Business Education

Employees Have These Skills You’re Probably Overlooking in Your Business

Employees Have These In current conversations about emerging technologies like AI, workplace experts consistently highlight the critical role of human skills. However, eager to embrace the latest state-of-the-art tech, some companies may be undervaluing these essential qualities – characteristics that can be exceptionally valuable.

A recent Deloitte survey of 1,000 employees found that only 52% believed their companies prioritized “human skills” over technical skills. This perspective contrasts sharply with employees’ personal views: 95% described human skills as “always important” and “timeless,” with 87% identifying qualities like adaptability, leadership, and communication as essential for career growth.

Many employees also expressed a preference for employers to prioritize skills such as “teamwork and collaboration” over technical competencies like “AI integration and data analysis.” Without this emphasis on human skills, respondents worry it may have long-term effects. Specifically, 94% are concerned that future workers might lack the “necessary human skills” for the workforce.

While tech investments are clearly a priority for companies (average tech budgets increased to 5.49% of revenue in 2023 from 4.25% in 2022), there’s a notable gap in implementation. A survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that while AI adoption is growing, it remains far from widespread among employees. Additionally, 70% of respondents in Deloitte’s survey reported being trained on new technology, only to see it quickly become obsolete. Consequently, employees want more interpersonal development, like mentorship and shadowing, along with a stronger focus on human skills.

How to Identify Human Skills

Since employees and employers alike value such skills and they can be mutually beneficial to both people and businesses, it’s important to identify individuals who possess these traits. Here are some ways small businesses can pinpoint critical abilities, such as communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills in their employees:

Communication Skills

Observe how employees communicate with customers, clients, and colleagues. Do they speak clearly, actively listen, and express themselves well?
Review email and written communications. Are they well-organized, concise, and appropriate in tone?
Look for employees who are comfortable presenting information to groups, articulating ideas, and engaging in discussions.

Additionally, take note of employees who can explain complex topics in simple terms and tailor their communication style to the audience.

Collaboration Skills

Watch how employees interact and work with others on team projects or tasks.
Do they contribute ideas, support their teammates, and share information freely?
Observe if they are able to compromise, resolve conflicts, and work towards shared goals.
Take special notice of employees who volunteer to help others and can take direction as well as provide it.

Also, pay attention to their personal disposition. For instance, if they demonstrate empathy, patience, and respect when collaborating.

Negotiation Skills

Evaluate how employees handle discussions around budgets, timelines, and other work-related terms. Do they prepare thoroughly, listen actively, and propose mutually beneficial solutions?
Identify individuals who can remain calm under pressure, make concessions when appropriate, and reach satisfactory agreements.
Look for employees who can effectively communicate their position, understand the other party’s perspective, and reach a compromise.

You should likewise keep an eye on their tactics. For example, if they are persistent yet flexible in their negotiation approach.

By observing these behaviors in day-to-day work, small business owners and managers can get a sense of which employees possess strong communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills. These soft skills or “human skills” are essential for success in many roles and can be just as important as technical expertise.

Want to Accomplish More?

Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do?

We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test.

You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

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How to Avoid the Prisoner’s Dilemma Business Trap

February 18, 2021 No Comments

The prisoner’s dilemma is a simple principle that explains a very inconvenient paradox. That being, when two or more people are in competition to reach the same goal, instead of working together, they’ll more often make self-serving or sub-optimal choices to their desired end. In other words, they won’t work as a team, attempting to obtain the same result, but rather, as mutual competitors. When this happens, it can easily lead to unhealthy competition, jealousy, infighting, and poor company morale. Fortunately, there are a few effective strategies to cope with such situations. What Causes the Prisoner’s Dilemma in Business Named for a scenario to explain why prisoners do not routinely rise up against the guards of a penitentiary, the prisoner’s dilemma attempts to define why it is that inmates don’t rally together to overtake the facility in order to ultimately escape. (After all, they greatly outnumber the guards and other staff.) …a teaming mindset must be adopted on purpose. Team leaders must paint success in the team as something shared and expansive. Because seeing success this way is rarely spontaneous, leaders have to go out of their way to convey — to sell, really — the upside of collaborative work. The message must be that success can be greater and more exciting when people work together. When this is done well, team members tend to focus more on the work than on themselves. They also focus on what the work means for the company’s value proposition — for their customers. —Harvard Business Review The reason behind it is simple — while everyone might be ostensibly working toward the same goal, that is taking over and breaking out of the prison, each person will act in their own individual best interest — this ultimately leads to chaos and of course, makes the end goal of escaping nearly impossible. Effective Strategies for Dealing with the Prisoner’s Dilemma in Business You might have noticed this dynamic working out among your sales team or any given group of employees. They seem to be in a constant state of competition, even to the point of harming your company’s overall goals. The good news is there are ways to deal with such scenarios, like the following: Encourage healthy discussions. Although some individuals seemingly always do what’s only in their self-interest, very few will continue such behavior if they know that it’s counterproductive to their future. During sales meetings, come up with common strategies that everyone can agree to follow and put everyone on the same path toward your desired goals. Scrutinize potential hires. If someone has a very impressive track record, but hops from one company to another, that’s obviously a red flag. So, listen carefully during the interview process for attitudes that convey job dissatisfaction, unhealthy competition with previous employees/employers, and other negative perspectives and emotions. Such individuals will tell you in not-so-subtle ways that they don’t work well with others. Reward genuine teamwork. Ronald Reagan copied a famous inspirational phrase by repeating this sentiment, “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.” This is very difficult for any group, especially those in a competitive environment. But, if you reward everyone involved for working as a team to reach their goals, you reinforce positive behaviors. What other suggestions do you have? Please take a moment to comment and share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Hey, Small Business Owners Do You Know Your Blind Spots? If Not, Here’s How to Tell and Become Better Leaders

December 21, 2023 No Comments

Hey, Small Business Owners Do You Know Your Blind Spots? If Not, Here’s How to Tell and Become Better Leaders Running a small business is like embarking on a voyage into uncharted waters. While the journey is exhilarating, it also comes with challenges and hidden obstacles—commonly known as blind spots. These are areas where leaders might lack awareness, and navigating through them can be the key to becoming a more effective and insightful leader. The Blind Spots You Just Can’t See Imagine navigating a dark forest, unsure of the path ahead. That’s what it can feel like for small business owners, often unaware of the hidden obstacles and opportunities lurking in their blind spots. But fear not, intrepid commerce explorers! By shedding light on these blind areas, you can transform your leadership and guide your business to new heights. What are Blind Spots? Blind spots are areas of your leadership and business where you lack awareness or insight. They can be internal, like personal biases or emotional triggers, or external, like neglecting customer feedback or overlooking market trends. These hidden flaws can hold you back from making informed decisions, building strong relationships, and achieving your full potential. How Small Business Owners Can Identify their Blind Spots Seek diverse perspectives. Surround yourself with advisors, mentors, and employees who offer different viewpoints and experiences. Their insights can illuminate areas you might have missed. Embrace feedback. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism. Actively seek feedback from customers, employees, and partners, and listen with an open mind. Analyze data. Numbers don’t lie. Utilize analytics tools to track performance metrics and identify areas where your strategies might be off-track. Conduct self-reflection. Take time for introspection. Reflect on your leadership style, decision-making process, and interactions with others. Ask yourself: What are my strengths and weaknesses? Where am I prone to biases? Step outside your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to venture beyond your usual routine. Attend industry events, network with diverse individuals, and explore new ideas. How to Conquer Your Blind Spots Once you’ve identified your blind spots, it’s time to take action: Seek education and training. Invest in leadership development programs or workshops to gain new skills and knowledge. Delegate tasks and empower your team. Trust your team members to handle areas where you lack expertise. This frees you to focus on your strengths and address your blind spots. Embrace continuous learning. Never stop learning and adapting. Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and best practices. Develop self-awareness practices. Implement mindfulness exercises, meditation, or journaling to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and biases. Build a culture of open communication. Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable voicing concerns and offering feedback without fear of judgment. The Rewards of Leadership Clarity Conquering your blind spots leads to a multitude of benefits: Improved decision-making. Clearer awareness leads to more informed choices that drive better results. Enhanced relationships. Building trust and rapport with your team and customers fosters a positive and productive work environment. Increased innovation. Embracing diverse perspectives and new ideas fuels creativity and innovation. Greater resilience. Self-awareness allows you to navigate challenges and setbacks with greater adaptability and confidence. Empowered leadership. Leading with clarity and self-understanding inspires your team and guides your business toward success. Remember, the journey to self-discovery is ongoing. Embrace the challenge, learn from your missteps, and celebrate your successes. By constantly seeking feedback, cultivating self-awareness, and taking action, you can transform your blind spots into your greatest assets. So, step into the light, small business owner! Your leadership journey awaits. Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

These Marketing Channels area Waste of Money

May 16, 2017 No Comments

When you’re in business, every dollar counts, and, counts big. Revenue is useful for many purposes, particularly those which propel your company forward. You choose where you spend your money wisely, and, always look to get a solid return on investment. This is why you are careful about your hires and day-to-day operations because these are the very backbone of your organization. Of course, one of the ways to grow a company is to make more potential customers aware of what you offer. That can be tricky, especially when you have a strict limitation on the amount you can spend. Therefore, you do what you can to ensure that those dollars are working to get you more work and not just go out the door without coming back in the form of new business. Don’t Waste Money on These Marketing Channels Because we live in an age of on-demand information, there are more channels available than ever before to market through. It starts with you and your team, and, your website and social media presence are all essential. Though the latter two are very much used and highly popular, you have to remember that these are just tools. Even during lean times, companies spend a lot of money on marketing, hoping that the spending will result in future sales. Unfortunately, marketing is one of those areas where it’s really easy to waste money. —Inc.com A cottage industry emerged with the solidification of social media and is now a multi-million dollar industry. Traditional marketing remains an option, as does other forms of spreading the word. While you ought to be as ubiquitous as possible, there are marketing channels that are just a waste of money. Here are some things you ought to avoid because of their poor return on investment: Internet marketing courses. These courses are supposed to instruct you on how to market your business online. The cost isn’t really the issue, but the amount of time you’ll spend learning how to do it and then trying to implement it is an exercise in frustration and futility. Vendor-focused trade shows. Renting a booth or table at vendor-focused trade shows is often a very expensive proposition. This might be worth it if potential customers were also in attendance. However, because these are typically closed to the public, you’ll only be exposing your business to others in business, even in the same industry, meaning your competition. Suggested content. When you’re reading an article, you’ll see titles related to what appears in front of you. Those aren’t there by way of magic, but through ad dollars paid by companies to get you to click through and be redirected to another page. Search engine marketing. This one is something that very few people are able to get results through because of the sheer amount of money it costs to make it worthwhile. Even if you have a large marketing budget, you don’t control where your ads appear, how often they appear, and your ads will be in a crowded space filled with competitors fighting for the same attention. Market research. This can be outdated and/or skewed to bolster a certain, predetermined conclusion. What’s more, you have no real way of validating all the information these contain. Another thing you probably should avoid is mailing lists. These name and address compilations can easily be outdated, and, it takes a lot of time and effort to put a mass mailing together. What’s more, the response rate is very small, only between 1 percent and 2 percent. Some firms claim as much as 4 percent, but that’s still quite low. The smart way to get your brand noticed is to build personal relationships. One of my favorite equations to illustrate my point is how to build Trust. People buy from you if the like you and trust you. The only way to Trust, is by building a Relationship, and the only way to build a Relationship is through Communication. Not by e-mail or text or even phone calls, but by interacting personally with your prospects. Through this personal interaction and Communication, you build a Relationship, and in building the Relationship, you earn the prospective customer’s Trust. Once you have their Trust … assuming you’re likeable … you will have the sale! So, a low cost way to market and grow your business is to build Trusted Relationships, and watch your business grow. It takes time, but how badly do you want to succeed with your business? You can do more to sell your products and services because you know all the information. Invest time into networking, mentoring, and volunteering because these are all worthwhile. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]