Month: September 2023

3 Rules for Being Yourself at Work

3 Rules for Being Yourself at Work

You stumble into success when you practice being yourself. It happened to me when I stopped trying to impress people.

Impact increases when you speak from the heart, when you’re being yourself.

Don’t worry so much about saying the right thing. Say what’s in your heart. Just don’t say something stupid.

You stumble into success when you practice being yourself. Image of a person holding a quote in his hands.

Things I say today:

I say things to my coaching clients I didn’t say 10 years ago but should have.

  1. I only work with people I admire.
  2. I was thinking about our conversation in the shower.
  3. I’ve been looking forward to learning from you.
  4. You’re doing a great job.
  5. They’re lucky to have you.
  6. Brag to me. It’s just us. Tell me about the good things you’re doing.
  7. It’s a privilege to work with you.
  8. That’s brilliant.
  9. I think you can do better.
  10. One of the things I learned in our conversation to day is ….

3 Rules for being yourself at work:

Rule #1: Lower your guard.

When you lower your guard people feel comfortable being themselves. Personal relationship contributes to the growth process.

You give permission for people to be real when you stop faking.

Growth happens on the fringes of great relationships. But when you put on a mask everyone reaches for theirs too.

Rule #2: Express high regard.

Find reasons to like imperfect humans. Begin with yourself.

Who welcomes your influence in their life? People you hold in high regard or people that tick you off. People resist you when they feel you disrespect them.

Rule #3: Make a few evaluative statements.

Some of the things I say to clients might make ‘professional’ coaches bristle because they’re evaluative. I have no defense.

Final thoughts:

Express your heart when it’s appropriate. Don’t unburden yourself. Express your noble feelings.

People experience personal growth when they experience your genuine self.

What concerns you about being yourself?

How are you practicing being yourself at work?

4 Practices to Make Coaching Easy and Effective – Leadership Freak

4 Ways to Develop Talent by Coaching Through Success – Leadership Freak

John David Mann and I collaborated on a book that helps leaders get real with themselves – The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership.

If you’re reading The Vagrant as a team or a group, send an email to thevagrantbook@gmail.com and let me know. I’d love to setup a short video call with you to meet you, answer questions, and help you get the most out of your experience.

Order The Vagrant:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

IndieBound/Bookshop.org

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The Fruit That Boosts Risk-Taking – May Help Depressed And Anxious

People with depression and anxiety who need to boost their risk-taking behaviours could benefit, the researchers think.

Sucking on a lemon could help you take more risks in life, psychological research finds.

Sour tastes, like those in oranges, lemons and many other foods, boost people’s risk-taking behaviours.

The effects could last at least 20 minutes after consuming the sour food, probably longer.

People with depression and anxiety who need to boost their risk-taking behaviours could benefit, the researchers think.

For someone who is anxious, leaving the house can require considerable courage.

Dr Chi Thanh Vi, the study’s first author, explained:

“Risk-taking can mean different things for different people; for some that is jumping out of a plane at 30,000 feet but for others it can be simply leaving the house.

But while it may have negative connotations for some, risk taking is actually one of the primary behaviours that leads to a happier life.”

On the other hand, those who need to avoid taking risks — like airline pilots — might benefit from less sour food in their diet.

Dr Marianna Obrist, study co-author, said:

“Our research indicates that sour does not provoke people to indulge in reckless risky habits, but does have unique attributes to modulate risk-taking and may encourage risk-averse people to take new opportunities.

This is supported by previous work which indicated that people suffering psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders could benefit from the use of lemon oils which also had stress-reducing qualities.”

Bursting the balloon

For the study, 168 people were given drinks flavoured with each of the five main taste groups: sour, sweet, bitter, salty and umami.

They were then given a test of risk-taking that involved pumping up a balloon.

The more they pumped it up, the more money won, but also the higher the chance it would pop and they would lose everything.

People who drank a sour solution did the most pumping, followed by salty, bitter, umami and sweet.

Dr Vi said:

“We don’t know exactly what happens within the brain that controls this type of behaviour and it is something we would now like to pursue further.

We know what happens in the brain when people have a certain taste and we know what happens when someone decides a certain course of action but what is missing is tracking the neural pathway to show how taste can affect that decision-making process.

It could be that by taking that first bite of something sour we are already exhibiting some risk-taking behaviour to eat fruit which might not be quite right.”

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports (Vi et al., 2018).

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How to Hide a Page Title in WordPress

By default, page titles are displayed in WordPress. There’s no built-in switch that lets you simply conceal the title.

If you want to hide page titles in WordPress, you have two options:

  • Add custom CSS to your WordPress site (simple copy and paste)
  • Install a plugin (easy point and click)

Either way you choose, it’s not hard to hide a title in WordPress, even for a beginner. You don’t really have to understand HTML, CSS, or the backend mechanics, though you will learn a little along the way.

We’ll walk through both ways to hide page titles in WordPress, and take a closer look at the benefits and tradeoffs of doing it.

Why We Never Hide Page Titles in WordPress

Readers on our blog expect page titles.

We don’t want to confuse them.

99 percent of our blog traffic (or more) comes directly from organic search. People are looking for information on a topic, they see our blog post title in the search results, they click through.

When they land on our blog post, the title assures them that they are in the right place and our site has the information they want.

If there’s no title when they get to our page, there’s bound to be at least a little confusion.

Like when someone opens a few different search results at once, then goes back through the tabs to find the one with the best information. When our title-less page shows up, it’s going to be that much harder for the person to remember why they clicked on our site in the first place.

For our blog and many other websites, page titles are really important. We want titles prominently displayed on our site and in search results.

Page titles are like headlines for us–they help…

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Winning Back Abandoned Carts: Effective Techniques for Cart Recovery

A solitary abandoned cart might seem inconsequential in the bustling digital bazaar that is the eCommerce of today. Yet, when looked at collectively, these unclaimed carts represent a staggering amount of potential revenue slipping away. 

What causes a customer, eager to purchase, to suddenly change course? The list of reasons might be endless, but the most common are:

  • High shipping costs or long delivery times: rapid and affordable deliveries are the expectation, not the luxury.
  • Complex checkout process: a labyrinthine checkout can deter even the most enthusiastic buyer.
  • Security concerns: with the world rife with cyber threats, customers need to be assured of their data’s safety.
  • Limited payment options: a restricted choice can mean a lost sale, as customers have varied payment preferences.
  • Website errors or slow load times: a seamless online experience is paramount; glitches can quickly divert potential sales elsewhere.

The real question, though, is how can businesses address these issues and win back these customers?

The path to resolution is multifaceted, yet incredibly rewarding for those willing to invest the effort. As we dive in, we will explore proven techniques and considerations that not only tackle the root causes of cart abandonment but also provide strategies to reclaim potential revenue. 

Proven Techniques for Cart Recovery

The task of addressing cart abandonment is akin to a surgeon wielding a scalpel: precise, calculated, and aiming for effective results. While recognizing the root of the problem is paramount, the real magic unfolds when businesses deploy actionable solutions. 

These tried-and-true techniques are not merely strategies but powerful tools that can significantly transform the landscape of eCommerce. They don’t only help retrieve lost opportunities but also fortify their brand’s digital presence. 

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These proactive solutions are some tried-and-true techniques:

Personalized Email Campaigns

In the vast sea of the digital realm, personalized emails act as lighthouses, guiding customers back to their intended purchases. Generic emails easily drown in the cacophony, but those tailored to an individual’s preferences stand out, signaling care and attention. Here’s a short how-to:

  • Craft tailored content — beyond just mentioning the product left behind, consider integrating aspects of their browsing behavior. Perhaps they looked at a specific category multiple times? Highlighting products from this category can remind them of their initial interest. If they’ve been a repeat visitor or customer, reference their loyalty, maybe even offering them an exclusive deal as a token of appreciation.
  • Behavior-triggered reminders — timing is crucial. Sending an email too soon can feel pushy, while waiting too long might mean they’ve lost interest or found an alternative. Optimal timing, often within a few hours to a…

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How to Lead Successfully in a Global Environment

How to Lead Successfully in a Global Environment

New Book Giveaway!

20 copies available!!

Leave a comment on this guest post by Nataly Kelly to become eligible for one of 20 complimentary copies of her new book, Take Your Company Global: The New Rules of International Expansion.

Deadline for eligibility is 09/29/23. International winners will receive electronic version.

During global expansion show conviction that change is good.

Today, more companies are global than ever before. You no longer have to be big to be global. But going global is happening at an earlier phase in the life of a business. 

Here are some tips to help you succeed as a global company leader.

#1 Embrace Change

Taking a company global requires being comfortable with change. Adaptation is essential when you’re moving into new markets. Be a champion of change for your teams.

Show conviction that change is good. 

#2 Master Async Comms

It’s impossible to over-communicate when teams are far away from each other.

To build strong global teams, strengthen your organization’s muscles for communicating asynchronously. Use tools such as Slack, Loom, WhatsApp, Zoom, and others that enable people to communicate across time zones.

#3 Empower Local Employees

Give your employees in local markets as much autonomy as possible. Let them lead. Stay out of their way. Empower them.

Avoid doing a “copy and paste” of a playbook from one market to another. 

#4 Amplify Customer Voices

Don’t let local customer voices get drowned out. Make sure the perspectives of your largest market are not so loud that they overpower those of other customers.

Usually, your fastest-growing markets are smaller and need support to ensure they can be heard.

#5 Build Relationships

Local networks and connections are everything when you’re expanding into new markets.

Lean into partnerships. Spend time building relationships. Focus on establishing real and genuine bonds with people.

As you prepare to take your business global, listen to the needs of customers and employees in local markets, build strong relationships with them, raise their voices, and embrace the inevitable change that comes with transforming your company into a global one.

What’s important when companies expand?

Nataly Kelly is the Chief Growth Officer at Rebrandly, a global software firm with customers in more than 100 countries, and the author of Take Your Company Global: The New Rules of International Expansion. Connect with her at borntobeglobal.com.

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This Personality Trait Raises Dementia Risk 48%

The scientists followed over one thousand twins in Sweden over 28 years.

People who have experienced high levels of anxiety in their lives have a 48 percent higher risk of developing dementia.

Dr Andrew Petkus, who led the study, said:

“Anxiety, especially in older adults, has been relatively understudied compared to depression.

Depression seems more evident in adulthood, but it’s usually episodic.

Anxiety, though, tends to be a chronic lifelong problem, and that’s why people tend to write off anxiety as part of someone’s personality.”

The scientists followed over one thousand twins in Sweden over 28 years.

Each pair were tested every three years and screened for dementia symptoms.

Amongst identical twins, it was the more anxious of the pair that was at a higher risk of developing dementia.

This is the first study to find a link between anxiety and a higher risk of developing dementia.

Professor Margaret Gatz, a co-author of the study, described those in the high-anxiety group:

“They are people who you would say operate at a ‘high level of anxiety’.

They are frantic, frazzled people.

Those in the high anxiety group were about 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia.”

The link between anxiety and dementia could be a result of cortisol — the so-called ‘stress hormone’ — damaging the brain.

There may also be genetic factors that help explain the link.

The study was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia (Petkus et al., 2016).

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The Hero Image is Everywhere

Hero images act as visual introductions to brands or businesses and are equally common on website homepages and in email campaigns. They are meant to be the first thing that website visitors and email subscribers see when they land on a page or open an email.

As such, the primary role of a hero image is to attract attention while the remaining elements briefly state a company’s purpose and present products or services. They also compel users to keep browsing your content.

Moosend homepage screenshot. Moosend homepage screenshot.

Take Moosend, for instance. Its hero image introduces the platform by showcasing the software’s key features. The image is accompanied by a headline, and supporting copy gets into more details. Clearly, the goal is to communicate the platform’s benefits quickly and persuade visitors to click on the CTA button beneath.

Most websites follow a similar format to Moosend, making this design element quite overused. However, its popularity attests to its effectiveness, since visitors know what to expect and where to look.

That said, there are many reasons why hero images are so effective, but it’s important to implement them properly.

Hero Images Let You Control the First Impression

Since users only take up to 50 milliseconds to form a first impression regarding your website, hero images are a decisive factor in a visitor’s perception of your brand.

In other words, hero images can make or break the success of your site. Their visuals need to be attention-grabbing, attractive, and they should do a good job of letting your visitors know what your website is about.

And, since you want to give off an original feel with an unoriginal design layout, it’s important…

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Choose to Hug New Ideas Before Killing Them

Choose to Hug New Ideas Before Killing Them

The following readers won copies of The Vagrant because they left a comment on last Friday’s post:

  1. Leon Crone
  2. Nancy Tuxford
  3. Jenny Lynn-Garner
  4. Janeil Owen
  5. Mark Klimpel

Check out the special offer at the end of this post.

Killing new ideas:

When you don’t have a good idea, it feels powerful to shoot down new ideas.

It’s comforting to shoot down new ideas when you’ve invested so much to create the status quo.

It’s comforting to shoot down new ideas when you’ve invested so much to create the status quo. Image of a car buried in the road.

Choose to hug new ideas:

Learn to go-with before you push against.

People learn to keep their mouths shut when new ideas face a firing squad.

Exploring an idea is different from agreeing with it. “Tell me more,” is better than, “That won’t work,” when new ideas are infants.

Get over feeling smart when you shoot something down. It takes a genius to go-with for a few minutes.

Questions that enable you to hug new ideas:

  1. That’s interesting. What are you striving to accomplish?
  2. I wonder. What would be true if we went in that direction?
  3. I’m just curious. What caused this idea to come up?
  4. What’s important about this to you?

Dangers of agreeableness:

Have a backbone. Too agreeable is dangerous.

  1. Your ideas get lost.
  2. Avoiding conflict is eventually destructive.
  3. Express a viewpoint. You’re worthless if you always agree.

7 ways to disagree in an agreeable manner:

  1. Go-with before you push against as a matter of practice.
  2. Be sure you understand before you demonstrate how smart you are by disagreeing.
  3. Ask open questions with curiosity. Don’t use questions like bullets.
  4. Develop a reputation for pulling-with when good ideas come up.
  5. Soften your tone. The harder you push back the gentler you should become.
  6. Don’t pout when your idea loses. Row like it was your idea in the first place.
  7. Ask two questions before making one statement.

Reflection:

Who will pull with you? The person you consistently shoot down or the person who feels like you are part of their team?

How can leaders hug new ideas before killing them?

4 Questions that Define a Useful Idea – Leadership Freak

7 Ways to Immediately Open Your Mind to Useful Ideas – Leadership Freak

John David Mann and I collaborated on a book about humility. Everything good in leadership begins there. If you’re reading The Vagrant as a team or a group, send an email to thevagrantbook@gmail.com and let me know. I’d love to setup a short video call with you to meet you, answer questions, and help you get the most out of your experience.

Order The Vagrant:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

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Understanding Depression: 7 Intriguing Psychology Studies

Understanding Depression: 7 Intriguing Psychology Studies post imageUnderstanding Depression: 7 Intriguing Psychology Studies post image

From targeting the brain’s gamma waves to using magnetic pulses to realign the flow of abnormal brain signals, depression research continues to intrigue.

Depression treatments have come a long way since Sigmund Freud pioneered the analysis of dreams.

Neuroscientists now target the brain’s gamma waves or use magnetic pulses to realign the flow of abnormal brain signals.

Other treatments are more familiar, focusing on tweaks of tried-and-tested formulas, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy.

But one thing is for sure, the scientific research on depression continues apace.

So, below are 7 psychology studies from the members-only section of PsyBlog that give a flavour of the latest scientific research on depression.

(If you are not already, find out how to become a PsyBlog member here.)

  1. How To Escape From Negative Thought Spirals
  2. This Positive Therapy For Depression May Beat CBT
  3. Blend Of 14 Probiotics Alleviates Persistent Depression
  4. An Unusual Sensory Sign Of Depression
  5. This Contraceptive Pill Doubles Depression Risk
  6. How Magnetic Pulses Alleviate Severe Depression In 5 Days
  7. Depression Reversed By Restoring Brain’s Natural Gamma Rhythms

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Top 18 Best HR Software Solutions

Our top recommendation for most businesses is Rippling because of its impressive level of customization. Get a free quote to see how Rippling can help your business.

To help you find the best HR software, we started with 34 of the most popular tools and cut the list to the top 18. How? We evaluated each platform across several key features, including core HR functions, recruitment, attendance, performance, payroll, compliance, and benefits.

We did the hard work of figuring out what separates each brand to provide helpful and honest recommendations. In other words, you’ll be well taken care of by choosing any platform on our list.

The Best HR Software: Our Curated Top Picks

These companies made the cut: Rippling, Deel, TriNet, Gusto, Monday.com, Zenefits, BambooHR, Paycor, Namely, SentricHR, Run Powered by ADP, Paycom, Fingercheck, Paylocity, Workday, Patriot, UKG Dimension, and Zoho People

While all of the above are excellent tools for various situations, our favorite HR software options are:

  • Rippling – Best solution for combining IT, finance, and HR management
  • Deel – Best for global companies with FTEs and contractors
  • TriNet – Best if you don’t have an HR department
  • Gusto – Best for streamlined benefits and payroll administration
  • Monday.com – Best for simple management of HR tasks and processes
  • Zenefits – Best for core HR plus affordable employee scheduling

Below, you’ll find full reviews of each of the 18 best HR platforms—with recommendations on who should use each one—and a comprehensive look at the methodology we used to determine our top picks.

Company logos for Best HR Software. Company logos for Best HR Software.

The Best HR Management Software…

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