Monday Morning Mojo

We, as humans, are subject to our own biases. Even the most self-aware individual can limit themselves by unconsciously acting on pre-conceived stereotypes or judgments. Biases are unfortunately built into society and our psychological nature; how do we keep them from turning into mistakes?

In this episode, Phil recounts and analyzes an eye-opening experience that brought him back to a lesson most of us learned in grade school: don't to judge a book by its cover. Although we all know this statement to be true, our actions and thought-processes do not always mirror our wisdom. Biases based on appearance can limit our capacity to grow our influence and expand our knowledge base. Don't fall into this trap; make it your mission today and everyday to hold yourself accountable for the labels you place on others.

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Cultural fit and the internal relationships we develop with our colleagues are essential to success and happiness. Whether we like it or not, the actions and behaviors of other individuals will impact our ability, confidence, and willingness to work in an environment.

In this episode, we hear from two of our listeners, both of whom share issues they are currently facing with the dynamic of their team: the first with upper management and the second with a new business partner. Despite their best effort, these individuals are losing passion and patience because their style conflicts with those they work with. This Friday, we offer advice on finding your cultural fit, give perspective on how to engage constructively with difficult team dynamics, and recommend two great reads that can provide more insight to you.

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Please send comments, questions, and feedback to [email protected]

Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to [email protected]

References:

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

Richard Thaler, acclaimed American economist, professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and founding father of the "nudge" theory has been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. His research in behavioral science has not only defied traditional economic theory but has re-shaped public policy and influenced politicians world-wide. We conclude today that his theories can benefit the wealth management industry as well.

In this episode, we view client relationships from the perspective of behavioral economics and ask three key questions that will help you reevaluate your top clients. Thaler's research provides a compelling case that today's advisors must focus more time, energy, and effort into helping clients make sound decisions. By applying his models to the financial industry, we can advance our overall client relationships and the trajectory of our practices.

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Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: [email protected]

Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: [email protected]

For some reason, our failures always seem to resonate deeper than our successes. Why is that? Why are we more agitated by a loss than excited by a win? Why the Hubris?

In a practice that has achieved an elevated level of sustained success, one can unwittingly and somewhat irrationally acquire a more heightened expectation to close every deal. This regrettably is not reality. In today's episode, we discuss why this mindset will hinder our long-term growth. Regardless of how talented any one of our companies may be, there will always be those prospects that don't connect or aren't professionally attracted to our firm. Rather than beating ourselves up over these losses, we must exercise control over our emotions, implement decision making that reflects our long-term goals, and resolve to learn from every experience.

Resources:

Please send comments, questions, and feedback to [email protected]

Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to [email protected]

Have you ever had an experience while working with someone where you ask yourself, "Why do I have to deal with this person?" Well today we answer that question for you.

In this episode, we examine the reality of our interactions with others and assert that those encounters have a purpose beyond their face value. We can often discover the specific purpose of our interactions upon reflection; however, in the moment we need to recognize that when individuals come into our lives it's either for a reason, a season or a lifetime. By looking at your relationships and even your brief encounters from a perspective of growth and personal development, you can gain more from your everyday experiences. We challenge you this morning to change the way you engage with those around you; shift your perception to see the real purpose of those encounters.

Resources:

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In today's episode, we evaluate our practice from the client's perspective. What does the prospect see? What opinions do they form? When a client chooses your firm, do they feel confident that they've made the right decision?

When one studies highly successful companies such as Disneyworld, Starbucks or Four Seasons, he or she finds that they have differentiated themselves from their competition through a process of defining what a superior experience for their customers looks like. This morning, we share three important questions that will challenge you to identify the rocks or pillars of your own unique client experience; and then, when those rocks are established and implemented, you will inevitably capitalize on a strengthened brand, heightened client experience, and an increased business value.

Resources

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Kirby Smart, University of Georgia Football Coach, statement following 9/30/17 game: https://www.reuters.com/article/football-ncaa-tennessee-georgia-writethr/no-7-georgia-throttles-tennessee-to-stay-perfect-idUSMTZEDA14CHLA8

Today, Cannon Financial Institute is excited to announce the launch of First Friday Feedback, a sister podcast to Monday Morning Mojo and the Cannon Curve. In this series, our host, Phil Buchanan, will be addressing questions specifically proposed by you, our listeners. Our aim is to focus on the issues and circumstances relevant to our audience. Thus, we invite you to steer the content and ask questions that you believe could help improve a dilemma you may be facing in your professional life – big or small. In this episode, we hear from three anonymous individuals who are facing challenges in their work environment and offer outside perspective and advice to help guide them in their attempt to remedy the situation. We address how to approach a conflict in a team of intergenerational dynamics, discuss tactics you can employ to help overcome feeling burnt out or unmotivated, and give advice to an individual whose personal situation is inadvertently causing distress to her work life. Thank you to those of you who submitted questions, we know you will enjoy the show! Resources: Submit questions to First Friday Feedback to [email protected]

300 Monday mornings ago we launched the pilot episode of this podcast series. Our mission? To begin each week by providing insight and new perspectives deliberately designed to help motivate and inspire our listeners. Together, we have tackled numerous issues, discussed strategies for success, evaluated our relationships, elevated our professional performance, and continuously challenged ourselves to be a force for good.

Over the last two weeks, we have invited you to reveal the episodes that have had the most impact on you; and this morning, our team has chosen the top three responses to share with you. As of today, our Monday Morning Mojo journey has given us 300 lessons to celebrate, and we are looking forward to hundreds more.

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Jim Valvano 1983 Speech: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Jimmy+Valvano+1983+Anniversary+Speech&&view=detail&mid=1A0B7879D80A71AD823D1A0B78

Has there ever been a time in your life where you felt stuck? Although you may have a stable family life and your career is secure, you feel as though your life has become repetitive – a set of traditions and routines. Thus, you reflect; you think back on the "glory days" of college, high school, your first exciting professional opportunity, or perhaps your first love, and have an unrequited desire to revisit those past moments and experiences.

In today's episode, we discuss why exactly the desire to relive your most memorable experiences is counterproductive and essentially a trap. Nobody enjoys feeling stuck, and this morning we hope to give you the solution to pull you away from this cycle.

Resources:

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Kenny Chesney; "the Boys of Fall": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEc1m-r_0gM

Imagine this scenario: you are working with a group/team and have a vision or idea of the correct path for you all to take to accomplish your goal – whatever that may be. Yet, those around are not able to see what you see, either because they can't or don't want to.

The majority of us have had at least one of these moments in our lifetime, and in this episode, we discuss the correct approach to take should this occur. Big visions are like large trees – you need to swing the axe more than once if you want it to fall. By providing the right motivation, and communicating your ideas both initially and throughout an entire project, you develop what we like to call "persistent patience." That is, a patient intensity that allows long term goals to be met without artificially forcing activity on your team members.

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