Category: Productivity

Categories
Communications Leadership Productivity Success Secrets

The Sandwich Approach to Coaching Employees: Build Trust, Inspire Growth

Imagine a sandwich. The soft, golden top bun represents your opening gesture, a sincere compliment that sets a positive tone. The juicy meat inside is the core, the constructive feedback delivering the necessary truths. And the satisfying bottom bun? Another kind word or encouragement to reinforce confidence and close the conversation on a high note. It’s simple, structured, and utterly effective. This is what I call the Sandwich Approach to coaching employees, and it’s more powerful than you might think. (I know there’s a fancier name, but I like the metaphor.)

Why does it work? I’ve found that humans are deeply wired to respond to acknowledgment and encouragement. Lead with a compliment, and you disarm defensiveness. Follow with constructive insights, and you inspire growth instead of resentment. Close with encouragement, and you leave people motivated to act. The result? A transformative conversation that fosters trust, promotes problem-solving, and cultivates stronger relationships.

Fostering Receptivity with Encouragement

Handing out compliments isn’t just nice; it’s strategic. The top bun isn’t fluff; it’s the opening move that establishes psychological safety. When an employee hears their effort or skill recognized, they feel seen. They relax. Their mind opens.

Consider this scenario. An underperforming team member is chronically late with reports. Walk into that conversation with, “Your analytical skills are excellent; your last report was particularly insightful,” and now they’re listening. Their confidence hasn’t been shattered by criticism upfront, and they’re primed for feedback that follows.

Then comes the meat. Address the issue directly. “However, when these are late, they’re causing issues for the team. It’s delaying them. We need you to turn these in by the agreed deadlines.” Clear, firm, and actionable. It’s an unvarnished truth delivered in a way that emphasizes their capability to improve.

Finally, the bottom bun seals the deal. “I know you value collaboration, and I trust you’ll take this seriously. I’m confident you have the skills to adjust moving forward.” Notice the shift. Instead of leaving the conversation weighed down, the employee walks away hopeful, knowing their strengths haven’t been dismissed.

Building Trust and Encouraging Growth

Beyond the professional setting, this approach works wonders in personal conflicts. I have a large family and have tons of experiences talking through conflicts. But imagine a disagreement with a friend over canceled plans. Instead of leading with, “Why are you so unreliable?”, start with, “You’re such a great friend, and I value the time we spend together.” That’s the top bun. It makes them more open to hearing, “When you cancel at the last minute, it leaves me scrambling and feeling, well…undervalued.” That’s your meat. End with softness. “I know you wouldn’t want to hurt our connection, and I appreciate you making time for me when things are hectic.” Now you’ve addressed the problem without damaging the relationship. That’s influence, not argument, at work.

Promoting Positive Communication Across Teams

The Sandwich Approach isn’t just for one-on-one corrections. For team feedback, it’s a culture-builder. Think about quarterly reviews. Start with your team’s achievements. “This quarter, we hit record engagement numbers. Your dedication to this project really showed.” Then introduce the challenges. “However, productivity took a hit during the final phases, and that bottleneck stalled delivery.” Close by amplifying their potential. “These are fixable issues, and I’m excited to see how we’ll adapt next quarter. This team’s capability to problem-solve is unmatched.”

Notice the nuance here. The focus doesn’t linger solely on what went wrong, nor does it sugarcoat reality. It inspires improvement while honoring their effort. And it takes just minutes to put together a message that could shape morale for weeks.

Professional and Personal Benefits

Why limit the Sandwich Approach to feedback? Its principles apply broadly. Handle client disputes by starting with appreciation, addressing concerns, and closing with re-commitment to satisfaction. Mending a misunderstanding with family? Acknowledge their perspective before addressing the conflict, then end with affection. The approach bridges divides in ways blunt confrontation rarely can.

Does this mean sugarcoating unpleasant truths? Not at all. Praise needs to be authentic, and critique must be specific. Simply sandwiching criticism between false compliments cheapens the interaction. The success lies in sincerity. Without it, the Sandwich falls apart.

The Sandwich Approach might seem basic, but it’s anything but simplistic. It’s a precision tool that strengthens relationships, transforms communication, and sets the foundation for mutual respect. Each layer has a purpose, creating a dynamic where truth, in fact, doesn’t feel like an attack and feedback becomes a gift.

#ConstructiveConversations #FeedbackThatBuilds #LeadWithKindness #TheSandwichApproach

Categories
Leadership Productivity Success Secrets

Warren Buffett’s Legacy: Why Integrity Still Matters Most in Leadership

With the news that Warren Buffett will retire as CEO in 2025, it’s truly the end of an era. For decades, the man known as the Oracle of Omaha has been a steady, wise and wildly successful presence in the business world. His presence has influenced my financial advisors, who have influenced me. His exit may close a chapter at Berkshire Hathaway, but his words—and values—will echo long after he’s gone.

Among the many nuggets of wisdom Mr. Buffett has shared over the years, one quote in particular that I like:

“We look for three things when we hire people: intelligence, energy, and integrity. And if they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother.”

That one sentence might just be the best leadership advice out there. I’ve hired over 120 professionals and seen that intelligence helps people solve problems. Energy gets things done. (I’d rather have an employee with more energy than less because trying to pump their energy up every day is exhausting.) But without integrity? Yeah, everything else falls apart—in a hurry.

Why Integrity Isn’t Optional

Buffett didn’t just talk about integrity. From my view, he built a company culture around it. He understood that brains and hustle alone aren’t enough. Without a moral backbone, even the most talented person can do real damage.

I’ve seen companies packed with smart, driven people. But a lack of integrity turned all that potential into disaster. Sometimes companies collapse under the weight of their own deceit, dragging down employees, investors and public trust along with it.

On the flip side, look at Microsoft under Satya Nadella. When he took the reins in 2014, Nadella didn’t just bring new ideas—he brought a new tone. He emphasized empathy, a growth mindset, accountability, trust and more. The result? A transformed culture and one of the most impressive corporate turnarounds in recent memory. That’s what integrity in leadership looks like.

The Real Power of Integrity

So why does integrity matter so much? For starters, leaders set the tone. When the person at the top is honest, fair and grounded, that mindset ripples through the whole organization. People feel respected. They feel safe to speak up. They trust each other—and the company. At Richter7 advertising, we wanted associates to feel safe about sharing ideas, even if they disagreed with their bosses. (I knew we were getting to that level when I saw an intern disagree with our chairman in a client strategy meeting, and the chairman considered the new information and agreed with the intern. It was a huge endorsement to let others be seen and heard.)

Trust, in business, is everything. It keeps employees and customers loyal. It strengthens partnerships. It protects your brand when the unexpected hits. For example, companies like Patagonia didn’t just earn its reputation by being smart; they earned them by doing what’s right—even when it was hard.

Finally, integrity leads to long-term thinking. Buffett has always played the long game. He’s said more than once that success isn’t about what happens this quarter, but what you build over decades. That reminded me of my years in Japan where I saw leaders were more interested in the long game. Leaders with integrity resist the lure of shortcuts. They stay focused on the big picture.

Putting Buffett’s Wisdom to Work Today

So how do we actually apply Mr. Buffett’s hiring advice today? I’ve seen three ways to make integrity a real part of my company’s DNA:

1. Talk About Values from the Start

Job descriptions shouldn’t just list skills—they should reflect company values. Make it clear that you value honesty, integrity and accountability just as much as results.

2. Ask the Right Interview Questions

Get beyond the résumé. Ask candidates how they handled ethical dilemmas. What did they do when the right thing wasn’t the easy thing? Their body language and verbal answers will tell you more than any GPA or job title ever could.

3. Walk the Talk

I’ve learned that each company follows the lead of a central persona, which is normally flows from the CEO. If you want to build a team with integrity, model it yourself. Make values-based decisions. Own your mistakes. Be accountable. Celebrate people who do the right thing, not just those who hit their numbers.

A Call to the Next Generation

In my 40-plus years in a career, I’ve seen that today’s business world is more complicated than ever with my clients dealing with everything from remote work to climate change to questions of diversity and inclusion. Through it all, one thing hasn’t changed: the need for leaders and employees with integrity who are honest, courageous and grounded in something deeper than just fame or ambition.

Warren Buffett may be stepping away, but his philosophy still matters. In fact, it might matter more than before. His message is clear: hire smart, hire driven—but above all, hire people you can trust.

Because in a world where trust is rare and reputations are fragile, integrity isn’t just a leadership trait—it’s your best insurance policy.

Categories
Communications Creativity Ideas Leadership Productivity Success Secrets

The Secret Weapon in Decision-Making? A Sharp Sense of Humor

Have you ever been in a tense meeting or faced a high-stakes situation where everything felt heavy? (The advertising/PR business brought that to our team nearly every day.) But just then someone cracks a perfectly-timed quip, and suddenly, the air feels lighter, solutions come easier, and the collective mood lifts?

That’s the power of humor, and it’s not just for laughs. A well-developed sense of humor can be your secret weapon in making smarter decisions, both in life and in your career. Here’s why.

1. Humor Lowers Stress and Sharpens Perspective

Stress has a funny way of shrinking our world. When we’re overwhelmed, our thinking narrows, and it’s harder to see the big picture. Humor, on the other hand, acts like a reset button. It helps us step back and reassess situations with fresh eyes.

I’ve often noticed this in my work with public relations teams. PR is a fast-paced world, full of shifting deadlines and high-pressure moments. But when someone breaks the ice with humor, the stress dissipates, and the team can refocus on what really matters. Have you noticed how laughing at a problem—even briefly—makes it feel less imposing? In fact, once during a very depressing day, I brought my entire team into the conference room to listen to 30 minutes of comedian Brian Regan. After that laugh fest, we felt like we could conquer anything. No problem.

Humor didn’t solve the issue, but it certainly clears the mental fog so we can tackle it with clarity.

2. It Encourages Creative Thinking

When was the last time you had a truly original idea while you were stressed out or stuck in routine thinking? Probably never. Humor boosts creativity by pushing us to think outside the box. A good laugh releases psychological tension and opens doors to unconventional solutions.

3. Humor Strengthens Relationships and Builds Trust

Making confident decisions often involves collaboration. If you’re leading a team or negotiating with a client, trust and rapport are non-negotiable. Humor can help you build those connections faster than almost anything else. Why? Because it humanizes us. It shows empathy, relatability, and even vulnerability.

When I counsel PR clients, it’s always obvious which leaders use humor effectively. In fact, my Southwest Airlines client was a master at this. They don’t just inspire confidence; they make people feel at ease. From that come some of the best solutions to challenges.

No doubt, when the mood is brighter and approachable, employees, stakeholders, and customers alike are more likely to open up, share ideas, or buy into decisions. It’s a simple approach, but the results are extraordinary.

4. Humor Improves Decision-Making Under Pressure

Pressure is unavoidable in both life and business. But decisions made under pressure are better when we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Good humor has a way of reminding us that failure isn’t the end of the world. More often than not, it’s just a stepping stone to success.

Think about it this way: isn’t it easier to approach a daunting challenge when you’re in a positive, relaxed state of mind? A genuinely funny moment in a crisis can give us the mental break we need to avoid impulsive reactions and make reasoned choices instead. Next time the stakes are high, try smiling before making your next move. Odds are your mind will follow suit and great ideas will flow.

5. It’s Contagious—in All the Right Ways

Perhaps one of humor’s greatest strengths is its ability to spread. A single laugh can transform the tone of a meeting, energize a room and set the stage for productive discussion. And when positivity is contagious, so is confidence. Once you’ve bonded through humor, collaboration feels more natural, and decision-making becomes a shared, human experience rather than a lonely task.

Have you thought about how this plays out in your own life or career? Is there a team dynamic that could benefit from a little levity? Reflecting on moments where humor worked wonders might surprise you.

Humor is More than Fun—It’s a Strategy

At its core, good humor isn’t just about delivering punchlines; it’s about creating space for better thinking, deeper connections and more sound decisions. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or guiding clients through complex projects, humor can transform the way you approach problems.

I love Marjorie Pay Hinckley’s quote: “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” 

Laughing your way through it may not be the goal, but it’s worth asking yourself, are you using humor enough? If not, give it a try. Experiment with adding a touch of wit or lightheartedness to your daily interactions. You may find that not only does it improve your mood, but it also sharpens your ability to tackle the tricky decisions that come your way. After all, laughter isn’t just good medicine; it’s also great strategy.

#leadershipmatters #humoratwork #smartdecisions

Categories
Communications Ideas Leadership Productivity

Better Sleep = Better Communicator: Six Steps

Sleep is super important for our health and how we feel every day. But many experts say that most of us aren’t getting enough good-quality sleep. Why is that? Even though we know how important it is, we still struggle to get the rest we need. This shows that we really need to focus on sleeping better if we want to stay healthy and full of energy.

To help ensure that you’re getting the sleep you need to thrive, I’ve generated this guide to getting a better night’s sleep. Are you ready for some serious rest?

Why is sleep so important?

Sleep is an essential function for your body. It’s a chance for both your mind and body to recharge and recuperate and is vital for staying healthy. According to some experts, sleep can even stave off diseases.

Lack of sleep impacts your ability to think clearly, concentrate, retain and process memories and even communicate. As a rule, adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, while children and teens need more. I’ve found 7.5 hours works for me, but I’ll gladly take 8 hours.

Getting into a good sleep routine and maintaining excellent sleep hygiene are both key for keeping you happy, healthy and well. A busy life, chaotic work schedule, poor diet and even a crowded, cluttered environment can all impact the quality of your sleep.

There are a number of changes that can help you enjoy a better night’s sleep and we will discuss the ultimate six step plan below:

1. Develop a sleep schedule

A sleep schedule is crucial if you want to enjoy restful, restorative sleep. You can achieve this by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day and not changing this by more than an hour on weekends.

Sticking to a consistent sleep cycle reinforces the natural sleep-wake cycle of your body, offering higher quality sleep.

2. Change your diet

It’s important not to eat too late or have a heavy meal before you’re planning to go to sleep. (It’s not always easy, but I love it when I stop eating late.) This can cause discomfort that can prevent you from sleeping. It’s also a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol because these can stimulate you and keep you awake.

While it can be tempting to keep munching and drinking before bed, this can disrupt your REM sleep cycle, reducing the quality of your sleep.

3. Create the right environment

Make sure your space is designed to facilitate a good night’s sleep. This means a room that is cool, dark and quiet.

Most important, you should primarily use your bedroom for sleeping. Do not work, watch television or eat in bed because all that can impact your sleep.

4. Create a pre-sleep routine

We taught our kids they had to do 5 things before going to bed (pajamas, brush teeth, etc.) and it worked! We adults kind of forget the magic of routings, but having a pre-sleep routine alerts your body that it’s almost time to sleep and this can result in a more restful night.

Take a long, hot bath, listen to relaxing music or try meditation for calmness. All of these send your body messages that it is almost time to sleep.

5. Get some exercise during the day

Physical activity helps guarantee a better night’s sleep, so make sure you’re getting fresh air and exercise every day.

6. Manage your worries

Worries and anxieties are also things that stop you from sleeping, so try journaling, meditating and writing to help keep your worries and anxieties in check. I’ve also intentionally stop reading work emails at night, knowing that I can better deal with them the next morning.

Final Thoughts

Developing a better sleep routine could be your secret weapon toward long-term health and success. It is hard to emphasize the importance of a good night’s sleep, but I’ve found I function better as a communicator, husband, father, neighbor – you name it. I hope you make the most of these six steps and enjoy those eight hours of shut eye.

Categories
Ideas Productivity Success Secrets

How to Impress a Boss You Rarely See

Wherever you work, impressing your boss is part of your job requirements. You probably know what to do when your supervisor sits in the office next door, but you may need to think more creatively if you seldom see each other.

Bridging that gap is a growing concern now that more employees work remotely or travel extensively for their jobs. Try these suggestions for hitting it off with your boss up close or long distance. The whole point of this is to anticipate and answer the boss’s questions or concerns before they ask. Doing that to their satisfaction is how you win their trust.

Traditional Methods for Impressing Your Boss

Some strategies apply in any context. Please your boss by excelling at your job and contributing to a successful team.

  1. Take initiative. Identify needs and propose solutions before anyone asks you to look into a situation. Focus on areas that are essential to the company.
  2. Continue learning. Take advantage of opportunities to expand your knowledge and hone your skills. Sign up for a webinar on the hottest trends in native advertising or the latest news on health insurance requirements. Send your boss a summary about how you’ll use what you learn to work smarter.
  3. Hold yourself accountable. Assume responsibility for your actions. Be prepared to explain your decisions and accept the consequences.
  4. Radiate enthusiasm. Go the extra mile with a smile. Empathize with your boss and colleagues. Cheer each other on during tough projects.
  5. Network vigorously. Technology makes networking easier for remote employees. Professional associations and industry events can help you to show your boss that you’re engaged with the key players in your industry.
  6. Deliver results. Meet and exceed expectations. Develop a reputation for high performance. Your boss’s confidence in you will grow as you prove that you can reliably work independently.

Remote Methods for Impressing Your Boss

Now that you’ve covered the basics, you can take some additional steps. Skillful communications and sound work habits will help you to capture your boss’s attention.

  1. Schedule virtual meetings. Dress up and arrange your work area to present a professional appearance to your boss. Prepare a dazzling slide show and stick around to eat lunch together online.
  2. Master social media and collaboration tools. Flaunt your technological savvy and connect with your boss. Tweet an interesting news story. Make it easy for your manager to track progress on each project.
  3. Check your internet connection. Maintaining a stable and speedy connection keeps your good qualities on view. You’ll also want to assure your boss that you’re protecting network security.
  4. Watch the clock. Are you in a different time zone than the rest of the office? Adjust your timetable so you contact your boss during the most convenient hours.
  5. Say good morning. Simple office rituals can have a great impact. As a substitute for greeting each other in the break room, send an early morning email to wish your boss a good day and let them know you’re at your desk.
  6. Post your hours. Work at being accessible. Let your boss know when you’re quitting for the day and when you’re heading out for lunch. For the hours when you’re on duty, respond promptly to your boss and colleagues.
  7. Take a break. Most of all, resist the temptation to work excessively long hours. In the long run, a sustainable pace will make you a more valued employee. Keeping your life in balance enables you to remain friendly and productive, which are traits that your boss will appreciate.

Show your boss that they can count on you to offer solutions and make them look good. You’ll earn their trust and build a mutually beneficial relationship, even if you work on opposite sides of the world.

#ImpressYourBoss #RemoteWorkSuccess #BuildingTrust #InitiativeIsKey #ContinuousLearning #AccountabilityMatters #EnthusiasmWins