and says “Do you have any questions for me?” Now is your time to really find out about them and their part in the organization. What do they do to support the organization’s vision statement? Can they outline what the next 1-5 years looks like and how you would be supporting that movement? What do they think is the best and worst part of the organization? Get in there and find out the details.

Remember, looking for a job is like dating. It’s rare that you marry the first girl person you meet. Be informed and particular. With the wrong person leading you, your professional development may be grossly hampered, but with the right kind of leadership, mixed with your personal drive to succeed, you can make a difference.

What Motivates You?

My management team at work is reading the book The Secret: What Great Leaders Know — And Do by Ken Blanchard (look for a full review later). As part of the discussion, a member of the team asked “What motivates you?” and we decided to go around the room and have each attendee explain the motivational factors that keep them engaged in their job. Most of the answers were predictable: “It’s the people that motivate me.”

I was the last to go, and boy, was I nervous. As each person ended their explanation and the next person began, I could feel my heartbeat quicken. When it was the turn of the person next to me I’m pretty sure that the pulsing of my heart was visible through my button down.

But I wasn’t nervous about speaking in front of this group. I knew everyone fairly well, and am comfortable talking to each one of them. My nerves were heightened because of the decision that I was faced with: Do I give a cookie cutter answer or do I speak from the heart and truly let everyone know what motivates me? Don’t get me wrong – Everyone’s answers were good, but they felt safe, and guarded, and if I was going to get people to understand then I needed to be transparent.

Finally, it was my turn and I could feel the eyes in the room slowly begin to look my way. I took a deep breath, leaned forward in my chair, resting my elbows on my knees and slowly began to rub my hands together. After a moment, I cleared my throat and said:

Note: This is a paraphrase of what I said in the room as I can’t recollect it verbatim.

You may fool the
whole world down the
pathway of life,

And get pats on your
back as you pass,

But your final reward will
be heartaches and tears

If you’ve cheated the
man in the glass.

“This is going to sound awfully superficial, but please bear with me, because it is not. Every morning and every night I look at myself in the mirror…

…When I look into that mirror I see me – for better or for worse. And when I see myself I ask a question, “Do I like the guy that is looking back at me?” Sometimes the answer is no, and it’s on those days that I know I have to make a change.

Only I truly know who I am, and I need to be honest with myself, because at the end of the day, when I stand in front of the mirror brushing my teeth, I’m right there, looking back at me. Now I’m not a horrible person, however, every once in a while I behave in a manner that is not representative of who I am or who I want to become.

To be a leader I need to act like a leader – what motivates me is the burden of leadership. Sure, being a leader is a gift, but what keeps me engaged is the fact that you and I accepted a management position knowing that it was our responsibility to lead. Sitting at this table as a manager in this organization does not automatically mean that we are leaders. Anyone can be a leader and if you look across our organization you can clearly see that there are leaders among us without management titles. It is our responsibility to know who they are and embrace their skills.

And being a leader means that we have to constantly step up our game. We are here to serve our teams – not tell them what they have to do. This management team needs to be on the same page. We need to bring our problems to this group and help one another solve them so that when we leave this room we leave as a team with one voice, and collectively show the rest of the organization where we’re going.

It is my responsibility to always be a couple of steps ahead of my team and remove whatever roadblocks may cross their paths. My shoulders are there for my team members to stand on so that they may become better at their jobs and hopefully better than I can be.

…That is what motivates me.”

It was a hard thing to say outloud, and I’m sure that I had a red face and glassy eyes at the end of it. But I’m pretty passionate about life and it felt great to be completely transparent with my team. In the days and weeks to come we’ll see what happens as a result of the conversation, but already, I feel that we respect each other even more because of the exercise.

So what motivates you? It doesn’t have to be work-related. What are you passionate about and how do you make it a part of your life daily? What do you do to stay the course?