Optimizing Innovation

Innovation is a beautiful and necessary thing to keep any business or organization relevant.But it has to be done right and at the opportune time. Otherwise, it can be a black hole that sucks the life out of your financial resources, your time, and your passion, with a negative impact on your consumer base.

It is crucial to find a healthy balance between that which is new and different, and that which is misunderstood or too far ‘out there’. Despite all the insight and advice I give to Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies as a keynote speaker, consultant and trainer, regarding the INNOVATION MINDSET, things like; take risks, be absurd in your thinking, the objective is always to optimize the success rate of creativity in the workplace.

Innovation Mindset Keynote

If something is TOO different, it will invite fear and resistance; alienation.

If it is not new enough, it will not inspire excitation; same ol’ same ol’.

Let’s talk Alienation

If an invention, a new product or an improved service is too extreme for the market to comprehend, it will alienate the consumer base. Why? Because those consumers won’t understand this new and different thing that you are proposing. Not to mention, humans, for the most part, don’t like change, let alone drastic or radical change. They panic: fight, flight or freeze. If you have enough time or money to educate your audience, then go for it. Patience and long-term planning pay dividends.

To avoid alienation, you’ll need to place your finger on your customers’ purchasing pulse. What are their needs, expectations and desires… and of course, pain points? If you make it too different, you’ve simply added a new pain point; steep learning curve. Anybody remember Microsoft’s Vista?

Next part of the equation is understanding how informed your base is? And maybe the most important questions is, are they ready for this new thing? Lets’ not forget the element of timing. Think of the movie industry who have to determine when to release a movie. In general, product launches are carefully mapped out following extensive marketing research. Release it too soon and people laugh or run. Release it too late, and you are now no longer first to market. You’re simply a follower jumping on the bandwagon; which sometimes works a treat because it allows you to improve on the innovation.

Really pay attention to the marketplace during your ideation and R&D. Invest in understanding people; socio-economic climate, financial climate, and most definitely… trends. Don’t you dare deny trends. Every now and again, something does come along that is radically different, goes against the trend grain, and is not initially understood, yet, it eventually takes over like wildfire. Think of companies like Cirque du Soleil, Tesla, Apple and Virgin. They were all first to market, they all revolutionized their industries. Though not without resistance. Again, time and money!

Let’s not forget the negative side of the innovation graph. Some inventions or creations that were innovative but didn’t really do the research fail miserably. Failure is not bad, btw. It’s costly when risks are careless. 

For those of you who are older than Millennials, you may remember the VHS / Betamax wars. Betamax, actually had the better technology; superior resolution (250 lines vs. 240 lines), better sound, and a more stable image. Why did they not dominate and kill VHS? They didn’t understand the market. Betamax.

The “quickie” version of this tale is, porn. Yep, porn video rentals at the back of the store where men discretely shopped. Some will say it was due to the length of sports games. Betamax tapes could only record 60 minutes. VHS, 120 minutes. The word on the street is that because Betamax didn’t allow porn on its platform, men got accustomed to VHS. True or not? Either way, the moral of the story is, know the market and consumer behaviors. Create and adapt accordingly.

Do a deeper dive into the INNOVATION MINDSET… buy the book today!

Let’s talk excitation

When innovation is on time, at the right price and correctly distributed, it will excite people. Excitement is based on experiencing something new, yet relatable… and keeping up with the trends (and the Jones’). Some traditional and established companies don’t push too much for innovation, though they won’t stay completely static either. Rolls Royce doesn’t exactly bring out a new model every couple of years. Yet they have remained relevant and significant. Unlike Harley Davidson, unfortunately. They have experienced 5 straight years of dropped sales of up to 5.2% - with shares falling 4.3% to $33.37.

Companies must think ahead in order to appeal to new generations, even if the brand wishes to remain traditional. Expectations change. Standard change. Styles change… therefore so must product, services and customer experience adapt.

Keeping your audience excited will inspire repeat business. Apple are geniuses at this, though we are all waiting for the next best thing since sliced bread or the iPod. Besides an investment from Microsoft, the Iphone is given credit for not only saving Apple, but for propelling it the first publicly traded $ trillion company on the planet (2018). It has since doubled that in 2020. In big part because they are continually striving to innovate and excite.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

PRESIDENT of ENGAGE Teams 360

Top-Selling Author: BUY THE BOOKS

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Innovation Mindset Keynote by Vital Germaine

Designing an Innovation Identity for your Business

Innovation is all about risk-taking. The key is to maximize the odds of success rather than long term failure due to irresponsible risks. Having the right frame or collective mindset in place is what separates sustainability and business demise.

There are endless lessons, both good and bad, from Cirque du Soleil’s approach to leadership, culture and the innovation mindset. I had the privilege to experience it first hand from within. The wisdom and knowledge I gained, inspired me to write a book that empowers other businesses and leaders to design profitable cultures that strengthen a brand.

Here is an insight peak of the book, INNOVATION MINDSET.

Chapter 3

The Science of Building a Relevant Brand

Throughout the past months, we often heard Franco say, “Everrrghybody, do like zis.” It became an inside joke—folklore—a staple of Mystère during its creation, or what Cirque called “formation.”

Cirque’s formation has parallels to the corporate onboarding process where employees are trained and groomed. During this progression, they learn to understand and embody a culture, learn processes, and deliver the product or brand message in alignment with company values and mission statements. Cirque’s incredible diversity added another level of challenge. Achieving a common goal as a team is tough, bringing an international cast together and finding ways to work in harmony is a whole different level of communication and understanding. 

ACTION STEPS

1. CULTURE: Cirque’s culture was evident from the moment I first walked through the door of their massive training facility in Montreal. It was the way they greeted me, starting with my warm welcome at the airport by the casting director, Nicolette. She made me feel welcomed, valued, and important by:

  I. Smiling.

 II. Greeting. In this situation, it was sharing a hug and three sincere cheek kisses. (A firm handshake and eye contact are enough, unless you’re French Canadian or European, as I am. We’re culturally used to that kind of warmth and affection. Be knowledgeable and aware of whom you’re dealing with ... emotional intelligence.) Understanding, honoring and embracing these differences in cultural rituals, really shows respect and caring. Respect and caring let people know they are truly validated and welcomed… empowerment!

 III. Using my name. Dale Carnegie says, “Remember that a person’s name to that person, is the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” It makes people feel memorable. With all the international names at Cirque, it said so much when somebody took the time to remember a name and say it correctly. The best way to get a person’s name correctly, is to simply ask them how they pronounce it. Ask to be corrected until you have it right. You’ve just earned serious brownie points.

 IV. Enthusiasm. Optimize your facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language to communicate positive, energizing vibes.

The warm welcome continued through to the guided tour and explanation of concepts and departments. The standards and expectations of this company were very clear. They gave me an immediate sense of belonging and being valued. From minute one, they were committed to setting me and all new hires up for success. The tour continued the next day when I was literally guided to the first training and introduced to the team that had already arrived. 

Many companies fall short in welcoming employees. It’s a formality that is undernourished. New arrivals feel lost, confused, insignificant, and frustrated before their journey has even begun. It’s a typical leadership and culture faux pas. Consider running if you, as a frontline employee, are treated poorly on day one and left to your own resources. It means the culture is not designed from the starting line to set you up for success. It’s a shame some leaders don’t take the time to set their teams up for success.

Though culture is intangible, it should be apparent at a glance. Cleverly chosen words do not define a culture. Just like a brand is based on consumer perception, culture is not what leaders say it is. It is defined by how your team members perceive it to be based on leadership example. The words that describe your brand essence are a guide and not necessarily the reality. 

The behaviors and habits of everybody who works for your business, company, or organization must not only “know” those cleverly chosen words, they must become those words. Executives, in particular, must embody them through their daily habits and the way they treat their employees.

For example (let’s state the obvious):

a.     If you work in a fashion or lifestyle- sensitive/aware industry, your CEO had better be trendy!

b.     If innovation is a part of your brand or culture, then executives had better have an innovation mindset—diversity, open-mindedness, the encouragement of idea sharing, exploration, risk, and failure— as a footprint.

c.     If you work in a health- and wellness- inspired industry, then people working in your stores should look healthy and athletic. 

d. If you wish to be relevant, inspiring consumer loyalty and the purchasing power of rising demographics, you and better be on board with current events and trends, new customer expectations and understanding the motivation of younger generations.

If the brand promise and employee actions are not congruent, starting at the executive level through upper and middle management, then the core values risk becoming diluted. As a result, your frontline workers will be left confused, handcuffed, and isolated without a compass or warmth. This will turn your brand anemic: un-loyal customers and disengaged employees.

Execs, be honest with yourselves. Do you personify the company core values, vision, and mission? 

Upper management, be honest with yourselves. Do you personify the company core values, vision, and mission?

Take the time to truly self-evaluate. Also, as an executive, it’s crucial that you understand your team and their emotional needs. Humans are emotional beings. Human connection is imperative to your culture and business success.

2. INNOVATION IDENTITY: Cirque also had a clear innovation identity. It was immediately announced through their … BUY THE BOOK to learn more. Chapter 3

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

PRESIDENT of ENGAGE Teams 360

Top-Selling Author: BUY THE BOOKS

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The Cost of Failing the Customer Experience test.

The Customer Experience doesn’t have to be toxic or terrible to fail and negatively impact consumer loyalty. It’s sometimes as simple as one or two minor pain points leaving a slightly unpleasant taste. Most companies create a “decent” CX. They deliver what is expected and get away with it (for the most part).

80% of customers say that experience is just as important as a product or service.

Companies that are happy with “just ok” eventually lose their client base. By the time the executive team realizes the loss or downturn it’s too late and a costly fix. The company needs to heavily invest in employee training and begin the urgent process of change: re-evaluating company policy, culture and leadership. Many even go through a painstaking and costly rebrand as a result of negligence.

Why not be on top of your game from minute one?

This seems like a redundant and obvious question. YET!!! On paper, the logical answer is a simple, yes, why not be on top of your game. The challenge to do so lies in two main factors.

1. Lack of awareness: if paying attention to the small stuff that impacts your customer isn’t at the forefront of your mission and culture, you will pay the price long term. Too many get lost in the promise of short term vision and quick profits. If you don’t realize how valuable and defining each and every customer touch-point is, then you’re running a ship blindly heading for an iceberg. You will sink if not crash. Be acutely aware of what your customer is seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and feeling.

2. Lack of investment: if making the Customer Experience a part of your vision and mission isn’t even a part of the conversation, it might be time to reconsider why you’re in business in today’s economy. If you’ve built a solid platform to succeed and drive brand loyalty through awareness, congrats! The problem is, you’ve only achieved step 1 - awareness. Without action, planning or strategy, what’s the point of talking about mission statements, Customer Experience (CX), sustainability and scaling at meetings if you don’t understand the psychology of the modern consumer. Leadership must invest in better understanding their customer’s needs and expectations (while we’re at it, understand your employees too); and I don’t mean just checking off the boxes of a standard needs analysis procedure. Go deeper into the psyche of your clients… care more about them and how they interact with your business on every single level. THEN one-up yourself. Aim a step higher than the expected. Do that little extra all day everyday. Read about our ABC’s of Customer Service

   The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

   - Jimmy Johnson (former Miami Dolphins head coach)

   Start that journey by clearly communicating the objective to team members… Let’s elevate the Customer Experience and become memorable and inspire loyalty. Communication includes:

   1. Reminders: training and coaching

   2. Inspiration - lead to inspire

   3. Collaboration - invite idea sharing, trust and challenge

   4. Acknowledgement - recognize and praise

   5. Re-evaluate all the time

Now that you have these 5 steps in place, provide your employees with tools to achieve this clearly defined objective (resources etc). Support them along this growth journey. It takes changed behavior and a collective commitment to delivering extraordinary performance to stand out in a sea of business sameness. Before long, these new behaviors (your improved culture) will become secondary and highly effective. All you need to do is that little extra on a consistent basis. You’ve got this. ENGAGE Teams 360 would love to help you get there.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

PRESIDENT of ENGAGE Teams 360

Top-Selling Author: BUY THE BOOKS

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The ABC of Sales and Customer Service

How many times have you called a company because something was incorrect or not working and have been incredibly disappointed, if not left fuming? The initial mistake they might have made is not the actual problem. Consumers are very forgiving if you simply treat them right: with understanding for their discomfort, and respect for their time. The simplicity comes in being proactive.

Adding to the frequency of disappointing customer service experiences is the fact that the modern consumer is spoiled for choice. In other words, you might not get a second chance to make it right. They jump ship with no shame or guilt. A little basic employee training can keep your customers happy and loyal.

For the past 10 years, I’ve provided sales and customer service training to several Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. Their shortcomings are common and standard. Where do they fall short? The list of errors begin during the sales process and get magnified during the after sales process?

The problem is, many organizations wait until sales have dropped significantly or customer satisfaction indexes reache a state of emergency before addressing their customer service standards. It doesn’t have to become an issue. Prevention is the key… when that has failed, the solutions are as simple as ABC.

• Adapt

  • Customer needs and expectations are unique to them. It’s crucial that you take time to understand each specific client.

  • Personalize that experience based on a meaningful needs analysis.

  • Please, empower your team to take initiatives and adapt, leading to the ability to making positively impactful in the moment-decisions.

• Bond

  • The better and more personal your needs analysis is, (go deeper than the basic sales questions), the stronger the emotional connection you will develop with your customer.

  • The stronger the bond, the more likely they are to make a purchase.

  • The stronger the bond, the more likely they will forgive and overlook any pain points they experienced along their journey with you and your organization.

  • In stark contrast, when there is little bonding, sales are compromised and unfavorable situations quickly escalate.

• Care

  • This is a no brainer. If you care you have a high chance of turning a customer into a loyal fan.

  • Caring is one thing… making them see and FEEL that you care is a different book completely. Make sure to demonstrate care in a way that they get it. Learn more on this topic.

Just think of the Jackson Five’s ABC as a reminder to implement these 3 basic pillars of improved sales and elevated customer service.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION: Prevention is the key, however, what to do when it all goes wrong?

In my online training course, PURPOSE-DRIVEN COMMUNICATION, I do a deep dive into the topic of conflict resolution and how your teams can turn a disgruntled customer into a loyal fan. Unfortunately, it becomes a conflict due to the fact that very simple preemptive frustration steps weren’t put into place. Bring the ABC of Customer Service into your standard operating procedures (SOP) and experience a drastic improvement in your Customer Satisfaction Index scores (CSI).

Experience ENGAGE Team 360’s full employee development training with a focus on customer service.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

PRESIDENT of ENGAGE Teams 360

Top-Selling Author: BUY THE BOOKS

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How do winning teams win?

Success is not a random act. It’s a collection of well planned and executed steps that you commit to over extended periods of time. Talent doesn’t guarantee it. Money doesn’t either.

When it comes to building a strong and successful business, brand or organization it’s like a delectable meal, an amazing show or a movie that touches your soul and transforms you. It takes many people (a team) who are all on the same page driven by a singular vision and purpose. All players must understand, be inspired by and believe in that vision/purpose. They must all commit to that vision, all the while being invited to add or influence the destination… yes, a TEAM that breathes as one.

Each and every person involved (who has of course been carefully selected and onboarded) must play their part at the exact time that is expected and needed. If one person drops the ball or is late to the dance, the magic is no longer. The customer is disappointed and the brand suffers. Every single cog in the machine must be oiled and fine-tuned to function with the accuracy of a Swiss watch. A well-oiled machine is regularly looked at and maintained (training/revaluation/innovation).

THE UNseen

Just like the the image of an iceberg as a metaphor of what success looks like (that the majority of that mass, or hard work, happens out of sight below the visible surface). It’s the pre-planning, the trouble shooting, the R&D, the recruitment and onboarding, the training and coaching, the building of the right culture fueled by inspirational leaders that act as the launching pad.

Without a strong and solid launch, the rocket won’t reach orbit, let alone the stars. Establish the foundation first! As an entrepreneur that might be the business plan: vision, mission, moto etc. As an organization it’s the core values that define your culture (but only if leadership embodies the core values.)

I learned and understood this process of success as a teen when playing for the National Youth Soccer Team of Belgium. I played one match! We got our asses kicked by the taller, quicker and stronger Dutch team. Not only were their players better, they were by far better organized. It was evident they had played together longer and had been well coached and trained. The defeat hurt. I realized that talent wasn’t enough. Even if I worked on myself and became the best, I would be nothing without my team, including all that happens behind the scenes.

This lesson was reinforced and magnified when I ran away with Cirque du Soleil. They went through all the basics: great scouting and onboarding followed up by big time investment in their team players. The canon nurtured and inspired greatness. Everybody in every single position was the right person who contributed to the vision. We were all very unique, but together, the concoction was electric.

Optimizing individuality (not dulling it) in alignment with the bigger picture (the vision) is crucial. Each player must understand their role: when, what, how… and WHY. At Cirque that can be:

1. The musician adding an accent at the perfect time to elevate the impact of a trick. If the musician forgets, it won’t kill the show, but it has nonetheless slightly diluted the impact on the audience experience.

2. The physio team putting Humpty Dumpties back ASAP. An unhealthy team can’t deliver optimum performance (physically, emotionally and mentally).

3. Make-up, wardrobe and lighting adds layers of intrigue to the performance. This impacts the story and the emotional connection.

4. Technicians executing cues on time. Despite the seeming “freedom” of the lifestyle within this artistic environment, there is a vigorous structure that must be honored.

5. Tickets being sold. Each an every touch point along that sales journey impacts the customer experience. If the sales process lacks, it could costs your company $$$$. Is your sales team well informed and supported with training, effective communication and resources?

6. Popcorn and other concession being sold in a way that enhances the customer experience (quickly, well packaged, reasonable pricing for the brand promise)?

7. Coaches helping performers improve through ongoing training and practice.

8. The marketing team understanding the product and messages to capture the magic and sharing with the world… the company’s WHY!

9. The logistics team making sure everything arrives as should be.

10. Leadership keeping the machine on track and always inspired to try more… to REACH HIGHER.

BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

View your business as a show that includes the equivalent ingredients or components as the above list. Rehearse it well, allowing for adaptation and maturity and abracadabra… MAGIC!

As a result, your brand will stand out and become the new “Best show on earth,” as Cirque du Soleil have recently been labelled. Find the right talent. Train your acrobats, musicians and dancers well, and then invest some more. They must all know where to be at what time, what to do and how to do it. Communicate the vision so they can perform and be extraordinary. Magic doesn’t happen on its own.

Take a look at our “INSPIRATIONAL LEADER” virtual training. Let’s get your team reaching higher, together.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

PRESIDENT of ENGAGE Teams 360

You are invited to do a deep dive into the art of inspiring others to reach higher in my book INNOVATION MINDSET. Order your copy today: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVATION-MINDSET-Reimagining-business-leadership/dp/1698538308/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1572634450&sr=8-3

INNOVATION MINDSET is designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, leaders and cultures to be inspired and enabled to navigate change. It includes a series of action steps to simplify transformation. As a bonus the tools will also have a positive impact on your personal life.

5 Star Reviews

🏆 This book is pure genius

🏆 Calling all leaders. I highly recommend this book

🏆 A must-have for your leadership library!!

🏆 Interesting and entertaining, genius and genuine

🏆 Brilliant

🏆 Definitely the inspiration I needed to venture outside my comfort zone and CREATE!

🏆 Great stories and illustrations of relevant and timely principles any leader, in any organization can apply to take their life and career to new heights

The book includes interviews with thought leaders from different industries:

• Tim Sanders, New York Times best-selling author and former Yahoo! exec.

• Jordan Adler, best-selling author and MLM millionaire.

• Randy Sutton, former police detective and TV News contributor.

• Dennis Bonilla, former U.S. Navy Nuke!“

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The ROI of ELEVATING others

High value leaders, elevate. It’s that simple.

Whether you are the CEO of a Fortune 100 company, a startup with five people sharing a room and a couch, or a manager of fifty employees, or in fact, anybody with a dream or vision, allow those around you to shine and contribute their best to your cause. You can only get the best out of people if you empower them to be themselves and deliver what they have to offer in the best way they know how. That journey begins with your intentions as a leader. Are you there for power or to empower?

The more restrictions, regulations, and guidelines we impose on people, the more they are shackled and unable to flex. This does not mean chaos, a free-for-all, or mutiny. It’s something leaders must be sensitive to and aware of. 

Great leaders:

• CARE about their people

• INSPIRE their people

• NURTURE their people

• EMPOWER their people

• TRUST their people

Putting all of these bullet points into action will offer you and your company a high ROI.

Hand over the keys and allow them to “show off” in the driver’s seat. That elevates their confidence… their worth and value. Provide them with resources. Nurture their ambitions and fears… this shows you care.

You are invited to do a deep dive to explore and learn how to be a high value leader who inspires his team in the book INNOVATION MINDSET. You’ll find clear actions steps on how be a high value leader.

Order your copy today: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVATION-MINDSET-Reimagining-business-leadership/dp/1698538308/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1572634450&sr=8-3

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine, President of ENGAGE Teams 360

5 Star Reviews

🏆 This book is pure genius

🏆 Calling all leaders. I highly recommend this book

🏆 A must-have for your leadership library!!

🏆 Interesting and entertaining, genius and genuine

🏆 Brilliant

🏆 Definitely the inspiration I needed to venture outside my comfort zone and CREATE!

🏆 Great stories and illustrations of relevant and timely principles any leader, in any organization can apply to take their life and career to new heights

The book includes interviews with thought leaders from different industries:

• Tim Sanders, New York Times best-selling author and former Yahoo! exec.

• Jordan Adler, best-selling author and MLM millionaire.

• Randy Sutton, former police detective and TV News contributor.

• Dennis Bonilla, former U.S. Navy Nuke!“

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Designing Success in the Workplace

What do you think it takes for Cirque du Soleil as a brand/company and the performers to go out and deliver amazing customer experiences?

This is a question I challenge audiences with during keynotes, employee trainings and workshops. There is a clearly defined top ten list of answers that audiences express. Their top ten list reads as:

1. TALENT

2. TEAMWORK

3. PRACTICE

4. COURAGE

5. RISK

6. COMMUNICATION

7. VISION/PURPOSE

8. MONEY

9. SPANDEX (always makes me laugh)

10. CREATIVITY

It was an honor to perform in 2 different shows (Mystere and Quidam) over the course of over five years and 2,000+ shows as a team captain in what has recently been called, “The new best show on earth.”

I observed and observed the approach and mindset of individuals and of the company. Here’s what I discovered.

Many perceive that the performers achieve beyond human feats (defying gravity and staring death in the face on a nightly basis)… and yes we do, thank you very much. However, the same traits that allow such athletes and artists to become extraordinary are the very same that apply to more traditional jobs, positions and successes.

When it comes to business success, it’s called leadership and team work, a.k.a. CULTURE. Cultures are built on systems and policy. The “best show on earth” is created on the same concepts of systems and policy; we call it choreography/artistic direction/production.

Success in any capacity is not random.

Success is choreographed, inspired and staged. Each amazing trick that has made you gasp during a cirque show took talent, courage, risk, dedication, vision, communication, creativity and commitment. The commitment is a KAIZEN thing (Masaaki Imai, a Japanese organizational theorist and management consultant, studied the Toyota Production System and its Lean principles and was the first to introduce the idea of Kaizen to both Europe and North America).

Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning change for the better or continuous improvement. Kaizen sees improvement in productivity as a gradual and methodical process.

The Cirque culture parallels the Kaizen philosophy. Each dance step, acrobatic flip, lighting cue etc. had potential to become better. Throw in the element of fun and freedom (but not anarchy) and you have a recipe for highly forward-thinking, happy culture that thrives. Your organization will feel the impact… as will your clients.

“We’d love to help you design a happier more creative culture through our dynamic keynotes and workshops.” Contact us today.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine,

President of ENGAGEteams360

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7 Tips that Inspire and Shape Profitable Cultures

Logically, we all understand that change is inevitable, in particular when it comes to business relevance and market significance. Emotionally, we resist... we push back. That resistance is called Cognitive Dissonance. It’s a major roadblock preventing cultures to thrive, in big part because many leaders are not culture centric, and don’t provide necessary training or support to their employees.

DILEMMA!

SOLUTION!

The fear of tomorrow and change can be challenging (both personally and in regards to company culture, business and leadership). If we can inspire others to live in their zone of genius, then business will benefit exponentially.

1. OPEN-MINDEDNESS: The priceless behavioral trait of open-mindedness encompasses diversity, adaptability, risk-taking and the welcoming of failure as a stepping stone to success. Not to mention, open-minded people tend to create paths that lead to new and more profitable horizons. Open minds have a positive impact on all those they encounter and influence because they listen, they consider, they explore, try, and experiment... they are curious, they learn and adapt... they change into better versions of themselves that positively influences cultures and business outcomes. "Remain open-minded as to the possibility of what could come next."
Open-mindedness, like optimism is contagious. Embrace different perspectives, consider alternative options and have the courage to entertain that which scares you or makes you feel uncomfortable... yes, STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Don't just say it, actually do it. 

2. ATTITUDE: Attitude is sometimes the only fuel we have left in the tank when the road has been too rough and unforgiving. We can become emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually exhausted to remain optimistic. We can become blind to the need for transformation across company systems, corporate processes or SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures).  
The world is currently changing faster than at any other time in human history. We can often feel left behind and unable to adapt or reinvent ourselves. Organizations have no choice but to adapt if they wish to remain relevant. It's all about mindset. It's all about influencing those that work within your organization. Influence them to see and believe in growth and change. Innovation is a mindset.

3. DARING TO BE DIFFERENT:  When I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil back in 1993 in Manhattan (Battery Park), the first thing I noticed was how different (weird) they were. Who were these "strange" circus folk? What were they thinking and what planet were they from? Why was I even here auditioning for a circus that didn't have animals. "That's not a circus,"  I thought when arriving at the Big Top located down at Batter Park (1993). "No animals? That's silly!"
It takes courage to be "silly" and disrupt norms, standards and the status quo. It takes conviction to stick to your values when the world is heading in a different direction busy following trends and relying on metrics and stats and analytics designed to predict growth and profits.

4. CREATING A BLUE OCEAN: In retrospect, Cirque du Soleil was not silly. They were innovative. They redefined an industry with their new and different approach. They were in the process of creating a "Blue Ocean." It's a term coined in the book, Blue Ocean Strategy, by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgnie. In a nutshell, markets become over-saturated and create a feeding frenzy in which the waters become bloody (red). Through innovation a company creates unchartered waters that are fresh and blue.

Cirque's blue ocean was established through a courageous and forward-thinking mindset that "bled" through the veins of their founders into the ether of their culture. It is apparent in everything they did  and everything they were. It started from leadership downwards and back up from the front-line acrobatic warriors who organically gave the culture it's wings and heartbeat.
If your corporate warriors don't buy into the values that inspire and drive the change you need and desire, good luck. Blue oceans are built on authenticity, purpose and passion.

5. EMPOWERING AND INSPIRING: During the cirque audition, choreographer, Debbie Brown said something that blew my mind.

She said, "Show me YOUR jump, Vital."

"Show you MY jump? Really?" I thought. I'd always been shown or taught the jump the choreographer wants me to replicate.  This made no sense." I initially resisted out of fear and lack of understanding.
"Yes, I want to see YOU. I want to know what you have to say, share and express. What does your body language say about you as a unique individual and performer. We don't want to see what you've been taught."

She can't be serious I thought."Who are these crazy Canadien circus people? "Let go fo conformity. Don't count, just feel. Be free. Be YOU,” Debbie added as I explored and experimented in finding my jump. 
Up until that moment, no previous teacher, employer or choreographer had ever asked me such a question. Most bosses tell their employees what to do and how to do it without empowering or inspiring their tribe to suggest and contribute. Perhaps those bosses didn't care enough about individuals. Perhaps they are only preoccupied with employees as puppets and worker bees. Not very inspiring.

6. SETTING YOUR PEOPLE FREE: Debbie had eliminated all shackles. "Be YOU!" she had declared. That would enable me to transform and achieve my own goals too. 

In pursuing business goals, it pays when leaders and employers have enough emotional intelligence to understand what motivates their teams. Through listening and collaboration companies will increase and optimize employee engagement while driving innovation. Invite your "performers" to show them your jump. Allow them to be free. 
Furthermore, through listening and encouraging idea-sharing and expression (as was the case in the Cirque audition) leadership enables personal growth, which in turn helps employees to achieve personal goals. Challenge your team to be authentic and free to be seen, heard and understood. 

7. EXPRESSION and COLLABORATION: Debbie went down the line of other dancers during the audition. She invited us all to be uninhibited and express. Each performer came up with interesting and ridiculous interpretations, all of which seemed less embarrassing than mine. Each expression offered Cirque another option, a new platform of opportunity and innovation. 
Expression and collaboration are the corner stone of innovation and relevance. When employees are literally and metaphorically invited to the dance and are an integral part of its choreography, they become vested in a project. They take ownership. They will stick around and see it through. They will be more loyal, more engaged and more affective. 
Cirque made us feel significant through this process.  One of my favorite leadership quotes is by John Quincy Adams (6th President of the U.S) - "If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more, learn more and become more, you are a leader." We gave more and became more. Thank you Cirque du Soleil.

Read INNOVATION MINDSET and find out how you can inspire collaboration and drive a mindset of innovation within your culture.

THE BOOK HAS BEEN CALLED: 

- A must-have for your leadership library!!

- Interesting and entertaining, genius and genuine

- Brilliant

- Oh my, the stuff I learned in this book!- Inspiring and Instructive

"I can proudly promise that by the end of this book you will possess at least 1 actionable tool, but probably several, that promote a more adaptive, expansive and encompassing mindset, that will allow you to reach higher, overcome obstacles and achieve more on all levels of life." 

The book also includes interviews with thought leaders from different industries:

• Tim Sanders - New York Times Best-selling author and former executive with Yahoo.

• Dennis Bonilla - Former Executive Dean UoPX and former US Navy Scientist.

• Jordan Adler - Bestsellng Author and MLM Millionaire.

• Randy Sutton - Author, former police detective and TV News Contributor.

Thank you. If this blog was of value or made you think then please share or comment.
Vital Germaine

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5 Reasons to be Kind

Kindness is a highly valuable human quality that requires zero skill and zero effort. It offers endless benefits for the self and for others on a personal and business level. It’s about treating people with respect while honoring your value system. Sometimes it means being tough. Kindness is definitely not a weakness.

On a personal level, it establishes much stronger relationships with those we love and care for. Our kindness elevates others, letting them feel secure, confident, valued and honored.

In regards to business and culture, kindness will optimize employee performance. As a result, your customers/clients will experience the best of your brand. It might even inspire them to come back again and again and become loyal. A little kindness is all it takes.It stems from empathy, arguably the foundation of Emotional Intelligence. Kindness encompasses many other impactful behavioral traits. 

Connecting kindness to culture will heavily impact every aspect of the customer experience and your bottom line. It’s a very simple and effective strategy to implement and encourage. The effort is minimal and the outcome is massive.

It manifests in many forms: respect, appreciation, caring, open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusiveness.  It's simply the right thing to be and do.

kind·ness

ˈkīn(d)nəs/Submit

noun

the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

5 REASONS TO BE KIND…

Read the full blog

Vital Germaine

Top-Selling Author: BUY THE BOOKS

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Optimization of workspaces

The correlation between workplace design and employee engagement is something that shouldn’t be ignored and denied. It can be the difference between your business success and market share failure. Your client base will love you even more for getting creative with your workspace environments without knowing why. We know why… because your workforce will be inspired and engaged.

Cirque du Soleil adopted and transformed an abandoned fire station in Montreal, affectionately named Angus, to become their “factory”. There was no avant-garde interior design on display. There were no Oompa Loompas meandering the premises doing strange dances. I didn’t witness any magnificent sculptures or art, nor bright colored walls to inspire or promote creativity. All these elements would have helped. Nonetheless, the fact they had chosen an abandoned fire station sent a subliminal message that they were cool, fun, eccentric, and defying context of their market place — All with the purpose to be innovative and deliver entertainment excellence. It’s one of the key factors that sets them apart. 

Over the years, I’ve provided corporate trainings to Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies in such industries as automotive, tech, hospitality, financial, and educational. Some of the work areas, conference rooms, and training spaces were far from inspiring. Some were depressing, confining, claustrophobic, and limiting. Yet leadership wondered why their team wasn’t more inspired, more productive, more engaged, and more creative. Well, the dull, insipid grey and dirty weathered chairs, tables, and walls, don’t make them feel very valued, let alone inspired.

Vital Germaine

President of ENGAGEteams360

Vital is Las Vegas' most dynamic keynotes speaker and executive and employee development trainer. His executive leadership experiences are designed to drive innovation and inspire extraordinary performance.

BOOK VITAL TODAY for:

• KEYNOTES

• TRAININGS

• WORKSHOPS

Learn more about the innovation mindset.