Lisa Haneberg is a consultant, speaker and author of 10 business books. As a prolific blogger and social media expert, Lisa has built an amazing community comprised of managers and business experts looking to connect and further expound upon the many powerful themes addressed in her books. I first learned of Lisa with her book High Impact Middle Management and became an even bigger fan as she drove her purple motorcycle named Hazel around the country making 39 public appearances and covering 9,400 miles in support of her crowd favorite “Two Weeks to a Breakthrough”. Now with her latest book, Hip and Sage, Lisa is giving experienced workers the tools needed to excel in our new digital culture. At the same time she’s also showing us new ways to leverage our deep experience.
Tell us about Hip and Sage
I’m in my mid forties and have been on personal adventure to maintain relevancy in the business world. Not just in how I manage but in how I communicate. The tools I use and how I use them. With Twitter and shorter communications changing our workplaces, the goal with Hip and Sage is to help readers not only learn these tools but use them in the same manner that the younger workers of today do. As well as sharing a lot of perspective I also have included a technology 101 section in the book.
How big is the chasm between the way 40 something’s communicate and the way the 20 something’s communicate?
It really depends if those 40 something’s have 20 something kids. Generally the gap is pretty large. A manager in their forties will be comfortable with flying people in to have a meeting and taking notes. Contrast that with a 20 something manager who will be really comfortable Skyping and recording the meeting while not leaving their desk. Instead of traveling, the 20 something may find conducting a webinar more efficient.
If the 40 something has younger kids they’ll be good at texting but I’m interested in how these technologies apply to the workplace. How does that change how product teams work together? Those are the things I’m addressing.
Do Hip and Sage people fair better when in comes to facing layoffs?
If you are someone who has 20 years of experience you are a valuable person…but if you don’t come into an interview and demonstrate that you not only understand but also know how to use technology to power teams you’ll be at distinct disadvantage.
How do you demonstrate that?
You need to show in your resume and verbal interview that you have a deep knowledge of managing teams domestically and globally virtually through VOIP, webinars, internal social networking and blogging.
Does having your Linkedin or Twitter address in your resume matter?
Yes…but everyone does that now. You need to go further. You need to talk about how you can build relationships virtually using a broad range of communication tools. Anyone who doesn’t have a Linkedin profile has been under a rock somewhere.
How can I be Hip and Sage?
First, I’d love you to have a different perspective on what it means to be Hip and Sage. Many who have reached some career success have this notion of leaving a legacy and serving as mentor. They sit on their offices waiting around for people to come to them for their good advice and leadership. What you need to remember is that you are a life long learner. To be Hip and Sage you need to look to younger workers to mentor you. It would also be good to come to younger workers who are using technology and asking them to mentor you. You can share your judgment and they can teach you more about technology. It’s a great way to build strong relationships where everyone benefits.
What are the best management moves Hip and Sage leaders Make?
The most successful managers consider themselves to be life long learners. Because of this mindset they are gravitating to the learning that keeps them relevant and successful.
What are the worst moves Managers Make when it comes to learning?
Sitting back and waiting for the young managers to come to them. Managers need to get involved and get excited about learning .
The subtitle of your book invites us to stay Smart and Competitive. How do you personally Stay Smart?
Every week I challenge myself to learn a new way to communicate in the workplace. I have a blog, podcast and I Twitter. The past week I learned what it would look like to set up a Ning social network. You must assume that relevance lasts only a nanosecond. My blog is 4 years old. I think it’s smart to ask around and I do a lot of that.
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