The Final Episode
Come Rain or Shine
"When you're appealing to everybody, you're appealing to nobody. You really have to know who you are and differentiate yourself. Home in on that thing that people are going to remember." Episode Highlights 00:00 Returned to business world after offering advice. 05:06 Importance of mentoring and paying it forward. 09:57 Focus on client needs, not credentials. 10:32 Enthusiasm attracts people. Focus on them and provide value. 15:46 Value in encouragement and diverse experiences. 17:44 Grateful for learning to ask questions, listen, and engage with others. 23:33 Appreciation for sponsorship and...
info_outline![Give 'Em the Pickle [Rebroadcast] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/29174768?height=50&width=50)
Give 'Em the Pickle [Rebroadcast]
Come Rain or Shine
One of my favorite customer service books is from legendary author and speaker Bob Farrell. In his book, ‘Give ‘Em the Pickle’, he discusses how to improve client satisfaction and retention through three words, “I’ll be back.” However, as Jody and I explain in this episode, to earn this phrase, one should not rely on the protocol alone. Contrarily, if you want to go above and beyond in our affairs, dare to fuse selfless service with common sense. But Dan? How do we equip our employees to do this? The answer is simple: Have a framework to empower from. Give your team the confidence...
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A Trip Down Elm Street
Come Rain or Shine
[Rebroadcast of one of Dan's favorite episodes.] “No matter what you’ve done in your life, career and what you’ve been involved with, you’re going to have hard times. And moving on is really the only option you have. You get up and keep moving forward.” In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, special guests, Clint Hill, and Lisa McCubbin join the show to discuss the history of President John F. Kennedy and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from their perspective. A former U.S. Secret Service agent who served under five presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford, Clint...
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Developing a New Point of View
Come Rain or Shine
“Just because the information is at our fingertips doesn't mean we're always leveraging it to actually get stuff done and do things." In today's fast-paced world, information is readily accessible, yet many of us struggle to leverage it effectively. We often find ourselves consuming content for entertainment purposes rather than using it to fuel personal growth and development. It’s easy to forget the power of new perspectives and information. Developing a new point of view could transform the way we approach new ideas and expand our knowledge. You just need to know what to do once you...
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What Is Holding You Back
Come Rain or Shine
"You can't always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it and how you kind of take it in, and that's all on you." Episode Highlights 02:26 Courage and discipline are key to growth. 04:51 Change mindset, find motivation, or make change. 07:43 Attitude and choices determine control and confidence. 12:52 Start doing, make it real, change. 13:24 Transition from sedentary to active lifestyle. Connect with Dan: About Dan - Instagram - LinkedIn - Facebook - What is Holding You Back? Any time someone tells me they wish something was different in their...
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Pay Attention to the Person In Front of You
Come Rain or Shine
“You create your own luck.' When you engage in conversations with strangers, you never know what it may turn into - a pleasant conversation, a business opportunity, or even a friendship." Episode Highlights 01:27 Pay attention to people for effective leadership, communication, and relationship building. 04:43 Nonverbals are a powerful way to communicate, including in unintended ways 06:48 Interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities and relationship 11:29 Listening with intent helps uncover new connections and opportunities. 12:40 Being present earns respect. 17:43 Eliminating...
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Take Responsibility
Come Rain or Shine
“Sometimes I look around and say, why am I in this situation? It makes me take a step back to say, “ What did you do to get yourself in this situation? What could you have done to not be in this situation?” Episode Highlights [00:03:58] Take responsibility for hiring, then address issues or remove employees.. [00:10:54] Ownership mindset leads to remarkable acts of responsibility and...
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Change Your Environment to Change Your Mindset
Come Rain or Shine
“We’re just so busy and distracted, things come in and out. We just don't take time to say, wow, that's a nice thing. I'm creating a little memory for myself right now." – Dan Cockerell Episode Highlights [00:02:19] Saying yes to opportunities and changing environments can be refreshing and inspiring. [00:05:07] Meditation is challenging but worthwhile. Be present and appreciate the little things. [00:09:15] Outdoor trip to Bryce Canyon. Refreshing and inspiring. [00:11:14] Effective meetings occur when they are held while doing related tasks. Connect with Dan: About Dan - ...
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The Four Elements of Team Productivity
Come Rain or Shine
"Talent times Relationships plus expectations plus reward and recognition equals the productivity of a team." Episode Highlights [00:03:02] Gallup's 4 measurements of team productivity. [00:06:22] Giving gratitude and recognition reinforces positive behavior and improves productivity. [00:08:42] Clarify expectations and communicate with your team for improved productivity. [00:12:45] Assess team morale, identify need for friendship [00:15:39] Discuss expectations, recognize team, gather feedback, clarify actions, follow-up. [00:16:40] Use feedback to improve leadership for better results...
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Connecting with Customers through Storytelling
Come Rain or Shine
“If you don't keep their interest, they walk away. So I really learned really quickly how to keep that interest. And that was through storytelling.” Episode Highlights [00:01:22] Passion for storytelling through moving around. [00:04:30] Transitioned from working for Disney to writing for nonprofits and training small business leaders [00:10:14] Inspiration from Disney's use of stories, failures, and four key challenges (safety, courtesy, show efficiency). [00:14:42] Storytelling creates respect and enhances effectiveness. [00:16:30] Own your story; be universal and specific. [00:22:10]...
info_outline"If you are creating a culture of trust, it means you listen more than you speak."
April Whitson has developed cutting-edge programs to create a culture employees won't want to quit. During our conversation she does a great job of explaining the value of diverse experiences in your career to prepare for future leadership roles. She is a leader that firmly believes that HR professionals should act as business partners, understanding the financial impacts and the entire operation of the company.
April is a high-energy speaker who has coached hundreds of leaders throughout her 25+ years as an HR professional. During our conversation she shares how she navigated a career path that wasn't always linear. Her lessons have shaped who she has become now and why she encourages her team to have the courage to speak up. It is important that we all have difficult conversations when needed. It is even better when there are leaders like April that let their employees know that they will always have their back. Through my own experience I know this is necessary to establish an amazing culture that employees don't want to leave.
One way of challenging yourself to look beyond the traditional way of climbing the corporate ladder is through the concept of switching ladders. April uses this approach to career development by getting people to consider changing ladders, not just climbing up the same one. It's a great way to gain different experiences and skills.
During our conversation, you will also hear:
- the indispensable contribution of HR as strong business allies in promoting diversity within the workplace
- the keys to establishing a positive corporate culture for robust employee engagement and loyalty
- how to sharpen your communication skills to strengthen bonds between leaders and team members
- the art of combining assertiveness with humility to maximize your leadership potential
- ways to implement a long-term strategy to sustain employee retention while nurturing their overall well-being
April has a clear drive to touch more lives and provide leaders the tools to create a better work environment. She is now excitedly working on her book to share her insights and experiences. Make sure connect with April on LinkedIn and grab her free resource below. You should also check out ABB, the technology company April works for, to learn more about their products and services.
One way to retain people is to make sure they take time for themselves. Next time you or someone you know is wanting to plan their vacation make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planner at 407-
Connect with April:
Website - April Whitson
Free Retention Checklist -The Stay Challenge
LinkedIn - April Whitson
Connect with Dan:
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:20 - April's Story
00:06:29 - The Role of HR
00:10:37 - Getting Diverse Experiences
00:12:15 - Diverse Experience and Open-mindedness
00:13:48 - Recruiting Challenges
00:18:42 - Open and Constructive Communication
00:22:38 - Overcoming Resistance
00:25:08 - Decision Making as a Leader
00:27:29 - Different Approaches to Decision Making
00:28:30 - Understanding Why Employees Stay
00:30:15 - Taking Control of Employee Retention