They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel. Fire them Up is a new book by Carmine Gallo, Author, Communications Coach and journalist for Businessweek. It's about inspiring employees and motivating others.
I caught up with Carmine today and asked him about his new book.
Can you let me know how do you fire people up?
To fire up means to inspire, or to "elicit fervent enthusiasm." The goal of most any presentation, client pitch or staff meeting is to motivate your listener to take a desired action. I spent last two years interviewing dozens of well-known business leaders, entrepreneurs and educators who had this unique ability. The "7 simple secrets" are the common qualities they all share. I think having passion is by far the most important. If you're not excited about the topic, nobody else will be. However, one very important quality is the ability to invite participation. You see, leaders say they are "good listeners." But inspiring leaders actively solicit input from employees, listen to the feedback and incorporate what they hear. Your employees want to make meaning with their lives. They want to feel as though they are involved in the growth of the business. Make them feel as though their opinions count and they will walk through walls for you. Marissa Mayer, VP of search products at Google, holds office hours every day at 4:00 pm. She invites her employees to sign up for a 15-minute conversation (first come, first serve) where they are free to comment about a project or pitch a new idea. Mayer says many of the new features on the Google site have first been brought up in these office hours. Her employees feel valued because they are heard.
What this means to you and your organization?
Companies with engaged employees are found to perform better on most financial metrics, from profit to customer service to employee retention. Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz, is passionate about creating a workplace that treats people with dignity and respect. He places a premium on communication and motivation. He understands there is a direct correlation between employee satisfaction, engagement and happy customers who return to the store. He stepped aside as CEO for several years and noticed a decline in consistency and customer satisfaction. This year he returned to the role of CEO to straighten the ship.
Are you a passionate person?
Absolutely. I love the topic of leadership and communications. I get goose-bumps when one of my clients knocks a presentation out of the park. Don't tell my clients.. but I'd do it for free! That's when you know you're following your passion.
How much does passion mean for business success?
Passion is everything. Howard Schultz told me, "when you're surrounded by people who share a collective passion around a common purpose, there is no telling what you can accomplish." Every one of the inspiring leaders I interviewed for Fire Them Up (men and women who run Google, Travelocity, Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, Cold Stone, Hyundai, The Ritz-Carlton and many others) have an abundance of passion. But understand something. They don't have passion for their particular product or service, but instead they are passionate how that product or service improves the lives of their customers. That's the difference between "selling" a product and inspiring people to purchase it.
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