MANAGEMENTHeart It
To Gen Zers, emojis aren’t just a throwaway tap on their phone — they are central to the way they communicate as the original digital natives. According to a recent YouGov survey, nearly nine in 10 Gen Zers say emojis are useful at work, compared to fewer than half of Boomers and Gen Xers who feel the same. Millennials are also 2.5 times as likely to say they’re motivated by emoji reactions from colleagues and bosses than are Boomers, while almost two in three Gen Zers admitted they’re more likely to read messages with emojis. By 2030, Gen Z will account for almost one-third of all workers — and will be responsible for a large share of the country’s consumption. To get on the same page, up your emoji game even if it’s something as simple as replacing a “Nice work” message with a heart.
EFFICIENCYOvercommit … Just a Smidge
When it comes to new projects, taking on a little more than you can comfortably handle can pay dividends, argues OpenAI chief Sam Altman on his personal blog. “I think it’s good to overcommit a little bit. I find that I generally get done what I take on, and if I have a little bit too much to do it makes me more efficient at everything, which is a way to train to avoid distractions (a great habit to build!).” Altman does end with a caution not to overdo it: “Overcommitting a lot is disastrous.”
MANAGEMENTWalk the Talk
When done on a consistent basis, one-on-one meetings with employees create a foundation of understanding that increases effectiveness and supports their professional growth. But having meetings in the same place you all work can give them the feeling of just one more work-related procedure to get through. An option: taking your one-on-one on the road, or at least the sidewalk. Get out of the office for a power walk and talk. Stick to good practices: Be candid, be sure you’re doing less than half the talking, note the issues that will require follow-up … and look left before you cross the road.
SALESJust Answer the Question
When surprised with a difficult question, many salespeople waffle. A far better approach is to just answer the question as asked, Roy Williams advises in his Monday Morning Memo. Provide the simplest answer in the fewest words, he says. “When you act like the customer has asked the wrong question, you’re basically telling them that they’ve hit you where you’re weak,” he explains. “When you provide simple and straightforward answers to your customer’s questions, they feel that you’re there for them.”
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MARKETINGDon’t Mention the Holidays
With summer ending, customers’ minds will reluctantly start turning to the holiday season and the stress involved in preparing for them. In your email bulletins and in-store signage, be careful not to overwhelm them with salesy content and aggressive promotions, Ryan Pinkham writes on Constant Contact’s marketing blog. Talk in terms of getting ready for the seasonal changes, mention Black Friday or Small Business Saturday rather than scarier holiday buzzwords, and look to be a resource rather than a pitchperson. “Provide them with something they can actually use this holiday season,” Pinkham urges, such as a coupon exclusively for loyalty program members. “Start your holiday promotion by helping your customers; they’ll remember it when it comes time to buy.”
SELF-IMPROVEMENTBetter to Try Than Be Perfect
A side of perfectionism you may not have considered: Pressuring yourself to be the best in the world at your job pretty much guarantees you’ll never stretch yourself. “Instead of thinking small and safe, take on challenging projects and big new roles,” Sarah Goff-Dupont writes on the Atlassian productivity blog. “If you start hearing the (self-doubting) mean girl in your head, it’s a sign that you’re pushing yourself too hard.”
