Use Words, Not Numbers, to Understand Your Customers

When it comes to customer data, many believe that multiple-choice surveys across large samples that can be statistically analyzed yield the most rigorous research. This type of analysis, however, only gives you a shallow understanding of your customers. To get more nuance, use qualitative methods to discover what your customers think about your products and services. Qualitative techniques, such as focus groups or open-ended questionnaires, let you delve deeper into the relationship between your firm and those who buy or use your products. They also allow your customers to express their opinions using their own words, not yours.


Source: Harvard Business Review

How to Build Better Working Relationships with Gen Ys

Working with someone from a different generation can be a challenging experience. Gen Ys can be particularly confusing to the generations before them. Here are three Gen Y characteristics and tips for how you can work with them, rather than against them:

1. They are immediate. This often comes off as impatience, but Gen Ys are used to things moving at a fast pace. Channel this energy into projects that are meaningful to them and need a flurry of activity to get accomplished.
2. They are informal. Gen Ys tend to be comfortable interacting with anyone at any level of the organization. Encourage this outreach but ask that they keep you updated about whom they're talking to and on what topics.
3. They learn with others. To figure out a new task, Gen Ys often like to talk it through, sometimes with people from another unit or a different company. When the task is sensitive, set the rules that this is out of bounds. For other topics, recognize that this collaborative instinct is a good one and don't discourage it even if it's not your style

Source: Harvard Business Review

3 Tips for Changing Careers Within Your Company

Making a lateral move inside an organization can be challenging. If leaders see you as an "IT guy" it can be hard to convince them you are a "marketing guy." Here are three ways to combat pigeon-holing and convince the higher ups that you're ready for a new challenge:

1. Make it a win-win. Position your proposal in terms of the value it will bring the company. For example, explain that you have underutilized skills or capacity that could be used in a different division or for an important task.
2. Cover your current position. Offer to train your successor or to continue to do the job part-time.
3. Think of others. Focusing on what you stand to gain will get you nowhere. Emphasize the learning and development opportunities the move will create, such as for the junior person who can take on some of your previous responsibilities.

Source: Harvard Business Review