When the performance of an individual or team is being questioned, often the first solution tried is training. But is this right? Does the approach of "train them to get better performance" hold up? Or has it been this approach which has caused the value of training to diminish in the eyes of many in business?One tool which can help us identify the appropriate solution is known as the Performance Analysis Quadrant. This should be a standard tool in the toolbox of every organizational … [Read more...] about Is training the solution? Performance Analysis Quadrant (PAQ) tool
Giving and Checking Job References
On one of the Human Resources (HR) groups I participate in online a recent question was asked: What are your views on giving job references? HR managers gave a number of comments around the difference between factual information:Job title Start & finish dates Hours worked Number or volume of sickness absenceProviding free text information on job references Many job reference requests ask for comments about attitude, performance etc. some ask referees to grade people on … [Read more...] about Giving and Checking Job References
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #261 #ff
Some office fun for a Friday Office Cartoon 261We make better apologies and excuses than any other company in our industry and I'm proud of that! If you like our Fun Friday office cartoon please share with your colleagues or social network. … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #261 #ff
Gamification in leadership and development
Gamification in Leading and DevelopmentGamification, the framing of an activity like a game to make it more motivating is not a new concept. The concept of gaming has been around for years – credit card companies and airline reward programs for example. (1)Gamification is not literally a game, but using game mechanics and thinking to create a game-like experience. (4) The most basic characteristics of gamification in action are: (9)Simple, recognizable cues for the next … [Read more...] about Gamification in leadership and development
Best Practices are dead. Adopting Promising Practices
Think about it just for a moment - what is a best practice?Many best practices come as universal and standardized practices maybe within a specific industry as for example PRINCE2, MSP, PMBOK and in other fields TQM, JIT, BPR, CSR, 360, or all the best practices connected to the -ing words - as for example downsizing, outsourcing, insourcing, offshoring, benchmarking, partnering. Now think about a best practice that you are considering to adopt, one that you are adopting and implementing or … [Read more...] about Best Practices are dead. Adopting Promising Practices
Does your training really make an ethical difference?
Training takes a large slice of of most companies compliance budgets, anything from a quarter to a half. So is it effective? [1]Measuring training effectiveness remains a weakness of many L&D programmes and compliance and ethical training seems no different. However, the escalating cost of compliance work is worrying senior managers. Many see the present situation as a black hole into which resources keep being relentless absorbed.To make more sense of training for compliance it is … [Read more...] about Does your training really make an ethical difference?
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #260 #ff
Some Fun for a Friday Office Cartoon 260I guess things have been kind of stressful at the office. Tomorrow is bring your therapist to work day. If you like our Fun Friday office cartoon please share with your colleagues or social network. … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #260 #ff
Why front line customer service training fails to deliver
Cost effective customer service training Customer service training provision is often preceded by a lot of change in organizations. It’s a common situation. You have introduced a new IT system to streamline your operations. You have restructured to be as cost efficient as possible. You have implemented LEAN or other process based efficiency analysis strategies. Next step... customer service training.Many of us have seen the reduction of structured and strategic training decline over the … [Read more...] about Why front line customer service training fails to deliver
Very good to excellent – or why most customer service training fails
When it comes to customer service training, or anyone else for that matter, many people in operations and HR make a fatal mistake. They believe people “need fixing”. Over the last 10 years many organisations have reduced the level of structured training they provide. This drop in activity coincided for the majority with the financial crisis of 2007–08. Businesses looked at their costs, and due to the way much customer service training was delivered at the time and justified, it was an easy … [Read more...] about Very good to excellent – or why most customer service training fails
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #259 #ff
Some Fun for a Friday Office CartoonIf you're going to use sports analogies to inspire your team, use football or baseball... not duck duck goose If you like our Fun Friday office cartoon please share with your colleagues or social network. … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #259 #ff
Primacy and Recency Effects in Learning
Recency Effect in Learning When we talk about the Primacy Effect and the Recency Effect, we are talking about the theory and application of the following: “. . . the Primacy Effect . . . you remember some things at the beginning of a list because it occurred first. There is the beginning, a long middle that blurs together, and now it is the end.” (8) The Primacy Effect is the beginning. You remember it because that is where you started. The Recency Effect is the finish. You remember the end the … [Read more...] about Primacy and Recency Effects in Learning
Free money to expand your small business? Tax refunds
Small businesses often find it difficult to get the cash they need to grow their business. But is there a secret source?Banks are making it more and more difficult. Governments and local authorities seem set on increasing red tape. Year on year this seems to get harder. All we want to do is earn a living, make some money and often to add value to our communities. Free money? Ok, maybe not free, but often unexpected. All too often we as businesses get tax rebates. We get these tax refunds … [Read more...] about Free money to expand your small business? Tax refunds
COBS or CORBS Feedback Model for Performance Management
Performance Management Feedback Models In performance management providing feedback is critical for improving performance.Feedback models help new managers and team leaders to develop their feedback skills. There are several different frameworks which can help guide managers and leaders. COBS feedback model – or CORBS to be precise. Principles of CORBS feedback model: Clear statement – give clear and concise information. Owned by the person speaking - your own perception, not … [Read more...] about COBS or CORBS Feedback Model for Performance Management
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #258 #ff
Some Fun for a Friday Office Cartoon Can we swap Glasses? It helps me see things from the customer's point of view! If you like our Fun Friday office cartoon please share with your colleagues or social network. … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #258 #ff
The Four Intelligences of the Business Mind
The Four Intelligences of the business mind – by Valeh Nazemoff This is a short (115 page) book, but it packs some powerful punches. The first truly practical business book applying learning from neuroscience to everyday business.Across seven chapters Nazemoff takes us on a fast paced journey:Your brain, mind and business transformation Finance Intelligence Customer Intelligence Data intelligence Mastermind Intelligence Pattern Recognition Strategy mappingYour … [Read more...] about The Four Intelligences of the Business Mind
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #256 #ff
Some Fun for a Friday Office CartoonI'm not married to my job. I'm waiting for the company to throw me a big expensive wedding! If you like our fun Friday office cartoon please share with your colleagues or social network. … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #256 #ff
Freelance – Five Golden Rules to Consider as a Consultant
Thinking of going freelance as a consultant? I spend a lot of my marketing time on the LinkedIn platform. I find the groups particularly valuable. Today I commented on a group discussion, and it led me to thinking about the golden rules for freelancing or consulting. As an experienced business adviser and a freelance consultant. I consider five key golden rules for freelance success to be: 1) - never more than 20% or your turnover from one client (its too dangerous & not sustainable) 2) … [Read more...] about Freelance – Five Golden Rules to Consider as a Consultant
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #255 #ff
Office Cartoon Every minute here feels like an hour. Every hour feels like a day. Every day feels like a week.I don't think a time management seminar can fix that. … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #255 #ff
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #254 #ff
The hard part was finding a wrist watch that tells time in dog years. … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #254 #ff
Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #251 #ff
fun friday - "If you weight long enough, people either quit, retire or die. That's my management style" … [Read more...] about Fun Friday – weekly office cartoon #251 #ff
