Our Kate hit the headlines yesterday – just a day after publishing her post on David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ Kate’s community involvement was covered in the Yorkshire Post.
The feature exposes the trials and tribulations of being the Chairwoman of the Charity Dreamgirls whilst having to juggle running her own business and having an active family life.
Click here to read the article in full today!
I like like-minded people, particularly those that confirm the views I have on the current call for a change in leadership methods.
Only last week Kate and I attended the IoD conference where not one, not two, but three separate key note speakers presented their views that the traditional way of managing a business is reaching somewhat of an impasse.
(and I’m pretty certain that the speakers hadn’t co-ordinated their scripts the day before!)
The future we’re facing is rife with opportunities to revolutionise leadership techniques and offer more not only to our clients and customers, but also to colleagues whose talents deserve exploring.
The new emerging leader is dynamic with a personalised management method that maximises the productivity of their staff. Giving back to your team by developing and nurturing them into fruition is a concept that has seen success, not only within Insight with Passion, but across many industries and companies.
The key message? Stop micromanaging the daily processes of your company, take a step back, look at the bigger picture and understand whose talents lie where and apply them. I can guarantee you’ll find your team will become a well-oiled machine fast.
Knowing you’re up to date with all things ‘business’ is a great feeling – a fortnight before the IoD conference, Kate and myself were in discussions with a couple of our clients about arranging a ‘Team Workshop’ to help them to develop that exact leadership style.
The future looks bright for those implementing this new concept and running with it, I just hope that leadership teams don’t let themselves get left behind in ‘micro-management’ that will simply stagnate, when they could be inspiring those around them.
Is it just me, or did the ‘Big Society’ protests this weekend show that the population of the UK has the drive to make a difference, but that a minority seem to mistake creating change with violence?
400,000 individuals took to the streets to protest against the government’s cuts; grandparents, parents, teenagers and children alike joined forces to save their local libraries and schools, show their dismay at jobs and funding cuts and moreover claim their right to be heard.
My question, however, is this – whilst many marched for the greater good, why do a small group of individuals feel the need to add violence to the event? This only serves to detract value from a message so many had worked hard to portray in a peaceful manner.
On that same Saturday, on the cold streets of Halifax, The Charity Dreamgirls, myself and a group of sensational volunteers marched to 1980s hits all to collect money for Overgate Hospice.
Yes we were freezing, yes we were there ALL day and of course by the end of it I was losing my voice – but I’ll tell you something – that day rocked.
The feeling that comes from knowing that each and every penny you’ve taken the time to collect goes straight to a good cause is something that really enlightens the soul, and is something I’d encourage everybody to try at least once in their lives.
A large portion of the 400,000 that marched on Saturday will have felt that feeling and it’s a shame that the violence of a few can take such attention away from the good of the many. Maybe, if the offending individuals could put their energy into volunteering, they would understand the feel-good factor that comes from making a positive difference.
And if all else fails – they’ll be so cold they’ll be too numb to be violent!
Just a suggestion.
Until next time, take care.
The Insight with Passion team are delighted to announce our sponsored charitable organisation the Charity Dreamgirls were highly commended in the ‘Community Relations’ category of the Fresh PR Awards.
This exciting news comes as The Charity Dreamgirls prepare to celebrate their 5th anniversary helping to raise awareness for smaller, lesser known charities across Yorkshire and the North West.
The support IWP offer the Charity Dreamgirls & Friends has been recognised by Fresh PR and only last year we also received the accolade of Innovators of the Year for the project.
Here’s to another 5 years supporting the Charity Dreamgirls!
Its five AM and I am sat on a train leaving Manchester station bound for london. It’s the 23rd March a fairly ordinary Wednesday by most standards.
The news is full of the challenges we face. Internationally the conflicts in Afghanistan and now Libya, the natural disasters in Japan and New Zealand, have all been on the Five AM news.
Closer to home the coverage is focused on the budget and the ever tightening grip we are all feeling on our finances. Inflation rising, taxes increasing and wages being constrained are all squeezing the money in our pockets. In turn we are seeing businesses starting to falter as the great british consumers ability to spend, a saviour of previous economic growth, is constrained. Companies like HMV, JJB and Punch Taverns, all directly affected by this drop in consumer disposable income have in the last couple of days announced their plans to restructure, as their incomes come under pressure and they struggle to finance their debts, taken on in more prosperous times.
So as a business transformation expert am I on a train to go and meet failing businesses or to head to the City to discuss Finances as the budget is announced? No after 5 years away I am spending the day visiting Funeral homes. Almost 5 years to the day I am working in an industry which triumphs over adversity on a daily basis.
Set aside the natural reaction to see the Funeral industry as something taboo or morbid and you will see businesses and people who take on challenging situations every day and meet them. This is an industry where people focus on their clients, will go the extra mile to meet their needs and will always have a smile and a comforting word even in the most tragic of situations.
As a business transformation organisation we are always looking for great examples to use to help our clients. The funeral industry gives us great insights into customer service, project management and logistical co-organisation.
So despite the Five AM start (and probably midnight finish), despite the gloomy out look on the Finances, I’m looking forward to a day where I will be reminded that great people, delivering great service can make a real difference in business.