Back to basics: End of the job advert June 3, 2014 Businesses don’t hire like they used to. In a recent blog, Stacy Zapar of online retailer Zappos lamented the end of old-fashioned headhunting, “when recruiting was all about relationships.” Cold-calling, networking, and conversations were the modus operandi, she says. A trusted network of contacts was used to spread word of a new opening. And while [...]
How to be an inspiring leader: The six skills you need to inspire your employees June 2, 2014 If you want to be a more inspiring leader, you need to develop six important skills. The following tips come from those in the know: leaders of global companies, charities and organisations I have interviewed on leadership communication. FOCUS ON OTHERSYou have not communicated well if people have not heard you, understood you and felt [...]
Brutal simplicity June 1, 2014 Liam Ward-Proud talks to M&C Saatchi worldwide chief executive Moray MacLennan BORN of an unhappy schism at Saatchi & Saatchi (brothers Maurice and Charles were forced out by the board in 1995), M&C Saatchi has since overtaken its near-namesake in the agency pecking order. UK billings were down 7 per cent in 2013 to £188m [...]
Why it’s time to stop brainstorming June 1, 2014 If you’ve ever thought group brainstorming sessions produce half-baked ideas, you aren’t alone. Formally devised by advertising executive Alex Osborn, the idea is that a group should use “the brain to storm a creative problem… doing so in commando fashion, with each stormer attacking the same objective”. With everyone talking, without judgement or criticism, Osborn [...]
Five things inspirational leaders do May 29, 2014 Set up “quivering antennae” and focus on employee engagement to keep staff motivated, says Kevin Murray HAVING interviewed dozens of the UK’s top leaders on what it means to be inspiring, and backed it up with research on 4,000 workers, I believe there are five things the most inspiring leaders do. 1 CONVEY YOUR PASSIONInspirational [...]
Peer ratings: The future of feedback? May 28, 2014 Crowdsourced assessments spot the real stars, but risk turning into popularity contests VERY few of us look forward to the annual performance review. And according to a survey by employee recognition company Globoforce, 45 per cent of human resource (HR) managers don’t think these meetings function as an accurate appraisal of an employee’s work. But [...]
Etiquette of email: Inbox blunders that are easily avoided May 27, 2014 Sarcasm and emoticons aren’t the end of the world, but careless replies are WHILE consumer email traffic is set to slow over the next few years, the 108.7bn emails business users will send and receive each day in 2014 is just the start, according to Radicati projections. Indeed, most of us use email so regularly [...]
The four ways to gain credibility in your new role May 26, 2014 Think the hard part is over now you’ve got your dream job? Think again THE GHASTLY interview process is over, and you’re excited about a new challenge. But establishing credibility and adapting to the culture of a new organisation can be tricky. According to accelerating transitions expert Michael D Watkins (who has written a book [...]
After Yaya Toure’s post-birthday quit threat: Four ways to hang on to top talent May 22, 2014 Retaining high-flying employees is a challenge for all businesses, and it’s not always just a matter of remuneration. Premier league-winning footballer Yaya Toure, for example, recently announced that he may leave Manchester City because he feels his birthday was not properly recognised by the club’s owners. This, despite a reported £220,000-a-week salary. The club now [...]
How to perfect the art of conversation May 21, 2014 Ask anyone who’s been successful in business and they’ll tell you that informal conversations are essential. Why? It’s where they find out what’s going on, pick up ideas, create important connections and form rewarding business relationships. So what makes a good conversation? You might think you need the gift of the gab, smart wit and [...]