In this episode of the expert insight interview series, John Golden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Lisa Marie Blumenfeld, a seasoned HR professional with over 20 years of experience. Lisa is the founder of Retain, an HR consulting firm that collaborates with both fast-moving startups and established Fortune 500 companies. The discussion centers around the critical roles that curiosity and communication play in fostering successful teams within organizations.
The Essence of Curiosity
John opens the conversation by expressing his belief that curiosity is fundamental to success in various roles within an organization and in life. However, he notes that in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled environment, people often mistake superficial engagement for genuine curiosity. Lisa agrees, highlighting that while many individuals intend to be curious, they often become overwhelmed by their daily tasks, checklists, and objectives, which can stifle authentic inquiry and connection with team members. This lack of curiosity can lead to high turnover rates, as employees may feel disconnected and undervalued.
Creating a Culture of Curiosity
John asks Lisa how leaders can cultivate an environment that encourages curiosity and open communication. Lisa emphasizes the importance of leaders making themselves accessible. She suggests that leaders should maintain open calendars, allowing team members to approach them with questions and concerns. However, she acknowledges that team members may hesitate to take advantage of this openness, often questioning whether their thoughts are significant enough to warrant a conversation with a leader.
To address this, Lisa introduces an initiative called “11,” an app designed to help employees capture important moments and thoughts in real time. This app allows team members to share their insights with their managers when they feel ready, fostering authentic conversations that may not occur in traditional settings.
The Challenge of Communication Styles
John and Lisa discuss the varying communication styles within teams, noting that not everyone is comfortable speaking up in group settings. Lisa points out that some individuals may have valuable insights but may not feel empowered to share them unless prompted. This highlights the need for leaders to be proactive in encouraging contributions from all team members, rather than allowing only the loudest voices to dominate discussions.
Understanding Communication Preferences
Lisa stresses the importance of understanding each team member’s preferred communication style. By recognizing how individuals communicate best, leaders can create an inclusive environment that allows everyone to contribute meaningfully. This approach is particularly relevant in today’s diverse workplaces, where multiple generations and communication preferences coexist.
Navigating Feedback and Authenticity
The conversation shifts to the challenges leaders face when providing constructive feedback. John notes that the emphasis on authenticity and vulnerability can sometimes paralyze leaders, making them hesitant to engage in difficult conversations. Lisa agrees, explaining that some leaders may fear being perceived negatively when delivering feedback, which can hinder their ability to guide their teams effectively.
Delivering Thoughtful Feedback
Lisa emphasizes that feedback is essential for growth, but it must be delivered thoughtfully. Leaders should strive to create a safe space for feedback, where team members feel comfortable discussing their ideas and receiving constructive criticism. This requires a balance between encouraging open dialogue and maintaining accountability.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
John and Lisa delve into the significance of self-awareness in career progression. Lisa argues that a lack of self-awareness can be a significant barrier to personal and professional growth. She recalls her own experience attending a psychological evaluation program that helped her identify her strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, she notes that many individuals do not have access to such resources, which can hinder their development.
Facilitating Self-Awareness
Lisa believes that leaders play a crucial role in helping employees become more self-aware. By facilitating open conversations about strengths and areas for improvement, leaders can guide their team members toward fulfilling career paths that align with their skills and aspirations.
Diverse Career Paths
The discussion highlights the traditional career trajectory that often prioritizes management roles as the only path to advancement. John points out that not everyone is suited for or interested in management positions, yet many organizations still promote this singular path. Lisa agrees, noting that companies are beginning to recognize the importance of offering alternative career tracks that allow employees to grow without necessarily moving into management.
Creating Parallel Career Paths
By creating parallel career paths—one for management and another for individual contributors—organizations can better align employees’ career aspirations with their strengths. This approach not only enhances employee satisfaction but also contributes to retention, as individuals feel valued for their unique contributions.
The Role of Communication in Retention
John and Lisa discuss the importance of communication in retaining talent. Lisa emphasizes that organizations focused on retention must prioritize open and honest communication. This includes understanding employees’ career goals and providing opportunities for growth that align with those aspirations. When employees feel heard and understood, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their organization.
Managing Up and Down
The conversation touches on the challenges of managing both down and up within an organization. John notes that while many leaders focus on managing their teams, learning to manage upward is equally important. Lisa agrees, highlighting that effective communication with superiors can help employees advocate for their needs and career aspirations.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The discussion also reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace communication. Lisa notes that the shift to remote work brought many underlying communication issues to the forefront. As organizations navigated the transition back to in-person work, it became clear that many conversations had not occurred, leading to misaligned expectations.
Conclusion
In closing, John and Lisa reiterate the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and open communication within organizations. By prioritizing these values, leaders can create an environment where employees feel seen, heard, and understood. Lisa encourages organizations to invest in training for both leaders and employees to enhance their communication skills and self-awareness.
As the episode wraps up, John thanks Lisa for her insights and encourages listeners to explore her work with Retain and the innovative communication app, “11.” The conversation serves as a reminder that effective communication and genuine curiosity are essential components of successful teams and thriving organizations.
Our Host
John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.
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