Recently I was forwarded a great article (thanks G.A.) that was an interview with David Novak Chairman, Chief Executive and President of Yum! Brands.
The article discussed some of his business philosophy, bosses, lessons learned and his best interview question.
How do you stay on top of your game? To me I interpret that question to be how do you get better at what you do? How do you know what is happening in your industry? How do you become more relevant with your clients?
I thought this was a great question and one that I have already started using when I interview candidates.
For me I try to get better at something every day. I try and read a number of articles and subscribe to online newsletters that are relevant. I also make it a point to attend industry sessions that give me a chance to hear what experts think about a particular subject and keep in touch with many contacts in the industry to keep my hand on the pulse of the industry.
But now it is your turn to answer the question:
How do you stay on top of your game?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Christine Cook says:
Merrill,
“We” stay on top of our game as a team as life is just way too busy. All staff carry Franklin Planners (some paper, some electronic). Everyone is on at least one industry board or committee and we run the gamut of associations from AMA, BMA, MRA, QRCA, DAC and ADC…some of local to Denver. There is too much to learn and keep up with in this day of information so we divide and conquer. Each of our management staff is a member of at least one and some up to three orgs. We go to meet ups, sit on boards, volunteer on committees, we volunteer the facility to hold meetings, judging and events as well. We give back to the marketing community and the community at large…this is important. What comes around goes around in our book.
The first weekend in October…the entire company will be in the fields harvesting for food for the homeless and under employed. COMPA feeds the hungry and is our non-profit that we do pro bono work for. We typically have two-three of these a year. Our other non profit is the West Metro Fire…love them teaching children safety and help here!
SPEAKING OF GIVING…I’m on the (Business Marketing Assn) BOD and chair this years Auction. It’s a cooking theme. Can you please send me a donation for the auction? We are doing an Iron Chef competition and the three charities all fall in the “feeding of the hungry” Food Bank of the Rockies, COMPA and Denver Rescue Mission.
We also get all the trades. All of them are read, when there is a “must read” it is posted and a check off list is sent along with it to the staff. All the trades are moved to the client area and all old ones removed as the new come in.
For the outside world…RSS and the Internet a few times a day. Also hit Fox or CNN in the a.m. when getting ready for work.
Most important…Be a coach, be a mentor, give back and LISTEN! It will all come back to you 10 fold or better.
P.S. It also helps if you hire Type A over achievers : ).
Merrill Dubrow says:
Christine,
Appreciate your comments. I wish I lived close by and I would come and help you in the fields. Nice job giving something back!
Keep up the good work.
Merrill
Ed Sugar says:
Not to be a big kiss ass, but I stay on top of my game by reading and contributing to blog.
I also read the WSJ, what is left of the LA Times, several news and industry web sites (national and global in scope), attend industry education sessions and the two most important things:
1. I try to ask as many open ended questions as possible
2. I try to listen more attentively in both business and personal interactions
Merrill Dubrow says:
Ed,
Appreciate the plug and comments. Asking open ended questions is brilliant and clearly a great way to learn and stay on top of your game!
Thanks.
Merrill
Arturo Coto says:
As usual, a thought provoking question Merrill!
I’ve been using this as an interview question for some time. Not only for employee candidates, but for potential customers as well.
What I find interesting is to listen for a clear definition of what their “game” is. Too often, it is a broad based response without any specifics. To me, in order to stay on top of your game, you first must define your game.
The impressive responses are usually described as something they are very passionate about. I enjoy seeing a candidate or customer light up when this question is asked and respond with excitement. They don’t make it seem like it is work to them, instead, they make it seem like something they enjoy and comes naturally.
Great question to get to know someone well!
Merrill Dubrow says:
Arturo,
Thanks for your nice comments. I will be interviewing a number of candidates next week and be asking this question to everyone. who knows maybe they are readers of the blog and will be very prepared!
Merrill
Anne Hedde says:
I think Ed made a very relevant point – we need to probe and listen more. To stay on top of our game with clients and in the world, we need to stop pushing our own agenda (for clients, it’s usually sales!) and take a step back. Asking opening ended questions and listening to their challenges and ideas will make us more valuable to them.
Bud Taylor says:
Hey Merrill, i make it a priority each week to be humbled by reading The Economist. Then i pick out 1/2 a dozen articles that talk about a shift that’s going on in the world – a “from – to”. i record these in a data base. I use these trend/discontinuity statements to stimulate executives when we work with them in business strategy and innovation workshops.