John Erickson

How we work could not be more important to the success of our companies. And more than ever, with the return to the office and hybrid work, the office is being reimagined. So how do we redesign the spaces we work in to foster productivity, community, and growth? And how can we do that in a way that’s more responsible to our planet that’s suffering under the impact of the climate emergency? Podcast Episode Highlight: Listen to my interview with Kim Dabbs, Global Vice President of ESG and Social Innovation at Steelcase, and learn how to better serve the people in our companies and the planet we share. #LeadWithWe #WeFirst #Steelcase #ESG #Purpose #Sustainability Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gdy23DpN

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Most leaders have been through change and are planning on continued transformation--but despite this, the majority lack confidence in their own capability to manage change--and in their organizations' capacity to get through it. My latest Forbes article looks at how to lead change successfully, even when you lack confidence to get through it. #changemanagement #happiness #worklife

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Retail has undoubtedly gone through large changes, but that doesn't mean quality experiences have diminished. Brands (especially luxury) are taking a more experimental route; including highly curated, interior-focused spaces or in-store workshops to encourage a greater product/consumer connection. Are there any retail developments you anticipate next year, especially with the growth of technology? #Retail #RetailTrends #ExperientialRetail

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When it comes to culture, it's action over everything. 🧠 You can think about culture. 🗣 You can talk about culture. 🎬 To have good culture, you have to consistently and meaningfully act in a way that supports those thoughts and conversations. How can comms teams support those actions and enhance culture? Lean into the idea of "show, don't tell." When your communications focus on individual impact, your storytelling creates connection with the work. Show the results of good culture and you're providing a roadmap for continued actions. 📣 #WeLeadComms #AddingValue #PRInsights #BrandSuccess #InternalCommunications #Communications

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In WD Partners' latest POV, we explore how DICK'S Sporting Goods has embraced innovation to stay ahead in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From redefining the in-store experience to meeting evolving customer needs, there's much to learn from their approach. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain valuable insights that could shape your retail success. Check out the POV below!

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In WD Partners' latest POV, we explore how DICK'S Sporting Goods has embraced innovation to stay ahead in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From redefining the in-store experience to meeting evolving customer needs, there's much to learn from their approach. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain valuable insights that could shape your retail success. Check out the POV below!

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The current scrutiny of DEIB efforts presents an opportunity to move beyond performative actions. By centering employee well-being and psychological safety in inclusion and diversity strategies, organizations can build trust, address existing anxieties, and ultimately achieve a more sustainable and impactful form of inclusion. Inclusion and diversity initiatives currently need a way to prioritize metrics that measure not just diversity numbers, but also employee experience and belonging to lead to a more holistic approach that creates equitable workplaces. #DEIB #DEI #Diversity #inclusionanddiversity #belonging

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"There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full." Henry Kissinger Are you prepared for a crisis? Crisis communications is like a seatbelt – you don’t think much about it until you really need it. Whether it's a PR disaster, an unexpected outage, or a tweet gone rogue, handling these moments with grace can mean the difference between a minor bump in the road and a full-blown catastrophe. Chances: A well-executed crisis response can actually strengthen your reputation. It's the moment your team shows resilience, transparency, and leadership. Employees can become brand ambassadors, rallying around the company's message and values, while customers appreciate the honesty and humanity. Challenges: But let’s be real – it's not always smooth sailing. Misinformation spreads faster than the flu at an office party, and knee-jerk reactions can make things worse. Balancing speed with accuracy and keeping everyone (employees and customers) informed requires a mix of strategy, patience, and sometimes, a miracle. Trends to Watch: As real-time communication becomes the norm, employees and the public alike now expect immediate updates. Gone are the days of waiting for the "official statement." Speed is the new currency in crisis management, but this also brings the challenge of balancing rapid responses with accuracy. The rise of AI-powered monitoring tools is helping teams track real-time mentions and emerging issues faster than ever – though let’s be honest, no robot is going to fix a PR disaster for you! Additionally, there's a growing demand for empathy and transparency. People crave authenticity, so the best crisis responses now include honest, human communication that shows empathy and responsibility. More than ever, companies are realizing that prioritizing internal communication is essential. Employees should never hear about a crisis from an external source – keeping your team informed builds trust from within. For employees, crisis communication is critical – it fosters trust, keeps teams aligned, and ensures no one feels left in the dark. And for your company's reputation? Well, think of it as a house of cards that a single gust of poor communication could knock down. So, keep this in mind: During a crisis, stay calm, communicate effectively, and perhaps, add a touch of humor to lighten the mood. #Crisiscommunications #Reputationmanagement #Leadership #InternalComms #Transparency #commsplan #crisis #communications #corporatecommunications

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Loneliness is epidemic and work and the workplace have important roles in our experience and mental health—especially with remote and hybrid work. Here are 5 ways work can help (or hurt!). #loneliness #worklife #happiness https://lnkd.in/gyVn79c7

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Leaders have a huge influence on culture, but it can be elusive and complex. And it’s one of the most important differentiators today—a center of gravity for purpose, connections and experience. Here’s how leaders can be intentional and effective in impacting culture. Check out my latest article in Forbes. #leadership #happiness #worklife

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A “great” workplace includes three experience drivers: “beauty,” “welcoming,” and “inspires new thinking.” Design matters. Uniqueness matters as well. An “exceptional” workplace differentiates by including unique factors both in and out of the office. https://hubs.ly/Q02xmT4z0

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Your brand may be consumer-facing, but don't forget about the other audiences pivotal to your success. Our Chief Growth Officer, Jesse McMullin, unpacks this in our latest piece on lpk.com. #cpg #consumerstrategy #customerstrategy

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Asking employees for their input, their voice and their perspectives is a great way to affect engagement--but there are also some pitfalls to avoid in the process. My latest article in Forbes looks at best practices for collecting feedback that (actually) move the needle on engagement (and don't inadvertently cause disengagement). #feedback #happiness #worklife

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There are definitely best practices for how you collect feedback from employees—and ensure you don’t get unintended consequences. Done well, feedback processes can influence terrific engagement. Check out my newest article! #feedback #happiness #worklife https://lnkd.in/gpnGdypy

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