Coaching to Success

Our business is your success

Management

Change! Communication is key

Change! Hmm, not something we, as a human race, embrace. I know there will be some who openly state that they encompass it in what they do, my hand is up for that concept… well, as long as it is something I ‘wish’ to change. But how much do you embrace it when it is something unappealing?

Worse still, what happens if this change is forced upon you or if informing others that change will take place knowing the resistance you are likely to receive.

Change isn’t simple like changing a tyre on a car. With this, all you are doing is replacing ‘Old’ with exactly the same but a newer variety. Change affects our mental state of wellbeing, beliefs or values so we have to be careful in our approach.

But do we actually need to change? The simple answer to that is YES! Look at Kodak, Encyclopaedia Britannica or Woolworths and you see what happens to those who don’t embrace change. It is inevitable and those who are at the forefront to change are the ones who lead in business.

Now look at the reason for change. Will it truly improve the effectiveness of the business? If unsure, this ‘clarity’ needs to be established first, and clarity is the key.

I know some who think information is power and best kept close to the chest, then wonder why morale is down, people aren’t being open, conversations are secretive etc. This then comes back to how clear communication is paramount to the success of change needed. The element of the unknown causes anxiety, distrust and barriers the delay of shift.

So how is change communicated? See the following just for a starter…

The Grapevine; Notice Boards; Appraisals; Email/Intranet; Face to face meeting; Briefings; Rallies; Presentations; PR Agency/Dept; Conference calls; Annual report; Internal memo; Letter; Telelphone and many more. Think of these and other means by which the message can and should be relayed. NEVER rely on just one format.

I know someone who sends out all important information via FB Messenger, and no matter how many times I advise him that he should also consider text and email, he still uses just the one media form and wonders why some people don’t get to know about his updates!

Make your message sufficient in content, clear and not dependant on the grapevine. If it affects specific people, directly address them and before they find out from someone else.

Albert Mehrabian, Professor Emeritus of Psychology is known for his publications on the relative importance of verbal and nonverbal messages. This said, 55% is through gesticulation, 38% tonality but only 7% in the words used. Think on this when communicating only through writing.

People read things in the frame of mind that they are in and not necessarily that of the writer so care is needed when using only words as the simple sentence “Standards need to be raised and more focus is required” could be interpreted by a reader as “Are you saying I’m ineffective?”, “Is the company under threat?” or “Are you threatening me?”

To ensure we feel valued and connected, base wording around being:

  • Clear and directional
  • Focused with steps
  • Reassuring to reduce worry/anxiety
  • Motivational

And tie the relevant informer to the relevant party! Well, that includes everyone doesn’t it? Not necessarily, think strategically as to who can relay the message better, for example:

  • Staff to Suppliers
  • Staff to Customers
  • Team Leader/Supervisor to Team
  • Director to Manager
  • Board to Stakeholder…

Some can be more relevant to pass the message on than others. Who would be best to relay the information in your organisation?

John P. Kotter developed 8 steps for successful change, these being

  1. Increase urgency – this helps motivate and move people
  2. Build the guiding team – the people who see things are driven through
  3. Get the vision right – Back to clear communication and strategy
  4. Communicate for buy-in – Make it clear and people start to but into the idea
  5. Empower action – Support rather than micromanage
  6. Create short-term wins – Keeping the momentum going
  7. Don’t let up – Change ideas, adapt but keep focused on the end goal.
  8. Make change stick – Avoid the pull of ‘tradition’. Ensure new and winning behaviour continues.

Change encompasses so much from communication, concept, behaviours, values, planning, strategy, the emotion journey of those affected, resilience and engagement just to mention.

If it was easy, we would have done it ages ago but change isn’t as simple as the tyre, it is so much more complex and clear communication is essential in the development.

If you are in the process of considering change, call Neil on  07761 187238 or email neil@coachingtosuccess.co.uk who, with tools and techniques, can assure you of a smoother and probably quicker transition so all benefit.

Do you associate with these business struggles…

I am no different than any other company in areas of a coaching/mentoring that I offer to that of other businesses when it comes to struggling. However, I recognise what they are and do something about it and would like to share some with you.

So in this feature we cover recognisable areas whether you head an organisation or work within one and come up with methods by which to address them.

On the Verge – All too often we work, work, work all hours possible. Warning! We are NOT robots and you will burn out. Do not be a martyr to the cause, look to see what can seriously be delegated. Learn to let go.

Using your head – Oh I have been there. I know best and it will take too long to explain to others as it’s all in my head. As well as this, tasks get done when you remember them (poor time management). Look to create your own protocols and procedures for consistency in what you do. If you have a team, insure they too follow the procedures which helps keep track of any element through its life cycle.

Fear of failure – Things seem alright, why rock the boat? Why take unnecessary chances for fear of potential failure as opposed to moving with your desire for success. This is a mind-set area not based on fact. Work with a positive ‘I chose to make the best of an un known rather than fearing it’. Try it a few times and see what positive affirmations can give you and your business.

Marketing ROI – What IS your Return On Investment? Be honest with yourself. Don’t know! Well I would strongly recommend assessing the time and money outlaid on marketing. Too many organisations rely on you simply throwing money at them without really giving what you expect. Look, monitor, re-evaluate.

Research – Do you really know the market you are aiming at? If your target market seems unclear, rather than attempting to sell to all, look at the Psychographics (personality, values, opinions, attitudes, interests, and lifestyles) of the Demographics (quantifiable characteristics of a given population) of your target market.

Constantly doing the same task – Look to see how repetitive tasks can be formalised with little input to create the overall masterpiece. This can be anything from quoting to copying and pasting messages. Look to formalise it. Use Mail Merge for creating a standard letter or quote with information extracted from a spread sheet. Copying and pasting cannot only be time consuming but is inherently open to mistakes (as I have found out to my cost historically!). Think Time Management.

Go it alone – Politically this is a bit of a hot subject at the moment, however, in business, I look to Aristotle’s wise words, “The sum of the total is greater than the sum of its parts”. Look to share your knowledge base and gain knowledge from others. Networking or Mind dump groups are great to accomplish this.

Stationary Skill-Set – To be blunt, it is a vicious market out there. If you stand still, not only will you miss the train but others will catch it! Never stop learning or looking forward to new ways. For those of you old enough to remember, look at Encyclopaedia Britannica or Kodak for examples of companies who thought the modern digital era would not affect them. Keep up with or ahead of the game. Look at every aspect from software enhanced presentations to innovative ways of pushing forward using time saving elements that will have a positive effect on everyone within the organisation.

Although some may appear obvious, we can easily get caught in the day-to-day running of the business. Step back occasionally, view what is going on. Treat yourself to regular reviews and learn to develop ways to get around what sometimes appear insurmountable problems that when broken down, can be manageable chunks.

Coaching to Success specialise in addressing ‘clarity’, you could say we demystify the foggy screen of your business’ windscreen. Should you or members of your team be looking to gain some direction in the organisation, first contact Neil either by mail at neil.nutburn@coachingtosuccess.co.uk or direct via phone 07761 187238. Our business is Your success, let us help you move on to turn Struggles into challenges and challenges into positive rewards.

5 steps towards making that decision…

In the past, as I progressed through the ranks of corporate management there were important decisions to be made of which I really didn’t know where or how to start but, in the end, I got there.

You know what it’s like, you make correct decisions, woohoo, everything pops up with that wonderful fragrance of roses. However, when it goes wrong, all you can smell is that stuff you put around the base of them!

So surely it’s imperative that we offer some mindful consideration that isn’t blinded entirely by emotional outcome? Knowing others undergo these same pressures, I felt I’d share my learnings and the several steps I developed to aid that final decision:

  1. The Gathering – (Nothing to do with Sean Connery/Christopher Lambert in Highlander for those fans out there!) Is all about the information. What do you need? Write these down so they’re not scrambling for positioning or confusing your thought process. Look within yourself as well as factual or logical sources. Are you comfortable with the potential outcome and have you the skill-set to manage it.
  2. What else? – As you gather your data and information, be sure not to become blinded by a singular path to find the answer. By this, I mean that we often will find alternative ways of doing the thing we seek. Listen to other suggestions openly and add them as possibilities to your list.
  3. Get the scales out! – All areas of decision can be measured and these values weighed. Try creating a pros and cons list such that you rate each item by a score of up to 10.Write a split list of pros on one side and cons the other. Try not to be biased but look at each item independently. Weight it according to your chosen criteria. Now bring the emotional elements on how it will affect you with the practical, logical or financial ones. Tot up all the scores to see which comes out strongest.
  4. Bite the bullet, make the decision – How often do we jump the gun and make a rash decision that doesn’t work out as hoped? From this, we may assume other decisions will end similarly. However, using the above, your decisions will be calculated rather than random!
  5. Take action – Create a timeline, a plan with dates and order. This is your measure to insure that your decision is correct. As part of this sequence, set in review dates or times to asses and make sure that your decision is still the correct one. If it’s a purchase, allow time before making it, checking there are no other unconsidered areas. Creating a deadline adds a healthy element of pressure (but don’t allow it to seep into stress!)

These are an informal way of introducing ways to help decision making. Coaching to Success utilise these and other tools to help you with the process. Good luck and here’s to positive outcomes through processed decision making.

Along with other areas of making positive change, we invite you contact Neil Nutburn on 07761 187238 or email to info@coachingtosuccess.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation consultation to discuss areas we can help you prosper. Coaching to Success work to a simple philosophy in as much as that, if you don’t feel the benefits match your return on investment, the coaching session will be credited in full… That’s how strong ‘we’ believe in what ‘you’ are capable of doing!

 

Let me just do this job first, then I’ll start on that big one…

How many times do we have a task/project to work on only to complete all those little jobs first? All of which eat up time and often used as a means to put off That job, then suddenly we have little time to complete the main item!

As a business coach, I have this under control and don’t have that problem … hmm, okay, maybe not exactly true, after all, when last checked I was still human with all the foibles this race of ours has and yes, I too have to keep a check on myself, specially when I make important decisions like remodeling my home, that’s when I call the experts from https://www.palmbeachroofingexpert.com/.

So what are some of the areas we avoid? What of…

  • Writing that report you know will be a massive task
  • Needing immediate gratification – Finding an excuse to do something more interesting.
  • Wanting help – Waiting for somebody to offer or take over.
  • Wait on something else – “I can’t complete this report until John gives me the figures”
  • Changing your job/career

Okay, so we’re all guilty of these, or similar, in one way or another but how do we get around it?? Here are some ideas to consider that I find useful:

  • EMAILS – Turn off incoming warnings. Helping to avoid the temptation to continually check each new arrival.
  • STOP JUGGLING – You will inevitably be drawn back into to quagmire of multitasking and when you do, take a short break from everything! Allow your mind to re-focus. Does your roof have a leak? Call up the pros to get it addressed, so you don’t have to stress out over it and focus on your real tasks. Hiring a local roofing company with high reviews on Angies List or Porch will usually be a wise idea.
  • PRIORITISE – Evaluate and if it’s important enough for you to do, you’ll find a way. If we don’t care, we’ll keep putting it off. Go through your tasks and prioritise them, starting with the most important.
  • CLEAR WORK SPACE – A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. Piles of paper, post it notes etc. distract and stop you from focusing on the job in hand. Only keep what you’re working on in front of you, file the rest or create to-do trays.
  • TIME-MATRIX – Steven Covey’s matrix is a 2×2 square. Along the top is ‘Urgent’ (Left) and ‘Not Urgent’ (Right). Down the side is ‘Important’ (Top) and ‘Not Important’ (Bottom). In each quadrant , asses what is Important/Urgent (Manage), Important/Not Urgent (Focus), Not Important/Urgent (Avoid) or Not Important/Not Urgent (Avoid)
  • CARTESIAN QUADRANT – Similar to above, this time, along the top (a) If you do make that change & (b) if you don’t make that change. Along the side, (c) will happen & (d) won’t Once drawn, this will help give a much clearer picture of importance to focus on this or any other area where a decision needs to be made.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY – Chose a person, a supervisor, a junior, a spouse or friend. Tell them you’ve committed to a task with a specific time-frame and ask them to hold you accountable. Human nature compels us to act if we know others are watching!
  • REWARD – I once had a client who bought himself an iPad when he achieved his overall goal. I like to treat myself to a really nice cup of coffee and chill for half hour to enjoy both it and my accomplishment. Doesn’t need to be big but reward yourself. Scale it according to the level of success.

Procrastination is but one element of Time-Management, if there are other areas that you or your team are concerned with around finalising projects or managing workloads, take the first step by contacting Neil on 07761 187238 or email neil@coachingtosuccess.co.uk where you’ll be assured a warm welcome to discuss how we can help. If you’re online, have a look at his interview video at https://youtu.be/RvCwOL4hPco

 

The ‘Key’ strengths of Successful Management … Prt 2of2

The last article covered areas in management concerning pleasing everyone and making time for management. Looking at setting standards, being open-minded, communication, problem solving and the art of listening.

As promised, here are the next six areas to consider when mastering the role of Manager.

Previously we looked at two areas that help towards ill-feelings that managers receive, below are another three to be considered.

  • Maintaining the old mind-set – You have moved on from the role you undertook but you still attempt to do the same old job!
  • Avoid difficult issues – Confrontation between team members; Putting off doing the reports; Making ‘that’ phone call; Meeting someone you dislike … this list can go on. Trying to ignore it isn’t the answer!
  • Self-belief – In the past, I thought my rapid ascension was due to luck. Was I really management material? Could I handle this next role? Well, those who appointed me believed in my abilities so look pragmatically as to why you’ve been chosen!

To continue from lessons I have personally learned as a result of seeking further academic qualifications, from experience as well as the good book of ‘How Not Too’ according to bosses I have worked with (and in one occasion, exceeded!), here are another set of clues to take on board.

  1. Courteous & Direct – Refrain from saying one thing but thinking something else! Drop the Jeckyll & Hyde! People like you to be frank and direct about areas such as performance. Do this with humility but also remember the power of ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’
  2. Humour – For those that know me personally, humour and raising the feel good factor is something I’ll always aspire to achieve. Don’t make a joke of the person or situation, but witty comments relating to the issue will help reduce fearful thoughts and put people at ease.
  3. Respect – All too often I’ve heard manager’s refer to their team as Half-wits, or other derogative remarks (I’m sure you will know of similar expressions). These are not only discriminatory but disrespectful. This in turn leads to distrust and further lack of respect. Here’s the catch, if you think that, you will receive that! To improve performance change your own thought process to thinking ‘positively’ towards staff and their abilities. Acknowledge people’s contributions. Offer assistance rather than reprimand for those who are unsure of what’s expected or lack in skillset.
  4. Praise in Public, Reprimand in Private – We all know variations on this saying but how does it relate to you? I have seen people in authority too frequently belittle people in front of others but to what end does it serve? All too often it’s easier to criticise and take things that go well for granted. Consider the way you currently manage both negative and positive situations and start to adopt this philosophy.
  5. Vulnerability – Showing that you may make mistakes or that you are wrong isn’t a weakness but makes you human and thus, more approachable.
  6. Self-belief – Confidence can affect us all! If you put yourself or abilities down, it’s going to be tricky picking yourself up. Whether it be developing a small business or stepping into new Executive roles. A great saying is “Fake it ‘til you make it” or “Act as if” would be a milder interpretation. This isn’t to say be false but encourages a self-perpetuating growth in your confidence to overcome any hurdle.

Other areas to also consider include focusing on the big picture, being authentic and accessible all while being an independent thinker who looks for solutions rather than focusing on problems.

Coaching to success specialise in Management (Procedure) & Leadership (People) and whether it be yourself looking to get that edge over internal or external competition or simply looking for better ways to help manage the business, contact us by calling Neil Nutburn on 07761 187238 or send an email to info@coachingtosuccess.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation consultation.

Our business is about your success and your future successes are in your hands so give us a call so we can help you turn the ideas into reality.