Stephen Sunderlin

Everyone is bombarded with demands for their attentions from collegues, managers, subordinates, partners, pesky mobile phones etc, etc, etc. There is not enougth time in the day for anyone to get the things they need to do done let alone the things you may want them to do. So 1. Yes. Be persistant. I AWAYS pick up the phone and call. (PROTIP: Double Dial. Most people don't answer their phones any more but you'll get a higher percentages of pickups after the second dial.) Once you get them on the phone, don't waste their time. Your ask better be positioned in a way that they will understand how it could possibly make there job/life better. If they are a senior leader seek out those around them who can convey your message.

This is a great question, but sometimes we overcomplicate the art of storytelling. While it's crucial to understand your audience and be culturally sensitive, the foundation of impactful storytelling lies in honesty and authenticity. Your story should come from your own experiences as a human being. Storytelling is a bridge that connects all of humanity across time, generations, and cultures. Speak from what you know, be personal, and be honest. When you do that, your story will resonate deeply with any audience.

RELATIONSHIPS are KEY in any business. You can post, call, email, zoom, teams, etc all day long but nothing beats being in the room with other human beings and connecting some how with your "dream 100" to make things happen. And get to know them as people. Not as clients or prospects. Get out and matriculate - in person - with your industry as often as you can. And you will always be able to take those relationships with you were ever you go.

Every time a valued employee has come to me with a legitimate argument for advancement in salary or compensatioin I almost always acquiesce. Otherwise I run the risk of that employee walking out the door and taking all their institutional knowelege with them. Then I'm stuck with the very unplesaent option to idenetify successful replacement candidates in a very tepid employment pool. Keep in mind - if you make a measured and respectful ask, you have almost all the leverage. And if it doesn't happen right away it will be strongly considered at the subsequent review. And if it doesn't happen maybe you are not valued (or adding value) and deeper decisions need to be made.

I use ChatGPT as my goto search engine and otherwise mostly for ideation, suggested updates and enhancement of existing work. While the technology is promising I've not yet found a single tool that yet that lives up to the hype. But to stay ahead in any business it's an absolute must one explores and learns this technology or run the risk of being left behind as the Singularity approaches.

The most successful people zig when other are zagging. Don't be afraid to be contratary. If you see problems and have identifed legitimate solutions don't be afraid to speak up. Senior members of your team probably won't like it but if you concerns are legit they should be heard. And if they are not heard and you truely feel they would add value, find another team to play on. It is currently an employees' market place right now and employers are starving for real A players. Be an A Player and you can write your own ticket. ProTip: A Players can often eventually negotiate equity in the company.