future Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Dennis E. Gilbert

09
Apr 20
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Big Changes Start with Small Pivots

Tags : change future new normal pandemic pivot

Do big changes start with small, almost invisible pivots? Often, they do, unless of course there is large scale disruption. Yet even after a large disruption, small pivots still lead to big changes.

People often identify drastic changes in their life as being connected to a significant event.

After my car accident I changed my driving habits.

When I watched the safety video, I realized the importance of safety equipment.

Seeing what happened to my friend made me stop the bad behavior.

The events seem big and the impact lasting. It is the event that sparked the change, or in some cases solidified the need for it.

Big Changes

Many may suggest that their change happened in a moment. That very second that the impact registered, change occurred.

It is true for some things. Yet for other things, such as daily habits, or how we communicate, who we trust and when, and even the giving of responsibility or respect, it happens across time.

Our World has entered a giant disruption. We could argue for a long time about media hype, medical research practices, or even conspiracy theories, but the disruption has happened.

This disruption may be the event that sparks significant change.

If the future of physical gatherings calls for more distance, it may mean fewer people can attend. If work spaces need to be more spread out, then fewer can enter the building. The sign on the elevator with a capacity limit may change, not because of weight, but because of space.

It seems like it is a time for technology to make another leap forward. Not because of a new invention but because more people will adopt its use.

Small Pivots

Each moment that someone tries something new a change is born. Every day a problem presents and a solution or work around is likely to follow.

It is all like a bad habit.

Some things start to change in a moment. Some of those moments will result in long-term change that creates the new normal.

People suggest, “I can’t wait to get back to normal.”

What they don’t realize is that there will be a new normal. The new normal will develop as people adapt to change. Small pivots will get them there.

People are permanently impacted by what they saw or experienced with the car accident, the image on the safety video, or the punishment of an act of wrong-doing.

They develop a new normal.

The 2020 pandemic disruption is a change maker.

What do you see for the new normal?

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

07
Apr 20
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Leaning Forward or Falling Backward?

Tags : belief choice future inspiration

It is a difficult time, for everyone. The choices you make now will definitely make a difference. Are you leaning forward?

I’ve participated in many Zoom meetings recently. I watch a little bit of news, and read a bunch too. Ask anyone, you’ll probably hear that it is not a good time.

You still have choices though. You have the choice about whether you will act or react, follow or lead, or simply stay stuck.

Many people have suggested that it is not about how many times you fall; it is about how many times you get back up.

Here are a few important tips for navigating this difficult time:

News Sparingly. Watch, read, or listen to the news sparingly. Don’t completely avoid it, and don’t binge watch it. Get updates and get out of it.
Plan. Plan for what will happen next, and I’m not talking about doom and gloom. There will be another side to this pandemic. Where and how will you position yourself?
Appreciate. If you have some down time, use it wisely. Stop the music for a few minutes and just take life in. Consider what is precious, dear, and most meaningful about life. Cherish what you have and take a deep breath.

When you limit the negativity entering your mind you will find that you think clearer, have less anxiety, and can focus on what is in front you.

Leaning Forward

The very near future may look a little rough. However, what you focus on now will define what happens next.

Everyone has a choice to believe. It will guide what happens next for you.

I’m leaning forward, ready to accelerate.

What about you?

Make the choice for leaning forward.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

03
Apr 20
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Stuck Waiting Won’t Get You Very Far

Tags : career change future pivot waiting

Needless to say, it is a very interesting time. Many people feel like they are stuck waiting.

Stuck waiting for what?

People are stuck waiting for the virus to clear, the stay in your home to be lifted, or for the government to do something about it.

Others are healing, trying to quell their nerves and stop the worry.

Still others are working, some are working harder and with more dedication than they ever realized they had.

For everyone who feels like life is on a timeout, what will you do? If you are career minded what are you doing now? If you’re running a small business that is temporarily disabled what is most effective right now?

Perhaps you take a break for a day, maybe two, but then you don’t stop. A shut down doesn’t mean you’re knocked out. Even if the business you worked for or the business you owned may not reopen it isn’t over.

How will you spend your time, right now?

Stuck Waiting

Spending time to worry isn’t going to change anything. What is your alternative?

The alternative is to start focusing on the future. Make no mistake, things are going to change. The future will be different, a new normal.

Your thought pattern shouldn’t be focused on getting back to normal it should be focused on what does the new normal look like?

Consider all of your life experiences, your knowledge, your skills, and your abilities. How will you put them to use in the future? What strengths do you have and how can you build on those?

Today may be the first day of something new.

How are you going to arrive?

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

01
Apr 20
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Disruptive Change Establishes New Directions

Tags : change disruptive future pivot

No one will argue that there is a significant disruption. What will be different for you after this disruptive change?

Will there be what we will call the, new economy? How will social behavior change? How will businesses evolve, pivot, or die?

I’ve done a fair amount of work in understanding the psychology and social behavior associated with the generations.

In a general sense, there is behavior based solely on age. Older people and younger people do different things. This is not a generational difference. It is a difference in age.

However, the challenge for working across the generations is connected to values and beliefs, not so much about age.

There is a difference between these two aspects. That fundamental difference is important to understand as you consider your future.

Disruptive Change

What is going to change about your values and beliefs now? What will change about them for people who are different in age?

For the workplace, for business and commerce, things are going to be different. For education, hospitality, and sectors connected to travel and vacationing, things are going to change.

In fact, they already have, we just haven’t seen exactly how everything will fall into place. Every sector has reactions and connectivity to the other, things will be different tomorrow.

Those taking proactive approaches will gamble, steer, and lead the shape of future directions.

For your career or your business, the key will be to design it around what tomorrow will look like, and not to design it around what it once was.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

16
Oct 19
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Culture Decisions Determine the Future of Fit

Tags : decisions future leadership organizational culture workplace culture

There is little room for doubt that your organizational culture determines what happens next. Culture decisions drive what will become the future.

Culture is part of the long-run game. Or it could be the impact of numerous short-run games that build a long-run game picture.

One thing is certain, workplace dynamics vary a great deal from the manufacturing business in the industrial park, to the non-profit association across town, or to the new healthcare facility on the west side.

While many people and organizations believe that their culture is the best or perhaps the most appropriate, social trends will have something to do with the cultures that are most successful.

Different Cultures

One business believes that being a little gruff, leading with an authoritarian approach, and strong disciplinary actions for anyone coloring outside the lines is the secret formula for culture. It is a throwback to, “My way or the highway.”

Another business believes in open floor plans, building a community of employees, and being considerate of employees needs while maintaining accountability and of course profitability of the operation.

It may seem hard to find where these lines cross. If they even do, or if they even should.

Leading in our modern times has challenges, that is nothing new. The diversity aspect of navigating leadership roles continues to challenge the best cultures.

Leadership makes culture decisions. Known or unknown, it is happening around you.

Culture Decisions

The decision you’ll make today about accountability, responsibility, and a respectful (or not) workplace will shape tomorrow. Revenues, profit, and customer relationships are inclusive.

There is an old saying, “People may not remember what you said but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.”

This is true about your culture. People are human, not a machine. Societal trends will determine many of the feelings surrounding your business culture.

In a low-unemployment economy people are going to work at the best places.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

04
Oct 19
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Workplace Experiences Shape Your Future

Tags : experiences experiential learning future pivot workplace

People will sometimes ask, “What did you learn?” Our workplace experiences guide nearly everything that happens next. They tear down, create new, or expand organization culture.

Likely, no one experiences the experience in exactly the same way. On a trip to Disney, individual experiences are different. A trip to the beach, the mountain resort, or last evenings sporting event, no two people have exactly the same experience.

It is the same for what we read, watch on TV, or learn in the seminar. It is always shaped by our individual thoughts and past experiences.

Experiential Learning

This is exactly why the concept of experiential learning matters in workshops and seminars. You can tell people many things, when you prompt them to reflect on ideas as an experience it is much more powerful.

In many regards, it is why the keynote at the convention is impactful, or perhaps why it is not. Ask a few people what they thought, you’ll likely get some different answers. No two people will experience it exactly the same way.

The stories that are told and the stories that are heard may be two different things.

Workplace Experiences

The hope then, of the story teller, the workshop leader, or the CEO is that his or her involvement will create the kind of impact desired.

The desire to shape futures, pivot directions, or do more of the same will be based on the behaviors that are led by our experiences.

We all rely on stories to shape what happens next. Biblical stories, historical accounts, and, “the way things are done around here.”

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

12
Jun 19
-

Making Personal Changes for a Better Workplace

Tags : commitment doubt future personal change

Many people want to make personal changes for a better workplace. Are you one of them? We often spend a lot of time trying to figure the how. Yet sometimes, we lose sight of the why.

Have you ever questioned, “Am I in the right spot?” You know, are you in the right relationships, hanging with the right people, or actively employed in the right company?

We may even question if we studied the right stuff in school or if we are living in the right city or state. Has this, ever been you?

Everyone’s circumstance is situational. It is like the FAE, our actions and behaviors may best be judged by considering the situation, not labeling the person.

Personal Changes

Making personal changes can be challenging. We often think a lot about the new place we want to be, yet we often skip the concept of what we will give up.

If you want to give up a bad habit, it can be simple. Quit smoking, or quit eating donuts. You know what we have to give up.

What if you just want a better outlook for your future?

Did I marry the right person?

Did I choose the right career path?

Am I working for the right company?

Sometimes the best thing to give up is your doubt.

Instead of continuously questioning where you are at, instead be convinced that you are in the right place, right now, at this time. Commit to your place, give up the doubt.

It changes everything.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

14
Aug 18
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Mindful Decisions When The Decision Really Counts

Tags : decisions future mindful past stuck

Businesses and individuals alike struggle with decisions. Whether you have the tea berry ice cream cone or the chocolate isn’t a huge decision. In life or business though, decisions are often tougher. Are you making mindful decisions?

Past Reflections

The first and perhaps biggest trouble spot with decision making is the reflection on the past. In business it may be sales data, customer returns, or other services or product quality issues.

In our personal lives it often comes down to reflection. People tend to dwell on or obsess about how their vision of things should have turned out, but didn’t.

In either case reflection on the past is okay. It may help to validate our future decisions. The problem becomes when you can’t make future choices because the past is crippling your clarity.

Granted the past may not be what you expected, what you wanted, or a fulfillment of your dreams, but a constant focus on it will keep you stuck.

What Is Gone

It often comes down to time, money, and resources spent. Things that feel wasted, lost, and can never be replaced. Admitting the reality once, is fine. Dwelling on it is a waste that keeps you from moving forward.

Instead of a focus on the unchangeable do something about the future. It won’t be comfortable, because what you thought you was the best direction is gone.

Don’t expect the future to be perfect either. There will be trouble spots, risk, and most of all, discomfort.

What you must decide is what choices you will make with options that are available. The past is not an option.

Mindful Decisions

Imagine if you arrive at the rental car counter late, your choices may be limited. There is no benefit to focus on the ride you wish you had. Focus on choosing the ride that makes the most sense from those available.

Otherwise, you can walk, Uber, or rent a bike.

Can you make a mindful decision? What are the best options in front of you?

Never stay stuck, and stop looking back. Choose one and go with it. Move forward.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

02
Apr 18
-

Things Will Change. Will You, Are You?

Tags : change future leadership pivot time

Many people just want to move forward, yet they compare and contrast everything to the past. Often people are looking for differences and identifying that the unknown may not work. Things will change, the biggest question may be, “Will you?”

My cell phone failed a drop test last week. I knew immediately that there really wasn’t a choice, but to replace it. Two and a half years is a long time in the technology world. I didn’t really want any change, but I felt that I had no choice. Things have changed, and so have I.

Better Future

There could be lots of argument about technology or society. The big question often is, “Will the future be better?”

We are on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence (AI) and while that has many scary aspects, especially those connected to privacy or jobs, it is our future. It is not even likely, it is a given. AI is happening and it is happening without a stop sign.

Our future won’t be the same. Some things will work, some will delight, and others will cause fear, hesitation, and distrust.

All of this is likely not much different from a first ride at 35 mph in an automobile. Not really different from the introduction of the motorized bicycle, or to be flying several thousand feet high in a winged motorized vehicle.

There were people who likely scoffed at the idea. Said it won’t work, wouldn’t last, wouldn’t stick, and was dangerous. In the early 1990’s some proclaimed the pending emergence of the internet was a fad, it wouldn’t last, and people largely would not be interested to join.

Things Will Change

Many predictors of the future base their predictions on the past. This is often true for individual behavior. It is not so true for society or world cultures.

Things will change if you allow it to happen. Your workplace can become better, more prosperous, and successful. The way you did it three or five years ago may still work, but if you’re not eager about what is next, it is time to start looking.

The question is not about when, because the timing is now. The only question remaining is, “Will you?”

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

28
Aug 17
-

Exceed Future Customer Service Expectations

Tags : customer experience expectations future technology

Retail stores (and online) gear up for back to school. They increase hiring and stock more inventory for cyclical or holiday seasons. They expect more to happen, more sales, more customers, and more revenue. It may represent future customer service expectations.

Most of us try to prepare. We prepare for the surge. Rush hour traffic, the dinner hour at our favorite restaurant, and even the best timing for the grocery store.

Customers and businesses alike prepare. They prepare for the most, more, and when they expect many. Are you prepared for the future expectations of your customers? What experience are they anticipating? What is your perception?

Technology and Speed

Technology is pushing everything to be faster. A telephone call or message once had to wait until we got to the next destination. Conversations or updates waited until after school, after work, until the evening or perhaps even waited until the upcoming weekend.

Many people carry a portable computer in the form of a smart phone in their pocket or purse. They get anxious when it isn’t working fast enough or the service is questionable.

When we have a question we don’t have to wait until the store opens tomorrow or the expert calls us back when he or she can fit us in. We don’t need a paper (hardcopy) dictionary, a thesaurus, or encyclopedia.

We don’t need our friend the professional mechanic to show us how to change our oil or fix the kitchen sink. All that we need is our phone, appropriate service and the understanding of how to seek a digital answer. Or is there something more?

Things aren’t just changing, they have changed. Expectations are increasing faster and many businesses can’t keep up.

Old School and Experts

Of course, there is always the desire for what once was such as the camping trip, the no phone zone, and an opportunity to unwind.

If you can raise the effort for back to school, the holiday season, and to achieve the best timing, do you really understand the future expectations of your customer? If the answers are only a smartphone away how does the expert become valued?

Future Customer Service Expectations

Expectations are created and opportunities exist in your future and for the future of your business.

Expectations create perception and perception is reality. With a little effort, you might be able to predict the future more than what you realize.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

Tag Archives: future

Apr 20

-

Big Changes

Small Pivots

Apr 20

-

Leaning Forward

Apr 20

-

Stuck Waiting

Apr 20

-

Disruptive Change

Oct 19

-

Different Cultures

Culture Decisions

Oct 19

-

Experiential Learning

Workplace Experiences

Jun 19

-

Personal Changes

Aug 18

-

Past Reflections

What Is Gone

Mindful Decisions

Apr 18

-

Better Future

Things Will Change

Aug 17

-

Technology and Speed

Old School and Experts

Future Customer Service Expectations

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