Why you should probably cancel all your meetings August 14, 2015 My meetings are…” What word would you use to complete that statement? If the first that comes to mind is “awesome”, “relevant”, “timely” or “value-generating”, I congratulate you. You’re in a tiny minority and you should probably be writing this article, not reading it. It’s far more normal to hear words like “overlong”, “frequent”, [...]
What to give top talent when pay rises won’t cut it August 13, 2015 Younger workers enjoy public plaudits more than alcohol The signs are unmissable: covert phone calls, new suits, a flurry of doctors appointments. But by the time your brightest employees are interviewing, there’s little any manager can offer to persuade them to stay. Salaries, bonuses and room for promotion have always been the surest ways to [...]
Why bigger isn’t better in business August 12, 2015 Brands with a limited number of associations may resonate better with consumers The adage goes that the best things come in small packages. Larry Page, chief executive of newly-formed holding company Alphabet, seems to have taken this to heart. The decision to break down Google’s businesses and separate its more experimental arms from the [...]
Why openness may be hurting your business August 11, 2015 Informing workers of executive issues could cause panic From compliance to corporation tax, transparency is increasingly expected of businesses. The advantages of openness are many, and it can lead to greater loyalty from both customers and colleagues. But there are also downsides to more radical forms of transparency, which may result in a fractured [...]
The secret to successful career change August 9, 2015 Don’t worry about making the wrong decision – your skills are your currency It’s the time of the year when, once again, employers are investing in a range of programmes to attract and recruit a diverse range of young people. UK university leavers have more job opportunities available to them than at any other [...]
Why the office is killing your creativity dead August 7, 2015 Staying late at work is a sign of inefficiency rather than dedication This short article was written in the following places: on the stairs of Opera Holland Park; by the carousel at Heathrow’s Terminal 5; at a themed house party; and at home while watching The Bridge. Inspiration never comes when required. The [...]
The case against career planning August 6, 2015 Seek to transplant your skill-set into new territory and be ready to manoeuvre For many, the path from university lecture theatre to a seat on the board seems clear enough, if you can get the intervening stages right. But the structures of companies are changing, and as organisations get flatter, the greasy pole may become [...]
Go commando: Military tactics for businesses August 5, 2015 Invest in onboard training and establish a dynamic of trust While the aggressive nature of business is often wryly compared with armed conflict, commerce might do well to adopt some military practices. According to a working paper by the US National Bureau of Economic Research, chief executives with military experience were found to be [...]
Three tips for negotiating a win-win deal August 4, 2015 Start off with the low-hanging fruit and know your red lines In business, negotiation is not always a zero-sum game. By treating proceedings as adversarial and hostile, you risk walking away without knowing what you could have won. But with patience, strong research and a clear idea of your next best alternative, you can reach [...]
Don’t be afraid to fire your failing staff: How to eliminate problem employees August 2, 2015 Are you frightened of firing your staff? If so, you’re not alone – it’s hardly surprising that most managers are. After all, such interactions are commonly known as the worst of “difficult conversations”. But what if I told you they were not, and said that it is both easy to sack staff and that you [...]