Why communication — vertically, laterally and with yourself — is critical to success
Open, honest communication seems like a no-brainer, yet most companies struggle to facilitate the lateral and vertical communication that’s crucial to success. Think about it — do you really imagine the customer service representative you speak with has a way of telling the brass what she has learned about customer satisfaction? That's why new tools like Facebook at Work are so exciting. They can't solve the problem alone — people still have to use them. But with the right tools and the right company culture, a business will have a huge competitive advantage.
Another huge opportunity for businesses: If you want someone to hear what you’re saying, make sure you’re using the platform they pay attention to. A new app allows healthcare professionals to share patient updates on Facebook or Instagram instead of oft-ignored email. Patient outcomes have improved significantly. Think of what a similar switch to the right channel could do for your business.
What are the keys to successful innovation in the digital age? Walter Isaacson shares the three keys to successful innovation in the digital age.
First, you need a passion so profound it sometimes enables you to “distort reality” and make the impossible happen.
Second is humility — essential for true collaboration and communication, because it makes you able to truly listen to what others have to say.
Third — the awareness that your work is about something larger than yourself. Sound “touchy-feely?” According to Isaacson, true innovation happens at the intersection of the humanities and technology. Check out his inspiring speech:
To really be successful though, you also have to be able to have honest conversations with yourself. Work-life balance can’t be solved without admitting to yourself what it is you’re looking for, especially as you near retirement. My friend and colleague, Gary Pines, suggests that as business leaders age, many people are not interested in slamming the door and walking away from their life’s work. Instead of retiring, people are rebalancing – annually reviewing their work commitment and making decisions about how they want to work in the coming year. Now’s the perfect time to think through how you can have both rewarding work and fulfilling leisure.
