How to Build Culture Driven Teams

Call Design on November 22, 2023

What is a Culture-Driven Team?

A culture-driven team is intentionally built around shared cultural values and norms, which are considered essential for success. It’s about identifying the values that resonate with your team and using them as the compass to guide your hiring, onboarding, and development processes. Building a culture-driven team means going beyond individual expertise and focusing on collective growth and collaboration.

Hiring for the Team, Not Just the Individual:

To build a culture-driven team, it’s crucial to prioritize the team dynamic over individual roles. Instead of solely focusing on qualifications, seek candidates who are the best fit for the team’s cultural fabric. You may be tempted to think that your new hire will typically have few opportunities to work with other people, so you don’t need to worry about team dynamics. Their “just” a forecaster, or scheduler that will be in the corner just pushing a few buttons (an oversimplification of their role!). The reality is that each person, regardless of how vocal or connected they are, impacts the whole team. As you hire each role you need to be thinking about the values your team is centered around, finding those values in the interview process, and then supporting the values during the training and onboarding process. Remember, a strong team always outperforms a lone superstar.

Possible Team Values:

There are a ton of values you can center your team around, and which ones you should pick will be dependent upon your leadership style, company values, and even your geographical area. For this blog, we’ll focus on four values that Call Design sees as important to helping people be Happy, Engaged, Fulfilled, and Aligned at work.

  • Curiosity: Look for candidates who exhibit a genuine thirst for knowledge and a desire to continuously learn and grow. This soft skill can be developed in others, but it’s incredibly hard to impart it to people who lack it entirely. Find individuals that naturally ask questions and look to dig into things.
  • Embracing Chaos: Seek individuals who thrive in dynamic environments and see chaos as an opportunity for innovation and adaptation. Contact center and WFM teams are full of days where things are constantly changing. The key isn’t just how they respond in chaos, but how they feel in chaos. Is the constantly changing environment life-giving or life-taking for them? Plenty of people can put up with the chaos, but where are the people that enjoy the chaos?
  • Transparency: Value candidates who prioritize open and honest communication, even if it means challenging the status quo and leadership! Organizations that not only allow but encourage people to push boundaries and innovate position themselves to be successful long-term. Sure, curiosity is important to innovation, but even more important is an environment where people are open and honest to push on bad ideas and share their opinions, even if it’s the opposite of the boss.
  • Kindness: Prioritize kind team members. It’s simple to say but hard to do. We all know that kindness doesn’t make up for an inability to do a job. We’ve all worked with a Kind Karen who is super sweet but is constantly needing help. And we’ve also worked with a Mean Megan who gets work done but no one wants to work with her. Reminder, we’re trying to build a team and not just fill roles. Karen’s kindness is going to have a bigger positive impact on the team than Megan’s, even if you try to isolate Megan to minimize the negativity while still benefiting from her efforts.

Interviewing for Cultural Fit:

Here are some questions you can use to find the four team values we’ve already highlighted.

  • Curiosity: “What questions do you have for me?” Normally we ask this question at the end of an interview but when we start with this question we learn a few things immediately. Did the person do any research and come prepared with a list of questions? If they didn’t, how quickly are they able to switch into questioning mode and how insightful are their questions? We can learn a lot about someone’s curiosity within the first few minutes of an interview by starting with this question.
  • Chaos: “Is chaos life-giving or life-taking”. Most people have a great answer as to how they respond in chaos, but the key here is how they feel in chaos. You can teach someone the steps you want them working through during fire drills, but if your chaotic environment is going to suck the life out of them, well that’s the opposite of what we’re looking for. Hire for feeling and train for action.
  • Transparency: “Tell me about a time you told your boss they were wrong.” If they can come up with a dozen examples they may be more interested in pointing out flaws than coming up with solutions. If they’ve never told their boss they’re wrong then they may not feel comfortable sharing honest feedback. This question allows you to see how easily the person can push against authority and possibly provide helpful feedback, even for the boss.
  • Kindness: Observe how candidates speak about their former employers and colleagues, looking for indications of a cooperative and compassionate mindset. Again, this value is so simple but it’s incredibly impactful on your team. Don’t overlook how well the interviewee would or would not get along with the rest of your team.

Side note: If you’d like some additional tips for interviewing check out our blog on being a servant leader during the interview process.

Reinforcing Culture through Onboarding and Development:

Once team members join your organization, it’s crucial to nurture and reinforce the desired culture:

  • Curiosity: Don’t just encourage curiosity, communicate that it’s an expectation. Every team meeting, 1-1 interaction, or catch-up conversation ask them what questions they have for you. If they are consistently saying they have none then that should be a big red flag. Help them understand that you expect them to have questions and to come to you with them. More than any other time, onboarding is when they need to be bringing questions to the table.
  • Embracing Chaos: After they’ve been on your team for a while ask them how they feel their job description should change. What should be removed and what should be added? Help them see that they have a chance to shape the chaos and focus on what brings them joy. Plus, they’ll be engaged and find fulfillment in a role they help shape!
  • Transparency: Lead by example and share your challenges, creating an environment where honesty and open communication are rewarded. Help them see that you value honesty and openness over being right and perfect. They’ve likely made a career of constantly having the right answer and getting things correct. Show them that even their leader is still making mistakes and trying to learn things. Set a tone that promotes transparency and honesty.
  • Kindness: Encourage team members to connect on a personal level and build relationships with their colleagues. It’s easy to do meet-and-greet meetings and just learn about the person’s role in the organization. Push your team to really find out about the person. The more they can learn about the person’s personal and professional life the better they’ll be able to collaborate and work together.

Building a culture-driven team is an investment that pays off in multiple ways. It not only enhances productivity and collaboration but also creates an environment where employees can be happy, engaged, fulfilled, and aligned. At Call Design, we are passionate about helping contact centers and workforce management teams unlock their full potential. We believe in the power of culture-driven teams and the positive impact they can have on organizations. If you’re ready to take your team to the next level, let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate to elevate your workforce management strategy. Together, let’s build a culture-driven team that drives lasting success!

Cómo Call Design proporciona estabilidad en medio del caos de WFM

Adolfo Pedraz on October 4, 2023

Los responsables de Workforce Management (WFM) se encuentran a menudo en una lucha constante por adaptarse. Call Design entiende los retos y frustraciones únicos que acompañan a este entorno dinámico. En este blog, abordamos los obstáculos a los que se enfrentan los gestores de WFM, incluidos los cambios de liderazgo y los cambios internos, y mostramos cómo Call Design es un socio sólido que proporciona estabilidad en medio del caos.

El reto de los cambios de software:

Imagínese esto: usted invierte en una solución de software WFM, creyendo que es la respuesta a sus necesidades, sólo para descubrir que la empresa detrás de ella ha sido adquirida o fusionada con otra plataforma. De repente, el software en el que ha llegado a confiar se enfrenta a un futuro incierto, y usted se queda luchando con la frustración de una vida útil limitada.

Aunque no podemos protegerle de las maniobras corporativas del sector, sí que podemos guiarle a través del laberinto. Call Design tiene conexiones en todo el espacio de WFM, incluidas las principales plataformas de WFM. Conocemos a los actores, entendemos sus trayectorias y estamos bien equipados para ayudarle a navegar por el difícil terreno de los plazos de fin de servicio. Con nosotros a su lado, no tendrá que enfrentarse solo a estas incertidumbres.

Seguir el ritmo de los nuevos actores:

El panorama de la WFM es un mercado en ebullición en el que año tras año aparecen nuevos participantes. Mantenerse al día y discernir qué plataformas merece la pena tener en cuenta se ha convertido en una tarea de enormes proporciones. Además, el riesgo de que los gigantes heredados absorban a los nuevos actores añade otra capa de complejidad al proceso de toma de decisiones.

Nosotros tomamos el pulso a los actores emergentes y conocemos a fondo sus posibles trayectorias. En lugar de ahogarse en una lista cada vez mayor de plataformas, puede recurrir a nosotros para obtener las últimas perspectivas y orientación.

Navegando en los cambios de liderazgo:

Los cambios de liderazgo dentro de los proveedores de software pueden ser increíblemente desafiantes. Imagínese tener que volver a formar repetidamente al gestor de cuentas de su proveedor debido a la constante rotación de empleados. Es frustrante cuando la visión y las promesas hechas por un grupo de líderes se desvanecen con su marcha, sólo para ser reemplazados por caras nuevas con nuevas estrategias.

Call Design proporciona una sensación de estabilidad que a menudo falta en este sector. Nuestro equipo central, dirigido por Michelle y Burke, ha sido una presencia constante desde nuestros inicios. Esta continuidad garantiza que sus relaciones con los clientes permanezcan ininterrumpidas, y no tendrá que adaptarse repetidamente a nuevos estilos de liderazgo.

Plataformas estancadas:

A veces, el problema no radica en que las plataformas cambien demasiado, sino en que lo hagan demasiado poco. Las grandes empresas heredadas pueden carecer de las características y funciones que usted necesita urgentemente para sus nuevos procesos y proyectos, lo que le deja atascado con un sistema que no está a la altura de sus necesidades.

Llevamos años ayudando a configurar las hojas de ruta de los productos de las empresas de software WFM. Aunque no podemos prometer el desarrollo inmediato de todas las funciones deseadas, podemos asegurarle que su voz no pasará desapercibida. Aportamos nuestra experiencia en el sector y nuestro apoyo incondicional para amplificar sus peticiones y esfuerzos. Aunque el cambio no se produzca de la noche a la mañana, con el apoyo de Call Design, su viaje hacia una plataforma más receptiva será mucho más factible.

Navegar por los cambios internos:

En el panorama siempre competitivo de las organizaciones, los contact centers se encuentran a menudo sujetos a rápidos cambios de prioridades y retos imprevistos. Ya sean las directivas cambiantes de la alta dirección o la influencia de otros departamentos, los equipos de WFM se enfrentan con frecuencia a cambios abrumadores.

Entendemos los retos únicos de los cambios internos. Nuestros consultores están profundamente arraigados en el espacio del contact centre, habiendo pasado la mayor parte de sus carreras en las trincheras. Aunque no podemos eliminar los cambios internos, abogamos por un enfoque más estratégico. Animamos a los equipos de WFM a pasar de un modo reactivo a una postura proactiva, alineando sus esfuerzos con objetivos organizativos más amplios. Con nuestro apoyo, podrá afrontar los cambios internos con resistencia y determinación.

En un panorama de contact centers definido por su incesante ritmo de cambio, Call Design se erige como un faro de estabilidad y apoyo. Aceptamos la inevitabilidad del cambio, reconociéndolo como un aspecto fundamental del sector. Sin embargo, también comprendemos el valor de la estabilidad y la continuidad en las relaciones con nuestros clientes. A medida que se enfrenta a los retos del entorno cambiante de los centros de contacto, recuerde que Call Design está aquí para proporcionarle experiencia, orientación y soluciones a medida para mejorar sus operaciones.

How Call Design Provides Stability Amidst the WFM Chaos

Call Design on September 27, 2023

Workforce Management (WFM) managers often find themselves in a constant battle to adapt. Call Design understands the unique challenges and frustrations that accompany this dynamic environment. In this blog, we address into the hurdles faced by WFM managers, including leadership changes and internal shifts, and showcase how Call Design stands as a steadfast partner, providing stability amidst the chaos.

The Challenge of Software Changes:

Picture this – you invest in a WFM software solution, believing it’s the answer to your needs, only to discover that the company behind it has been acquired or merged with another platform. Suddenly, the software you’ve come to rely on faces an uncertain future, and you’re left grappling with the frustration of a limited service life.

While we can’t shield you from the industry’s corporate maneuvers, we can certainly guide you through the maze. Call Design has connections throughout the WFM space includes the major WFM platforms. We know the players, we understand their trajectories, and we’re well-equipped to help you navigate through the challenging terrain of end-of-service timelines. With us by your side, you won’t have to face these uncertainties alone.

Keeping Pace with New Players:

The WFM landscape is a bustling marketplace with new entrants popping up year after year. Staying updated and discerning which platforms are worth your consideration has become a daunting task. Moreover, the risk of new players being absorbed by legacy giants adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.

We keep our finger on the pulse of emerging players and maintain a deep understanding of their potential trajectories. Instead of drowning in an ever-growing list of platforms, you can turn to us for the latest insights and guidance.

Navigating Leadership Changes:

Leadership changes within software providers can be incredibly challenging. Imagine having to retrain your vendor’s account manager repeatedly due to constant employee turnover. It’s frustrating when the vision and promises made by one set of leaders vanish with their departure, only to be replaced by new faces with new strategies.

Call Design provides a sense of stability that’s often missing in this industry. Our core team, led by Michelle and Burke, has been a constant presence since our inception. This continuity ensures that your client relationships remain uninterrupted, and you won’t have to repeatedly adapt to new leadership styles.

Dealing with Stagnant Platforms:

Occasionally, the challenge doesn’t lie in platforms changing too much, but rather in them changing too little. Large legacy players may lack the features and functions that you urgently require for your new processes and projects, leaving you stuck with a system that falls short of your needs.

We’ve helped shape the product roadmaps WFM software companies for years. While we can’t promise the immediate development of every desired feature, we can assure you that your voice won’t go unheard. We lend our industry expertise and unwavering support to amplify your requests and efforts. While change may not happen overnight, with Call Design behind you, your journey towards a more responsive platform becomes all the more achievable.

Navigating Internal Changes:

In the ever-competitive landscape of organizations, contact centers often find themselves subject to rapid shifts in priorities and unforeseen challenges. Whether it’s the shifting directives of upper management or the influence of other departments, WFM teams frequently face overwhelming changes.

We understand the unique challenges of internal changes. Our consultants are deeply ingrained in the contact center space, having spent most of their careers in the trenches. While we can’t eliminate internal changes, we advocate for a more strategic approach. We encourage WFM teams to shift from a reactive mode to a proactive stance, aligning their efforts with broader organizational objectives. With our support, you can navigate internal changes with resilience and purpose.

In a contact center landscape defined by its relentless pace of change, Call Design stands as a beacon of stability and support. We embrace the inevitability of change, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of the industry. However, we also understand the value of stability and continuity in our client relationships. As you navigate the challenges of the evolving contact center environment, remember that Call Design is here to provide expertise, guidance, and tailored solutions to elevate your operations.

Your journey toward a more stable and strategically aligned contact center begins with us. Contact Call Design through our contact page or by emailing us at [email protected]. Let’s work together to transform today’s challenges into the successes of tomorrow.

WFM: The Missing Link in Your Strategic Vision

Call Design on September 20, 2023

WFM teams can be, and should be, part of the strategic planning process. Unfortunately, though, Call Design has seen dozens of organizations that don’t understand why. Sometimes it’s the leadership above the WFM team that doesn’t get it, and other times it’s the leadership in the WFM team. Regardless of who doesn’t get it, we believe that WFM teams are critical to the success of every organization because of their added value to the strategic planning process.

To the Leaders Above WFM Teams:

One – We Sit at the Crossroads of the Organization:

As WFM professionals, we have a unique perspective that allows us to witness the intersections of various organizational functions. By being at the forefront of operations, we can identify opportunities to drive efficiencies, cut costs, and optimize resources. Our insight into the intricacies of agent management and scheduling positions us to contribute significantly to strategic planning discussions.

Two – Front Row Seats to Improve Agent Lives:

Happy, engaged, fulfilled, and aligned (HEFA) employees are the backbone of any successful organization. WFM plays a crucial role in shaping the work environment for agents. By involving WFM in the strategic planning process, leaders can leverage our expertise to design flexible schedules and implement automation solutions that enhance agent satisfaction. Happier agents lead to improved customer experiences, reduced turnover, and increased productivity. And that’s a strategic advantage!

Three – Early Adoption of Data-Driven Decision-Making:

Long before the term “data-driven” became popular, WFM teams have relied on data and analytics to optimize call center operations. By incorporating WFM into the strategic planning process, organizations can tap into our wealth of data and insights to inform future forecasts, resource allocation, and performance measurement. WFM professionals are well-equipped to guide organizations toward evidence-based decision-making and help align strategic goals with operational realities.

Four – Maximizing Cost Efficiency Through Resource Optimization:

One of the key contributions of WFM teams to the strategic planning process lies in their ability to drive cost savings through effective scheduling of resources and accurate forecasting. By leveraging historical data, advanced analytics, and industry expertise, WFM professionals can optimize staffing levels, align them with anticipated demand, and minimize overstaffing or understaffing situations. This proactive approach not only improves operational efficiency but also helps organizations allocate resources more judiciously, resulting in significant cost savings. By involving WFM teams in strategic discussions, leaders can harness their knowledge and insights to make informed decisions that directly impact the bottom line. Embracing WFM’s expertise in resource management is a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to achieve sustainable financial success while maintaining operational excellence.

We’re more than just the team that produces schedules and makes sure people are adhering to their schedules. The nature of our team requires us to hear from differing voices, digest qualitative and quantitative data, and make sure that appropriately balance the business, customer, and agent needs. If there was ever a team that needed to be at the table of strategic planning, it’s us!

To the Leaders In WFM Teams:

One – Don’t Just Focus on Tactics, Look Up and Consider the Strategic Direction:

While tactical execution is essential, as WFM leaders we must broaden our perspectives and align our efforts with the overarching strategic goals of the organization. Whether you want to positively impact your team, make a bunch of money, get promoted, or feel like you’re making a difference, all of these paths lead towards you participating in strategic planning. The best way for you to accomplish your goals is to elevate your impact past just tactics and start thinking strategically for your organization.   

Two – Manage Up:

Building strong relationships with leaders above the WFM team is crucial for gaining recognition and influence. Proactively engage with senior management, provide regular updates on WFM initiatives, and articulate the value that effective WFM brings to the organization. By effectively managing up, we can secure a seat at the strategic planning table.

Three – Support Others First:

To become trusted advisors, we should approach strategic planning discussions with a mindset of support and collaboration. By actively listening to and understanding the needs and challenges of other departments, we can tailor our contributions to align with broader organizational objectives. By demonstrating a commitment to supporting others, we can earn the trust and respect necessary to lead strategic conversations.

Four – Lead with Expertise and Influence:

As WFM leaders, we possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in optimizing operations, enhancing customer experiences, and driving employee engagement. By confidently showcasing our expertise and providing strategic recommendations, we can shape discussions and guide decision-making. By becoming influential voices within our organizations, we can elevate the role of WFM and solidify its position in the strategic planning process.

Integrating WFM into the strategic planning process is a win-win situation for organizations and their WFM teams. By recognizing the unique insights and contributions of WFM professionals, leaders can unlock opportunities for operational efficiencies, agent satisfaction, and overall business success. Embracing WFM as a strategic asset paves the way for a future where organizations thrive, employees are happy, engaged, fulfilled, and aligned, and customer experiences are exceptional.

Remember, WFM is more than just a tactical function; it is a strategic enabler that empowers organizations to achieve their goals while creating a fulfilling work environment for employees. Let’s work together to elevate the role of WFM and drive positive change within our organizations.

–Dan Smitley

Mastering the Contact Center Landscape with Bill Brooks

Call Design on August 23, 2023

Picture this: a seasoned virtuoso of customer engagement, sharing his insights and experiences like an old friend swapping stories. In this casual conversation between Dan Smitley and Bill Brooks, we’ll uncover the essence of Bill’s expertise and why he’s a sought-after consultant for all things contact centers. From unraveling industry challenges to charting the unexplored territories of AI, get ready to gain insights into the mind of a maestro who orchestrates exceptional customer experiences.

Dan Smitley: Bill, your journey in the realm of contact centers is quite remarkable. Could you share a glimpse of how you found your way into becoming a respected contact center expert?

Bill Brooks: Thanks, Dan. My journey began with a genuine interest in working with people and being part of a team. This has evolved into creating high performance teams, both in sport and in business across the globe, where one of the key learnings was the significance of effective communication. From the business perspective, as I ventured into the Contact Center world, I saw the potential to enhance customer experiences by putting the customer at the forefront of every interaction, while creating an environment for each Contact Center team I led, to delight the customer at every interaction. Why delight? Because if one just satisfies the customer, there is still the chance they may take their business elsewhere, but if one does that little bit extra, the risk of that customer taking their business elsewhere is minimized and further loyalty is built into that relationship.

Dan: You’ve recently started working with Call Design. I’m curious, why us? You could be working with a lot of other vendors and contact center groups, why did you want to work with Call Design?

Bill: There are three reasons. First, being from Australia, I’ve known about Call Design for many years and it’s always been associated with excellence in the area of WFM Second, Mark Uren is a good friend of mine and we’ve worked before in a previous organization. I didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to work with him again. And third, as I started interacting with the people of Call Design North America, I realized there was something special there. I wanted a chance to work with people that loved their job, helping their customers, and supporting each other.

Dan: Well we’re glad to have you! Call Design focuses on solving contact center challenges. From your perspective, what are some of the primary challenges that contact centers are facing right now?

Bill: I see a lot of challenges, but if I were to pinpoint a few, I’d say retaining and recruiting the right talent is a recurring theme. People are at the core of contact centers, and ensuring a loyal, capable and engaged team is vital. The fundamentals of customer interaction haven’t changed significantly in decades – it’s still about getting, keeping, and building loyalty with customers through a Contact Center’s agents. While this has stayed consistent for decades now, I’d also mention that I feel that we’re now at an inflection point with the use and potential use of AI in contact centers.

Dan: AI does seem to come up in A LOT of webinars, case studies, and articles recently. Why do you feel like it’s such a critical moment for AI in contact centers?

Bill: AI is having its moment because of the changes we’ve seen in its modeling over the past 6-9 months. AI has been around for a long time, but only recently have Large Language Models allowed for a new form of conversational and then generative AI to take shape. When I started seeing the generative AI tools come to the market I, like many other veterans, immediately saw the impact it was going to have on contact centers.

Dan: So does that mean we all just need to “sprinkle a little bit of AI” on our contact centers?

Bill: AI is a double-edged sword, Dan. It’s seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. Many consider it a panacea, but there’s a caveat – AI is still relatively new. I’ve been in the field long enough to understand that expertise takes time to develop. It’s more than just deploying a chatbot; it’s about having a strategic vision for how AI can enhance customer interactions. That’s where I come in, helping businesses identify the right AI solutions and weaving them into their strategies then assisting them to execute such strategies.

Dan: You’ve witnessed the evolution of contact centers. How would you describe this transformation, and where does AI fit into this narrative?

Bill: It’s been quite the journey. Contact centers have shifted from transactional hubs to interaction hubs. AI plays a pivotal role by automating routine tasks, allowing agents to focus on building authentic connections. It’s akin to the transition from feather pens to typewriters, but on a larger scale, all aimed at enriching customer interactions.

Dan: Alright, let’s shift gears for a second. Organizations seek your guidance as a consultant. What makes you an invaluable asset for contact centers?

Bill: My track record speaks for itself. I’ve been a part of major transformations and I leave behind a legacy of loyal, well-trained and skilled high-performing teams. My experience is more than just implementing solutions; it’s about nurturing relationships, fostering teamwork, and ultimately delivering sustained excellence. Whether it’s navigating complex challenges or driving growth, I bring a unique blend of leadership and practical insights.

Dan: Your insights and perspectives are enlightening, Bill. What future prospects are you excited about, and how do you envision your role evolving in the ever-changing contact center landscape?

Bill: Dan, the future holds endless possibilities. Working with Call Design excites me—the people here are skilled and focused, and the company’s future is promising. I see my role evolving into a mentorship and guidance capacity, helping businesses thrive by navigating dynamic changes and delivering unparalleled customer experiences.

Bill Brooks brings a unique blend of leadership and human connection to the world of contact centers. As a consultant, his ability to navigate the evolving landscape while fostering teamwork sets him apart. With Bill’s guidance, businesses can look forward to a future where each interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Curious to learn more about Bill Brooks and his transformative consulting abilities? Connect with us today to discover how he can elevate your organization’s contact center operations to new heights.

Curiosity and Consulting: How Mark Uren Helps Organizations Find Ideal Balance

Call Design on August 8, 2023

Recently Dan Smitley sat down with some of our Sr. Consultants and talked through their unique experiences and perspectives. Sometimes it’s easy to be a consultant that simply stays behind the scenes and helps our customers, but we think they are pretty amazing people and we wanted to spotlight them for all of you. So, without further ado, here’s Dan’s conversation with Mark Uren.

Dan: Mark, let’s first start with your experience. Where have you worked and what roles have you held?

Mark: I’ve had the privilege of working in various executive roles, professional services, technology, and management consulting for over thirty years.  I’ve worked in Utilities, Media, Gaming, Local and State Government, Airlines and believe it or not I ran Australia’s largest specialist veterinary hospital. I’ve done strategy work including implementation; organizational development; operations; risk; process improvement you name it but my favorite work these days is strategy work.

Dan: You mentioned your experience management consulting but “consulting” means different things to different people. What do you mean by it?

Mark: I think there are two different types of consulting. Both are valuable and can help an organization and in fact, Call Design offers both types. The first is the type where the consultant comes in already knowing the answer. They are brought in for a very specific reason and a very specific problem. They have years of experience addressing that problem and already know how to solve it as soon as they land.

An example of this would be having a Call Design consultant come in and help a customer set up the Alvaria WFM platform for their business. The consultant would need to gain some knowledge from the business like the different queues, different groups of agents, etc., but for the most part, the consultant already knows how to properly set up the forecast groups and staff groups.

The second type of consulting is where you don’t already know the answer. You can still have years of experience and knowledge, but the customer has brought you in to address a unique challenge that they might not even be able to articulate. A great example is when I worked with a utility company in New Zealand. The CEO, who by the way was the best CEO I ever worked with (no offense to Michelle Gaffney), was explaining to myself and my counterpart what he needed help with. He went to the whiteboard and drew a circle, “This is what we are today”. He then drew a square over it “But maybe this is what we need to be tomorrow”. Then he erased the overlapping square and drew a couple of triangles off the core of the circle “Or maybe this is what we need to be.” He knew he needed help thinking through the strategic direction of the organization, but he couldn’t exactly articulate what he needed to help him get to the end, or even what the end looked like.

Dan: How do you even approach that? I mean, when a customer can’t articulate exactly how you’re supposed to help, how do you help them?

Mark: With curiosity. That really is the core of a good consultant, in my opinion. Sometimes a customer knows they aren’t heading in the right direction and simply need a new set of eyes. In those situations, the consultant needs to come in and ask as many questions as possible. They have to dig in to understand what’s working well, what needs some improvement, and what’s horribly off the rails.

Dan: That feels simple enough, but that also sounds huge. There are hundreds of things that could be horribly off the rails. How do you know where to focus?

Mark: It certainly can feel overwhelming but it really just comes down to balancing three priorities: the employees, the customer, and the finances. Some organizations do a great job of providing solid returns for their shareholders, but their customer loyalty is awful and their employee retention isn’t any better. Other organizations have great cultures and their employees feel engaged and taken care of at work, but the organization lacks structure and accountability and eventually has to shut down because they cannot turn a profit. Lastly, some organizations provide exceptional customer experience and have created great brand loyalty, but don’t take care of their employees and so their profit is minimized by the constant need to backfill staff.

Imagine a three-armed scale. One arm for customers, one for employees, and one for financial returns. When an organization is healthy and heading in the right direction all three are considered, taken care of, and intentionally looked after. But most of the time one, or multiple, of the arms are out of balance. The value of a consultant is that they can come in with fresh eyes and years of experience, look at the scales, and help an organization understand which arm they need to address in the right way. Not an overcorrection where the neglected arm is now because overly emphasized, but just enough of a focus to be in proper balance.

Dan: Mark, you have years of experience, natural curiosity, an ability to help organizations balance their priorities correctly, etc. and I guess my last question is simply, why work at Call Design? It seems like you could be working for one of the big consulting firms. So why work here?

Mark: Because Call Design North America truly believes in HEFA. At the core of this organization is a belief that employees have the right to be Happy, Engaged, Fulfilled, and Aligned at work. I get out of bed every morning knowing that I can help this organization spread that message and impact organizations. We might not be able to change the world, but we can help change contact centers. Those contact centers could help change organizations, and who knows maybe those organizations can help change whole industries. I work here because I believe in the mission that Michelle and the rest of the leadership team have set and I’m excited to help them improve the lives of their customers.

In the coming weeks we’ll share more about our consultants and their unique perspectives. To check out more information head on over to https://calldesignna.com/consulting to see some additional ways we’d love to help you organization. Feel free to reach out to us today and let us know if you need some fresh eyes to ensure your business properly balanced!

Mastering Self-Care: A Guide for WFM Leaders in Enhancing Productivity and Well-being

Call Design on August 2, 2023

In the previous blog, I talked about the importance of self-care and why WFM leaders should care about it, but I didn’t give you any tips on how to execute self-care. Well in this article, we will explore practical ways to enhance your self-care practices, from confidently saying “no” and setting boundaries, to caring for your physical, mental, and emotional needs. By incorporating these strategies into your work routine, you can cultivate assertiveness, focus, and emotional resilience, enabling you to excel in your professional journey. So what are some ways you can practice self-care?

Start by getting comfortable with saying no at work.

You can always start with “yes, if” instead of “no”. When someone comes to you with a request that you can’t accomplish tell them “Yes, I can do this if you…”. So instead of saying “No, we don’t have the resources to complete this project” you can say “Yes, we can take this on if you can get me more resources for my team.” It’s a step in the right direction and might be easier for people that feel “no” is too confrontational.

Being able to say “no” at work helps you build your assertiveness. This ability is necessary for you to be able to stand up for yourself and negotiate, which will be critical for your ability to grab that next promotion or pay increase.

Being able to say “no” is also going to require you to get closer to your boss. If you’re going to start pushing back on people and saying that something can’t be done, then you need to make sure you’re aligned with your boss. The last thing your boss wants is people coming to them saying that you’re telling them “no” for something your boss wants done. Your ability to say “no” and be right about it is dependent upon how well you understand your boss’s direction and priorities.

Get comfortable setting boundaries at work.

Setting boundaries at work helps you build your self-advocating muscle. When you don’t value your time, ability, or effort, then no one will. Setting boundaries helps you speak to the value of your time and ability. This skill is imperative to any professional growth and development.

Setting boundaries allows you to focus on the most important project. Without boundaries we’re often lost in the latest craze or trying to put out the most recent fire. Contact centers will always have chaos and fires, so you’ve got to rein in your focus on what’s the most important thing. Without boundaries, you’re likely to try and fix everything and quickly burn yourself out.

Self-care looks like taking care of your physical needs

Stretch and walk during breaks. This means that you actually have to take breaks from work. This could easily look like only scheduling meetings for 45-55 minutes, making sure you always have a few minutes to move between meetings.

Multi-task work and your physical activity. Take some meetings on your phone while you walk around your neighborhood. Sign up for a webinar and listen to it while you go on a run. Find a way to care for your body even as you continue to work hard.

You can care for your body at work by getting a comfortable working environment. This means finding the right chair, getting a desk that works for you, and making sure you have sunlight available. One of the worst things you can do to your body is sit in an uncomfortable chair, staring at a poorly positioned monitor, in a dark room, for hours on end. Self-care can be as simple as a standing desk and an open window.

Drink water! Make it a goal to finish a cup or two of water every hour. Not only is your body going to thank you for keeping it hydrated, but it will also give you a reason to get up from your desk more often for bio breaks.

Self-care looks like taking care of your mental needs

An important part of your mental needs is understanding where you get energy from, especially around people. If people can drain you of energy then make sure that you have time in your day to decompress and process the events. If people lift you up then make sure you have moments between projects to connect and build relationships.

Completing tasks can give you a hit of dopamine, so create to-do lists and make them simple. Instead of saying “Complete Project X” put it on your list to do 30 or 60 minutes of work. Instead of saying “Finish the blog” just put “Start writing the outline for the blog”. These smaller tasks, while not necessarily changing the work you have to get done, will mentally provide you with hits to keep going. A pro tip is to make a list of things that you’ve already done today. This is an easy way to remind yourself of how productive you’ve been. Get out of bed. Check! Brush teeth. Check! Put on clean clothes. Check! See how productive you’ve been?!

An important part of mentally caring for yourself at work is not working. Your brain needs breaks and often works better when given breaks. So, when you’re feeling exhausted or that you don’t have any more to give to a project, step away (ideally before exhaustion). Do anything other than work. Go on a walk. Eat some food. Mindless scroll on the internet. Self-care can sometimes look like just not working while you’re at work.

Self-care looks like caring care of your emotional needs

Practicing gratitude and tracking what we’re grateful for will position us emotionally better in the workplace. It’s easy to find the negative things in our environment, especially with the amount of chaos we have in the contact center. But practicing gratefulness will reorient our mindset and emotional state and allow us to be even more productive while at work.

Practicing kind self-talk is an easy one to roll our eyes at, but it also positions us to be more effective at work. When we are kind to ourselves we are more confident, assertive, and productive. Our emotional state improves and that allows us to lead and impact our workplace in more effective ways.

Prioritizing self-care as a WFM leader is not only essential for your personal well-being, but it also has a profound impact on your professional success and the overall culture of your organization. By implementing the practical self-care strategies we’ve explored, you can cultivate assertiveness, focus, and emotional resilience, positioning yourself as a confident and effective leader. Remember, self-care is an ongoing journey, and it requires continuous attention and commitment. If you’re seeking further guidance, tips, and ideas on self-care, WFM best practices, or fostering a human-centric company culture, don’t hesitate to reach out to Call Design. Our team of experts is here to support you in your quest for personal and professional growth. Together, let’s create a workplace where self-care and employee well-being are at the heart of success.

—Dan Smitley

Fostering Well-being: The Crucial Role of Self-Care for WFM Leaders

Call Design on July 26, 2023

As workforce management leaders we often live in a world of chaos and exhaustion. I know, such a cheerful way to start a blog. But the reality is that many of us are constantly staring burnout in the eyes. Whether it’s ourselves, our teams, or the agents we support, our environment is full of people pushing themselves to the limits and hoping they’ve got more gas in the tank. This is why the topic of self-care is incredibly important for WFM leaders, but all too often it’s something that we leave for the HR team to take care of. We assume that it has nothing to do with us or our ability to impact our contact centers. When in reality self-care is critical to our ability to grow personally, and professionally, and create an environment we want to work in. So, what is self-care?

Defining Self-Care:

Self-care is both comprehensive and intentional care for our well-being. It involves us paying attention to our physical, mental, and emotional needs and then taking planned steps to meet them. Whether it’s going for a run, practicing mindfulness, or creating space for our feelings, self-care is a conscious investment in ourselves.

Debunking Misconceptions:

It’s selfish: Unfortunately, many of us have a misunderstanding of self-care and so we typically avoid it. We see self-care as selfishness. We think that it’s focusing on our own needs at the exclusion of others and it inherently feels wrong. We see ourselves as servant leaders and believe we’re benefiting our teams and our families when we constantly give of ourselves. But what we’re missing is that we cannot pour into others if we are empty.

Self-care is not selfishness, and in fact, it’s likely the best thing we can do to help those around us. We are more effective in our support and help to others when our tank is full or nearly full. Prioritizing self-care enables us to replenish our energy, compassion, and empathy, allowing us to better serve those around us.

It’s a one-time act: We also have to remember that self-care is not a one-time event. We get little to no credit for taking a vacation 2 years ago or getting a massage 6 months ago. Think about self-care like a garden. If you do some heavy weeding and planting on a day and then let it go for 6 months all of your work will have been for nothing. Instead, we need to continually water, weed, and care for the plants. In the same way, we need to be paying attention to our physical, mental, and emotional needs and addressing them today, not in 6 months.

Why WFM Should Care: 

The impact: I have a sense that at this point I may be losing some of you. “That’s all great Dan, but how does this impact my WFM or contact center team?”. I’m so glad you asked!

The stats are in and our contact center industry is in a full-on forest fire of burnout. 75% of call center agents are at risk of burnout (source). The average agent turnover is at a 25-year high (source). Burned-out employees are 63% more likely to take a sick day (source). Employees who frequently experience burnout are 2.6 times as likely to be actively seeking a new job (source). If anyone is going to care about employees taking sick days and high attrition rates it’s going to be the WFM team.

When burnout is left unchecked we see productivity decrease, shrinkage increase, and attrition rates increase. This in turn creates an incredibly challenging environment to forecast, schedule, and real-time manage. Simply put WFM should care about burnout because ignoring it makes our jobs harder!

Our environment: Plus, many of us are ripe for burnout. The WFM team sits at the crossroads of IT, HR, Finance, Marketing, Operations, etc. This gives us a great opportunity to know what’s going on in the organization and possibly help lead conversations. But it also easily leads to a sense of overwhelming burnout. When each of these teams brings its own “top priority” we are left holding the bag trying to figure out which one is the “most top of all tops”.

On top of this, we have likely created a career by being right. “Why did we miss service level yesterday?” “How many calls are going to come in on October 25th?” “When should we start hiring to make sure we have enough people for the busy season?” We are used to being the person that people come to for all sorts of questions. We have added value by always being connected, available, and quick with the right answer. I mean, can you think of a better environment for a burned-out leader?

It spreads: In the same way that burnout spreads, so does self-care. WFM leaders should care about self-care because when we do we lead by example. We help create the environment we want to work and live in. Those that are watching us, whether at home or at work, can see the value and benefits of intentionally and comprehensively taking care of our well-being.

Self-care is not a luxury or an afterthought for WFM leaders—it is an essential ingredient for personal well-being, professional success, and cultivating a positive work environment. By understanding the comprehensive and intentional nature of self-care, debunking misconceptions, and recognizing its impact on our industry and teams, we can embrace self-care as a strategic investment. Let us lead by example, prioritizing our own well-being while inspiring others to do the same. By integrating self-care practices into our lives and organizations, we can foster a happy, engaged, fulfilled, and aligned workforce while driving positive business outcomes.

This was part 1 of a 2-part series on self-care so make sure to check out our other blog (coming next week) that will give tips on how to practice self-care. Also, feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions about workforce management best practices, and how to build team cultures that encourage self-care. WFM is often full of chaos and exhaustion, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. We’re here and we’ve got your back.

—Dan Smitley

From Collaboration to Confidence: Building Leadership Buy-in For WFM Strategies

Laura Horton on July 12, 2023

In the quest for operational efficiency, back offices can harness the power of WFM through forecasting accuracy. Forecasting accuracy is one key factor that contributes to leadership buy-in. 

Gaining the Back Office management buy-in is crucial for the success of the WFM strategy. As WFM experts, our goal is to engage with and provide insights/guidance to our business leaders and all influencing departments, including HR. 

All team managers have a requirement to understand workload demand, impacts, drivers, and the resources required to service the work. They are challenged with understanding and justifying their staff requirements to ensure they can meet their objectives and service the demand. In my many years of working with leaders, there is a common theme. Managers know their business; they know their staff and they’ve acquired that knowledge without the use of WFM tools, but by working it out the hard way! Understandably, this can create a sense of protection over their information and their staff. 

So, the challenge is how do you get them to share that knowledge?  It’s important to set expectations as to our intentions, responsibility, objective, and purpose. We intend to work collaboratively, to complement and support them, to achieve common goals. For them, our supporting will free up some of their time to allow focus on other activities such as coaching, developing and support their staff, working on process improvements, completing administration tasks, and so on…

A robust workforce management plan is an art and a science. While we excel in the scientific aspects and have strong knowledge of the practicalities of forecasting – the artistic side lies in acquiring insights through collaboration with leaders, accumulating collective knowledge on the driving influencers of demand over time, and applying this knowledge and lessons learned to the forecast. 

By leveraging our Back Office leaders’ knowledge and supporting open and consistent communication, we can build leadership confidence and trust in the WFM process. Two of the best ways to build that confidence are being able to clearly articulate the benefits of forecasting to leadership and establishing an effective operating rhythm. Here are some ways to do just that!

Benefits of Forecasting Accuracy:

  1. Business Performance Evaluation: Accurate forecasting allows businesses to evaluate their performance by comparing results with forecast predictions. This evaluation helps identify areas for improvement and assess the customer impact. 
  2. Decision-Making with Confidence: Reliable forecasts provide leaders with the necessary information to make informed decisions across various business functions. Having confidence in the accuracy of forecasts helps drive strategic decisions, resource allocation, and operational planning.
  3. Resource Optimization: Accurate forecasts enable organizations to allocate resources effectively. Right people, right skill, right place, right time. Optimization of resources improves operational efficiency and productivity.
  4. Risk Mitigation: With reliable forecasts, businesses can proactively identify risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate them effectively. This proactive approach minimizes the impact of unforeseen events and changes in demand.
  5. Stakeholder Confidence: By providing reliable forecasts, leaders can demonstrate their competency and transparency, strengthening their relationship with their stakeholders and staff.
  6. Continuous Improvement: By analyzing forecast deviations and identifying problem areas, organizations can refine their forecasting models, data sources, and methodologies. This iterative process leads to better employee engagement, enhanced customer experience, and operational efficiency.
  7. Performance Benchmarks: Forecast accuracy allows businesses to benchmark their performance against industry standards and internal targets. It provides insights into areas of improvement, drives innovation, and encourages the adoption of internal best practices across the organization. 

A well-designed operating rhythm sets the stage for decision-making, collaboration, and accountability.  

Effective Operating Rhythm:

  1. Clear Communication: Encourage alignment and effective collaboration by establishing clear communication channels. This includes regular meetings, status updates, and feedback sessions. Being a trusted advisor means providing accurate and timely information, addressing concerns, and facilitating resolution of issues. Building strong communication channels fosters transparency and trust.   
  2. Structured Workflow: Define roles, responsibilities, and accountability. Clearly outlining each role’s responsibilities helps avoid confusion, duplication of effort, and gaps. Collaboration is the key to ensuring a smooth transition of handoffs and seamless coordination. 
  3. Prioritization and Time Management: Optimize results by prioritizing and managing time effectively. Prioritize the jobs to be done and ensure the timely delivery of useful information. Keep a record of any deviations and document the outcomes and lessons learned. You will be held somewhat accountable for the outcomes, so collaborate with your leaders to define priority tasks and manage your time effectively.
  4. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of improvement through evaluation and feedback. Regularly assess processes and identify areas requiring improvement and potential opportunities for innovation. 
  5. Training and Skill Development: Investing in employee development and leadership training is crucial for building a capable and high-performing workforce. Providing training to the leadership team and staff, on the principles of workforce management, can equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in their role. 
  6. Performance Monitoring and Metrics: Document the established KPIs between Leadership and WFM. Regularly monitor and measure progress against these metrics to gauge performance and identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. 

As WFM experts, our primary objective is to provide valuable insights and business guidance. We recognize that the transition can be challenging to overcome. By fostering a collaborative environment and valuing the leaders’ experience, we can bridge the gap between science and knowledge, enhancing the effectiveness of the WFM strategy. 

This partnership approach not only facilitates the successful implementation of WFM initiatives but also fosters confidence and trust between WFM experts and business leaders. At Call Design, we are committed to enabling our clients to overcome challenges that drive positive change within their organizations.  Contact us today to learn how we can partner with you in achieving your business outcomes and empowering your back office workforce. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of your operations and create a happy, engaged, fulfilled, and aligned work environment.

Trabajar desde casa ES personal

Call Design on May 19, 2023

Durante décadas, la línea entre la vida personal y la vida laboral se ha omitido. Esto solo se ha acelerado ya que la ecuación de dispositivos de Internet + móviles ha provocado que muchos de nosotros nos mantengamos conectados más allá de nuestras “horas de trabajo”. Es un hábito común revisar su correo electrónico en su teléfono tan pronto como se despierta, y justo antes de acostarse porque no puede perder un ritmo. O tal vez tenga que “prepararse para el lunes” trabajando unas horas los fines de semana porque el trabajo no le permite desconectarse. Una cosa es aprovechar el trabajo desde casa para brindarle la flexibilidad de trabajar horas inusuales que beneficien su vida. Otra muy diferente es sentir que no puedes desconectar y que ahora el trabajo está interfiriendo en tu vida personal.

La cultura de “Burnout” (o síndrome del quemado) no es exclusiva de los empleados que trabajan en la oficina o en desde casa. Sin embargo, lo que sí que es único  para aquellos que trabajan desde casa es el hecho de que esas líneas borrosas se vuelven aún más difíciles de ver cuando realizas todas tus reuniones, todos los proyectos y toda la lluvia de ideas desde tu propio hogar. Cuando los empleados trabajan desde casa, creo que es fundamental que los líderes recuerden que trabajar desde allí es diferente. Usted, como líder y como empresa, está provocando un impacto  en sus hogares y sus familias de una manera que usted no hace cuando trabajan en una oficina. En pocas palabras, trabajar desde casa es más que solo trabajar, es personal.

Cuando trabaja en una oficina, tiene un trayecto que le permite descomprimir y procesar un poco el día. Para aquellos de nosotros que somos introvertidos, nos da la oportunidad de recargar y prepararnos para saltar a la vida familiar. Sin embargo, cuando trabaja desde casa, su viaje se convierte en los 20 metros entre la puerta de su oficina y la cocina. No tiene tiempo de inactividad para descomprimir, y esto es especialmente cierto cuando nuestras familias están al otro lado de la puerta de la oficina y necesitan ayuda con X cosas antes de que nuestra última reunión se termine.

No solo obtiene el beneficio de descomprimir en el viaje aquel que viaja, sino que también lo obtiene su familia. En cambio, cuando trabaja desde casa, su familia sufre las consecuencias crudas de cada reunión. Ha habido muchas veces que mi esposa acaba de sentarse allí pacientemente mientras yo dejaba caer todas mis frustraciones de la última reunión en su regazo. Puede que haya hecho eso hasta cierto punto cuando trabajaba en la oficina, pero no tanto como cuando sé que está ahí justo al otro lado de mi oficina.

Est tipo de situaciones sin filtro alguno implica que las familias se ven involucradas aún más en el entorno laboral del empleado. Cuando el empleado sale de las reuniones hablando sobre cómo “les encanta trabajar con tal y cual porque hacen grandes preguntas y mantienen la reunión alineada con la agenda”, puede que no sea emocionante para su familia, pero es mejor creer que la organización es percibida como una influencia positiva no solo por el empleado sino por la familia en su conjunto. Por supuesto, cuando salen quejándose de que “una vez más se olvidó de esto y de lo otro”, es más probable que su familia vea a la organización de manera negativa y aliente al empleado a irse otro lugar más saludable.

Por último, creo que es importante que los líderes recuerden que el hogar es un espacio sagrado, y el trabajo, ya sea bienvenido o no, ha invadido ese espacio. Cuando nuestros empleados directos encienden sus cámaras y vemos sus hogares, vemos otra parte de quienes son. Llegamos a conocerlos mejor y, en cierta medida, se han vuelto vulnerables por eso. Es posible que se sientan avergonzados de que no tengan un espacio dedicado y, en cambio, estás en su cocina viendo los platos sucios en el fregadero. Es posible que no hayan mencionado antes que todos los lunes por la noche juegan a juegos de mesa, pero ahora puedes ver  los +50 juegos en los estantes detrás de ellos. Y si bien es posible que te encante ver a sus hijos y perros todos los días, sienten que los valoras menos porque constantemente están interrumpiendo. Trabajar desde casa transforma un “¿Por qué no nos reunimos en la sala de conferencias para hablar” en un “por qué no vengo a la mesa de su comedor y podemos charlar sobre esto mientras sus hijos preguntan” qué hay para cenar “”.

Trabajar desde casa es increíble y ha ayudado a muchos de nosotros a crear un equilibrio trabajo/vida más personalizado. Sin embargo, como líderes, debemos recordar que la naturaleza de nuestra relación con nuestros empleados directos, sus familias y sus hogares cambian cuando trabajan desde casa. Debemos recordar que trabajar desde casa es más que solo trabajo, es personal.