The Business Bulletin Issue #8 - Focus On Strategy & Personal Development by Paul Green

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Focus on Strategy and Personal Development Spotlight on Dan O’Connor PLUS The science of happiness Creating space for your team to thrive Is having a vision or mission important for a small business? Redundancy – what next?

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The Business Bulletin

A magazine that works for everyone Paul Green Founder & Chief Editor

Welcome to the seventh edition of The Business Bulletin. Hopefully you will enjoy this edition which focuses on Strategy and Personal Development. Published every four weeks, it will cycle through the following themes: ■ Finance ■ Sales & Marketing ■ Operations & Resources ■ Strategy & Personal Development It will bring together a collection of articles aimed at any small business owner who doesn’t have all the answers and is open to some thoughts and advice from some of the leading experts in their fields. So what makes this different to any other publication? I’m glad you asked! For the reader – no more advertorials. All the featured articles have been chosen for their valuable content, not because the author has paid to be published or taken out an advert to get their slot! For the contributor – you can submit articles for inclusion without having to pay for the privilege or having to advertise. If your

All the articles featured in this magazine have been chosen because of their valuable content

article is deemed suitable based on its merits – that it is relevant, good and engaging content and not promotional of your business, then it will be published. For the advertiser – if a publication is more engaging due to the content, then it is more likely your adverts with be noticed. The number of full-page and half-page ads is limited for each edition and there will be a limit on the number of advertisers from a given industry sector. This means your advertisement is more likely to stand out from the crowd and not be lost in a sea of competitors. Your feedback and thoughts on this magazine are welcome – let us know your experience. Thanks,

Join in! Contact us to contribute an article or place an advert for future editions contribute@business-bulletin.co.uk

Design & Layout: Pixooma Ltd. Proof-reading: James Tarry © Copyright 2021 The Business Bulletin. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the editor or the author of the article. Disclaimer – no responsibility can be accepted for any actions that you take as a result of the content provided in this magazine. There is no guarantee that implementing any of the advice contained in the articles will definitely ensure your business success or have a positive impact. They are presented as information based on the experience of the authors working with many different types of businesses in their field of expertise and are provided as a choice for you to consider if they will be useful for your business.

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Contents This edition focuses on strategy and personal development and brings together a wide range of topics with a selection of quality articles from leading experts in their field.

I never have enough time to get things done! Kathy Bassett

Mental health – time to update our thinking? Jonathan Pittam

Spotlight on… Dan O’Connor

Is having a vision or mission important for a small business? Marie-Louise O’Neill

What’s the difference between a mentor, coach and advisor? Rachel Mallows MBE

A journey through equality, diversity and inclusion Garry Connor

Taking a considered leap of faith: Thinking of becoming self-employed? Kirti Patel

The science of happiness Louise Mercieca

Are you listening to me? Probably not! Susan Hammond

The 7 steps to Frontier Leadership Adrian Spurrell

Emotional resilience: are you an oak or a willow? Charlotte Green

Are you sitting comfortably? Bob Allen

Discovering your potential Maggie Newton

Realistic optimism Mark Billage

Redundancy – what next? Jo Thurman

Creating space for your team to thrive Mhairi Richardson

Ask the experts

SME Survey

What is a trusted service leader? Lindsey Marriott

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 5

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I never have enough time to get things done! Does it feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? It doesn’t matter whether you’re a business owner, senior manager or office junior, we can all experience times when we feel as though we’re drowning in work.

Does it feel as though there aren’t

attention and focus. Don’t put off

enough hours in the day to get

doing these as you’ll free yourself up

everything done? It doesn’t matter

to focus on the Important and Not

whether you’re a business owner,

Urgent items which is where your

senior manager or office junior, we

focus really needs to be, before they

can all experience times when we feel

become urgent and put pressure

as though we’re drowning in work.

on you. The Not Important and

The starting point to try and get on top of the situation is to look through your to do list and categorise the items on it. I find using the grid below can really help, start by dividing your page into four, with urgency on the x-axis and importance on the y-axis. Now go through your list and divide the things on it into four categories ■ Important and Urgent – to be done first thing ■ Important and Not Urgent – schedule in calendar ■ Not Important and Urgent – delegate ■ Not Important and Not Urgent – don’t do – in the bin Items that are Important and Urgent need your immediate

Urgent should be delegated and Not

Kathy Bassett

Important and Not Urgent items

ActionCoach

are things that can and should be

Kathy’s passion is working with owners

assessed and either delegated or

of successful small to medium sized

binned. I’m not saying that these

companies. She can help you to bridge

things don’t need to be done, rather they don’t need to be done by YOU. Now that you have taken control and can start to feel a little less pressured your attention needs to turn to the Important and Not

the gap between where you are now and where you really want to be, whether it be to grow your business long term, or to implement an exit strategy. 07952 112432 kathybassett@actioncoach.com actioncoach.co.uk/coaches/kathy-bassett

Urgent tasks on your list. This is where you will find it useful to set up a default diary. Using a system allows you to block out times during your week to focus on particular tasks. They might be recurring activities, so doing your admin every Monday morning for example, reviewing the marketing activity for the business on a Friday afternoon, the weekly Wednesday

6 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

team meeting, setting aside one hour each day to focus on the new project that has been stalling because you’ve been busy dealing with other things. Don’t forget to include some time out during your day even if it’s only making sure that you take a

The Business Bulletin

lunch break. Taking regular breaks throughout the day will help with your productivity and also enable you to better focus on the tasks you need to accomplish. Your diary should be If something slips due to the unexpected, which there will always be, then copy the entry to another day, so that it doesn’t get missed. Once you have spent time setting up your diary, then stick to it. To help keep you on track I thought I’d share my top time management

Importance

full, including the time out for breaks

Not Urgent Important

Urgent Important

Urgent Not Urgent Not Important Not Important

with you: ■ Set personally motivating goals ■ Time phone, email & other

Urgency

interruptions ■ Don’t finish today until you plan tomorrow ■ “Eat a frog” for breakfast every day* ■ Don’t major in minor things ■ Create a default diary driven by your 90-day goals ■ Agendas for all meetings ■ Conference calls to save time ■ Learn to delegate to your team – or wear different hats if you do everything i.e. one for admin, one for marketing, etc. ■ Identify and eliminate the stuff you shouldn’t be doing ■ Have a business coach to keep you on track! Setting up and using your default diary means that you will start to work in a proactive rather than reactive way. Your focus will shift away from

just jumping in and doing the next

default diary system and find you’ve

thing on your list, or dealing with the

over estimated what you’re able to

problem that your colleague brings

get done. This is bound to happen,

you, to dealing with the things that

however with time and practice you’ll

you’ve been putting off. Think about

soon be more accurate and realise

how good that will feel. You’ll also be

the benefits of using this system.

working on the important stuff, rather than simply the urgent stuff. In other words, you’ll be “eating your frogs”!

*Further reading: “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy

When working out your default diary it’s a good idea to include tasks that you have to do regularly, that could be ordering more stationary or finalising the payroll for example. Also include reminders to follow up with contacts you’ve made networking, check-in with key customers, even team members. You can create your default diary in Google Calendar, Outlook or even a paper diary – it really doesn’t matter so long as you do it and then stick to it. Don’t be put off if you get to the end of your first week using the

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 7

The Business Bulletin

Mental health: Time to update our thinking?

Sir Karl Popper, one of the 20th century’s most influential philosophers of science, famously said; “Science must begin with myths, and with the Jonathan Pittam

MindBody Consulting

criticism of myths”.

Jonathan’s mission is to help reduce the social and economic costs of poor mental health by cutting through the myths and noise around the subject. After years of struggles with his own mental wellbeing, Jonathan found ideas that helped him learn to manage his mind, and found a calling that led him to move from the world of physical fitness into the realm of mental health. As a mental health educator, he helps people-managers within corporate settings support their team’s mental wellbeing through bespoke educational content to improve their

If we want to live in a society that’s

health, I think we have to be careful

healthy and thriving, we need to

not to fall into flat earth thinking. We

make sure we’ve got our thinking

believed the earth to be flat for many

right when it comes to our mental

years because it appeared self-evident.

health and wellbeing, otherwise our

If I put my pet ant on a football, I’d

therapeutic interventions will be

have a hard time convincing him he’s

based on flawed thinking. And flawed

not stood on a flat object.

thinking equals wasted resources…

Circular reasoning

When we fire up our brains and question even those things that seem self-evident and we’re 100% sure are

I’m sure we can agree that basing

true, we begin to move into exciting

flight plans on a flat earth model

territory, the sort where we can really

would lead to very different outcomes

make progress and new discoveries.

info@mindbodyconsulting.co.uk

to those based on a globe model. I

But if we’re unwilling to do that, we

mindbodyconsulting.co.uk

know which plane I’d rather board

can end up walking down the same

anyway. So, when it comes to mental

old cul de sacs again and again.

knowledge, skills and confidence. 07597 545367

8 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

Stating the blindingly obvious

dilate, glucose is released into your

a bit iffy we’re unlikely to see the

bloodstream, heart rate increases, etc…

woods for the trees, and not address

Before we move into some mind

What if fight or flight’s not quite right?

our life situations, our relationships,

Now ok, this response aka the ‘fight

ourselves and our lives.

fallacies, let’s start with some stuff we know is definitely true: ■ Playing classical music to infants boosts their intelligence ■ Some people are right-

the blindingly obvious factors in

or flight’ or ‘stress response’ might be activated when you’re angry or very anxious, but that’s because it’s a builtin threat response we have. A burglar

brained, and some are

alarm if you will. But that doesn’t

left-brained

mean it’s going off every time you feel

■ Hallucinations and hearing voices are almost always a sign of serious mental illness ■ There is such a thing as having an ‘addictive personality’

overwhelmed. In fact, it even goes off when we do strenuous exercise or have a big ‘O’. So, is it really something to be feared? You can even do an experiment encounter a scenario usually referred to as ‘stressful’ (that isn’t anger or

■ Mental illness makes you

if your breathing rate has increased,

primarily or entirely by stress ■ Alopecia is caused by everyday stress ■ Depression is due to a

mirror to see if they’re dilated, check and check your pulse rate. I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly disappointed…

Just relax & it’ll all be okay Because our thinking around to our environment is a bit fuzzy, the remedies we apply sometimes follow

the brain

when you’re stressed is based on

Every single one! Now, don’t worry if that comes as a surprise to you, as this is the point I’m making… Many ideas that get lost in translation from the scientific world to the public have a superficial plausibility that allows them to masquerade as truths, often due to the media playing the overly eager middleman role.

poor people, under the belief certain parts of the body released toxins that impair brain functions. But did you know that poverty itself is the number one predictor for mental health problems? Sometimes we really miss the blindingly obvious.

We’re moving into a time when we really need to take responsibility and wellbeing. With so much information out there, we have to ask questions, and make informed choices. I believe it helps to see yourself as a researcher plan, and to conduct experiments with the various approaches and resources available to you. If one doesn’t work for

perfectly natural human responses

suit. For example, being told to relax

told you all of the above are false?

many years removing body parts of

when your wellbeing isn’t going to

chemical imbalance in

Ok, now what would you say if I

In the past, physicians spent

ownership for our mental health and

anxiety) check your pupils in the

■ Ulcers are caused

are influencing how we feel about

Your life is your laboratory

on this yourself; the next time you

■ Fish oils boost your IQ more prone to violence

our culture, and our society that

the idea of switching off that inbuilt smoke alarm. But this does nothing to address the thing that caused us to feel overwhelmed in the first place, after all we can’t relax or meditate

you after giving it a fair try, don’t lose hope, you’ve just eliminated one that isn’t right for you right now. We live in an age of quick fixes, and expectations of massive breakthroughs, but reality doesn’t really work that way. Life isn’t a Netflix movie, and quick fixes aren’t usually deep fixes, so we have to be prepared to put in some time and effort before

our way out of financial worries,

we draw a line in the sand and

recession, or relationship problems can we? Surely trying to put out the fire is a better option than repeatedly switching off the smoke alarm?

explore a different avenue. As the inventor of the lightbulb, Thomas Edison said “many of life’s failures are by people who did not realise how close they were to success when they

boss puts a pile of work on your desk

When barking up the wrong tree becomes harmful

is the same as when a caveman was

If we believe the reason we feel low,

mindset towards creating happier

apprehended by a sabre-toothed tiger

bleak about life and our future is due

and healthier lives for ourselves.

all those millennia ago? Your pupils

to the chemicals in our brains going

How about this one, the idea that your physiological reaction when your

gave up”. So lets update our thinking around mental health, and direct that new

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 9

The Business Bulletin

Taking a considered leap of faith: Thinking of becoming self-employed?

Have you ever felt that you’re in a role where you don’t belong? Or that you’re now in a position to craft your own role, where you can follow your passions and control your decisions?

10 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

This was how I felt before taking a

to move forward, which has been

leap and starting my own career

particularly significant, when

coaching business in May 2019 and I

experiencing challenging periods as a

have to say that it was the best career

business owner.

decision I’ve ever made. I’ve had many lightbulb moments and faced a number of challenges as

Communicating your why is what will motivate others to share your vision and help you to achieve it.

Kirti Patel

a business owner, five of which I’d like to share with you, to help you learn from what I’ve experienced.

1. You don’t need to leave your job to be taken seriously Many business owners think that in

3. Networking is about building relationships not selling to your audience Networking in a self-employed capacity is different to networking when job-searching.

owner, not really knowing who to

leave their current job.

speak to, what to expect or what to

longer before you can actually start paying yourself and you still need to think about business and living expenses. If you’re not financially secure and need a stable income, it would be wise to stay in your current role to ensure that you have the funds to maintain your lifestyle and invest in your business.

coaching and recruiting experience. coaching and outplacement/redundancy support, helping individuals who want they feel they belong. She works with

and be taken seriously, they need to

before you get your first client, even

Professional, qualified to Level 6 in Career Guidance with 10 years of career

to stand-out and be in a role where

I still remember my first networking meeting as a business

this realistically; it may take a while

Kirti Patel is a registered Career Guidance

She specialises in 1:1 and group career

order to be seen as a business owner

However, you need to think about

Career Inspiration

say in my 45 second pitch. One of the subtle differences which I found

individuals with professional backgrounds (junior employees to directors in different industries) to explore their own opportunities, coaching them to make realistic and practical career decisions. 07872 957858

when doing my 45 second pitch as a business owner relative to networking when job-searching is that it needs to

hello@careerinspiration.co.uk careerinspiration.co.uk

invite conversation from people who are either looking for your services or know lots of people who would be interested. There is one cardinal rule that shouldn’t be broken – do not sell to your audience.

imperative that even at this stage, you do not go into selling mode – it will be a major turn-off! The purpose of these one to ones are to build a team of

Prepare and practice your 45

people who are either looking for your

second pitch beforehand and

services or know lots of people who

2. Identify and communicate your why

ensure that you’re clear about who

Identifying your why and ensuring

may consider themselves as ‘not

this is realistic is incredibly important

natural networkers’ as this will give

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice

– being in business may not give you

you the confidence to deliver during

more time or more money, but it may

the formal meeting.

In an employed capacity, you may

give you flexibility and control. I started my business because

you would like to speak to. This is particularly important for those who

have had colleagues or seniors to

Networking does not and should not stop at the end of a formal meeting. To really get the most of

delivered my career coaching aligned

networking, arrange one to ones with

to my own values and what was

people that you would like to speak

important to me. It was important

to (this is why it’s important in your 45

that I delivered my services in an

seconds to invite conversation).

way, which always had my client’s best interest at heart. This helped me to be accountable for my actions and inspired me

speak to, to ask for advice. In a self-employed capacity, you

I wanted to ensure that the way I

open, transparent and client-centred

would be interested.

may feel that you have to figure things out on your own as you don’t have a physical team around you – you don’t. Your team will be the business community around you. We’ve been

In these one to ones, build a

where you are now so we’ll be more

two-way relationship, ask insightful

than happy to help with any dilemmas

questions about their business

or overwhelming priorities that you

and ensure that they give you an

might have as a business owner or

opportunity to talk about yours. It’s

put you in touch with someone who

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 11

The Business Bulletin

we think might be able to help. All you

best possible way. This comes with a

and ensured that I was preparing my

need to do is ask.

caveat; think about what you need

business for survival and growth.

for your business and how much you

5. Don’t be afraid to invest but know the difference between must-haves and nice to haves

need to spend to receive a return.

Not having a regular income is a scary

that you can fund this through a

prospect for many business owners, myself included. Whilst it’s important that you are financially prudent, there will some financial investment that you will need to make. Investing in the right specialists (website, logo, business cards, social media) can help you to prepare the

You don’t need to spend £5,000 on a website if a website which costs £2,000 will give you the same or an increased return. You may also find start-up grant – this research should be done first! Ensure that you give careful consideration to where these funds are allocated in your business. Investing in the right training will ensure that you have the know-how to run your business in the most effective and efficient way. I realised very quickly how

foundations for your business to

important this was for my business as

present your business image in the

it helped me to avoid costly mistakes

Also, it helped me to identify what were the must-haves and nice to haves for my business. Consequently, I was able to prioritise and allocate funds to areas of my business which were needed whilst being financially prudent about not investing in areas which were nice to haves but not vital.

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The science of happiness

Louise Mercieca

The Health Kick

Happiness – the word conjures up many images

Louise is an award-winning Nutritional

and different scenarios for each of us. When you

Therapist, award-winning author and

hear the word happiness what are the first three

for Early Years Nutrition. Whilst she is

presenter on her own Food Channel passionate about formative nutrition, she

words/images that you conjure up?

mainly works with adults on preventative nutrition. How can we use food instead of eventually needing medicine!? There are lots of confusing, contradictory and often, misplaced advice in the world of nutrition.

Are they linked with feelings in the

reading a book or walking in nature

present moment or are they images/

are examples of true happiness?

words to do with specific ‘ideals’ or

Learning to be happy now rather

‘events? For example, does happiness

than planning for happiness when

07557 343 896

to you mean holidays or shopping

circumstances permit is the key to

louise@thehealthkick.co.uk

for a special item? Or do you think

being happy (or at least content) in

being safe at home, a cup of tea,

most situations.

Louise aims to make the message clear food and health are intrinsically linked!

thehealthkick.co.uk

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 13

The Business Bulletin

Many of us plan to be happy: ■ “I’ll be happy when….” ■ “I’ll be happy when I’ve lost a bit of weight” ■ “I’ll be happy when I can get back to normal” For those living in the future it will feel increasingly difficult to find peace in the current climate, with so many restrictions on our normal way of life we are having to adapt to a situation beyond our control and how we respond to that can have a big impact on our physical and mental well-being. It can feel at times (especially at the moment) that there is not much to feel very happy about especially for those who tend to ‘plan happiness’ rather than ‘live happy’. That may seem like a big ask, particularly in the current climate but for the sake of our physical and mental health, the ability to live in the moment and see happiness in everyday situations is crucially important. I don’t mean that I expect everyone to go around smiling inappropriately in sad or stressful situations but happiness can be found even in the darkest or most stressful times with those who are able to see it tending to be healthier and even live longer. Happiness does not come to you

some will be calmer and recover

us. Often that is food. Unfortunately,

faster than others.

there is a big difference between

On a biological level, this is healthier as the stress hormone Cortisol is lowered and hormone levels return to normal. For those who don’t recover as quickly or who dwell on the stressful situation, the cortisol levels remain elevated and the body remains in a heightened state of anxiety. Over time this depletes the immune function and overall physical

what biological comfort eating is (i.e. which foods really do comfort us and create happy molecules) and the foods that, generally speaking, we crave for comfort (cakes, pizza, chips, chocolate, ice-cream, etc). Once we are in the eating cycle it is very hard to change. You cannot change it simply by eliminating those foods, particularly at times of stress as you will just make

and mental health of the individual.

yourself feel more miserable.

A positive inner voice

the role of food and how the

It’s important to try to understand It can be very hard to change your inner voice, we either have a positive voice creating positive automatic thoughts or we have a negative voice creating automatic negative thoughts.

nutritional science of the food journey (or biosynthetic pathway) within the body, how certain amino acids work in the body to create neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers within the body) which as part of their many

Nutritional influences

roles is transmitting signals which

Of course, one of the ways we can

may have a very short term artificial

support our biology to promote internal happiness is via the foods we eat. Nutrition should never be underestimated in terms of its’ influence on our overall physical and mental health. The foods we eat go on a ‘journey’ where they alter our body at a cellular level and impact on every single decision, movement and emotion we have. Via eating the right food, we can create ‘happy molecules’

alter our mood. ‘Comfort’ foods positive impact on your mood but it isn’t sustainable and as the blood sugar drops so does your mood and often, with comfort eating we can end up feeling worse rather than better. We are all living through a particularly challenging and stressful time. The global situation affects us all but it is not the same situation for all. It is worth remembering that how we cope with this situation will impact on our physical and mental health

it comes from within you and we

Making happy molecules

can help that by having a positive

I often talk about Serotonin in relation

constantly have a negative inner voice,

influence on our biology – let’s

to happiness. Serotonin is sometimes

forecast the worst situation and feel

take a little look at the “science of

referred to as 5-HT and is also referred

we cannot be happy until the external

happiness” as yes there is a biological

to as ‘the happiness molecule’.

situation changes then our health will

link with happiness!

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that

eventually suffer. Whilst it is difficult,

alters our mood, whilst it is linked with

it is important to remember to see

happiness it also enables us to feel

the happiness in everyday ‘normal’

calm and content, without feeling

situations, whatever that normal

content, how can we feel happy?

may be! If we put happiness on hold

The stress response People who are more optimistic have a faster cortisol response, meaning they recover more rapidly after a

during and post-pandemic. If we

until this is over, we will miss out on

stressful situation. It doesn’t make

Avoiding comfort eating

them any less suspectable to stressful

I am not being mean when I say try

situations but if you witness any

not to comfort eat! In times of stress,

group of people in a stressful situation

we often look for things that comfort

14 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

finding our own inner happiness and contentment. True happiness comes from within us not to us from external events, places or people.

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The Business Bulletin

Are you listening to me? Probably not! We all spend lots of time listening to people. At least, we think we do. But I know my mind can drift to other things even when I want to concentrate on what someone’s saying. It’s difficult in our fast paced world full of distractions, to be truly attentive.

But it matters.

do. It’s not just sitting there while

In contrast, when you listen

someone else talks but showing

actively it can help the other person

you’re interested and paying

speak freely – they’ll see you’re

attention. I’m sure you’ve been in

interested and are less likely to

conversations where the other person

fear judgment so are more likely

was distracted, looking out of the

to keep talking. You’ll get more

window perhaps, or they just seemed

opportunities to understand them

miles away. How did that make you

and the conversation can proceed

feel? Were you able to tell them what

positively. Active listening is a useful

Active listening, as the phrase

you intended or did you find it hard to

skill in all walks of life, including in

suggests, is something you have to

continue the conversation?

the workplace.

If you can listen effectively (i.e. by active listening) you’ll reap the rewards. Read on to discover what active listening is, how it will benefit you and how to do it.

What is active listening?

16 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

If instead, you’re actively engaged

Susan Hammond Susan Hammond Copywriting Susan specialises helping mental health and wellbeing businesses grow. Having lived with severe depression for over ten years she knows how important good mental health is. Only through counselling, drawing on her Christian faith and getting outside whenever possible, was she able to deal with it and recover fully. And her mission? Helping you change lives through your business, and helping you get your message across to your prospects. 07768 910232 susan@susanhammond.co.uk susanhammond.co.uk

choose not to react to them and try

how to do this later) it will reduce

to see the situation from the other

misunderstandings and mix-ups.

person’s perspective. And please,

You’ll have heard what your manager

don’t be put off – it’s perfectly normal

said plus any underlying meanings

to find this hard at first.

which will help you establish trust and rapport. You’ll find you’ve retained information better and ongoing tasks so you can complete assignments efficiently, improving your productivity. you’ll find your colleagues seek you out because you’re able to give them space to communicate fully and openly. They’ll come to you with new ideas and invitations to collaborate.

personal benefits Think about it. You’re having an appraisal with your line manager and they congratulate you for a job well done, making a few suggestions too. But you look uninterested, hardly making eye contact. Will they look forward to future conversations with you? Might they even try to avoid you if possible? And did you hear what they said? Are you able

about what you want to say next. Just listen and watch without interrupting. 2. Listen not only to a person’s of voice and body language.

best ideas and opinions.

This will give you clues as to how they’re feeling. 3. Seek clarification and

as your productivity increases your

■ Self-empowerment and

multitask, including thinking

words but also to their tone

There are lots of reasons including…

workplace performance

language. You should aim to

everyone’s comfortable sharing their

Empowered and motivated to

■ Improved productivity and

they’re saying and their body

Innovation will flow naturally because

How can active listening benefit me?

■ Better understanding of tasks

other person, on what

be totally present. And don’t

As you start to listen effectively,

and less prone to distractions.

relationships

Then use these listening skills 1. Focus completely on the

understand the nature of your

You’ll feel energised, focused

■ Improved working

things you’re judging, you can at least

with what they’re saying (more on

explanation about what

take more responsibility and

they’ve said:

influence your environment. And confidence will grow. Ultimately, you’ll be valued as the essential part of the company that you are. Maybe that promotion isn’t so far off after all…

❙ Ask appropriate questions to explore someone’s thoughts and feelings more deeply to help you understand what’s going on for them.

How to listen effectively First get your attitude right

❙ Repeat back things they’ve said. This may feel odd or even silly at first, but it works. It proves you’re

Try to…

listening and shows the

■ Accept someone as they are

other person they’ve been

(acceptance)

heard. If you do happen to get something wrong, they

■ Make no moral judgments

also have the chance to

about their situation

correct you.

(genuineness)

❙ Summarise.

■ Get on the same wavelength

All these things show you’re doing

as them (empathy)

your best to understand them.

This will create a safe, comfortable

4. Consider using encouraging

to implement their suggestions?

environment enabling the other

words or sounds. Maybe a

It’s easy to see how your working

person to talk. Easier said than done,

“hmm,” a “yes” or a “go on” to

relationship and your performance

I know. But if you’re aware of what

help them keep talking and to

at work could suffer.

you find hard to accept and the

show you’re listening.

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 17

The Business Bulletin

5. Learn to be comfortable

things can all affect how

Active listening is a valuable

with silence. It can be easy

people see you and whether

skill. When you’re able to engage

to talk for the sake of it to

someone feels comfortable

with others in this way a world of

try and make someone feel

talking to you.

opportunities will open up.

better, but they may just be thinking or temporarily lost for words. If you fill the silence you may break a person’s train of thought or the rapport between you, and you may miss important information. Sitting quietly and attentively will show you value being with the other person more than what you may say. 6. Think about your body

People tend to feel encouraged when you… ■ Make enough eye-contact to show you’re engaged, without staring ■ Smile appropriately ■ Sit in a relaxed, open position (no crossed arms or legs), perhaps leaning forward at times to show you’re

language. Eye contact, facial

interested and not directly

expressions, your position

opposite as this can seem

in relation to others – these

threatening

In the words of American Financier and Presidential Advisor, Bernard Baruch: “Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones who do more listening than talking.” Well said sir!

The Business Bulletin

The 7 steps to Frontier Leadership Today we are at a frontier that is challenging our received wisdoms about how to work, where to work and what to work on. The Coronavirus pandemic is a genuine, never before experienced event, that is disrupting everything.

All leaders are in uncharted territory.

we predicted. Here’s what else has

in the world. Or the face-to-face

How they respond will determine the

changed.

services you deliver, could be replaced

success of their ventures for the next

by an app. We challenged leaders to

decade or more. What is certain is

Pause

that leaders cannot wait for this crisis

It is too easy, when so much is

their beliefs about their operating

to be over before acting. They need to

changing, to feel the need to do

models and how they behaved as

start shaping the new normal.

something, anything. In fact, it

leaders were genuinely suited to

becomes even more critical to stop

these challenging times.

Our research two years ago into

critically examine the extent to which

how leaders were thinking, acting

and reflect first – to pause and really

and operating, led to the first version

challenge yourself and crucially to

this necessary moment of reflection

of The 7 Steps to Frontier Leadership.

examine your purpose.

– does your organisation’s purpose

We found too many leaders operating in their comfort zones, often because

Taking the time to really

But a new question has arisen in

still make sense in the emerging

understand the context of your

world? So many people have been

organisation and the challenges

forced to stop and pause and really

were far from the frontier where they

it faced was always important and

think about what they want from life.

needed to be.

two years’ ago we highlighted

Yes, there is huge pressure for the

how infrequently and narrowly

economy to re-start, but people don’t

needed to be at the ‘frontier’. The

organisations do this. Despite

want to work the way they did, they

pandemic has done nothing to

the pandemic, globalisation and

don’t want to buy the things they

change this view and in fact Covid

technology still mean your next

did, or interact the way they did. As

has accelerated some of the changes

competitor could be based anywhere

society re-examines its values and as

they didn’t know what else to do. They

Our contention was that leaders

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 19

The Business Bulletin

change continues around us, it is only

CEO chooses to stand back and

those organisations whose purpose

take a strategic view, engaging in

resonates with this new emerging

genuine enquiry with a wide range

paradigm that will survive. So ask

of stakeholder communities and

yourself – does your purpose still make

continually challenge themselves as

sense and keep on asking it.

well as others, they will enable the

Choose Then you can choose – initially how

organisation to grow and adapt. By building a shared and

Act Once you have chosen, you can act. The previous steps will have helped you set yourself up for success by starting to shape the three remaining domains you need to focus on – Culture, Strategy and Resourcing and enable you to put in

motivational vision and values that

place an evidence based, structured

reflect the internal dialogue and hopes

process to deliver your vision. Your

of the organisation, and of those you

culture matters, now more than

serve, you will start to create solutions

ever. Consider how organisations

that will ensure your organisation

have responded to the pandemic.

flourishes. Leadership also means

Some have continued to keep their

recognising times are challenging for

employees using schemes like the

colleagues. That means developing

furlough, while others announced

a voice and narrative that excites

redundancies almost straight away.

the organisation, being visible and

Those organisations that have

being prepared to show vulnerability.

shown care and compassion to their

Explaining how hard you are finding it,

employees, have already seen the

opportunist exploiting the world

and how creating the future together

payback in increased productivity.

around them, the chances are the

is the only way to succeed. And above

And they will reap the benefits

organisation is unlikely to survive

all to remain versatile – flexible and

in future employee loyalty, which

adaptive.

will translate into future customer

you want to behave as a leader. Then there are other choices that need to be made: your vision – where you really want to get to; and the values by which you want to work. Both will help you create the future you want. Choosing your leadership style is crucial. Evidence suggests organisations can’t exceed the action logic – the way of working – of the CEO. If the CEO chooses to be an

in the long term. If, however, the

20 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

satisfaction and spend. How actively are you building the culture you need to succeed? Covid has made traditional strategy making redundant. Strategy is about setting boundaries and defining what your organisation is and isn’t going to do in pursuit of your vision and purpose. Furthermore, it is rare in any organisation that there are

the face-to-face services you deliver, could be replaced by an app.

enough resources to do everything, so choices need to be made. Facilitating choosing what you are and aren’t going to do, and the boundaries in

well led – probably by a Frontier

a Frontier Leader – a leader who can

which you will operate, is a prime

Leader. That those who work in the

help an organisation successfully

responsibility of Frontier Leaders.

organisation continuously change

navigate the turbulent waters

If the purpose is clear and the

to meet the evolving needs of the

we all find ourselves in; it has just

organisation and its context – change

increased the need for such leaders

isn’t a project or something that is

and for organisations to have frontier

done, it’s a way of being.

leadership capabilities woven

culture aligned, then everyone in the organisation will understand where the organisation’s resources need to be focussed and will work to make

After all, why would someone who

that happen – even if it disadvantages

is engaged with the organisation’s

their area or function. Indeed, that is

purpose, not want to evolve so they

a good sign of an organisation that is

can deliver that purpose? There

throughout them.

is no need for ‘empire’, only to work collaboratively to deliver the purpose. Of course, there will be disagreements about the best ways to deliver the purpose, but with a good culture those discussions will be constructive, not destructive. The real challenge in allocating resources is to ensure that intangible resources such as power and

Adrian Spurrell

The Red Thread Partnership Adrian has a strong belief that people have the capacity to change and excel

authority are allocated as well.

but frequently their existing beliefs and

Frontier Leaders know they are not in charge, but rather custodians of the organisation’s purpose and culture; alchemists that challenge

habits get in the way. His focuses on attitudinal and behavourial change by getting people to explore their current context, their belief and the behaviours those beliefs drive. His experience is

the organisation to re-invent itself.

extensive and broad including: working

So Frontier Leaders are very careful

on a one-to-one basis leaders; top team

about the systems, processes and

coaching and development; facilitating

authorities they put in place to support the culture and the delivery of the why, where and how. They

leadership development workshops, developing the management skills of line managers and broadly based culture change projects for public and private

understand such things are not

organisations, with people at all grades

about empowering people, but

and from diverse countries.

about not dis-empowering people in the first place.

07530 663543 adrian@the-redthread.co.uk

The pandemic hasn’t changed the underlying challenges of being

the-redthread.co.uk

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 21

The Business Bulletin

Are you sitting comfortably? Over the last few years the idea that sitting is really, really bad for us has taken hold and If you Google the phrase ‘Is sitting the new smoking?’ you get 198,000,000 results. According to James Levine, a professor

any health risks can be minimised

of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, “Sitting

through a number of simple

is more dangerous than smoking, kills

measures that won’t cost a fortune

more people than HIV, and is more

and you can implement today.

treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death,” he also said that “The chair is out to kill us.” While I agree that spending a significant amount of time sat down can be detrimental to our health,

What are an employer’s responsibilities? Before we look at ways to improve your workstation setup it is worth outlining an employer’s responsibilities as they owe a duty of care to their staff (if you are an employee or selfemployed feel free to go straight to the tips section). An employer has to comply with a number of regulations comprehensively covered in a 68 page document from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It covers office work and other environments where display screen equipment (DSE) is used and goes under the catchy title of DSE Regulations1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 Employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees by: ■ analysing workstations to assess and reduce risks; ■ ensure controls are in place to monitor identified risks;

22 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

■ providing information and training on the use of DSE; ■ providing an eye test on request; ■ reviewing a workstation assessment when the user or DSE changes. The employer needs to assess the risks associated with using DSE equipment and any special needs of individual staff whether their employees work from an office or from home. A poorly designed workstation can result in the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) ranging from a sore neck, painful shoulders, headaches and wrist pain to low back and hip pain. The HSE DSE regulations document referenced earlier includes a Workstation Checklist which can be used as a basis for risk assessment and to help ensure compliance with the regulations. While the checklist is a useful starting point, following it does not mean that a workstation has been set up correctly as it doesn’t take into

The Business Bulletin

account how an individual ’actually’

at least 2 inches between the

how to touch-type or investing

works. It is possible to tick all the

front of your seat and the back

in voice to text software.

relevant boxes and still develop an

of your legs.

MSD because of how you sit, how frequently you take a rest break, the type of mouse used etc.

Ways to improve your workstation setup With prevention always being the best approach, here are 11 simple things that can easily be implemented to reduce the risk of developing a workstation-related MSD. 1. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS AWAY FROM YOUR DESK!!! (this is the most important point and easiest thing to do, hence the capital letters). You can have the most expensive ergonomic equipment in the world, but if you don’t take regular breaks you could still develop an MSD. A 5-10 minute break every hour is recommended and you can set up a reminder on your PC or smartphone to make sure you don’t forget. 2. You should have a heightadjustable chair that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor with your forearms resting on the desk. If you are

with the top of the screen

investing in a separate

This list covers the basics and

keyboard, mouse and a

should help you avoid workstation-

docking station to raise the

related aches and pains, but you

screen height (a cheaper

can follow all of the advice and still

low-tech alternative would

develop a problem. If that occurs you

be to use books rather than a

should let your employer know there

docking station).

is an issue. They are obliged to review

problems.

reflections.

If you are self-employed your best

6. Get into the habit of looking

option is to find someone that can

away from the screen every

advise you on the likely causes of your

30-45 minutes and focus

MSD problem and provide advice on

on a distant object for 10-15

how they might be resolved.

seconds to reduce the risk of eyestrain. 7. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, don’t cradle it in your neck as this will strain your neck muscles and compress the joints. You can easily avoid this problem by treating yourself to a Bluetooth headset. 8. Arrange your desk so that

Bob Allen

frequently-used items e.g.

the chair or adopting some

stretch to reach them.

3. Avoid crossing your legs when

changes are required to resolve those

to avoid glare or bright

reach to avoid the need to

position.

your setup and implement whatever

5. .Arrange the desk and screen

than resting your feet on

maintain a comfortable

break (here are some ideas)

are using a laptop it is worth

books etc. are within easy

required to ensure you can

11. Do some stretches during your

level with your eyes. If you

phone, writing equipment,

adjustable desk may be

your lunch hour.

about an arm’s length away,

should use a footrest rather

taller individuals, a height-

desk and go for a walk during

4. Your monitor should be

shorter than average then you

other ‘unusual’ position. For

10. Eat your lunch away from your

Sollus Healthcare

Bob graduated as an osteopath in 2011 and is an experienced workstation assessor as well as a qualified functional strength & conditioning coach, Otago team leader and mental health first

9. Specialist equipment is

aider. All of this experience means he

available that can help to

can provide you with comprehensive

reduce any strain on your

support and a jargon-free explanation

elbows, wrists and hands e.g. ergonomic keyboard, trackball, vertical mouse etc. If your job

of your problems whatever their cause. It also means that he can identify where osteopathy is not appropriate and refer you to a GP, consultant or another

involves significant numeric

practitioner if required.

sitting, as this can restrict

input a separate numeric

blood flow, compress nerves

keypad can help to reduce

and create stress in your hips

shoulder and wrist strain. If you

and low back. You also need

need to type for long periods

to make sure there is a gap of

of time it is worth learning

07515 014308 info@sollushealthcare.co.uk sollusosteopathy.co.uk

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 23

The Business Bulletin

Realistic optimism Are you a glass is half empty or a glass half full type of person?

The answer to this question is to help

the ones who said we were going to

you understand whether we are

be out by Christmas. And then they’d

generally optimistic in our outlook or

say, ‘we’re going to be out by Easter.’

more pessimistic. Which would you

And Easter would come, and Easter

say you are? I would say that I am

would go. And then Thanksgiving, and

generally an optimist. I try and look

then it would be Christmas again.’ And

for the positive and the opportunity in

they died of a broken heart.”

most situations. You may be similar. Being optimistic is helpful for the most part. However, there is a caveat to this. You cannot be optimistic without being realistic.

In your present circumstances, you walk the knife edge of knowing that this crisis will pass and dealing with the everyday reality of wading through a fast-changing and challenging

As a team or organisation leader,

situation. It is not wrong to talk about

or a business owner, it is important to

getting through the crisis. At the same

realise what your general tendency is

time as you lead others through it is

in this regard, because depending on

important to acknowledge that it is

what your situation is will dictate how

challenging and difficult.

you orientate your optimism. In other words, optimism is generally helpful. However if you don’t take account of the facts of your situation then the optimism will not be helpful, it will be harmful. To illustrate this, I have included a quote from Admiral James

Mark Billage

Smart Culture Over the past 25 plus years, in different leadership roles, Mark has worked in different sectors, from financial services to charity and people development. He has set up businesses, served on Boards of Trustees, and led a medium-sized charity as their CEO. As the founder of Smart Culture Ltd, he provides quality training and coaching to leaders and their teams. Mark wants to help leaders to be more effective in their leadership. This transforms team culture, and relationships around them, so all can bring their best contribution in a safe environment. 07791 755990

Remaining authentic demonstrates

mark@smartculture.uk

to those that you lead, that you haven’t

www.smartculture.uk

got your head in the clouds and lets them know that whilst things are challenging, we can take steps that position us to weather the storm. That

may be.” – Admiral James Stockdale. It is important that we set goals

includes our own mental resilience.

that spur us on towards a better

How do you act as leaders so that you

future. The skill is setting these in a

keep your heads up and maintain

way where it is not overwhelming for

your authenticity at the same time?

the team. Whatever “mountain” you

“You must never confuse faith that

are looking to scale, you need to make

you will prevail in the end… with the

a clear assessment, or as Admiral

make it out?’ And he said, ‘Oh, that’s

discipline to confront the brutal facts

Stockdale put it, acknowledge the

easy. It was the optimists. […] They were

of your current reality, whatever they

brutal facts of your current reality.

Stockdale who was held as prisoner of war in Vietnam for eight years. This is an extract of a conversation he had with Jim Collins in his book “Good to Great.” “I asked Stockdale: ‘Who didn’t

24 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

already at capacity, we have to ask,

challenges and lead to solutions

it. Hope is the fuel for forward

“what will stop so they can get on

that were not immediately obvious.

movement, particularly when things

with this new goal?” Whatever the

Optimism is great. It is a stance that, I

seem to be more challenging

current circumstance, it needs to

believe, can be inspiring, create hope

than usual. The realism within that

be taken into consideration. It could

and enable you to achieve more than

acknowledges that, in order to scale

be that maintaining with some

you thought was possible. You can be

this mountain, each climber (team

improvements the processes that are

optimistic that you will get through

member) will need different help to

already in place but now being done

this crisis. You don’t know when,

achieve it. The leader must set the

remotely is the best focus.

but in the meantime, you can look

Optimism contains hope within

direction; you can, out of necessity, achieve much more than you think. With my coaching clients, progress

I am not saying let’s not move forward. I am saying taking account of current reality in the situation will

to set realistic goals that will enable organisations, teams and individuals to grow. Situations can look overwhelming.

can only be made towards solutions,

help avoid the stress of an unrealistic

once we have dealt with the present

goal or a great goal with an unrealistic

Often it is not necessarily a change

reality of what they want to go after.

timeframe. Goals are about hope. Any

in circumstances that enables you

When the reality of where we are is

hope can be eroded if projects have

to get through it but the way in

established then options to move

been poorly conceived without due

which you view those circumstances.

forward can be planned with clarity

regard for where we are now. In my

Resilience can be built when you

and certainty. It could be that the

experience involving people in the

change your view. “Sometimes when

goal is to get a new project off the

decision-making process, who will

you’re in a dark place you think you’ve

ground that will increase sales and

be affected by it, will mean a greater

been buried, but you’ve actually been

revenue. Great. But, if the team is

ownership and appreciation of the

planted.”– Christine Caine.

Is Your Business Ready? We live in changing times New business practices Ever changing technologies New and changing markets

Is your business ready to face these and other challenges? At QRB we offer a range of training and coaching services for you and your teams to adapt and adopt to your changing environment We help your people plan, monitor and adapt changes to your business to help you achieve better, smarter and more structured ways of working

PRINCE2 PRINCE2 Agile AgilePM

Change Management ITIL4 Service Management

Put your teams through a real working simulation so they can practice their new skills in safe environments and embed their new knowledge and learning. All our consultants are experienced practitioners in their field. Bringing real life examples to embellish the core material and facilitate the learning of the group.

The Business Bulletin

Creating space for your team to thrive Did you know that in Norwegian, Tomrom means empty space or void? When thinking of a name for the business this one stood out for me because team coaching is about creating space to think, to be more and to become greater than the sum of your parts. Cheerlead – be proud

Care

Who doesn’t love a cheerleader? In

Seems a simple thing to do but how

the UK we are a little less accustomed

regularly do we see a disengaged

to cheerleading than our American

leadership? Engagement is bandied

cousins but that doesn’t mean we

about a lot these days and rightly so

shouldn’t give it a go. One of the

as it is key but I like to put things in

primary functions of the leader of

plain language. If you do not show

a team is to support their team

that you are interested in what your

but more than that I want you to

team do or say or think they why

■ Cheerlead

celebrate them, tell everyone who will

should they bother contributing?

■ Care

listen how great they are, have their

How do you create that “space” for a team? It doesn’t matter if your a team of 2 or 102 the basics are the same. I have made a list and then gone into more detail below because once you know what to do you can keep this handy list nearby to remind you of the commitment you have made to the team. My team guide:

■ Feast on feedback ■ Don’t play the blame game ■ Knock-out negativity ■ Include ■ Know yourself ■ Walk your talk

backs when things are getting tough and give credit when due. Push for your team too, get them

So listen and listen well, nod and lean in to hear more, ask questions to better understand, DON’T assume you know what they are going to

what they need be it personal or

say! Let people know it is good to

professional development or greater

share their opinions and that you

flexibility in working patterns. They

want to hear them. Show that you

need to know you are on their side, in

understand their thoughts even

their corner and will fight for them.

when you disagree. This shows them

26 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

Mhairi Richardson

to challenge in the first place so

how the opinions they gave shaped

encourage people to push back

that decision? What other demands

against the “norm” or the “we do it this

or constraints did you have to

way” mentality. If people know they

consider? They may not like your

can challenge they also then accept

decision or agree with it but they

more accountability for their actions.

will appreciate the explanation and therefore continue to contribute.

Tomrom Team Coaching

Don’t play the blame game

Mhairi specialises in coaching teams to

This is a tricky one to maintain but the

help them achieve more and improve their wellbeing. Her focus is on building trust within the team and a combination of coaching, mentoring and facilitation and she can tailor the program to the needs of your business. She enjoys working with newly formed teams, established team or teams who just feel they should be achieving more. Mhairi is also a coach with a strong SME background, a focus on the detail, a high level of emotional intelligence and a strong desire to develop talent and grow high performing teams. 07970 002129 mhairi.richardson@tomrom.co.uk tomrom.co.uk

change will bring about a much more engaged team and generally much more. “What”, “why” and “how” have a tendency to prevail but it’s best to reframe the questions to something more like “how can we improve this for next time?” Wherever possible use “we” in your analysis or questions, making sure that it is a collective focus on error avoidance either, we all need to make mistakes and push the boundaries to learn and grow.

calling out negative behaviour

Keep your face positive and alert,

becomes easier as the whole team

something as simple as a yawn

will call people out on it. In the early

can send a very negative message

days, it is important to decide what

(not rocket science!). This alone

is or isn’t acceptable within your

will increase motivation and their

team and then you have to be brave

engagement in work.

and call it out when you see things are unacceptable. Often negativity

benefit from being given a different perspective. It broadens our thinking and helps us to grow. When we feel listened to and cared about we feel more confident in giving and

become more aware? There are many profiling tools in the market place (Myers Briggs, DISC and they can help you to know yourself better, to understand where you feel comfortable and where you don’t

may behave differently to others.

and actually care what they think.

important for everyone, we all

of your own impact? How do you

which each member of the team

Once you have a strong team culture

Seriously though feedback is so

those around you? Are you aware

but they also identify key areas in

you are interested and engaged

Who doesn’t love a bit of feedback?

Do you conduct 360 feedback from

Insights to name but a few) and

responsibility. Try not to drive the

Knock out negativity

Feast on feedback

Know yourself – and encourage your team to do the same.

Doing as a team also raises trust in the whole group and can encourage people to feel more comfortable with each other and should allow for an element of accountability on behaviours within the team. Most of the teams I have worked with have done this to some degree.

starts small and just the odd voice

Walk your talk

but if unquashed it will grow into a

Or live your values, if you as a business

disruptive force. If members of the team speak negatively about peers, or the program or processes then talk to them about it. Let them know that as a team you work together and negativity will not be tolerated.

stand for openness and innovation then you must make sure that you are open to hearing challenging new ideas and give your people a platform to make suggestions. Another one to consider is to tell your stories with your team, share your failures as well

receiving feedback so make it part

Include

of the team culture. Be open to

Often we ask others for their opinions

someone approaching your desk

on a decision and then make a

to share some critical comments or

decision that seems to have ignored

information. Believe it or not, conflict

their input. Once you make a decision

or constructive challenge has a very

do you feedback on why it was made

positive effect on teamwork but

that way? Have you explained the

people have to feel comfortable

reasoning behind your decision or

as your triumphs. Often this will help the team to feel more connected with you and encourage a feeling of safety when discussing failure. Step by step if you embrace these steps you will improve your teams and probably all your working relationships.

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 27

The Business Bulletin

What is a trusted service leader?

Leaders lead people, rather than processes – the vision of that strong and unwavering leader who has all the answers is a thing of the past. In fact, many incredibly successful leaders are blatant service leaders – but what is service leadership?

Service leadership is that powerful

unlock their leadership

planning. They describe everything

characteristic that encompasses the

potential

in the context of the impact it will

heart to serve, the call to lead, and the courage to engage. ■ Heart to serve – is not about

■ Courage to engage – is the ability to recognise and accept collaboration as the

downgrading your position,

key to success, and to work

more about realising that your

consistently with collaboration

abilities, passions, and skills

rather than isolation

have a dramatic and positive

Heart to serve

effect to help others to reach

+ Call to lead

their potential

+ Courage to engage

■ Call to lead – is about

= Service leadership

answering that drive that transfers ideas into actions,

have on their client or customer.They create a common ‘service language’ across an organisation that’s accessible for all roles, and they walk the walk – by demonstrating new and different examples of their vision every day. They actively remove the barriers to their team’s success, and they are super consistent in all their service traits. They put in place service measures alongside the traditional

Great service leaders also share

sales and margin measures. And

creates the vision, and shows

other traits like talking ‘service’ 24/7

ultimately, they inspire trust, that

the way, and helps others

rather than processes, products, or

very fragile two-way bond that

28 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

allows others to follow them with

are important to supervise others,

honest, and building that ‘always on’

confidence and allows the leader

play by the ‘rules’, read the maps

demonstration of solid values that

to trust in the skills, intent, and

they’re handed – however, he points

supports others like a brick wall.

capability of their teams.

out that this tells you nothing about

Service leadership and trust go hand in hand, and by being able to show that their self-orientation is outward-facing (focused on the needs and success of others) rather than inward (focused on ‘what’s in it

how comfortable these managers are to lead into new territory, create, innovate and influence others to

they recognise does it better, without

degree of trust.

concern for their own status.

functional leader from service leader.

there is a balance though: too much

This doesn’t mean the success of

trust either way could mean clues or

the organisation isn’t important – it’s

signposts to failure, poor performance

simply a matter of how you get there –

or lack of capability is missed – blind

and if your values and beliefs are based

trust without evidence. Too little trust,

on the whole team delivering the

however, can lead to a ‘command &

success and sharing in the celebration

control’ leadership style or worse, a

and reward, that’s service leadership.

cynical workforce. Trust is a powerful emotion and must never be overused or exploited. Great service leaders are always realistic and open to the possibilities of what might happen and encourage others to be aware of the same.

the lines between institutional and personal trust – it’s a fragile link.

Lindsey is a passionate trainer and learning consultant, driven by a firm belief that harnessing the input of clients, customers and employees and bringing those together, is the most super valuable business resource. She loves to work with organisations that move people (train/ plane/airport/coach), logistics, call centres, engineering – in fact, if you rely on a remote workforce to deliver your service

honesty. Again, great service leaders their personal values, the behaviours that reinforce your beliefs, even if this means sometimes challenging organisational behaviours. too – service leaders understand the organisation and is impacted by

people shift from ‘process-led’ to ‘service-

their base ‘values’.

that help to realise your targets. 07778 787352 lindsey@specificlc.com specificlc.com

through showing rather than telling. In summary – the benefits of a trusted service leadership mindset make perfect business sense – here’s our take on why:

Heart to serve

ask for help ■ Creating reliable teams who and fairness

Call to lead ■ Creating a shared vision and together ■ Forging the path into new

that trust extends wider than just

anything showing incongruence with

adaptations, rather than massive changes

never expected and always won

purpose – glueing the team

They consider the external factors

passion comes from wanting to help your

– and its often small adjustments or

peers or colleagues over time – it’s

are consistent and aligned in living

Facebook revelations, fake news or

have great people, services and products

of relationships with teams, leaders,

have a shared sense of respect

This is navigated by using sincere

proposition, Lindsey understands you. Her

led’ thinking. She believes clients already

organisation through various phases

share the load – delegate and

there can often be a blurring of

Specific Learning & Coaching

Trust is never a given though and it’s built, particularly within an

■ The ability to appropriately

In any organisational situation

Lindsey Marriott

service leaders – they have the ability help or delegating to someone who

forward – which requires a high As with any emotional aspect,

Branson says that good managers

important and strong characteristic of to share their weaknesses, asking for

follow them and take the venture

for them/the organisation’) defines a

In his book, The Virgin Way, Richard

Finally, laser self-awareness is an

ventures – guiding and trusting the collective to turn source into resource

Courage to engage

Therefore, being completely honest and authentic is critical as a service leader – after all who can hold two personas for long? So, by living

■ Ensure confidentiality where needed. ■ Consistently tweak the flow

personal values throughout, great service leaders continue to deepen

without disrupting through

that trusted relationship with their

listening, correcting and

teams by always being authentic and

being curious

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 29

The Business Bulletin

Spotllight on… 30 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

Spotllight on…

The Business Bulletin

Spotlight on Dan O’Connor Dan has spent more than 28 years as a manager, leader and strategist in the corporate world, which involved leading projects, developing strategies and solutions; together with supporting individuals and teams. He is a life coach, hypnotherapist and founder of Clock and Compass Coaching. In this interview we find out what makes him tick and what drives his passion for helping people.

What was your journey that brought

it’s very much about working with

lives: career change, confidence, self-

you to where you are today?

the individuals, the connection, the

belief, motivation, project planning,

I was born and brought up in

rapport and the relationship.

fitness, well-being and improving

West London, the youngest of six

During those two years, I not only

work life balance. I know from my 28 years in the corporate world, my work

children. So quite a big family, four

learned a hell of a lot about coaching

older sisters and a brother. All my

and counselling, I also learned so

childhood schooling and my first 10

much about myself. Learning about

years of my work life, were all based

my personality: why I do what I do,

in the hustle and bustle of London.

my values, my beliefs, and just so

Do you think every business should

I moved to Northamptonshire in

much more. It was a really deep and

have a coach? And if so, what do

the late 80s and joined Snap-on

valuable journey of self-discovery.

you think the benefits are of having

Hypnotherapy has become an

someone that coaches you through

Incorporated in early ‘89, which would turn out to be the last

life balance was pretty much all over the place.

important aspect of my business as

your business?

well. I work with individuals, either

I didn’t have a coach while I was in the

through coaching or hypnotherapy

corporate world. I’m a firm believer

spending more than 28 years with

on areas where my clients are looking

that everybody would benefit from

the company until I decided to take

to make a positive change in their

having a coach. I have my own coach

company I would work for. I enjoyed a successful career,

the leap of faith and left them in 2017 to become a full-time student with the intention of starting up my own business. I studied for two years with The Coaching Academy, where I qualified as a professional personal performance coach. At the same time, I also studied person

Create a life that you don’t need a vacation from

centred counselling, which again was very important for me because

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 31

The Business Bulletin

Spotllight on…

- I’m coached once a month by my own personal performance coach. It helps to keep me on track, helps me with any projects I have and any goals that I‘m looking to achieve. This is really important for me making sure that I’m checking in with myself and that I’m aligned with my core values. There are always things in life we would like to be, do, have or change in some way. Having studied and personally coached hundreds of people now, as well as being coached - it’s such a powerful thing and such a major benefit. We think that we can do everything on our own, but many people fail in what they want to try and achieve. Or they may be getting there; perhaps not quite the way they want to do it, or it takes much longer for them to achieve it. Coaching is such a powerful thing. What’s your “why”? What drives you, gets you out of bed in the morning and motivates you to do what you do? My “why” is around becoming less of a manager and more of a leader. I became focused on working with and helping people. It was clear to me that I wanted to live a more balanced,

I came across a quote that is one of

get an amazing feeling of satisfaction

my favourites – “create a life that you

when I can see the transformation in

don’t need a vacation from”. That is

my clients, and I celebrate that success

such an important thing for me.

with them.

I love my life. I’m passionate and

happier fulfilling life. One that wasn’t

driven to keep moving forward to keep

There are a lot of coaches out

possible for me in corporate world

learning and developing to be the best

there, there’s life coaches, business

with the ever increasing demands

version of me. In that way I can help

coaches, there’s business advisors -

and expectations and the long hours.

my clients in such a powerful way. I

all sort of like shapes and sizes. What do you think makes you different from your competitors?

Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of the living soul.

I believe what makes me different is I’ve been on this journey of personal development and growth for more than 30 years. It was 1994 when I first got into this through management course I attended by the late, great Stephen R. Covey: The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People. I started investing in my own growth and personal development and learning; to the point where I feel that the work that I do is very, very natural, very intuitive. When I’m working with a client I don’t need to turn on the “I’m

32 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

workshops, mentoring and found suppliers to help me with my branding, website and marketing.

I help my clients to align with their core values, so they spend more time doing what matters most in their lives

For any business owner out there, what is your top tip? Over the past year or so I’ve been networking and I’ve heard the term so many times now: “people buy from people” and how important that is to our business. My tip is to keep on the road of growth and personal development – think about who we are, how we think, what we do, how we connect with others – it all comes from within. Many of us don’t think twice about spending 10s, if not hundreds

working” switch – it’s my life, this is

sessions. His comments at the end

of 1000s of pounds on a house, or a

how I am 24-7.

of my final assessment captured the

car or a holiday. How much do we

essence of how I work with my clients

invest in our own personal growth

when he quoted Carl Jung, by saying

and development, our well-being, or

- “Learn your theories as well as you

our health? We can be so busy in life

can, but put them aside when you

that we lose sight and disconnect

touch the miracle of the living soul.”

from what matters most from our

Absolutely. That’s what I do!

core values. Take a little time to step

Because of this my work is very intuitive, which has been helped through many of my life experiences and is enhanced through my spiritual journey of self-discovery. I started attending meditation and mindfulness groups. I found a real deep inner calm and peace within myself, and in turn with the world around me. I then took

back for some quiet reflection - think about your core values, what the most

Since you started your business, what would you say has been the

this a step further with Reiki healing.

biggest challenge that you faced?

After first receiving Reiki, I then went

When I worked in the corporate world I

on to study it. I studied the history,

was very focused, but almost blinkered

the techniques, and I was attuned to

in some respects, on my area of the

the energies, passing my level one,

business in finance services. Even

two, and ultimately becoming a Reiki

though I knew all the other areas of the

Master Practitioner. I am very much

business going on around me: sales,

about the energy side of things within

marketing, etc - I didn’t really need to

my life and work. When I work with

know about them because my focus

a client, it’s not only about working

was on the finance departments. The

with their mind, it’s working with the

biggest challenge for me when I came

whole of the person - their mind, their

into my own business was to learn

body and their energy. I find that so

about these areas as much as I could.

important. Having that connection

So, what I did after completing my

with a client, where you can work on so

studies, was to sign up to a number of

many levels.

business workshops

Through my studies I wanted to

important things are to you in your life, and how aligned you are to your values. If happiness is a core value for you, how aligned are you to this in what you are doing in all areas of your life? Within my coaching I help my clients to align with their core values, so they spend more of their time doing what matters most to them. I’ll leave you with a quote from the world of personal development: “the best project you will ever work on. is you” - Sony Franco.

Watch the interview

Also networking through The

challenge myself. I wanted the person

Business Community, I’ve met some

This is an extract of a video

to assess and grade me in all my live

amazingly talented people - small

interview – to watch the

coaching sessions to be the Director

business owners - it’s enabled me

full session, visit: https://

of the Coaching Academy. This is a

to make some great connections

www.youtube.com/

man who has assessed and graded

and collaborations. I’ve received so

watch?v=BS20jMFFw7I

more than 10,000 live coaching

much support through networking:

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 33

Spotllight on…

The Business Bulletin

Is having a vision or mission important for a small business? Hands up if you have a vision or mission for your business? I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t. I didn’t either when I put myself forward for this article. Sshhhh! Don’t tell! At least I didn’t have it written down in a formalised way.

34 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

Let’s figure this out together! Firstly,

big picture goal of their business.

what does vision and mission actually

Compare it to their mission

mean?

statement which is “connect the world’s professionals to make them

What is a mission statement? A mission statement is set in the

more productive and successful”. This clearly says what they do and who for. Marie-Louise O’Neill

present and describes why your

Let’s go on holiday…

company exists. The focus is on what

Here’s another way of looking at what

you are doing in your business right

a vision and mission means: The

now.

vision is the road map and sometimes

Lovely Evolution

likened to the North Star. The mission Examples: ■ Linkedin: Connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful. ■ TED: Spread ideas. ■ IKEA: To create a better everyday life for the many people. Let’s look a bit closer at the TED

is where you are right now.

Marie-Louise specialises in logo and branding evolution; keeping your brand fresh, up to date and ahead of the pack. She offers a comprehensive range of visual services – from logo design, social media templates and website design in the

If you were to plan out a journey to get to a holiday destination or fun day out, you need to know your starting point (your mission). You would picture

digital space, to printed brochures, adverts, banners and packaging. She’s equipped with a breadth of design knowledge and more than 16 years’ industry experience. 07736 234059

the type of day out you want, activities and so on (your vision). You would do

ml@lovelyevolution.co.uk

some research, consider your options

lovelyevolution.co.uk

and then pick the location. You and your family would look forward to the upcoming trip and feel excited about the fun you will have when you

And you are right… You don’t HAVE

mission statement, which has only

get there (your connection with your

to have one. You can still have a

two words, but says it all. They really

vision). The same is true for your vision

successful business without a mission

do “Spread ideas” through every talk

and mission when it comes to your

statement plastered all over your

and video they share. They may have

business. You need to have that clarity

website and everywhere else.

recorded some of the most famous

over who you are and what you do and

presentations in the world but they

who it’s for and why you do what you

still keep their mission at the heart of

do. You already say a version of this:

what they do.

What is a vision statement? A vision statement is future based and shows the direction of your business is going in. It can also be about your core values, your dreams and goals.

what you do. So too can your vision

networking meetings.

and mission make all the difference for

■ You talk about it in one to

your business right now and future.

ones with people.

Here’s some key benefits of having a vision and/or mission:

■ It may be in your text on your website and about section on social media.

of the global workforce. ■ Oxfam: A just world without poverty. You can see that Linkedin’s vision is future based and shares the

■ Helps you and your employees to make both small and big

just haven’t given it the lofty label of ‘mission/vision statement’.

decisions. ■ When planning a new service or product, you can make sure

■ LinkedIn: Create economic opportunity for every member

professional, appeals to your target market and clearly communicates

■ in your 45 second pitch at

You probably already have one, but

Examples:

But just like having a well designed logo means your business looks

it is aligned with your purpose and goals.

Why have a vision or mission?

■ It can inspire the business owner, the team, and

As a smaller business you may be thinking “that’s all very well and good for a large global business, but I don’t need one”.

customers. ■ In leadership within the company, it can be a guide on

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 35

The Business Bulletin

And here’s my attempt at my vision statement:

The vision is the road map and …the mission is where you are right now.

“Five years from now, MarieLouise at Lovely Evolution, will be globally recognised as the go to expert in branding with Canva, with a series of books, online courses and programmes that transforms the businesses she works with.”

What next? how to lead and sets the tone of leadership style. ■ The exercise of writing out your statements can bring real clarity to you and in turn can

■ What are you and your business being recognised for? For example, awards, featured in any leading publications etc. ■ Imagine what you would say

help you share your message

when being interviewed about

more clearly in your marketing.

your business in the future.

How to create a mission statement Ask yourself the following questions:

“Using Canva to collaborate with entrepreneurs and virtual assistants to create branding with the flexibility to evolve over time.”

How to create a vision statement Now it’s time to ask yourself some more questions: ■ Where do you see your business five years (or more) from now? ■ What will your business have accomplished?

home page or about page. ■ Make sure it’s on your about

profiles on social media.

and create a vision board with a montage of glued magazine cut-

You can also gather visual information

new mission statement:

your website, either on the

personal and company

philosophical)

tense. Here’s my attempt at my shiny

■ Include your statement on

white board. You can be more visual

Powerpoint to create a mood board.

on the present and written in present

time to put it to good use.

section on your various

exist? (let’s not get too

As I mentioned, it should be based

combined into one paragraph… it’s

notebook, on sticky notes, or on a

outs. Or go digital and use Canva or

■ Who do you work with?

vision statement, either separately or

You can write these down on a

■ Why do we (the business)

■ What are you doing right now?

Now that you have your mission and

and ideas onto a Pinterest board (careful you don’t get lost in Pinterest as it can be a bit addictive!). Once you have this list of future accomplishments, you then extract

■ Share your vision with your staff, clients, investors etc. You could mention it in a newsletter, make an announcement, or create a short video. ■ Print out the statement and put it on your wall in your office. ■ Maybe commission a smart

the most essential parts of your vision.

looking sign for your reception

What are key highlights or what

if you have premises.

was most important? Do you have a particular time frame that you want to achieve these goals? Why not use this equation to start building your vision statement: Five years) from now, (my business name) will ____________ by _____________________. For example: Five years from now, The Polo Bar & Restaurant will be rated as a “five-star” restaurant in Northampton

■ If you create a vision board, put it somewhere you see frequently, like your office. You can also take a picture of it and use it as a desktop screen saver for your laptop and use it for your phone. The more you see it both consciously and subconsciously, the more likely your vision will become a reality. I hope this has helped and inspired

by consistently providing top notch

you to relook at or write a new

food and outstanding service that

mission and vision statement for your

creates an exceptional and fun dining

business.

experience for family and friends.

36 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

What’s the difference between a mentor, coach and advisor? Mentor. Coach. Advisor. We often hear these three words and job titles in the business world in a myriad of conversations, articles and reports. However, what do they actually do and why is it important to know the difference between them? Firstly, they are all different. The

provide information and direction. Is

roles can be fluid which is why

the distinction becoming clearer?

there is often some confusion

From a personal perspective and

over the differences in approach

my own experience, I doubt it! All

but fundamentally, the roles have

three ‘titles’ have usually undergone

different skills and attributes which

training, had experience of business

have their own benefits to clients

or corporate life and will have an

and supporting businesses. It is

intention to want to help you to

crucial to understand which role

succeed. So how do you know who

covers what aspects to ensure that

to work with and how to bring

you engage the correct person to

someone on board to help you and

support you – or that you market

your business?

yourself (if you are a mentor, coach or advisor) in the right area.

Much of this relates to personal chemistry and that sounds as though

If you’re looking for someone

it is going to be harder to assess.

who has ‘been there and done

Leaving that aside, temporarily, I

that’, a mentor could be the

would always recommend that you

best option. However, if you

think about what you are looking to

want someone to help

achieve from this relationship. Make a list – is it important to you that

you clarify your goals and encourage and

they have an understanding of your sector? (it shouldn’t matter, but if

challenge you to

you are new to working with a coach,

achieve those goals, look to

mentor or advisor it is important

a coach. An

to understand the credentials of

advisor, on the

someone and that can translate to

other hand, and

sector experience or the leadership

often a business

level of people they have worked

consultant, may

with previously, for example). Do

well have particular

you want to know who else they

specialisms where they can

have worked with? Do they have any

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 37

The Business Bulletin

Answering those questions might lead you to put aside your checklist

Think about what you are looking to achieve from this relationship.

or use it to validate your choices. Whatever the outcome, you will know that you have carefully chosen to work with this person – this mentor, coach or adviser – and have the start of a professional relationship that will help you move forward. Whether it is a quick answer/ signposting, short-term/projectbased or a longer-term business support relationship, I would always

previous clients who would provide

And now you are armed with

a reference? How long have they

your checklist. My assertion is that

been established or qualified? The

actually the key aspect of any of

potential for this ‘list’ could go on….

these relationships is about trust.

Are you looking for help with a particular project or something longer term? There is an assumption, clumsily worded here by me that mentors are for months, coaches are for concerns and advisers are for answers, suggesting that when we want to know what to do quickly we will go to an adviser and we can make a decision about the advice or consultancy we receive. When we need to have something ‘fixed’ or we are looking to be better, work through a specific problem or project, then a coach will help us do that. If we want the longer term relationship, a mentor internally from within the business or externally procured, is the best route. But we are still making assumptions. In that list of things to think about, don’t forget to articulate

I’ve personally worked with all three – mentors, coaches and advisors (as well as providing those services to

personally assess aspects such as your own self-confidence alongside

between success and failure, growth or stagnation, personal discovery or disappointment. Good luck!

ongoing relationship with the individual that secures the deal (or not). If possible, I would always recommend a chemistry session: a get to know you short meeting where you can ask questions and find out what you need to know about them, whilst working out whether you could work with the person. Most will offer a shorter session to enable you to do this. Be yourself, ask questions and listen. Perhaps think about these three things: ■ Who is talking the most? potential client)

will mean that you need to rate and

journey. It makes the difference

but it is about my immediate and

the relationship has been a success.

important, but don’t forget that it

you on that business development

help get the relationship started,

(it should be you as the

relationship to have? Metrics are

procuring someone to walk with

others) – and I know that credentials

how you are going to judge whether What impact do you want this

suggest you consider inviting or

■ Can I see examples of how this person would be working with me? (you will know it when you see it!) ■ Do I think and feel that

leadership and management skills.

this person will be able to

Proficient support will be able to

support and challenge me to

translate that into a specific return on

grow personally and develop

investment – even if it does relate to

my business? (an intuitive or

the so-called ‘softer’ skills.

‘gut’ response)

38 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

Rachel Mallows MBE

The Mallows Company

Rachel Mallows MBE is a Northamptonshire businesswoman with over 30 years’ experience in delivering training, coaching, mentoring and business support. The Mallows Company provides careers guidance to adults and in schools; training, mentoring, project management and consultancy to SMEs and larger businesses of all sectors. Rachel was awarded the MBE for her services to Business and Entrepreneurship in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours List in 2016 and was made a Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire in the same year. 01933 664437 rachel@themallowscompany.com themallowscompany.com

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A journey through equality, diversity and inclusion When asked if I’d be interested in writing something. I thought, why not? Then when it comes to the reality of having to commit ‘pen to paper’, the question is where to start. Because the area of equality, diversity and inclusion covers many things and is so vast it’s difficult to stick to one area.

I’ll start off with responding to: Are

■ Am I comfortable discussing

As one of my learned colleagues

there questions you should never

issues of race, sex, age,

often said when asked for a definition:

ask? In my opinion, there are no

transgender or disability?

‘Equality is being asked to the party

questions which you can’t ask. It just depends on your motives and how you do it. First of all, ask yourself, what do I know about equality, diversity and inclusion? If the answer is, I know what the words mean then go on to the next questions. ■ Do I value equality, diversity and inclusion? ■ Do I know what the benefits

I will come back to some of these questions.

Key concepts of equality, diversity and inclusion So, in order to get ourselves a baseline, we need to ask the question. What do we mean by equality, diversity and inclusion? In real terms, the key concepts of

and inclusion is being asked to dance’. There is key legislation such as the Equality Act, Human Rights Act and employment laws which protect individuals from discrimination and ensure that everyone is valued as an individual. Equality, diversity and inclusion is a commitment by an individual, business or organisation to follow anti-discriminatory practices. They work to ensure that any instance of discrimination is eliminated.

of equality and diversity are

equality, diversity and inclusion are

for myself, my business or

about promoting and respecting

and service users receive fair and

organisation?

every individual’s right to be different.

equal treatment regardless of race,

40 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

It also ensures that staff, customers

The Business Bulletin

age, sex, sexual orientation, disability,

There are however clear parameters

■ All staff and service users

religion, marital status, gender

which everyone must agree to

regardless of background or

identity, pregnancy or maternity

and abide by in the workplace. By

level of experience feel valued

(protected characteristics).

entering employment you are in effect agreeing a contract with the

What does this mean in a professional environment?

organisation and you must follow their

It must be borne in mind that

So what should we do?

everyone acts differently at work to how they are at home. Whilst we would hope that everyone follows the same principles of non-discrimination and promotion of equality in their home life it is not reasonable or practical for an organisation to monitor the behaviour of people in their home environment. There are of course exceptions e.g. social media behaviour.

policies and procedures.

■ All people should be treated as individuals ■ The impact of stereotyping is minimised ■ All staff are valued for the different skills, qualities and attributes they bring ■ All staff and service users are treated fairly with respect

■ The organisation commits to all the above principles

The benefits of diversity There are some key benefits of embedding equality and diversity in an organisation. By creating a culture of respect in an organisation this benefits everyone in the workplace and ensures that we are all valued for what we bring to our organisation. Research has shown where there is more diversity in the workplace, that teams are much more creative,

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Creating a culture of respect in an organisation this benefits everyone in the workplace ■ Sometimes there is a reluctance

and can problem solve quicker e.g.

therefore avoiding potentially

where an organisation is ‘taking on’ a

damaging discrimination claims. In

of organisations, teams and

wheelchair user for the first time. The

turn, if an organisation is prosecuted

staff to have a conversation

team have to think through practical

under the Equality Act, then their

about difference due to making

issues such as access to the building,

reputation suffers, and potential

the wrong comment, fear of

is there a lift to where the worker is

employees may be put off applying

offending or not knowing the

planned to be? If not, can they be

for positions with them.

correct terminology

based on the ground floor.

Having a diverse group of people

Of course, it is the law and by

better reflects society and in turn

promoting and valuing equality

is reflective of our customers.

and diversity then the organisation

Therefore, it is the responsibility

is complying with the law and

of every employee to support the organisation to promote equality and value diversity.

Some key gains Gender diverse organisations have been shown to outperform less gender diverse organisations by up to Garry Connor

Diversiti UK Garry is an internationally recognised trainer and public speaker. He’s been helping businesses to recognise their potential and grow their businesses for over 25 years, enabling them to recognise good equality practice. This in turn ensures they can uncover the potential within their employees. He specialises in creating and delivering tailor-made learning and development programmes to improve workforce efficiency, creativity, productivity and workplace inclusiveness. He has the unique ability to demystify equality law and explain it in a way that is accessible to everyone. 0777 9855724 garryconnor@diversiti.uk diversiti.uk

15%. Ethnically diverse organisations can outperform less ethnically diverse organisations by up to 35% It is clear that equality, diversity and

■ Stereotyping and unconscious bias can impact on the level of inclusion ■ Organisations need to use time and resource collecting and monitoring key data/ statistics linked to the protected characteristics ■ Recruitment and selection processes need to rigorous and supported by trained interviewers ■ Organisations may be hesitant in creating talent management programmes

inclusion matter

to embrace a wider range of

Some challenges

joins the organisation and

There are of course some challenges to making inclusion a reality and I have listed some of the key points below ■ Organisations and staff need to be open to change and doing things differently ■ To embrace difference there needs to be a recognition of the benefits of a diverse team, some organisations are reluctant to embrace this benefit

42 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

staff. This can impact who who gets promoted ■ Pressure on budgets may prevent organisations using financial resources on what is viewed as not essential Having begun to explore the world of equality, diversity and inclusion I would urge you to keep going on your journey.

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Emotional resilience: are you an oak or a willow? Nelson Mandela once said, “Do not judge me by my success – judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again”. When we consider emotional

For some of us, the art of resilience

against until you can stand on your

is about building strength to bear

own again. And that’s the point –

resilience specifically, building that

the strain, for others it’s about

achieving and maintaining resilience

strength comes from being able

growing new shoots to start again,

means having a choice, being able to

to consciously review and instigate

and for many of us it’s just looking

decide how to think and which tool

how you respond to stress, pressure,

for someone or something to lean

will work for which situation.

environmental impactors and the rest

44 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

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of life’s curveballs. Most often, stress

the responses that mean we can

the way you think of the stress,

and overwhelm occurs because of

CHOOSE how to respond rather than

problem, or pressure.

the enormous pressure we place on

be driven to despair? Here’s a quick

ourselves to succeed and achieve

technique to try:

The way you think effects the way you feel so you’re likely to uncover

either for ourselves or others – and of course, this has been even more evident over the last year. Another telling quote is from Hillary Clinton, who says “Always take criticism seriously but never personally” – negative self-talk can break into our stash of response choices when we’re deciding how to handle difficult situations. In fact,

a different way of responding – so

Look through your hero’s eyes:

the next time you feel stress or

Who do you know that you admire?

it, the easier it becomes – AND – you

overwhelm, you’ve got a CHOICE of how to respond…and the more you do

Who is the colleague or friend that

may realise that you are more like

always manages to cope with the

them than you think.

stresses and pressures of business

So – don’t despair & compare –

and life?

MODEL & ASPIRE instead

Try thinking like they think,

Strengthening Emotional

sometimes that negative self-talk can

mirror their behaviour, and imagine

make us feel like we don’t have any

what they would do in the same

Resilience means focusing on creating

choices at all.

circumstances – or even what they

positive, resourceful emotional states

would advise you to do. Don’t forget

as a matter of course, and practising

that this person might be YOU in

the skill of lessening negative self-talk.

So, what often happens is we hear “I’ve failed”, “I can’t cope” “I’m not capable of dealing with this” etc, particularly when you can see others around you in your business network,

a different time or during different

We all know instinctively that what

circumstances…

we think about effects how we feel,

Try to identify what you perceive to

however the link between how we feel

family or friends seemingly coping

be your ‘gap’ and review who amongst

and how we behave is not so obvious.

very well with similar pressures.

your colleagues, friends or family

We often believe we’re great at

This feeling is called ‘Despair and

demonstrates the way YOU would like

behaving ‘professionally’, managing

Compare’ and if we aren’t able to

to respond. What do they do – how do

our feelings and not showing

break out of these thoughts our

they do it – what do they say – what’s

overwhelm or stress – however even

emotional resilience will eventually

their strategy?

if we’re old hands at this, it’s just not

fracture and collapse.

Once you’ve reviewed all this, try

But how do we strengthen

their responses on for size – act as if

our emotional resilience and find

you are them and see how it affects

sustainable. When pressure or stress strikes, words like worry, anger, frustration,

Reframing Examples How I DON’T want to feel

How I DO want to feel

I’m feeling pressured and not coping, I just feel rushed, I

I want to feel in control

don’t know what to do I want to feel relaxed and composed I am in control, I can learn from others I don’t want to feel rushed, I don’t want to feel

I am feeling positive, I can do this

overwhelmed I am organised and have a plan I have all the tools, support and resource to achieve what I want

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 45

The Business Bulletin

helpless, stuck, can describe how we

Once you can clearly identify

effects how we feel – and the way

feel – and that forces behaviour like

your very own personal Towards and

we feel effects how we behave. See

short temper, lashing out at others,

Away behaviour, think about why

the examples in the table on the

closed minds and non-listening (to

procrastination is happening

others, although we always hear our internal voices!). Procrastination is another common stress response – knocking us off course and creating a whole raft of ‘interesting’ things to do that are more important than the growing workload! Here’s a great way to consider procrastination:

Towards and away from: When you next feel under pressure with your workload, grab a notebook and record ALL the actions you take to completing that piece of work – that means ALL the actions. Here’s an example from one of mine from a few years ago ■ look at the task ■ make a cup of tea ■ call a friend for a quick catch up ■ pop the washing on (working from home even then!) ■ its lunchtime now so I’ll just have a sandwich ■ tidy the fridge magnets (my lowest point!!) ■ I’ll tackle it again tomorrow…

■ Is the work boring? Try reminding yourself of the

Oak or willow?

purpose of this work for you,

Finally, emotional resilience is all

your team, your client, or

about the choices we create for

your business – re-inject that

ourselves, so we aren’t forced to take

reason and value

only one path to stress, pressure

■ Is it new, difficult, or complex? Do you need to ask for help? Or should you be chunking this piece of work out and do it in ‘sprints’ ■ Is it that you just don’t

and overwhelm. Flexibility in our responses helps to create that all important positive state – remember this old saying…“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived” – Robert Jordan, The Fires Of Heaven.

want to do it? If this is the case, and you see no value in what you’re doing and you’re unable to delegate it – ask yourself, what would happen if you didn’t? Another way to create emotional resilience is RE-FRAMING. We tend to remember things that haven’t gone as we’d planned as ‘failures’ – which makes it tough to face similar challenges. Looking at them through a different ‘window’ and simply changing your negative internal dialogue can shift your thinking – and we know now that the way we think

Charlotte Green Specific Learning & Coaching Charlotte is a leadership and management specialist, offering coaching, training, mentoring, employee and customer insight, along with

Another telling quote is from Hillary Clinton, who says “Always take criticism seriously but never personally”

associated business consultancy. She is driven by a firm belief that harnessing the input of clients, customers and employees, is a super valuable resource for every business.Charlotte is passionate about personal development, leadership resilience and customer experience and believes her clients already have great people, services and products -and it’s often small adjustments or adaptations, rather than massive changes that help to realise your targets. 07954 179010 charlotte@specificlc.com specificlc.com

46 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

Discovering your potential Very often as business owners we neglect our own personal development as the endless ‘to do‘ list takes priority. However, for some of us the last year has provided unexpected opportunities for reflection and personal growth by giving us time to really think beyond the day to day and providing the space to try out new things

I’ve been able to continue developing

employee, I’ve had to learn lots of new

When you coach someone you help

my coaching skills through webinars,

skills – some of them very quickly!

raise their self awareness and open up

tried my hand at drawing, and attended online workshops where I’ve learnt new skills and techniques that will help me continue to grow my business. However, one of my biggest

Until I experienced the benefits of being coached at first hand, I hadn’t

as a coach. In my previous

redundant, and also found myself

corporate roles I managed

dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

teams to deliver projects

These events acted as my catalyst for

and had always been a

change and I made the big decision

problem solver. Looking

to set up my own business.

back I realized that whereas

thinking about why I wanted to set up my own business and who I wanted to support. My business was ‘born’ in October 2014 and my purpose

our thoughts and make some progress.

realised what a powerful tool it could

came in 2014 when I was made

qualification and spent some time

listen to ourselves, start to untangle

building confidence is coaching.

be and it made me want to train

treatment I started a coaching

given space and silence we can really

for discovering your potential and

opportunities for personal growth

While I was going through

new lines of thinking. When we are

One of the most useful tools

I had thought I was coaching my team members I was in fact giving advice in disguise! It can be difficult to understand how coaching works and how effective it can be until you’ve tried it. A coaches’ role is to ask

then, as it still is today, was to help

questions and facilitate

people grow and develop, overcome

conversations that lead to the

obstacles, accomplish goals and enjoy

coachee coming up with their

success in their business or chosen

own answers, which is very

career. Being really clear on my

empowering. The coaching

purpose has helped guide me in the

relationship can last a lifetime,

right direction, although I have taken

or a few months and it gets

some wrong turns along the way.

richer and deeper with

As a business owner, rather than an

time and as trust builds.

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 47

The Business Bulletin

you don’t enjoy then maybe it’s time to outsource them.

Until I experienced the benefits of being coached at first hand, I hadn’t realised what a powerful tool it could be

Be your own cheerleader When you work for yourself it can sometimes be hard to maintain your motivation and the drive to move forward. We rely on our own energy to keep us going and I know mine certainly fluctuates! Having a trusted support network, or coach, on hand can help you over the dips and remind you that you are doing a great job. So don’t wait for another pandemic to think about personal development and discovering your potential – make time for it now. And even coaches need coaches!

Here are some areas where coaching

helps you understand the strengths

could help you discover your potential:

and limitations of your own natural

Defining your purpose and what success looks like

behaviour and communications style and that of others. You can learn when you might need to adapt your

As a first step to discovering your

style to improve your relationships

potential, it’s important to define your

with others and also where your blind

purpose and what does success mean

spots might be. Aristotle summed it

in your life? Ask yourself: What do you

up beautifully when he said. “Knowing

want you and your business to be

yourself is the beginning of wisdom.”

known for? Who do you really want to work with and what difference

Investigate learning opportunities

can you make? Also how will you

Consider your skills and strengths,

know when you’ve been successful?

what do you enjoy doing and what do

Success is defined by who you are

you find more difficult or takes more

and the person you aspire to be. It is

effort? Where are the possible gaps in

not a one-off thing to be ticked off

your learning or knowledge and what

a list, more like a constant journey

can you do to plug these whether

with ever changing scenery. It could

that’s a training course, finding a

be financial, career or goal related,

mentor or taking advantage of the

to do with learning something new,

free workshops and webinars that

persevering through hard times, or

might be available. Volunteering can

based on improving your knowledge

also provide worthwhile opportunities

and benefiting from different business

to develop your skills and give back

or life experiences.

at the same time. It’s important to engage in activities that appeal

Understanding what makes you tick

to your true strengths, so you can

Another tool I’ve found invaluable

explore and build on them. Plus, if

for personal development, both

extra qualifications mean you can go

personally and for clients, is

further, or develop a new business

understanding your personality and

direction then take the leap, because

communications style. I use the

as the famous L’Oréal tagline says,

DISC model but there are lots of

‘you’re worth it.’ And if you are

other similar tools available. A profile

spending too much time doing tasks

48 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

Maggie Newton

Red Clematis Coaching Maggie is an experienced personal development professional, coach and facilitator with over 30 years’ experience delivering business solutions and effective behaviour change, gained across a range of companies and sectors. When redundancy coincided with a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 she took the opportunity to set up Red Clematis Coaching to focus on what she loves doing – helping individuals and teams develop and grow. She believes learning should be fun, collaborative, as well as practical. Clients and colleagues value her insightful, encouraging approach and ability to put them at ease quickly. She is also an Associate for Working With Cancer, providing support and guidance to help both individuals, and their employers, manage work and cancer, whether that’s returning to work or continuing to work with advanced cancer. 07734 080073 maggie@redclematis.co.uk redclematis.co.uk

The Business Bulletin

Redundancy – what next? Looking at the big picture, avoiding the knee jerk decision and making the most of the opportunity

When people get news of an

much more than just the last job

impending redundancy, they can

and much of your experience is

rush into action but may miss

transferable. Whilst job descriptions

opportunities by not thinking deeply

typically ask for specific sector and

or broadly enough.

functional experience, this is because the ad is written to describe their

Employment

ideal candidate. Great attitude,

When the decision is to get another

and evidence of where you have

job, we find that people can think quite narrowly and limit their options by believing that the only choice is to replace the last role with something incredibly similar. Of course, if you keep repeating this exercise your options will ultimately become more limited further down your career path. We suggest completing a really

Jo Thurman

Personal Career Management

clear motivation, transferable skills contributed and previously learnt can trump specific experience. Don’t limit yourself to only look at more of the same unless you really enjoy it and staying in the same field isn’t career limiting further down the line.

Jo is a career and outplacement coach with an absolute passion for helping people reach their potential, to have confidence in their employability and to know how to find and secure work that they love. For more than 25 years, she has supported and guided individuals to make good career decisions and achieve career success; from those starting out as new graduates through to board level

Another pitfall is to only look at roles that are being advertised. List out your personal and professional

thorough audit of everything you

network, including customers,

have to offer. List out all of your

colleagues, ex colleagues, suppliers

areas of expertise, your experience,

and share with them the options

skills, qualifications and training

you are looking for as these can

and your career achievements. This

be a hugely valuable source of

will help you see that you are so

unadvertised opportunities.

appointments. She has partnered with startups to multinationals across all major industries and job functions in both the UK and Europe to identify great talent and great cultural fits. 07950 108689 jothurman@personalcareermanagement.com personalcareermanagement.com

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 49

at play and help them get clarity on priorities and actions and create a plan.

When? Understanding timescales is important as urgency may be playing quite loudly in your decision making. When do you need to be earning? What financial cushion do you have, or changes could you make? In coaching sessions this very often confirms an initial takeaway action to clarify your financial picture. Also, consider where you are in your personal and professional life journey – how much longer do you need or want to be working for? Is what comes next the last stage of your career or do you still see a number of steps? How does it fit with life goals? Are there any other key milestones you want to put in the picture?

Where? Think not just the obvious geographical base, which may of

Self-employment An alternative many consider after redundancy is becoming selfemployed. A natural and at face value attractive looking option to remove the possibility of being made redundant again; but of course, it offers no guarantee of business success. Do you have a viable idea, or could you piggyback someone else’s via the huge array of franchises now available? If having full control is important to you, then franchise might not be the best solution. Whilst the business failure rate is lower than independent start-ups, you may have to trade lower risk for less flexibility on how you deliver the business. Beyond wanting to be in control of your destiny, what else is behind your desire for self-employment? What’s

to fund your personal expenses and

course be much less of an issue

business working capital before

post Covid with home working, but

you can start withdrawing money

also the organisational context of

from the business? Again, a really

where you have worked before and

thorough skills and expertise audit is

what this might mean about future

important to understand what you

options. Capture everything about

will bring to business management

the types of businesses you have

and what skills you need to buy in or

worked with, their size, ownership,

upskill in.

age, product or service, customer and market profile. Capture any key

Some prompts to help get clarity

company targets you have on your

Your decision may not be as binary

organisation or the culture you want

as employment or self-employment because it’s not just the immediate outcome that is important but understanding how each decision may play out in the rest of your working life. I use an exercise in my coaching

radar. Now consider what’s important to you about your cultural fit to any to establish in your own business. What behaviours and ethos fits well with you?

How? Is a permanent option the only one ahead? How viable and attractive

your attitude to and capacity for risk?

work with clients to help them to dig

would working on a series of

How far will your settlement stretch

deep and consider all the variables

contracts be to you? Can you carry

50 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

what might be an income gap and a variable income? If you need more time to plan for this and create the right platform financially, then this may be stage 2 of your career plan. Could this be about creating a portfolio of income sources with a side hustle of self-employment whilst

What?

for work life balance, for challenge or

This can be one of the trickiest

so important to consider. What do

areas of reflection as it requires you to really think about what you can do and want to do. We don’t work with job titles but get you thinking about how you want to spend your

it grows?

time. What problems do you want

Who?

skills and knowledge will you be

Do you already know your future

might need to plug?

employer or business partner? Who could help? Map out the

someone to come to you with? What leveraging? What gaps are there you

communities of people and actual

Why?

individuals who could be approached.

Whilst income may be a key driver,

What sort of manager are you

what else is at play here that you

seeking out who brings out the best

want from your working life? Drivers

in you? What sorts of people do you

can include a need for structure, for

want to surround yourself with?

purpose, for learning, for progression,

stimulation. This is very personal and you want to be the same and what do you want to be different? This reflection exercise takes time and is valuable whatever your circumstances. It will help you to identify your priorities and what’s clear and where your gaps are. With this clarity and focus you can take action to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

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Ask the experts Do you have a burning question that you would like the answer to? Or maybe you’re looking for some advice to help your business? In each edition some questions will be shared and answered by some of The Business Bulletin experts.

Q. How do I go about selling my

agreement/business transfer

what you’re plans are, these may be

business?

agreement.

agreeable or something to water

A. I’d recommend anyone selling a business to have a good accountant and tax advisor to work out the best most tax efficient way of selling. I’d also recommend a lawyer who is experienced in business sales. A key to selling a business is the legal structure and documents. There will be either a share purchase agreement (if you’re selling shares in the company) or an asset sale

The buyer will want the seller to give warranties on as many things as possible. A warranty is saying something is true/correct. The consequence is if it turns out to be inaccurate or untrue they will withold money or sue you. So a seller’s solicitor will want to minimise your exposure to onerous warranties. There may be restrictions in the agreements. Depending on

down. And what about payment. You want to make sure you’re going to get paid. If any element of the purchase price is deferred you want to make sure you do get paid. There are so many legal aspects to consider when selling your business so the top tip has to be: have a great team of advisors around you. Steven Mather Nexa Law A. Selling a business is a big decision

Contributing experts

for most business owners and it’s important to get it right. It’s also a decision that most people leave until the last minute and my advice is always to consider your business exit strategy at an early stage and plan how you are going to go about it. If you’ve never given any thought to

Steven Mather

Mike Ainsworth

Nexa Law

EMF Group

selling your business then the first two questions will probably be: ■ Is my business sellable? ■ How much is it worth? The quick way to get an answer to both questions is to ask a professional. An accountant or a business transfer

Paul Green

Dan O’Connor

The Business Community

Clock and Compass Coaching

agent would be a good start. There are also online portals selling businesses like Daltonsbusiness.com or Businessesforsale.com and a skim

52 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development

The Business Bulletin

through the listings will give you a sense as to whether there are other businesses like yours on the market. If you decide that your business is sellable and you want to go ahead and sell it to a third party (i.e. not an employee, business acquaintance or family member) then my first advice is to get it ready for sale. Just as you wouldn’t try to sell a house in poor condition then there are steps you can take to ensure your business is seen at its best such as getting your accounts up straight. Your main decision then is whether to try to sell the business yourself or whether to appoint an agent to sell it for you. The first option is cheaper of course and I’ve given you the names of the two main portals. On the other hand, appointing an agent will allow you to get on with running your business whilst it’s being sold and the majority of the agent’s commission will only be paid if a suitable buyer is actually found. Mike Ainsworth EMF Group Q. How do I go about choosing a business coach?

a franchise and thinks they’re a coach.

capitalise on the opportunities and

Not dissing franchise coaches at all,

overcome the problem.

A. I think when considering a coach

some I know clearly know their beans!

the first question is what do you want

But just think about who it is you

out of a coach.

really want and why.

Do you want someone to help with a specific area of expertise? For

know they can “do what they say on

Steven Mather

the tin”! Look at references, maybe ask

Nexa Law

if you can speak to any existing clients

example financial management? Might it be better to get an FD? Marketing? Maybe get a marketing expert onboard. For many, people want a coach just to bounce ideas off and chat through problems. For some they want accountability. In choosing a coach I’d suggest

When choosing a coach, a proven track record is important – so you

to get feedback on what the coach A. Firstly I think every business owner should have someone as an outside advisor to help guide a business to ensure that the business meets its goals and is successful.

has achieved. It is not just about qualifications but business acumen and experience. Also, in my view, you need someone that you can trust and relate to – that you have a rapport with and are totally confident in sharing

It doesn’t always have to be

your business issues with. There is

someone you pay for. There are probably a number of people in your

you go with someone who can

network who would be open to have

demonstrate they’ve achieved

a regular session with you talking

something and “walked the walk”

about the opportunities and problems

rather than just someone who has

that your business facing and give you

read “Think and Grow Rich” or brought

an independent opinion of how to

no point in holding back on what is going on in your business, warts and all – holding back will only limit the ability of the coach to help. So think about who you could turn to as a person whose ear you can

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 53

The Business Bulletin

bend and shoulder you can cry on when you need to.

Also consider if they are investing in their own learning, growth and

Got a question?

development. The industry isn’t

Paul Green The Business Community A. One of the first things is ideally to use someone you know or who you have been referred by word of mouth recommendation. One of the most powerful things is the fact that someone has worked with that coach and has been successful. They can give you some background history and knowledge on that particular coach. Outside of that, how ever you have found them (ideally not a random Google search!), research how qualified is this person. What is it that

regulated, so you need some sort of benchmark of their history and how they became a coach. Finally, look at the relationship that

If you have a question – then email us and these experts will set about answering it for you. It can be on any business

you have with your coach. It is vitally

topic you like, be it finance,

important you look to build rapport

sales, marketing, operations,

early on, right from day one. It’s not

resources, strategy or

just about - does this coach have all

personal development.

the experience? It’s about - is this the right coach, for me? Is this the right personality? Is it the right fit? That coaching relationship can be a very intimate relationship.

If you would like a more immediate response, then raise your question on the “Ask The Experts” forum.

You’ve got to have that trust. You’ve got to have that strong connection.

they do? What have they done to get

Dan O’Connor

to where they are – running their own

Clock and Compass Coaching

coaching business?

Do you have something to say? Are you considered an expert in your field? Then why not submit an article for inclusion in a future edition of The Business Bulletin?

There is no cost to have an article included

The Business Bulletin

SME Survey What impact has mental health had on you and your business?

There is still stigma associated with

most people will have come into

mental health; particularly in the

contact with someone who has had

workplace – knowing how and what

or is suffering from a mental health

the appropriate way is of dealing with

condition. There are over 200 different

any issues that arise.

classified forms of mental illness.

This survey looks at mental health awareness and asked three questions: ■ Have you/your family/your business been impacted by mental health issues? ■ Do you think mental health

– What Government schemes did you take advantage of?

mental health issues will increase due

– visit here: https://forms.gle/

to the COVID-19 pandemic (figure 2).

yJ9Y62HihEcDeYAR8 . The

Being “forced” into isolation way from

results will be shared in the

family, friends and work colleagues;

next edition of this magazine.

as well as being unable to do the “normal” things in life before the virus is going to impact people in different

COVID-19 pandemic?

ways.

be able to cope with the amount of people affected by mental health issues? As you can see from figure1, the majority of people surveyed (102 respondents) have been impacted

that are easily available through the likes of Mental Health First Aid

Worryingly less than 3% of those

England; who provide a wealth of

surveyed (figure 3) believe that the

information and guidance to help you

current level of provision for helping

raise your awareness of mental health.

with mental health issues will be able to cope with this rise. This leaves an uncertainty about the well-being of anyone affected. However, you can do your bit and

in some way by mental health

help overcome any stigma associated

issues. I guess this makes sense as

with mental health and use resources

Figure 1: Have you been impacted by mental health issues?

To take part in the next survey

Unsurprisingly 92.4% believe that

issues will rise as a result of the

■ Do you feel that services will

Get involved

Figure 2: Do you think mental health issues will rise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Figure 3: Do you feel that services will be able to cope with the amount of people affected by mental health issues?

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 55

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The Business Bulletin Issue #8 - Focus On Strategy & Personal Development

Articles inside

Spotlight On: Dan O'Connor

I never have enough time to get things done!

SME Survey

Ask the experts

Discovering your potential

Emotional resilience: are you an oak or a willow?

What’s the difference between a mentor, coach and advisor?

Redundancy – what next?

A journey through equality, diversity and inclusion

Is having a vision or mission important for a small business?

What is a trusted service leader?

The 7 steps to Frontier Leadership

Are you sitting comfortably?

Creating space for your team to thrive

The science of happiness

Realistic optimism

Are you listening to me? Probably not

Taking a considered leap of faith: Thinking of becoming self-employed?

Mental health – time to update our thinking?