BOO! 5 Spooky Business Trends

October 31, 2013 / in General Information / by Mic Johnson

Happy Halloween from Blue Gurus!

The air in Kansas City is filled with the smell of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, TWIX, Kit Kats, M&M’s, Snickers and more! So much chocolate. So many kids (and adults) in their costumes. And with the backdrop of the gorgeous leaves changing colors all across the city, it’s a great time of the year.

But there are also goblins, ghouls, ghosts, and witches among us…and I’m talking about in business. I’ve noticed a lot of things going on in the business world that might spook you if you aren’t careful. Here are just a few:

1. 70% Disengaged

According to a recent Gallup “State of the American Workforce” study, 70% of American workers are “not engaged” or are “actively disengaged” in their work. (Only 13% of employees WORLDWIDE are engaged in their jobs.)

So most of the people you see at work aren’t happy. And most of the leadership in those organizations aren’t doing anything about it. That has to change.

2. Brand Schizophrenia

I’m seeing a lot of situations where a company’s branding efforts don’t align with the success they’re having. So maybe they’re having a great year, are innovating, are making money, etc., but their web site is outdated and hard to navigate.

Or, just the opposite, a company’s branding efforts are solid, but their culture and execution needs a lot of work.

I’m seeing the same thing with individuals. Many people still don’t realize that we’re all brands now. I continue to see people that have horrible LinkedIn profiles, but are actually very solid business people. On the flip side, I’ve seen great LinkedIn profiles, but the person’s profile oversells who they are and just how successful they’ve been.

3. Old School Management Styles Are Dying

More and more you’re seeing people from all generations in the workforce run away from old school management styles.

People are tired of being micromanaged. They’re tired of not being valued. They’re tired of getting taken advantage of. They’re tired of sacrificing time away from their families for companies that don’t care about them.

If you asked the following questions to the 70% of disengaged workers, what do you think they’d say?

-Do you like top-down organizations?
-Do you feel like leadership does a good job of communicating?
-Do you know what the goals of the company are?
-Do you know what the goals of your department are?
-Do you know what is expected of you in your role?
-Do you feel like you have a voice in the organization?
-Do you feel like your opinions matter?
-Do you think your manager does a good job helping you develop your skills?
-Do you have a clearly defined career path?
-Do you look forward to going to work?
-Do you feel like you’re a part of a team?
-Do you avoid speaking up because you’re afraid you might lose your job?
-Do you know your role in the success of the organization?
-Do you feel valued?

4. People Are Slipping On The Little Things

When life and work get busy, it’s easy to slip on the little things. But the little things matter…especially over time. We’ve all been guilty at times of this, but we can all be better.

It doesn’t take much time to execute on the little things. It just takes a little extra effort each day.

Have you not replied or been slow to reply to emails and return calls?

Have you forgot to say Thank You?

Have you referred business to anyone in your network lately?

Is there a great client or friend that you haven’t reached out to in forever?

If someone referred you business, did you follow up and let them know how it turned out?

5. Gen Y Is Mobile…And I’m Not Talking About Technology

I continue to come across intelligent and motivated Gen Y’ers that want to be a part of a growing, thriving, inclusive company where their opinions and contributions are valued. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of companies running an old school management style that is the polar opposite of what Gen Y (and a lot of Gen X and Boomers for that matter) is looking for.

The difference between Gen Y and many people in the generations before them is that they’ll keep moving…and they won’t wait as long to make that leap.

So if you haven’t started to figure out how your company can attract, and keep, Gen Y’ers, you better get on it. This generation is, and will continue to, change the way work is done and the way organizations hire and run their businesses.

If you keep ignoring it (like so many did with social media, blogging, etc.), then you’ll be left behind and eventually go out of business.

Spooky, huh?