Improving performance management

 

 

 

The latest series of performance management workshops were a great success!  Aimed at senior management, the design was focussed on the characteristics of a 'high performing organisation' and linked to the challenges faced by today's management.

Get into networking!

If you run your own business, you’ll already know that networking is more than a ‘nice to do’ – it’s an essential.  Networking can be one of the most effective ways of developing new contacts, sharing ideas and promoting your business. But it’s not an exact science and because of this, it’s often left more to chance.

So what are the obstacles?  Why do we put off networking? Well, lack of time is usually one of the main reasons cited, along with the knowledge that sometimes it can feel a little uncomfortable and at worst, appear self-indulgent.

So how can we make networking an easier and more acceptable use of our time and ensure we benefit from this essential tool for business or career development? 

 Here are three ideas to get started –

1.     Make networking a habit. Develop a networking plan to increase your networking activity and stick with it! Go for small, achievable steps.  For example - updating your social networks weekly; attending a networking event every quarter; writing a monthly blog; or contacting clients you haven’t worked with for 6 months.  What you do and when you do it should be designed to give you realistic and regular actions. Having routine habitual commitments to networking will make it more of a process rather than an ad-hoc activity.

2.     See what you can do for others.  Actually, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of networking.  Can you use your contacts to help and connect others? Maybe it is as simple as introducing one of your clients to a supplier you use or vice versa. How can you support someone in your network by praising their work or just by listening to an issue they are working on? Whatever the outcome, always think about how you can help others.  Once you get into this way of thinking, it may surprise you that others are only too pleased to return the gesture.

3.     Be yourself.  People can tell when you are genuinely interested or whether you are giving them the ‘cold sales patter’!  Whether it’s writing blogs, sending emails or meeting people face to face, just be yourself and reflect in all these forms of networking, your own unique personality. Avoid selling and telling!  Remember to be a good listener, ask open questions.  A positive and genuine communication style will help develop trust and interest; key ingredients for business relationships to grow.

Happy networking!

Sharon

Employers!  There’s so much youth talent out there!

With unemployment rising above 1.2 million for 16 to 24-year-olds, this gloomy statistic presents a depressing picture for today’s teenagers. Whether they leave college with a skill, or university with a degree; realistically what kind of future can they expect?

So with this in mind, I just wish that everyone could have witnessed the enthusiasm and talent that a group of 16-17 yr olds recently demonstrated at their Academy’s ‘Challenge of Management’ event.

Working alongside local employers, the students discussed best practice management techniques; looked at the skills of entrepreneurs and delivered articulate and professional presentations on their experiences of shadowing managers in the work place.

The confidence and abilities of the students impressed the employers – many of whom expressed their concerns about the current employment prospects affecting youth in the UK.

It’s hoped that Employers everywhere will proactively consider opportunities they have available for 16-24 yr olds. Real jobs with real challenges will not only enable our youth to independently contribute to society but will add fresh new skills and ideas to the workplace and ensure innovation and creativity for the future.

(The ‘Challenge of Management’ event was designed and delivered by Sharon Halliday of People & Design)