'Ben Thinking' for the week of 08.12

Did you know I got an A in both micro and macroeconomics in college? My (Kent State) professors were exceptional. They had to be, to get someone who relies so much on words, to develop a passion for the stories numbers can tell.

One thing I learned is that sometimes, even when it doesn’t feel like it, the numbers tell the same story. And the numbers never lie.

That’s what I thought of as I read this article in Chief Executive. They were sharing the results of the latest CEO confidence poll. And while others may stop with the headline (CEOs bracing for a recession!) Chief Executive chose to look at the numbers. And guess what. The numbers were pretty much the same about a year ago.

I think it’s important to point that out for a few reasons:

1. Despite the pace of the world, CEOs are wise to continue to manage from a point of realistic expectations. Not ones that are inflated (everything’s fine!) or fearful (this is it!).
2. It’s not a bad thing to hold steady in the face of uncertainty.
3. GI Joe taught me that ‘knowing is half the battle’ – I like to see what’s coming because that’s the only thing I can plan for in the moment. Take advantage of seeing the sentiment and incorporate it into your annual planning.

Obviously, the economy is something we’re all ‘thinking about’. But what else have I Ben thinking about?

Speaking of numbers and CEOs. You’re gonna want to read this.

Has it ever been harder to build a sustainable culture? Engage employees? Plan for the long-term health of your company? I don’t think it has. And the fact most CEOs are in their job less than two years isn’t helping.

HBR points out some reasons for this. The one that jumped out to me? Uh, because it’s hard. And because in most cases, there’s a lot more to the job than they thought. Here, consider this summary of what ‘surprised CEOs’ the most after accepting the role:

• 75% negatively surprised by company culture
• 63% found business state worse than expected
• 89% positively surprised by employee quality and dedication
• 45% spent more time on board-related activities than expected
• 36% surprised by the emotional weight of the role

The Olympics have ended. So has the way we used to watch them (and other sports).

I loved watching the Olympics. In my opinion, whoever figured out that the secret sauce is to focus more on the families, live reactions and real-time interviews…you deserve the gold. (Maybe it was Snoop? I mean, that guy was Every. Where.)

Prof G agrees -- The Olympics used to be a slab of TV content. The internet has ground the Games into social media moments.

What’s up with Google?

And why do we all seem so ‘ok’ with it? This is a weird moment. It’s like when you realize an artist or a celebrity…a sports figure…someone who’s talent you enjoy…well, they really aren’t who you thought they were. So now what? I hate what they did…but should I still listen to that song? Watch that show? Wear their jersey?

Google was found to have acted illegally in its efforts to maintain a strong hold in the world of search. And the ways it did this? Yea, not cool Google. So…now what? Do I still use it until something else comes along? How should I feel about this? I’m so conflicted. I’ll Google it and see if there’s anything out there to help us deal with it.

6 technologies that will shape our transition to Industry 5.0

This was a fun read. If you’re in manufacturing – at any level, in any position – enjoy it.

Numbers two (superior customization and personalization) and four (human-centric design) jumped out at me, especially because I’m spending a lot of time talking to clients about the possibilities of this. The thought of what will be possible as it pertains to ‘custom’ output for a customer…it will be a very valuable capability.

Infographic alert: Are you a small business (under 500 employees)? Want to see what the average salary for employees in your state is? (from Entrepreneur)

Sick of your phone distracting you? Do one (or all?) of these 6 things.

Well, first, if you’re reading this on your phone, wait until after you finish it, share it and like it to do any of the things this article is suggesting.

But second, while I didn’t find any of these ground breaking, it is a nice reminder for all of us. The other day I literally threw my phone across my office (landed on my couch) because it wouldn’t stop buzzing. Who’s fault is that? But I took it out on the poor, defenseless iPhone.

For the pod squad:

In her insightful book (and very marked-up book that sits on my desk), Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown talks about 87 emotions. And those are hard enough to manage. But what if you have to help your team with their 87 emotions too?

The right way to manage emotions on your team (Episode 982 on HBR’s IdeaCast)

Zen Den

"Let life live you." What a concept.

New workshops available:

Changes in SEO are impacting your business.

One change is problem. Two are a challenge. Three are a crisis. What if there are 7 changes? That’s why we’re here. We will keep it simple, but the conversation is almost a must. Check out our latest offering.

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Feel free to share with anyone else you think would enjoy the articles and resources!

Thank you,

Ben