chris jordan: ideation

So this is OpenAI reponse when I asked for a blog post comparing the two AI’s. *Note it is close but nt 10% on the Google capabilities:

AI chatbots, also known as conversational agents, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Two of the leading companies in the field are OpenAI and Google. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the chatbot offerings from these two companies.

OpenAI’s chatbot is called Assistant and it is a large language model that has been trained on a massive amount of text data. This allows it to understand and generate human-like responses to a wide range of inputs. Assistant can be used in a variety of settings, including customer service, e-commerce, and gaming.

Google’s chatbot offering is called Google AI and it uses a combination of machine learning and natural language processing to understand and respond to user inputs. Like Assistant, Google AI is able to generate human-like responses and can be used in a variety of settings.

One key difference between the two chatbots is the training data they have been exposed to. Assistant has been trained on a massive amount of text data, while Google AI has been trained on a combination of text and audio data. This allows Google AI to better understand and respond to spoken inputs, while Assistant may be better at understanding and generating written text.

Another difference is the way that the two chatbots are used. Assistant is designed to be integrated into other applications and systems, while Google AI is primarily used through the Google Assistant app. This means that Assistant can be used in a wider range of settings and can be customized to fit the needs of different businesses and organizations.

In terms of capabilities, both chatbots are highly advanced and can handle a wide range of inputs. They are both able to understand and respond to complex questions and can generate human-like responses. However, Assistant has the added ability to use GPT-3, one of the most powerful language models in the world, to generate responses. This makes it even more capable of handling complex inputs and generating detailed responses.

Overall, both OpenAI’s Assistant and Google’s AI chatbot are highly advanced and capable of handling a wide range of inputs. While they have some differences, they both offer powerful and sophisticated conversational capabilities. Whether you are looking for a chatbot to use in customer service, e-commerce, or any other application, these two companies are at the forefront of the field and are worth considering.

Do You know about Google LaMDA?

Yes, I am familiar with Google LaMDA. LaMDA is a large language model developed by Google that is designed to be able to hold natural, open-ended conversations on a wide range of topics. LaMDA uses a combination of machine learning and natural language processing to generate responses that are human-like and can be used in a variety of settings, such as customer service, education, and entertainment. LaMDA is still in development and is not yet available for general use.

Outline:
1. Show Value
a. Get in state –
i. Breathing
ii. Power posture
iii. You have many options. This is merely one
b. Smile, enter walking with grace and power
c. Hand out resume –
d. Always take notes –
e. Seating

2. Listen at Least Twice as Much as you Talk
a. Listen to the Body
i. Rapport – mirroring, body language
ii. Watch for eye cues: visual (“picture perfect hire”) vs. kinesthetic / feelings words (“what characteristics do you feel the perfect candidate will have?”)
b. Listen to the words they key on
i. Listen at least 2x talking minimum rule. Who talks least wins.
ii. Ask open-ended questions. Answer with questions.
iii. Listening for trance words, and try to see if they wrote the job description based on language
c. Eye contact
d. Subtle nodding
iv. Ask how they got to the role. Get them discussing *their* resume. Lead questions from LinkedIn / FB stalking.
e. Now Speak
i. Subliminal gestures – thumb towards self with “perfect candidate” language… away from self with any negative concepts.
ii. When do talk – Hypnotic / Trance words, use *their* language
iii. Answer only what they ask and confirm using their own words. If stumped cut the thread. Be honest. It’s about how you think / problem solve vs. right or wrong.
3. ASK FOR THE JOB
a. Only 10% do this, and 90% of that 10 % get offers.
b. Reverse timeline.
c. Create a “yes ladder”.

Overview
You are going to remember three things from this. I will teach all of it, and the lessons will blend into three things which we will review again throughout.

1. Show up with value
2. Listen at least twice as much as you talk
3. Ask for the job. Always.

Landing a career change or a job you want is a lot like the dating world.  There is a value proposition implied or inferred for every relationship that is started.  Too often, a job applicant might feel needy like they are hoping to be “chosen” at the dance.  This is natural, but not optimal.  It also does not need to play out with the interviewee feeling like the interviewer has all of the “power”.  We can flip the script.  That’s what this book is about.

I have interviewed scores of people for the toughest Fortune 100 sales careers.  I have been interviewed and been both rejected, then selected for the most coveted sales and leadership roles in the top Fortune 100 companies, including Microsoft, IBM, and SAS Institute; rated by Forbes “Top Places to Work” list multiple times for over a decade.  But… this is not about me.  This is about YOU.  How do you Jedi the Interview?

This book takes the skills I have learned and practiced in MasterMind classes with some of the top 100 leaders in the world.  These skills take from the fields of Psychology, Wealth and Abundance Mindset, Subconscious Communication, Mindfulness, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis, Social Engineering and thought-leadership from the schools of Entrepreneurship and Mastery.  Some of this may seem fantastical to you, but the results will make you a believer.

1. Get in state – breathing, power posture. You have many options. This is merely one. Resist oneitis (the belief that this is the ONE job you must have…)

You’ve gotten the interview, and you may be driving to the office, or preparing for an initial phone pre-qualification.  It is important that you get in “state”.  Stand tall, move your body, look up and to the right as you think about the opportunity.  Looking down and inside yourself can force self-doubt, be big. Visualize yourself 2-3 inches taller and as a radiating light as you prepare to walk into the lobby.

Think about “state” as a frame of mind.  You are going into a situation where you want to shine, so get pumped up.  We, as species, scan and make snap judgments subconsciously about every other human we come into contact with.  There is no reason not to hack this and get ourselves flowing positive energy instead of nervous dread.  See it as a game, see yourself tall and powerful in your mind.

At Stanford University, at a lecture by Professor Jeremy Bailenson, considered by many to have the premiere Virtual Reality lab in the world, we studied and discussed the power of your mental image.  When in Virtual Reality (VR), subjects are given an avatar that is taller, they act with and report significantly more confidence and positive emotions.  Others also respond to them more positively.  This is not saying wear a VR headset into a job interview, rather pretend in your mind’s eye that you are a powerful person and the world will respond.

Another thing you always *can* control that also has an exponential effect on your state is your breathing.  The physiology of proper breathing has a tremendous effect on your psychology.

Breathing isn’t just a bodily function. It allows us to speak, laugh and sing. It connects us to the outside world. It reflects our state of mind and can be consciously controlled. For many, it has spiritual significance. The personal and cultural meaning of breathing goes beyond the simple act of keeping us alive. Eastern religions and philosophies have studied the power of controlled breathing for thousands of years.

So how do you use this to get into “state” before a job interview?  Simply become AWARE of how you are breathing and direct your focus to it versus racing thoughts.  Are you hitching breaths into your lungs and out in choppy bursts?  Are you panting?  Both of these situations occur in times of stress.  You can fix that.  Immediately take a deep breath through your nose, feel the air move into your lungs and keep gently deeply breathing in until your belly extends.  You ever watch a baby sleep?  See her tummy rise and fall?  That’s what we are going for.  Exhale out fully, then do it again.  Keep your thoughts and the quality of your attention on your breathing; confidence will fill you, and you will project that.  These are proven “bio-hacks” and totally in your control. In a time where you feel like outside factors have the power, take it back.

The Power of a Smile, Walking with Grace and Power:

In the same frame of mind; now, it is time to smile and walk in with a powerful, confident gait.  First impressions are so very important. This is not a cliche; it is science. It takes a tenth of a second to form an impression when meeting someone for the first time. In a blink of an eye, we decide whether we like someone, we evaluate their perceived personality and character; we classify them as trustworthy or unreliable. These first few seconds can influence our decision on who to hire, love and trust. That is why making a good first impression is important, whether in a business or interpersonal setting.

Studies show, 55% of the message we want to communicate comes across through our body language, 38% through the tone of our voice and only 7% is communicated via the words we use. These numbers show that while what we say is important, how we say it matters more. Non-verbal communication can reinforce, contradict, or substitute our verbal communication.

For example, a smile can reinforce the sincerity of our words, and people who smile are often seen as trustworthy and approachable. Making eye contact indicates interest and openness. Standing tall and holding your head straight can signal confidence and competence.

“If you want to make a good first impression, smile at people. What does it cost to smile? Nothing. What does it cost not to smile? Everything, if not smiling prevents you from enchanting people.” –Guy Kawasaki

Walking with Grace and Power is a practice from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and is a kinesthetic pattern (gets the body involved), does not require the participation of the conscious mind and makes use of the connection between your internal representations and your physiology.  Maintaining a positive and resourceful physiology while thinking of (or not thinking about) your nervous experience helps ‘rewire’ the neurology and overwrite the less than optimal thought patterns.

Not quite this, but channel this.

Tactical Moves. Hand out Copies of your resume, choose a seat:

Now, we have you in the room.  Having interviewed over 100 people, I can tell you without a doubt, the ones that showed up empty-handed were almost instantly disqualified.  Think about it.  This is the *biggest* thing on your mind. Literally, you have been preparing and rehearsing scenarios for days/hours…they have not.

Most interviewers have not given it much of a thought until it popped up on their calendar. They have full-time jobs to do.  Often, they are not the hiring manager, may just be on the team or in a different department.  This is tough to hear, but you cannot assume they have given it a thought until you walk in.  Often, they have only scanned your resume, if at all, and you get HUGE points for bringing them a fresh copy.  Think about how ingratiating that is?  It flips the power back on you and shows that you are thoughtful enough to problem solve.  You can even bring extra pens; you win again.  You look strong and are actually *controlling* the frame; acting versus just sitting and being judged.

Sitting:  This is another move you may be able to control.  Try not to sit directly across from the main interviewer.  Angle to the side if you can, this  sets up a frame of collaboration verses interrogation.  This is a psychological tactic taught to me and my team by an FBI Profiler, a body language expert.  We are pack animals, subconsciously we are still governed by how we line up as members of the same tribe or adversaries.  Hack this subliminal psychology and move your chair or posture to benefit you as part of the team.

TAKE NOTES:

As important as handing out copies of your resume, always have a notebook ready.  Jot what they say…doodle…just rely on the love people have of what they are saying (more on this in a minute).  Write down their words like they are manna from Heaven. This shows that you are engaged and you value their time.  They appreciate it…I did and when I coach this, it always resonates.

Calibrate body language, Start Mirroring to Build Rapport:

We trust and like people who are like us.  We believe in people who are in our tribe.  This is hard-wired…this is how we evolved for millions of years in small hunter-gatherer groups.  Common behaviors and rituals foster trust.  We have been in offices and restaurants and bars and cities for a mere fraction of our existence as a species. Social dynamics, knowing how to use subliminal body cues will build rapport.  Examples:

Examples:

• Does he cross legs or feet flat on the floor?
• Does interviewer use hands expressively when she talks?
• Does he lean in or look off to the side contemplatively?
• Elbows on table?

Mirror these behaviors.  You would think it would be obvious, but it’s not…it’s easy to be subtle, this person does not know how you behave, you are a blank slate.  This also has the added effect of comforting YOU.  The cognitive processes in place to create trust work both ways, even though you know you are doing it.

Rapport works.  They FBI uses it, teaches it, so do the best sales and negotiation disciplines in the world.

Listen 2X talking – minimum rule. Who talks least wins.

This is is HUGE.  So important, as I stated in the beginning, if you only remember 3 things, make this one stick.  I will explain why it works and how to do it.  You can do this, be curious, be a learner. Be a scientist of yourself in this and it will pay off.

The 9 people before you came in thinking they needed to verbally gush out their resume, filling any awkward silence with what’s written on the paper…giving a life history that may never hit on a single thing the interviewer cares about. This is natural, I used to do it too…but you need to refrain and here is why.

Surveys conducted with interviewers after the fact showed a key feature…in interviews where the INTERVIEWER spoke more, the higher they rated the candidates.  This skill, of getting a person to talk positively about *themselves* has the benefit of those good feelings being associated to the candidate.

Also, light up and shine when you ask about them and anything interests you. Positivity creates a “halo” on everything else you say.

Making a person feel good about themselves makes them feel good about you.  Techniques: Ask questions.  This is counter-intuitive to many and it needs to be planned a bit in order to get you comfortable doing it.  They ask you a question, you reply and then always finish the answer with a question back to them.  Example:

“Give me an example of how you work well on a team”

“Well, one thing I am proud of was recognizing and using cross-divisional talent for the Vandelay Industries Project….blah blah…IS THAT IMPORTANT IN THIS CORPORATE CULTURE?”

Stop…let them talk…”Can you explain?” This is a good place to try to understand “how did you find your way into xyz Corp?  Is there a greater mission, a vision? “Have you always been interested in (HR – personal development, sales, etc.?). “How long ago did you join here?  I saw on your LinkedIn you went to University of Alderan”…

Stalking in this context is seen as smart prep work.

“I saw on Corp Facebook page how XYZ gives back to the community with child literacy causes. That’s big draw for me”

People LOVE to talk when they are in the authority position.  Take notes, think of follow on questions. USE their TRANCE WORDS.  What words does the interviewer sort of “sing”? Can you see them light up as they describe the “mission” or the “vision”?  Look through the job description and look for words they use that are repeated in the description…”did you write the requirements?”  People like to know you read them…”I noticed when you mentioned the BEST candidate (point to yourself…more on this later) should be detail oriented..can you give me an example of that in this environment? (Might be sales forecasting or doing client quotes, etc.).  The goal here again is getting them to talk so you know how to tailor / highlight your experience into what THEY value.

It’s always about what they value, not your resume.

Never under estimate the subtle nod when talking about yourself or an idea you want associated with yourself.

Mentalists and social psychologist Derren Brown is a genius at this. You are “pushing” yes.  You are imbedding compliance through subtle non-verbal or even vocal body language. It’s a form of Imbedded Comand. Don’t  believe  it works?

Extreme example to prove it works. Say “yes” and nod your head every time you are saying positive things about your skills as they map to the job.

Another Jedi mentor of mine teaches to always subtly point toward yourself (even a minor thumb twitch) when saying positive words, gesture away when discussing mediocrity or negative traits. Example is in a common Interview tactic:

“Give an example of a time you failed to complete a task and how you handled it?”

“Rookies often make mistakes (gesture away…like to “them”) when ramping up in a new role (point to self)…I used it as a positive lesson in how to do it better next time.”

Or

“What is your weakest trait” is a sneaky one they often throw in to see how you think on your toes…

Common response might be “I care too much” which smacks a bit inscincre…so, SAY IT then laugh conspiringly and say “I bet you get that a lot, haha…in seriousness I can hyperfocus at times when I’m learning a new system…” (or another truth).  Use an uncomfortable situation as a rapport builder.  Be honest and a bit vunerable and score points.

Eye Accessing Modality:

This is a standard of NLP

Eye accessing cues were identified by John Grinder and Richard Bandler, the founders of NLP, in their ongoing workshops. They paid attention to the responses they were getting and began to notice patterns. The patterns in the eye movements that they identified were these: When thinking, when their eyes go up they are visualizing. If their eyes go to the right they are constructing images and if they go up to the left they are remembering images. If the eyes remain straight but defocused the person is visualizing.

Use this information to establish rapport:

Auditory thinkers, eyes move from side-to-side: “What sounds like a good plan to proceed?  What else do you need to hear”?

When eyes go down right the person is in a kinesthetic / feelings mode. This means they may be aware of feelings, movements and/or physical sensations. When eyes go down left the person is experiencing an internal dialogue. ” What else would you feel are essential traits for a perfect hire?”

Visual thinkers: 

For example, “When you picture the ideal candidate as the project rolls out, how do you think that would look or how would you see the role grow in the future?”

(Each time you say “perfect candidate” you know to move your thumbs into you.

General tip

Answer only what they ask and confirm using their own words.

Sometimes you will be asked riddles or seemingly impossible things to solve. These are often just attempts to see *how* you think and problem solve, they are not necessarily even  looking for the “correct” answer. Do you get upset? Angry?

Have fun with it.  If stumped admit it. Be honest. It’s about how you react when in a corner.

ASK FOR THE JOB –

This is the final “trick” and possibly the most important.  Studies I have done on hundreds of interviews show that only 10% of interview candidates do this and 90% of those 10% get offers.  Why are you there if not to ask for the job?  It’s actually refreshing to the interviewers. Even if there are higher ups that need to decide, or a process, it certainly separates you from the herd and anchors you as the right person to hire.

This step is scary or uncomfortable for many. Here are some ways I’ve done it and the best ways it’s been done with me.

“I would not be a high-achieving salesperson if I did not ask for the order…so I am asking for the job.”

-Always met with a smile…often get “well, haha, that’s true…it’s not up to me…process…etc. etc.”

What if you are not going for a sales role?  That really doesn’t matter because we are always selling ourselves in the this process…but, here is another way to phrase it

“Have I answered everything in a way that I can have your endorsement for the job?”

or

“Is there anything else you need to know to give me a green light to the next phase of the process?”

Find your own style here bu ASK FOR THE JOB.  Why else are you both taking the time?   You want a job, they want to hire someone and stop doing interviews.  It’s a win-win!

Yes ladders:  ask things you know are YES

“So you are making a decision this Spring?”

“Yes”

You’ve got the headcount and HR approval to grow?”

“Yes”

“Have I proven I’m the ideal hire?”

Boom.  Be okay with this. Why else are you all there? Own it. You’ve got this.

In conclusion:

1. Show up with value
2. Listen at least twice as much as you talk
3. Ask for the job. Always.

Everything above has been showing VALUE.  All 3 steps are value.  What do people want?  To be valuable to the job, to their loved ones, to the world.  Everyone wants to feel that they are finding and appreciating value in you as a candidate.  Be that.  Do these things and you will succeed!

• Acknowledgments:  Special thanks to my brothers at The Society International from and with whom I learned many of these concepts, in particular, Michael Juergens, Alex Salinsky, Nick Cownie and Perry “The Inventor” Kaye for inspiring those of us lucky to know them.

Personal Story:

They Axed the Pension

I was at my first big company job after college. IBM!  I thought it was forever job. American dream, get a big corporate job and ride it out.  My managers changed every year…hmmm, I was starting to suspect things.  I stayed for 10 years because that’s what I thought you were supposed to do…my father was a Naval officer, put in your 25-30 years and retire, right?  Then they axed the pension…that was when I knew they rules had changed in Corporate America.  Long-time IBM people were really upset. I was still fairly young and did not care, but it sent a signal to the back of my mind….they do not care if you stay.

Then I got the call from another company manager frm a great technology company to sell medical digital storage to Healthcare industry as they transitioned all systems like x-rays from film to digital (PACS), all medical records to Electronic Medical Records.  The hiring manager told me “hey got you very cheap…your peers in industry are making 1.5 – 2x at plan selling technology.”

This was when I realized I was a number at IBM…they would hire someone with much less experience at a higher pay option because that was industry standard.  Hirning me right out of college, there was no policy in HR to bump up my pay to outside professional hire levels.  I tell this story because it gives you a mindset.  Know that you are worth more than you think, have that confidence.  It is NOT PERSONAL.  Get your ego out of it and treat the negotiation like what it is, a business deal.

A job is a place where you rent your time to produce value greater than the cost you are to the employer.  In exchange they pay you, you get credentials and an education that helps you in life or the next career choice.  Always keep that frame.

FAQ:

Q: Can you show me a picture of being in state , versus not.

Use “power posture” to get into state before you go in…

• Stand with feet apart, shoulders broad, and hands on hips and feel the power of that pose. It actually is triggering hormonal changes in your body that will change the way you connect with and influence other people.

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy changed the way we see the power of our own posture in one of the most popular TED Talks of all time…

They know and proved the effect confident body language has on other people, what she and her team tested is what effect that body language has on the way we see ourselves.

Q: Can you share a diagram of where to sit and where not to sit.

BAD:

Good:

Q: Show me what to say after I ask for the job. Is it thank you? Or something else?
How should I actually follow up?

Email same day or early next day.

“Thank you and x and y and z for taking the time to discuss the position, more than ever I feel confident that I am an ideal candidate as my skills and experience map to your goals.  These are the top three examples I noted as the most valuable qualities you need in a hire and how I fill hose aps…”

Q: What research beforehand? What should I know about my hiring manager before I go in?

At a minimum you should stuy LinkedIn profile, not any common interests, their background, even where they went to school, professional organizations they belong to…anything where you have a common interest or logical discussion point.  It has to be authentic, do not try to fake you went to Yale…but if you take some energy you more often than not can even ask “I saw on your professional bio you’ve listed Habitat for Humanity…that brought back some good memories of a build we did in highschool…” or “I have always wanted to know more about the Fierce Pharma Group…do you reccomend it?”
Q: And of course how do I ask for money or benefits:

Much later in process, yes, you should be prepared to discuss money.  Usually this happens later in interview after they are actually at offer stage, but it can come up earlier.  We live in the internet age.  Find friends in the industry in peer roles and see what they make. Do your homework on http://www.glassdoor.com.  Once you *know* they want yo, always ASK for 20% more. Ask if there is a range and explain you feel you are bringing value to justify higher salary (if it’s an option).  If not, ask for any other benefits *ONCE YOU ARE AT OFFER STAGE* (this is usually best handled with HR staff verses hiring manager.)

Additional Vacation

Ask what the company offers in terms of PTO days and ask them if they would be open to increasing it?

Transportation Reimbursement

Depending on your metro It’s not cheap to commute into work.

Calculate the travel expenses you plan to incur each month, and ask for a stipend to help ease this expense. Your company might add this onto your contract if it means you’ll be in the office each day — and on time.

Better Office Space

Well, you might not snag the corner office as soon as you sign an offer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask.

Depending on the level of the role and size of the office space you can negotiate a spot in which to work. For some employees, having a window with fresh sunlight streaming in is there by asking first.

Tuition Reimbursement

Most everyone wants to grow and be challenged in their positions. One great way to do just that is through continuing education paid for by your company.

From workshops to seminars, conferences to even paying for your Master’s degree, you can ask your boss to help continue your education and foot the bill. Many companies are willing to do this, since they view it as a direct investment back into the company.

I negotiated my Masters Degree reimbursmemt at 2 companies.

Daycare Reimbursement

Child care costs are no joke.

Ask what child care options the company offers. Maybe there’s onsite child care or an allotted amount given to workers with young children. If nothing of that nature exists, inquire about getting a partial amount of your child care costs paid for by your company.

Flexible Scheduling

One of the best non-salary perks is by far a flex schedule.

Maybe you won’t be able to work full-time from home, but you might be able to score a part-time telecommuting schedule working 2-3 days from home. The savings you’ll find in not having to commute in each day — plus having a more relaxed schedule — might be enough to make up for the lower base salary.

Here is an excellent resource that further discusses compensation discussions:

http://www.salary.com/negotiation-week/

 FAQ Draft cont.

Q: Re: the breathing bit, “….Keep your thoughts and the quality of your attention on your breathing…confidence will fill you and you will project that.”

Here’s a question… can you give more info about thoughts to go along with breathing, maybe like a mantra or something?  For a guy like me, focusing on breathing is one thing, but not quite enough to pull away from racing thoughts.  I have to substitute something else verbal.  where can I find more information about mental techniques for high-anxiety types like me?

A: Apps for your smartphone. Headspace (free for 10 sessions) taught me the basics. I then found Insight Timer that is a kind of “crowd-sourced” meditation resource. Tons of free sessions and a community to support and spur you on.

Q: “I’m doing the breathing you describe, but I still feel anxious.  What am I doing wrong?”  or something like “what more can  Ido?”

A: See above. Practice. Author a new story where you are NOT anxious. What value is in that story from your past giving your present? Let it go.

Q: Can you elaborate here?

“  You look strong and are actually *controlling* the frame…acting versus just sitting and being judged.”

What is meant by “controlling the frame” vs sitting and being judged?  Talk more about this.

A: Stepping out of the situation mentally and watching from above, like you are in a scene in a movie is a uniquely powerful mindset.  By taking emotion and anxiety out of the scenario, as much as possible, we can calibrate our body language and our breathing to combat nervous fidgeting or rambling.

We have the ability to “author” our future only by controlling ourselves as much as possible in the moment. In the “now”.  The goal of this book and lessons above is to give you the power, confidence and mindset to create confidence in this process that many of us face as we match our skills to available employment opportunities.  practicing and using techniques and mindsets above can make it more productive, give you confidence and create more abundance in your life.

I am starting to be fascinated by the amalgamation of Stoicism and Zen philosophies. This will be a running theme on my site.

Enjoy: