CULTURE | From Misunderstandings to Meaningful Interactions. w/ Jeremie Kubicek

In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is more critical than ever, especially in business settings. Jeremie Kubicek, executive chairman and co-author of "The Communication Code: Unlock Every Relationship, One Conversation at a Time," joins us to explore the intricacies of communication and how understanding hidden expectations can transform interactions. The episode delves into the five key expectations—celebration, care, clarification, collaboration, and critique—that can make or break conversations. Jeremie emphasizes the importance of being perceived as supportive, urging leaders to reflect on their communication styles to build healthier relationships.

One of the pivotal concepts discussed is the use of "communication code words." These simple phrases, like "collaborate" or "clarify," can significantly enhance clarity and trust in both personal and professional settings. By aligning communication with others' expectations, misunderstandings are minimized, fostering stronger connections. This approach encourages self-awareness and adaptability, as highlighted by the "platinum rule"—treating others as they would like to be treated. This rule surpasses the traditional golden rule by emphasizing the needs and preferences of others, thereby improving team dynamics and relational harmony.

Jeremie also introduces the concept of relational intelligence, a blend of personality understanding, emotional intelligence, and team dynamics. This intelligence is crucial in enhancing communication and relational capital, which is often more valuable than intellectual capital. The episode explores tools like the five voices and communication codes, used by major companies to boost communication and trust within teams. These tools enable individuals to better understand personality types, leading to improved interactions and team performance.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on leadership and the impact of communication styles. Leaders are encouraged to reflect on their communication patterns, considering how they are perceived by others. The episode highlights the importance of balancing support and challenge in communication to avoid a culture of fear or entitlement. By fostering a culture of empowerment, leaders can create more productive and harmonious relationships within their teams.

Jeremie's insights also extend to personal relationships, emphasizing the need for custom communication code words tailored to individual needs. By understanding and respecting these needs, individuals can prevent misunderstandings and enhance their interactions. This approach is particularly beneficial in negotiations or situations with power imbalances, where understanding the other party's expectations can lead to more successful outcomes.

In summary, this episode offers a wealth of actionable advice for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. By understanding and applying the communication code, individuals can unlock the potential of their relationships, both personal and professional. The episode is a valuable resource for leaders, team members, and anyone seeking to enhance their relational intelligence and communication effectiveness. Whether you're looking to apologize, seek a reset, or simply understand others better, Jeremie Kubicek's insights provide the tools needed to transform your interactions and build stronger connections.

Jeremie Kubicek

Jeremie Kubicek is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of GiANT Worldwide and the GiANT companies. He is a global speaker, serial entrepreneur, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Making Your Leadership Come Alive, and The Peace Index. He speaks to organizations throughout the world on relational intelligence and personal growth. He currently resides in Oklahoma City

Connect with Jeremie on LinkedIn.

CULTURE | Unlocking Workplace Appreciation w/ Dr. Paul White.

Unlocking Workplace Appreciation: Insights from Dr. Paul White on Enhancing Employee Relationships and Retention.

In today's dynamic workplace environment, fostering meaningful relationships and a culture of appreciation is more crucial than ever. In the latest episode of Business Owners Radio, renowned psychologist and co-author of "The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace," Dr. Paul White, shares his expertise on transforming workplace dynamics through personalized employee recognition. With his vast experience and insightful research, Dr. White delves into the importance of appreciation, especially within family-owned businesses and remote work settings.

The episode begins by addressing the unique challenges that family-owned businesses face. According to Dr. White, personal and professional boundaries often blur in such settings, leading to complex dynamics in communication and decision-making. Drawing from his updated book, Dr. White emphasizes that appreciation should be personalized to resonate with each individual. This approach is particularly relevant in remote and hybrid work environments, where traditional recognition methods may fall short. The conversation highlights that less than half of employees prefer verbal acknowledgment, underscoring the need for diverse appreciation strategies

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the profound impact of personalized employee appreciation on retention and workplace culture. Dr. White discusses recent research indicating that feeling appreciated is more critical for employee retention than compensation. This insight is particularly valuable for HR professionals and business leaders striving to create a supportive and engaging work environment. The episode explores the role of peer-to-peer appreciation, especially among younger employees, in fostering a sense of community and support. By understanding individual preferences for recognition, leaders can implement meaningful gestures that truly make team members feel valued.

Another significant aspect discussed in the episode is the role of HR in bridging the gap left by traditional recognition systems. Dr. White points out that employee recognition programs often focus on the top performers, leaving the majority of the workforce feeling overlooked. To address this, he advocates for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the contributions of all employees, not just the high achievers. This can be achieved through simple yet meaningful actions, such as personalized notes or small tokens of appreciation, tailored to each individual's preferences.

The episode also delves into the complexities of showing appreciation in remote and hybrid work settings. Dr. White highlights that remote employees are not a homogenous group, and their preferences for recognition can vary widely. He shares practical tools and strategies for identifying and expressing appreciation effectively, even from a distance. For instance, some employees may value written notes or emails, while others may appreciate a virtual high-five or a thoughtful gesture. By tailoring appreciation efforts to suit each individual's needs, leaders can ensure that all team members feel connected and valued, regardless of their work location.

Dr. White's insights extend beyond just appreciation to encompass the broader concept of workplace culture. He emphasizes that a culture of appreciation is not solely the responsibility of managers and leaders but should be a collective effort among all team members. Encouraging peer-to-peer recognition can significantly enhance workplace morale and create a more cohesive and supportive work environment. This approach not only boosts employee engagement but also contributes to higher retention rates, as employees feel a stronger sense of belonging and purpose.

In conclusion, the episode with Dr. Paul White provides invaluable insights into the power of personalized employee appreciation in transforming workplace dynamics. By understanding and addressing the unique preferences of each team member, leaders can foster a culture of appreciation that enhances employee relationships and retention. Whether you're navigating the complexities of a family-owned business or managing a remote team, the strategies discussed in this episode offer practical and actionable steps to make every employee feel truly valued. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how appreciation can elevate your workplace and drive long-term success.

Dr. Paul White

Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, speaker, and leadership expert who “makes work relationships work.” He has been interviewed by the New York Times, BBC News, and other international publications. Dr. White is the coauthor of the best-selling book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, which has sold over 575,000 copies (with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages.)

To find out more visit:

www.appreciationatwork.com

STRATEGY | Unlocking Business Potential Through Great Questions w/ Cynthia Kay.

In the latest episode of Business Owners Radio, Cynthia Kay, author of "Small Business, Big Success," delves into the strategies and insights that have propelled her media production company to new heights over the past 35 years. This episode is a goldmine for small business owners looking to transform their ventures into thriving powerhouses. With her rich background in investigative journalism and broadcasting, Cynthia brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships, asking great questions, and balancing leadership with business growth.

The episode kicks off with Cynthia discussing her journey of founding and running Cynthia Kay and Company Media Production. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to helping other businesses succeed, Cynthia shares valuable insights from her extensive experience working with both large and small companies. She underscores the importance of relationships and tailored solutions, recounting how her dedication to even the smallest projects led to securing significant clients. This segment is a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiration for small business owners aiming to grow and thrive.

One of the standout topics in this episode is the art of asking great questions. Cynthia's background in investigative journalism has honed her skills in curiosity and active listening. She explains how these skills are crucial for understanding customer needs and fostering meaningful business relationships. Cynthia shares personal anecdotes illustrating how a background in a family business, combined with a passion for journalism, fosters an entrepreneurial mindset. By being genuinely interested in people and their challenges, business owners can offer impactful solutions and build lasting connections.

Cynthia's journey from an aspiring musician to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. She traces her path from studying music at Michigan State University to discovering a passion for television and radio. An unexpected opportunity at a TV station ignited her career in broadcasting, where she honed critical skills from live TV experiences. Her Greek heritage also influenced her communication style, adding a unique flair to her approach. Transitioning from broadcasting to entrepreneurship, Cynthia highlights the challenges and rewards of becoming her own boss, managing a team, and the importance of aligning with the right clients. She emphasizes the value of showing up and being present, a lesson she learned from her early experiences in the media industry.

The episode also delves into Cynthia's philosophy of educating clients and being a consultative partner. She shares a compelling story of how she offered a seminar to a large company's marketing team to help them understand the media production process better. This approach not only educated the clients but also led to new business opportunities. Cynthia's emphasis on teaching customers and providing value beyond the immediate project is a strategy that can benefit any small business. It fosters trust and positions the business as a knowledgeable and reliable partner.

Another critical aspect discussed is the balance between leadership and business growth. Cynthia candidly talks about the myth of being one's own boss and the reality of having multiple bosses in the form of clients, employees, and suppliers. She shares her approach to managing these relationships and making strategic decisions about which clients to serve. Cynthia advises business owners to focus on partnerships that align with their values and push them to be more innovative and creative. This selective approach ensures that the work done is of high quality and reflects the business's brand values.

Cynthia's insights on declining projects that do not align with the core business or long-term goals are particularly enlightening. She explains how saying no to certain opportunities can free up resources and energy to focus on more strategic initiatives. This approach not only maintains the integrity of the business but also ensures sustainable growth. Cynthia's practical advice on staying in one's lane while being open to new opportunities is a valuable lesson for any entrepreneur.

In conclusion, this episode of Business Owners Radio with Cynthia Kay is a must-listen for any small business owner looking to elevate their business. Cynthia's stories and practical advice provide a roadmap for building strong relationships, asking the right questions, and balancing leadership with growth. Her journey from musician to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of curiosity, active listening, and strategic decision-making. Tune in to gain actionable insights and be inspired to take your small business to new heights.

Cynthia Kay

Cynthia Kay founded Cynthia Kay and Company media production which produces high-quality communications for organizations from Fortune Global 100 to small business. A graduate of Michigan State University, Kay holds a master’s in communications from Western Michigan University.


Cynthia Kay is a passionate spokesperson for small business. For more than 35 years, she has spent significant time speaking to, teaching, and coaching small-business owners while running her own award-winning company. She is the Past Board Chair of the National Small Business Association (NSBA).


Cynthia and the company have been honored with many awards including many Tellys and Woman Owned Small Business Supplier of the Year from Siemens in 2018. She has been named One of West Michigan’s 50 Most Influential Women five times and is the recipient of over 30 broadcast awards from UPI, AP and other news organizations.


CK & CO Cynthia has authored several books. Her newest book Small Business. Big Success: How to Beat the Odds and Grow a Great Business (Career Press 2024) is available for pre-order and will be out May 6, 2024. She writes for Entrpreneur.com, has been featured in Time Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ask the Expert and on NPR.

To find out more visit:

www.thinkck.com and www.cynthiakaybiz.com