1 Question Your 2017 Customer Wants Answered Now

She no longer wants to know "what you stand for?" She wants to know "what you stand up for?"

So says a 2017 study from Cone Communications as it explores Corporate Social Responsibility and the American business. 

In their report, the researchers find that Americans are concerned about the political climate and how it affects social and environmental issues. They are looking for companies to take the lead in advocating for issues important to them.

Taking a look at the fresh data revealed by Cone*:

•  70% of Americans believe companies have an obligation to take actions to improve issues that may not be relevant to everyday  business operations
•  87%% said they would buy a product because that company advocated for an issue they cared about
•  88% would be more loyal to a company that supports a social or environmental issue

Because these stats are in line with similar surveys done by Cone in 2013 and 2015, it's safe to say that Corporate Social Responsibility isn't going away anytime soon.

It's one of the reasons we strongly endorse the Benefit Corporation, particularly if you're a small business. You see, this legal business entity is now offered in 32 states with pending legislation in 6 other states. The Benefit Corporation designation authorizes businesses to not only make a profit but provide a positive impact on workers, community and environment as its legally defined goals. And helps answer your customer's question, "what do you stand up for?"

Whether your impact is seen as providing volunteer hours for employees or financially supporting nonprofits you align with or helping protect the environment, you have the right structure to show what your business stands for and how you do it.  Just check in with your Secretary of State's office.

What's more, an annual Benefit Report communicates your good work to your key stakeholders via your website. You'll find tips on how to prepare that report here.

All of which means that if you're thinking today's customer cares deeply about social and environmental issues, you're right. In fact, there's no question about it.

To get our book "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

*2017 Cone Communications CSR Study

Truth is Found in Simplicity

Truth is Found in Simplicity

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."
 – Confucius

Clean Up Our Thinking
I like to look for patterns.  Especially when I am outside and immersed in nature. There is a simple rhythm and purity within the ecosystem among the birds, plants, squirrels, insects , moss and lichens, all playing their part.  And together they connect, with a synchronicity.  

Unfortunately, our minds often don’t reflect this simplicity, rather they become cluttered with “stuff” -- thoughts, ideas, concepts, feelings. Subsequently our problem-solving and our solutions become overbuilt, convoluted, complex, and we become lost.

Meanwhile a simple and beautiful solution may lie right over the horizon, ready to be acknowledged.  I think we need to pause more, take a breath and gently push away the clutter and look for the simplicity and patterns among the chaos. After all, nature does it.

"There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions."
-  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Why Opinions Diverge...Different Thinking Styles

Opening Closed Minds

It was a quiet and calm morning. But my “zen” was quickly put to the test.

I had a business call with an individual who wears a very different pair of glasses than I do.  Her lens is colored by individual achievement, power and monetary success.  She leans toward the right and prefers maintaining the status quo and tradition.

My lens, however, is steeped in the value of the collective and the belief that the sum is greater than any one part, and I win when all of us win.  I lean toward the left and believe change and diversity makes the world better.

In our conversation, I suppose both of us hoped to raise awareness and share another vision of the world. But I don’t think we listened to one another as both of us believe our world view is right, better than the other.

And in our own righteousness, neither of us was going to veer from our own perspective. So, my body tensed up and I found myself getting irritated. And after I hung up I took a little walk and chilled for a while.

Now I assume the innate differences between us are based on our upbringing and   values learned as a child.  But perhaps we are just wired differently?

Ever fascinated by the findings that are emerging around the workings of the brain and what makes us tick, I thoughtI would do a little research in the field of neurosciences to gain some insights.

So, what does science tell us?

Although the research and findings are controversial, facts are emerging that do describe the brain differences between a conservative and a liberal.  In an article published in SCIENCE magazine by Chris Mooney over 5 years ago, the case is made that there are “two distinct thinking styles, and correlations between brain function/anatomy and political party affiliation exist…and the findings are consistent across multiple studies of varying design and methodology, over years of research.” According to the neuroscientists, “conservatives are more likely to have an enlarged amygdala, where the development and storage of emotional memories takes place. This mean they prefer stability and in general are more emotion-driven, connecting themselves intimately with their ideas, making beliefs a crucial part of their identify.”

 Meanwhile “the brains of liberals tend to have larger and/or more active anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC—useful in detecting and judging conflict and error, leading them to be more flexible and rely on data, proof and analytic reasoning."

To use the words of comedian Arte Johnson, “Very Interesting.”  It seems there is emerging science behind the statement, “we are wired differently.”  Indeed, our thinking style, based on our brain function and anatomy, may correlate with party lines. 

Now, knowing these facts doesn’t change my view. I will protest greed, bigotry, racism or inequity, and will always defend and stand up for social justice.  But next time I talk with a conservative, at least I’ll know why their view is so divergent from mine. I’ll take a slow, deep breath and keep my “zen.”   

Finding the Balance

" Life is a balance of holding on and letting go."  - Rumi

Work-life balance is something I’ve struggled with all my life. My parents instilled in me the value of working hard, always delivering on promises, and finding time to give back to the community, while staying fit and creating a fulfilling home life. What a wonderful upbringing I had, but in the process, I didn’t learn how to say “No."  And to be honest, as a working woman, I was driven to “do it all” – caring, sharing, mentoring, coaching, earning, and running. 

Today, at a later chapter in my life, the best advice I can give is to try to find balance, including time for self. Too many of us give, give, give and often reach burn out. We may even suffer poor health because of this philosophy. So now, I’m listening more to my body, my mind, my heart to understand when the balance is lost and when it's time to reclaim it. It's time to slow down and be kind to self. 

How Leaders Crush Inertia (Hint: 2 Words)

No leader worth her salt likes it.

It renders one feeling frustrated, angry and completely stuck.

As in first gear. As in glued to the ground. As in no movement forward.

I'm talking about being "immobilized."

The problem is that it occurs with a great deal of regularity in all organizations, no matter how good the service, how creative the strategy, how powerful the team.

Funding declines. Employees leave. Negative PR spreads.

Whatever the case feeling stuck and helpless is in my honest opinion the worst feeling of all. After all, I'm a doer not a dreamer.

And for me there is only one tried-and-true way to get out of that quicksand.

Take action.

Sounds so simple doesn't it?

But it's anything but easy as Amazon attests to. Currently, you will find 2,313 books with "take action" in their title or sub-title. That is a lot of writing about moving past stuck-ness. A lot of advice about battling lack of movement.

I realize though that wasting time feeling that way does not do me or my work any good.

Even as that empty Word page and blinking cursor stare back at me.

Which brings me to some simple advice a kindred spirit offered some time ago:

"Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible." - St. Francis of Assisi

So that's what I do.

In my own case, I force myself to write anything even if it stinks. I make the necessary phone call. I meet with the client as soon as possible.

As soon as I do it, I feel an immediate sense of relief, as I ask myself "why did I wait so long?"

I get a surge in confidence.

I become more of value to both my team and my clients.

And I continue to move in the direction every effective leader loves.

Onward.

 To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

Adversity Reveals Beauty and Strength

"Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, 
you would never see the true beauty of their carvings."
 – Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Hardened Steel
We encounter many bumps, conflict, walls and barriers every day in our work lives. If only it was easier without all the tension. Many of us have stories of workplace trauma when we were pushed to our limits as managers and leaders.  Yet as the cliché goes, out of the fire the steel is hardened and becomes stronger. 

And so, it can be with us.  Work setbacks and challenges test our inner fortitude and resiliency and expose our inner self-- what we are made of.  Out of adversity, new kindness, patience, honesty and empathy may be revealed.  We are who we are because of the problems we have solved and the adversity we have overcome, ever growing and learning.  And we are better people because of these challenges, sharing compassion and strength despite “the windstorms” that may pommel us.

What Is Conscientious Marketing and Why Should You Care?

 "Feeling a moral responsibility to do your work carefully and to be fair to others"

According to the Cambridge dictionary, that is the definition of "conscientious." Marketing is defined as:

"Understanding your buyers really, really well. Then creating valuable products, services, and information especially for them to help solve their problems"

You put the two words together, a descriptive adjective followed by a noun, and you get the essence of what our business is all about.

Today, mission-driven organizations and corporate America cannot ignore the mandate coming from their constituencies.  To ignore the planet, to ignore people, to ignore social purpose is a certain path to failure.

Just take a look at the numbers: a 2014 research study by Nielsen reports 55 percent of global online consumers across 60 countries say they are willing to pay more for products and services by companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.

While the idea of social purpose is not new (think Patagonia, Ben & Jerry's, Toms Shoes), the "reshaping" of main street organizations and businesses so they can market their goods and services in a conscientious manner is. Which includes everything from how the product or service is created to how it is delivered to how it is marketed.

This where we at HCollaborative come in. We have spent our careers in ad agencies and corporate America. Certainly there is no denying that the marketing of goods and services has been part of our performance. But recently, the two of us felt a "calling" to take our senior-level marketing souls to a higher purpose.

The thinking is simple.

We have a moral responsibility to make sure the work we do provides what the world desperately needs. Not just spitting out strategies or creating a campaign to increase profit, but doing so with humility and in a manner that is fair and equitable to people and the planet.

Which is the essence of what conscientious marketing is all about.

Care to join us?

To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

Leading from our Conscience - TOGETHER!

It’s about Time: Business for the Greater Good

"When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'"
-  Lao Tzu

As the world faces economic, social justice and environmental challenges, we all look for glimmers of hope, seeking organizations and leaders practicing principles based on the “Greater Good.” Well, there is a game-changing movement underway in the business world – one that has been building over the past 20 years and now ready to burst forward with energy, excitement and mass adoption. It is the force of Benefit Corporations and B-Corps, which promise a more authentic, honest and transparent business culture that leads to healthier communities and profits. 

It is a business model that demonstrates kindness and humility and embraces ALL. It reflects the best principles of Conscientious Leadership. And you can learn more on our blog.

3 Ways To Measure Your Company's Soul

As the world moves at warp speed and things change in mere seconds, how do you plan for success?

How do you really know if your organization will survive in the 21st century?

Are there clues?

Metrics?

Trends?

Well as any enlightened leader or marketer will tell you, you start by going to the source. Meaning, of course, looking at your customers and prospects.

Because if you understand their values and motivation, you have your road map.

In our leadership and marketing workshops, clients hear our sermon about how things are clearly changing in the marketplace. Consumers want and expect more from organizations other than just an excellent product or service.

The good news is that many businesses not only have recognized this but have made critical decisions to keep their organizations alive and well for decades to come.

You see, they've become what is called a Benefit Company, a new and growing business structure allowed now in more than two-thirds of states. They focus their mission on what consumers are not only seeking but demanding to see in a business today.

It's called the "3 P's."

People: The First "P"

Companies with souls have always invested in their people, but today the faces within our workforce look very different and think and act differently. They no longer reflect the “traditional” American values of “mom, God and apple pie." These companies believe in a much more inclusive workplace, allowing for more freedom and choice and busting stereotypes. This is something to celebrate as it means we are developing a more creative society. Yet, this means investing in people with a whole new understanding, sensitivity and empathy --- different cultures, different generations, different lifestyles and abilities.

Planet: The Second "P"

Another way to measure a company's soul is its impact on the planet. Future generations depend on the ability of businesses to practice sustainability and put into place policies that save our natural resources. The planet must not be sacrificed solely for profit. Conscientious Organizations incorporate this philosophy into their mission, vision and operating principles. And then practice them diligently.

Profit: The Third "P"

Finally, profit is the last way to measure your organization's soul as we believe that if you follow the first two P’s, profit will be a natural result.

So does your company have a soul? If so, congratulations. If not, do not despair. Our new book coming out in the summer of 2017 goes deeper into the how's of making your company anything but endangered in the 21st century.

 To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

Bravery... in Our Communities

Bravery

“…human nature rises above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.”  -  Alexander Hamilton

The Courage to Risk
Memorial Day is behind us, and as we salute our veterans, our brothers and sisters who take personal risks  and die for us around the world., I also think of the many other heroes we encounter each day in our own communities. People who stand up for social justice, and fight bigotry and discrimination, even giving their lives for the freedom of all.  They  reflect an underlying courage and compassion that permeates their being. 

These “heroes” teach us the true meaning of courage and serve as a beacon of humanity and HOPE. Their individual heroic gestures and their sacrifice touches us deeply -- emotionally.  But there are also other heroes, from refugees and homeless vets, to those in poverty, to those who face bigotry and are wronged by society every day.   I see them standing brave,  taking risks for family and friends and fighting for survival.  Many of them embody the best of mankind.  These are our teachers as well.

Getting Through the Hard Times: The "Shoulder Pillow"

My friend has a high stress job working at a local nonprofit where she directs the after-school program. There is never enough time to get everything done. Each week brings a new challenge as she juggles programs and negotiates and solves issues with students, families, staff and school leaders.  I visited her recently and she shared how she copes when things get overwhelming.

And that’s when I learned about the “shoulder pillow.”

It’s a practice they use at their organization to get and give support to one another. They ask permission to rest their  head on  another’s shoulder and take just a minute of respite. It’s a pillow of comfort and safety. To know that someone is there and has your back.  Without sharing many words, it means “I’m here for you…don’t worry.”

Granted the “shoulder pillow” is not for everyone.  It may be awkward for some as it involves personal space.  And to be honest, it must be shared with someone you trust. Yet, more than the physical act, it represents to me how important it is to have a safe and empathetic person in the organization to reach out to, when things get “crazy.”  When the going gets tough.

I love the concept.

We all need to know that despite all our anxiety and stress, we are not alone.  We can reach out for support without questions.  

And it can be with anyone at the workplace, at any level, where the connection and relationship allows for support. In Italian, we call this ‘simpatico’  meaning a person who is aligned in compassion and spirit.

Whether symbolically or literally, we all need someone to share a “shoulder pillow" at work.

 Let’s not be strangers to one another.

We are in this together.

Here are a few other ideas to give support to one another.

1. Practice an open-door or cube policy and be accessible, which hopefully is often.

2. Find a token memento to give to colleagues when they seem stressed. I like to give out dark chocolate kisses when someone seems down.  

3. Go for a walk together.  

4. Share stories with one another. It’s a great connector and can break silence and tension.

5. Find time to get to know each other personally.  It’s the beginning of relationships that may last a lifetime.

Keep Wonderment Alive...

“It began in mystery and it will end in mystery but what a rare and

beautiful country lies in between.”   
 

- Diane Ackerman

Why, how, tell me. These are the words of a curious person and seem to be the path to understanding and knowledge. Learning is a lifelong journey about people, places and things. Curiosity puts the ego in check and challenges it to step aside and consider other facts, assumptions, opinions and attitudes. It means listening to people’s tales…what motivates and inspires them as we all bring unique perspectives and use a different lens to view the world. And curiosity keeps us fresh and alive as we understand others, from Millennials and our respected elders, to different cultures.  

Curiosity can also lead to amazement, even laughter, as we ponder the natural world. We ask why birds, animals, our pets act the way they do. And thanks to the Internet, we can fulfill our curiosity easily. 

Our commitment is to learn something new every day. It is indeed wonderment, and our brains like it!

How To Improve Your Content Thanks To a Few IPAs

"Good writing is not a natural gift. You have to learn to write well."

- David Ogilvy

"Piney...

...citrusy...

...floral...

...juniper-like...

...lemony."

If you've ever tried to describe the taste of an India Pale Ale (IPA), you know the descriptors vary.

Fact is, I've heard the majority of these adjectives as I'm lucky enough to live in a city where you see bumper-stickers on Priuses, Subarus and Volvos that read "Keep Portland Beered."

Which is to say locals get to choose from a ton of refreshing and ever-growing list of IPAs.

So what's this all have to do with upping your content?

Plain and simple, you want your words and ideas pared to the bone. You want your audience to come away with one singular but memorable thought.

For example, describing an IPA as "juniper-like."

Simplifying your message is how you connect with your receiver. That is, after you've developed empathy for your audience as I mentioned in my last post.

Unfortunately, this business of simplifying seems to be anything but easy. Too often we see our nonprofit and for-profit clients complicate their messaging.

Sentences that go on and on and on.

Labyrinth-like paragraphs that scare away a reader.

And jargon that puts the audience at "tilt" mode before they finish reading the title.

If you believe in conscientious communiciation, clarity is always your standard.  

So to that end, I offer three simple tips I've followed throughout my career courtesy of my favorite guru David Ogilvy. Here they are in his own words:

1.       Write the way you talk, naturally.

2.       Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.

3.       Never use jargon or pretentious words like reconceptualize, demassification, attitudinally, judgmentally. They are hallmarks of a pretentious ass.

(From "Confessions of an Ad Man" by David Ogilvy)

If you follow these three simple rules, your message will be clear. And you will be communicating effectively to your audience.

In other words, giving them something to quench their thirst.

To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

Silence Can Be Golden...

“It is a great thing to know the season for speech and the season for silence."
– Seneca the Elder

More Listening Needed! 
I’ve been working on a few things this past year…more patience, deeper understanding of my biases and privilege, letting go and stepping out of my comfort zone. I think I’m moving the dial in the right direction. Yet, there is a major area of self-improvement that I, along with others I know, still need to work on. It’s to listen more…even allowing the other party to speak first. 

Many of us are high energy, enthusiastic people who like to help, teach and mentor. However, in our efforts to coach and inspire, we often steer the conversation with our own opinions and ideas. We may even interrupt to ensure our commentary is heard, with the belief that this will help the conversation. In reality this is our ego, feeling the obligation to share OUR knowledge. With this scenario we lose a real opportunity to not only learn from the person we are talking with, but also the ability to more effectively offer guidance, if we first know where the person is coming from.

Time to pause, “zip the lips” and honor the other by listening. The silence may indeed lead to better communication.

Secrets to Manage Your Time Better...

You see the long “to do” lists. You know everything is a priority. But where oh where are you going to find enough time to get everything done. Sound familiar? I’ve heard myself saying those words countless times in my 20+ years working in the healthcare and nonprofit world. 

The result? It causes me stress, I get less than a good night's sleep, and I find myself getting “snippy” when people talk with me, thanks to that feeling of being overwhelmed. Sounds like whining, but it’s the truth. Often it just doesn’t seem there are enough hours in the day for nonprofit leaders.

I think part of the problem is the reality of our American business model. We don’t take vacations to recharge, we bring our work home, and we put in more hours a day than any other culture. What is wrong with this picture? 

Attitude about Work

Today in the United State there is a belief that being a workaholic is a good thing. There is an inherent bias in our culture to do more.  Strong Type "A" personalities who never stop are seen as an asset to a company. Our culture is one of the worst in the world when it comes to work-life balance. It took me 30 years to finally get off the treadmill of trying to prove to myself and others that I worked harder than anyone else, so I must be better. This is warped productivity…on steroids.  

Research actually shows that workers do better and become more productive when they take breaks, when they use their vacation days, when they work reasonable hours in a day. The folks who do this also have fewer sick days.   

What I have learned is that any organization, be it a nonprofit or a corporate entity, will take as much from you as you are willing to give. So that means to some degree it is always our choice. Easier said than done, but I repeat we do have choice to reclaim work-life balance so many other workers around the world enjoy. And I know your next words, “but you don’t understand the culture at my workplace, there is an expectation to work long hours, to take on extra projects.” Again, you have a choice even if it means finding a place where work-life balance is respected. Fortunately, more and more leading and profitable companies as well as large mission- driven organizations acknowledge the reality that workaholics aren’t good for the business. 

How do you make that shift toward work-life balance? Here are two steps:

STEP 1:  Change how you think about work.  Workaholics benefit no one.

This is all about classic time management, which is often difficult to practice. But the truth be told, it is not the workload itself but how we do the work that results in not enough time to do everything. And it comes easier for some people than others. It all depends on how you are wired.  

I’ve always liked Stephen Covey’s approach. I’ve used it off and on throughout the years as it helps me to prioritize. I have a cherished family member who has ADHD and he states when people tell him to prioritize, he can’t do it. Everything seems equally important. Yet, this little chart, which one can reference every morning, helps him discern how he spends his time.

 So when there is just too much on the plate, and I don’t have enough time, I bucket things using Covey’s quadrants, or my own.  Instead of just asking myself what is most important to do given limited time, I make my lists, and then code them by my own categories: now, later in the day, tomorrow, later in the week. And I love being able to check off those tasks that are in the "now" or "later in the day" categories.

A few other ways to manage your time efficiently and  to create more time in the day:

• Don’t schedule 1 hour meetings. This seems to be the expected standard yet it isn’t necessary.  Generally you can get as much done in 30 minutes. Try it.
• Delegate, delegate, delegate ( you’ve heard that) but I add a twist. Delegate and then don’t be a perfectionist about what is delivered – that may signify your ego is in play.
• Find your own personal rhythm and ask or allow yourself to work those hours. For me it’s about 7-3.  For others it may be 10-6.
• Create your own sign for your desk – “Quiet time please” or “don’t disturb I’m on a deadline,” or even use humor – “chillin right now.” I always had a hard time with this. With an open door policy and always wanting to be accessible – my staff and colleagues constantly interrupted me and dropped by anytime – and I never could get a project done. It may be better to set up informal “office hours.”

STEP 2:  Change how you do your work,  how you prioritize, and always carve out some quiet time.

 There are many, many resources, books, videos articles about time management. They primarily focus on how to find extra time and how to prioritize. All good stuff but I also want us all to remember one of the fundamental issues is our attitude towards time. Go back to STEP 1 !!

Ending the curse does not take a monumental effort. By simply following these two steps, you'll not only enjoy your work day a whole lot better. You'll actually find how much more effective you are.

~hcollaborative.com~

Goodnight Moon...a Time to Pause and Then Move On

Goodnight Moon…

“There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.”  
- Homer

Letting Go and Moving On
Many of us read to our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends’ children, the classic children’s book “Goodnight Moon.”  Written in 1947 by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd, it features a bunny saying, "good night" to everything around him before slipping into sleep.  

It reminds us that there is a time to say goodnight, even goodbye to things around us that keep us agitated. And it reminds us that in this process, with reflection and simplicity, there is a time to pause and quiet our busy minds. 

We use so much energy, so many words justifying why we do things – thinking about the future, the past. We overthink, analyze and strategize often creating anxiety.  Perhaps we should acknowledge what is around us, then say goodnight and move on with quiet and calm – letting go to face the next day, the next chapter of our life refreshed.

Empathy or Bust? (How To Hold Your Audience Captive)

"Empathy is really important. Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential."

- Jane Goodell

"Empathy is a must," said the CEO of a sustainable coffee purveyor when I recently asked him about what it takes to be a Conscientious Leader. "It's hard to be accountable when you're not empathetic."

Yes, I said to myself, there's no question about it in my mind.

But I'll take that idea a step further and say it's equally the case for conscientious communication. If you cannot be empathetic with the receiver of your message, you cannot communicate effectively with her.

There will be no resonance.

No piercing of the heart.

No feeling in the soul.

It's a simple formula: no understanding equals no resonance.

Which means you must really find a way to "feel what your audience is feeling."

But how do you do that?

Well, you start by using what great communicators have called upon since the dawn of mankind.

Your ears.

You listen. With undivided attention. Without judgment.

You ask questions.

And you listen some more. With undivided attention. Without judgment.

Only by hearing what's going on inside another human being can you begin to understand her heart.

All of which means that to communicate with resonance you must always start with empathy.

And that begins with your ears.

~hcollaborative.com~

Peeling the Onion...the Value of Authenticity

“You’re not broken.  You don’t need fixing…just peel back the layers.” - Danielle Laporte

Reveal Thyself: 
I don’t know about you, but I sure wear a lot of masks. Trying to be different things to different people; keeping everyone happy in a chosen role I know will sooth and assuage any conflict. What if we revealed who we really are– our true selves?  Perhaps being real…being authentic may be just the thing your staff, loved ones need and want. After all when we stop trying to be someone else and instead share our foibles, idiosyncrasies, our crazy and silly characteristics, our “weird sense of humor,” our deeper thoughts and feelings, we may just make more connections. Let’s start by showing our vulnerability by peeling back the layers. Don’t people deserve more sincerity and authenticity? 

Ignore This and You Won't Connect with Millennials

You would have had to be under a rock for the past five years to not have heard about the value of authenticity. I'm talking about authenticity as a brand and authenticity as a leader.

The reason for so much discussion is clear. Millennials, now the largest consumer group in the U.S., not only value authenticity but they demand it.

I need look no farther than at my own 20-something sons.

Homogeneity isn't a default setting for them. They choose to surround themselves with authentic people -- blue-collar, white collar, musicians, doctors, hair stylists and Peace Corps workers -- the only common bond seems to be that these young men and women live authentically.

In other words, they live life on their own terms.

Elite Daily, the premier online news platform for and by Millennials, reveals in a 2015 research study the following finding:

"43% of Millennials rank authenticity over content when consuming news. They first have to trust a company or news site before they even bother reading the content that they provide. Blogs are meant to be authentic and many of them are run by a single individual. Millennials connect best with people over logos."

Now if you're a leader steering a company, working to attract the best employees or marketing products to Millennials, this is a wake-up call for you. In fact, the longevity of your career and your brand may very much depend on it.

Yes, I know that being authentic might be easier said than done. After all, a lot of us are used to "playing a role" in our jobs and in our relationships. But as research shows you, that is really no longer acceptable.

So how do you work toward becoming that "true version of yourself" particularly if you're a leader?

Well,  Bill George, former CEO of Medtronic and author of the book "Authentic Leadership," says 4 key traits are present in every authentic leader:

1. They are self-aware and genuine. Authentic leaders clearly know their strengths, their limitations, and their emotions. Most importantly, they show up the same way whether in the conference room or on the back patio. They do not fear looking weak by admitting their mistakes or weaknesses.

 2. They are mission-driven and focused on results. Authentic leaders work to carry out the mission and achieve the goals of their organization. They seek results for the good of the company, not for their own personal gain.  

3. They lead with their heart. Authentic leaders do not fear showing their emotions or their vulnerability when connecting stakeholders. When communicating with employees or customers, they do so in a direct manner but it’s always done with empathy.

4. They focus on the long-term. A key principle in Bill George’s model is that authentic leaders are focused on long-term shareholder value. Authentic leaders realize that to nurture individuals and to nurture a company requires hard work and patience, but the approach pays large dividends over time.

Now be honest. Doesn't the idea of  being authentic sound a whole lot better than conforming to a predetermined role?

Don't Go Chasin' Butterflies..

"When  you stop chasing the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you."
 -Unknown

Forever on the Hunt...
We are  taught to believe and embrace process improvement. It makes sense, but sometimes the chase and the pursuit of something bigger and better, leaves one with no energy to honor, savor and appreciate what is working now.  We forget to experience and assimilate the good we face every day.  

This is not to discount goals, as these are important, but to wear a mantle of the incessant warrior always fighting, chasing, seeking greener pastures, can be discouraging to staff and lower morale. And we may miss an opportunity to connect, to learn something that is right in front of our nose. Although we should always look to improve, we also need to humbly accept “the gifts” from people and experiences we encounter every day without chasing constant butterflies “on the other side of the fence.”