An interesting perspective on productivity at work from the Ted Talks –
Author: Marla Gottschalk
I'm Marla Gottschalk — an I/O Psychologist and workplace blogger.
The Evolution of Work: Mobile Communication
I never knew exactly what George Jetson did for a living – but what I did know was that his boss, Mr. Spacely, could communicate with him from just about anywhere. This didn’t seem like such a good thing – at least how it was portrayed at that time. But I am slowly changing my view. In our world, the tools may be different, but the theme remains. Mobile communication was inevitable, and it is permeating our workplace. It is up to us to weigh in, manage the weaknesses and maximize its potential.Mr. Spacely may have abused his technological privileges, by brow beating his employee with counter-productive exchanges, but mobile doesn’t have to be a “dirty” word in the workplace. Many seem worried that the “human side” of work will suffer greatly, and that the quality of our work lives will plummet. I am not quite that concerned.
Finding Balance
With any innovation, there is an adjustment period while people struggle to integrate the product or process into everyday life. Integrating mobile effectively with work may be particularly challenging because of the possibility of intrusion – it is an obvious downside. Of course, we should be concerned about the inherent downfalls of a technologically jammed life.
There has been continued sentiment to “contain” the boundaries of work – in an effort to improve the overall “quality” of our lives. However, containing work may have never been a viable goal. (Although the parameters of those boundaries and the definition of “quality” will vary by the individual.) I can’t seem to confine my thoughts concerning work to my desk, and I’m not sure that I would want to. We are bound to think about our work and its challenges outside of the office – when we are commuting, eating dinner or watching a movie. That is not a bad thing – but how we utilize mobile to capture how we function as thinking people productively, is key. Simply because technology will allow our work lives to expand – does not necessarily dictate that it becomes a 24/7 operation.
We have to manage technology – and not the other way around. It is an opportunity and not a sentence.
We are learning that to excel, organizational cultures must emphasize openness and collaboration, and if technology contributes to that cause, it’s a win-win situation. Helping employees become more effective through mobile should be a priority – but this is not a race – it is a process. Mobile could tax us further and contribute to our downfall, but there are situations where mobile just makes a lot of sense. It’s already in our pockets. So why not try.
A natural fit: Idea management & collaboration
Developers are challenged with the task of determining what really translates into mobile and what simply doesn’t work. Mobile doesn’t seem to be suited to duplicate a PC desktop – however, with certain workplace challenges the advantages are there. As explained by Benjamin Robbins, Principal at Palador, “If there is one aspect that a mobile device should greatly excel at over a PC, it is collaboration”. Robbins is really putting this notion to the test. He has made the committment to use only his mobile device, and the adaptations which he creates for an entire year. (Read about his journey here). The purpose of this exercise is two-fold. Not only does he want to explore what can be done with a mobile device – but what can’t be done effectively, as well.
As he explained, there is a natural fit between mobile and functions of work such as brainstorming. With mobile this is an anytime proposition, so you don’t have to be at your desk to create. The idea that you can share notes and ideas with colleagues, across time zones and brick & mortar walls is key. Robbins explains that, “Discovering what aspects of mobile that can enhance virtual learning is key.” He goes on to explain that we could view mobile as a workplace classroom without boundaries. “There are endless possibilities for idea sharing and the visualization of those ideas with mobile.”
Picking up the communication slack
Some mobile communication tools are born out of a strong need in the workplace. LUA, for example, the brain child of Michael DeFranco and his team, has an organic feel both in its inception and implementation. A recent graduate of the TechStar start-up accelerator program, DeFranco explained to me that LUA developed because of a gap in the communications market. Designed for fast paced, field-driven environments, LUA provides communication capabilities to industries that in a former life, were primarily walkie – talkie driven. (How can we forget the communication nightmare of first responders to the 9/11 catastrophe?)
Other industries such as film production, sales organizations and construction, where quickly disseminating evolving information can also spell success or failure can utilize mobile to become more effective. With the ability to upload and distribute documents, initiate instant conference calls, and sync team communication between desktop computers and mobile devices – LUA fulfills a long list of field communication needs. Even freelancers can also be enabled to access the network temporarily – a must for quickly changing workforces.
Facilitating virtual team effectiveness
The potential of mobile to facilitate teaming is evident – and those who teach virtual teaming techniques see great potential. As explained by Illysa Izenberg, of Strategy and Training Partners, LLC, “Technology enhances team communication when the warmest and most connective and inclusive tools are utilized (such as video-conferencing, online whiteboards, and shared intranet sites).These tools focus on people communicating openly yet respectfully to discuss concerns, share documents and personal information on intranet “walls” to collaboratively resolve challenges.”
Creative platforms such as Jostle, which help teams communicate and excel, also seem to be a natural for an extension into mobile. Jostle which emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teaming in more traditional work environments, is in the process of adapting its capabilities to both iPads and smart phones. With strong visuals to help employees map out their work lives and learn about other team members, the platform helps to build engagement.
The emphasis remains on the people side of the equation, as helping people connect should remain a mobile goal. As explained by Brad Palmer, “Collaboration happens in real-time. With mobile, teamwork becomes much more dynamic and responsive, greatly enhancing the engaging experience of working alongside each other to get work done.” Moreover, Jostle allows the inclusion of employees that don’t have work email addresses or desk phone numbers with its mobile form, an advantage to many organizations.
As time goes on we will undoubtedly see more progress in the adaptation of mobile into daily work life. It will be interesting to see where it takes us in the next few years. At that time we’ll have to pause – and teach Mr. Spacely a few things.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist located in East Lansing, Michigan. She teaches workplace effectiveness strategies to employees and businesses. Find her on Twitter and Linkedin.
A List of Great Workplace Inspired Films
Do you love a great film set in the workplace? I certainly do. (An occupational hazard, I suppose.)
Here’s a collected list of some of my favorite workplace inspired films. Comedies and dramas are represented, listed in no particular order.
It’s interesting to note how workplaces have changed with the times. Some of the newer films, such as Up in the Air and The Devil Wears Prada are great additions — and represent the current Zeitgeist quite well. Yet, Modern Times — and its view of factory life, is a classic.
The list:
- Modern Times (1936)
- 9 to 5 (1980)
- The Apartment (1960)
- Working Girl (1988)
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
- Silkwood (1980)
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
- Up in the Air (2009)
- His Girl Friday (1940)
- Clerks (1994)
- Network (1976)
- You’ve Got Mail (1998)
- Stage Door (1937)
- Broadcast News (1988)
- Wall Street (1987)
- Boiler Room (2000)
- The Crowd (1928)
- The Help (2010)
- Office Space (1999)
- The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)
- Norma Rae (1979)
- Horrible Bosses (2011)
- In the Heat of the Night (1967)
- The Social Network (2010)
- Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
- In Good Company (2004)
- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)
- Baby Boom (1987)
- Mr. Mom (1983)
- Glengarry Glen Ross
Do you have a favorite that I missed? Let me know.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist. Connect with her on Twitter and Linkedin.
Creativity First, Innovation Will Follow
Alright, I am officially obsessing about creativity.
This has everything to do with the intense interest in innovation.
Discussions about innovation seem to be everywhere — yet, we don’t to fully understand how to cultivate it. Yes, innovation is a critical concept in today’s workplaces. Yes, it is necessary for us to move forward. However, I can’t help but think that we might be putting the cart before the horse.
Which leads me to one crux of the innovation dilemma.
When it comes to innovation — don’t we need creativity to be there to pave the road?
In this regard, it is wise to learn from the masters. I’ve just listened to HBR’s interview with Ed Catmull, President of Pixar Animation Studios. Undeniably, the folks at Pixar seem to have a handle on the creativity realm and the innovative results which follow. Catmull explains that the dynamic they have built to foster innovation at his studio isn’t perfect. However, the employed creative process has successfully contributed to quite a few incredible game-changing outcomes. (Consider Toy Story for a moment).
The ideas Catmull proposes to encourage creativity may initially make us uncomfortable and against the grain of how we might usually work. But, the dynamic has undeniably been proven to be a winner.
Here are a few of Pixar’s strategies to consider:
- Banish perfectionism. There is a misconception that an idea has to be perfected to share it. Throw that rule out the window — and take a leap of faith to trust your team. Share your ideas earlier and gain useful input to build on its strengths.
- Don’t let risk dictate. Give ideas enough time to “flesh out” before the looming possibility of risk snuffs out the possibilities. Evaluate risk as time goes on, and address those risks one step at a time — after the true potential of the idea is presented.
- Don’t focus on just one idea. Becoming creative isn’t about locking in on one idea and never letting in another creative thought. Look to accumulate a number of ideas, and group them to help catapult a project forward. If you work in a group (as they do at Pixar), let a number of ideas from different contributors co-exist for a time. See what develops.
- Not all ideas are instant money makers. Sometimes the process of following a creative path is simply good for the soul. Even if the idea doesn’t prove lucrative, it might pave the way for other ideas which have a much greater payoff.
- You can give up. Not every creative endeavor deserves long-term attention or resources. If you have the feeling that you’ve entered a dead-end, offer yourself permission to move on. File the work for a later date — it may become more relevant down the line.
How do you stoke innovation in your team? Share your strategies.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a worklife strategist, consultant and speaker. Connect with her on Twitter and Linkedin.
Got vision? Get some.
Let’s debunk the notion that a vision statement is a bunch of baloney. Like many others — I used to feel that these statements were just an exercise in futility. But over the course of time I’ve seen that I was sorely mistaken. Vision matters.
Considering vision can be a defining moment for an organization, and a vision statement can serve as a powerful guide as it moves forward in the world. If a clear vision doesn’t exist, it should be the first order of business.
GPS for your business
Vision should never be a throw away for a developing business — as it can help direct strategy, pricing, advertising and eventually the talent you are able to recruit. Where a mission statement defines what you do as an organization, a vision statement embodies what you’d like to be and where you would like to go, as an organization. It is future-oriented and crafted to motivate. The statement is strengthened by the actions and words of the organization. It also can be the impetus for a value-based message to your customer base, driving business and relationships.
As explained by Jenifer Ross, owner of the W@tercooler, a coworking space located in Tarrytown, New York, “Our vision is like a road map that we can refer back to as we grow and develop our coworking community”. As such, their vision embodies where they wish to go as an organization. Here it is:
- “Striving to be a catalyst for communication, idea exchange, collaboration and personal/business growth by being a HUB for it’s members, the community it serves and the coworking movement as a whole. W@tercooler will attract, support and cultivate a creative and active community of individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that “work together independently” in the collective and generous spirit of coworking.”
Lost in the sauce of the everyday
Most businesses begin with some sort of vision, but rarely re-visit it. Often it is simply never documented — but getting back in touch with vision can be a great exercise. If you haven’t discussed or even mentioned your organizational vision recently, it’s time to do so. This process can clarify action and direct behavior.
If you find your business without a vision, establish one that helps your business focus and connect with your customers. Keep the strengths of your organization in clear sight, expressing the passion and heart of the business. Try the following exercise: Think of 3 concepts or words that you would like your customers to use to describe your company. For example: Modern. Cutting-Edge. Service Driven.
Reinforce often
Helping your vision develop “staying power” requires reinforcing the concept through words and visual reminders during the course of your day-to-day operations. Be sure to link back to company vision as much as possible with your employees when discussing performance or customer dilemmas. Spot check your company’s vision “IQ” by bringing up vision at your next meeting. Ask employees to describe your organizational vision and what it means to them.
If you hear crickets – you’ll know there is some work to do.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist located in East Lansing, Michigan. Connect with her on Twitter and Linkedin.
The Evolution of Work: Organizational Structure and a Culture of Creativity
Please note: I am re-sharing this 2011 post with updated links. What are your thoughts? Please weigh in.
There has always been pressure in workplaces to perform. However, the quality and measure of that pressure has evolved significantly. With greater emphasis on ideas and innovation, organizations find themselves wondering: How can we stay on the cutting edge? How can contributors apply their unique strengths to help organizations do so?
While many organizations have explored strategies to facilitate cultural changes that enhance creativity — in practice, they vary considerably in their ability to do so. Many organizations have the potential to increase creativity (mindset and motivation). But, this often requires an accompanying adjustment or redefinition of organizational structure.
Where creativity and innovation are concerned, an organization’s “form” may need to adjust to follow this desired function.
Without needed revisions in structure and supporting processes, positive changes are difficult to realize.
Work swarming and structure.
Organizations are beginning to make the connection between structure, creativity and innovation. One example, is uniquely represented in Valve’s Employee Handbook. Valve — a game developer located in upstate Washington, works with a flat organizational chart that allows talent to flow freely toward the work. One basic tenet, is the belief that ideas have tremendous value — and deserve to be explored by those who have interest in their development. As such, employees are not completely limited by reporting structure and are free to gravitate toward the projects where they can make the greatest contribution. Projects are rarely assigned, as employees determine how they dedicate their time based upon skills and interest.
Work swarming, a process quite similar to talent utilization at Valve, is not unlike the spontaneous mechanisms borrowed from nature. Discussed previously by Gartner, swarming emphasizes an organic flow of energy toward specific, needed tasks. You’ll find examples of work swarming operating in other workplace cultures — for example, in hospital emergency rooms. Ultimately, elements of swarming allow resources to focus upon a task of real importance or potential value. A dynamic often not realized in traditional, mature organizations.
Work swarming has the potential to encourage both creativity and innovation. However, there is often a general hesitancy to move away from the prescribed roles within traditional hierarchies. As such, contributors remain in their designated lines of work. Common sense does tell us that Valve’s method won’t work perfectly for all organizations. However, we could adapt processes so it might be utilized.
Unlock the mindset
Within traditional organizations, job descriptions and reporting relationships prescribe specific activities and relationships. But to encourage creativity and innovation, it would be advantageous for employees to have the opportunity to function outside the realm of their “day-to-day” routine — a “hybrid” solution. Not unlike the 70-20-10 concept pioneered at Google, employees would feel free to explore new projects, ideas and trends. Employees could be allowed to “unhitch” from the organizational hierarchy and work flexibly for a percentage of their time. In this way, employees could contribute to worthy projects in which they have interest; new ideas are explored and employee engagement can be enhanced. Talent would flow toward projects which have the potential to support, or possibly transform an organization.
The implementation of swarming components would require a clearinghouse of information concerning trending ideas, initiatives and team opportunities — possibly through an internal crowd sourcing platform — and the available talent. In this way employees can make decisions concerning where to spend their time and team leaders could identify contributors who have both the interest and skill set to join.
There are certainly logistics that would need to be addressed to modify an organizational form or structure, in this manner. However, in the case of creativity and innovation — changes to enhance these processes may prove a worthy endeavor. Moreover, contributors could find the challenge and learning experiences they require to stay happy and engaged.
Note: A form of this post has been previously published at Talent Zoo
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist. Connect with her on Twitter and Linkedin.
Yep. Your Physical Work Space Still Matters
Once in a while I “run into” reality TV while channel surfing. There seems to be a series about every topic imaginable — from pitching a new product to remodeling your bathroom. To be expected, I am drawn to shows which include a coach that whips a home or business into shape. Most of these coaches are of the “no-nonsense” variety
I’m all for obliterating a bit of denial and the clutter that may accompany it. Sometimes moving through the “muck” is the only way forward.
The psychology of your workspace
Work spaces are an interesting topic to consider. I find they often reflect problems brewing on a much deeper level. I’ve seen all sorts of work spaces — messy environments, dark conference rooms and walls without a single picture or plaque. The environment always seems to speak to me about its resident: I’m unsettled. I’m depressed. I’m not committed to being here. I want out.
Last week I happened upon a show called “The Amandas” (I am assuming a word play on the movie “Heathers”, although these girls are not nearly as scary). The real “Amanda” is a clutter and organizational maven of tremendous proportions. She’s tough, driven and really knows how to purge unwanted stuff and the attached emotional baggage. When her team is finished, the business or home is in perfect order and the benefits seems to go much further than the outward presentation. There is gratitude and relief, as the process of altering the physical space seems to allow the individuals to move forward and become more effective.
So, does your space say — “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here?” — if so, some changes are in order.
Why it matters
As much as we’d like to think that skills are the only factor contributing to becoming successful and serving customers, the fact remains that where we work contributes to how we work.
Here are just a few reasons to pay attention to the physical space where you work:
- You need to be effective — as form follows function. If you don’t have a workspace that functions properly, you will most likely become less productive. If you find yourself clearing off a space to work — or your team has to stand during morning briefings (because you have no area that allows all of you to sit and gather) you have a problem.
- Your surroundings can be a source of inspiration. Living and working in a well designed space can help ideas flow. Qualities such as color, lighting, sound, office configuration and the furniture all come into play. If your office is so dark it depresses you, that’s a problem. If you have a set up with closed cubicles and collaboration is key, that’s a problem as well. You get the idea.
- You need to project a positive image for your customers. Your physical space is a reflection of how you see yourself, and your business. The style, form and function of your space, all contribute to your image. If you work in a creative industry (advertising, design, etc.) your workspace is even more important — as it is a reflection of what you can achieve for your customers.
It seems that becoming more effective, can possibly start on the surface and trickle down to the other aspects of your work life. When you really think about it – sometimes rearranging the furniture is much more than it seems.
More on the topic here:
Greatly Improve Your Physical Workspace with Small Changes, Lifehacker.
Physical Workspace Considerations, Steelcase.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist and coach located in East Lansing, Michigan. Connect with her on Twitter and Linkedin.
Problem Solving & Rest: Another Look at the Eureka Phenomenon
“It is my belief, you see, that thinking is a double phenomenon like breathing.” – Asimov
If you enjoy reruns of the classic television series House — you’ll find that every medical mystery is solved in the most unusual moments. Without fail, House’s uncanny ability to problem solve, kicks in while he sits in the hospital cafeteria, mid-sentence while talking to a team member or any other situation where he doesn’t outwardly appear to be focusing on the problem on deck.
It is always intriguing to watch.
However, we shouldn’t be surprised about why this happens. You see, our brains function in curious ways.
Your Brain Revealed
In the classic essay The Eureka Phenomenon (1971), Issac Asimov explores why these moments of inspiration occur when we least expect them. Asimov’s theory is quite simple, posing the notion that thought includes both voluntary and involuntary components. Moreover, opportunities for both types of thought must be present to become highly effective. Essentially, we can be thinking about one thing on the surface, yet ruminating on another topic below — the involuntary part of the equation.
The Eureka Phenomena sheds an interesting light on how we might become more effective in the workplace. As we all have experienced, if you are focusing too long and too intently on one topic or issue, you can be unsuccessful. Asimov would say that involuntary thought was not allowed to flourish and that contributed to the failure.
He recollects that when he was in the midst of a problem he could not solve, he shifted his focus and “shuffled” off to the movies. This action ultimately, allowed him to work through his challenge. He also tells the story of Archimedes — and how a visit to the public baths helped him to discover the concept of volume.
Of course, you may find that taking a walk or baking does the trick, but the process is of no less importance. You must give your brain the “down time” it needs to succeed.
Office Life and Involuntary Thought
There are millions of individuals who have the responsibility to process information concerning people, places and things for a living. Many attempt to accomplish this in an office environment. Of course, working in a traditional office does have merit. There are opportunities for collaboration and serendipity — yet obstacles to productivity abound. As discussed by Jason Fried in his classic Ted Talk, many aspects of office life (such as interruptions), can prove to be huge offenders, curtailing deep, meaningful thought.
During the course of a typical office work day, an individual may complete a multitude of activities and appear outwardly productive. However their brain power may not be maximized, as there are few opportunities to rest, reflect and digest information.
The Eureka Phenomena Applied
You must remember that while thought doesn’t require physical output, your brain is still hard at work. So, while you may not perceive that you are fatigued, your brain may actually be exhausted. As studies have shown, allowing the brain time to rest is critical. In this way, the brain finds the fuel it needs, so that energy can be funneled to the involuntary mechanisms that promote deeper thought. If we can learn anything from Asimov — it is that the brain cannot be bullied into becoming effective. It must be respected and nurtured.
Be mindful to offer your mind a bit of rest and identify those activities which help your brain relax and build them into your day.
Ultimately — don’t feel guilty if you feel the need to “shuffle off” to the movies.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist and workplace strategist. You can also find her on Twitter and Linkedin.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention: Some Unique Job Search Strategies
We are all on the hunt for great ideas to augment the job search process. One of the best methods to uncover some “tried and true” paths to land a job, is taking the time to read the job search stories detailed in other people’s blogs. Here are some unique ideas posed by other writers. (I have offered one of my own for good measure).
Join the Toastmasters
Job interviewing can be a challenge, and almost everyone can develop a case of the jitters. Well – practice makes perfect. Giselle General, President of her local Toastmasters club in Alberta, Canada says membership in the Toastmasters, a public speaking organization, can offer you a needed edge during employment interviews and help build your career network. As she explains in CESA, perfecting your presentation skills in front of a group has great job search value.
- It teaches you timing. Toastmasters has a system laid out to help you learn the basics of public speaking: “The impromptu speaking sessions are timed, so in your short time to speak you learn how to make your response short, sweet, relevant and with impact.” She also points out this skill helps you to stand out in the crowd. “Interviewers listen to dozens of responses all day long, therefore it’s important to make every second and every word count and not bore them to tears. If you’re memorable – you’re more likely to get the job.”
- You learn fear management. Interviewers are notorious for throwing people off their guard with tough questions. “The worst part in interviews is when you get that unexpected question and don’t know how to respond. In Toastmasters, you get this all the time so you learn your own style of managing the initial shock and coming up with a good response based on what you know.” She goes on to explain that, “Every time people are anxious or blank out, they say a lot of filler words (like um). Toastmasters helps you manage and reduce those with practice and awareness; we count them so you have a target to say less of these next time you speak.” (Find your local club here.)
Reverse the Job Posting Process
Another interesting viewpoint comes from Helen Schranz, a barrister (attorney) and part-time teacher who found herself transplanted (and unemployed) in a foreign country. In her blog helosphy, she suggests reversing the traditional job search process to find the right job.
- Advertise yourself. “Put an ad in relevant journals, papers, post online, sell yourself, ” she explains. Envision the job that you would like. “Write out what it is you are good at and your best skill sets. Think of the hours you want to work and where you want to work, what quality of life you want and how you can support this while maintaining balance. Then put it out there.”
- Keep active and improve yourself. Of course focusing on your job search is key, but don’t neglect other areas of your life. “Never sit around doing nothing while waiting for responses. Learn new skills, meet friends, volunteer, work for free if needs be…Build a business plan, prepare for that 5k run, make time for friends and family. Engage in all the other things that will be beneficial in supporting your goal.”
Follow the Grant Money
If you find yourself living near or on a college campus – stay informed concerning grants that have been awarded to various academic departments. These awards, which can be sizeable, often create job opportunities. If you happen to possess a needed background (for example you are well versed in Excel) you may land a part-time position.
- Read the local papers and visit university websites. Grants won by universities are frequently an important news item and are covered in the local media. Be sure to note any discussion concerning hiring opportunities and when the work will actually begin.
- Contact the university employment office. Let them know you are interested in working in some capacity for a grant – they will help you and direct you to the right professors or staff. Frequently there are jobs at varying levels and pay grades, so be sure to ask questions concerning the different opportunities which might exist.
- Talk to your professors. Are you taking a course that is particularly fascinating? Don’t forget that your instructors do more than teach courses. Inquire about the research or grants they are involved with – and if there is the possibility of work.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist and career coach located in East Lansing, Michigan. You can also find her on Twitter and Linkedin.
Crowdsourcing for the Rest of Us
In today’s world, how do small to medium sized businesses leverage cutting-edge tools to improve day-to-day operations? Answer: Borrow the strategies of the big hitters such as InnoCentive and Proctor & Gamble, then adapt them to meet your needs. One relevant example: crowdsourcing — and it’s really just about listening.
Crowdsourcing is all about opening the lines of communication, forging new connections and gaining a new perspective. The concept may sound intimidating — but it is simply about listening respectfully and utilizing the information to move your business forward. When implemented correctly, it can offer you information that can help business evolve effectively.
Your customers and crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing can augment your overall customer strategy. The process can not only offer a needed layer of protection when tracking a developing product or service problem, it also has the ability to collect customer ideas for future improvements. Starbucks, Cadbury and Toyota are a few of the companies gathering customer input, with links on their websites to gather ideas and feedback — a strategy that any business can implement.
Other common social media platforms provide targeted crowdsourcing opportunities. Consider posting a question on your company Facebook Page, include a poll on your blog concerning options for product updates, or post an informational video on Youtube (you’ll get plenty of comments). You can also utilize your Google+ Brand Page to hold a hang out with your customers and explore ideas relevant to your business plan. Whatever the topic you choose to explore, be sure to keep the “call to action” simple and try not to overwhelm your customers in the process.
Get Creative
Organizations of all kinds, are connecting with their customers through crowdsourcing. Sweetgreen’s novel “New Years Resolution” campaign focused on developing a link with customers. By collecting resolutions through post-it notes at their physical store and on Twitter, customer relationships were forged and strengthened. You can utilize crowdsourcing to include your customers in your developing business story, whatever the topic.
Crowdsourcing within your organization
Crowdsourcing is not only about establishing a rapport with your customers, it can also open a new communication channel with your employees. It is possible to crowdsource just about anything within your organization — including ideas to solve inefficiencies within a department or a function. Have budget constraints? Want ideas on how to save money wisely? Pitch the question to your employees, as they are the experts concerning the day-to-day operations of your organization.
Does your organization routinely utilize teams to develop new ideas and solve problems? Social engagement platforms such as Jostle, offer opportunities to implement crowdsourcing within your day-to-day operations, by facilitating new connections and communicating current topics, challenges and opportunities. Essential elements for internal crowdsourcing. The platform provides opportunities to document team formation in response to ever-changing business needs. As explained by Brad Palmer developer of Jostle, “The idea is to connect people by encouraging the discovery of those within the organization. This facilitates cultural knowledge that can positively enhance effectiveness and extended teamwork.” As such, this information allows employees even somewhat removed from the work at hand to serve as a potential contributor or problem solver.
Before you shrug off the notion that crowdsourcing is inappropriate for your business — give the idea just one more thought. Implementing the process could offer you the needed edge to catapult your organization forward.
Check out this crowdsourcing infographic.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist located in East Lansing, Michigan. Contact her practice at marlagottschalk@comcast.net.You can also find her on Twitter and Linkedin.
Marla Gottschalk 