Coaching to Success

Our business is your success

Team Building

Is your business ‘mentality’ much like the 17% of UK homes that DON’T use the internet?

We were reading an ‘Office of National Statistics’ article that stated that 4 million homes in the UK are still not connected to the internet.

Imagine that, in today’s society, people still don’t use the internet when just over half of the adult population accessed web browsing over their mobile phones! Internet access plays such an important part in all our lives both for social and business needs.

To add to this, there are interesting questions being posted on legal LinkedIn groups inquiring the validity of electronic signatures.

So all of this got us thinking. How many businesses out there are still using old fashioned accounting systems, the equivalent of using the abacus when calculators became the latest gadget. Do people still use facsimiles to send documents? Are we locked to the desk with stand-alone PCs rather than laptops or tablets?

Times have rapidly moved on and maybe now is the time to look at how your organisation works. If you’re stuck doing the same thing in the same way but don’t like where it’s taking you, you can be assured, unless you change, your final destination remains set.

Much as technology continues to rapidly move on, so must you engage new ideas (and the hardware if you still use the abacus!) here’s some food for thought to boost that workplace productivity level and change your destiny!

  1. Focus on the ‘Team’ – We once worked with a distribution firm who wanted the sales force to work together to win contracts only then to promote that the highest ‘individual’ achiever of the year would win a family break in Euro Disney!! How contradictive is that? Getting your team to work ‘together’ toward a common goal certainly boosts productivity as well as relationships thus removing the chance of conflict.
  2. Avoid Micromanaging – Yes, you could do it better! (think of it as differently!) but micromanagement leads to stress, despondency, lack of trust, contempt or even fear. Management adds the structure, good leadership lets people thrive. Learn to let go and treat people like adults. Accuracy and retention of good workers will then be gained.
  3. Scramble Monotonous Tasks – make sure you don’t allow those tasks to continually land on the same people’s desks. Share tasks around. This aids communication, keeping fresh ways of achieving them flowing and the tasks, as they’re not always done day in, day out in become less tedious!
  4. Laughter – One of the biggest forms of learning and high productivity is gained from simply having a laugh. If adopted already, loosen the “it’s not the way we do things around here” attitude as when people enjoy what they do, knowing that they can laugh without reprimand, productivity soars.

Still unsure? Well if you are still on that same road, what have you to lose? Be brave, step away from your comfort zone and see what difference will be had from making a difference and believe in what you’re doing.

Should you be looking to change the way you currently do things, Coaching to Success specialise in change management and the affects it has on people, call Neil on 07761 187238 or email info@coachingtosuccess.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation consultation

Bring the sunshine into the office!

Isn’t it amazing how wonderful we feel once that star at the centre of the Solar System breaks through and the clouds part to let it shine? People reach out to each other and smile.

Much like the sun, a bright positive environment within the workplace brings about not just smiles but also opens the creative right side of our brain. It allows you and your teams to think laterally and creatively, exploring new.

So how do we bring sunshine into the workplace? Often, as Leaders we expect others to do as we have been led by example. It’s difficult to break the mould but if you’re organisation is heading down the same path, then change is a must and ‘old’ ways need to be re-visited.

Quite simply, to get the most out of those around you, become a better boss or role model for peers to follow. Consider the following:

    1. Set an enjoyable environment – Do things differently from the norm. Have a ‘Fun’ day or a dress down day once a month. Issue equipment relevant to the tasks being performed, ie are you still using Word 97-2003? Daily, place a joke or cartoon where everyone can see it. Above all else, ask those around you what they consider would help towards an improved environment, where feasible, act on it.
    2. Praise in Public, Reprimand in Private! – Too many times I’ve seen the opposite. A Shop manager disciplining a member of staff not only in front of their peers but customers too! People remember ‘praise’ and seek to receive the same reward. Reprimanding in public will only alienate potentially brilliant ideas as individual’s fear of humiliation being thrown in their direction.
    3. Communication

 

– Walk & Talk is by far the best way. Every day, as a leader, walk around your team and spend just a couple of minutes actively listening to them without distraction of emails or phones. Squash the likelihood of office gossip or rumours by insuring the team know what’s happening. Hold regular weekly or monthly meetings. Invite people from all levels involved. Allow everyone to address areas of success, concern or puzzlement. Keep it truly open without hidden agendas and take criticism as an area to improve, not to launch a counter-attack.

  1. Become a better leader – Read articles, go to seminars, get a coach, take up evening studies or open university courses (that worked for me some 14yrs ago! Break the ‘habit’ mould). Lead through enjoyment rather than despondency. Think about any occasion where you’ve walked into another working environment and I bet the atmosphere is a result of the leader and not the business!

This is just the start, imbed these ideas into your workplace and after a few months, we guarantee you’ll see a noticeable and positive difference.

Coaching to Success encourages change allowing teams to bond and thus increase growth/productivity. If you’re looking to get the best out of your team(s), start by contacting Neil Nutburn on 07761 187238 or email info@coachingtosuccess.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation consultation. The first step to a positive outcome is in your hands, act on it or simply continue the way things are.

How to be a ‘Commercial’ Marathon Runner by looking at the Big Picture …

What a glorious weekend for those running the marathon. Perfect weather, perfect temperature, perfect conditions but with a change in the way so many looked on due to the Boston Marathon incident. Something local that can have implications in so many different ways from events some 3300+miles away (3325ml if you’re truly interested).

Change affects us all in a myriad different ways and in the world of commerce, this can be even more dramatic so often tools such as SWOT analysis are used.

However, have you considered looking at the bigger picture that ultimately affects what you do? The ‘OT’ (Opportunities and Threats) of SWOT can be further explored by another acronym in PEST (Political, Economic, Social-Cultural and Technological – believed to be created by Harvard professor Francis Aguilar)

In brief, PEST …

  1. Gives you advanced warning of significant threats yet aids in spotting business or personal opportunities.
  2. Assists with avoiding the start of projects that are likely to fail, for reasons beyond your control.
  3. Reveals the direction of change within the business environment. Helping shape and to work with change, rather than against it.

Unlike SWOT, which focuses inward, PEST is best used to open the thought process and to ‘Brainstorm’ ideas.

 

POLITICAL

  • Consider what happened at the Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK by-election! What affect did that have on Government? Could the next election change government policy?
  • Who are the contenders? What are business policy views/opinions, or other policies that affect your business?
  • Will business regulation and/or planned changes to it, affect your business? Is there a trend towards regulation or deregulation?
  • Are there any other political factors that are likely to change?
  • Could any pending legislation changes affect your business, positively or negatively?

 

ECONOMICAL

  • How stable is the current economy? How is it in your market?
  • Where are customers’ levels of disposable income at? What’s the likelihood of change in the next few years?
  • What is happening concerning unemployment?
  • How accessible is credit for businesses or consumers? Will this affect you?
  • Is globalization affecting your economic environment?

 

SOCIO-CULTURAL

  • What is the population’s growth rate and age profile? How is this likely to change?
  • Are generational shifts in attitude likely to affect what you’re doing?
  • What attitudes toward work can you ‘truly’ observe? Do they differ for different age groups?
  • How do lifestyle choices or religious beliefs affect the population?

 

TECHNOLOGICAL

  • Are there any upcoming technologies that could radically affect your industry? (the internet with the likes of Jessops!)
  • What new technologies could you be using?
  • How have infrastructure changes affected work patterns (ie, remote or home working)?
  • What other technological factors that you should consider?

 

OPPORTUNITIES

Now you know the changes, brainstorm all the potential opportunities that could be opened up for you (regardless of how inept they may first appear). Is there a new market you could venture into? Are there new products or services you could offer?

THREATS

Equally as important, consider and brainstorm these too. What could potentially demoralise your business and considering these at this early stage, what can you do to minimise the impact knowing in advance rather than fire-fighting them later?

ACTION

This is the area I love. Once you know what the Opportunities are, how to break the Threats, or at least, minimalise them … Take action and build these into a Business Plan

This tool can be used by individuals but so much more benefit can be gained by inviting others to join in and contribute as their perception may bring different ideas to the table than just the ones you may have.

Coaching to Success frequently help organisations with such tools as we know how to delve that little bit deeper to understand obstacles or barriers that may not be revealed due to the closeness to the business. Being external, we’re trained how to ask incisive questions to find those little diamonds often missed and to open up the thought process.

Have a go and consider how your organisation would benefit. To open the thought process further, and to explore the other benefits coaching/mentoring can bring, contact 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.

If you want to win ‘by-election’!, then you have to first listen

Politics isn’t everybody’s cup of tea but just as a comparison, the current political situation in Eastleigh, Nr Southampton is all about who can shout the loudest, parties all trying to make their point heard and this is no different in the world of commerce… It all comes down to ‘communication’.

In coaching/mentoring, we often refer to ‘Two of these and one of these, use in that order’ referring to our ears and mouth. As an individual, business owner, company, solicitor or practice then this advice rings true too and to succeed, you first have to listen … not just hear but ‘truly’ listen! In this age of whiz-by technology, can we honestly say we do as the next distraction flashes across our retinas?

So, to win the hearts and minds of people, first listen. Here’s 5 tips to help you achieve this:

  • LET ME PROVE I’M LISTENING – Body language and actions that show you are. The occasional ‘Uh-huh’ or ‘yes’ encourages the speaker to continue. Use facial expressions appropriately like smiling. Nod in affirmation. Create a welcoming and open posture.
  • I AM PAYING ATTENTION – Refrain from reading/glancing at those emails or reports that find their way onto your desk. Look at the speaker not at other things. Don’t predict and mentally prepare a rebuttal. Look at the speaker’s body language and listen to that too! Try to put aside other distracting thoughts.
  • I WILL RESPOND APPROPRIATELY – Refrain from letting emotions over-run and take over what you really need to say. By all means, assert your opinion but do this respectfully. Do not hide, be open and honest with your reply and remember to always treat others in the same respect that you wished to be treated yourself.
  • LET ME GIVE YOU SOME FEEDBACK – A great way to repeat back what you have heard or your interpretation of what you ‘believe’ was meant. Turn it back so the speaker knows you are actually listening and has chance to make further clarification should it be needed. Use phrases such as “What I’m hearing is…”, “My understanding of this is …”. Every now and then, summarise back to the speaker just to ensure they know you are listening. And remember, if you are starting to get emotional about what is being said, do not make assumptions and react but ask for further clarification.
  • OK, LET ME HOLD BACK ON JUDGEMENT – As the ratio was stated before, 2-to1. Listen more intently before interrupting to make your point. The speaker will more than likely be put off a logical thought process in their deliverance and the outcome will likely be a more emotive conversation without being able to gain the full understanding. Allow the speaker to complete what they are saying ‘before’ raising questions.

It may sound easy when someone asks of you whether you are an ‘active’ listener… it isn’t. If it were, maybe our politicians would gain much more credence by listening and not just shouting. As a person, you will also gain the respect of those around you whilst also understanding what the people want.

Coaching to Success does just that, we listen first then ask incisive questions to dig further to the truth of what is being said. Should you be looking to develop your business, start off by talking to someone who will listen to your needs, call us to arrange a free consultation by contacting Neil (07761 187238) or throw us an email at info@coachingtosuccess.co.uk. We’re here to help.

What is your Leadership Style? And what of your leaders?

Some people have it, others don’t … or so it would appear. How many people do you know that are great leaders and how many different ways do they lead? Business leaders such as Branson. What of the likes of Obama, recently inaugurated into his second term of office. Cameron taking a somewhat debatable stance on the EU referendum… historically we have Martin Luther King, August Caesar, Darwin and to even dare say Hitler.

And what of their style? There appears to be as many ways to lead as there are people to carry the role out. Fortunately, there are simple ways to describe the main styles of leadership.

Here’s details of 5 from the 10 known styles that may well be effective within your teams and by understanding them, it may give you some insight as to how best to lead.

1. Transactional Leadership … A simple state of you get paid to do a job/task. If you do it and do it well, you get rewarded. If you don’t, you get punished. More akin to ‘Management’ style than leadership but offers clarity concerning team member’s responsibility.

2. Autocratic Leadership … The next and extreme step over Transactional Leadership. Leaders have ‘complete’ power over their teams who have little or no opportunity to make change even if the organisation could benefit from them! Incredibly efficient, as work gets done through decisive instructions, but as humans, this doesn’t sit well with us and often leads to high absenteeism as well as turnover. Crises management, such as the armed forces, are best suited for this style.

3. ‘Leave it be’ Leadership … Hmm, not one of my favourites! This is more of a hands off style (the French and sometimes our own businesses refer to it as Laissez-Faire) and allows people to work completely autonomously for themselves. Effective when team members are highly experienced, only needing feedback when required. Laissez-faire offers high job satisfaction in the right circumstances but can have detrimental effect if members have poor time management skills, easily swayed with procrastination or do not possess the relevant acumen to complete the task.

4. Democratic/Participative Leadership … Involves the teams’ input in the final decision. Encouraging creativity and team work. Often resulting in high job satisfaction from the followers as well as productivity in non-mechanical tasks. This leads to increased motivation to complete relevant tasks but not simply for financial reward. The downside is that decisions can often take longer to be reached.

5. Transformational Leadership … In business, this style is often found to be the best. These leaders take the best elements from themselves as well as their teams resulting in higher productivity and involvement from the majority of followers. Although strong in motivating others and offering enthusiasm, often these leaders need detailed leadership themselves from such types as transactional leaders! Ergo, to create a strong leadership in any given organisation or firm, both types would parley together nicely.

There are five more styles and if you would like further information on these, please send an email so they can be forwarded to you.

Coaching to Success are very active with regards insuring the correct style of leadership is appropriate for the situation. Not all styles will necessarily obtain the desired result but through coaching, leaders can come to see the benefit from amending the style currently adopted to increase the required productivity from the team members.

If you are one of those forward thinking individuals or companies who can see the benefit of leadership (in the right style) and want to make absolutely sure you are getting the best from your team, call us to arrange a free consultation by contacting Neil (07761 187238) or email at info@coachingtosuccess.co.uk. We’re here to help.

… and here’s the last reminder … The deadline of 31st January 2013 to take us up on the offer of a complementary 30 minutes coaching session that will be designed to hit hard and fast to help you get you on track to your new you is nearly upon us … ACT NOW!