Sustainable Thinking
Posted by Craig | Filed under People
In my view sustainability, in a broader context, is a process whereby one plans to meet an existing need (albeit social, economic, environmental etc.) whilst considering ways to ensure that future generations are able to meet these same needs.
It has been my observation that when this kind of thinking is applied on any level, be it in business or just in our normal day to day lives, it can produce powerful results.
Sustainability is a key ingredient to successful partnerships and relationships, yet it is impossible to achieve without a vision, a sense of ownership and responsibility – which also happen to be the key attributes of an effective leader. Coincidence? You decide.
On a more fundamental level, sustainable thinking also demonstrates that individuals or organisations care for other people and not just themselves.
This kind of thinking comes naturally for some but it is a challenge for others – why this is so I cannot explain. I can only strive to be part of a society that applies and promotes sustainable thinking.
Tags: leadership, sustainability, sustainable thinking
The Value Ladder
Posted by Craig | Filed under People
When you are in a position to show the value that you add to peoples lives they will respond.
This is why taking the time to do a value ladder exercise for your organisation can be invaluable. Richard Stutely covers this in detail in his book The Definitive Business Plan.
Showcasing the value that your people bring to your organisation internally will result in them continually aspiring to do their best work. Showcasing this value to your clients will result in them having no excuses to pay the appropriate price. This is the foundation of any strong business partnership: the relationship between value and price. As a bonus they will continue to partner with you. We ALL win when value is at the core of the partnership.
Some benefits of doing a value ladder exercise for your organisation or team:
- It serves as a check and balance – If you are leading a team toward a specific goal, this ensures that you have a handle on your processes.
- It helps with scoping out your prospective projects – Doing the exercise puts you in the position to, at a later stage, analyse and evaluate your cost against your customers value. This will minimise your risk on future projects and help you to make informed pricing decisions.
More importantly, in a challenging economy, clients need to clearly see the value that you add as their service provider of choice.
Tags: adding value, business, People
Attitude
Posted by Craig | Filed under People
Hopefully 2009 started on a positive note for all. With exciting projects and opportunities in the pipeline it is good to have a strategy to help ensure success.
Let’s be honest, business is ultimately about profit. Business leaders and management teams are responsible for executing on the organisation’s strategy and to ensure that goals and targets are met.
Experience suggest that, in business, meeting goals and targets are easier said than done. One reason for this is because we have to rely on our people to apply their skill and talent day to day in order for the organisation as a whole to generate profit. When you have a team of people working together toward a common goal your organisation has a greater chance at achieving the ultimate business goal – being profitable.
Not rocket science, but my comments above form the foundation of the main idea for this post – a good attitude toward your job, your colleagues and the organisation.
So why is it so important for everyone on the team to have a good attitude?
When the individuals in your team have a good attitude it;
- promotes openness and trust (communication)
- encourages participation and innovation
- is a motivating force
These are the softer elements to managing an organisation and frankly many of us don’t have time for this, but these elements indirectly affect the bottom line.
Great companies and organisations know this – and find unique ways to cultivate an environment that promotes satisfied and content employees. So what about those baddies? In time they will find the need to move on to “greener pastures”. If they don’t (on their own) start nudging them toward their greener pasture.
Tags: attitude, business, strategy
Leadership
Posted by Craig | Filed under People
Nations need leaders.
Businesses need leaders.
Good leadership has a positive effect on our surroundings. I can go on forever and write paragraphs on the topic of leadership, but I won’t.
I want to make one point: Leaders are not machines or algorithms, they are people. Human beings like you and me. While we may not all be leading countries or companies there are many other opportunities where we can shine as leaders.
Our communities need leaders.
Our homes need leaders.
This can be you (and me).
Tags: leadership, People
People – Any Organisation’s Most Valuable Asset
Posted by Craig | Filed under People
People are important – in fact people are the reason that gyrationfive exists.
They come in all shapes and forms, some are quirky, some serious and others funny. While we are all different, we all have needs. For some, these needs are very basic while for others it is more complex. What I find amusing is that even when you put a group of really “smart” people together there is no guarantee that they will produce the “smartest” results.
There are many reasons for this. One reason is that no matter who we are or what position we hold, we need some kind of direction or leadership en route to our goal. To tap in to our full potential we need to be mentored and, when the time comes, be able to mentor. I recently a read an excellent article that speaks to this point.
It has taken a few months for me to crystalise why I started this organization and more importantly what the next steps are to be to realise the gyrationfive dream. Thanks to the input of some key individuals, I have managed to formulate a plan to get the ball rolling … and things are finally coming together.
My Point – I needed the tough questions (you know who you are), great recommendations and the support and encouragement to move to this level and to map out the next few steps on the journey. Equally important is finding the right people to run things by. In a way they have become an advisory board to me and the organization – and I am grateful for every bit of input. I hope these partnerships and friendships will keep growing and stand the test of time!
Tags: mentorship, People
