Consult, Manage, Change

Personal traits of professionals - time to shape up!

Recently I have observed some behaviours and traits of so called professionals that are in my mind are totally unprofessional.

I believe we owe it to our friends and colleagues to tell them if their traits of behaviours upset us or are out of balance with society.

It todays instant gratification society there is a tendency to become self-centred, over important, and narcissistic.

I have been asking my colleagues and clients about business behaviour recently and the feedback I get is that some common sense and personal ethics would go a long way these days. Is it me or are our schools and universities no longer teaching basic manners, behaviours and kindness?

It is time to make a stand on this! Don’t put up with pushy people behaving badly. Tell them their behaviours are wrong and it is time for them to grow up!

From my observation here are some behaviours and traits we don’t like:

• Rude people
• People who don’t say please or thank you
• Arrogant people
• People who think they get power from abusing service staff
• Serial complainers or whingers
• People who talk loudly on cell phones in public places
• People who send and receive txt messages in meetings
• People who drive aggressively
• People who eat like pigs in restaurants

And here are some behaviours and traits we should see more often:

• Random acts of kindness
• Call service staff by their names
• Saying please and thank you more
• People who are self-aware of themselves and others
• Positive attitudes
• Applying personal discretion when using phones in public places
• Using the mute button on your phone
• Leaving your phone in your pocket of bag at meetings
• People who make genuine eye contact with you at meetings
• People who know the basics of eating etiquette
• Holding doors open for others

I know I have probably missed some so let me know your thoughts on what we should add to both lists.

How to avoid the traps and pitfalls of presenting in JAPAN

PRESENTING IN JAPAN

Pitfalls and Traps to Avoid

Purpose

This brief introduction is only an overview on the importance of understanding the issues you will have to consider when presenting in Japan.

Introduction

If you are about to make presentations (verbal or written) in Japan there are a number of critical issues that you need to consider before you make the presentation. You will have to consider language, colours, translations and religious beliefs to name a few.

This introductory guide provides an initial understanding of the issues you may face when presenting in Japan.

While the focus of this document is on making presentations in Japan, all of the concepts raised in this document apply to presentations in other Asian countries.

Presenting in Japan

Though English is Japan’s second language outside the main cities in Japan few Japanese have encountered a native English speaker. English is taught in Japan at secondary and high schools for 6 years. Most of the post baby boomer generation in Japan can understand (read and write) and speak some English.

Use of Language

It is important to consider your use of language when you are presenting to an audience of non English speaking people or to an audience where English is a second language. You will have to pay attention to sentence construction, technical terms and the use of bullet points within PowerPoint.

Translations

If you are presenting to a bilingual audience then it is strongly recommended that you have any written presentations translated into the native language. There are many translations services that can assist with this. A point to note here is that literal English translations to another language do not always have a one to one equivalent and may not have the meaning you are trying to convey. For example there is no literal translation in Japanese of “How are you?”

Colour

Depending on the country you are presenting in, you will have to research what colours may offend and to not use these in written or PowerPoint presentations. In Japan it is highly offensive to produce written correspondence (especially someone’s name) using the colour red.

 Religion

In any Asian country your audience will be made up of people from a number of different religious backgrounds. You will need to carefully consider your use of language especially the use of humour so as not to cause offence. In Japan the two major religions are Shinto and Buddhism. The post baby boomer generation in Japan may not practice a religion but with a cultural upbringing based on religion, offence may be caused if religious beliefs are not considered.

Business Cards

The exchange of business cards in Japan is a highly significant event. The business card exchange can set the tone for the rest of the relationship. It is recommended that if you do not have a business card holder that you purchase one before visiting any Asian country. In Japan it is critical that you keep your cards in a business card holder and when you receive a business card that you examine it carefully and try to pronounce the name. Then make sure you are seen putting it carefully in your business card holder.

Basic Foreign Language Skills

It is highly recommended that before you visit Japan you learn some basic terms and how to introduce  yourself. Consider learning the following:

My name is Watashi Wa (YOUR NAME) dess

Good Morning o-hayo gozaimass

Good Afternoon Kon-nichi wa

Excuse Me Sumimasen

Please O kudasai

Thank You Arigato

No Thank You i-e kekko dess

Independent Professionals

This week I have been presenting social media training for professionals.

There was opportunity to meet new people swap ideas and exchange experiences on the use of social media and online networking for professionals.

One of my key messages has been that face to face networking is alive and well and social media enhances your networking but will never replace face to face meetings.

Business cards and the ability to give and receive business cards is as important as ever.

Here are a few TIPS on being a better professional when meeting face to face.

1/ invest in a business card holder. Keeps your cards fresh and keeps the cards you receive in a safe place

2/ if you are an independent professional invest in good quality cards. First impressions count. And by the way invest in a personalised email address don't use a gmail or hotmail address on your cards!

3/ never give out that last card from your wallet that is stained and wrinkled

4/ have a good supply of cards with you all the time and have spare cards in your brief case, car and travel bag

5/ get efficient in collating the information from the cards you receive. Consider using the CardMunch app from LinkedIn you will be amazed how much time you save

Please share any other tips you have by commenting on this post.

Tell Me Where It Hurts ??

The following thought provoker is kindly reproduced under permission by Alan Weiss.  Alas provides us with sound advice and challenges us to think differently.

© Alan Weiss 2012. All rights reserved. Summit Consulting Group, Inc. "Reprinted with permission"

Source - Alan's BLOG http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/

When you’re coaching people or simply observing clients, you’re well served never to assume someone else is “damaged” or malicious. We tend to make too many assumptions about others’ motives without any evidence.

There are four key vectors to consider when, in fact, people are being hurt. Develop evidence to support your conclusion so that you can properly help in each instance.

1. Consciously hurting others. This may be through emotional manipulation, peer group humiliation, withholding important information, providing incorrect information, starting rumors, and so on. Passive/aggressive people deliberately hurt others, though seemingly unintentionally (though it’s highly intentional). Bullies (emotional, psychological, physical) try to hurt others because of their own perceived inferiority, attempting to lower others to their levels.

You must confront these acts with observed behavior and the ramifications of that behavior. If it continues unabated, it should be grounds for dismissal. I was the fourth in a line of coaches trying to prevent obscene workplace tirades and humiliation from an executive vice president whose division delivered large profits. He refused to stop his behavior or get counseling. I told the president that the entire workforce considered it HIS preferred behavior, and this man was his proxy, since the president refused to put a stop to it. A week later the vice president was fired. His division continued to produce large profits.

1. Unconsciously hurting others. These people are generally oblivious to the world around them and/or totally self-absorbed. They are the people who speak loudly on the phone in public areas, use inappropriate language, demand attention at others’ expense (they monopolize the help in a restaurant), or drive at 20 miles an hour on a 45 mile-an-hour road because they are talking on the phone.

It usually helps to bring the behavior and its ramifications to the attention of the transgressors, since they are unaware of both what they’re doing and how it impacts others. “Why are you changing the temperature in the room when all the rest of us are comfortable, and you haven’t even asked us? Put on a sweater.” If they are apprised and refuse to change their behavior, then they enter category 1 above.

1. Consciously hurting yourself. This can range from physically harming yourself (e.g., cutting) to emotional and psychological harm (e.g., constantly sacrificing personal objectives for others, denying yourself what is rightfully yours, and so on). This often stems from a need to punish, feeling alienated, and feeling unworthy.

In this case, people have to be encouraged to reveal their feelings of inferiority or lack of worth, or explore why they constantly accede to others because of intimidation or a false sense of protocol. Many people deliberately dress, use language, and comport themselves so as not to draw attention or praise. They are often afraid of exposing their own perceived ineptitude.

1. Unconsciously hurting yourself. These are people with very low self-worth who “automatically” and consistently place themselves in inferior positions. They never try to “win” or to gain praise, or to stand out favorably in a crowd. When I once forced such a person to explain why she couldn’t speak up to a prospect who was asking reasonable questions, she said, “I guess I just can’t imagine why he’d listen to someone like me.”

There are people walking around believing inherently that they don’t deserve, don’t count, don’t merit any success and, if it comes, it was an accident, a stroke of luck. Their defeats and setbacks of course, are because of their own lack of talent. I’ve found that people in this category are carrying “baggage” and self-limiting beliefs that are never examined or even apparent. But they are guided by them nonetheless.

Examine why and how people are hurting and being hurt. Don’t assume it’s always the same reason or situation or solution. And it doesn’t hurt to ask this of yourself, as well.

© Alan Weiss 2012. All rights reserved.

Alan Weiss, PhD

President

Summit Consulting Group, Inc.

Box 1009

East Greenwich, RI 02818

401/884-2778 Fax: 401/884-5068         

http://www.summitconsulting.com

http://www.contrarianconsulting.com (blog)

Alan@summitconsulting.com

 

• Professional Speaker Hall of Fame

• Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants

• Lifetime Achievement Award, American Press Insitute

• 48 Published Books

 

"One of the most highly respected independent consultants in the country. 

— New York Post

"One of the top motivational speakers in the country." — Providence Journal

Twitter tips for the twitter novice

Companies small and large have taken to using Twitter, the global microblogging service www.twitter.com

Twitter is also very relevant for individuals and professionals.

In recent research by MIT Sloan Management Review, they found that some 77% of the Fortune Global 100 companies have at least one twitter account at a corporate level as well as specific twitter accounts for individual brands.

Twitter has more than 100 million users. Twenty-seven percent of twitter users log in every day, and 25% say they follow a brand and are happy to interact with that brand.

Some twitter terms explained:

• TWEET                         A message on twitter limited to 140 characters
• #(HASH) TAG                A tag that links topics and can be searchable e.g. #socialmedia
• RETWEET                     The practice of forwarding others messages to your network
• FOLLOWERS                Twitter users following you – you are in their network
• FOLLOWING                 Twitter users you follow – they are in your network
• @NAME                       You twitter name e.g. @onespec
• DM’s                            Direct Message – twitter users can message each other direct

 

Nine twitter practices that work

 

1. Keep it short and sweet. Leave room in messages to allow retweets
2. Grab attention so that they read your message
3. Just ask to be retweeted
4. Make it personal and use appropriate humour
5. Add value and provide news and information people can use
6. Offer a deal
7. Make your tweets relevant and practical
8. Do it every day
9. Get efficient and use technology to assist you to tweet regularly e.g. hootsuite

 Still got questions? The check out ONESPEC on twitter www.twitter.com/onespec or @onespec also check Onespec out on the web at www.onespec.co.nz

 

 

Sustainable practice in ACTION

Sustainable practice in ACTION

Last evening I attended the Winery Tour http://www.thewinerytour.co.nz/dates.html#feb4 at Matakana just north of Auckland City.

The concert was held in the picturesque winery grounds of Ascension Wines http://www.ascensionwine.co.nz/home and it was sold out. As you can imagine with a full house there was plenty of food and wine and drinks being sold to a hungry and thirsty crowd.

As we sat down the concert announcer advised us that the concert organisers together with the winery and their sponsors the NZ glass packaging forum they were running a recycling system for all glass, packaging and general wast at the event.

What struck me was this was not just lip-service sustainability. It was sustainable practice in action. I will tell you how the organisers of the event made it work!

First of all they told the concert goers about what recycling and sustainable practices they where promoting. The concert tour operator had partnered with organisations like the packaging forum http://www.glassforum.org.nz/ and the Love NZ brand http://www.glassforum.org.nz/outabout.html#lovenz to give them the street cred with the audience.

Secondly there where many recycle bins located around the seating. There where 3 bins, one for glass one for paper and one for general rubbish.

However what struck me was that they had recycling ambassadors roaming thru the crowd collecting empty bottles and collecting rubbish. It was great to see audience members rushing up to the collectors with empty bottles and rubbish.

The result of all of this effort was as I left there was hardly any bottles or rubbish littler on the ground so this would make the overnight or next day clean up very easy.

However the day after the concert I had the following questions:
1. Was the mixed rubbish that was collected in bags at the event separated?
2. Where did the general rubbish get dumped?
3. How many bottles or tonnes of glass was recycled?
4. What are the event organisers going about their energy footprint?

So I decided to do some research.

I checked out the Winery Tour web site and on the HISTORY/ABOUT http://www.thewinerytour.co.nz/about.html page it states that the tours waste management is managed by the Glass Packaging Forum.

On the SPONSORS http://www.thewinerytour.co.nz/sponsors.html page the concert organisers tell us:

The Glass Packaging Forum is delighted to be teaming up with the Winery Tour for the third year to provide and promote recycling nationwide.

The Winery Tour will again promote the LOVE NZ brand to its anticipated 50,000 audience nationwide.

Every single glass bottle can be recycled back into new glass bottles or they can even be crushed and used as mulch in vineyards to increase the yield of our grapes. Recycling cans, plastic bottles and paper saves valuable natural resources.

Your bottles and cans can’t recycle themselves, they need your help so- use the blue GLASS recycling bins; YELLOW mixed recycling bins and if it can’t be recycled use the RED waste bins

We are lucky to live in New Zealand. All of us enjoy our environment and scenery. This year around 2500 Love NZ recycling facilities have been put in place on our streets and at events as part of a major public place recycling initiative inspired by the Rugby World Cup. So when you are out and about Love NZ and recycle with care - find out where your local Love NZ recycling bins are on www.lovenz.org.nz
But the above does not answer my questions above.
The glass forum’s home page tells me “The Forum is once again proud to support Civic Events and Classic Hits to manage the waste on the 2012 Classic Hits Winery Tour. NO GLASS from any of the 14 concert locations will go to landfill! We're closing the loop - it's either back to the furnace or into alternative uses”

From my research there is no real time updates on the event recycling scheme. I personally think this would be a good idea.

I have sent an email to the promoters of the event to ask the questions above. I will keep you posted.

It was a great concert event and I fully support the promoters and sponsors for their sustainable efforts.

This post is my entry in the blog competition for World Environment Day. Please tweet this with the hash tag #WED2012 and with reference to @onespec http:\\www.twitter.com/onespec

Advice for us all - From Dr. Alan Weiss

I have recieved my regular Contrarian Consulting email from Alan Weiss and one of his topics was in tune with some discussions I have had recenlty.

Alan is providing advice on how to get things done! Please visit Alan's Blog if the following rings some bells for you.

Alan's advice .............

Here’s how you schedule time to get things done. Let’s say you want to write an article or position paper.

1. Choose the audience you seek to influence, probably those most appropriate for your value proposition. (5 minutes) [Bank lending officers]

2. Choose a topic that will be provocative and timely. (10 minutes) [Identifying the best candidate for safe loans and repeat business]

3. Choose a working title, not something for all the ages. (5 minutes) [Behind the Interview: The Prospect Within]

4. Select 4-6 key points. (10 minutes) [1. The lessons in the first greeting; 2. How to assess behaviors in an interview; 3. The key questions to ask to appraise the business proposition; 4. The key questions you want to be asked.]

5. Write an edgy opening paragraph. (10 minutes) [Why do lending interviews reveal so little about the customer and so much about our own fears? If the objective is to increase business, then we should first increase our own probabilities of identifying and welcoming high potential prospects. That's not usually done with a shaky wooden chair and a bare lightbulb overhead.]

6. Write about each of your points, making sure to include your rationale, an example so that it’s not merely conceptual, and a graphic if it helps explain the point. (20 minutes per point)

7. Write a closing that’s a call to action. (10 minutes). [The next time prospects walk into your office, invite them to sit in a comfortable chair, offer them some refreshments, and remind yourself that they represent opportunity, not threat. Ask yourself how they might speak positively of the experience, no matter what your ultimate decision. That, alone, might increase your business more than you can imagine.]

8. Reassess the title to see if you want to now adjust it. (5 minutes) [The Human Banker—Stepping Out from Behind the Green Curtain]

That entire process above, with six points, requires about two hours. Spread it over four days, and it’s a half-hour a day. Put that in your calendar at 10:30 each morning, and don’t change it, no matter what.

That’s how you get work out. I’ve probably taken a week off the process above for most of you! Stop fooling around, discretionary time is wealth, and you are eroding yours.

© Alan Weiss 2012. All rights reserved.

 

Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Social Media for professionals – networking in the new age

Business professionals in today’s technology rich environments are presented with many opportunities to market ourselves. The rise in the past 5 years of social media platforms has provided us with amazing opportunities to leverage our networks both nationally and internationally.

What is the difference between networking and social media? In reality nothing! Networking involves the use of social media and social media provides many different platforms for networking.

Many business owners and professionals ask me “What sites should I use”? and “How do I integrate all of my social media sites”? In addition, the big question I am asked is “Should I use facebook for business”?

An online network provides unmatched freedom, enabling participants [you and your clients and potential clients] to post inquiries and information at any time and from any place.

Business networking is a marketing method by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people.

Business networking allows the business person to build new business relationship and generate business opportunities at the same time.

Social networking focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and/or activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others

Let me cover the three most popular social media/networking sites first.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn started out in the living room of co-founder Reid Hoffman in 2002. The site officially launched on May 5, 2003. At the end of the first month in operation, LinkedIn had a total of 4,500 members in the network.

As of September 30, 2011 (the end of the third quarter), professionals are signing up to join LinkedIn at a rate that is faster than two new members per second.

The company is publicly held and has a diversified business model with revenues coming from hiring solutions, marketing solutions and premium subscriptions.

As of November 3, 2011, LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 135 million members in over 200 countries and territories. Fifty-nine percent of LinkedIn members are located outside of the United States.

There were nearly two billion people searches on LinkedIn in 2010. Based on third quarter 2011 metrics, LinkedIn members are on pace to do more than four billion searches on the LinkedIn platform in 2011.

If you are in business then you need to have a profile in LinkedIn.

Business is based on relationships

I had the opportunity to attend the Trans-Tasman Business Circle business lunch and networking function today.

The 400+ attendess got to hear from the CEO of Auckland Council and the Mayor on the first 12 months of the new Auckland Council.

The gathered group was a whos who of Auckland business and what struck me was the amount of pre-lunch networking. And this networking was face to face networking that kind of networking that builds relationships and trust.

I had the opportunity to meet some new contacts and using the great apps he now have access to via out smartphone was able to connect to these contacts very quickly using the LinkedIn cardmunch app.

The point here is that online networks and the use of social media can enhance your networking ability. Face to face meetings and networking are not DEAD!

Observations from taking time to work on the business

Observations from taking time to work on the business

I have just taken the weekend out to work on my business. I have been attending the IMC Australia conference and Alan Weiss Master Class in Melbourne.
To follow are some observations and take-a-ways from the sessions I have attended.
Most things we do have a online reaction
It is not about technology its about PEOPLE
Virtual existence = oxygen for us all
Word of mouth has become WORLD of mouth!
Check out NFC = Near Field Communications
And don’t forget being geoaware
We will all soon know about augmented worlds!
Are you a Premature Price Presenter?
The 3 P’s of strategic Networking are Preparation, Participation and Planned follow-up
Build a tribe – set up a community of practice
Work out what your sweet spot is?
Use proactive framing
This should be your consulting mantra – Prepare, Show up, Do my best and Go home
Your web site is a credibility tool
4 Kinds of objections – No money, No time, No need and NO TRUST only be worried about the last one!

Ethics and beyond - Where do you stand?

The ongoing story and saga of Rupert Murdock reminds us all about ethics, trust, corruption and beyond.

 

The question I have about the tactics that New of the World used is how can the managers and so called leader involved sleep at night? If these individuals had any personal values they would in my mind have to have questioned the ethics of hacking into other peoples cell phone and medical records.

Or am I wrong?? Does the journalism industry by right have to report the news no matter what!

What do you think??

This raises the issue of industry ethics verses personal ethics. How many times in your job are you asked to undertake a task that is counter to your personal ethics? For example if you worked in the food manufacturing industry and you are a vegetarian would you mind selling meat sourced overseas as local produced?

As a Certified Management Consultant CMC, there is a global standard of ethics called the CMC Code of Professional Conduct.

One of the areas that becomes an issue on a regular basis is the confidentiality of client information. For example I was recently on a RFP panel for a client and had consultants approach me for information. These approaches breached the rules of the tender and for the CMC's that approached me the breached the code of professional conduct which states "A Member will treat client information as confidential and will not take personal advantage of privileged information gained during an assignment, or enable others to do so".

Rest assured they got reminded of their obligations, and due to my ethical standards I did not breach the code!

 

So how many times a day do you get asked to breach your own professional code or that of your industry? What stance will you take?

Improving the skills and competency of Management Consultants in New Zealand

 Can you remember when you decided to become a management consultant? How did you build the required skills and competencies to delivery consulting assignments?

In New Zealand, becoming a management consultant can be an accident. Many of us had executive level jobs and then one day we decided to be a management consultant!

Having made the decision to deliver consulting assignments did we ever think that we had the required level of skills and competencies to achieve and deliver the results our clients wanted? I would hazard a guess that if we are honest the answer would be no.

One way to increase your skills and competencies is to join an industry body. New Zealand’s only dedicated management consulting industry body in the Institute of Management Consultants www.imcnz.org 

IMCNZ has a goal and aim to raise and maintain the industry standards for Management Consultants in New Zealand through the provision of skill and competency certification, consulting skills accreditation and continuing professional development opportunities and peer support.

One example of this is the IMCNZ is about to raise the bar with the launch of the IMCNZ Consulting Skills Framework Consulting accreditation.

IMCNZ will be launching the New Zealand Consulting Skills framework on 9 June 2011. The CSF has a focus on a skills framework with five levels of accreditation.

How do you know you have consulting skills and competencies? How do you prove you have consulting skills and competencies?

How do users of consulting services know that they are hiring people with the right level of consulting skills and competencies?

The answer up until now has been that you cannot prove this unless you are a Certified Management Consultant (CMC).

The answer to this dilemma is now here and IMCNZ is delighted to launch the Consulting Skills Framework (CSF) which allows consultants, former consultants, internal consultants, managers, learners and anyone who wants to receive accreditation in respect of consultancy to receive and industry based consulting accreditation from the only authorised body in New Zealand.

You do not have to be a practicing consultant or a member of IMCNZ – it’s open to all people who want a Consultancy qualification and it also provides a training and development path

The CSF is an excellent tool with which to:

1. Enable any consultant wishing to assess their skills and competencies as a consultant to use the tool
2. Provide a Personal Development programme for any person who undertakes self assessment
3. Assess the actual skills of applicants to the IMCNZ or to allow progression through membership levels.

The framework delivers consistency through a common language and reference point for skills, competencies, knowledge and experience.

If you are consulting then please take a look at getting accredited.

If you are purchasing consulting services then demand your consultants have certification or accreditation.

What is wrong and right with Public Transport??

 
Today I left the car at home and took the bus to the office in Auckland. The weather today 16 May in Auckland is very autumnal with strong wind and passing showers. Not that entrancing when a warm dry car awaits my use in the garage!

The 10 minute walk to the bus stop was nice apart from the down pour – lucky I grabbed the umbrella before I left the house.

The bus was on time – and the driver very polite. The smart card system worked. It is being replaced with the “snapper” card. The new readers where on the bus but the system is not live yet.

At 7am in the morning the traffic was light and before I knew it I was in Newmarket to change busses as the one from my suburb goes to the transport hub Britomart and due to the rain I wanted to go to the Aotea square (mid-town). I did not have to wait long for the connection but was not impressed that I had to pay another fare?? The driver told be that I was not able to transfer?

I arrived at my destination on time and the total cost of my journey was $5.20

For my return home this evening I will find a direct bus that will cost me $5.60

By not bringing my car I have saved a $13 parking fee and the petrol and running costs of my car.

 So what was right about using public transport today?

•  Bus arrived on time to pick us all up at the bus stop
• Arrived on time at my destination
• Got to meet my neighbours at the bus stop
• No stress of driving
• Got to look out the window
• Possibly reduced my carbon footprint for the day?
• One less car on the Auckland roading system today

 In my opinion, this is what was wrong about using public transport today?

•  Integrated ticketing on one platform for all modes of public transport is a must
• Printing out a timetable needs to be simplified
• Needed to transfer to get to my destination
• Was not able to transfer my original fare to my transfer bus
• Might have caught the flu from all the sick and coughing people on both busses
• Total journey time was double the usual

So how many of you use public transport? Have you started to use public transport again due to the rising cost of fuel? What are your views on cost verses convenience?

Please let me know your thoughts?

 

Work Life Balance? What's to worry about?

 

How many of us work more than 40 hours a week? How many of us work when we get home? Addicted to your iPhone or emails?

I have been asked recently about how to create work life balance. The easy answer is work and life are the same thing they do no happen in tangent or concurrently! Work is part of your life just like family, relationships, exercise, commuting, relaxation time and holidays.

The NZ Department of Labour tells us "Work-life balance is about effectively managing the juggling act between paid work and other activities that are important to us - including spending time with family, taking part in sport and recreation, volunteering or undertaking further study" http://www.dol.govt.nz/worklife/index.asp

Getting the balance right is a lot up to you and also having an employer that has family friendly policies.

What I want you to start doing is thinking differently and to use a new construct.

We all have 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week and 365 days in a year for our life.

On average work should take up 8-10 hours per day, 40-50 hours a week and 220 - 240 days a year!

The new construct is to plan your life! How many of you have your next holiday scheduled? What are you doing at Queens Birthday, Labour Weekend and your summer holidays? What have you got scheduled this week for relaxation? What are you doing this week for fun? Cant answer this ?? Then start planning and scheduling.

My advice is to use a physical planner (not an electronic device) a 12 month wall planner is the best and start planning a scheduling. For example when you can see your holidays planned out you start to look forward to the holidays and they become fun as you start to look forward to your upcoming holidays. Also by planning in advance you can get some great early bird deals!

By the way want to know how to deal with iPhone or email addictions? Turn your iPhone off when you get home and don’t turn on that laptop! This does work! Better still leave the laptop at work and leave your phone locked in your car!

Social Media 101 for Consultants

 

I had the pleasure to present a session to the Auckland Branch of the IMCNZ www.imcnz.org this week on using social media for consulting.

We spent quite a bit of time on the use of LinkedIn www.linkedin.com

I am always amazed that some business people and independent professional can take a somewhat backward and negative approach to using technology!

LinkedIn is your online professional CV its that simple! Having a professional profile online will lead to job and business opportunities, new learnings and to expand your network.

I could list a number of success stories of professionals using LinkedIn.

If you don not understand it then ask a trusted adviser of business friend. Do some research and take a leap of faith and get online before you miss out on all the fun of using LinkedIn. You may even like it and get hooked!!

If you want to see what a profile looks like then follow my link and let me know what you think?

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonshawcmc

 

 

New Year - time for action!

 
Around this time of year everyone is making plans for the year. Have you made any? Have you broken any plans so far?

2011 is the year of action! The biggest problem with us is fear of failure and procrastinating!

So what do you need to do?

1. Have a plan (short and simple and written down)
2. Take action
3. Make it happen
4. Stop having fear or guilt (mistakes give you learning opportunities)
5. Stop procrastinating
6. Take some risks
7. Find a mentor
8. Get you bum off the couch
9. Get regular exercise
10. Have fun

If you are looking for a mentor and you like podcasts then try this advice from Alan Weiss

http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/running-start/

 

 

 

Leadership it is the small things that get noticed and they COUNT!

 I have noticed recently that it is the often small things that count when you are in a leadership position. It reminded me that we all need to undertake some self-reflection and to review if we are making a difference as leaders.

How often do you take the time to give your wider teams members feedback on their performance?

I recently provided some feedback to a team member who is not a direct report to me and I received the following feedback from a third party: “she practically glowed down the phone when she explained the feedback you had provided and she can't believe that someone as busy as you would take the time to provide such positive feedback”.

How often do you say “Thank You”?

You need to take the time to say this more often to your team, direct reports, colleagues and friends. Try it and you will be surprised!

I also want to share some thoughts from Alan Weiss on the human condition of Nastiness. Alan has stated the following in his Balancing Act Newsletter (No. 136: December 2010) www.summitconsulting.com

The human condition: Nastiness

Many years ago I arrived in a city early for a speech, and proceeded to the hotel my client had booked for me. It was 11 am, and the clerk rudely told me that not only were there no rooms available so early, but that I didn’t have any chance prior to 4 pm. I called another hotel, found they could get me in immediately, and went there, since I could clean up after a long journey and be fresh for my speech.

When I called the first hotel to cancel the room altogether, the same rude woman answered the phone. I asked for the hotel manager. When I explained what had happened, he said, incredulously, “We have rooms available, we’re only at 65 percent capacity! Can I get you to return?”

“Not while that woman is working for you,” I said, and wished him luck.

That woman was just nasty, getting her kicks by causing misery to someone else. I’ve seen this with judges, immigration officials, restaurant maitres d’, and “barristas.” There’s a difference among making a mistake, not being competent, and being nasty. I believe that the last condition is the worst.

Some people are nasty because they’re miserable themselves—they failed at something, had a rough break, were disappointed. Others are nasty because they are basically disempowered and are trying to create artificial power to buoy themselves up. Still others are showing off, trying to impress colleagues.

I admit having a hard time dealing with utter nastiness, because it’s infuriating. There’s simply no reason to treat people that way, no matter what your position, no matter how bad a day you’ve had.

However, there is one thing we can do about it: Never resort to nastiness ourselves. Helping others and doing your best might just turn that lousy day around for you. Walk away from nastiness. Let others be miserable by themselves.

 Alan Weiss balancingact@summitconsulting.com

Managing Globalisation – Moving into a global marketplace and aligning yourself with your international trading partners.

 
On Wednesday 24^th November Gordon Shaw from Sempre Avanti Consulting will be presenting at the Organisational Design and Strategy Execution Conference in Melbourne Australia.

This post is for the attendees to down load the CI Check List.

Download CI consulting check list Org Design Conf Nov 2010

Also to follow is the position paper given to the delegates at this conference.

Purpose

This Position Paper has been prepared to assist you with post follow up reference from the Organisational Design conference. Please refer to the slides.

Introduction

What is culture - Geert Hofstede states – “Culture consists of mental programs that condition individuals’ responses to their environment

Human nature or personality”

CQ References

“People skills for global business – Cultural Intelligence” by David C. Thomas and Kerr Inkson

Klein – “pre-mortem rehearsal” imagine issues / trouble before it happens

“leverage point” a turning point – a small difference that makes a BIG difference!

Operating at a higher level of understanding

Opening up your mind

As simple as showing respect and treating people with dignity and as you want to be treated

TURN DOWN THE ARROGRANCE METER    

Gary Klein “Sources of Power” (1988) “Amounts of expertise limit abilities to build mental simulations”

Cultural intelligence means being skilled and flexible about understanding a culture, learning more about it from your ongoing interactions with it, and gradually reshaping your thinking to be more sympathetic to the culture and your behaviour to be more skilled and appropriate when interacting with others from the culture.

Klein – “scenario fulfilment” – assumptions made to fit a predetermined path.

“antigoals” unwanted outcomes – Klein 1994

EXAMPLE OF CQ - Presenting in Japan

This introductory guide provides an initial understanding of the issues you may face when presenting in Japan. While the focus of this document is on making presentations in Japan, all of the concepts raised in this document apply to presentations in other Asian countries.

Though English is Japan’s second language outside the main cities in Japan few Japanese have encountered a native English speaker. English is taught in Japan at secondary and high schools for 6 years. Most of the post baby boomer generation in Japan can understand (read and write) and speak some English.

Use of Language

It is important to consider your use of language when you are presenting to an audience of non English speaking people or to an audience where English is a second language. You will have to pay attention to sentence construction, technical terms and the use of bullet points within PowerPoint.

Translations

If you are presenting to a bilingual audience then it is strongly recommended that you have any written presentations translated into the native language. There are many translations services that can assist with this.

A point to note here is that literal English translations to another language do not always have a one to one equivalent and may not have the meaning you are trying to convey. For example there is no literal translation in Japanese of “How are you?”

Colour

Depending on the country you are presenting in, you will have to research what colours may offend and to not use these in written or PowerPoint presentations. In Japan it is highly offensive to produce written correspondence (especially someone’s name) using the colour red.

Religion

In any Asian country your audience will be made up of people from a number of different religious backgrounds. You will need to carefully consider your use of language especially the use of humour so as not to cause offence.

In Japan the two major religions are Shinto and Buddhism. The post baby boomer generation in Japan may not practice a religion but with a cultural upbringing based on religion, offence may be caused if religious beliefs are not considered.

Business Cards

The exchange of business cards in Japan is a highly significant event. The business card exchange can set the tone for the rest of the relationship. It is recommended that if you do not have a business card holder that you purchase one before visiting any Asian country.

In Japan it is critical that you keep your cards in a business card holder and when you receive a business card that you examine it carefully and try to pronounce the name. Then make sure you are seen putting it carefully in your business card holder.

Basic foreign language skills

It is highly recommended that before you visit Japan you learn some basic terms and how to introduce yourself. Consider learning the following:

My name is	Watashi Wa (YOUR NAME) dess
Good Morning	o-hayo gozaimass
Good Afternoon	Kon-nichi wa
Excuse Me	Sumimasen
Please	O kudasai
Thank You	Arigato
No Thank You	i-e kekko dess

 It is recommended that you use professional assistance in the preparation of any written or verbal presentation in Japan as you only have once chance to make a good impression.

What signs do you send your customers?

Do you send signs to your customers?If no why? Do you have a web site, blog or twitter?

Do you have physical signs?

 

This evening I gave my business to a motel in Taihape North Island New Zealand - the gumboot capital of the world because the Aspen Court Motel had a SIGN.

6 kilometers from the town there was a sign "Aspen Court Motel - New Motel 6km" and guess what I went past a number of motels and chose to spend my money at the Aspen court.

It go me thinking - what signs are we send to our customers. Whether physical or in cyber-space we need signs to attract customers.

If you can say you have at least 4 of the following signs then you are doing well. If not then you should have more signs!

• Web site
• Blog
• LinkedIn profile
• Twitter profile
• Listing in directory service
• Listed in professional association database
• Company profile on facebook

LinkedIn is currently signing up one new member globally every second! Are you one of them?

 

I had the pleasure of attending Social Media Junction2 in Auckland on 16 November and was a willing attendee of the presentation by Cliff Rosenberg, Managing Director, LinkedIn Australia & New Zealand on the topic "Find the right audience using digital media: How professional and businesses can get the most from LinkedIn"

 

Those of you who know me will know I have been an advocate of using LinkedIn for many years and some of you have attended my LinkedIn mentoring sessions.

Cliff made some very strong points about the power of your personal brand and how LinkedIn is a critical part of you managing your own brand. I hope the following points from Cliff's presentation are of interest to you:

LinkedIn is currently signing up one new member globally every second

The basic LinkedIn account is free

Members have total control of their profiles and what other see

There is real value n having a good network and there is value in maintaining it

Remember to review other daily updates and add your own daily updates

Professional networking is about Brand, Personal Insights and Connections

The key is to separate your professional brand from your personal brand

LinkedIn is your professional network brand and facebook is your social network and brand they should be SEPARATE

We live in the digital age and you need to take control of your personal brand

When was the last time you completed a Google search on you own name? What information was listed

Through Search Engine Optimation SEO LinkedIn profile have high ranking in Google searches

Put the effort in and get your LinkedIn profile to 100% - set aside time and call it business development

Remember that LinkedIn is about your professional network and that your band is now being viewed by head-hunters, recruiter, potential business partners and your future client or employer

The following link will take you to the Fortune Magazine article "How LinkedIn will fire up your career"

 

http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/24/technology/linkedin_social_networking.fortune/index.htm  

Feel free to let me know if you have any burning questions about using LinkedIn.

Feel free to contact me on LinkedIn at

 

http://nz.linkedin.com/in/gordonshawcmc