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Tag: Thought Leadership

  • Americans’ Verdict: Many Would Prefer AI Judges to Humans, The Harris Poll Finds

    Americans’ Verdict: Many Would Prefer AI Judges to Humans, The Harris Poll Finds

    New data shows large majorities of Americans believe courts are highly biased, and nearly half would trust artificial intelligence to provide a more fair outcome.


    NEW YORK, May 3, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Justice is blind, as the saying goes, but nearly half of all Americans don’t believe that: If they were in court, they would prefer an artificial intelligence judge to a human judge. According to new research from The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice, eight in 10 Americans believe the court system is biased and provides unequal justice, and more than four in 10 believe an AI judge would be more likely to provide a fair sentence.

    The study’s findings are outlined in Harris Poll TL’s newsletter “The Next Big Think” and are based on a survey of 2,002 Americans conducted from March 31 to April 4, 2023, across representative samples of ethnic and generational demographics.  

    The study’s central finding is justice isn’t equal today, which has Americans looking for new alternatives. A strong majority of Americans – 79% of respondents – agree “Judicial courts don’t provide ‘equal justice to all’ even though they seek to be impartial in practice.” Six out of 10 respondents (58%) overall said they knew someone who had been treated unfairly in court – and reports of mistreatment escalate with Black (79%) and Hispanic (68%) respondents.

    Poll respondents also were asked about what groups were affected by courts’ biases. They said courts were biased in favor of 

    • The ultra-wealthy (55% of respondents)
    • Celebrities (54%)
    • Political leaders (48%)
    • Corporations (44%)
    • White people (37%)

    They said courts were biased against

    • People with prior offenses (49%) 
    • Undocumented immigrants (45%) 
    • Lower-income people (38%) 
    • Black people (35%) 
    • LGBTQIA people (35%) 

    Facing the inequality of the courts, Americans are curious about new avenues for change. In fact, four in 10 respondents (43%) say “I would prefer an AI judge rather than a human one in a potential court hearing.” And a majority of respondents who have been mistreated by the justice system (particularly Black and Hispanic people) would take a bet on an AI judge.  

    Even the experts at The Harris Poll did not expect those findings.  

    “We were surprised to learn over half of Americans think AI judges would be more equitable in sentencing, but when you take into consideration the doubts around the impartiality of our judicial system, it starts to add up,” said Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll.

    A majority of all respondents agreed that AI could provide a variety of benefits, including: preventing long waits for court hearings (62%); countering human error and bias (60%); and providing more equitable sentences (59%).   

    However, Rodney cautioned that the perceived impartiality of AI is somewhat of an illusion: “It’s crucial to note AI is not necessarily neutral, as it reflects the values and biases of its creators. It’s essentially ‘people programming’ that codifies our belief systems into a machine that reflects our values back to us.”

    Regardless of the solution, bipartisan majorities believe the courts are in need of reform. Eight out of 10 agreed that “Our judicial system needs to fundamentally change in order to provide unbiased justice to all” — including 88% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans. And three-quarters (75%) agreed that “Rather than increasing freedom for all Americans, it feels like judicial courts are taking it away,” including strong majorities of Democrats (81%) and Republicans (70%).

    Rodney believes the lack of faith in U.S. courts we see in the data may be the result of a series of recent court decisions, from the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade last year to lower courts’ rulings on abortion access, transgender rights, and censorship issues. “The discontent directed at the Supreme Court could be spreading to the system as a whole,” she said. “While the possibilities for AI to alleviate some issues foster hope, people need to see more fundamental reform in order to repair the trust between the public and the judicial system.”

    To learn more about The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice and the survey on justice in the U.S. court system, visit their Substack newsletter, The Next Big Think. 

    About The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice 

    Building on 50+ years of experience pulsing societal opinion, we design research that is credible, creative, and culturally relevant. Our practice drives thought leadership and unearths trends for today’s biggest brands. We are focused on helping our clients get ahead of what’s next.

    Source: The Harris Poll

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  • How to Master the Art of Leading Yourself | Entrepreneur

    How to Master the Art of Leading Yourself | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Self-leadership is about more than just being able to lead yourself. It involves taking care of yourself to optimize your personal and professional life, recognizing personal values and aligning them with business goals, organizing yourself, and being your best self.

    Entrepreneurs are constantly on the go. Since we work long hours, we can get lost in the demands of the business and need to remember to take care of ourselves. However, self-care is crucial in self-leadership. When business leaders don’t practice self-care, they become overwhelmed and burnt out, which means a decrease in productivity, creativity, and overall happiness.

    Related: Why Self-Leadership is Essential to Your Success

    Know yourself and your purpose

    Becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier. Meditation and journaling are tried and tested ways of becoming self-aware. By practicing meditation and writing down your thoughts, you can learn to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, leading to greater self-awareness and insights into your behavior.

    Once you have identified your values and purpose, you can align them with your business goals. This alignment leads to greater fulfillment and success in personal and professional life.

    Related: 6 Ways Self-Leadership Can Help You Take Control of Your Life and Business

    Take care of yourself

    Leaders and entrepreneurs prioritizing their physical and mental health can perform at their best and lead more effectively. Self-care is not a luxury. Leaders and entrepreneurs who prioritize self-care set an example for their team and create a culture of well-being. Moreover, taking care of yourself leads to greater productivity, creativity, and resilience, allowing you to perform at your best.

    When you ride a plane, one of the safety instructions is always “put your mask on first before helping others.” The same is true in business. Leaders and entrepreneurs prioritizing their physical and mental health can better serve their teams and customers. Physical fitness means higher energy levels, reduced risk of illness, and better stress regulation. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest are the foundations of being physically fit.

    Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Leaders and entrepreneurs prioritizing mental health can better manage stress, think more clearly, and make better decisions.

    There are many strategies for self-care, and it is essential to find what works best for you. For one, there are plenty of ways to keep fit — you can participate in team sports, lift weights at the gym or walk for a few miles during the day.

    Healthy eating — planning meals and eating whole foods — is equally essential in keeping yourself healthy. Finally, getting enough sleep and scheduled downtime can help your stress management.

    Stress is a part of life, and chronic stress can lead to burnout. Fortunately, business leaders prioritizing stress management can prevent burnout and maintain well-being.

    Related: How Self-Leadership Can Help Move The Needle Forward On Your Vision And Goals

    Organize yourself

    Organized leaders manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks and make better decisions. By being organized, we set an example for our teams and create a culture of efficiency and effectiveness.

    Setting goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Once you have goals, you can create a schedule that helps you accomplish all your weekly tasks.

    Prioritization is crucial for managing time effectively. You can prioritize tasks by assessing the urgency and importance of each task, delegating tasks when possible, and breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones. Creating a schedule can help you manage your time effectively and avoid procrastination. You can create a schedule by blocking time for specific tasks, breaks, and even your leisure time.

    Avoiding distractions is also vital. Distractions can derail productivity and waste time. You can prevent distractions by turning off notifications, setting aside time for specific tasks, and utilizing productivity tools like the Pomodoro technique.

    Be your best self

    Being your best self is a critical aspect of self-leadership. Leaders and entrepreneurs who strive to be their best selves can create a positive work environment, build strong relationships with their teams, and achieve their goals. Effective self-leaders possess certain qualities, like punctuality, honesty, openness, and consistency. These qualities are essential for developing a high-trust relationship with teams since they make you predictable as a leader: Being punctual demonstrates respect for others’ time and shows a commitment to professionalism. Meanwhile, honesty and openness will prove that you have no hidden agenda and everyone is on the same page. Finally, consistency in behavior and decision-making builds a stable work environment without negative surprises.

    Finally, supporting team members can create a culture of positivity and productivity. Leaders and entrepreneurs should provide resources, guidance, and feedback to team members when necessary. This goes both ways, though—building a support system of mentors, peers, and friends provides a positive feedback loop of guidance, motivation, and continuous learning.

    Self-leadership is a habit

    Self-leadership is not a one-off activity but a habit needing consistent practice. It is also crucial for optimizing your personal and professional life. Practicing self-care, knowing yourself and your purpose, organizing yourself, and being your best self are all essential components of self-leadership. By making self-leadership a habit, leaders and entrepreneurs can increase their productivity, creativity, and overall happiness, leading to more success in their personal and professional lives.

    Roland Polzin

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  • 4 Ways to Become a Better Leader Through Customer Relationships | Entrepreneur

    4 Ways to Become a Better Leader Through Customer Relationships | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There are a lot of pieces that go into building a thriving company. But the reality is even the most well-meaning CEOs can’t guarantee success. Early in my career with Truly Free, I believed the right product and a solid social impact story would equate to revenue growth.

    I quickly found that website traffic didn’t just appear. The reality was that a solid offering backed by purpose was just one thing to consider in my entrepreneurial journey. I needed to refocus on our ideal customers and what they truly wanted. By reimagining our company with customers at its heart, Truly Free grew.

    Research has shown the power of placing priority on the customer. McKinsey notes that 70% of the customer journey is based on how the customer feels they are being treated. And Salesforce found that 80% of customers say the experience a company provides is just as necessary as its product.

    Here are four tips to put priority back on building authentic customer relationships.

    1. Become active in the customer service process

    As a CEO, it’s essential to be an active participant in the customer service process. Knowing each aspect of the user journey enables you, as a leader, to know your company best and hear the voice of those you serve.

    In fact, I often delegate other aspects of my job to ensure I have the time and space to be fully part of customer service touchpoints. This allows me to learn more about our customer and how our company story and products are resonating.

    In addition, ensure your sales and customer service teams are reporting on their daily customer interactions. These teams are your front line when it comes to understanding what obstacles, priorities or questions clients have. The information they hear can help enhance the customer journey, strengthen your brand and its products and build a more loyal bond through consistent client touch-points.

    Related: Listening Will Make You a Great Leader

    2. Prioritize being a listening CEO

    At Truly Free, customers are family. With every decision we make, we return to this key point. Would we want our family to use this product? Would we be comfortable sharing these ingredients? Would we want them to have this experience on the website?

    To best get to know our customers, we listen. Not only do we coordinate regular focus groups, but I sit in them as the CEO. This enables them to know their voices are heard and matter throughout the company.

    Related: 5 Strategies for How to Make Customers Trust Your Brand

    3. Pay attention to feedback

    Studies have shown that feeling unappreciated is the number one reason customers switch products or services. That’s why it’s critical to pay attention to feedback from customers and resolve it quickly.

    Make sure team members are actively monitoring customer reviews and social media comments. Set up a process to deal with complaints, giving team members the authority to help rectify situations as they arise. Finally, share complaints and reviews across the entire team for full organizational transparency into customer pain points and opportunities.

    When it comes to angry customers, a swift resolution is critical. As CEO, I’ll even pick up the phone and call an angry customer directly to help solve a problem. This seemingly simple act can reap big rewards. 70% of unhappy customers whose problems are resolved have shown a willingness to keep doing business with the same company.

    Related: Meaning Well Doesn’t Equal Success: 4 Ways to Run a Successful Business

    4. Share your story

    Understanding your why — as well as your customer’s why — is essential to growth. And in this climate, social impact is a critical trend for companies to consider.

    This all begins with authentic connection and a company driven by purpose. Not only should you know why your customers purchase your products, but your customers should also understand why you do what you do.

    For me, this all begins with sharing the story of how Truly Free began and how we’ve grown. I do not shy away from talking about the personal impact products like ours have had on my family. Further, I am transparent about who creates our products and the causes our products support. By building authenticity into our narrative, we are fostering a trusted audience that resonates with our mission.

    With so many products in the marketplace, there is no shortage of options for customers. The key to success in an ever-changing digital and competitive landscape is to understand the hearts and minds of your customer. Creating unique, authentic connections and prioritizing relationships across the organization can set your company up for long-term success.

    Stephen Ezell

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  • 5 Effective Ways to Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader

    5 Effective Ways to Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Every leader knows a thing or two about the importance of establishing expertise in one’s field. From speaking in seminars, webinars and white papers, to convention interviews, the ability to express and convey informative and valuable insights in their respective area is a strong sign of a leader who knows the ropes.

    Being a thought leader is all about consistently connecting with your target audience. It’s a daily habit of the big players in any industry, and they make sure they’re always ahead of the game. But make no mistake: It’s not something you can fake. It takes time and effort to establish yourself as a thought leader and build trust and credibility with your audience.

    Thought leadership is about being a subject matter expert and providing valuable content that helps your audience make informed decisions, solve problems or stay up to date with the latest trends in your industry. What’s more, it’s not about promoting yourself or your brand but about providing valuable and relevant information to your following.

    With that said, here are five ways to practice effective thought leadership:

    Related: 50 Strategies for Becoming a Thought Leader in Your Field

    1. Create byline articles

    Be a contributor in leading publications: Writing byline articles for leading publications in your industry is a great way to establish yourself as a thought leader. It allows you to leverage the existing established audience from big media companies and be recognized as a reliable authority in your field. By contributing to reputable publications, you can reach a larger audience and gain credibility.

    In your daily newsletter: Sending a daily newsletter to your audience is a great way to directly communicate with your readers in a personalized way. By including byline articles in your newsletter, you can provide valuable insights and analysis to your audience regularly.

    LinkedIn articles: LinkedIn has become a powerful platform for thought leaders to share their insights and establish themselves as authorities in their fields. Keep in mind that it is the hub for all things business and technology. By publishing articles on LinkedIn, you can reach an audience that’s relevant to your niche.

    Open a new Substack: Substack is a platform that allows you to create a newsletter and reach your audience with your thoughts and ideas. This is a great way to build a loyal following and syndicate all your existing byline articles, allowing you to hit multiple birds with one stone.

    On your company’s blog: If you have a company blog, then you’ve already won half the battle. Not only does it guarantee a solid network of relevant following, but it’s also an instantaneous way of publishing content without going through the trouble of creating your own domain.

    Each of the above tactics has its own unique benefits and reach a different audience, so it’s important to consider your target audience and the message you want to convey when choosing which method to use.

    2. Provide commentary

    Offer insights to reporters: Reporters are the middlemen between you and your audience, as they are always looking for experts to comment on stories related to their industry. Journalists reporting about your opinions is a great testament that you are a trusted source and your thoughts matter.

    Constantly look for quote opportunities: Keep an eye out for news stories or events in your industry that you can comment on. This could be in the form of a quote in an article or a media appearance. By being quick to respond and offer your thoughts on industry developments, you can establish yourself as a go-to source for commentary on the latest trends and issues.

    Daily LinkedIn and Twitter posts about your industry’s latest trends: Social media is a great way to share your thoughts and insights on the latest trends in your industry. By posting regularly on LinkedIn and Twitter, you can keep your audience in the loop and up to date with the latest developments. What’s more, it’ll allow your content to be up to speed with Twitter’s fast-paced nature.

    3. Do interviews

    Doing interviews is an instantaneous way of connecting to an audience in a highly personalized and nuanced manner. One of the most common practices is doing podcast outreach, which has become a popular medium for thought leaders to share their insights and expertise. You can reach out to relevant podcasters, offer to be a guest on their show and connect to their network of listeners.

    Moreover, you can also turn the table by creating your own podcast and interviewing industry leaders. This will allow you to have full control over the content and have a platform to reach your audience more consistently and directly.

    Related: How to Showcase Your Expertise and Become a Thought Leader

    4. Attend events

    Participating in events as a host, guest, speaker or spectator is an effective way to build your network, establish your connections and display your prowess in your given field. Organizing keynote talks at relevant occasions is a great way to showcase your expertise, motivate aspiring entrepreneurs and share your bag of tricks with your peers.

    Moreover, hosting a weekly webinar or LinkedIn live event is equally efficient to connect with your audience in real-time. You can also use this platform to interview other thought leaders and industry experts and provide valuable information to your audience.

    5. Build a network of masterminds

    Lastly, build a network for masterminds by organizing a group chat on WhatsApp or Telegram with other thought leaders in your field. This allows you to share ideas, ask questions and gain insights from other experts in your industry. Keep in mind that the world of business and tech is a tight-knit community, and it’s paramount to utilize every platform to create ties and relationships — you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.

    Building a LinkedIn or Facebook group is another great way to connect. By creating an online community, you can provide a platform for members to share ideas, ask questions and gain knowledge from others in your industry.

    Keep in mind that it is not just about having the tactics, it’s about executing them. You’ll want to pick the tactics that align with your strengths, interests and audience and then consistently execute them over time. Building a reputation as a thought leader takes time and effort, but by consistently providing value and insights to your target audience, you can establish yourself as a trusted expert in your field.

    Related: How to Position Yourself as an Expert Even If Nobody Has Heard of You

    Omri Hurwitz

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  • New Harris Poll Survey Finds America’s Singles Are Happy, Fulfilled, and Seeking Dates, Not Mates

    New Harris Poll Survey Finds America’s Singles Are Happy, Fulfilled, and Seeking Dates, Not Mates

    New survey from Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice finds most single people enjoy time and freedom for personal growth, friendships


    NEW YORK, February 13, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Rom-coms, Hallmark movies and even Valentine’s cards may need a rewrite: Most single people say they don’t need a mate for their life story to have a happy ending. That’s according to “Singles in America Survey,” the latest research from The Harris Poll, Thought Leadership Practice, released today.  

    Among other findings: Whether to expect a man to pick up the check on Valentine’s Day; what Americans have in common with penguins, dogs and cats; what singles prefer: cleaning toilets or going on online dates.

    The poll was conducted in late January 2023 using a nationally representative sample of 2,004 U.S. adults. Its central finding is that most single people actually like being single – they’re happy to be pursuing their own passions, they feel more in control of their finances, and they’re tired of society and media saying otherwise. 

    “Our perceptions of single Americans need to be reexamined,” says Libby Rodney, futurist and chief strategy officer at The Harris Poll. “We need to shift the dialogue from something society needs to fix, like in your standard rom-com, to something many people are finding fulfilling and are doing by choice.”

    Census data shows that roughly half of Americans are single. The Harris Poll research found that 56% of single respondents don’t want to change that status, saying that the statement “I am not looking for a relationship” best describes them. That result is strong across generations, selected by 35% of Gen Z and 30% of Boomer respondents. 

    Why do they feel that way? The Harris Poll survey suggests that singles are happier and more fulfilled. Nearly half of American singles (48%) agreed that “Singlehood is the most meaningful, authentic and fulfilling way of life.” And when asked for details, they provided many reasons why: 

    • Having more time to pursue my interests and passions (cited by 86% of singles)
    • Focusing more on my personal growth (84%)
    • Having more time and energy to devote to friendships (82%)
    • Not worrying about a partner’s debt or financial obligations (81%)
    • Having more time to grow and develop my career (79%)

    Single life fosters financial independence – but costs more

    Indeed, financial and career issues played a large role in singles’ preferences. American singles strongly agreed that flying solo helps them financially – but that government policies also hurt them. 

    Seven out of 10 (71%) singles agreed “being single taught me how to work with my money really well,” and nearly as many (68%) say that they “feel financially empowered and more in control by being single.” Six out of 10 (59%) say they don’t plan to ever merge their finances with a partner.

    However, people recognize that the single life can be more expensive – and they’re not happy about it. Strong majorities of singles “dislike paying more taxes than married couples” (74%) and “paying more for healthcare and social benefits than married couples” (68%). 

    And all Americans, single and in relationships, see that as a problem: Three-quarters (76%) recognize that it “can be more affordable to be in a relationship” because of cost-sharing and tax policies, and just as many (79%) say the government should “offer more tax breaks for single people.”

    That may be a sign of a growing realization by all Americans, both single and those in relationships, that the single life can be a rewarding one – and that single life gets a raw deal from the media. 

    • Eight in 10 Americans (79%) say “You don’t need to get married to have a happy and fulfilling life.”
    • Two-thirds (68%) say they believe “the stigma of being single is gradually diminishing.”
    • Two-thirds (68%) also say “I’m tired of media and advertising showing a false idealistic image that being in a relationship is the only way to live a happy life.” 

    Not only are most singles uninterested in finding a partner, they’re being more cost-conscious about dating, saying they’ve made or would be open to making changes due to rising inflation:

    • 69%: choosing an activity, like going for a hike, over going out for dinner or drinks
    • 55%: hosting a first date at home 
    • 50%: cutting back or eliminating gift-giving
    • 50%: filtering their potential dates to “only financially secure candidates”

    While 44% say they’ve tried or would be willing to go on a virtual date in order to reduce expenses, many singles would do almost anything other than an online date:

    • 44% of Gen Z “would rather clean the toilet than go another online date”
    • 30% of Gen Z “would rather walk across hot coals than go on another online date”
    • 22% of Millennials “would rather have their tooth pulled than go on another online date.”

    For Gen Z and Millennial singles wondering if they need to buy a gift for a Valentine’s Day date, the poll results offer guidance on how to tell if you’re in a relationship. For example, both groups say attending a party together is just dating, while attending a family holiday event is being in a relationship. 

    But the groups differ on the significance of “middle ground” activities: For Gen Z, meeting friends, parents, or posting a couple’s picture on social media is just dating – but to Millennials, all of those are relationship territory.   

    Preferred relationship style varies by generation

    Finally, the poll examines just what types of relationships singles may seek and found generational differences there as well. About half of all people see themselves as penguins – one mate for life. Roughly equal shares saw themselves as birds (19% want a partner but are free to explore) and dogs (16% want to experience as many partners as possible), while 11% saw themselves as cats, indifferent to partners, who may come and go.

    Some differences, as expected, appear age-related – two-thirds (66%) of Boomers choose “penguin” (one mate for life), compared to 40% of Gen Z. Others, though, are more surprising: One in five Gen Zs went with “cat” (indifferent, allow partners to come and go), almost twice as many as the other four groups (9% to 11%). And one in four Millennials (24%) prefers a dog’s life, wanting to experience as many partners as possible, far more often than the other groups (9% to 18%). 

    One possible reason: it’s just hard to find the right person. Nearly eight in 10 of all respondents said that “finding the right partner is harder than finding the right job.”

    Rodney says single people are showing us the need to rethink how society sees and values personal relationships.

    “It’s worth noting that being single isn’t void of anything,” she said. “There is a spectrum of deep and meaningful relationships single people are involved in, and it’s important to recognize the richness of their relationship choices.”

    To learn more about The Harris Poll for Thought Leadership and the Singles in America poll, visit this link. 

    About the Singles in America Survey

    This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll from Jan. 20 to 22, 2023, among a nationally representative sample of 2,004 U.S. adults. This research includes 700 singles and 1,262 of those who are not, as well as 181 Gen Z (ages 18-25), 611 Millennials (ages 26-41), 522 Gen X (ages 42-57), and 655 Boomers (ages 58 and older).

    About Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice

    Building on 50+ years of experience pulsing societal opinion, we design research that is credible, creative, and culturally relevant. Our practice drives thought leadership and unearths trends for today’s biggest brands. We are focused on helping our clients get ahead of what’s next.

    Source: The Harris Poll

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  • Mastering The Art of Negotiation Requires a Lesser-Known Approach

    Mastering The Art of Negotiation Requires a Lesser-Known Approach

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    So much has been written about successful (and unsuccessful) negotiation that certain universals are well established, and yet there are still other lesser-known essentials that I have learned over my 50-year career in real estate.

    Perhaps the number one universal is to look for a win-win in any negotiation. Both sides have to agree to the terms and both have to gain something as a result. Other negotiating skills are building a relationship, avoiding a combative position or approach and being mindful of timing.

    Other advice for successful negotiation includes reframing hard questions or ultimatums to lower the temperature, being tough when and if necessary and delaying acceptance. It is far too easy to derail a negotiation through bad timing, for example, taking something off the table too soon or offering something up too late.

    And then there are things I have discovered through countless negotiations that should genuinely give you a path to success.

    Related: 5 Steps to Master the Art of Negotiation

    My “go-tos” before beginning negotiations

    The most important thing for me is simply to know everything I can about the person sitting across from me. Everything. I want to know what sports they like, their career history, something about their families (spouses and children) and sometimes deeply personal facts. For example, does he or she have a spectacular business success or failure in their past?

    Most people do not spend anywhere near enough time understanding who they are negotiating with. I consider it essential. When negotiations start to slow down, you can often “breakthrough” their wall by talking about what is important to them.

    Knowing someone’s cultural background is also critical. Some cultures really do look for a win-win, but some other cultures consider it a failure unless they see the result as a win for them and a loss for the other side. Some cultures think bargaining is natural and expected. Obviously, you have to frame things differently depending on which type of negotiator you are dealing with.

    For example, you would not put your best and final offer out there when dealing with a bargainer until well along in the give-and-take of the process. They won’t feel successful without having bargained and you may have given ground unnecessarily.

    Besides knowing everything about the person, I want to know their “true needs” and I want to know them walking into the meeting. Are they looking to add to an enterprise, diversify, obtain something to break up or flip for a fast profit? If I know the answer to their true needs, I can usually walk away with a deal — one that is good for me, too.

    Emotions matter — a lot!

    Never discount the role of emotions in negotiation — and I don’t mean the emotions involved in doing battle. Remember the universal that you should not approach this as combat.

    Let me give you a real-life example. I once found out that the person I was going to negotiate with had lost a brother to suicide. It so happens that my brother committed suicide. This allowed us to connect in a very personal way, understanding the suffering we had endured and what it did to our parents.

    The bond we formed allowed us both to concede important points in order to get the deal done. We wanted to get it done for each other’s sake, as well as our own.

    Other emotions to be acutely aware of are trust (yes, that is an emotion in my book), anger (obviously) and self-doubt (second-guessing can be fatal to a negotiation). You want to create a setting that evokes the best emotions of the person you are dealing with to get to success.

    Related: 8 Negotiating Tactics Every Successful Entrepreneur Has Mastered

    Beyond business

    In addition to my real estate work, I am very involved in philanthropy, both my own and that of some very successful and very generous people whom I advise.

    After deciding which issues and causes to support, and ensuring that the organizations we support enjoy good reputations and track records, then comes the negotiation.

    The universals still apply — seeking a win-win, coming to mutually acceptable terms and being mindful of timing. But there are also unique aspects when negotiating major gifts.

    If you donate to build a school for children with special needs, for example, you want to negotiate a contract that will prohibit using the building for other purposes or selling the building. You want to negotiate terms and lock in provisions that your gift will only be used for your stated purpose.

    Do you want “naming rights” and what size donation does that entail? This, too, is a negotiation, not a predetermined equation. A donor name often has its own cachet and that has a value to factor into the negotiations.

    The core of every negotiation

    If you take away only one thing from my lessons, I hope it is this:

    When negotiating anything – business, philanthropy or even personal – you are negotiating with a person. Lose sight of that and you are unlikely to succeed. Be acutely mindful of that and, in my experience, you are likely to succeed. and that is why I want to know everything I can about anyone with whom I negotiate.

    David Malcolm

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  • The Smartest People Often Overlook This Key to Success

    The Smartest People Often Overlook This Key to Success

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The following excerpt is from Jennifer Cohen’s book, Bigger, Better, Bolder: Live the Life You Want, Not the Life You Get. Buy it now from Amazon, | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Target | Walmart.

    “You’ve been told a lie your entire life. You’ve been told that being brilliant will make you successful. I’m telling you that the world doesn’t favor the brilliant; it favors the bold.”

    Those are bold words, considering I had the audacity to say them to a room full of some of the smartest people on the planet — a group of MIT students, faculty and administrators. It was November 2021, and I had been invited by the organizers of MIT’s annual FAIL! Inspiring Resilience conference to speak about how I’ve overcome failure, and how they can too.

    Why did MIT invite me? It turns out, some of their smartest students are “failing at failure” — with serious emotional and mental health consequences — and, as luck would have it, failing is one my greatest skills. Or I should say, building the resilience to overcome failure is one of my greatest strengths. As I told the audience that day, “I may have a master’s degree in failure, but I have a PhD in getting right back up again.”

    Image credit: Edmund Prieto

    When you’ve always been at the top of your class, always praised for your straight As, no one is surprised to hear that you got accepted into a prestigious school. In fact, it’s expected. Your parents are proud, your teachers are gratified, and your friends are so blasé because of course you got accepted into a top-tier college. You should have won a Nobel Prize for your eleventh-grade science project, for God’s sake! they all think. At some point, being the smartest kid in the class becomes your identity.

    There was a kid just like that in my high school (I’ll call him Pete). He sailed through to graduation, probably smarter than many of our teachers. While Pete crushed it without trying, I had to work my ass off just to get a solid C in some classes. Nothing came easy to me, as I’ve said, so I learned how to be resourceful in other ways. I developed grit and resilience when I didn’t get the grades I worked so hard for, and I learned to shake off the shame I felt for being sent off to the resource teacher for tutoring. And all along, I was honing my tenacity and drive to succeed, if only to prove to everyone, including myself, that failing did not mean I was a failure. But quitting would have made me a quitter. Pete never had to learn how to get by on being scrappy or learn how to fail without falling apart. His ability to seemingly glide through school and take success for granted likely dulled his resiliency. Where I was constantly looking for
    ways to compensate for my weaknesses in order to succeed, Pete and brilliant kids like him never learned how to persevere after failing.

    Straight As aren’t the answer

    When it comes to getting what you want in life, it’s better to be bold than brilliant. That’s not to say that smart people don’t succeed. Or that there aren’t smart people who are also very bold. But most of us aren’t Pete-level intelligent. All of us, however, can learn how to be Jennifer-level bold.

    When brilliant kids like Pete get accepted to a school like MIT, it means that for the first time, their classmates, roommates, and friends are all brilliant too. Some are even more brilliant. Suddenly, the Petes are not the smartest kids in the room anymore. The same Petes who used to take pride in solving a challenging puzzle or math problem that “average” classmates struggled with are now presented with problems that aren’t so simple. They become the struggling Jennifers, only without the resiliency and well-honed skills to help them overcome their newly revealed weaknesses. They begin to overanalyze their professors’ questions, overthink the possible solutions in a bid to avoid being wrong (because they are smart and know that many things can go wrong), and can become overwhelmed with self-doubt.

    Many of the high-achieving high school students who experience the shock of academic challenge and competition when they get to college are so petrified of failing that their confidence wanes while the pressure increases. This can deeply affect their emotional and mental well-being, especially if they haven’t naturally developed tools to cope. To put it another way: they don’t know how to fail, and you must know how to fail if you want to succeed.

    When I didn’t get a good grade in college, it was a little disappointing but not a catastrophe. But when a college freshman who made straight As in high school is worried about getting their first C, D, or F, they have a longer distance to fall than an average student does, and that fall can have serious consequences, even tragic ones. Some of the schools that attract the highest academic talent also have a greater-than-average campus suicide rate. In 2015, MIT took this seriously; the administration lowered class load and increased mental-health awareness and services, including programs like the FAIL! Inspiring Resilience conference, which is how I found myself at MIT speaking to a room full of brilliant kids like Pete. My job was to help students accept that it’s OK to fail. And I want you to know that too.

    Jennifer Cohen

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  • 5 Ways to Build Trust and Reliability

    5 Ways to Build Trust and Reliability

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Any entrepreneur knows that a critical aspect of growing one’s business and elevating your brand is to step up as a thought leader in your field. For instance, we’ve all marveled at the CEO who shares words of wisdom on LinkedIn or the icon names behind our favorite newsletters and podcasts. But when it comes time to build your credibility and find your audience, it may seem impossible to know where to start. Social media is crowded these days — how does anyone stand out from the crowd?

    Luckily, there are ways to ensure your voice is heard and stands out from the fray. Becoming a thought leader takes dedication and hard work, but it can be done with the right strategy and an honest approach. Read on for five crucial tips on becoming a go-to voice in your field.

    Related: 5 Tips for Using LinkedIn to Become a Bonafide Thought Leader

    Step 1: Develop your own voice

    Before beginning any other aspect of becoming a thought leader, it’s crucial to define your own voice. Audiences these days are hyper-aware of inauthenticity and quickly pick up on false optimism or incorrect knowledge. Whether you’re speaking on past failures, insecurities, or weaknesses, remember to stay true to yourself and your expertise when sharing your insights.

    Similarly, the only way you can really stand out from the crowd is by being yourself! From your sense of humor to your creative vision, leaning into your unique point of view will differentiate you from others and develop engaged, loyal followers. Don’t try to emulate others you already see in the field. Originality always wins out.

    Related: How to Showcase Your Expertise and Become a Thought Leader

    Step 2: Use each platform thoughtfully

    Once you know your point of view, figure out how to leverage your learnings and insights across the different social platforms. Today’s vast array of social platforms have very different uses and audiences, so you’ll want to share your thoughts in a variety of ways across each while remaining true to your overall message.

    For instance, LinkedIn is primarily text-based, with room for occasional video and image posts. It’s also a platform designed to engage and encourage others, so lean into the community aspect.

    Meanwhile, video-first platforms like TikTok and Instagram have entirely different best practices; you may want to lean into trending sounds and memes or share stories from your POV in short clips. And if you post on Twitter, you’ll want to encapsulate your message in brief, text-only posts. Each platform offers significant benefits when used correctly, so research (and use) them before posting, and don’t try a one-size fits all strategy.

    Related: 10 Tips to Developing Your Personal Brand Through Thought Leadership

    Step 3: Listen to others

    The phrase “thought leader” makes it seem like you’ll always be the one leading the conversation, but remember that you need to listen to others, too! An essential part of remaining an authority in your field is constantly seeking knowledge and growing. From reading books and articles to respecting diverse voices, make room in your life to expand your mind so that you can remain at the top of your game.

    Another essential element of listening is never to pretend to hold authority or knowledge when you don’t have it. If a subject isn’t in your wheelhouse, that’s okay! Your audience will respect you more if you can acknowledge your information gaps, especially if you can take constructive criticism whenever thrown your way.

    Related: 50 Strategies for Becoming a Thought Leader in Your Field

    Step 4: Analyze what’s working

    When building your audience and brand, you’ll want to take a step back regularly and see what resonates with people. Are certain parts of your message getting positive feedback more than others? Are there specific questions that crop up again and again?

    Be sure to incorporate any statistics and audience feedback into your posting schedule so you’re not simply speaking into a void. Your audience wants to feel that they’re having a two-way discussion, so distilling your message to what they want to learn is key to an engaged, long-term audience relationship.

    Related: 4 Proactive Habits to Build the Career You Want

    Step 5: Get out into the real world

    While social media, blogs and podcasts are crucial for thought leadership in today’s modern age, don’t forget to get out from behind your computer screen from time to time. Real-life conversations can significantly benefit your thought leadership growth and demonstrate to online audiences that you genuinely care about your industry.

    Attend conferences and panels in your field and take the opportunity to network with others. Even simple coffee dates are a great way to regularly make time for real-life discussions. While it may seem easy to develop your brand online, much of being an entrepreneur still rely on a face-to-face conversation — so don’t forget to carve out time to make those real-life connections.

    Adam Petrilli

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  • What Makes an Idea Great? These 3 Key Elements Are the Answer

    What Makes an Idea Great? These 3 Key Elements Are the Answer

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Having spent many years in the sports world, I often find that sports ideas and business ideas are not that different. During a time when I was serving as a coach in a girls’ lacrosse program, I was asked to help a team that had just had a series of tough games.

    Morale was low. My coaching friend and I knew we had to inject energy into them, so we came up with a cheer called the Heart and Hustle chant. It goes like this:

    Coaches: H-squared!

    Players: Heart and Hustle!

    And repeat until everyone’s pumped up.

    Simple, right? We instituted this little cheer and suddenly these young girls — about 12 years old — got fired up. The team was playing as I had never seen them play before. The chant invigorated them and they powered through.

    They won in more ways than one.

    Fast forward to today, and that chant is still shared by every team that comes through that lacrosse program — which has expanded to over 400 girls playing in any given year. There’s a Heart and Hustle tournament, Heart and Hustle T-shirts and in my last year in the program, I received a necklace from a group of players with an H2, which represents — you guessed it — Heart and Hustle. It never ceases to amaze me that a simple cheer grew from one team and spread across the entire organization.

    What does this have to do with business? Everything.

    Great ideas run the world. But what makes an idea great? When I think back on that cheer and then on my current career, I think there are three key elements: authentic desire, channeled energy and receptive people.

    Related: Authentic Leadership: What Is It and Why is it Important?

    You can’t fake authenticity

    There are fake intentions everywhere — and believe me, they don’t stick. We can intuitively feel whether an idea is coming from an authentic place.

    Getting an idea to stick starts with not focusing on sticking but on fueling an intrinsic desire to be of service. I’m convinced that’s why so many successful businesses describe themselves as people-focused or human-centric and then follow up those words with action. A team that truly wants to make a positive change in the world or really values its company mission will inherently be more impactful than one backed only by flimsy, half-hearted slogans.

    Focus on your best

    We all know (and love) those happy-go-lucky people who always seem cheerful and optimistic. Maybe you’re one of them. But while that kind of positivity can be extremely helpful in creating a welcoming work environment, it won’t make or break a company.

    You create force and movement when you channel your positive energy into the best projects with the highest priority. Scattering your motivation into too many projects leaves every project without the momentum needed to deliver true impact. This responsibility often falls on management. Your team may have 10 fantastic projects they’d like to ideate on, but if you only have time for three realistically, you’re doing all 10 projects a disservice by not channeling your energy. Choose your best projects and put everything into them.

    Related: How to Employ a Team That Shapes Your Company Culture

    Build the best team

    It’s often difficult to know when a team member simply isn’t the right fit. Sometimes it’s a matter of skills, but often it’s something beyond a list on a resume.

    A team member with average skills who shares your vision will work far more effectively than one who has exemplary skills but doesn’t care. When you’re building your team, seek prospects who lean in when discussing your company’s mission. These employees will pick themselves up after an unsuccessful campaign, get back to work and try even harder to reach shared goals next time. These kinds of people are often the ones who come up with the ideas that stick.

    Related: How to Craft the Perfect Recipe for Persuasive Storytelling in Your Presentations

    There’s no recipe

    Part of what makes ideas stick is having the perfect blend of circumstances that allows all of those three components to come together — along with other far more nebulous elements like timing, community attitudes and trends — which is part of the reason why not all ideas stick. Even good ideas. So what can you do to make sure you get ideas that stick? Focus on the elements you can control and bring them together as frequently as possible.

    There’s no perfect roadmap and certainly no instruction manual. But getting the best people together to share their authentic desires toward a shared goal, with targeted focus, puts your team and your business in the best possible place to stir up those world-changing ideas. As a leader, that’s the most important part of my job: to create the best atmosphere I can and encourage creativity, spark and a free flow of ideas. That, to me, is heart and hustle.

    Amanda Rogers

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  • Prioritize This Tool to Increase Customer Satisfaction in a Recession

    Prioritize This Tool to Increase Customer Satisfaction in a Recession

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As economists continue to debate whether or not a recession is in fact going to happen, many companies are busy developing strategic plans should this come to fruition, taking the “hurry up and wait” mentality and focusing efforts on becoming more efficient with their dollars.

    The past few years have been transformative for many, and hopefully, your business has implemented some customer experience and digital transformation initiatives. Maybe you were already ahead of the curve or in more cases than not, the pandemic lit a fire under your organization as it did for many others. But if not, the good news is that it’s not too late to get started and with the economic uncertainty, now is a perfect time. The first step? Giving your customers what they really want with self-service options, which in turn will help you operate more efficiently from a digital perspective and more importantly, lead you through the potential recession.

    So how is this done? Let’s take a look at what your company can (and should) be doing:

    Help your customers help themselves — literally

    We are all familiar with how sales used to happen: Handshakes, order forms and catalogs over lunch. This method still worked before Covid-19, but changed drastically afterward — everything went remote and many companies had no choice but to go digital if they wanted to keep up. And now with another likely economic downturn, everyone’s minds are on their wallets, which means that one of the easiest ways to level up your business and lower the cost of sales is to ensure your customers have access to self-serve options so they can get the products they need without assistance. Convenience is key, as is ease of use — for every single interaction.

    It doesn’t really matter what your starting point is. Maybe you’re still employing dozens or even hundreds of field reps that are meeting face-to-face with customers, or maybe your customers use a call center where they’re helped by a rep with their product needs. The thing that matters most is where you need to go: A thoughtful digital experience tailored to your customer’s needs, accessible from anywhere to get what they need in real-time. Things that are easy should be easy. This means that if your customer wants to do something like order a product, track it or update payment information with you, they should be able to do all of those things themselves at a time and place that is most convenient for them. Therefore, creating the digital infrastructure for this is crucial. If something isn’t easy and cannot be done on its own, a customer may second guess their decision or withgo it all together — after all, budgets are tighter, so why waste time on something that isn’t convenient? Upgrading digital also means fewer sales responsibilities. However, with this lowered-cost-of-sale concept may come the logical thought, “are you suggesting we reduce the size of our sales team?”

    Related: The 6 Essential In-Store Experiences That Your Customers Want to See

    Make sure your sales team is still providing exceptional customer service

    To be clear, we are not advocating for you to make drastic changes to your sales team. In fact, quite the opposite. While we’d argue that many clients, especially the big strategic ones, should have a dedicated human being they can go to when they need something, there are always going to be long-tail customers that are perfectly happy to get set up once and from then on, use self-service for all routine smaller orders or account status questions.

    Once your sales team is freed from checking inventory, providing shipping updates, and other administrative tasks, they have a lot more time to do what they’re best at: building relationships and serving your customers with an unparalleled experience that differentiates your company from others. After this is implemented, watch as your customer relationships thrive and flourish. The option of self-service options will be a huge support for your sales team and make them better at their jobs and happier at work, which means you’re far less likely to deal with retention problems – something many industries are still feeling the crunch of in a post-Covid world.

    When we start working with just about any client, one of the first things we want to know is how their selling gets done, and what we can do to make it better, because, at the end of the day, this is what ultimately helps the client’s bottom line. What are the nuts and bolts of how your products are ordered to end up in your customers’ hands? While it may seem that you have bigger things to worry about in the face of economic uncertainty than changing your selling model, I’d argue there’s never been a more important time. Self-service may be the very thing that helps you weather this storm and thrive well beyond it.

    Andrew Walker

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  • Ask Yourself These 5 Questions to Make Better Decisions

    Ask Yourself These 5 Questions to Make Better Decisions

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    According to the 2019 Nobel Prize winner in economics, Daniel Kahneman, all decisions are made with partial information due to the systemic cognitive biases people bring to the decision-making process. However, decisions don’t require perfection to be effective. For corporate leaders bearing the pressure to make tough calls, asking the right questions is a systematic approach to gathering information that avoids the pitfalls in pursuit of perfection.

    In a decade-long longitudinal study of over 2,700 leaders, Harvard Business Review (HBR) found that too many leaders were shrinking from making difficult decisions, and delays often did more damage than they sought to avoid. The bigger an organization gets, the less decisive it becomes.

    Even the most brilliant leaders can demand too much data before deciding. While it’s well-known that executives have to make crucial decisions with limited information, it’s less evident that those who require all the possible information slow their team’s ability to execute.

    The difference between the two groups shouldn’t be confused with comparing the merits of a fast decision and a more calculated one. There is a better formula to weigh the information that first helps discern which — a rapid or slow decision — is required: First, ask who, what, when, where, why and how.

    Related: These Decision-Making Tactics Can Help You Formalize Your Process and Make Better Choices

    Backing out of the rabbit hole

    Nine times out of 10, when people start working with me, they present roughly 20% of the relevant information needed to make a sound decision. I always request they go back and uncover the answers in at least 60% of the available data — that carves a clearer path to a quality decision.

    Typically, senior leaders don’t have the time to drill into the day-to-day details of presenting issues, so streamlining information helps avoid the analysis paralysis of multiple possibilities popularized by psychologist Barry Schwartz.

    Schwartz found that, with voluminous options, consumers find it challenging to choose because they are left wondering if one of the options not taken would have been better. Schwartz theorizes a presumed alternative leads people to question their decisions. If even good choices are subject to 20/20 hindsight, it becomes more important to put a pin in the cycle of seeking more data.

    Related: These Decision-Making Tactics Can Help You Formalize Your Process and Make Better Choices

    When to act fast and when to think slow

    In “Thinking, Fast and Slow,“ Kahneman divides our brains into two metaphorical systems: System 1 thinks fast and System 2 thinks slow. The first system operates automatically and intuitively. The second requires reasoning and focus. Intuition, he warns, is frequently wrong and needs to be backed by experience and analysis for it to lead to effective decision-making.

    Because people are inherently judgmental, I’ve witnessed leaders make decisions only to “back into the facts” to support why they made that decision. It’s a categorically wrong approach to critical thinking.

    The reasoned analysis of Stoicism offers another model. Sometimes mistaken for being coldly analytical, this ancient philosophy also engages curiosity. Many people want to solve a problem immediately rather than get curious about why it happened. But, they might be trying to solve the wrong problem or failing to consider the adjacent challenges that will come up after that problem.

    As leaders, we must look at organizational impact through a broad lens. If the blast radius of a poor decision is going to be big, slower decision-making is required. If the effect is likely minor, a faster decision is ideal.

    Related: How to Make Better Decisions

    Five Ws and an H: Asking the right questions

    When I have a decision to make, asking who, what, when, where, why and how offers the minimum information needed to make an informed decision while avoiding data overkill.

    • Who?
      • Identifies all the parties involved, impacted stakeholders and who will carry out any action. Asking this question reveals who needs support and who has further information or insight. This can also highlight the relevant managers for other delegations.
    • What?
      • This question offers a summation of the issues presented, not a long narrative. It describes the event or chain of events leading to the problem and shows what type of decision is necessary.
    • When?
      • This offers a timeline of events and a timeframe for a needed outcome, displaying whether a fast or slow decision is required.
    • Where?
      • Identifies the location of the issue or bottleneck within the organization and whether a decision crosses international borders or relates to just one set of laws. The “where” provides a snapshot of the blast radius of any decision.
    • Why?
      • This helps us understand the necessity of choice by briefly deconstructing the problem and the context of events. It also illustrates the chain of responsibility for the problem and the solution.
    • How?
      • Reveals what circumstances culminated in bringing the issue about and why it made its way to the executive level. This step may offer the cause and effect of the problem and the solution.

    These questions also help remove the anxiety of how a decision might impact individuals personally. In the HBR study, leaders often delayed decision-making for fear of upsetting others or losing status. Fear clouds judgment. Like an excellent Stoic, if we can stay within the intellectual sphere, we can make a logical decision.

    Related: 7 Tips for Making Quality Business Decisions

    A decision-making template

    I’ve encountered leaders who will ask for copious amounts of data before even risking a decision. It becomes an endless cycle. But determining the who, what, when, where, why and how is a very simple, practical and valuable tool that can save businesses time and resources. It avoids the cognitive laziness of fast thinking and the overwhelm brought to bear by an abundance of choices that characterize slow thinking. In the language of Stoicism, this framework helps leaders lean into the virtues of wisdom and temperance to make decisions that lead to more substantial, positive outcomes for both individuals and organizations.

    Laura A. Cooper

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  • TikTok and Instagram Trends Reveal New Attitudes for Millennials and Gen Z

    TikTok and Instagram Trends Reveal New Attitudes for Millennials and Gen Z

    Study from Harris Poll Thought Leadership finds groups’ new opinions, uses of social media point to shift in values and future look of the internet.

    Press Release
    –

    Nov 29, 2022 07:00 EST


    NEW YORK, November 29, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Millennials and Gen Z go to TikTok – not for dance videos but for career planning. They look for their friends on Instagram – but don’t believe what they see. These new, little-known social media trends point to a fundamental shift in societal values, according to new data from The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice.

    The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice designs creative research for leading brands, allowing them to proactively address cultural trends. The new project examines changing societal values and how they play out in social media. 

    “If you think TikTok is just about viral dances, you’d be mistaken. Young people are turning to it for deeper purposes, like gathering information, building community, and cultivating equity,” said Abbey Lunney, co-founder of The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice. “We see a giant shift happening in social media away from surface-level likes, hyper-edited photos towards spaces for authenticity and discovery.”

    The group’s study identifies five shifts in social media, with a central theme of Gen Z and Millennials wanting something more real from these online interactions. They include: 

    • Gen Z Aren’t Looking for Friend Updates, They Are Leaning Into The Algorithm Gen Z doesn’t turn to social to see updates from their friends; instead, they turn to social to be informed, entertained and direct messages. For example, Gen Z says their feed is ‘filled mostly with personalized content that the platform thinks I’ll like’ (62%) and a majority agree that ‘algorithms have increased the content they like to consume and be entertained by’ (65%). This is in contrast to older people, like Boomers and Gen X, who a majority of their feeds consist of ‘updates from friends/people I follow’ (66%, 57% respectively).
    • TikTok is the new Google. For Gen Z, TikTok is the “center of gravity” when it comes to search and education. TikTok is the first platform Gen Z uses to search for culturally relevant content; TikTok (34%), beating YouTube (24%), Google (19%), and Instagram (17%). This is in contrast to older generations, including Millennials, where Google continues to be the first platform users turn towards (Boomers 57%, Gen X 47%, Millennials 40%).
    • TikTok is an Undercover Learning Engine: A majority of Gen Z reports regularly turning to TikTok to learn something (63%). And the things they are learning about surpass the social media standards of food, fashion, and music to include career planning (37%), small/local business (36%), politics (28%), social structures/DEI (27%) and even STEM categories (20%). And this is critical as 81% of Gen Z and Millennials say that ongoing education is core to their ability to create financial stability in their life.
    • Reality, not superficiality. Four out of five (80%) Gen Zers and Millennials believe most lifestyles on social media are fake or overly perfected, and almost three-quarters (73%) would like to see proof that people are living the way they claim on social media. Large shares of those generations want social media to validate information that is shared on its platforms (39%) and don’t want filtered images and content on social media (24%).
    • Social media isn’t just youth culture, it’s all culture. Among Americans of all ages, 85% say social media isn’t just for young people. Moreover, 78% of Gen Z and Millennials say they have learned a lot from content created by people older than them. And an amazing two-thirds (66%) of Gen Z and Millennials say they love watching videos of senior citizens.

    The Harris Poll Thought Leadership study also offers insight on the reasons behind these shifts in values. Pressure from those concerns, Lunney said, is creating “distinct generational values,” and for Gen Z and Millennials, that means ways to navigate the future: 

    • Learning as a source of stability. They believe ongoing education is central to their ability to have financial security. (Gen Z, 78%; Millennials, 82%; 41+ yrs old, 66%.)
    • Fluidity as a source of expression. More than three out of four (77%) say being able to express different versions of themselves is important. (Gen Z, 79%; Millennials, 77%; 41+ yrs old, 62%.)
    • Equity as a source of growth. They believe racial and gender equity helps individual, economic, and societal growth (Gen Z, 78%; Millennials, 82%)

    The desire to create and utilize these services, Lunney said, will drive the internet toward a more 3D and immersive environment – 74% of Gen Z and Millennials expect the future of art to be assisted and accelerated by artificial intelligence, and 67% are interested in using AI creative-based tools. 

    The result will be a change to everything from ads to immersive search to online personas and more. “Today’s stacked crises are creating movement toward changing generational values,” she said. “Today it’s rewiring social. Tomorrow, it’s redefining social.”

    To speak with experts or to learn more about The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice, visit https://theharrispoll.newswiremapsvc.com

    About Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice

    Building on 50+ years of experience pulsing societal opinion, we design research that is credible, creative, and culturally relevant. Our practice drives thought leadership and unearths trends for today’s biggest brands. We are focused on helping our clients get ahead of what’s next.

    Source: The Harris Poll

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  • How to Lead With Resilience, Empathy and Vision in Tough Times

    How to Lead With Resilience, Empathy and Vision in Tough Times

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    People are struggling right now. With inflation rates hitting a 40-year high, nearly half of Americans are finding it hard to make ends meet. Many are still adjusting after Covid-19 up-ended life as we knew it, and the world seems to become more embroiled in social and geopolitical unrest every day.

    We live in uncertain times with an even more uncertain future, and employees and leaders alike may feel their legs wobble underneath the weight of it all.

    Times of change and uncertainty fundamentally blur our vision of the future, and it can be hard to see even a few feet in front of us. In such times, it is on leaders to rise above the challenges of our current context, cut through the cacophony of the outside world and inspire their teams to work toward the mission at hand.

    Related: The 3 Cs of Executive Leadership in Uncertain Times

    Avoid leadership traps

    Leadership on a good day, during a good year, is challenging enough. The context we are living in right now makes it even harder for leaders to realize their vision and empower their people. An employee might unexpectedly leave due to challenges in their home life, and you’ll be left scrambling to find a replacement. A key customer might stop using your service due to budgetary cuts, or you might have a quarter of poor earnings and see your stock tank.

    When faced with instability, it is easy for leaders to lead from a place of fear rather than faith. Psychoanalyst Dr. Karen Horney described three coping strategies many turn to in times of stress and pressure: moving toward others, moving away from others and moving against others.

    The leader who moves toward people may become extra compliant and seek constant validation and assurance from others. If the leader moves away from people, they will become passive, avoiding conflict and hiding from social interaction. The leader who moves against people resorts to hostility. They become controlling and easily triggered by anger, creating an unsafe workplace.

    These coping mechanisms could cause people to lose faith in their leader, disengage from the workplace or seek new employment altogether. Leaders must be vigilant in taking care of their own mental, physical and spiritual health to avoid these pitfalls and turning a challenging time into a catastrophic one.

    Related: This Ancient Philosophy Is the Key to Leading Through Turbulent Times

    Work with the new normal, not against it

    Once leaders ensure they are fit to do so, it is time to turn to the needs of their employees. What we see as leaders is only a fraction of the day-to-day picture. Much of the work done in an organization is not tangible, and with hybrid work, 80% of your team may be dispersed, working virtually in five different time zones. Within this context, how do we create a workplace that meets employee needs and enables them to stay focused, engaged and aligned?

    It starts by assessing what our employees genuinely want and feel is missing from our organization. Some might seek more interpersonal connections, while others may need more robust child-care support. Half of your staff may crave a return to in-person work, while others may thrive in the quiet of their home. Many are likely struggling to stay emotionally grounded and trying to find more meaning in their day-to-day.

    To address employees’ many conflicting needs, leaders need to work within the new workplace context rather than against it. Create an office community where employees feel safe, cared for and supported, whether that means providing meeting-free Fridays or creating spaces for in-person meet-ups. Do not try to return everything to the “normal” of before — embrace what’s next and build a culture that enables employees to thrive even amidst such times of change and pain.

    Related: 4 Things to Consider When Managing a Business During Down Times

    You don’t have to reinvent the wheel

    That said, though we need to account for the “new normal,” this does not mean we must entirely re-invent core leadership tactics. Many qualities of great leaders that have long been touted are still relevant and can be applied to the new contexts we are working within.

    If you, like me, need a refresher after the whirlwind of the last few years, here are the five core leadership skills that can help you cut through the noise and optimize your leadership impact:

    1. Communicate your vision and persuade employees to commit to it themselves.
    2. Inspire action — encourage your followers to do what may have previously seemed impossible.
    3. Think strategically, adapting with agility and confidence as environments change.
    4. Practice emotional intelligence and work to understand your emotions and those of the people around you.
    5. Master people management — we have no business without our people.

    It can be easy to lose sight of the tactics that have long served us well when our world has been upended as thoroughly as it has over the last few years. But the fundamentals of leadership are fundamental for a reason. By returning to basics and re-committing ourselves to their application, we can shore up our reserves and guide our employees with strength and grace through the hardship ahead.

    Related: 10 Positive Leadership Books to Motivate and Inspire You During Difficult Times

    Driving through the rain

    At its core, leadership is the act of realizing a clear and compelling vision through others. But what happens when that vision is muddied by external factors — when we’re distracted by the baby crying in the back seat or are forced to take a long and winding detour due to ongoing construction?

    There is no telling when the unrest of the last few years will settle, and with a possible recession looming, it seems we are still years away from breaking out of the woods and into the sunny pasture. Leaders must learn to be resilient through times of change and pain and, in turn, inspire resilience in those that work for them. Do not be afraid to steer your team through the rain — if you look out for potholes, listen to the needs of your passengers and remember all the tips from that permit test you took all those years ago, you will have a smoother journey ahead.

    Jonathan Kirschner

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  • 4 Ways to Find the Ideal Work-Life Balance in Leadership

    4 Ways to Find the Ideal Work-Life Balance in Leadership

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Central to the mindset of most entrepreneurs is converting an idea, invention, passion or hobby into a business that fills consumer needs and makes a profit along the way, which seems like an ideal way to earn a living. While entrepreneurship is often associated with the familiar mantra, “find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” many in the entrepreneurial trenches would argue that is not the case due to grueling hours, funding concerns and finding people equipped to handle areas outside of their expertise.

    On the road to success, entrepreneurs have to quickly rise to the occasion and become exceptional business leaders as they shepherd their companies to reach new levels. This requires a strategic approach to focusing on core competencies, handling daily operations and managing people to grow a business. Although entrepreneurs are adept at juggling numerous plates and wearing many hats, savvy ones recognize the value of ensuring balance in and outside of work to achieve the best version of themselves from a professional and personal perspective.

    Entrepreneurs and business leaders who develop balance are improving their work success equation and making great strides to create a well-balanced lifestyle that leads to long-term satisfaction and happiness. Here are four things to consider.

    Related: 7 Ways to Get From Burnout to Balance

    Defining balance

    Balance is typically defined as a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportion to help someone or something remain upright and steady. While most agree that work and life cannot be equally balanced at the same point in time due to varying circumstances, they can be averaged so that their benefits complement each other over time.

    Well-balanced leaders realize when they are being spread too thin and take the necessary steps to seek support and regroup before reaching burnout. Conversely, when operations slow down, they demonstrate the awareness to take much-needed time away from the office to refresh and rejuvenate.

    Related: How To Regain Work/Life Balance

    Embracing a brave new world

    There is no doubt that society has entered a brave new world in which companies are working at break-neck speed to adapt and keep pace in areas such as increasing societal concerns, rapid technological advancements, evolving workforce demographics and changing employee priorities. A common thread that drives and unites these areas is a desire for an improved work experience that equates to a better life. As companies continue to embrace the values of this brave new world, their actions should help business leaders better realize a critical need to adopt habits that support proper work-life balance, not only for themselves but also as an example for others.

    Identifying ways to create balance

    Now is the time for business leaders to identify ways to create balance and implement best practices to achieve positive results.

    • View positions as a calling — When leaders regard their work as a calling, they develop a fresh perspective on how they handle their responsibilities, which reflects a higher purpose to make a difference in the lives of others, including employees, clients, communities and personal relationships. A calling mindset provides a solid foundation for emphasizing balance in work and life.

    • Take care of people — Savvy leaders recognize the importance of taking care of their employees, which leads to stronger relationships, dedicated workers, well-developed and knowledgeable teams and increased employee engagement. When leaders have teams they can count on, it not only makes it easier for them to focus on other things in or outside the office, but it also enables co-workers to have more flexibility and balance.

    • Build strong networks – To achieve a balanced lifestyle, business leaders should build strong networks for support in their professional lives and in their personal circles. When leaders have mentors and colleagues who serve as trusted advisors and hold them accountable for properly managing their health and well-being, it helps reinforce better work-life balance. Conversely, building networks for external support that encourage family activities, promote interests and boost fitness initiatives are important ways to connect outside work and form habits that create balance.

    • Control schedules – When business leaders take more control over their schedules, it can significantly impact balance. Leaders should be selective about the number of meetings they attend and the time they travel for business, which can sometimes be delegated to team members. It is critical to designate time for themselves each day for mental breaks that help clear the mind and provide a fresh perspective. Most importantly, leaders should use allotted PTO, participate in community involvement events, and prioritize physical and mental health. Leaders who take care of themselves by controlling their schedules are better positioned to find balance and take care of others.

    Looking in the mirror

    When leaders take steps to lead a more balanced life, they can look in the mirror and see a more relaxed individual who can better focus and make strategic decisions necessary to a company’s success. Their reflection also reminds them that they are setting an excellent example for their teams by encouraging workers to practice work-life balance by viewing their jobs as a calling, increasing fitness efforts, participating in volunteer events and taking time off.

    In addition, well-balanced leaders who develop stronger bonds with family, friends and others in the community see themselves as committed individuals who are making a difference in the lives of others, which in turn improves their lives exponentially. Business leaders who walk the talk about working and living in a balanced manner are developing teams and future leaders to have similar priorities and setting an exceptional example for relatives and acquaintances entering the workforce.

    As work and life appear to be moving at a more rapid pace, it behooves business leaders to evaluate both sides of the equation to help develop professional and personal habits that lead to balanced leadership and a balanced lifestyle that complement one another. When leaders achieve an optimal mix, they should experience greater happiness and success as they pursue their goals.

    Related: The First Step to Achieving Work-Life Balance? Stop Calling It That.

    Steve Arizpe

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  • 9 Ways for Introverted Leaders to Dominate Their Industries

    9 Ways for Introverted Leaders to Dominate Their Industries

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Think about a past or present leader who is dominating the industry you’re in. If you didn’t think about yourself, you have some work to do. The great news is that you don’t have to be an extrovert to lead from the front. In fact, many of the most successful and influential leaders are introverts at heart. But does that stop them from making moves and making money? Absolutely not.

    Leading from the front is about so much more than being the loudest person in the room. It’s about having the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s unpopular. It’s about inspiring others to be their best selves. And it’s about making a positive impact on the world around you. Start by thinking like this:

    Related: 6 Truths on Why Introverts Make Great Leaders

    What do you have to offer?

    Of course, you have 10 to 20 years of hard-earned experience and a higher-level education that could impress anyone. You have a successful career, a robust network and a long list of accomplishments. But what else do you have to offer?

    You have the power to change people’s lives for the better. You can make an impact on your community, your company and your industry. You have a voice that needs to be heard. Don’t underestimate yourself or the difference you can make in the world. You have more to offer than you realize. So, what now?

    Start with self-reflection

    You have to be open to intense self-reflection. The definition of self-reflection is “meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions and motives.” This isn’t the same as beating yourself up for your past mistakes or rehashing old arguments. It’s about taking an honest look at who you are and what you want to achieve. To do this, ask yourself some tough questions:

    • What motivates me?

    • Why do I want to be a leader?

    • What am I passionate about?

    • What difference do I want to make?

    • What do I stand for?

    Be prepared to sit with these questions for a while. It’s not easy to dig deep and find the answers, but it’s worth it. This is key to understanding your growth areas, triggers and the things that make you feel uncomfortable. The more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to lead from the front.

    Only when you know yourself can you begin to grow and change. If you’re not willing to do the hard work of self-reflection, you’ll never be able to lead from the front. The accomplishments, accolades and plain ‘ole life experiences you’ve been through up to this point all add to your personal story. Every piece of knowledge and expertise you carry is going to set someone else free.

    You also have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. As an introvert, you’re probably used to flying under the radar. You like your peace and quiet, and you’re happy to stay in the background while still getting the job done. That’s why you’ve been able to move up the corporate ladder — by putting in hard work and keeping your head down.

    Your days of working from the shadows are over. Leading from the front means stepping out of your comfort zone regularly. It means putting yourself and your ideas out there.

    Related: 5 Tips for Challenging Yourself to Perform Outside of Your Comfort Zone

    How to break out of your shell and step into your purpose

    If you’re ready to step up and become the leader you were meant to be, here are nine ways to get started:

    1. Be authentic: The first step to becoming a leader is being authentic. People are attracted to leaders who are genuine and authentic. They want to follow someone real and down-to-earth, not someone who is trying to put on a show. You’re safe within your own story.

    2. Let your vulnerability show: Great leaders aren’t afraid to show their vulnerability. They use it to their advantage. Being vulnerable allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and build trust. When people feel like they can trust you, they’re more likely to follow you.

    3. Be confident: Confidence is key when it comes to being a leader. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others to follow you? Believe in your vision, and be confident in your ability to make it happen.

    4. Be decisive: The decision-maker holds the power. Leaders are decisive — they know what they want, and they go after it. They’re not afraid to make tough decisions, and they don’t second-guess themselves.

    5. Be passionate: Within your passion lies your purpose. Passion is contagious. When you’re passionate about something, others will be drawn to you. Passionate leaders are also typically more successful because they’re so driven to achieve their goals.

    6. Practice humility, and build community: Despite all of their accomplishments, successful leaders remain humble. They know that they didn’t get where they are on their own, and they’re always willing to give credit where it’s due. Humble leaders are also more approachable and easier to relate to.

    7. Show people you genuinely care: Compassion is an important quality for any leader. People want to follow someone who cares about them and their well-being. When you’re compassionate, people will trust you and feel comfortable confiding in you.

    8. Be coachable, not cocky: No one knows everything, and even the best leaders need help from time to time. The most successful leaders are coachable. They’re always open to new ideas and willing to learn from their mistakes.

    9. Be persistent: Last but not least, leaders are persistent. They don’t give up easily, and they never give up on their dreams. If you want to be a successful leader, you need to be prepared to put in the hard work and never give up on your vision. Consistency and persistency win every time.

    Related: You Don’t Have to Be the Loudest Voice in the Room to Make an Impact

    The race isn’t always given to the swift

    Becoming a leader takes time and effort, but it’s so worth it. When you step up and lead from the front, everyone following you will be able to ride your coattails to success. That’s where the real magic is.

    Great leaders aren’t only in the business of creating success for themselves, they strive to inspire other leaders to do the same. When you lead from the front, you can change lives and make a lasting impact on the world. This is it. It’s time to step up and show the world what a true leader in your field of expertise looks like. No one can do it quite like you.

    Shaan Rais

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