Thursday, December 31, 2015

6 LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE FAMILY HOLIDAYS




FASTCOMPANY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

6 LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE FAMILY HOLIDAYS

THE LEADERSHIP SKILLS YOU USE EVERY DAY CAN HELP EASE HOLIDAY FRICTION.

BY GWEN MORAN 

You’ve made it this far, but there are still a couple more days of gatherings and get-togethers before January gets here in all its promise and austerity. Between now and then, you likely have family gatherings, reunions, and cocktail parties. And while that all seems merry and bright, very often these gatherings—coupled with holiday stress, family dynamics, and perhaps a few cocktails—end up tense and awkward.

It doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re facing a few parties and events with that may be complicated or contentious, bring the same leadership A-game that you’d bring to a tough situation at the office, says leadership expert and keynote speaker Marilyn Sherman, founder of Upfront Presentations
"It’s important to recognize that this is the time of year that there’s definitely a heightened sensitivity, emotionally," she says. But the good news is that the same skills that serve you well in your career can make your holiday season go a little more smoothly.



MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

It’s not unusual to have inflated expectations for everything to be perfect and heartwarming—but that just isn’t realistic, says leadership expert and speaker Jenni Catron, author of The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership: Leading from Your Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength. It’s okay if your gathering looks more likeChristmas Vacation than a Hallmark movie. Don’t try to force people or situations to be what they’re not.



FOCUS ON THE OUTCOME

Think about what your goal is. Are you trying to get through the weekend with as little friction as possible or emerge from your family's holiday party unscathed? Put together a plan to make it happen, says leadership expert Ryan Eller who runs leadership-building camps.
If you know that Aunt Phyllis is going to start talking about politics over dinner or the party gets ugly after 10 p.m., plan specific steps or strategies for staying above the fray. It may seem simplistic to grab a seat away from the armchair pundit or to have an excuse to leave by 9:30 p.m. However, by being intentional instead of casual about such details, you can ensure you have the outcome you want, he says.



KEEP EMOTIONS IN CHECK

Think about potential pitfalls ahead of your event. Can you count on your mother-in-law to make a passive-aggressive remark? Use the same methods of keeping cool that you do when you’re dealing with a difficult co-worker, Eller says.
"You control your reactions. You control you," he says. Too often, we forget that in informal settings. If someone gets under your skin, fake a phone call or go for a quick walk to cool off.



USE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF PERSONALITY PROFILES

Most people who have reached a level of leadership has spent some time studying—or at least becoming familiar with—different personality types, Sherman says. But have you ever stopped to consider how these attributes work in family dynamics? Your annoying cousin may just have a different communication style or method of communicating. Think about these people and what motivates them to behave the way they do, she says.



PRACTICE GOOD SELF-CARE

You may be tired from travel, year-end work obligations, and holiday stress. And when you’re tired and not feeling your best, you may find yourself getting angry or irritated more quickly, Catron says. Just as you would during a stressful work time, take care of yourself by managing your stress, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep.



THINK OUTSIDE OF YOURSELF

Sherman says that finding time around the holidays for servant leadership can also be a powerful way to put things in perspective. Volunteer to work on a cause that’s important to you.
"We get so caught up in the holidays that we don’t realize what kind of position we really have in the world," she says. Get in touch with true need and you may find yourself a little less bothered by and a little more grateful for the challenging people in your life, she says.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Want your next meeting to be the most successful yet?

*|MC:SUBJECT|*
The post-event results received after Michael Hoffman speaks have an obvious and consistent pattern. From small executive meetings, to large association conferences, a range of industries and everything in-between -- the constant theme from all the feedback is that Michael KILLED it! Your audience will be energized and pumped up to be there! They will love Michael's delivery style, energy and how he delivers value. They will be grateful to have attended your meeting.

So, if you're planning on a meeting to wrap up 2015 or to kick-off the new year -- make sure you consider Michael Hoffman as part it. You, and your audience, will not be disappointed! For more information & to check Michael's availability, contact Michael's VP of Everything, Sarah Whitten: sarah@thestandardovation.com or 913.498.9775.

____________________________________________________

Here are a few comments from a recent audience survey (October 2015).
[Michael was the opening keynote speaker.]

QUESTION: 
What did you like most about the conference?

SURVEY SAYS...
- GREAT! Funny, entertaining, enlightening - favorite was the opening speaker
Would like more dynamite opening speakers again like we had this year, in fact the same one would be great!
I really enjoyed the opening speaker. He was dynamic and had a very good message to deliver about how all of us are the face of the organization. It was well-delivered. He was awesome.
LOVED Michael Hoffman!
Opening session with Mike Hoffman. We need to bring him back.
The outside speaker was such a great way to start the day. He was enjoyable and his talk made me even more motivated to take the day and make it the best it could be. 
Starting with the keynote speaker. He was a great speaker and it set the tone for the remainder of the conference.
The opening speaker was great! The perfect way to open a day of classes. Motivational & energetic.
The opening speaker was a breath of fresh air. He did a great job. Really, really liked him. 
Michael Hoffman - what a great way to start off the day!
-  The main speaker Michael Hoffman was outstanding
- Best part: opening session
- The opening speaker, Mike, was amazing! It was great others in the organization were able to experience a professional speaker, too
The opening speaker was WONDERFUL. Laughed all day thinking about what he said....
Mr. Hoffman was an amazing speaker, he was by far my favorite part.
The opening speaker was fabulous!
The opening session speaker was excellent.
The very first speaker we heard was exceptional!
GUEST SPEAKER WAS EXCELLENT. VERY INFORMATIVE!
The Opening Speaker. It was great getting to interact with people from other departments.
I enjoyed the outside speaker in the morning. Would love to hear more of Michael - every year!!
The opening session speaker was awesome!
...just to share a few!

 
SPEAKER MANAGEMENT CONTACT:
Sarah Whitten, Standard Ovation
Michael Hoffman's Manager & VP of Everything
913.498.9775 | sarah@thestandardovation.com


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MICHAEL'S SPEAKING MATERIALS:

 
MICHAEL TRAVELS FROM: 
Dallas, Texas
 

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MICHAEL IN A NUTSHELL:
Michael Hoffman helps organizations become #1 on purpose.
Michael addresses challenges your organization (or industry) may be struggling with by delivering solutions to alter your mind-set. His implementable tactics [both internally and externally] when executed, allow employees & leaders to feel more engaged at work, while making customers & clients feel they are #1. Michael's strategies focus on an organization's culture creating growth and overall success. 

Michael delivers keynotes, workshops, half-day & full-day training sessions.





MICHAEL HOFFMAN IS PROUDLY MANAGED BY STANDARD OVATION
A professional speaker management company.

www.thestandardovation.com | info@thestandardovation.com | 913.498.9772

· CONNECT WITH STANDARD OVATION ·




Thursday, October 29, 2015

ARE YOU MEASURING YOUR VALUE METRICS SUCCESSFULLY?

*|MC:SUBJECT|*
 
BEFORE YOU LAUNCH YOUR NEW & INNOVATIVE
product or service, make sure you understand what data
to use to measure its success.

 
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ARE YOU MEASURING VALUE METRICS?
By Innovation Expert, Diana Kander

The metrics you choose to measure the success of any project are very important. If you measure the wrong information, you might end up with a false positive. You might think a project is going well only to figure out later that it was a waste of time, money and effort.

But, if you measure the right metrics and approach Value Metrics like a scientist, you'll be able to weed out wasted effort much faster and more efficiently.


< READ FULL ARTICLE >


 
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Diana Kander is an innovation expert. A former attorney who founded and sold multiple successful companies, Diana draws on her unique experience to help organizations develop strategies for leading innovation initiatives and creating a more innovative culture. She is the author of the New York Times best-selling book All In Startup: Launching a New Idea When Everything Is on the Line, she also teaches startups and companies of all sizes how to launch customer-focused products and services. Diana is a Forbes, Inc, Huffington Post, and Entrepreneur contributor.

Diana Kander is a professional speaker & trainer and offers keynote presentations, interactive workshops, training sessions and business consulting. Every presentation Diana delivers is customized based on specific goals and objectives.
Diana's speaking program topics include:
  • The Innovator Skill-Set
  • Increasing The Speed and Success of Innovation In Your Company
  • Innovative Leadership: The New Mindset Required For Leaders to Survive In Today's Economy
  • Co-Creation: Understanding Your Customers Better Than They Understand Themselves to Drive Innovation

Contact Standard Ovation!
 

FOR AVAILABILITY, HOLDS & BOOKINGS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Sarah Whitten
Diana Kander's Manager
Standard Ovation
913.498.9775
sarah@thestandardovation.com


 
 
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         ABOUT DIANA'S BOOK, ALL IN STARTUP
 
“I dare you to find a business book for entrepreneurs that’s as useful as All In Startup,
and I double-dare you to find one that’s as much fun to read. Diana Kander captures
what it’s like to launch something new. The result is a book that helps set readers on
                      the path to finding startup success.”  

                           
  - Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com; author of the #1 NYT Bestseller, "Delivering Happiness"
 
 
 



DIANA KANDER IS PROUDLY MANAGED BY STANDARD OVATION.
A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER MANAGEMENT COMPANY.


www.thestandardovation.com | info@thestandardovation.com | 913.498.9772

 

· CONNECT WITH STANDARD OVATION ·



Wednesday, October 28, 2015

To Build The Organization Your Team Deserves, Diversify

by Don Yaeger
October 28th, 2015

The Kansas City Royals celebrate defeating the New York Mets 5-4 in Game One of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 27, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

As the Kansas City Royals face off against the New York Mets in the World Series—with both teams featuring an international roster of talent—I am reminded of how diversity can be a powerful tool in building a great team. For Frances Hesselbein, diversity not only allowed her to move from volunteer to CEO of one of the biggest organizations in the world, but helped her literally build the future.  I had a unique opportunity to interview Hesselbein, whose time as leader of Girl Scouts of America single-handedly strengthened the fabric of our nation’s female leadership.

Hesselbein’s journey to CEO began in her hometown of Johnston, Pennsylvania—a place rich with racial and ethnic opportunity—where many of her neighbors had traveled from all over the world to work the regional coal mines.

“At a young age, I learned from my grandmother that I should respect all people,” Hesselbein said. “Her lessons were defining moments in my life and determined the type of leader that I would become.”

Hesselbein joined the Girl Scouts as a part-time troop leader. During her service, she noticed that the promotional materials were not only outdated, but also lacked racial diversity.
“There was an enormous opportunity to move forward with our organization,” Hesselbein said. “But it would only happen if we realized not all girls look alike…despite what the brochures showed.”

Hesselbein became a rising star within the Girl Scouts and in 1976, she was invited by an internal hiring committee to interview for national CEO. The invitation left her stunned. “I thought I’d never leave Pennsylvania,” Hesselbein admitted. “And I never imagined that I’d one day have the chance to lead the largest organization for girls and women around the world.”

On the way to the CEO’s office, Hasselbein developed deep relationships with some of America’s brightest business minds, each of whom donated their time because they believed in her vision for Girl Scouts. The most active of these was management guru Peter Drucker, who made visiting the Girl Scout offices a regular part of his time in New York. “If you look at the bookshelves of every chapter, they’re loaded with Drucker books,” she said. “He taught us to be better leaders so we could train young women to lead better.”

As her time in the corner office grew, Hesselbein had not forgotten the organization’s diversity problem. During her interview, she presented her vision for the future. “I was very honest with them and I described a massive change like a quiet revolution,” she said.
Frances Hesselbein
Frances Hesselbein, president and CEO of the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute. (Photo credit Michele Mattei.)

Hesselbein suggested updating the 12-year-old handbooks to include actual opportunities for young girls—such as promoting math, science and technology fields—and also appealing to minorities. Additionally, she called for a complete overhaul in the training of Girl Scout executives with new management resources and modernizing communications and outreach.


“The entire country was in a period of great, positive change, and the committee bought into my ideas of transforming the organization,” Hesselbein said, who was hired on the spot.

When Hesselbein became CEO in 1976, she was inheriting a crisis; the Girl Scouts was failing in profitability and was in dire need of a corporate makeover. At the same time, U.S. women were redefining their place in corporate America. Hesselbein and the committee saw an opportunity to recruit and speak to that new generation of young, diverse, female leadership by making a commitment to be a part of “that very bright future.”

“The Girl Scouts quickly tripled racially and ethnically by making our message reach all girls,” Hesselbein said. “We asked ourselves, ‘When women and girls look at us, our board, staff, materials and handbooks, can they find themselves?’ So we made a passionate commitment to make that a reality and our people were ready for it.”

Hesselbein said that the “quality and character” of a leader is what determines the performance and the results.

“A single person doesn’t change an organization, but culture and good people do,” she said.  “If you are building a corporate culture of greatness, you have to define culture on your own terms and with the people you work with. For us, our mission was to manage for innovation and diversity. If we are successful at that, then we are part of the future.”

Hesselbein’s visionary leadership led to the largest growth in the history of the Girl Scouts, with a membership of 2.25 million girls and a workforce of 780,000 volunteers. In a world of instant gratification, we could all learn from Hesselbein’s keen observation of society and business.

When thinking of leadership, do you follow Hesselbein’s approach or does your vision need to be adjusted? Leave me a comment on how your leadership can “be a part of the future.”

Monday, September 14, 2015

Tonight! Set your DVR or watch Michael Hoffman's dance battle on ABC!!

People Expert and Professional Speaker, Michael Hoffman, CSP
Premiers Monday, September 14th at 9:00pm Central on ABC | #TeamHoffman 


Michael Hoffman dances his way from the Corporate America stage, right onto Network TV!


Join us tonight to cheer on Michael Hoffman and his family
as he competes on ABC's DanceBattle America,
tonight (Monday, September 14th) at 9:00pm CST

Michael Hoffman and family compete on #DanceBattleAmerica, airing tonight after the debut of Dancing With the Stars.

Michael Hoffman quotes, "DanceBattle America is basically Dancing With the Stars for the average American Joe.”
Teams are tutored in advance by famous choreographers to prepare, and then compete against one another
in a real dance competition. The Hoffmans were coached by DWTS’ Tony Testa.

HASHTAGS FOR THE ONE-HOUR SHOW:
#DanceBattleAmerica
#DBAHoff
#TeamHoffman
______________________

THE STORY OF HOW THE HOFFMANS WERE SELECTED TO COMPETE:
In February 2015, a large ice storm hit most of Texas putting the entire Dallas metro on pause. While stuck
at home, Michael Hoffman, daughter Ali, and wife Michele, created a video in their kitchen dancing to
Up Town Funk, posting it on social media, and then encouraging others to participate in their #IceDayChallenge.
The video went completely viral, now with over 12 million views. Americans were cheered by the family’s
positive vibes. If the new American dream is to create a viral video and have it become so popular
you land a show on Network TV, then the Hoffman family has done it. Watch below to see
the #IceDayChallenge, and tune in tonight to cheer on #TeamHoffman!



#DanceBattleAmerica
Executive Producers: Julianne Hough and Maria Menounos
Hosted by: Alfonso Ribeiro and Jordin Sparks

____________________________________


MICHAEL HOFFMAN IS PROUDLY MANAGED BY STANDARD OVATION.
A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER MANAGEMENT COMPANY.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Will your company survive in 5 years?

Diana Kander, Innovation Expert, New York Times Bestseller, Thought Leader and Innovative Consultant
 
WILL YOUR COMPANY SURVIVE IN 5 YEARS?

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Whether it stems from economic turmoil, unforgiving customers, or tougher competition - futurists predict your company is at severe risk to fail.

One of the most essential tools to succeed is to implement an innovative culture. Your leaders will need to be responsible for making sure every employee is aware that innovation is a job requirement, such as keyboarding skills are in today's marketplace. This should not be a separate department, but intertwined with every job role, large or small.

Yes, there will be some people who refuse to make the adjustment, but those individuals will fall behind in the fast changing, constantly evolving economy. 




HOW DO YOU CREATE AN INNOVATIVE CULTURE?
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Creating an innovative culture starts with making sure your leadership team understands the requiredskill-sets to manage this process with every employee. The best way to train your leaders is to hire an experienced professional.

Diana Kander is an innovation expert. A former attorney who founded and sold multiple successful companies, Diana draws on her unique experience to help organizations develop strategies for leading innovation initiatives and creating a more innovative culture. She is the author of the New York Times best-selling book All In Startup: Launching a New Idea When Everything Is on the Line, she also teaches startups and companies of all sizes how to launch customer-focused products and services. Diana is aForbes, Inc, Huffington Post, andEntrepreneur contributor.

Diana offers keynote programs, workshops, training and consulting. to name a few:
[Every presentation Diana delivers is customized with your specific goals and objectives]
  - The Innovator skill-set
  - Increasing the speed and success of innovation in your company
  - Innovative Leadership: the new mindset required for leaders to survive in today's economy
  -  Co-Creation: Understanding your customers better than they understand themselves to drive innovation

Contact Standard Ovation!
FOR MORE INFO, AVAILABILITY OR BOOKINGS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Sarah Whitten, Standard Ovation
Diana Kander's Manager & VP of Everything

sarah@thestandardovation.com
913.498.9775



 
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ABOUT DIANA'S BOOK, ALL IN STARTUP 
“I dare you to find a business book for entrepreneurs that’s as useful as All In Startup, and I double-dare you to find one that’s as much fun to read. Diana Kander captures what it’s like to launch something new. The result is a book that helps set readers on the path to finding startup success.”  

- Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com; author of the
#1 New York Times Bestseller Delivering Happiness





DIANA KANDER IS PROUDLY MANAGED BY STANDARD OVATION.
A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER MANAGEMENT COMPANY.


www.thestandardovation.com | info@thestandardovation.com | 913.498.9772


· CONNECT WITH STANDARD OVATION ·


Thursday, June 18, 2015

5 Steps To Being More Positive

*|MC:SUBJECT|*
Let’s face it, negativity constantly surrounds us. From news stories, to social media posts, and even from uncomfortable conversations. At times, it feels hard to stay optimistic. Negative energy and can not only be depressing, it can be influencing; and worse, contagious. How do you combat it? How can you live our best with front-row seats and avoid sitting in the balcony of negativity?

 
5 STEPS TO BEING FRONT-ROW POSITIVE
(IN A BALCONY NEGATIVE WORLD)
 
1. Recognize that being positive or negative is your choice. Choose to focus on what’s good about the situation, choose to learn from mistakes, choose to find the humor in your circumstances. Turn off the news. Turn the conversation around from complaining to focusing on solutions. Gossip? Well, you know what to do. And, what not to do. 
 
2. Shift your perspective. If you look at a situation and you feel helpless or hopeless or sad or discouraged, stop and try looking through a different lens. A middle seat on a plane could be cause for a little annoyance. But, if you got the last seat on a flight that gets you home to your family four hours earlier, it’s cause for celebration. I remind myself that the problems I have would be prayers answered for someone less fortunate. Slow internet? Some people would pray for access to internet even at half the speed I have now. 
 
3. Start documenting. Keep track of your progress, of your wins, of your blessings, of your joy. Try it as a habit to write down positive things around you. Date your entries, and make a goal to add to your list at least 3 things every day. After awhile, you automatically start to see things in a more positive light. You’ll actually start to see things and think “Oh that would be great to add to my list!” The nice thing about this list, is soon you will have so much evidence of positive around you that even if something negative happens, you won’t react so much by horriblizing it. I know, horrbilizing is not an actual word…but it should be. It’s a verb that describes how some people get bad news, and then heap it on to other problems and talk about the whole heap make each individual thing even more horrible sounding! 
 
4. Write a letter. Not just any letter, but a letter of gratitude, thanks, appreciation, acknowledgment or ‘just because’ to a person you think is special. The art of personalized handwritten notes is a dying one. But, it doesn’t have to be. Take the time to write an appreciate someone in your world. It feels so good to do this and they will not expect it. Not only did you brighten up their day, it works both ways. Knowing you’ve made someone’s will also make you feel better about your own self. 
 
5. Volunteer. No matter what your circumstances are and where you live; there are people close to your neighborhood who are suffering. Take time to offer assistance. You can donate money, but sometimes your time can be more valuable. It’s easier than you think and the rewards are immense. My husband and I serve the homeless at Catholic Charities every Saturday we aren't traveling. No matter what may be negative in my personal world - for one hour, I feel so good smiling, welcoming and serving people who are in need. They are very appreciative of my help and it re-energizes my spirit for the week. 

 
Turn these five steps into habits and you'll soon be living life in the front-row!
And trust me, VIP, front-row seats have a significantly better view when you have a positive world around you. Creating a positive world can start with you!

 

Want to Learn more about Marilyn Sherman? For more information on Marilyn's programs, availability & speaking fees, please contact:
 
PLEASE SEND ALL INQUIRIES TO:
Sarah Whitten, Marilyn Sherman's VP of Everything
913.498.9775 |
sarah@thestandardovation.com


MARILYN SHERMAN'S SPEAKING MATERIALS:

Marilyn's Full list of Programs
Marilyn's Demo Video - see Marilyn in action
Marilyn's Client Testimonials
Marilyn's Biography

__________________________

MARILYN SHERMAN RESIDES IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.
 

 ​MARILYN SHERMAN, CSP IS PROUDLY MANAGED BY STANDARD OVATION
A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER MANAGEMENT COMPANY

www.thestandardovation.com | info@thestandardovation.com | 913.498.9772
 
· CONNECT WITH STANDARD OVATION ·