Archive for May 2010

So you want to be a good leader?

It might help if you had an idea of the desirable and undesirable characteristics in being the above:

Desirable

  • Charismatic
  • Self-confidence
  • Ability to influence
  • Persuasive
  • Visionary thinking
  • Ability to take risks
  • Action oriented
  • Ability to make hard decisions

Undesirable

  • Superficial charm
  • Grandiosity
  • Manipulation
  • Exploitative
  • Fantasies of power
  • Impulsive
  • Poor planning
  • Lack of effect

(Babiak & Hare 2006)

Written by our leadership expert Linda Trapnell

Additional Paternity Leave…….

From 6th April 2010, for parents of babies born on or after 3 April 2011 there are new paternity leave provisions. 

Mothers of children due on or after 3 April 2011 will be able to transfer up to six months of their maternity leave to eligible employees (usually fathers).

Written by our HR Consultant - Simone Greasley

Getting things to the right level

Some time ago we published two entries on this blog expounding the virtues of key performance indicators and one about the need to have an organisational structure in your business.

These fit together quite nicely. As the leader of the business you are interested if its making money and if customers are satisfied. You can spend a lot of time immersing yourself in other key performance indicators in the business but other staff should be interested in them.

Its all about accountability.

Whisleblowing 2………….

Employment Tribunals can now pass on details of allegations of unauthorised or unlawful practices (“Whistleblowing”) to the relevant regulatory authorities for further investigation.  The Claimant in the relevant case must give their consent.

Written by our HR consultant Simone Greasley

The Power of Social Influencing in Business

We’ve talked about the power of networking for your business in the past. But what are the real principals of engaging, securing the assistance and co-operation of a contact? Perhaps these:

o        We feel obliged and committed to perform favours for others who have done the same for us.  Referral Organisations like Business Network International (BNI) are based around this key principle.

o        People respect experts and positioning yourself with authority can have a big impact in getting your message across.

o        People respect people who appear to be committed to their values and act with consistency.

o        Making things appear scarce makes people want them all the more!

o        People buy people.  The more likeable we are and the more people warm to us, the easier it will be to influence people.

o        People look for social reinforcement when making decisions, basically what other people and recognised bodies are saying. This is the cornerstone of testimonials and using recognised studies to help your case.

Written by Tony Brooks qualified business coach 

National Minimum Wage increases announced for Oct. 2010………

As of the 1st October 2010, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) hourly rates will be:- -          Workers aged 21 and over: £5.93 (currently £5.80 per hour)

-          Workers aged 18-20: £4.92 (currently £4.83 per hour)

-          Workers aged 16 and 17 (provided they are above compulsory school age): £3.64 (currently £3.57)

-          Apprentices not otherwise covered by the NMW: £2.50

From October 2010, the standard adult rate will apply from the age of 21.

Written by our HR Specialist - Simone Greasley 

Models - not the pretty ones!

There’s lots of talk of business models but what are they really?

Well they’re the method by which your company will work in order to make money repeatedly. Simple really but don’t forget the plan you’ll need to ensure your expectations are realised.

Avoiding Penalties during the World Cup!

Whether you love it or loathe it…………none of us can avoid the fact that the World Cup is fast approaching. 

The World Cup finals in South Africa run from 11th June to 11th July 2010, and employers are well advised to prepare for some potential “fever pitch” reaction from employees.The key to surviving this football onslaught, is for businesses to plan their people strategy and tactics ahead of time.  Employers must be careful that employees are treated consistently and any special arrangements or practices operate fairly and flexibly to avoid discrimination.

EMS can provide your business with top tactical tips to survive the World Cup………..call us on  01159147768 or e-mail us at enquiries@emseff.co.uk

Our HR and Recruitment Specialist - Simone Greasley who wrote this blog - will be happy to help

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