In 65 years, there have been 1800 CEOs in Fortune 500 companies. However, only one was an African American woman (Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox.) She inspired Cherilynn to teach other women about the power of sales so that regardless of what table they sit at, they’re too good to be ignored. Cherilynn has since used her knowledge to help women be too good to be ignored, and in this episode of IntHerrupt, she discusses the impacts of “The Great Resignation.”
What is “The Great Resignation”?
- From upper management to the most recent hire, the pandemic has changed everyone.
- In sales, clients have changed. But as leaders and managers, our employees have changed as well.
- Leaders need to step back and evaluate their culture. People are burnt out and resigning to look for new opportunities.
- Cherilynn challenges management to shift perspective and think of it as “the great retention” rather than accept the current circumstances.
It was a perfect storm situation.
- The pandemic helped people determine their values and realize their goals in life.
- When everybody started working from home, the line between work and home got incredibly grey.
- Reduced travel opportunities led management to increase check-ins on employees, making them feel micromanaged or overwhelmed.
- Now that offices are reopening, many companies are asking workers to return at the drop of a hat, not considering the challenges that might prevent that from being an easy process.
The Great Resignation will impact every company.
- In the short term, companies slow to hire will lose out on top talent. As a result, the hiring practices will get quicker.
- In the long term, management must put more effort into building relationships with their employees.
- Understanding empathy in the workplace will help management bridge that gap with their employees.
Overcoming the resignation:
- First, listen to your employees. If you haven’t changed your culture since the pandemic began, it is long overdue.
- Some companies use an ongoing engagement tool to address problems before the issues become systemic.
- Learn empathy because it is one of the best ways to listen and be present for others.
- Ask “the four Fs”: First, finest, failure, and future. Pick something that addresses a first, a finest, a failure, and a future topic for someone, and you’ll demonstrate the engagement and empathy people want.
How to work without passion in a career:
- First, think about where you are and your vision.
- Cherilynn asks her clients what their wish is one year from now. Then, what’s their wildest career dream? Finally, what is their realistic fantasy?
- Determine what it is about those things that are important to you, and ask that three or four times to discover the root of your passions.
- If you have a “go-up” goal, be careful who you tell. Instead, find someone who shares your passion and will align with you.
- If you have a “give-up” goal, tell everyone to help you stay accountable.
Cherilynn’s final tip? When your life is interrupted, pick a vision and focus on it. For more content and resources from Cherilynn, visit her websites www.postpandemicselling.com and www.masterfulselling.com, and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Do you have stories to tell? Connect with Linda to share them. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.
