Neil Nutburn

Jun 06 2017

Avoid making ‘Goal Setting’ mistakes…

In this day and age of ‘too much to do’, how often do we set off with the best intentions only to find time flies past. We start off well with apparent progress. We feel good about the progress and what lies ahead but then…

We neglect to look back at previous successes. Motivation wains and before we know it, we convince ourselves that it probably will not work anyway!

Don’t worry if this sounds all too familiar, I too used to fall foul to procrastination or setting unrealistic goals. Having learned by my own mistakes and concentrating on what obstacles are in the way of us achieving our end objective, I felt this was too important to keep to myself so happily share some of the findings with you now.

Error 1: Unrealistic Goals

Having worked in sales and being set unrealistic targets, I can really relate to this. The acronym SMART(ER) Goal Setting should never be underestimated.

Let your imagination go and allow doubt to have a say but not to rule! Once you have set a goal, step back and assess the facts to check that it is achievable and in the set time frame. Remember, “A dream is but a dream but a goal is a dream with a deadline!”.

For example, my wife decided to Walk-the-Walk (26ml through London at night in aid of breast cancer research). She did not wake up on the morning of the event and think to herself “I’ll do that”. It took months of training to obtain the right level and as a result she achieved it within her time frame.

SMART(ER) goal settings focus on being Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound and recent additions include Evaluate and Re-adjust.

Error 2: Underestimating Time

Time and valuation seem to constantly occur as being underestimated. Looking at time, think back on previous projects. How many were rushed at the end or not completed within the time frame at all?

This is one of the killers to motivation.

Look to use tools such as ‘scheduled’ to-do lists. Allocating time for the goal or parts therein. Consider project planning tools such as ‘Tasks’ in Outlook or search the web for ‘Top 10 best project management software’ to see what is appropriate.

And always, ALWAYS allow extra time in your estimate to allow for unknowns and/or setbacks.

Error 3: Not reviewing

Unless the goal is so simplistic that it does not require breaking into segments, ‘Evaluate’ where you are along the given path and then making relevant ‘Readjustments’ (See ER above in SMARTER) is tantamount to signing off failure.

If still on target, celebrate the success. The reward does not need to be high (I like to treat myself to a decent coffee and half hour break to enjoy it once these blogs have been completed) but treat yourself, acknowledge yours or the team’s success.

If not, re-adjust so the end can still be met.

Error 4: Too many goals

Once we start it is so easy to keep going with the ideas and goals but there are still only 25 hours in a day (or, so one of my ex-bosses used to believe!). Time-Management is a misdemeanour as you can’t manage time (unless you are Dr.Who) but manage what you have to do, in the time before you.

If there are many aspects to the overall goal, I use the Wheel of Progress which is a great tool to compartmentalise each section. Contact me if you wish to talk about this.

Simply, consider the ‘R’ in SMART and be realistic in what you can achieve. Success relies on quality not quantity and achievement of a few things at a time.

Error 5: Too few areas

In as much as it is important not to set too many goals, it is equally important to make sure there is a range of goals.

Doing ‘fun’ objectives that bring you joy are important to offset those ‘tasks’ that are necessary within your work goals that may not be that interesting or enjoyable.

This can be important elements to the Wheel of Progress mentioned earlier.

Error 6: Setting Negative goals

No one does this intentionally but all too often we set negative goals that affect our belief in our abilities to achieve them.

For example, to improve work life balance, refrain from setting “stop staying behind at work” to “leave work by XXX and spend more time with YYY)

Negative goals suggest we have to give something up. Look to reframe them with a ‘Positive’ outcome which becomes a more desirable objective.

Error 7: Depreciating failures

Really? I need to look and appreciate my failings?

No matter how focused you are on the outcome, reaching every goal is not always possible. With the confidence to accept this, it becomes possible to learn from them.

Each of the above areas need to be considered and worked on when setting goals/objectives.

It is not easy to give honest views of what we can achieve in the time we have due to other influencing pressures but to achieve them, all too often you need to find that strength to be truthful not only to yourself but the task ahead and the realistic time frame.

At Coaching to Success, Neil specialises in helping individuals or teams to set realistic goals and then support them through the challenges ahead to insure they are met. If you or those around you could benefit from a one-to-one with Neil to see how he can help, contact him by emailing neil.nutburn@coachingtosuccess.co.uk or 07761 187238 to discuss how Coaching to Success can help you.

And why not get a feel for the person by checking out our short ‘interview’ video at https://youtu.be/RvCwOL4hPco

May 22 2017

First Strategies… Then Capitalise

One thing I noticed in my earlier days of management was that to truly succeed, you need to work ON the business and this requires a strategy.

How is your business? Are you simply working to keep your head above water? Are you drowning in areas that, quite frankly, are avoidable? What plans have you made for tomorrow, next month or a future point? These are all reflective questions I would ask people to look at.

With a strategy model you can formulate a plan to truly promote your great product or service. Lafley & Martin 5-Step Strategy Model has some interesting elements to consider.

WINNING ASPIRATION – The organisation’s goal or objective. Not simply about making money but market placement and establishing YOUR aspirations.

In coaching, we use the ‘Rocking Chair’ tool where we ask clients to mentally move away from today and cadge a lift in Dr.Who’s Tardis to drop them at a time in the future so they can envisage on how their business is doing.

Here you can see where you are compared to competition. Do you aspire to be #1 or increase your percentage of market share etc. Be realistic as much as optimistic. Know where you wish to be in a given time. “A dream is but a dream, but a goal is a dream with a deadline!”, set that deadline and imagine what your endeavours now will lead to.

WHERE WILL WE PLAY? – Know your market, the players and the customers. As a business coach, I can work 1-2-1 either face-to-face, over the phone or Skype so potentially my clients are global. However, when I run workshops, at the moment I tend to keep them UK bound due to the return on investment. I specialise in ‘Business Coaching’ rather than encompass other areas such as Youth or Retirement so I become a known specialist that helps businesses flourish.

If you sell a product, get to truly know your market rather. You’re your target audience. Is it B2B, B2C, OTC, Local, European, Global? Establish this clearly and focus your energy in a given direction rather than scattergun.

HOW WILL WE WIN? – After research comes ‘Strategy’. This is where the most valuable time is spent.

Careful consideration is required here to establish your position in the market and where your competition can challenge you! Look to incorporate your Unique selling Proposition (USP).

Quite simply, your audience requires a good product/service at a fair price. Think about quality and time frame, know what your market requires and create a strategy towards that.

CAPABILITIES NEEDED – Your action list. As a coach, I helped one client ascertain his team’s skillset. It became apparent that some were better in certain areas than others. We juggled members around to fit those they were more proficient in and productivity increased resulting from staff being in the optimum place.

What of technology, do the team work with laptops or have they to return to base wasting valuable time? Complaint procedures, route to market, your organisation’s infrastructure all of these require consideration and planning and not simply to be left to chance as you meander forward.

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REQUIRED – Up to know, it has predominantly been management. This area refers to the ‘Leadership’ of people therein.

Dwight D. Eisenhower said “Leadership: The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because they want to do it.” So the key is to have the person who ‘Leads’ to drive the passion of the businesses objectives through those who actually make a difference.

Avoid top heavy, glory seeking and self-promotion management structures. Delegate sensibly and without ‘dumping’. Understand your team’s workload and apply pressure NOT stress (there is a fine line!).

Although extremely simplified to serve this feature, it opens thought processes that time spent creating a workable with focused strategy is valuable. Much like a swan on fast running water, looking beautifully serene on top while paddling away frantically just to stand still. Whereas, with less effort, one which knows its surroundings better will fly to where the same effort put in will cover so much more ground reaping better rewards.

Should you or your organisation be looking to create a strategy bespoke to your business, then contact Neil by emailing neil.nutburn@coachingtosuccess.co.uk or 07761 187238 to discuss how Coaching to Success can help you.

And why not get a feel for the person by checking out our short ‘interview’ video at https://youtu.be/RvCwOL4hPco

May 08 2017

The art of Communication

Relaying your message in the ever increasing melee of media channels is hard enough but when we spend most of our day communicating, facilitating meetings, presenting proposals, writing features/reports or emails, the methods to communicate simply goes on.

Much as a soldier needs clear, concise communication to insure the success of their mission, we need the same approach so what better way than to use this as an acronym to move forward? This feature looks at methods of communicating to boost productivity in a well-constructed and clear means to get that message across. With examples of Incorrect(I) and Correct(C) practices, let us SOLDIER on:

Solid Obvious Lucid Done! In a nutshell Exact Respectful

SOLID – When your message is solid, your audience/readers obtain a clear picture of what you are relaying. There are sufficient details/facts to insure focus.

(I)“Fran’s Highlighters, best highlight for work”. No passion or details to stir the emotion. It is fluid, not solid.

(C)“Make those important details shine out and catch your audience’s attention. Stand out from the crowd by using Fran’s Highlighters.. be fluorescent among the overcast” helps give an image of your material standing out.

OBVIOUS – What is your objective? What information do you wish to relay/receive? Create smaller paragraphs when writing making your intentions obvious.

(I)“Hi Fred, would love to have a chat about one of the items in your email last week. Let us know when you have time to discuss”. Which item in particular? And the reason for discussing. Offers more questions than clarity.

(C)“Hi Fred, The 3^rd item in your email last Thursday at 16:36 has raised some interesting issues regards marketing that I would appreciate your input. Are you available Wednesday morning for an overview discussion?” Fred knows what email, what item, reason for the reply and a time frame to work to.

LUCID – When your communication is articulated well, it then becomes logical. Points made are relevant to the topic. Flow is even and everything is connected.

(I)“Hi Mary, Thanks for the update on proposed employment appraisals which are all relevant, I’ll reply later which reminds me. We have a joint management meeting on Tuesday to discuss the sales team, thanks, John” What is there to reply about and what does the meeting have to do with Mary?

(C)”Hi Mary, Just a quick acknowledgement of receiving the employment appraisal update. There are a few areas that need addressing of which I will be speaking to the CEO later this morning and will reply later this afternoon with her thoughts and my comments. Great work raising this important area of our business…” This follows a logical order about the one subject, ie ‘appraisals’ without confusing the issue by introducing other items.

DONE! – Check what you are relaying has a conclusion. Is there a call to action? Is all appropriate information included?

(I)”Hi all, don’t forget to bring your stuff to the meeting tomorrow, Cheers Alfrenso” What meeting? Where? When? What ‘stuff’?

(C)“Hi all, Just a quick reminder to attend tomorrow’s meeting in the third floor office, 10.30am. We will be discussing the IT changeover and how best to implement change. Please bring the forms in the ‘ITC’ pack. Alfrenso” Now they know when, where, what is needed and the subject matter.

IN A NUTSHELL – Keep the point being made brief & concise, nothing is to be gained from dragging information out over 10 paragraphs when 3 will suffice. I have someone proof read my work to remove filler words and phrases that offer no further clarity or weight to the point being made. eg conversation:

(I)“I wanted to reach out to you, Jeremy regarding the outline for marketing plans for the business that we touched on last week. I think our target market will benefit from what we discussed around the ergonomics of the product which will inevitably help them while they are at work. This will help the sales team get more focused on the sustainability of this new line in their sales portfolio. What are your thoughts? (74wrd)” now remove the fillers.

(C)“Hi Jeremy, I wanted to discuss the marketing plans deliberated last Wednesday. In particular, the ergonomics which will prove beneficial in their workplace and our level of sustainability for the new sales profile with the sales team. What are your thoughts? (41wrd)”. Same information but more succinctly.

EXACT – Be aware that autocorrect on spelling may not necessarily adjust incorrect words correctly spelled. Take care that the information is error free too!

(I)“Hi Emily, Grate to see you earlier this afternoon were we chatted about Johnsons order and there perchase structure. When your free next, lets sit down for a coffee. Thanks, Mike” 7 errors, did you see them all?

(C)“Hi Emily, Great to see you earlier this afternoon where we chatted about Johnson’s order and their purchase structure. When you’re free next, let’s sit down for a coffee. Thanks, Mike”. Better still, eliminate abbreviations such as you’re to you are etc. Spell checkers won’t necessarily catch incorrect word usage, so it’s (or it is!) imperative to proofread everything!

RESPECTFUL – A simple rule is to be courteous. Develop a manner of remaining courteous, friendly, honest and open. This resolves situations quickly and amicably.

(I)“John, The state of the yard is unkempt and items are strewn all over the show, how are staff expected to park let alone customers getting in, what must they think? Thanks to this, I got drenched yesterday when I had to walk from the overspill car park. For the last few months this has got out of hand, I need you to do something about it pronto, Hilary” This opening was blunt without attempting to find the cause of the recent change. This is a great way to create internal conflicts.

(C)=“Hi John, I was hoping you could help me clear up a situation I see developing. I have noticed for 2 months, stock being placed in staff and customer’s car park spaces. Obviously this is raising concerns from the staff and impacting customer’s experiences of visiting us. We need to address this as a matter of priority. Normally you keep the stock meticulously placed, is there a reason for it being placed outside and what can we do to assist you in this matter? I look forward to receiving your reply to see how we can better this situation together. Kind regards, Hilary”. Hilary doesn’t need to mention that she got soaked. The content is factual so no hiding from it. It’s polite yet seeking an outcome while offering to help where possible.

These are the starting blocks for good communication.

In the meantime, should you, or members of your team, be struggling with communication, don’t simply fight the battle or SOLDIER on your own, contact Neil Nutburn at Coaching to Success via neil.nutburn@coachingtosuccess.co.uk or 07761 187238 to arrange a free consultation on how Coaching to Success can help you.

And why not get a feel for the person by checking out our short ‘interview’ video at https://youtu.be/RvCwOL4hPco

Apr 11 2017

Why does time always run out on me?

We can often get to the day’s end wondering where the time disappeared to and that certain planned tasks have, for another day, been missed.

It must be time-bandits, that’s the only sensible and logical result. Sherlock Holmes would say ‘If you’ve eliminated all other possibilities whatever remains must be the truth.’ … or is it?

It is amazing how busy we ‘think’ we are when in fact we allow other aspects that are not relevant to what we need to do take control. With this in mind, here are some areas that Coaching to Success use to recapture time and accomplish your objectives:

Using a notebook, online diary or memo pad etc, write your thoughts, actions and conversations along with when you carried them out. Do this for 7 days and on the 8^th, assess to see how much time has been wasted on unproductive activities.
Manage procrastination: The easiest way is to turn off Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest or other forms of social media and updates of every new email landing in your inbox. Be honest with yourself, how vital is it that these tools are needed instantaneously or can scheduled visits suffice?
Before anything else, plan your day’s activities. Spend 30 minutes at the beginning of your day. Do not do anything until this has been accomplished.
Remember to incorporate slots of time for those un-expected interruptions such as returning a call or working on some prices needed quickly etc.
Do you leave your phone on when attending important meetings? Or do you give your undivided attention to the person your holding discussions with? If so, schedule appointments with yourself for carrying out important tasks and treat yourself as you would a most valued client.
Practice not answering the phone just because it is ringing and emails just because they show up. Schedule a time to answer email and return those calls.
At the beginning and end of each new task, decide what results you want to achieve. Check (a) whether it was and (b) within the time you allocated for it. Learn from this for future.
Put up a ‘Do not disturb’ sign when you must get the work done. This is for yourself as much as others who want to impose on your time.

There are many ways in which Coaching to Success can help you and your business improve productivity. Managing what you have to do in the time allocated is just one area but we have many other tools to help you out too.

Should you be interested in discussing how we can help you increase productivity or improve your work/life balance, then contact Neil, neil.nutburn@coachingtosuccess.co.uk or 07761 187238 to arrange a free consultation on how Coaching to Success can help you. Also, to get a feel for the person, check out our short ‘interview’ video at https://youtu.be/RvCwOL4hPco

Mar 28 2017

Perseverance … The key to Success (Part 2of2)

In our last feature, we looked at working hard, responsibilities, preparation, being original and those voices of doubt created by our own minds. This feature will continue on that theme with the ultimate objective of giving you ideas on how to remain focused, to persevere and, ultimately, reach the final goal.

Remain optimistic: There will always be knock-backs, so go forth knowing this. Unanticipated encounters or setbacks are there to be embraced as learning curves. I love using the story of Thomas Edison who was approached by a reporter along the lines of “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?”, Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”. When you started, the idea was as bright as Edison’s light so don’t let the light go out. Take each step and find the positives. No matter how many times you may feel that you have failed, remember, all the greatest achievers have marched on regardless of adversities.
Don’t run, walk: How many times did our parents or teachers tell us this? There’s no difference here either. As a business coach, I help individuals and businesses set steps to reach their next objective so no matter where we feel our business is, remove negative feelings of not reaching a goal when setting the next! I would suggest taking a little time out to see where you have come from and where you are now. Understand the journey and welcome the next challenges,
“What else?”: Any of my clients who are reading this will know this is a favourite question of mine when we search for options or ideas. This will also apply to that list of phone calls that need to be made or the large project that needs breaking down, just do one more thing and stick at it for another half hour,
HELP!: Don’t go it alone. Pull in work colleagues, friends, family that will help you on your journey. Network with positive people who believe in you. As a karate instructor, I find helping others to learn also improves my own understanding as I then need to know more to help them become better in the art. The full circle becomes self-perpetuating.
Rest the mind: Earlier in my management career, I found a member of staff worked much better than others during the afternoon. I also begrudged the fact that they were the only one taking a lunch break in a fast paced, demanding environment. It soon dawned on me that I was an idiot for not seeing it. They TOOK A LUNCH BREAK! This not only fed their body with energy but also their mind got a chance to relax and let go of the morning’s pressure. So guess what, I actively encouraged staff to take time out. Beyond this, look at what you eat, your levels of exercise. Your hobbies outside of work. Take care of yourself by looking after body and mind.

Well there we have it, 10 steps to help you persevere towards your ultimate objective. Don’t lose hope and always push forward with a smile and determination.

To help you along that journey, to set the steps and offer not only the motivation but also a confidante and someone to hold you accountable, contact Neil, neil.nutburn@coachingtosuccess.co.uk or 07761 187238 to arrange a free consultation on how Coaching to Success can help you. Also, to get a feel for the person, check out our short ‘interview’ video at https://youtu.be/RvCwOL4hPco