20/02/2010 by Geoff.

I’m just embarking on the second of three visits to Poland to deliver leadership training. Its cold in Poland at -10 degrees! On my first visit I trained inspectors, on this visit I am delivering to Head Teachers or Directors as they’re known over here.

Whilst its difficult to deliver through a translator I find it amazing that people, wherever they are, have not got a grasp of the funamental principles of managing and leading people. I look forward to returning to the more easily understood feedback in the UK.

Written by Linda Trapnell 

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20/02/2010 by Geoff.

I’m an avid reader of the small business section  in the Sunday Times. In the 17/1/10 edition the above subject was discussed and a few examples given. In principle the rules of engagement suggested were:

• Consider a cheaper range
• Beware of marking down prices of existing products
• Don’t be sentimental about what you sell. Think profit and demand
• Mirror the needs of the maket place in your product
• Communicate with your customers to help guide product (range) development
• Be aware of profitability - product but don’t forget about volume
• Review the way you sell

In a nutshell a successful business is not about cutting costs alone its about selling more!

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16/02/2010 by Geoff.

Currently accreditation for the coaching industry is done on a voluntary basis. Many areas of the world, including the UK are looking to move to mandatory accreditation. The IIC (International Institute of Coaching) is one of the leading overseeing organisations for coaching. It has existed for over 10 years and was formerly known as the ECI (European Coaching Institute). The IIC not only operates to raise the standard of coaching and coaches, but also approves and accredits training courses in coaching.  Accreditation for coaches takes the form of – significant evidence of professional development, proof of extensive paid coaching, a live assessment of the coaching skills of the coach by an IIC member, a range of testimonials and a final interview. Written by Tony Brooks our accredited coach with the IIC  

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16/02/2010 by Geoff.

For any business embarking on change essential reading is “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson.

Its an easy read and the message is quite simple:

• Change happens
• Anticipate change
• Monitor change
• Adapt to change quickly
• Change
• Enjoy change!
• Be ready to change quickly and enjoy it again and again

The only thing missing in our view is “Communicate change”. A simple model that might make your business more successful!

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10/02/2010 by Geoff.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has proposed that Statutory Adoption, Maternity and Paternity Pay and Maternity Allowance should all rise from £123.06 to £124.88 in April 2010.Statutory Sick Pay is likely to remain at £79.15.

Legal confirmation of these changes are still awaited…………….

Written by Simone Greasley - HR Specialist. Contact her if you need any help.

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10/02/2010 by Geoff.

Lets start by getting rid of the bit of consultant speak in the heading. SMART stands for:

• Specific
• Measureable
• Aachievable
• Relevant
• Time based

Having got that out of the way your Company’s measurements (or key performance indicators - KPI’s) need to encourage the right behaviour (to move the measures in the right direction) from your staff.

So an example. In the NHS there might be targets on waiting time and number of patients seen in the ED.  Ask yourself the question does this encourage getting patients healthy or something else?

What is the Goal of the NHS?

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