The Modern Observer Group

Aug102020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

You’re Out For Yourself. That’s Okay.

In "The Maltese Falcon" Caspar Gutman tells Sam Spade, "I do like a man who tells you right out he's looking out for himself. Don't we all? I don't trust a man who says he's not." We are all out for ourselves. The difference between being out for ourselves and being selfish is how you go about your business. There is a big difference between being selfish and "enlightened self-interest." When we do out jobs well or help someone out, we gain. Iy could be a feeling of accomplishment or pride. It could simply be our salary. It is human nature to want something for themselves. What holds people back is the impression that they need to be selfless. No is completely selfless. You don't need to feel guilty about that.…

Jul202020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Make A “To-Don’t” List

Featured, Improvement, Process

We're all familiar with a to-do list. It's easy to take on too many projects because you don't want to say no or you don't want to disappoint people. That same desire not to disappoint can lead you to do things that divert you from your own goals. Take a good look at your to-do list. How many things do you have on there that aren't moving you to your goals? Do you have items that have recurring for a while? Examine them and see if you are getting results from those actions. If you are not getting value from your tasks, reconsider if you should keep doing the. It may be time to put them on your "to-don't" list. Time management isn't just about what you are doing. It…

Jul152020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Increase Your Ability To Handle Uncertainty

Attitude and Mindset, Featured, Improvement

We are all dealing with unprecedented — and seemingly endless — uncertainty right now. While you may not have as much clarity as you’d like, you can avoid feeling disoriented by developing your “uncertainty capability” and reframing your outlook on the unknown. Some common reframes include: Learning. Ask yourself what you can learn from the situation rather than automatically viewing it as a setback.Games. Remember that you win some and lose some. You can think of things as a game. During a particularly challenging period, a friend of mine and I looked at things as a boxing match. Each week was one round and we would evaluate whether we won the round by how the week went. The important thing was that we geared up for the next round.Gratitude. Recognize what you already have…

Jul132020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Everyone Needs a Network

Featured, Improvement

If you pride yourself on being self-sufficient, you may have assumed that you don’t need a network. But even if you’ve achieved your current success on the strength of solo (or near-solo) efforts, making meaningful connections with people in your field can still be beneficial. If you don’t like the idea of networking, reframe it as a way of making interesting friends for the long term. Create a “wishlist” of people you’d like to connect with — a senior colleague, a thought leader in your field, a respected author. You could connect with them by interviewing them for a blog or podcast. Or, if you share a commonality like being part of an alumni group or professional association, you could simply suggest a “getting-to-know-you” call. If this feels like it’s…

Jul102020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Why You Need To Go Digital?

Featured, Improvement

As businesses adapt to new situations, something that all businesses need to look at is how they can move parts of their business to mobile and web technologies. Here are some ways you should be using technology in the new business environment. Websites: Recent surveys show that 40% of small businesses still do not have a website. Your website is the portal to your business. It makes your business visible in search engines. It doesn't matter what kind of business you have, your customers are looking for you online. Appointments: Many businesses are limited in how many people they can serve at one time. It makes it simpler if your customers can go to your website and make an appointment.Payments: Make it easy for your customers to pay you. Companies…

Jul82020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

What Do You Have For Breakfast?

Attitude and Mindset, Featured, Process

For most Americans, breakfast consists of eggs, cereal, toast, fruit, a muffin, a smoothie, or something similar. We tend to get locked into habits that were created long ago. Most Americans don't consider having fish, rice, beans, etc. for breakfast even though they are common in other cultures. Our breakfast habits are deeply ingrained. The same goes for our work habits. People tend to follow the same routine. doing things the same way over and over. Having a process is necessary, but you also have to examine what you are doing. Don't let following a process turn into a rut. Whether in your work or your personal life, you need to change things up. Try something new: Whether it is having something new for breakfast, trying new food or going…

Jul62020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Put Your Own Oxygen Mask On First

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

If you have been on a plane and paid attention to the emergency instructions, you have been told in case of emergency put your own oxygen mask on first. The reasoning is simple. If something happens to you, you can't help the people around you if they need it. The same advice applies to your every day life. You can’t help family, friends, colleagues, or employees if you don’t first take care of yourself. It is important that you practice self-care on a regular basis to keep yourself in good shape. Here are some steps to take: Rest: You need to make sure you are getting enough sleep. This isn't simply a matter of being in bed, you need to make sure you are getting restful sleep. Don't drink before bed.…

Jun222020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Plan For Success

Featured, Improvement, Process

It's a common problem. Businesses plan to become successful, but they can't handle it when it happens. While startups frequently have this problem, it is by no mean unique to them. With the changes in the economy caused by the COVID-19 lockdown, companies such as Amazon, UPS, and Wayfair have become victims of their success. These companies have been overwhelmed with orders. Their customer satisfaction has dropped because they can't keep up. What is worse is that they lack transparency. Their tracking systems give information on shipments as if there are no delays. The day of expected the delivery, the status changes and gets put off, sometimes multiple times. Companies need to be prepared for success, even wild success. In the case of these three companies, it means making sure…

Jun192020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Small Ways To Show Appreciation And Gratitude

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

You don’t need grand gestures to show your employees you appreciate them. Sometimes, it’s the little, everyday things that matter most. Start by checking in with each of your employees regularly. Give them the space to share what they’re doing or working on. You should also give balanced feedback. Praise is meaningful, but employees also want to know where they can improve. Just don’t give both types of feedback at once — clearly separate out the positive from the developmental. Offering growth opportunities or stretch assignments is another way to show employees they’re respected and valued. So take the time to explicitly discuss their potential. Lastly, make appreciation a habit. Try to build it into your regular routines, perhaps by spending the first 15 minutes of your week writing a…

Jun172020 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Never Waste A Crisis

Featured, Improvement

There's an old saying in politics, "Never waste a crisis." In politics it means that if you can frame your priorities so that it seems they can help in a crisis, you can get them done. In business you can use a crisis to focus, to pivot and to grow. The COVID-19 crisis gives companies the opportunity to reimagine their workspace. The push to have workers telecommute, to bring business online and to adapt business models has been crucial to the survival of companies. It is also an opportunity for companies to grow and change. It is a great excuse to move into the future and discard parts of the business that no longer work. The crisis in race relations likewise provides the opportunity to examine hiring and compensation practices.…