The seismic and devastating impact of Covid-19 on the majority of business plans cannot be overstated. It is a fair assumption that things will never be the same again for some time; if ever. Hence the appearance in the media of the phrase “The New Normal”. Since time immemorial successful enterprises have had to adapt to new circumstances and seek new and alternative opportunities. Often radical change does present new opportunities – we just have to detect and exploit them. The most important asset to any business is the people that work for it. Individual employees at all levels are currently reviewing their motivation and priorities – quality of life and appreciation thereof has become most important to many as a result of the pandemic. There is interesting data emerging from the employee experience during the lockdown period: 97% of marketing and communications staff have reservations about returning to work and 82% nervous about travelling into work (Insight agency … [Read more...]
Communication – the key to unlocking growth and success
At the heart of every business one factor continuously calls for our attention – improving communication with a view to unlocking business growth and success. Over the years many a consultant has advised and implemented varying communication scenarios for their clients; the Total Quality Management (TQM) business management approach enjoyed widespread attention during the late 1980s and early 1990s before being overshadowed by the standards specification of ISO 9000 and the improvement methodologies of Lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma. The common thread of all these procedures is communication. How do these approaches differ? TMQ consists of organization-wide efforts to install and make a permanent climate where employees continuously improve their ability to provide on demand products and services that customers will find of particular value. The ISO 9000 family of quality management systems standards is designed to help organizations ensure that they meet the needs of … [Read more...]
How to pick the best candidate for your Technology business C-Suite
With the current skills shortage in the technology sector and ever-increasing demand it is simply not enough to broadcast a role when you are recruiting for your leadership team. Placing an advertisement or hoping a quality candidate will alight upon your website will rarely succeed. You deserve and require the very best of candidates. Invariably, finding great people requires a more proactive approach. The best candidates are not looking for your role The best of candidates, or targets, are probably fully committed to working for a competitor, supplier, customer or possibly currently working overseas and not actively looking for another role. Alternatively, they may be restricted via a compromise agreement, garden leave or clause in their current contract – all of which can be the subject of further negotiation and equitable determination. A discreet approach A thorough, comprehensive, discreet and confidential first approach to the targets is required for a … [Read more...]
How to Replace a Senior Partner
As the year draws to a close, it comes the time when many people consider cutting ties and starting afresh in the New Year. This thinking may be influenced by ageing, illness, altering family commitments or simply a change of motivation. When a Senior Partner departs, they leave a large hole in your business. So how do you go about finding someone who will be able to successfully step into those big shoes? Plan In Advance When there is a lack of succession planning in a business, it can become vulnerable when a partner leaves at short notice. Annual assessments of all employees at all levels is sound practice; monitoring progress versus objectives. A major objective should be for every supervisor, manager or lead to find a replacement ready now and making any salary review or bonus contingent upon significant progress in this regard. This sound practice not only solves the succession issue but also avoids the over dependence on any one individual. It also provides … [Read more...]
How to select the best recruiter for your talent search
For a business to succeed I would prescribe a Business Success Cocktail (PIMS) consisting of: People – the means to expedite and create value Investment – time and money in working capital and assets Marketing – Accessing the market and customers Strategy/USP – A business plan, vision, strategy Of all these essential ingredients, a good strong team of people provides THE transferable premium value of a business as a going concern. Taking on staff is one of the most important decisions that a business owner will make. Getting the right fit can make an enormous difference not only to business operating performance but ultimately to the value of the business as a whole when the shareholders/ owners are looking to exit. When looking for the best talent the right recruitment practitioner can make all the difference. There are a large number of excellent recruitment practitioners but who should you choose and what are the … [Read more...]
Brexit – Let’s face it!
With Brexit dominating headlines, the importance of having the best leadership team, who will be able to derive and implement strategy to steer a company or organisation through change and uncertainty is of paramount importance. Deal or no deal will have a significant impact on our entire economy which executives and managers will have to address. No deal will certainly not mean no action required, in fact it most certainly will mean the opposite. The outcome may be viewed as providing significant opportunity and or challenge which will impact on all sectors of the economy and all commercial functionality whether it be sales, marketing, engineering, research. manufacturing, logistics, IT, human resources, finance or legal. Uncertainty must be addressed and not be allowed as an excuse for inaction; contingency planning is necessary. We are fortunate in having a fabulous pool of talent, skills and experience in the UK; a significant proportion of which is currently … [Read more...]
