by Joe Domaleski | May 15, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
This past weekend was Mother’s Day, and our family enjoyed some quality time together. Although our kids are grown adults, we still enjoy getting together to go on adventures, play games, and dine together. We did all three of those things for Mother’s Day, and it was wonderful. As I reflect back on the weekend, I was reminded of one of the main reasons I started my business 20 years ago – to be able to spend more time with family and have a better work-life balance. Have I achieved that?
Let’s consider what work-life balance even means. To me, it means a harmony between one’s professional or work-related commitments and responsibilities and their personal life – including family, leisure activities, health, and personal well-being. Work-life balance is the ability to effectively manage time and energy between work-related pursuits and personal activities to achieve overall satisfaction in both.
The author Joe (on the right) with his wife Mary Catherine, daughter Alex, and son Stephen. Not pictured: daughter Tori. Mother’s Day dinner 2023. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Achieving work-life balance is subjective and varies for each individual based on their personal values, priorities, and circumstances. For some, it may mean spending more time with family and loved ones, pursuing hobbies and interests, or taking care of physical and mental health. For others, it may involve maintaining a flexible work schedule, having clear boundaries between work and personal life, or having the freedom to pursue personal goals and passions outside of work.
There are some who say that work-life balance is a myth and that it’s impossible to find true balance since life is in flux. They maintain that the hopeless quest to find perfect balance causes stress. Guilt associated with what we think we should be doing to maintain balance can create anxiety. Indeed, anxiety and stress are part of life, but I don’t think that means we should dispense with the concept of balance. The very word “balance” means to put something in a position so that it doesn’t fall, and I think we all try to do that – some better than others.
So, yes, I do believe in work-life balance, and here are some reasons why I think it’s important:
Personal Well-being: Striking a balance between work and personal life promotes physical and mental well-being. It reduces stress, burnout, and fatigue, leading to improved overall health and happiness.
Enhanced Productivity: Taking time for personal activities and self-care rejuvenates people, improves focus, and enhances productivity when they are working. Rested and energized individuals are more motivated and efficient.
Relationships: Work-life balance nurtures relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Spending quality time with loved ones strengthens bonds and contributes to emotional well-being.
Avoiding Burnout: Imbalance and excessive work can lead to burnout, a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion. Maintaining work-life balance helps prevent burnout and its negative effects on health and performance.
Retention and Engagement: Organizations that support work-life balance are more likely to attract and retain talented employees. Employees who feel supported in balancing their personal and professional lives are more engaged and loyal.
It is a simple fact of being a small business owner that I’m rarely not thinking of my business. Even if I’m not physically working on business tasks when the office is closed, I’m often thinking about my work. I love what I do and am constantly thinking about work. Yet, doing that means I’m “always on,” and it’s mentally exhausting. One coping mechanism that I have is to write things down as they pop into my head. In that way, I have a “parking lot” of tasks and ideas to handle later, freeing up my brain to do other non-working things.
Here are some other ideas on how to pursue a better work-life balance:
- Prioritize and set boundaries: Determine your priorities and allocate time accordingly. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life and communicate them to others. I freely give out my cell phone number but also ask people to respect my time off – most people do, and I appreciate that.
- Delegate and outsource: Learn to delegate tasks that can be handled by others, whether it’s hiring employees, outsourcing specific activities, or leveraging technology. We live in an age where it’s easier than ever to delegate tasks to other people, companies, or even AI. Use that when needed.
- Practice self-care: Make time for activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones. In a previous article, I talked about going outside to enjoy nature and how relaxing that is for me. How do you relax?
- Maintain a flexible schedule: If possible, have a flexible work schedule that allows for better integration of personal activities and commitments.
- Utilize technology: Leverage technology tools and apps to manage tasks, streamline processes, and improve efficiency, freeing up time for personal pursuits. One way I do this is to ensure my phone, laptop, and tablet are all synchronized. That allows me to access things conveniently when I need to, although sometimes I do need to remember not to constantly access work files.
- Disconnect: Establish periods of complete disconnection from work, such as weekends or vacations, to recharge and focus on personal activities without interruptions. This is hard to do when you’re a solo entrepreneur, but it’s not impossible. Get a colleague or family member to keep an eye on things during your vacation. If you’ve grown your business to the point where you have employees, let them keep an eye on the store while you’re away.
- Seek support and collaboration: Build a support network of colleagues, friends, and family who can provide assistance, guidance, and emotional support when needed. As business owners and leaders, we’re constantly there for other people. Who’s there for you?
Remember, work-life balance is a personal journey, and it may require trial and error to find what works best for you. Regular evaluation and adjustments are crucial to ensure that your work and personal life remain in harmony, allowing you to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. It’s been said that we “live to work” and “work to live.” How do you balance your work with everyday living?
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
by Joe Domaleski | May 8, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
Over the weekend, I stopped by a local food establishment with the intention of grabbing a donut and a cup of coffee. Seeing the drive-thru line wrapped around the building, I opted to go inside and place my order since I was in a bit of a hurry. Although I expected a quick and simple transaction since no preparation was required, I ended up waiting 15 minutes for my cup of coffee, even though I received my donut immediately. While I wasn’t pleased with the situation, I understood that getting upset wouldn’t speed things up. Several people were expressing their dissatisfaction to the staff, who politely explained that they were understaffed. Despite the challenges, the staff was doing their best to handle customer orders efficiently. As I observed and waited, I contemplated the value and cost of face-to-face customer service, both from the perspective of a consumer and an employer.
A robot serves dinner to the author at Dua Vietnamese restaurant in Fayetteville, GA. Photo/Joe Domaleski
As a community, it’s essential to consider the value we place on face-to-face customer service. In the not-so-distant past, many industries relied heavily on human interaction—restaurants, retail stores, healthcare providers, financial institutions, support centers, professional service companies, hotels, airlines, entertainment venues, and more. However, in nearly every one of these industries, automation has become a prevalent alternative, offering self-service options without human intervention. Automation can take various forms, such as apps, kiosks, websites, chatbots, or automated phone systems. This shift towards automation is not new and has been occurring for years. Some local businesses even employ robots to deliver food directly to tables, replacing human servers.
While some individuals don’t mind utilizing self-service automation, many people still expect to “speak to a real person.” However, it’s worth considering whether they are willing to pay for that privilege. How much value do we place on having an in-person customer service provider? The truth is, in many cases, automation is more cost-effective than employing human staff. As a consumer, I also prefer interacting with a human representative, but as an employer, I am well aware of the expenses associated with labor. Businesses aren’t necessarily being frugal; they often struggle to find and afford the necessary workforce. A friend of mine who owns a couple of well-known restaurants in the area confirmed that labor shortage is his number one challenge—he simply can’t hire enough people and retain them.
The labor market in the United States has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures. The pandemic resulted in widespread job losses, leading to business closures and disruptions. As the economy recovers, the recovery has been uneven, with some sectors bouncing back better than ever while others, particularly service industries that rely on front-line workers, continue to face challenges. Businesses are still struggling to find qualified talent and manage the associated costs. Inflation further exacerbates the situation for everyone. Speaking from a middle-aged perspective, I am uncertain how young people can afford housing, childcare, and other basic necessities. Inflation affects wages, and those wage increases impact pricing. Reminiscing about the old days may be therapeutic, but it doesn’t really address the present economic situation we find ourselves in. How do we balance automated and in-person customer service?
Recently, the editor of this newspaper and I had a discussion about wage inflation. We both agreed that the future model for most industries will involve fewer, higher-paid individuals carrying out the bulk of the work, supported by technology. The challenge lies in maximizing the utilization of scarce and expensive human resources to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. Honestly, this isn’t a new problem. Technological innovations have disrupted certain industries and spawned new ones for hundreds of years.
As a business owner, I have made a sincere effort to hire local talent and prioritize local talent retention. Unlike some counterparts in my industry, I have resisted the temptation to outsource professional services overseas in search of cheaper labor. While we do utilize automation where it makes sense, our primary focus has been on maintaining a traditional model that emphasizes human interaction and activity. This approach has proven successful leading up to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the pandemic is behind us, there is a growing desire for human interaction. The demand for in-person meetings and conferences has soared. Among the services we offer, in-person meetings with our team are the most expensive. I can easily calculate the cost of each meeting by multiplying the number of employees by their hourly rate. In the past, the phrase “let’s have a quick meeting” wasn’t a significant concern. However, we must acknowledge the economic reality of meeting costs. It is important for me to continue exploring ways to keep expenses down while maintaining the high quality and personalized nature of our services.
Here are some areas where it makes sense to use automation:
- Routine and repetitive tasks: Automation is ideal for tasks that follow a predefined process or involve routine transactions. A notable example is banks allowing check deposits through smartphone apps.
- Self-service and convenience: Automated solutions are great when customers prefer self-service and find it easier to handle tasks themselves. Grocery store self-scan lanes and “pay at the pump” gas stations are prime examples.
- Scalability: Automated systems work well for handling large volumes of mostly transactional activities. Well-designed online stores, though not suitable for every retailer, can help businesses scale their operations and serve more customers compared to brick-and-mortar stores.
- Research and pattern recognition: Even before the advent of user-friendly Artificial Intelligence (AI) on desktops, many industries have employed automated research and pattern recognition systems. Utilizing computer systems to gather information and conduct research is an excellent application of automation. In fact, automated systems often have the ability to detect trends, patterns, and correlations faster than humans – just ask any stock trader.
Here are areas where in-person customer support is more suitable:
- Complex situations: Human interaction is valuable when customer inquiries involve complexity or require empathetic handling. Customers appreciate the ability to communicate their concerns, receive personalized attention, and have their unique needs addressed. People are best suited for crafting custom solutions and handling complex problems.
- Relationship building and selling: Building strong customer relationships and capitalizing on upselling opportunities are better accomplished by human agents. While sales can be automated in some industries, many require human involvement to understand customer preferences, provide personalized recommendations, and establish rapport.
- Handling exceptional or unforeseen scenarios: Human agents are crucial for addressing exceptional or unforeseen scenarios that fall outside the scope of automation. Complex troubleshooting, unique customer requests, or delicate situations that require judgment, discretion, or emotional intelligence are best handled by skilled human agents.
- Brand image and reputation: Human customer service plays a vital role in shaping a brand’s image and reputation. Interactions with knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful human representatives contribute to positive customer experiences and differentiate a business from competitors. Human labor enables the personal touch and individualized attention that leave a lasting positive impression.
- Explaining or interpreting data: While automated systems are proficient at generating reports and analyzing data, people are better suited to explain that data to others. Humans possess the ability to understand the context in which data is presented and provide nuanced interpretations based on interactions with the target audience. A computer lacks the capability to perceive the emotional reaction of people during a presentation. A real person has awareness of an audience’s reaction and can adapt accordingly.
In short, sometimes using automation is advantageous for cost reduction, while in other scenarios, using human resources is preferable to deliver high-value services. Here’s a personal example. I have been experiencing knee pain for the past few months, and like many people, I turned to the internet to self-diagnose and find a solution. Although I was able to gain some knowledge about my situation, I wasn’t able to accurately identify the problem. Eventually, at the insistence of my wife, I decided to visit a local healthcare provider. They conducted an x-ray and immediately identified the issue. I left the clinic pain-free, finally knowing what was wrong. In this instance, face-to-face customer service was able to achieve what automation couldn’t – it solved my problem. It may not have been inexpensive, but it was incredibly valuable to me.
What value do you place on face-to-face customer service, and are you willing to pay for it?
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
by Joe Domaleski | May 1, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
Hello fellow Star Wars fans! May the Fourth is an unofficial holiday celebrated by Star Wars fans like me around the world on May 4th every year. The date is based on a pun of the famous Star Wars phrase “May the Force be with you,” as “May the Fourth be with you.” While we reflect on the epic battles between the light and dark sides of the Force, let’s take a moment to consider how this conflict relates to the business world. In the world of marketing, the temptation to succumb to the “dark side” of vanity metrics can be strong.
Vanity metrics are data points or measurements that may make a business or organization feel good about their performance but do not really provide meaningful insights into the overall health or success of the business. These metrics are often superficial and can give a false sense of accomplishment without providing any actionable insights that could lead to improvements or growth.
As a small business owner or non-profit executive, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of social media likes, website traffic, and other vanity metrics. After all, these numbers can make one feel good and give someone a sense of accomplishment. Indeed, as the owner of a marketing agency, I help companies extend their reach, which is sometimes measured by so-called vanity metrics. However, focusing too heavily on vanity metrics can be dangerous for your business in the long run and they rarely present a complete picture of what’s going on.
In the movie “The Empire Strikes Back,” Yoda tells Luke, “Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.” In the context of the Star Wars universe, this quote refers to the idea that once someone has been seduced by the dark side of the Force, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to turn back and resist its influence. In the context of vanity metrics, this quote can be seen as a warning against becoming too focused on superficial metrics that may lead a business down a “dark path” of measuring success by numbers that are ultimately meaningless.
Just as the dark side can dominate one’s destiny, vanity metrics can dominate a business’s marketing strategy, leading to a lack of focus on metrics that truly matter and ultimately hindering the business’s growth and success. The Star Wars quote can be a reminder that businesses should be cautious when using vanity metrics and ensure that they are focusing on meaningful data points that can drive real results.
Here are some specific dangers of vanity metrics:
Misleading information – One of the biggest dangers of vanity metrics is that they can be misleading. For example, having a large number of social media followers may seem impressive, but if those followers aren’t engaging with your content or converting into customers, then those numbers don’t really matter. I often tell customers that you can’t take social media likes to a bank and deposit them.
Misaligned incentives – Vanity metrics can also create misaligned incentives within your organization. For example, if your sales team is only incentivized to close deals, they may end up pursuing deals that are not in the best interests of the company long-term. Instead, they should be focused on building relationships with customers and creating long-term value.
False sense of security – Vanity metrics can give you a false sense of security. For example, if your website traffic is increasing every month, you may feel like you’re doing well. However, if those visitors aren’t converting into customers, then your business may be in trouble without you even realizing it. Web traffic is something to track, but not a complete picture of your website’s performance.
Wasted resources – Focusing too much on vanity metrics can also lead to wasted resources. For example, if you’re spending a lot of money on advertising to increase website traffic, but that traffic isn’t converting into customers, then you may be wasting valuable resources that could be better spent elsewhere. We often tell clients to do A/B testing to see which type of advertising works best so that resources can be spent on getting results.
Poor decision-making – Relying on vanity metrics can lead to poor decision-making. For example, if you’re only focused on increasing your social media following, you may end up posting content that’s designed to be viral rather than content that’s actually valuable to your target audience. Popularity doesn’t necessarily equate to sales.
Vanity metrics can also be harmful to people. In the age of social media, the pressure to perform and present oneself in a positive light can be overwhelming. Likes or followers on social media can create an unhealthy obsession with external validation. This can lead to a sense of low self-esteem and self-worth when the number of likes or followers doesn’t meet one’s expectations. Vanity metrics can also create a sense of comparison and envy, where people start to compare their lives and achievements with others based on likes and followers. This can create a negative impact on mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety. Resist the temptation to judge yourself or others based on vanity metrics.
So how can your organization avoid the temptations of vanity metrics?
- Identify your key performance indicators (KPIs): These are the metrics that are directly tied to your business goals and objectives. By focusing on KPIs, you can ensure that you are measuring what matters most to your business.
- Use a data-driven approach: When measuring metrics, ensure that you are using reliable data sources and methods. This will help you avoid inaccuracies and misleading metrics. Remember that not all social media metrics are accurate.
- Analyze metrics in context: Instead of looking at metrics in isolation, it’s important to analyze them in the context of your business goals and objectives. This will help you understand whether a metric is truly meaningful or simply a vanity metric.
- Regularly review and adjust your metrics: As your business evolves, your metrics may need to be adjusted to reflect new goals and objectives. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your metrics will help ensure that you are measuring what matters most to your business.
- Focus on quality over quantity: Instead of measuring every possible metric, focus on a few high-quality metrics that are directly tied to your business objectives. This will help you avoid getting bogged down in vanity metrics and ensure that you are measuring what truly matters to your business.
From a personal perspective, avoid comparing yourself to others with vanity metrics. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but this can be counterproductive and lead to feelings of inadequacy. Realize that what most people share on social media is not a complete picture of their lives, nor is it a complete picture of your life.
In conclusion, vanity metrics can be a seductive yet ultimately harmful path for businesses to go down. By focusing on superficial metrics, businesses can lose sight of their real goals and objectives, and miss out on opportunities to improve and grow. However, by identifying key performance indicators, using a data-driven approach, analyzing metrics in context, regularly reviewing and adjusting metrics, and focusing on quality over quantity, businesses can avoid the dangers of vanity metrics and measure what truly matters to their success. Remember, the quote “Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny” can apply not only to the Star Wars universe, but also to the world of marketing. By avoiding the seductive pull of vanity metrics, businesses can ensure that they stay on the right path towards growth and success. May the Force (and Fourth) Be With You!
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Apr 25, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
This past Saturday was Earth Day, and what a nice spring weekend it was! From community festivals to art shows, our local community here in Fayette County was filled with lots of great outdoor activities. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like nature. During this beautiful time of year, many people are reflecting on the importance of our planet and our relationship with it. One way to connect with nature and make the most of the natural world around us is to take our work outside. While it may seem counterintuitive to leave the confines of the office, working in the great outdoors can have numerous benefits for both our productivity and our well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of taking your work outside and how it can help you tap into the beauty and energy of nature.
For many people, work is synonymous with sitting at a desk in an office all day. However, with the rise of remote work and the availability of portable technology, it’s becoming easier than ever to take your work outside. And, as it turns out, there are numerous benefits to working in the great outdoors – especially here in our wonderful community.
Being outside can boost creativity and productivity. Research has shown that exposure to natural environments can stimulate the brain and increase cognitive function. This means that taking your work outside can help you generate new ideas and solve problems more effectively. Plus, the fresh air and change of scenery can help to reduce mental fatigue and increase energy levels, allowing you to stay focused and alert for longer periods of time.
Secondly, being outside can reduce stress and anxiety levels. The tranquility and peacefulness of nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body, which can be particularly helpful for people who are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Taking a break from the confines of the office and spending some time in nature can help you relax and recharge, making it easier to tackle your work with renewed focus and motivation.
The author working from a hammock at The Ridge Nature Area in Fayetteville. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Also, being outside can have positive effects on physical health. Sitting at a desk all day can take a toll on your body, leading to a range of health issues such as back pain, eye strain, and poor posture. However, working outside can help to alleviate these problems by encouraging you to move around and stretch your muscles. Additionally, exposure to natural sunlight can help to regulate your sleep cycle and improve vitamin D levels, which are essential for bone health and immune function.
Finally, taking your work outside can be a great way to incorporate physical activity into your day. For example, you could go for a walk while brainstorming ideas or take your laptop to a local park and work while getting some exercise. This not only helps to improve physical health but can also increase creativity and productivity, as exercise has been shown to stimulate the brain and boost cognitive function.
Okay, so hopefully, you’re convinced that taking your work outside can be a great way to boost your productivity and creativity, but how can you make that happen? Quite simply, it’s important to do it in a way that is comfortable and effective. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your outdoor work experience:
- Choose the right location: Look for a spot that is comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions. A park bench, a quiet corner of a garden, or a shady spot under a tree are all good options. Our local community is full of parks and quiet spaces from which to work.
- Stay connected: Make sure you have all the technology and resources you need to work effectively, including a reliable internet connection and a fully charged laptop or tablet. Consider bringing a power bank or portable charger in case you need to recharge your devices. Cell phone coverage and even public Wi-Fi access spots are plentiful in our community, which makes staying connected easier.
- Bring the right equipment: Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may need additional equipment like a sunshade, a comfortable chair, or noise-cancelling headphones. Bring everything you need to ensure that you can work comfortably and efficiently. I can get most of my work done using an iPad, earphones, water bottle, and a small chair, which all fit into a small backpack.
- Be mindful of the weather: Check the weather forecast before you head outside, and be prepared for changes in temperature or weather conditions. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing that will keep you cool or warm as needed. Because I don’t necessarily want to lug around a lot of extra stuff, I purposely look for public spaces that are in the shade and have quick access to cover in case of a storm. If I’m in a park, I make sure I’m close to the car in case of bad weather.
- Take breaks: Even though you’re outside, it’s still important to take breaks and give your eyes and brain a rest. Stand up, stretch, take a short walk, or simply look up at the sky and take a few deep breaths to help refresh your mind and body. It’s easy to stay glued to one spot, so even though you’re not at a desk, make sure you get up and move around a little.
- Stay hydrated: Make sure you have plenty of water or other hydrating beverages with you, especially if you’re working in hot or humid conditions. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function, so it’s important to stay hydrated. I always carry a water bottle with my stuff as well as some snacks.
Taking your work outside can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, as well as productivity and creativity. So, next time you’re feeling stuck or burnt out, consider taking a break from the office and heading outdoors. You might be surprised at how much more productive and energized you feel as a result. Maybe I’ll see you outside at The Ridge Nature Area in Fayetteville, Drake Field in Peachtree City, or even one of the public spaces over at Trilith.
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Apr 18, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
Have you ever found yourself in a meeting or discussion where nobody wants to be the first one to speak up? That can be a challenging situation in which the silence is “deafening”. Leaders often find themselves in situations in which they have to initiate dialog. It can be difficult to be the first one to share your thoughts, especially when the topic at hand is a sensitive one or when you know that your ideas will be met with criticism. This applies whether you’re leading dialog internally at your organization or externally with clients or other stakeholders like a board.
A mentor once told me, “it’s always easier to criticize than to create.” I agree with that statement and, in general, someone gets “extra points” for being the first to speak. But not everyone is wired that way. Some people are naturally reserved and introverted, so they’re not likely to be the first to speak up. When they do speak, they’re rarely critical. They just don’t want to be the first one out on the dance floor.
Other people are very deliberate about not speaking first. Dealing with such individuals can be a challenge because it’s not immediately clear whether they’re just trying to poke holes in someone else’s idea or they’re trying to offer constructive feedback to refine an idea or thought. More on that in a minute.
One way to “break the ice” is to ask an open-ended question that encourages discussion. Sometimes that strategy will work and it’ll inspire people to speak up. A simple question like, “what are some ways we could handle this situation?” creates a space for others to share their thoughts and ideas. Once the open-ended question is asked, then there should be a period of silence in which the dialog initiator gives ample time for others to speak. I personally struggle with this because silence can be awkward. Yet, sometimes that awkwardness is needed to give others time to chime in.
What happens if no-one speaks? Well, sometimes the leader must break that awkward silence in order to seed an idea, thought, or suggestion to get the dialog started. Some people find it easier to create and articulate original thoughts than others. So what happens when an original thought is expressed and suddenly one or more people start criticizing it? The easiest job in the world is to be an arm-chair critic of someone else’s work, but much harder to come up with original thoughts. How can one distinguish between constructive feedback vs. complaining?
Criticism can be a helpful for growth and improvement when it is constructive and based on facts. Constructive criticism provides specific feedback intended to improve something. It focuses on actions or behaviors that can be changed and offers specific suggestions for how to make those changes. Valid criticism can help a leader identify blind spots and recognize areas for improvement. Leaders need feedback.
On the other hand, complaining is not the same as valid criticism. Complaining is often unfocused, vague, and unproductive. It doesn’t offer any real solutions or suggestions for improvement. Instead, complaining often expresses frustration with a situation. It can be tempting to dismiss complaining as unimportant, but it’s important to remember that it can still have a negative impact on a team or organization. Complaining can lower morale, reduce productivity, and create a toxic work environment. It can also frustrate the person who was the first person to speak up with the original idea in the first place.
So, how can a leader distinguish between valid criticism and complaining? Here are a few key differences:
- Focus: Valid criticism is focused on specific actions or behaviors that can be changed. It zooms in on how something can be made better with a tangible recommendation. Complaining is often unfocused and vague.
- Tone: Valid criticism is delivered in a professional and respectful tone. It acknowledges the gist of the original thought and suggests refinement. Complaining is often emotional and can be delivered in a confrontational or negative tone. It’s often dismissive with no recognition of the original idea.
- Solutions: Valid criticism offers suggestions or solutions for how to improve. The best solutions are specific and relevant. Complaining does not offer any real solutions.
- Source: Valid criticism often comes from people who have experience or expertise in the area being criticized. Complaining can come from anyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or expertise.
As a leader, be open to feedback and criticism, but be able to distinguish between valid criticism and complaining. When you receive feedback, take the time to evaluate it objectively and determine whether it is valid or just complaining. If it is valid, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. If it is just complaining, try to redirect the conversation towards finding solutions or addressing the root cause of the issue. By doing so, you can create a positive environment that encourages collaboration, growth, and productivity while also addressing any valid concerns or criticisms.
It’s important to remember that “It’s always easier to criticize than to create.” Here’s to all of the creators out there. Your unique perspective and creativity are invaluable contributions to the world. Keep creating!
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Apr 11, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
This past Saturday, my wife Mary Catherine and I participated in an orienteering meet at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. Despite the torrential downpour, waterlogged flood plains, and cold wind, we managed to find all of our control points. We were out there for quite a while, but we eventually finished the course. Many people who had signed up for the event did not show up, and many who did show up failed to complete the course. On the drive back home, I reflected on the similarities between orienteering and running a business.
Orienteering is a competitive sport that involves using a map and compass to navigate through an unfamiliar terrain, such as a forest or wilderness area. The objective of orienteering is to find a series of control points marked on the map and placed on the ground in the field, in the correct order, and as quickly as possible. Participants are required to use their navigation skills to find their way through the course, which may involve crossing rough terrain, waterways, and other obstacles. Orienteering requires a combination of physical fitness, navigation skills, and strategic planning.
Mary Catherine & Joe Domaleski compete in an orienteering meet at Chattachooche Bend State Park on 4/8/23. Photo/Joe Domaleski
On a whim, I signed up for an orienteering meet last year. I’ve always enjoyed using a map and compass, a skill I first learned in scouting as a teenager. When I was in the Army, we did a lot of military land navigation with a map and compass. But now, I’m middle-aged and it had been years since I had picked up a map and compass. The orienteering meet was a blast, and I was surprised at how quickly the navigation skills came back to me. When I came home from the meet, I told Mary Catherine she’d have to try it out with me. Now, we’re both hooked and have spent the past year enjoying orienteering meets on the weekends with the Georgia Orienteering Club. In order to give you a taste of the sport, here’s a short video we made while orienteering out at Panola Mountain State Park a few weeks ago.
Orienteering is a lot like trail running and fast hiking, but instead of following a trail, you get to blaze your own path. Indeed, there are a lot of similarities between the sport of orienteering and running a business. Here are some business lessons you can learn from the sport of orienteering:
- Navigation and Planning: In both orienteering and business, success often depends on effective navigation and planning. In orienteering, participants must use a map and compass to find their way through unfamiliar terrain, while in business, leaders must navigate through complex markets and industries. Effective planning and navigation skills are critical in both activities to reach the desired outcome.
- Decision-making and Adaptability: Orienteering and business both require quick decision-making and adaptability. In orienteering, athletes must make quick decisions about the best route to take to reach the next control point, while in business, leaders must make decisions based on changing market conditions, customer needs, and internal factors. The ability to adapt and make quick decisions can determine the success of a runner or a business.
- Perseverance and Resilience: Orienteering and business both require perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. In orienteering, runners may encounter difficult terrain, weather conditions, and navigation errors. This past weekend at the Chattahoochee Bend meet was a good test of our perseverance, as we waded through floodplains in the cold rain. in business, leaders may face setbacks, financial challenges, and other obstacles. The ability to bounce back from these challenges is critical in both activities.
- Teamwork and Communication: In orienteering and business, success often depends on effective teamwork and communication. In orienteering, runners may compete as part of a team, with each member playing a critical role in the group’s success. In business, effective communication and collaboration among team members can lead to more efficient decision-making and better outcomes. I’m fortunate that I have a great teammate at home and a great team at work.
If you like the outdoors and want to develop a skill that’s fun and useful, I can’t recommend orienteering highly enough. Each meet has courses for all skills levels, including first-timers. While you’re out on the course, you might also find similarities between orienteering and business leadership. Indeed, orienteering offers many lessons for running a business, as both activities require planning, adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and communication to achieve success.
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
