Run Meetings Like a Super Villain

 

How many times have you sat through a meeting that just dragged on and on…and on? Nothing was getting accomplished and half the people were not even paying attention, checking emails on smart phones under the table or just blatantly paying attention to the tablet or laptop propped up right in front of them? If you are like me, then the answer is far too often!

Movies, on the other hand, are amazingly efficient. There is no time wasted on drudgery or banal activities. Dialogue is snappy and to the point and even the most complicated of discussions is resolved in a few minutes at most.

Perhaps the most efficient are the movie villains. Villains have a clear goal, usually the destruction of, or ruling of, the Earth. Little time is wasted on pointless meetings or discussions that do not immediately forward their evil plans.

In fact, if you want to be more productive, take a few pointers from Super Villains on how to run your meetings.

1.      Have an exotic location. You may not need to travel overseas or hold the meeting in some secret underground lair, but do make sure the meeting is set up to be comfortable with room and chairs for everyone involved. If you are using presentation tools, such as PowerPoint, or whiteboards, make sure everything is in place and working. You’ll never see a master villain foiled by his own demonstration.

2.     Skip the fluff. Nothing is more annoying than one person sidetracking a meeting with his or her own personal agenda or just eager to hear themselves talk. Keep everyone on track and on target.

3.     Risk of death keeps everyone in line. We’ve all seen the movies where one of the wayward baddies runs into a sticky end once uncovered. Your company HR director will likely object if you start electrocuting your staff or feeding them to crocodiles through a trapdoor in the conference room. However, you can hold people accountable if goals are missed or work not done.

4.     No distractions. It is hard to imagine a villain such as Blofeld, from the James Bond realm, putting up with his team reading emails or texting while he is explaining his plan to rule the world or knock-off Fort Knox. Put a quick end to the distractions (see rule #3 above).

5.     Focus on outcome. Bad guys and gals do not waste time vacillating or hesitating over decisions. Analyze the data and potential risks and then move forward on the agenda with 100% of your efforts.

6.     Decisions followed to the “T”. Or else…(see rule #3).

7.     White cat is optional. Even the most evil of villains has a human side. It is okay to let that show, at least in moderation, in front of others. After all, Blofeld always had his fluffy cat with him.

That should do it. Oh yeah…now go out and conquer the world – or at least your competition!

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Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

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Want a Raise? Take Your Boss Hostage!

               The French are famous for many things. The Eifel Tower, fine wines, delicious baked goods, impressionist art and a general sense of haute couture. However, we do not usually think of the French when it comes to the art of negotiation.

               French labor unions have mastered a new technique for negotiations. French workers are known for going on strike to express their dissatisfaction. Taking it a step further, workers have taken to kidnapping executives in order to make a point and make their demands.

               In a Goodyear plant, located in Amiens, France, union workers were frustrated by the company’s plans to close the plant. The union apparently had enough. Two of the plant’s executives were held in an office at the site and the doors were blocked off with large farm tires (after all it was a Goodyear plant).

by Rubohcity from Wiki Commons

               The two bosses were allowed to keep their cell phones and communicate with family while the union presented its demands. The workers wanted a severance package of $108,000 for each employee, plus $3,400 for each year worked. Who wouldn’t want a deal like that?

               As it turns out, it is somewhat common for French unions to hold company leaders hostage. It certainly helps create media attention and perhaps sympathy, at least by some people. The legal penalties seem relatively minor for these offenses. It is almost like an inside joke, a way to vent frustration with a stingy boss or company. In this case, the two men were released after being held for two days. Unfortunately, the union members also set fire to tires around the perimeter of the site, creating clouds of black smoke.

               In the past, executives from other companies, such as 3M, Sony and Caterpillar have been held hostage during labor negotiations. Company leaders working in France may need to start demanding ‘danger’ pay to compensate for the risks.

               On the serious side, this was part of a long, ongoing feud between executives and the workers. Ironically, the left-wing union, accused French President Francois Hollande, a member of the socialist party, of working in cohorts with the business.

               The lesson here is a reminder to keep in mind the morale of employees and consider the impact on an organization. It may not result in someone blocked into an office with tractor tires in the doorways, but ongoing tension can lead to acts of workplace violence or sabotage. Businesses cannot bend to every demand or union bargaining tactic. However, leaders should give realistic thought to concerns such as raises, bonuses and the general well-being of employees. Overlooking those concerns can, in the long run, be detrimental to the bottom line.

               For companies operating in other countries and dealing with other cultures, it is a valuable reminder to consider differences as to how businesses operate, and the associated risks from work stoppages to executive kidnappings.

               In the meantime, if you want a raise, consider the “French Press” method of negotiation and hold your boss hostage. Of course, along with the raise, you may want to ask for immunity too.

              

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

The Security Outlook for 2014

               This is the time of year when we find ourselves thinking of New Year Eve’s parties, confetti, Auld Lang Syne and resolutions for the new year (usually around getting rid of the pounds we put on during Christmas). There is also the stream of news stories about the past year, the top stories and the events and people that shaped the year. It is also a good time to take a glimpse into the coming year and think about the changes, challenges and rewards that lie ahead.

               Security, and how security relates to business, is constantly changing as well, so this is a good time to reflect and plan for the future.

Information Security

Cyber risks are a global concern

               Information security will continue to be a top focus when it comes to security. With the latest breach of credit and debit cardholders who shopped at Target, there is the ongoing fear of identity theft. The investigation continues on how hackers were able to collect all that information, including PINs for debit cards. How much of this was actually used remains to be seen or if it was an inside job. However, it has garnered a lot of media attention and brought identity theft and information security back into the spotlight. It would be surprising if there were not a push for some new legislation as a result of this, including penalties to businesses that expose customers.

               Another top concern related to information security and hacking is the risk of cyber-attacks, especially on critical infrastructure such as power grids. There have been various attacks, including some coming from foreign governments, such as China and Iran. A serious attack on utilities could essentially put the United States back in the stone ages in moments and would certainly wreak havoc.

               The hidden risk is the continued shift of focus away from physical security. Protection from physical attacks should never be overlooked. There have been a number of actual attacks, including active shooters, even the recent suicide bombs in Russia. 

NSA

               The story of Edward Snowden, the wayward NSA contractor, fleeing the country with tens of thousands of confidential documents is not going to disappear any time soon. There are legal repercussions ongoing and the question of how much information the NSA (National Security Agency) can legally gather from citizens will almost certainly end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

               In the meantime, Snowden still has tens of thousands of additional documents that could be released and we can only speculate what kind of information might be within. The revelations have re-ignited the debate between security and liberty. Benjamin Franklin is known for saying that those who value security over liberty deserve neither. In 2014, we will certainly see more debates on how to balance protection from terrorists while protecting individual privacy and our constitutional rights. There is an additional question related to security; how did the NSA, of all groups, miss the dangers of allowing a contractor, not even a full employee, access to so many confidential documents. You have to wonder what kind of background screening was done as well. That leads to the question of how the NSA can manage gathering so much information and find the true threats when probably 99% of the information is useless.

Pay Inequality

               The World Economic Forum’s annual report has identified economic disparity has one of the top risks facing the globe. It is certainly an area getting a great deal of attention, not just between poor and wealthy nations, but even within developed countries. The U.S. president routinely brings up the issue as a champion of the downtrodden, who in turn express their outrage at being poor across social media with their iPhones. 

               In truth, there is a growing problem. Historically, top executives once earned about 20 times what the average employee made. Today, it is not uncommon for top executives to earn 200 or even 500 times what the average employees earn. Worse, household income has dropped over the last few years while corporate profits have been increasing. That is a recipe for discontent and social unrest. Switzerland, a business-friendly nation, nearly passed a restriction that would have limited executive pay to only 12 times the pay of the lowest-paid employee.

 

News Photo

               The risk is disturbances or even riots, is a very real threat that could impact supply chains and disruptions of service or even strikes. We have seen a variety of businesses that boast of being ‘green’ or promoting ‘fair trade’ and it is likely that some forward thinking businesses will promote themselves for caring for employees and having more equitable pay scales.

Obamacare

               A look at business risks cannot ignore health insurance reform, a top issue in the United States, specifically the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. Within the healthcare industry there is great uncertainty and talk of cost control, i.e., lay-offs. Meanwhile of the 40 million uninsured Americans, only 1 million signed up for Obamacare. Most Americans are finding that the costs are anything but affordable. 

               Certainly, health insurance is going to be a hot topic, within both politics and healthcare, but also one that impacts every business and individual with insurance. The deductibles and monthly premiums are increasing. Businesses that provide services to hospitals should be particularly wary, as the hospitals will squeeze every contract for savings. Likely, the only things that will not change are the salaries paid to the physicians.

Active Shooters

               Shootings in Colorado and at Sandy Hook Elementary have sparked debate on care for mental health patients and gun control. School security has been a particular focus. Just like after 9-11, when there was a sudden emersion of so-called terrorist experts, there is now a rush of school security experts with arrays of solutions. Training teachers how to fight armed attackers with knee strikes and elbows is becoming more commonplace, although there still seems to be reluctance to add well-trained, armed guards to schools (expense is part of the concern). Learning to fight back is great, but it would be better yet to have the right tools for the job.

               The risk is that attackers also learn from news coverage and will adapt their plans to harm as many people as possible. Schools and all organizations need to consider other potential tactics, such as explosives, chemicals or gas attacks and so forth. Terrorists have used similar methods around the world for decades, sometimes with horrific effect. Do not get tunnel vision.

All the Usual

               In 2014, we will see our share of bizarre and strange crimes. Lust and greed fuel evil people into all sorts of crazy schemes. If any involve beautiful women or tales of sex as part of it, you can expect the usual media frenzy. Oh. Don’t forget the usual celebrity stories with drugs, alcohol, rehab and relapses and whatnot. Did I mention Duck Dynasty?

               Fasten your seat belt and hold on. 2014 will certainly be another interesting year.

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

  

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

Why Your Security Metrics Stink

            Security departments, like police departments, tend to be very good at data collection. The number of incidents, where the incidents happened, time of day and the types of crimes are all key pieces of information collected.

            The real challenge is how to best handle and report the data. The easy solution is to put together some graphs that show what happened, including trends such as whether crime is increasing or decreasing. The problem is that data like that only tells you what already occurred in the past. It is a lagging indicator. If you are relying on only historical data, your security metrics, or measures, will not always get the right level of support from your organization’s senior leadership and c-suite.

            What security leaders worry about may be completely different from what CEOs worry about. In many surveys, when asked about their top fears, security professionals will answer with topics such as terrorism, active shooters, workplace violence and so on. However, when CEOs are asked that question the answer may be very different. In fact, Lloyd’s Insurance Group just released the 2013 results of top business concerns and terrorism was near the bottom, 44 out of 50, although theft, fraud and corruption were in the top 20 risks. The top concerns instead were higher taxes, loss of customers and cyber risk (the only security-related category in the top 10). The top concerns are in the table below, with a green arrow showing an increase in the level of concern since the last survey and a red arrow showing a decrease.

    

            When the security leader presents his concerns to the c-suite, he may as well be speaking a different language in many cases. By presenting historical data only, the job of translating that to a business mindset is left to the senior leaders and that is only if they chose to do so.

            Instead, security leaders need to present both historical and pro-active results in a different context. Keeping in mind that the CEO may be most concerned about higher taxes, which translates to less profit, maybe even losses, requests for new or expensive security components may not be well received. Instead, focus on how security improvements helps customers feel safer and keeps them coming back instead of seeking alternatives. If a customer does not feel safe leaving his car in your parking lot due to security concerns, that customer may take his business elsewhere. Then the request to add lighting or security patrols or whatever component may become much more likely to be approved if it helps the business retain patrons. In that case, a key metric may become feedback from clients on how safe they feel at your business.

            In another study on business risks, healthcare leaders rated worry over excessive regulation as the top concern; not surprising with the implementation of Obamacare. If your organization is facing new compliance issues or regulation, how do you address those concerns? One solution is to become familiar with the requirements, especially those that have a direct or indirect impact on the security operations. Within healthcare, failure to comply or follow regulations can be directly tied to loss of reimbursement or fines.   

            To make your security metrics truly valuable, look at the list of top business concerns on the list below. Give some thought to how each of these relate to security and what impact security can have on reducing those worries. Then your metrics may be of real value to the organization.

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

Teams Versus Individuals - Who Wins?

For racing fans, the Formula 1 Malaysia Grand Prix was an interesting race. There was the strange – a top contender bypassing a pit stop for necessary repairs only to crash as a result a moment later. Another driver pulled into the wrong pit – his old team – and had to make a quick change to the right pit team.

 Most strange of all were the winners on the podium after the race. Two of the three were very unhappy and the winner later had to apologize for winning.

 The top finishers were all unhappy due to teamwork and individual performance.

Webber and Vettel in a post-race interview

 Sebastian Vettel, the driver who ultimately won, passed his teammate, Mark Webber, after both were told to maintain their positions as the race leaders – Webber in first place, followed by Vettel. The idea was to preserve wear and tear on the cars and engines as well as maintain fuel to the end of the race to meet Formula 1 regulations. Despite the team order, Vettel passed Webber anyway, taking Webber by surprise and went on to win the race.

     Meanwhile, a similar skirmish was underway as two more teammates battled for 3^rd place. Nico Rosberg was in fourth, but with better tires on his car wanted to pass his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. The team boss told him to back off, which he did and finished the race in fourth, missing the chance to be on the podium.

Hamilton and Rosberg pose for a promo shot

     At the podium, Webber was clearly angry and the maneuver was a hot topic and clearly put a pall over the race.

      Hamilton, who finished in third, stated that his teammate should have been there instead. Vettel acted as if he didn’t understand why his actions had created such uproar. Racing news followed the feuding after the race and Vettel and Webber’s team had to make a special announcement that the team leaders were in fact, in charge of the drivers and would control their team. Vettel had to issue an apology.

     Business leaders have to deal with the same kind of challenges as well and should try to understand the personal motivators for each team member. Leaders need to also understand how to manage those situations very carefully.

      In organizations, individuals may get bonuses or raises based, rightfully, on their own performance. The risk is that people could take credit or not want to share credit where they should. There is always someone who creates artificial problems to fix; or attracts attention without really doing anything – and, unfortunately, there is usually someone who believes them.

      To be an effective leader, there are a few key points to keep in mind to manage and coordinate team and individual success.

1.      Align individual goals with team goals. Clearly set expectations for individuals in a way that match your goals as a leader and help move the organization closer to strategic goals.

2.     Allow individuals to use their own strengths. In other words, do not have a cookie cutter approach to goal setting. Best performance for everyone is when everyone can use their strengths in a coordinated approach. In our racing example, the drivers want to use their skills and talents, but have to use those to benefit the team. That helps bring in team money, ensures better equipment, and reduces the chances of penalties in future races (using too many engines in a season results in losing starting position later in the season). Working together goes farther towards those goals than individualism.

3.     Look beyond the obvious. Pay attention to who actually did what work on a project or towards achieving common goals. It is good to ask specific questions about roles, contributions and responsibilities rather just assuming what everyone’s’ roles were. This goes for job interviews as well if an applicant is pointing to leading a project. Ask detailed questions about their contributions to clarify their actual role.

4.     Maintain control. When individuals and teams cross paths, get everyone refocused on the organization’s goals and strategic objectives.

             Follow these guidelines and you’ll finish your race with your team (and individual members) on top of the pack.

 

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Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at eric@businesskarate.com. 

Save Innovation with a Corporate SWAT Team!

How many times have you had a great idea? One that would really improve the way things operate around your workplace? It seemed great, there were really no objections, but then...well, it went nowhere.

Most of us are extremely busy and one of the biggest challenges to new ideas is being able to set aside the time to develop and implement those innovations. In recent years, we've seen the impact of high unemployment, company lay-offs and more stressful amounts of work placed on the employees who remain. Creativity is one of the first luxuries to go in that type of environment.

Creativity and innovation are an absolute requirement for a business to remain successful in a changing world. If cavemen were never innovative, we would still be in caves, struggling to build fires and using sticks and stones for tools. Innovation is the way forward and the path to the future. Companies that ignore that concept do so at their own risk and peril.

So where do good ideas come from and where do they go? Innovation comes from your creative staff members who can and do take the time to think through processes and ideas and look for new ways to do things. Sometimes, that means experimenting and trying new methods.

Creating new ideas is only part of the process. Once there is a good idea floating around, the practicality of getting it implemented becomes the next challenge. I know that some of my own ideas, brilliant as I thought they were (debatable, of course) quickly died when I started thinking about what could be involved. There could be a capital requirement, perhaps an information technology piece. Approval from a senior leader or training to be supported by yet another department. Along the way, there are many skeptics and naysayers ready to give your super brilliant idea the ax. It is easy to see how hard it is for an idea to survive.

I've often thought that companies need some type of corporate SWAT team to take on special projects and execute them. Police departments train officers in Special Weapons and Tactics to take on those atypical missions, something that is more involved than what the 'average' police officer may be ready to handle. Dynamic entries, hostage rescue and high-risk arrests are some of the missions a SWAT team might be involved in. Probably much more exciting-sounding than most corporate projects, but it does create an idea (there I go again).

What if companies had a special team to help implement projects above and beyond the normal routine. Corporate directors and managers do not necessarily have the time to implement new ideas and may not know the best approach or who to contact within the organization. The SWAT team would be able to do just that, paving the way to accomplishment. Members should have additional training in project management, including budgeting and being able to build key teams with the right stakeholders, manage meetings and execute the mission, in this case, implement a brilliant idea. The team would need executive support, as well as its own budget to work with. Understanding the strategic goals of the organization is also fundamental to successful innovation and implementing the right ideas.

Perhaps they could use the same acronym to be recognizable. Special Workplace Achievement Tactical team or something to that affect (okay, I'm not always that creative).

Being able to develop brilliant ideas into a creative and innovative approach to business is vital for long-term survival. Companies that encourage that innovation and can implement new ideas will be the leaders in the future. Those that do not will be the cavemen wondering how to start a fire.

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense.  He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management.  Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces.  To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at eric@businesskarate.com. 

The Hidden Risk Menacing Businesses

Often, we know the risks facing us. That piece of cake tempting you is full of calories, posing a risk to your weight. Those French fries put your cholesterol at risk. Even at work, we do, or should, recognize various risks – lights out in the parking garage, for example, put employees at risk when they leave after dark.

However, there are those hidden threats that may not ever cross our minds and yet, are no less dangerous or damaging.

The World Economic Forum has released their annual report on global risks. The report looks at various challenges facing society around the world. Some examples have been concerns about water shortages, famine, price collapse, weather, political instability and severe storms. The last two years, the report highlights the threat of economic disparity, leading to social unrest, or dystopia (as in the opposite of utopia).

It is not hard to imagine. There have been riots in countries like Greece, based on economic fears. Adding to the fuel are the constant media reports mentioning the “one-percent” or the wealthiest 1% of the world’s population.

Greek riots - news photo

Throughout history, revolutions have often been based on exactly that kind of wealth imbalance. The French Revolution of the 18^th Century is a classic example. There has been a breaking point, in which people oppressed have enough and step up to throw off the yoke and change their governments. Even the American Revolution was sparked by higher taxes to pay for benefits of a government far away.

What does this mean for businesses? If employees feel like they are being left behind, financially, with no raises or decreasing benefits, then there is the real risk of employee dissatisfaction and resentment. Especially if the company is growing or profitable and is not rewarding employees. Various news articles have shown that recent corporate profits, as a percentage of GDP have grown, while wages have stagnated.

This translates into poor morale and decrease in productivity and even elevates the risk of internal theft by some. There is a maxim amongst loss prevention professionals that 10% of people will never steal, 10% will always try to steal and 80% can be swayed either way. Employees who are frustrated with their company are more likely to use that as another way to justify dishonest behavior. That increases the risk that at least some of those employees in the 80% group will embezzle, cheat, steal or just chase away customers.

Aftermath of Greek riots - news photo

Depending on your business, there are lots of ways employees can sabotage you, whether intentionally or not. Poor customer service and poor quality control are some examples. Productivity may drop if employees no longer strive as hard. Employees may even be more prone to ‘sweetheart’ deals and give away product, even to strangers if they are not happy at work, such as giving away coffee at convenience stores.

Business leaders need to pay attention to the potential unrest and make rewarding employees a top priority when the company is successful. If not, you could send a message as Marie Antoinette did when she famously declared, “Let them eat cake” when told her citizens had no food to eat. And we know how that ended – at the guillotine!

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense.  He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management.  Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces.  To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at eric@businesskarate.com.