money Archives - Dennis E. Gilbert

27
Jan 21
-

Sharing Motivation Might Be Different Than You Think

Tags : extrinsic inspiration intrinsic money motivation

Are you in the habit of sharing motivation? In other words, when you see something that motivates you, do you extend your hand in an attempt to inspire others? Does it work?

You can start with some questions? What gets you pumped up? What energizes you, springs you to action, and keeps you going even during extreme challenges?

Golden Rule and Music

Many people live by the golden rule. It’s actually very much appreciated by most people. It seems to make sense.

In essence, treat others as you would like to be treated.

That converts to, if this would motivate me, I’ll use that as a tool to motivate others.

Does this work? Sometimes.

The golden rule applied to motivation often runs out of steam quickly. Different people are motivated in different ways.

Some people claim that music motivates them. Cranking out a little Eminem might motivate some, but it probably won’t really be a hit with those who have Elevation Worship near the top of their playlist.

That’s okay. It just means that the inspiration or motivation comes from different places or styles. It may also be conditioned by values and beliefs. The theory that music motivates might be a good one, the same genre might not.

Whether it is music, sunshine, or a little friendly competition, what motivates one, won’t motivate all.

Sharing Motivation

People are motivated intrinsically or extrinsically. In a general sense, most people are some of both, yet they tend to favor one side or the other.

When it comes to the workplace and job performance it is always important to consider the motivational factors of the people. An extended hand for a path is quite a bit different from a forced hand.

Can you force motivation? Sure, but you may not like the long-term results. Forcing motivation happens by creating fear. Fear springs people to action but the long-term consequences seldom make it worthwhile.

Perhaps you need to tweak your mindset to searching for what motivates others rather than assuming what motivates you should work for everyone?

It is an easy trap to fall into.

There are plenty of ways to figure out what gets others moving. You may want to start by asking them. Which by the way, don’t be fooled by the money motivator response.

Money is the means to an end for most people. Support my family, buy a car, pay the rent, get groceries. The motivator is often something different from the end result.

-DEG

Need some help with workplace motivation? This virtual training seminar may be for you, Creating a Motivational Climate.

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.

02
Jul 19
-

Spend More, Get More, or Less

Tags : advertising marketing money ROI spend

Most would likely quickly agree that it requires spending some money to make some money. Advertising, marketing, and research and development, they all cost. Are you going to spend more?

One way to beat the competition is to outspend them. We see it in political campaigns, the pizza chain, and entertainment venues.

Should You Measure ROI?

The risk becomes about the return on investment. Unless of course, the metric of measurement is to dominant and annihilate. Still the question often comes back to, “At what cost?”

Spending your way out of problems or the consideration of spending your way to success has perceived value, but what is the cost?

Small and large businesses want to make the most of the Google search algorithm. We call it organic search results. It means we are not spending, at least not directly.

Sure, plenty of businesses spend money on social media and Google advertising. Do they get their return on investment or is it about beating the competition in that space?

There is a saying, “The best ideas sell themselves.”

Should you spend more?

Spend More

Spending more is always an option. If you have the cash, or the investors cash, you can certainly spend your way to some higher numbers. Will it be a positive return?

Gas station style convenience stores are well known for building across the street from each other. Who will win? Can they outspend?

Certainly, merchandising and service will play a role, and so will low price.

The hope may be that eventually one will destroy the other. Bring them to their knees, knock them down, and run them out of town.

What are your metrics?

If you are not measuring for quality, interest, or engagement, you may have to be prepared to buy your way to success.

-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.

19
Nov 18
2

The Proud Career and Work That Moves Us

Tags : career lifetime money pride work

Some people, perhaps most people, spend a sizable chunk of their lifetime building a career. Some shift, change, and pivot, and others stay nearly the same. Are you building a proud career or one that just gets you through life?

First, let’s not confuse pride with money. Yes, there is an intersection where the two lines meet, but for many, money is not the sole (or soul) reason behind your career.

We all need money. We need it to exchange for food, clothing, and shelter. Sure, we may like more of it to buy more resources, toys, and extravagant lifestyles, but even people with gobs of money aren’t always happy.

Tenure

Since I’ve been around for more than half a century, like Farmers Insurance, I’ve seen a thing or two. People spend a lifetime chasing money and they die spending very little while still worrying if they have enough. Your lifestyle and your career, is your choice.

Money is important, but let’s remove it from this discussion. Set it aside, at least for a few minutes.

What happens when we work to become an improved version of who we already are? Imagine what it means to be more balanced, more grateful, and more giving.

What would happen if you spent your time differently, doing more things that matter, changing the results for others, and becoming uniquely you?

Can you see a different or better person than you are right now? Are you creating a proud career?

Proud Career

When you look back will you be happy with what you’ve built? Proud of the contributions you made? Will you be leaving a legacy for others to build upon?

Will you spend forty or fifty years working, or living while you work?

What matters most for your family, friends, and your life? Your money or what you’ve become?

Yes, you’ll need some money, but pride should be about your life and your people, not a paycheck.

You only get one shot. Check for confusion. No regrets.

-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.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

05
Feb 18
-

Motivation And Caring And Other Things That Move Us

Tags : caring money motivation organizational culture

Do you believe you are motivated? Are motivation and caring connected? Understanding motivation may not be as simple as many people believe.

Things That Move Us

I have to keep pushing to get this done otherwise I may be fired.

We need the numbers for the meeting on Thursday; next week’s inventory purchases depend on it.

I dropped the customers fragile package but I don’t think anything broke we just need to get this shipped.

Is this about motivation? Is there a connection to caring? I may care about being fired. Do I care about inventory, or would I care more if it were about payroll? I’m measured by orders shipped not by customer satisfaction that is the salespersons job.

I’m not sure that I believe people are either motivated or they are not. In many of our workplace behaviors, I believe people either care or they don’t.

Motivated by Purpose

During leadership-oriented seminars, I’m often compelled to initiate a short discussion about how motivation in the workplace is connected to a sense of purpose. A purpose may be something we care about, or we don’t.

I want to get the data on the Excel worksheet to be exact, no errors.

That customer has been waiting a long time; I’m going to expedite their shipment.

Jack needs some help and I’m going to stay late with him to get things caught up.

All are connected to caring. Either we care or we don’t. However, some may argue that most of our motivation comes from money.

Leadership Challenge

The challenge then for organizational leaders may come down to one of two paths.

Either our story is persuasive enough to get the employees to care based on a very compelling sense of purpose that is deeply rooted in our culture, or we pay very, very well and base both the principle of motivation and caring to be rooted in compensation.

A third but somewhat different argument may be that both the organization and its employees need some combination of both.

Motivation and Caring

Maybe we should look at it another way.

Do the restaurant employees care if our food that is intended to be served hot is cold? Do they only care if we pay them to care?

Perhaps the motivation for money doesn’t always connect with an organization that cares, but I’ll take the bet that the organization that cares is always motivated.

– 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+

29
Jan 18
2

Sell Me This Pen And Other Sales Tactics

Tags : money persuasive sales selling

“Sell me this pen,” is a line from the movie, Wolf of Wall Street (2013), starring Leonardo DiCaprio. If you haven’t seen it, I am happy to recommend it. What sales tactics are you using? We all sell, right?

Sell Me

Our telephone rings with an unknown caller appearing on the display, many will skip it.

An unsolicited or unknown email appears in our Inbox and we may just delete it.

A letter arrives in our postal system mail (snail mail) and when we don’t recognized it we may just pitch it in the trash.

On the other hand, we are often known as a society that loves to buy things. Many get direct deposits to their bank accounts from their employer, and likely just as many or more have automated bill pay for home utilities, loans, and other conveniences.

Buying Addicts

There are people who we may suggest are addicted to Amazon, Ebay, or their local shopping venues. It is easy to spend, and for some, it is an enjoyable experience.

If we like to buy, why are we so put off by the telephone calls, email messages, and letters?

For many, it may be that they are not comfortable with persuasive selling. It is the selling process that we’ve become adverse to because of snarky telemarketers, pressure to add a dollar for charity, or to get thirteen records for a penny when you commit to buying one a month at full price for a year (circa late 1970s or early 1980s).

Do we like to buy, shop, and spend our money? Of course, many people do, the difference is the sales process. When we feel pushed, we sense, “this will benefit them more than me,” and we often refuse the offer.

Sales Tactics

What if it were sold it differently? What if we were sold something that answered all the questions (Alexa, Google Home), and helped you achieve your goals, or made you look and feel great?

It seems to me that persuasive selling is worn out.

If so, success then must come from offering to help, not asking someone to buy.

– 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+

16
Nov 17
-

Caring Costs but Saves Money in the Long Run

Tags : caring costs customer service money principle

Possibly the most fundamental principle that is so often violated in the workplace and especially in customer service is caring. Caring costs but it certainly can save money in the long run.

Workplace Caring

At our job, someone leaves the printer without paper, or prints and leaves the tray filled with unwanted output. The office microwave has spills, the paper towel dispenser is empty, and all of your shared documents have moved to a different folder.

It seems doesn’t matter [sarcasm] because time is money and everyone is running late or behind, or perhaps, they just don’t care. We’ll leave it for the next person to clean up or take care of, after all, they have more time.

Customer Service

We see it, feel it, and hear about it all the time. The unclean restroom, food that should be warm, but is cold, or even the displays that clutter the isles of our local food store making it difficult for shopping carts to pass.

Caring may feel like it is expensive. It takes time, resources, and often money to make a difference.

Too often, the focus is on the short term, not realizing the negative repercussions in the long run.

Caring Costs

One of the best benefits of caring is word of mouth, today this is world of mouth. The C Suite fears the negative social media posts, but insists that organizational performance is relative to the front line.

Caring starts internally, it begins within the culture of the organization. It is hard to show external caring when internally the measurement of profit or sales trumps any philosophical position the organization claims to be taking.

Saves Money

Yes, in fact, caring costs, but it may also more than pay for itself. Caring builds relationships, creates loyalty, and increases lifetime customer value. Considering just those three things, it seems to me that in the long run this saves money.

Is caring important? Caring is so important that I devoted a chapter to it in my recent book.

Care more. It puts the human back in the equation—priceless.

– 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+

08
Nov 17
-

Some People Are Born Leaders, Right?

Tags : job title leaders leadership money status

A discussion exists that has been circling for some time. It didn’t start yesterday, and it may not end today. Are some people born leaders? Are leaders automatically born into leadership or are they made?

In U.S. culture the answers are much like an election, you’ll find people on both sides.

Leadership is for the:

wealthy who have things coming their way, it may be people like Richard Branson, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett;
generous, it may be people like Paul Allen, George Soros, and Ted Turner;
long lasting and persistent, people like Peter Drucker, Jack Welch, and Fred Smith.

Is it?

Beliefs about Leadership

Some believe that leadership is for everyone else. It is for other people, the people who have rank, money, and family connections.

There are people with a different belief about leadership. People with a different story, a different foundation, and even with a different frame. They see things differently.

Leadership is Different

When you see it that everyone has a chance to lead, and people will lead in different ways and at different capacities, leadership itself is about something different.

If you make your life’s work about developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead and then you execute to the fullest extent of your capabilities you are probably a leader.

Leadership doesn’t come from status, money, or family connections. It isn’t a job title, a number of direct reports, or high back leather chair. It isn’t a salary, perks, or a membership at the country club.

Born Leaders

Leadership may come from caring, giving, and role modeling. It may come from well executed risk, persistence, and by making good choices. It may also be about stepping up, endurance, and taking initiative.

If you decide you want to lead, then perhaps you can decide that you were born to lead.

Leadership for anyone is about one fundamental truth—choice.

– 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+

30
Mar 17
-

Leadership Habit 32: Motivate with Rewards

Tags : money motivation rewards trophy

Some believe motivation is entirely intrinsic, no outside stimulus will change a person’s desire to perform. Others believe motivation has extrinsic factors and you just might be able to inspire action. Can you motivate with rewards?

The truth about motivation is that many things impact a person’s drive or desire to accomplish something. Workplace leaders are often interested in motivation because they see it as a way to increase team effectiveness, improve productivity, and ultimately impact the bottom line.

Some of the poorest choices for motivation are to motivate through fear or by giving an ultimatum. Inspiration is always a better choice.

Rewards might provide some of the backdrop for inspiration. Most of us are taught at a very young age that when we do something desirable for someone else we might get a reward. Perhaps we’re all working for the reward.

Motivate with Rewards

Here are a few examples of rewards:

Money. First on the list for many, especially when we are considering job performance, is money. Yes, money is often considered a form of reward largely because it gives people the freedom to choose their ultimate reward.
Trophy. You get a plaque on the wall for high achievement, employee of the month, and for being the best seller. This might also include ribbons, certificates of appreciation, and honorable mentions.
Position. Advancement for your career might be very valuable. When there is recognized opportunity and proof (others have been promoted) employees might work very hard, be very committed, and loyal. Usually there is another incentive, money.
Legacy. Some might be motivated by legacy. They are inspired by the narrative of the contributions of others. This is the picture on the wall, the hall of fame, or the reason for an entire product line or service.
Appreciation. Many employees will work hard for a cause or hard for something that creates impact. Impact is when their contribution is recognized (honored, celebrated) and it changes or fixes something important to them.

Most businesses are focused on bringing in the best people, keeping the best team, and accomplishing everything through the reward of a paycheck and benefits. Absolutely these are important, but there might be more to the story.

The Right Performance

The reward might not always be obvious and there is another side to rewards.

A child seeking attention might continue with an undesirable behavior because you’ll pay attention and spring into action. It’s often not much different in the grown-up world.

Give the team lots of rewards. Just be careful of the performance that you are rewarding.

– 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 four-time author and some of his work includes, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce and Pivot and Accelerate, The Next Move Is Yours! Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

22
Sep 15
-

3 Myths That Drive Millennials Crazy

Tags : loyalty millennials money treatment

Millennials aren’t alone; misunderstandings, disagreements, and stereotyping are problematic for nearly every workforce generation. Unfortunately the millennials seem to be the target of more bad press when compared with traditionals, boomers, gen x’ers, and even the emerging generation 9/11 population.

My workplace discussions with most millennials, including those that I’ve coached, have some common themes or myths that quite frankly, drive millennials crazy.

Here are three that make the list:

Expect Different Treatment. Traditionals, boomers, and generation x all seem to believe that millennials expect to be treated differently. What all workplace generations have in common is that they all want respect. Millennials don’t believe it is about different treatment but it is about the commonality of respect.
Not Loyal. Loyalty is a two-way street at least that is what most millennials will tell you. It seems too often that businesses prejudge millennials as being stepping stone employees; those who are only interested in using the job as a stepping stone. Lack of commitment by the organization then leads to turnover of all generations, but especially the vibrant millennial population.
All About Money. Due in part to the uncertain world millennials have faced during their lifetime some are strong believers in get it while you can. The other side of the millennial population perhaps doesn’t feel as much need since some of them are still attending college, living with parents, or with small groups of friends. In other cases, even those who have left the nest may have portions of their expenses still being paid by their parents. Much of this group is just as interested in compressed work schedules and “comp time” as they are paycheck dollars. In certain sectors they are often known to turn down overtime opportunities for more leisure time.

Of course, all of these characteristics are not representative of every person in the millennial generation. There are many variables that should be considered. Including which end of the millennial age continuum they are on, geographic location, and rural versus urban living.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect. Reach him through his website at http://DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

11
Feb 14
-

Spending Smart

Tags : advertising marketing money relationships spending

It seems reasonable that all businesses spend money on marketing and advertising efforts. People too, they spend their energy and resources on networking, relationship building, and future positioning.

Some businesses will just throw money at a problem; throw money at building their brand, or at marketing and advertising efforts. It doesn’t mean they are any smarter or better than businesses who spend less, it means that they earn enough through their endeavors or through investment to spend like crazy trying to make up for other shortcomings. Many believe the old idiom, “You’ve got to spend money, to make money.” Perhaps there is some truth to that statement.

People sometimes follow a similar pattern. Sometimes they spend with money, sometimes with only resources or their individual energy. People may pursue building relationships, monitoring who they hang out with, and even how they spend their leisure time. All in an effort to build relationships or an image that they believe will get results. Many believe the old idiom, “It’s not what you do, it’s who you know.” Is that the truth? Perhaps but is it smart spending?

Both businesses and people spend. It’s not about how much they spend. They don’t necessarily need to spend big—they need to spend smart!

– DEG

Photo Credit: Nick Ares and aresauburn^TM

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

Tag Archives: money

Jan 21

-

Golden Rule and Music

Sharing Motivation

Jul 19

-

Should You Measure ROI?

Spend More

Nov 18

Tenure

Proud Career

Feb 18

-

Things That Move Us

Motivated by Purpose

Leadership Challenge

Motivation and Caring

Jan 18

Sell Me

Buying Addicts

Sales Tactics

Nov 17

-

Workplace Caring

Customer Service

Caring Costs

Saves Money

Nov 17

-

Beliefs about Leadership

Leadership is Different

Born Leaders

Mar 17

-

Motivate with Rewards

The Right Performance

Sep 15

-

Feb 14

-

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