Accountability is a funny word. It’s often taken to be a negative. For example, an employee might be held accountable for their failure to meet a deadline. In reality, it’s one of the most beneficial words people in businesses can use. You see, accountability isn’t about blame. It’s about establishing clear boundaries around results, and in […]
Read More Accountability, Business, Employee engagement, Management, MotivationSo, here we are at the end of another year. With a bit of luck, 2011 has been fruitful for you and your business. I’d like to send out a big thank you and wish the best of luck to all of our customers. It’s a great time to look back over the year that’s been, and […]
Read More Business, Interpersonal Skills, ManagementSometimes I think everything I need to know is contained in children’s movies. In his infinite wisdom, Cheshire Cat demonstrates one of the great aspects of any team of any size – a mission. Without one, where would we be? Consider a team of ten professionals, all high performers, more than capable in their positions. Despite […]
Read More Business, Employee engagement, Management, PlanningAn idea that comes up quite often in job analysis is that you should structure your organisation around the work that needs to be performed, rather than the people you have. On the surface, that’s a sound idea. You never know when you’ll end up with a vacancy, and you want that vacancy filled with […]
Read More Job analysis, Job design, ManagementIn the past month or so, Coca-Cola began their “Share a Coke” campaign in Australia. Basically, they’ve changed the packaging on their flagship product to feature a different name on each bottle. When I first saw this, I thought it was perhaps the most ridiculous gimmick this year. But, look at the buzz it’s generated. […]
Read More Business, Marketing, Social mediaIn many organisations you can find people who are scared. Scared of being outdone, or perhaps even scared of being irrelevant. The truth is that there is always somebody better than you, whatever it is that you do. What’s key for managers to understand is that they need to find those people. While it might be […]
Read More Business, Management, PeopleA great deal of large companies place a huge focus on cost as a part of their purchasing policies. While that might seem like a great way to ensure you get the value that you seek, it’s a little bit backwards. The typical process involves obtaining multiple quotes, and selecting the “best offer”. A solid […]
Read More Business, Cost management, Performance, Purchasing, Small businessDo yo ever feel like you’re rushing things? Perhaps you’re struggling to keep up with an ever-increasing workload, or even picking up other people’s slack. Whatever you’re rushing, stop! You see, a rushed solution isn’t really a solution at all. The best solutions are like fine red wine. They get better as time goes on. With […]
Read More Business, Leadership, Management, Time managementAuthority is an interesting thing. Many people assume that in order to have authority within an organisation, you must have some kind of superior position. That assumption isn’t always correct. Some time ago, I read the book “The Leader Who Had No Title”. The fact that it’s an interesting book aside, the title alone got […]
Read More Business, Management, PeopleIf there were ever a single question that drives continual business, “What’s next?” would be it. It sounds simple, but the effect it has as a question is enormous. It’s an open question, designed to keep the momentum going from one sale or relationship right on into another. Consider a pure sales environment. You’ve just […]
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