The origins, development and validation of all our Training Packages are derived from the many successful ‘live’ assignments that we have undertaken for a wide range of clients. The purpose of these periodic posts is to illustrate, using authentic experiences, the practical application of the Packages’ DNA.
It has come to that time, again, when many of us decide that we must set ourselves some personal objectives to improve our lifestyles; the dreaded New Year Resolutions. Research statistics tell us that they have a functioning ‘life’ of about 5/6 weeks before we slip back into our more Read more…
Anyone, familiar with our work, will know of the importance that we attach to running an organization that, consistently, responds to the demands of the environment in which it conducts its affairs. It is essential that an organization retains this relevance, to avoid ‘running yesterday’s business’. Because maintaining the relevance Read more…
Of all the many tasks that a manager must undertake, the role of counsellor must be among the most difficult. Managers must develop their persuasive and advisory skills, in order to be more effective counsellors. Here are some guidelines to help you get more out of this demanding helper/receiver relationship. Read more…
Most of us are familiar with the well-used expression, ‘God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we should listen twice as often as we speak’. But, the valuable advice, captured in this saying, is rarely followed. It’s hardly surprising. Management pundits are, constantly, telling us that, one Read more…
The story, that I am about to relate, might seem, somewhat, apocryphal, but I am assured by someone, who was, actually, present that it is, entirely, true. During my employed career, I spent four, extremely interesting and productive, years as the Group Training Manager of a large Paint and Protective Read more…
Environmental Scanning is a predictive and interpretive discipline. Its purpose is to look for Change, within the Organizational Environment, so that an organization can make the necessary plans, for a relevant response. It can be viewed as an organization observing and monitoring the activities occurring within its Environment, on its Read more…
Back in October 2020, I posted a feature, under the heading, ‘Your Foam of Organizational Bubbles’. We established and explored the thesis that, at any one time, we, each, belong to our own range of co-existing organizations. The feature described each of these organizations as an ‘organizational bubble’ and, employing Read more…
There are some general principles that we can draw upon in observing and monitoring team formation and development. Theory informs us that we can expect four stages. Forming: This is the stage when team members first come together. The group is not a team, at this stage; just a collection of Read more…
Some misguided people believe that ‘playing politics’ is an acceptable strategy for achieving a response or reaction, arising from some personal agenda. The actual results being sought, by engaging in this poisonous practice, usually, have to do with a perceived grievance against a particular individual or group, the acquisition of Read more…
I make no apologies for, constantly, highlighting the importance of Change in every manager’s life. It is the manner in which he/she identifies, evaluates and responds to Change, that will determine the ongoing success of the organization. Until this change management skill set is acquired and practiced, there can be Read more…