Google updates Search Console with sticky filters and improved navigation, responding to user requests for improved data analysis.
The post Google Updates Search Console With Sticky Filters appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
Google’s Search Liaison discusses the rise of user-generated content in search results, citing demand and poor quality of marketing-driven content.
The post Google’s UGC Push: Sullivan Explains The Shift In Search Results appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
Google’s Search Liaison discusses the rise of user-generated content in search results, citing demand and poor quality of marketing-driven content.
The post Google’s UGC Push: Sullivan Explains The Shift In Search Results appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
These are the 100 most asked questions on Google, along with their monthly search volumes. Top Google questions by growth Many popular questions don’t change from year to year. For example, people have been asking measurement-related questions since forever (e.g.,…
Google’s Search Liaison discusses the rise of user-generated content in search results, citing demand and poor quality of marketing-driven content.
The post Google’s UGC Push: Sullivan Explains The Shift In Search Results appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
Machiavellianism refers to a manipulative personality trait. The personality is cunning and calculating, believing that the end justifies the means, regardless of how ruthless or moral.
Psychologists Christie and Geis studied the thought processes and actions behind individuals who manipulated others and were the first to define this personality trait as Machiavellianism. Their construct was based on personality traits displayed in the characters of Machiavelli’s literary work The Prince.
In this book, Niccolò Machiavelli described how leaders must manipulate and use power through any means necessary to achieve their goals. He presented that people cannot be trusted to do what is needed because they typically lack the experience and motivation or have biases and prejudice toward doing what is needed.
Here is a short video about What “Machiavellian” really means.
Despite the negative connotations of Machiavellian leadership, sometimes its admired, and the presence of this personality trait is found in all kinds of businesses and at all levels.
Interestingly, research into Machiavellianism leadership suggests both highly damaging implications along with some surprisingly positive outcomes for individuals and entire organizations:
The Good: Able to retain social control during difficult and chaotic situations, strategic foresight and planning, lower operating costs, high task orientation, not impulsive, gets work done by others, able to be competitive and cooperative.
The Bad: Unethical behavior, moral ambiguity, lying, revenge, threats, fraud, cheating, emotional abuse, lack of trust in others, excessive politics, theft, and paying for kickbacks.
Although research reveals some good business outcomes of Machiavellian leadership, an overwhelming number of studies demonstrate this kind of manipulative leadership hurts leadership performance. The impacts of lower-quality leader-follower relationships negatively influence performance, company culture, and results.
Fortunately, extreme levels of Machiavellianism are rare in the workplace. However, we all likely have some degree of Machiavellianism in our personalities.
The Mach-IV is a 20-question inventory that assesses your Machiavellianism tendencies. This site provides your Machiavellian score and a graph showing how you compare to others taking the assessment.
The higher your score on the Mach-IV, the more Machiavellianism. If you score 60 out of 100 or higher on the MACH-IV, you are considered a “high-Mach.” If you score below 60 out of 100, you are considered a “low-mach.”
High Mach tendencies: Business goal-oriented and calculated when interacting with others. Taken to the extreme, they are highly focused on winning and willing to use any and all means possible.
Low Mach tendencies: Believe everyone has a good and bad side. They tend to be more people-oriented and empathic in their interaction with others. Taken to the extreme, “low-Machs” can be passive, highly agreeable, and socially inept.
Can you change your personality? Or is it true that Yoda told Luke that if you start down the dark path, it will forever dominate your destiny?
Luckily, there is hope. The Big Five personality traits serve as the building blocks of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Research into these personality traits suggests it is possible to change them through persistent interventions.
There is no single right way to change personality. Behaviors constantly evolve from situation to situation and moment to moment. The following are six proven countermeasures for Machiavellian behaviors in the workplace.
The higher you move within an organization, the less objective the feedback you tend to receive; however, it becomes more critical personally and professionally. Executive assessments can provide deep insights into areas that, with attention, lead to enhanced potential. When selecting an assessment, using a qualified executive coach to help interpret and apply the learnings is crucial.
There are many benefits of executive coaching. 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence. Over 70% benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills. 86% of companies report recouping their investment in coaching and more.
Research in organizational behavior has illuminated the importance of ethical leadership in addressing and mitigating undesirable behaviors often associated with Machiavellianism. Ethical leadership, as a concept, encompasses a wide array of principles and values that guide individuals in making decisions that are not only morally sound but also beneficial for the greater good. It involves considerations of right and wrong and a sense of moral duty and obligation towards others.
One particular leadership style that has gained attention for its ethical underpinnings is Servant Leadership. This approach emphasizes influence over positional power, focusing on the well-being and growth of others rather than asserting authority through hierarchy. By prioritizing the needs of their followers and empowering them to reach their full potential, servant leaders create a positive and nurturing work environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation.
Organizations that embrace a servant leadership style stand to reap numerous benefits. Leaders can inspire greater employee engagement, loyalty, and productivity by cultivating a culture of empathy, humility, and service. Furthermore, emphasizing ethical decision-making and social responsibility can enhance the organization’s reputation, increasing stakeholder trust and support.
Tightly aligning your company’s reward and recognition systems with desired behaviors is crucial in fostering a positive work environment. When incentives are directly linked to the behaviors and values the organization wishes to promote, employees are more likely to be motivated to align their actions with these expectations. This enhances individual performance and cultivates a sense of unity and collaboration within the team, as everyone works towards common goals and shared rewards.
Training and development play a crucial role in honing the skills and abilities of individuals across various personality types. Research indicates that providing targeted development opportunities during significant career transitions can significantly impact individuals with Machiavellian personality traits.
By investing in tailored programs that focus on shaping work expectations and behaviors, organizations can effectively steer these individuals toward more constructive and beneficial outcomes. Such initiatives not only enhance individual performance but also contribute to a positive organizational culture, ultimately leading to reduced risks of potential errors and financial losses.
A “high-Mach” personality can present unique challenges in various aspects of life, including relationships, work environments, and personal well-being. Individuals with Machiavellian traits often exhibit manipulation, deceit, and a lack of empathy. These behaviors can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships and challenges in navigating social interactions effectively.
Seeking support from a mental health professional can be instrumental in developing coping mechanisms to manage these traits and their impact on daily life. Therapy can provide individuals with the tools and strategies needed to address underlying issues, improve self-awareness, and cultivate healthier ways of relating to others.
Some therapeutic approaches that may benefit individuals with Machiavellian personality traits include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Additionally, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may be useful in developing skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
By working with a mental health professional, individuals with high-Mach personalities can gain insight into their behaviors, learn how to navigate social situations more effectively and cultivate healthier relationships based on trust, honesty, and empathy. Seeking help is a proactive step towards personal growth and well-being for those grappling with the challenges associated with Machiavellian traits.
So, what is your real leadership challenge?
Christie, R., & Geis, F. (1970). Studies in Machiavellianism. Academic Press.
Kumar, D. (2019). Good, bad, ugly: Exploring the Machiavellian power dynamics of leadership in medical education. Journal of advances in medical education & professionalism, 7(1), 42–46.
Page, N., Bergner, S., & Wills, S. (2017). Who empathizes with Machiavellian or Narcissistic leaders? Harvard Business Review.
Rehman, U., & Shahnawaz, M. (2021). Machiavellianism and task-orientated leadership: the moderating effect of job autonomy. Leadersh Educ Personal Interdiscip J 3, 79–85.
Van Dierendonck, D., & Patterson, K. (2015). Compassionate love as a cornerstone of servant leadership: An integration of previous theorizing and research. Journal of Business Ethics, 128(1), 119-131.
I have a category on my blog (Alan Weiss’s Contrarian Consulting®) called DASM: Dumb Ass Stupid Management. I wanted to title one of my books that way, but the publisher was too frightened and called it Our Emperors Have No Clothes.
There are myriad schemes and graphs and charts on social media depicting best practices in leadership, not one of which was produced or written by a great leader. The authors are generally academics, struggling consultants, and people with nothing better to do. (There are exceptions in publishing, such as Peter Drucker, one of my heroes. But even Warren Bennis had to write Why Leaders Can’t Lead when his own principles failed him as president of the University of Cincinnati.)
I view Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines, now a wreck under others), Lou Gerstner (brought in from the food industry to save IBM), Fred Smith (genius founder of FedEx), Lee Iacocca (resuscitating Chrysler), Estée Lauder (for her cosmetics empire), as examples of superb leadership at various times.
The Baby Boomers and the subsequent GenX have held the vast majority of leadership roles in business and industry, politics, and academia since about 1993. Now that’s changing and, in what I hope is objective candor, I don’t think we see the same degree of leadership today (especially in business, in politics, and in academia). This is a “sea change” that I hope doesn’t become a seismic one.
From the current Southwest Airlines to Boeing, from GE to Wells Fargo, from the Democrats to the Republicans, from Rutgers to Harvard, (and in these two presidential candidates for November) I’m not seeing enlightened or inspired leadership.
Perhaps it’s environmental, perhaps societal, perhaps generational, perhaps technological—or maybe it’s just the “perfect storm” for leadership.
Philip Sheridin was a great Union general in the Civil War. Someone needs to call him. He commanded the cavalry.
I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. —Alexander the Great
When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat. —Ronald Reagan
If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever. —Thomas Aquinas
Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. —Peter Drucker
NEW: The Esteem Machine: Low self-esteem creates high stress levels, guilt, and fear, and “masks” natural talents. You can never succeed to the utmost of your abilities if you’re worried about being “found out” and constantly concerned about how to “wear a costume” pretending you’re someone else.
Join me for 90 minutes and I’ll help you design a program for yourself that you can implement and follow by yourself, daily, to create a far greater sense of confidence and certainty about your true value and worth.
I’ve been helping people do this for 25 years in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. However, this is the first time I’ve codified it so that, once the process is mastered, you need no further coaching or external support.
In other words, I’ll help you gain the esteem to perpetually power your Esteem Machine.
Oct 8 via Zoom, 10:30 to noon US eastern, recording provided. $450
https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/esteem-machine/
New Newsletter: Not Without Honor…. (Begins October 15) “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” —The Gospel of Mark, 6:4
Join me for a monthly newsletter that will explore, analyze and predict ramifications of issues and events in global societies. Each issue will focus on topics that will include politics, social mores, the arts, sports, technology, financial affairs, and other contemporary issues.
Develop the ability to discuss current issues with dexterity and insight and become an object of interest to others, whether clients, colleagues, or friends. The discussions will be brief and focus on several issues per edition. Letters and commentary from readers will be welcome.
For example, as we are undergoing the dynamics of morbidity outpacing fertility in most developed countries, there will be a profound labor shortage if actions are not taken rapidly. This includes such diverse political systems as China and the US. There are three key areas, that must be utilized to accommodate what is apparently a multi-generational problem. We’ll discuss what they are and analyze what must be done to successfully resolve the dilemma.
You get the idea. The first issue launches in October. The fee is $500 for the year of newsletters, including all back issues if you join during the year. . https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/not-without-honor/
NEW!! The Spontaneous Session: People laugh today when I tell them I’ve “prepared” for a Zoom or live session. They know my speeches are mainly riffs, and that I never change a word or phrase when I’m writing my books. (My all-time best-seller, Million Dollar Consulting, through six editions, has had exactly one paragraph changed by the publisher.)
What I want to do on Halloween is give you a treat by showing the tricks of my trade. I will actually demonstrate how you can be spontaneous and also highly impressive, controlled, and effective. You will walk out of the morning able to use spontaneity in business meetings, social and civic settings, in speeches and presentations, and in conflict. If you stay for the afternoon, you’ll be able to practice this with your colleagues and then with me. If you can do this with me, you can do it with anyone!
If anyone else is providing this kind of help, I don’t know about it. If you stay for the afternoon, I’m buying lunch. And at the end of the day we’ll vote as a group on the best extemporaneous performance of those remaining and I’ll provide a credit for your entire fee to use for any of my future programs.
Stop saying, “I wish I had said….” or, “Next time what I’ll do is….” You don’t have to risk $200,000+ (as I once did) and I guarantee you won’t be risking this tiny investment either in freeing yourself to be even more successful immediately.
October 31, 2024. Las Vegas, venue TBD 9 am to 4 pm (afternoon optional) Full day $1,250, Half day $950 Lunch included with full day. https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/spontaneous-session/
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World: I’ve provided 14 modules with videos from me, from your colleagues globally, slides, and text. They include everything from launch to self-esteem, proposals to fees, closing business to creating a brand. No upsells! It’s only $115. What do you think about a 10,000:1 ROI? We have over 500 people from 47 countries. https://milliondollarconsultingcourse.com
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World ADVANCED: The new program contains over 60 videos and has 15 modules focusing on what to do in the buyer’s office, overcoming crises, financial planning, and much, much more. https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/advanced-global-learning-program/
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World: GRADUATE: Another 12 modules with videos by me and your peers on contemporary issues such as Raising Fees Aggressively, How to Be Consistently Interviewed, Maximizing Happiness, and Managing Multiple projects. Join the people from 57 countries who are availing themselves of this inexpensive way to dramatically grow their businesses in any economic times. How does 100:1 ROI sound? https://milliondollarconsultingcourse.com/graduate-learning-program/
Want to join me for my Book Sprint? In 60 days complete a proposal for an agent or an acquisitions editor (or the outline and marketing plan for a self-published book). We have an 80%+ “hit rate” for obtaining book contracts, complete with my introductions. The schedule is flexible and I’ll create one around the first people to register. The fee is $4,500—we meet weekly by Zoom with assignments in between and a common Drop Box to review each other’s work. Write me at alan@summitconsulting.com.
2024 Virtual Workshop Series: Major Growth Issues for Professional Services Providers
I’ve designed this series around the most frequently asked questions in my global coaching program, and from the advice I’ve provided that has most rapidly propelled people to much higher income and far less labor intensity. Everyone enrolled in each 90-minute program will receive a recording. I also encourage questions in advance. You can choose individual sessions to attend. If you join during the series, all prior recordings will be sent, as well.
All sessions are on Mondays at 10:30 US Eastern time so that you can begin your week with new approaches. The sixth session is intended to create a far more powerful 2025.
Session One: Ghostbusters (recording available) July 22, 2014: Learn how to prevent people from “ghosting” and what to do in case they do refuse to return calls and emails. However, my methods for avoiding this entirely are highly effective, and can be applied immediately—in fact, as soon as you leave the workshop or video. People call me back because they can’t afford not to.
Session Two: The Real Story: August 26, 2024 Story telling has been proven to be one of the most effective and high impact methods to influence others. Learn the three components of any great story, how to create them, introduce them, deliver them, and exploit the results. Discover the events in your life that are great stories that you don’t even realize you own. And learn how to immediately recall the appropriate story when needed extemporaneously.
Session Three: Brevity: September 23, 2024 Learn to shut up.
Session Four: Achieving and Sustaining Results Leadership: October 21, 2024 Step away from the hackneyed “thought leadership” (Does that mean you have more thoughts than everyone else?) and into the rarefied atmosphere of unequivocal achievements and concomitant brand power. Believe it or not, the thinking didn’t go into creating drills, but rather how to create holes.
Session Five: How to Be A Contrarian and Live to Tell About it: November 18, 2024 You need an “edge,” the ability to unsettle people. There IS such a thing as “too much quality,” and “overly happy employees.” The customer is NOT always right, and while the early bird may get the worm, it’s the early worm that gets eaten. Follow me right to the edge without falling over it, and learn how be a constant object of interest.
Session Six: The 20-Hour Week, the Million Dollar Year: December 9, 2024 Some people say, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” I say, “The smarter I work, the luckier I get.” Learn how YOU can create a 20-hour-a-week approach to your profession and/or practice, and how that can create a million dollars (or more) annually. These are not metaphors. I’m serious. You don’t believe that? Well, what if a thousand people bought this entire series that you are considering right now? That’s over a million dollars for me “working” 90 minutes a month for six months. If you think I can do that, but not you, I thank you, but shame on you! Don’t you think you ought to invest enough to see what you’re capable of, and if it’s possible for you? I mean, even if it’s 25 hours….
All sessions are recorded and distributed promptly as part of the program. The Special Sessions (below) are arranged with me at mutually-convenient times over the ensuing 12 months.
Single Session: $350
Two Sessions: $650
Three Sessions: $900
Four Sessions: $1100
Five Sessions: $1,200
Six Sessions: $1,300
Register for all and you’ll receive videos of any you’ve missed.
Special Sessions: All six plus six 30-minute Zoom coaching calls with me, one-on-one: $2,500. These appointments will be adjusted to accommodate differing time zones.
In order to remain competitive, organizations are placing greater emphasis on investing in the ongoing training and development of their employees. However, with these investments comes the critical need to measure the effectiveness of the training programs and the return on investment (ROI) they deliver. Understanding and applying the right training effectiveness metrics is imperative for organizations to assess the impact of their training initiatives and ensure they contribute to the overall business objectives.
Investing in training without assessing its impact is akin to setting sail without a defined destination. Training ROI is a critical metric that provides decision-makers with tangible evidence of the value brought by learning initiatives and helps justify further investments in L&D. It involves comparing the cost of training programs to the benefits they bring, such as increased productivity, improved employee performance, and reduced turnover rates. Calculating Training ROI can be complex, but it is essential for justifying training expenditures and making informed decisions about future training initiatives.
In assessing the efficacy of your training initiatives, employing a range of metrics specifically designed to gauge training effectiveness is imperative. Here are some of the most valuable metrics to consider:
Pre- and Post-Training Assessments: These assessments help to measure the knowledge and skills employees acquire through training. By comparing scores pre- and post-training, the program’s direct impact can be effectively assessed.
Employee Feedback: Collecting participant feedback provides insights into their perceptions of the training’s relevance, quality, and applicability. Surveys and interviews can be practical tools for gathering this information.
Behavioral Changes: Observing changes in employee behavior on the job can indicate whether the training has successfully translated into improved performance. This is measured through performance reviews, feedback from peers, and self-assessments.
Business Performance Metrics: Linking training outcomes to key business performance indicators, such as sales figures, customer satisfaction scores, and productivity levels, can provide a clear picture of the training’s impact on the organization.
Evaluating training impact involves a comprehensive analysis of how training programs affect both individual employees and the organization. Here are some steps to effectively evaluate training impact:
Set Clear Objectives: Define specific, measurable goals for your training programs. These objectives should align with your organization’s overall business goals and provide a benchmark for evaluating success.
Use a Blended Approach: Combine quantitative and qualitative data to get a holistic view of training effectiveness. This might include test scores, feedback surveys, and performance metrics.
Monitor Long-Term Effects: Training impact should be assessed immediately after the program and over the long term. Regular follow-up assessments help determine whether the benefits of training are sustained over time.
Adjust and Improve: Use the insights gained from your evaluations to continuously improve your training programs. This might involve updating content, changing delivery methods, or providing additional support to employees. By doing so, you can guarantee that your training programs consistently adhere to the most recent industry standards and effectively meet the requirements of your employees.
Measuring the effectiveness of training programs and calculating training ROI are essential practices for any organization committed to continuous improvement. By adopting a data-driven mindset and embracing continuous improvement, organizations can ensure that their training investments yield significant returns and contribute positively to the bottom line. It is important to emphasize that the goal is not only to deliver training to employees but also to empower them with the skills necessary to excel in their roles and drive significant business outcomes. Investing time and resources into these evaluations leads to better-informed decisions, more effective training programs, and a more capable workforce.
The post Maximizing Impact: How to Measure Training Effectiveness and ROI appeared first on Clarity Consultants.
We’re trying to applaud ourselves.
[podcast_headshot url=”https://www.consultingsuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/John-Fareed-Horwath-HTL.webp”] How exactly does a former Marine and professional magician eventually find himself leading a global hospitality consulting powerhouse? In this episode, John Fareed, Global Chairman of Horwath HTL, takes us on a journey through his unconventional career path—from his early days as a magician to becoming a respected leader in the hospitality industry. …
From Magician To Consultant ($24M In Revenue) with John Fareed: Podcast #337 is a post from: Consulting Success
