Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 017 :  Can Employers Require COVID Vaccine?
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Date: 11/19/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt & Mandy discuss how employers may approach the COVID vaccine and their policy towards it while drinking a red blend from a winery in Chile. Find out what questions to ask to shape your company’s COVID vaccine policy in this new episode from Lift & Tilt.

Can Employers Require COVID Vaccine?

1) The short answer is “Yes” they can.

An employer can make a vaccination a requirement if you want to continue working there. But there are significant exceptions for potential concerns related to any disability you may have and for religious beliefs that prohibit vaccinations. And experts say that employers are more likely to simply encourage their workers to get immunized rather that issue a company-wide mandate.

2) What about liability concerns?

Employers will need to make careful considerations regarding the potential for litigation regarding safe working environments as well as employee health should a vaccine be determined to have adverse side effects. Requiring vaccines for employment could have unforeseen adverse health concerns for employees and open the employer up to litigation. Not taking precautionary measures to keep employees safe from COVID could be seen as creating a hazardous work environment.

3) So what’s the plan moving forward?

Experts are predicting that the safest course of action for employers and employees will be recommended and potentially incentivized vaccinations.

Sources:
Seyfarth | Top Ten Considerations for Employers When it Comes to Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Programs
https://www.seyfarth.com/news-insights/top-ten-considerations-for-employers-when-it-comes-to-potential-covid-19-vaccine-programs.html

Montes Twins Red Blend 2016

Montes Twins is loaded with aromas of red and black fruit, sweet spices and bitter chocolate. The wine is creamy, youthful and easy to drink. Food Pairing: Enjoy with red meats, pasta and pizza or by itself.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 016 :  Innovation Efforts & Chaos Pilots
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Date: 11/11/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt and Mandy discuss a Harvard Business Review article about transformational teams for innovation and how certain personality traits make some employees better fits for innovative projects. Find out how to identify chaos pilots for your team in this new episode from Lift & Tilt.

Innovation Efforts & Chaos Pilots

1) What is a chaos pilot and why are they crucial?

Chaos pilots are people who can creatively lead a project through uncertainty. They have negative capability, but they also have other critical skills, such as the ability to create structure within chaos and take action. Leaders who are chaos pilots are able to drive a team forward on a project even as the environment around them fluctuates.

Although it may sound glamorous to be such a person, being a chaos pilot is hard — they are the colleagues working on ambiguous projects and frequently getting beat up in the process. People who aren’t capable of being chaos pilots quickly flounder when the environment around the project gets shaky.

Chaos pilots often care more about creating meaningful change than about climbing a corporate ladder or getting another star on their charts.

2) What is negative capability?

In the modern context, negative capability can be thought of as the ability to be comfortable with uncertainty, even to entertain it, rather than to become so anxious by its presence that you have to prematurely race to a more certain, yet suboptimal, conclusion. Whereas many people cannot stand the fuzziness of uncertainty, those who demonstrate negative capabilities can facilitate the exploration of new terrain and the discovery of an adjacent possible opportunity.

Individuals with negative capability remain curious and focused even when your project is far from the end goal. Chances are, they will even find this point of the project enthralling, rather than overwhelming, which is exactly what you want. They will also be able to suspend judgement about an end result and stay open to many possible outcomes, rather than become fixed early on to one version of success.

3) Where can you find chaos pilots?

Finding chaos pilots to join you can be challenging and requires observation and experimentation, though there are a few fertile places to look for good candidates.

For example, look for people who are getting mixed performance reviews, but who are still highly prized by the organization. Often, these people are getting mixed reviews because they make those around them uncomfortable — because the potential candidates often challenge the status quo — but they continue to succeed, because they perform so well.

Sources:
Harvard Business Review | If Your Innovation Effort Isn’t Working Look at Who’s on the Team
https://hbr.org/2018/11/if-your-innovation-effort-isnt-working-look-at-whos-on-the-team

Tenet The Pundit Syrah 2016

The color is deep ruby with garnet highlights. Raspberry jam and citrus with soy and earthy undertone aromas are complemented by a brambly, subtle meaty character. A smooth mouthfeel glides into a long silky finish with flavors of juicy blueberry, hints of tobacco and subtle gamey undertones.

Blend: 90% Syrah, 4% Grenache, 4% Mourvedre, and 2% Viognier.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 015 :  Are Amazon Autonomous Warehouses More Dangerous?
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Date: 10/13/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt and Mandy discuss the Reveal investigative report regarding the increase in serious injuries at Amazon autonomous warehouses while sipping pumpkin spice coffee. Join Lift & Tilt as they navigate this pressing topic.

Are Autonomous Warehouses More Dangerous?

1) The Reveal Report Findings

The report shows unusually high rates of injury across the board, even compared with equivalent warehouses run by other companies. Amazon warehouses counted 14,000 serious injuries in 2019 (meaning injuries that require days off or job restrictions), and “the overall rate of 7.7 serious injuries per 100 employees was 33% higher than in 2016 and nearly double the most recent industry standard”.

2) Amazon’s Response

Amazon, in a statement to Reveal, said that “the use of robotics, automation and technology in our fulfillment centers is enhancing our workplace, making jobs safer and more efficient.”

3) Our Take

While data distortion may have an effect on the actual percent increase, it’s more likely that the increase in injuries are due to game theory production strategies and the learning curve associated with optimal operation and production processes to increase productivity while keeping employees safe.

Sources:
The Verge | Internal documents show automated Amazon warehouses have higher injury rates
https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/29/21493752/amazon-warehouses-robots-higher-injury-rates-report-reveal

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 014 :  Skilled Talent Shortage in Manufacturing
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Date: 9/24/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: While drinking Malbec, Kurt and Mandy discuss the skilled talent shortage for U.S. manufacturers, and what might be done to address those issues. Join Lift & Tilt as they navigate this pressing topic.

Skilled Talent Shortage in Manufacturing

1) The Current Landscape

A 2018 a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute showed that “as recently as August 2018, there were 508,000 open jobs in U.S. manufacturing” and this crisis is projected to reach 2.4 million unfilled jobs by 2028. The 2018 study is the sixth survey in the last 30 years that has carefully documented the manufacturing job shortages and the failure of American corporations to develop the kinds of training programs to address the issue. Reliance on immigration, outsourcing and automation have failed to adequately address the problem.

2) Attracting Talent

The Manufacturing Institute surveyed its members and found the three top reasons for the U.S. current skill shortage:

1. The negative perception regarding “blue collar jobs” in the manufacturing industry (45%)

2. The retirement of baby boom generation (36%)

3. New skills needed for the digitization of the manufacturing industry (36%)

3) Investing in Training

With so few skilled labor talent available, the issue becomes less about attracting talent and more one of creating a labor force. The sheer number of hours required for advanced skills means that employers must develop training programs, apprenticeships, and educational curriculum paths to meet this crisis.

Sources:
Industry Week | Where Will Manufacturing Get Highly Skilled Workers for the Digital Revolution
https://www.industryweek.com/leadership/article/21141889/where-will-manufacturing-get-highly-skilled-workers-for-the-digital-revolution

Deloitte | Addressing Manufacturing Skills Gap

Bodega Norton – Coleccio’n Malbec 2019 Argentina

Winemaker’s Notes

Deep red color, with violet hints. Sweet and spicy aromas reminiscent of black pepper. Ripe red fruit on the palate , with smooth, harmonious tannins.

1895 was born to pay tribute to the year that gave rise to Bodega Norton, which settled down in Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, over 120 years ago and became one of the pioneer wineries in Luján de Cuyo region.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 013 :  Culture of Winning – Part III
Subscribe on iTunes or Google Play

Date: 9/10/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: In the final part of this three part series, Kurt discusses what defines success, the personality and internal drive of different members of your team, and how that determines how far you can push them to achieve goals.

Where’s the line?

1) What defines success?

Do you focus on the outcome or the progress made? Practice doesn’t make perfect… it makes progress. Failing to meet a goal is simply a learning opportunity. Use the knowledge gained from failure to get better, and you’ll never truly fail.

Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning “change for the better” or “continuous improvement.” It is a Japanese business philosophy regarding the processes that continuously improve operations and involve all employees. Kaizen sees improvement in productivity as a gradual and methodical process.

2) Not all members of your team can be managed the same

Take a hard look at the roles of your team members and determine their internal drive. Take into account their personality and how they respond to being challenged. People that have an innate drive or ability to succeed will respond better to being challenged to reach the next level, because they have a belief in themselves to adapt and overcome.

3) Set your team up for success

When you evaluate your team, be realistic about their strengths and weaknesses. Also, be realistic with yourself as a leader. Are the goals you’re setting realistic? Can they be achieved? Or, are you setting your team up to fail?

While it’s important to have measurable and attainable goals, it equally important to remember that success can and should be measured by progress and not simply outcomes.

Sources:
What Drives Winning | Where Do You Draw the Line?
https://youtu.be/5aYaWDeGN18

Zing Zang Margarita

Ingredients

• 3 ounces good tequila (that’s a double shot, or 2 “jiggers” full)
• 8 ounce can of Zing Zang Margarita
• Optional – a splash of Triple Sec orange liqueur

Testimonial

Absolutely one of the best margarita mixes on the market. As a bartender for many years this is as good as it gets. Just a nice balance of natural flavors as if it was made from scratch. There is nothing worse than having a synthetic lime taste or an everly sweet base. I also like the fact that it has aguava and pure cane sugar. This is for those that enjoy a tasty margarita. Enjoy!

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 012 :  Culture of Winning – Part II
Subscribe on iTunes or Google Play

Date: 8/18/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: In part two of this three part series, Kurt and Mandy continue discussing the culture of winning and the sacrifices people make. While sipping Ranch Water, Kurt and Mandy discuss a presentation given by UConn Women’s Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma were he talks about goal setting and what it takes to achieve the unachievable. Join us for an intriguing topic about sacrifice.

Sacrifice

1) Geno Auriemma – UConn Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Geno has led UConn to eleven NCAA Division I national championships, the most in women’s college basketball history, and has won eight national Naismith College Coach of the Year awards.^[2] Auriemma was the head coach of the United States women’s national basketball team from 2009 through 2016, during which time his teams won the 2010 and 2014 World Championships, and gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, going undefeated in all four tournaments.^[6] Auriemma was inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

2) Life’s Not Fair

“I’m a hardass, but we wouldn’t have had all the accomplishments we have as a basketball program if that’s all I was. Players would have stopped listening to me, and I would have been run out of coaching if that’s all I was. So I think we win because I am, because I demand sometimes more than they can give. But I don’t know what that is until I find out you can’t give it.” – Geno Auriemma

3) Change your Goals or Change your Habits

Geno talks about setting goals. At UConn, individual goals are usually – win a National Championship, make the Olympic team, play professionally. Several times he’s had to tell players that they weren’t going to meet their goals, so they either need to change their goals or change their habits. Geno says it’s tough but that someone has to tell the truth.

Sources:
What Drives Winning | Someone’s Got to Tell the Truth – Geno Auriemma
https://youtu.be/s_7jsAxMbdE

Ranch Water

Ingredients

• 3 ounces good tequila (that’s a double shot, or 2 “jiggers” full)
• 1.5 ounces fresh lime juice (that’s 1 shot, or 1 “jigger” full)
• topo chico

Instructions

Fill a lowball glass with ice. Add the tequila, the lime, then finish it off with topo chico. Stir it up, or just give it a little shimmy shake. Sip. enjoy!

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 011 :  Culture of Winning – Part I
Subscribe on iTunes or Google Play

Date: 8/6/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt starts part one of a three part series discussing the culture of winning. While tasting Founder Brewery’s Breakfast Stout, Kurt discusses a presentation given by UNC Women’s Soccer Coach Anson Dorrance on Grading Character and its affect on success. Join us to see how culture and character shape success.

Culture & Character

1) Anson Dorrance – UNC Women’s Soccer Head Coach

Anson Dorrance has led the UNC Tar Heels to win a mind-blowing 22 of the 38 national championships that have been decided in the history of collegiate women’s soccer. Reaching the National Championship 24 times, his winning percentage against the best teams in the country is well over 90%.

2) Finding a Reason to Excel

Finding and recruiting talented individuals that are driven to win is only half the battle. Establishing a culture of competitiveness that develops high-character contributors towards a common goal is often the difference between good and great.

3) Building Culture

At UNC, Anson attaches motivational quotes to 12 core values for which all members are evaluated against by their peers. An example of one of UNC’s core values is:

We Don’t Whine

“The true joy in life is to be a force of fortune instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” – George Bernard Shaw

Sources:
What Drives Winning | Grading Character – Anson Dorrance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpHFVu3dPGs

TEDx Talk | Start with Why – Simon Sinek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA

Brew:
Founder’s Brewing Co. – Breakfast Stout
https://foundersbrewing.com/our-beer/breakfast-stout/

Double Chocolate Coffee Oatmeal Stout

ABV: 8.3%
IBUs: 60
RateBeer Rating: 100
Availability: Year-Round

The coffee lover’s consummate beer. Brewed with an abundance of flaked oats, bitter and imported chocolates, and two types of coffee, this stout has an intense fresh-roasted java nose topped with a frothy, cinnamon-colored head that goes forever.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 008 :  Recruitment & Hiring Post Covid
Subscribe on iTunes or Google Play

Date: 7/10/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt and special guest discuss what recruiting, hiring, and retainment will look like post COVID and why your business should start thinking about it now – while sipping Prisoner wine.

Recruiting & Hiring Post COVID

1) Job Market

The job market has changed – there is a much larger talent pool and many candidates from other industries that might have transferable skills.

2) Short vs Long Term Needs

Balancing short term needs with the changing demands of long term shifts in need for skilled labor, tech savvy candidates for automation, and retainment.

3) Redefine Candidate Quality

Prioritize candidate quality,  person-organization and job fit to ensure long-term success. There is a large talent pool – be picky.

4) Promote Job Growth & Security

Remember to focus on promoting long-term job security and opportunities for growth. That’s the number one thing job seekers will be looking for in times of economic downturn. 

5) Build Your Brand

Mark Cuban, a well-known entrepreneur, said it best: how companies treat their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic will likely define their brand for decades to come.

Source Articles:
Harver | Hiring in the Post-COVID-19 Era
https://harver.com/blog/hiring-in-the-post-covid-19-era/

Wine:
The Prisoner
https://www.theprisonerwinecompany.com/The-Prisoner

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 007 :  Trust & Team Dynamics Amongst Controversy
Subscribe on iTunes or Google Play

Date: 6/8/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt discusses the importance of trust in business teams and how issues like COVID-19 response, social injustice, and media censorship are sowing discord within our organizations.

Trust & Psychological Safety

1) Psychological Safety

Trust is being able to predict that you won’t embarrass, punish, or humiliate me in a social setting.

2) Questioning

When trust is developed, I feel safe to ask questions about tasks, instructions, or projects without fear of retribution. This leads to greater efficiency and effectiveness when completing tasks.

3) Goodwill

If trust is developed, and goodwill is formed, I can give others the benefit of the doubt about a questionable statement or action.

4) Decision Making

The ability to innovate and quickly make business decisions is based on trust. My boss and colleagues, trust and value my capability and opinion. Therefore there is less time involved in verifying my work, thoughts, or opinions – and projects move forward more quickly.

5) Morale

When we trust that our leaders, colleagues, or organization have our best interest at heart – the work place is a place of enjoyment and provide a sense of accomplishment. When doubt and distrust arise, we dread heading into the office.

Source Articles:
Forbes Magazine | 5 Reasons Why Trust Matters On Teams
https://www.forbes.com/sites/danabrownlee/2019/10/20/5-reasons-why-trust-matters-on-teams/#40e3f7a02d60

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters