The guest for today’s Up In Your (Family) Business podcast is Benjamin Cannon, Director of Communications at Electronic Strategies, Inc., an IT Services and IT Consulting company in Northern Indianapolis.
ESI was founded in 1997 by retired Marine Mark Collis, whose son, Caleb Collis, plays an active and leading role in the family business.
We will be talking with Ben about nurturing individual growth and organizational success through personalization, team building, and empowerment.
This podcast discussion revolves around the importance of effective communication, personalization, team building, and empowerment in fostering a positive company culture and nurturing individual growth. Benjamin shares his experiences and insights on how ESI, as a family-owned business, prioritizes building long-lasting relationships with employees, clients, and vendors through open communication, understanding individual needs, and creating an environment that encourages autonomy and personal development. He emphasizes the significance of being present, curious, and continuously learning to better support and empower his colleagues.
Key topics discussed include:
- The role of effective communication in building trust, understanding different communication styles, and finding resolutions collaboratively.
- The importance of personalization, getting to know team members individually, and tailoring approaches to empower and support their growth.
- Strategies for team building, such as one-on-one meetings, cross-departmental collaboration, and creating opportunities for social interaction and recognition.
- The benefits of a hybrid work model, allowing flexibility while maintaining productivity and work-life balance.
- The value of self-care, routines, and continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
- The impact of a family business culture on decision-making, problem-solving, and fostering a sense of community. Throughout the interview, Benjamin emphasizes the significance of leading by example, being present, and consistently practicing the values of open communication, personalization, and empowerment to create a positive and supportive work environment.
Chapters
00:00:04 Introduction and Background
The interview begins with an introduction to Benjamin Cannon, the Director of Communications at Electronic Strategies, Inc. (ESI), an IT services and consulting company in Indianapolis. Benjamin shares his background and how he transitioned from a project management role to his current position, emphasizing the importance of building trust and understanding the company’s operations.
00:00:29 Effective Communication
Benjamin discusses the concept of effective communication, which involves engaging with others, understanding their perspectives, and finding resolutions or making plans collaboratively. He highlights the importance of being present, paying attention, and adapting communication styles to individual preferences. Effective communication is seen as crucial for building trust, fostering understanding, and empowering team members.
00:00:52 Personalization and Team Building
Benjamin emphasizes the significance of personalization, which involves getting to know team members individually and tailoring approaches to support their growth and empower them. He discusses strategies for team building, such as one-on-one meetings, cross-departmental collaboration, and creating opportunities for social interaction and recognition. These efforts aim to foster a sense of community, encourage continuous learning, and promote personal and professional development.
00:01:12 Empowerment and Company Culture
Benjamin explores the concept of empowerment, which involves understanding individual needs and finding ways to support and enable team members to achieve their goals. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example, being present, and consistently practicing the values of open communication, personalization, and empowerment to create a positive and supportive work environment. The discussion also touches on the impact of a family business culture on decision-making, problem-solving, and fostering a sense of community.
00:01:35 Work-Life Balance and Self-Care
Benjamin shares his perspectives on work-life balance, highlighting the benefits of a hybrid work model that allows flexibility while maintaining productivity. He discusses the importance of self-care routines, such as exercise, reading, and finding quiet time for reflection, as essential for personal and professional growth. The discussion also touches on the challenges of avoiding distractions and finding ways to declutter and simplify life.
00:02:07 Continuous Learning and Growth
Throughout the interview, Benjamin emphasizes the significance of continuous learning, being curious, and challenging oneself to grow. He shares his personal experiences and strategies for ongoing education, such as reading, attending workshops, and seeking opportunities to learn from colleagues. Benjamin also discusses the importance of giving and receiving feedback, expressing gratitude, and supporting others in their personal and professional development.
Action Items
- 00:03:15 Implement strategies to foster effective communication within the organization, such as encouraging open dialogue, active listening, and adapting communication styles to individual preferences.
- 00:03:27 Develop personalized approaches to support and empower team members, taking into account their individual needs, strengths, and goals.
- 00:03:40 Explore opportunities for team building activities, such as cross-departmental collaboration, social events, and recognition programs to foster a sense of community and continuous learning.
- 00:04:16 Evaluate the potential benefits of a hybrid work model, considering factors such as productivity, work-life balance, and individual preferences.
- 00:04:26 Encourage self-care routines and practices among team members, such as exercise, quiet time for reflection, and continuous learning opportunities.
- 00:04:37 Lead by example by consistently practicing the values of open communication, personalization, and empowerment, and encourage others to do the same.
- 00:04:52 Seek feedback from team members and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth through ongoing education, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
