Inward Blog

Effective Communications Can Be Defined With Two Words: Clarity and Authenticity

We live in a complicated world with more information hitting us daily than we can possibly absorb. It’s interesting to watch the evolution of technology as it balances advancement with ease of use and absorption. I remember the days when you needed a programmer to access data or when the user interface was so confusing that technology only seemed relevant to the technologically adept. With significant technological advances over the last 10 years, the user interface has become easier and easier for those who are not technology wizards, with the increasing use of voice activation. I can now tell my GPS where I want to go, I can tell my TV what I want to watch, and with the recent introduction of the Amazon Echo, I can tell “Alexa” to provide me with the weather, look information up on Wikipedia, run calculations, and play music that I want to hear. At one point, Android phones were only for the technology experts, while Apple was creating user interfaces that were easy for anyone to use. Android has now made significant strides in using advanced technology but simplifying the ability to use it and access information.

Posted by Rick DeMarco at 11:00am

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70% Of The US Workforce Is Not Actively Engaged

Businesses are getting smarter every day. Big data and predictive analytics have allowed companies to operate more efficiently and effectively. Globalization has forced collaboration in real time from all ends of the Earth; fostering innovation as the array of knowledge inputs expands exponentially.

Posted by Matt Manning at 11:00am

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Which Comes First: Vision Or Mission?

Employee engagement is one of the most significant challenges facing organizations today. In order for companies to deliver exceptional customer experiences, they must create a culture in which employees understand, believe in and are committed to achieving the vision and delivering on the strategy / brand promise. But before you can begin to address a strategy or programs to create that culture of engagement, there must be alignment of the vision, culture, and business strategy within the organization.

Posted by Rick DeMarco at 11:00am

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Two Top Marketers Update Their Brand Logos – You’ve Got To Wonder “Why?”

Last week both Google and Verizon each unveiled a redesigned logo that opts for a simpler, cleaner look. Verizon is now written in a small, black font next to a thin, red check mark. The day before this announcement, Google introduced its own new logo with a thinner font that could be read on smaller mobile devices.

Posted by Allan Steinmetz at 11:00am

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Recognition Of Our Worth And Value Is A Universal Need

As we look back over our careers, we often have defining moments that shape our view of the world forever. When I was in my late 30’s, I had the incredible opportunity to manage one of the world’s most iconic brands, KitchenAid. Up to this point in my career, other than a short two-year period running a cable television operation in rural Kentucky, my experience had been in the financial field; so you can imagine my surprise and delight when I was presented with this opportunity. At this time, KitchenAid Portable Appliances was a one-product organization, manufacturing and marketing the legendary Stand Mixer. I will never forget when I took the assignment that my marching orders from the President of KitchenAid were twofold: First and foremost, don’t mess this up. Protect the equity of the brand and reputation of the KitchenAid stand mixer. And two, grow the business from a one-product company to a full small appliance competitor.

Posted by Rick DeMarco at 11:00am

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Kudos To CITI Bank For Helping Detroit Bring Back Hope And Shine Brighter

I lived in Detroit for over 17 years and worked in the automotive advertising industry (1976 – 1993). I started out in Detroit right after graduating with a Master’s of Science in Advertising from the University of Illinois. I was fortunate enough to get a job in the media department at McCann-Erickson working on the Buick and GMC truck account. After seven years with McCann, I was recruited away for a consumer insights/strategy position at Young and Rubicam after they won the Lincoln Mercury account. After that, Lee Iacocca fired Y&R and assigned the Chrysler account to Kenyon & Eckhardt. It was like a game of musical chairs.

Posted by Allan Steinmetz at 11:00am

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True Leadership Is Tested In Times Of Adversity

Anyone can lead when things are going smoothly. When the economy is good, profits are growing, and employees are happy and engaged; strong management, rather than leadership is the key. What’s the difference? Management is about tasks and leadership is about people. Leadership requires the ability to keep employees engaged and inspired and stay on course for delivering a strategy, despite the unexpected setbacks that may occur.

Posted by Rick DeMarco at 11:00am

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Amazon’s Culture Takes A Hit In The Press

Over the last two weeks there have been some scathing reports and representations regarding Amazon’s culture. It was described in the New York Times article as being overly demanding, dismissive of personal issues, and an environment where tearing down the ideas of others in pursuit of excellence was considered the norm. It was cited that it is common to see people crying at their desks because of the stress. Jeff Bezos for his part seems to be in denial. He said in many reports that “this is not the Amazon he has come to recognize”. Maybe he should dig a little deeper.

Posted by Allan Steinmetz at 11:00am

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What Behaviors Are Common Among Great Leaders?

Research proves that 80% of effective leadership behavior is driven by interpersonal skills rather than technical competency. For leaders to create a culture of high engagement, people need to be aligned with more than just the goals and objectives... they must embrace a common set of values and beliefs. An effective leader exhibits strong interpersonal skills that engage and inspire others. There are a number of characteristics tied to effective leadership behavior, but as we speak to leaders from all walks of life, including businesses, sports teams, churches, non-profits, etc., 4 common themes surfaced over and over again for those who achieve sustained success over time.

Posted by Rick DeMarco at 11:00am

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Abundant Mentality Can Transform Your Company To Greatness

When I was in the advertising business at Young & Rubicam many years ago, we were divided into brand groups that would compete against each other for the best idea. We would work hard to come up with insights in collaborative teams of three people. We would then come together and present our ideas to the management supervisor and/or creative director who would bestow their judgments on the ideas from each brand group. The process worked to an extent, but it created a competitive environment filled with jealousy, political intrigue, and favoritism. In my opinion it wasn’t always a level playing field that was based on meritocracy. I always wondered how it could be improved upon if we all worked on the same idea together.

Posted by Allan Steinmetz at 11:00am

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