-
Build A Culture Where Taking Risks Is Encouraged And Failure Is Accepted
November 3, 2015
-
Anytime a founder or CEO from one of the big social platforms talk -- I listen.
When you spend time with the words of these creators, visionaries, and leaders - you get closer to the soul of their platform (enabling you to use it more effectively as a brand).
Facebook CEO and founder, Mark Zuckerberg, began holding town-hall meetings in November of 2014. Zuckerberg fields questions from participants that can be users of his products or the press.
In his latest town-hall from India, while much of it was technical -- there was a moment I wanted to share with you. It was about mistakes.
We are operating in such an experimental time right now. Not just in the social space -- but with digital, mobile, on-demand audio and more.
Yet all too often, people get so consumed with their own mistakes, or of others, that they miss what really matters.
Just doing good.
Zuckerberg was asked the following question:
"Is there a decision you made in the early days of Facebook that you regretted later?"
And how he responds is something I hope resonates with you:
Isn't that the essence of what we should be doing as we fight for our products and do what needs to be done in the face of today's disruption and modernization?
Don't focus on the mistakes, focus on just doing good for others.
Zuckerberg's attitude typifies a company culture where taking risks is encouraged and failure is accepted.
And if we're serious about building brand strength, we should be putting this practice to use every day; following the fundamentals that make you unforgettable:
- Helping fans have access to what they love
- Discovering together things they will love
- Distributing the emotion of the moment
- Offering personalized acknowledgment
- Creating unexpected "holy crap" moments
Doing good is what drives brand strength. And brand strength drives financial value.
Taking the time to listen when the "Zuckerbergs" of the world speak makes you realize that in some ways they are just like us - hacking their way through these platforms to find what works, for now.
There's no script for any of us working in this very different (and often weird) "open and connected world."
Technology is making our lives move faster, sometimes more complicated, and our thoughts and actions less private. At our radio stations we can get lost in the frenetic energy of each day and forget that the greater purpose is to serve the audience -- just doing good for them.
Become bold.
Create the habit of taking chances.
Forget what the critics say. They are not strong enough to throw themselves in the arena.
We're not always going to hit it out of the park, but we'll get closer every time we put ourselves out there with the intent to do good and learn along the way.
Reach out to me anytime on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.
Please enjoy MERGE archives here.