"Culture is more than just building products and not getting yelled at."

Jason Aten, Tech Columnist for Inc. Magazine, recently wrote about the main issue within Google's culture. His headline catching article is subtitled: "There's nothing more important than culture."

Without even realizing it, the writer is building a strong case for the importance of infusing cohesion into a work culture. Cohesion positively impacts performance and engagement every time. It is a causal phenomenon and a proven method of predicting behavior.

Culture is broken when people do not feel connected to what they are doing, or with whom they are working.

Data reigns supreme in today's very much online business world. The strategic utilization of information is not an advantage, it's a prerequisite for sustained competitiveness.

Michelle Kimbro, the Efficiency Expert, has over a decade of experience in operational efficiency and she's written a special guest article for our blog.

Check out this week's newsletter to discover:

• A comprehensive exploration of how businesses can leverage data to streamline processes, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
• Real-world examples, such as Apex Insurance Agency's remarkable journey. Through this case study, readers will gain actionable insights into how data-driven strategies led to a 45% improvement in customer satisfaction and a 35% reduction in claim processing times.
• Practical steps for businesses to leverage data effectively. From investing in the right tools to fostering a data-driven culture, this newsletter outlines actionable strategies for organizations looking to harness the power of data for operational excellence.

How can technology be used to humanize culture?

What role does Artificial Intelligence play in the HR world?

If you have been struggling to answer these questions, you are not alone.

It is not a surprise that technology has changed the landscape of business. From serving as the means to collect and store data to robotics to the ever-emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology dominates the way we interact globally on a digital scale as well as person to person.

In a quick review of the history of technology, today's corporate and societal impact has been undeniably exponential. Researchers present findings to assert that we will not experience 100 years of growth in the 21st century. It will be more like 20,000 years of growth.

Do you offer flexible hours and locations?

Does your team understand their level of autonomy and initiative?

Are your managers making their individual team members feel included?

Have you readied your staff for growth, development, and advancement?

If you answered “no” to one or more of these questions then you aren’t meeting the organizational culture expectations of today’s workforce.

More than likely you may be struggling to keep that talent you spent time and money acquiring and training.

"When leaders think they know everything, that’s when the trouble starts."

The impact of executive leadership on an organization's success and culture is undeniable. Yet, the challenges faced by executives are more demanding than ever. To ensure organizational prosperity, leaders must consistently evolve, expand their skills, and excel in their roles.

The realm of leadership coaching has emerged as a powerful catalyst for personal and organizational advancement. Studies reveal that 96% of leaders derive value from leadership coaching. This transformative process surpasses conventional leadership development initiatives, providing a personalized and tailored approach to leadership enhancement.

Would you be surprised to know? 80% of Americans indicate that each time the New Year rolls around their anxiety increases due to high-levels of performance expectations, unfinished project work, and too many re-scheduled meetings.

In my co-authored bestselling book, Back After Burnout, according to a report issued by the American Institute of Stress, one in four employees rank work stress as their number one cause of stress.

AND, the Department of Labor determined that two-thirds of workers site stress as very or somewhat significant. What can be done about it?

Early on, I learned that true leaders act on behalf of others. However, a leader cannot be in a position to serve others until they serve "the one," meaning they see the humanness in an individual before solving anything on a larger scale.

Serving might seem counterintuitive to leadership. You truly are never prepared to serve others until you understand how to serve.

It's imperative to understand this foundational truth of leadership: Genuine leaders advocate for others by initially embracing the individual - 'the one.' This underestimated principle stands as a testament to the profound influence that a singular act of service can wield on the entirety of a collective.

While traveling in Lisbon, Portugal a few years ago, I happened to take a quick photo of my wife standing on a cobble-stone street filled with shops. After posting it on Facebook, I received a comment that the photo looked like a postcard.

That got me to thinking about how grateful I am to have a life filled with many blessings to include my faith, family, fitness, finances, and foundation (giving). Oftentimes, people tell me that I have a large personality and an over-engaged optimistic view of life.

I make no apologies for having either and proudly claim both. That will especially be funny to those who know me well.

For me, I live my life like a postcard and the inscription reads: Gratitude is My Attitude.