tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52588011488353871992024-03-06T00:01:36.987+11:00todd montgomery consultancy (tmc)Getting people working better together to Make SHIFT Happen!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-4738888879305580742013-11-08T13:51:00.000+11:002013-11-11T12:51:50.736+11:00Workplace Bullying & Harrassment Seminar: What you need to know & what you can do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Things on the
people side of the business, already complex and often tricky to manage, will
soon have another level of legal complexity added to the mix. </span></b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There's
great potential for things to get a whole lot messier - even ugly - with
real financial, productivity, interpersonal and emotional consequences.</span></b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Read on</b></span></i> to find out what you need to know and what you can do. </b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b></b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A recent <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/small-business/finance/do-staff-have-more-power-than-bosses-20130823-2sgqx.html" target="_blank">article</a>
highlights the fact that "from January 2014, employers [in Australia]
will be subject to a <b>new anti-bullying jurisdiction</b> with employees
alleging workplace bullying able to bring a claim to the Fair Work
Commission."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Though the laws are Australia-specific, the issue that the article highlights is increasingly common in workplaces everywhere:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">...</span>the psychological contract between business and employee has noticeably shifted...there is an increasing mismatch between the expectations of employees and employers and the gap is widening.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In my work consulting and coaching in organizations I hear both sides of the story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Managers complain of staff who think that <b>being asked to take responsibility and held accountable for delivering on the requirements of their job constitutes "bullying"</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the other side, I routinely hear of people managers who either can't or won't manage people effectively - whether due to a <b>lack of training and experience</b> or, in the extreme, individuals who can best be described as <i><b>corporate psychopaths</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What you can do </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">More than ever this points to the need for effective communication, conversations in which expectations are set and routinely reviewed (rather than the once-or-twice-a-year adversarial session that passes for a "performance review"). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I call these <b><span style="color: #073763;">Conversations</span> for <span style="color: red;">Real Life</span></b>. In my experience when people are equipped to have these conversations successfully, it can make the difference between an organization that is high performance and one that is mired in unresolved conflict, low productivity, poor engagement and, increasingly, expensive and time-consuming legal dramas.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Specialized in <b>the people side of the business</b>, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #000066;">m<span style="color: black;">c</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span> offers clients </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">a wide variety of ways to get people working better together. <a href="mailto:toddm@toddmontgomery.com.au" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get in touch</a> to explore how to apply tmc's more than 15 years of experience working with organizations and discover how to</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> bring out the best in your people, learn ways for them to engage
more effectively with others, create more productive cultures and <b>deliver
better results, faster and with longer-lasting impact</b>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What you need to know</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My associates at Cox Purtell are hosting an breakfast seminar in Sydney on <u><b>Thursday 14 November</b></u>, featuring a speaker from Harmers Workplace Lawyers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To join, please be sure to RSVP directly to <a href="mailto:johnl@coxpurtell.com.au" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Le</a> at Cox Purtell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For full details see below - and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday morning!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-34850601533731437062013-09-18T17:12:00.002+10:002013-09-18T17:19:19.752+10:00The HOW of Implementing Innovation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl0jXj8CD41ZXgsruirpGde5TzuluL6EtsxFSxipfMqGLoPn3oskzyqxQkyt1vjBLneiwR_L5WfUaYOt_i8go0R29dJ6CNW6jYk_Z38g9_gv1e32wQseIiaO468W2Yb13ueO-YnmHGss/s1600/IMG_2956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl0jXj8CD41ZXgsruirpGde5TzuluL6EtsxFSxipfMqGLoPn3oskzyqxQkyt1vjBLneiwR_L5WfUaYOt_i8go0R29dJ6CNW6jYk_Z38g9_gv1e32wQseIiaO468W2Yb13ueO-YnmHGss/s200/IMG_2956.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well what a fun bunch at today's workshop! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>How to implement innovation </u>was the topic of the day for us at <a href="http://liquidlearning.com.au/" target="_blank">Liquid Learning's</a> <b><i>Tertiary Education Teaching and Learning Innovation Conference 2013</i></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was fully stoked to have a group of about 30 switched-on, participative and smart people taking part.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wish you all every success in using the tips 'n' tools from today's session to <span style="color: #073763;"><b>Make Some <span style="color: red;">SHIFT</span> Happen</b></span>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's a reminder of the highlights from today's talk:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDJGzFNpdn8dTuo08Et8xLKj84JHz4ZwFRTheVfjG1HGkPwQFx3zbnLp_i-R32Rdjir1Y_pmsSpO7I1ylxEMxMS7E7XgVNb2ctl0YplDfSHqHXfAhw6ogYZ-TjbB3qlklVe8RohFSXSA/s1600/SF+Summary+Slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDJGzFNpdn8dTuo08Et8xLKj84JHz4ZwFRTheVfjG1HGkPwQFx3zbnLp_i-R32Rdjir1Y_pmsSpO7I1ylxEMxMS7E7XgVNb2ctl0YplDfSHqHXfAhw6ogYZ-TjbB3qlklVe8RohFSXSA/s400/SF+Summary+Slide.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And here's a link to the paper that I'd offered with a more in-depth exploration of using the <b>HOW</b> to bring people along on your project implementation and innovative practices: <a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7d_SbtzzfN9ZTQ5ZDczYzctZThkMS00N2QwLTk5ZDMtOGI2MDRkM2E0NzY4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50" target="_blank">People Engagement That Works</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://au.linkedin.com/in/toddmontgomery/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-RAIVLb52dfdG4aW2q71uwBMaIuhGTCsSt5sOkvCZT3JCRRVn5RdDYD9ahmPxAg4-efRkcPwnxPiMv4OQ8Z-z1pGsbiRygVCw0cm2sBVNDAuZFNnyoAgzValFpzRZENauZWoZ6jwuJw/s200/LinkedIn+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you enjoyed today's session and want to keep in touch I'd be delighted to connect with you on <a href="http://au.linkedin.com/in/toddmontgomery/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://facebook.com/tmconsultancy" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnzD5ujkzwItQXTFct84D1EY-okM4gRSZQ7uZKslr08r8LbXsiQdDLinzRgZ3aODf6R2eNj9MIMLukAOcMFlKgk20jbqXkILFVxZ9hX8tv5c5tJH4UlSgr8VZO7BeOVidDUbH5gDAaMo/s1600/Facebook-logo+50x50.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And there's a tmconsultancy page on <a href="http://facebook.com/tmconsultancy" target="_blank">facebook</a> - pop by and give it a like, if you like! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-48267430673607113732013-03-05T18:27:00.000+11:002013-03-06T11:02:40.158+11:00Melbourne Workshop Series - Constructive Conversations<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Constructive Conversations" comes to Melbourne</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Highlights</u>:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Three different skills-building workshops - attend one, two or all three</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each workshop includes a one-on-one coaching followup for each participant</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learn practical tools that you can use right away</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dates: Tue 12 Mar / Sat 16 Mar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Location: <a href="http://www.thepowerofplay.com.au/thepowerofplay.com.au/Hire_Temenos.html" target="_blank">Temenos</a>, an artistic "Playspace" in Gardenvale</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cost: 1 workshop $149 or take 2 workshops @ $129ea.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">International Women's Day Special Offer: Attend all 3 workshops for $99ea.</span></li>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u>Workshop #1</u></b>: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Feedback (Tuesday 12 March at 18.00)</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u>Workshop #2</u></b>: How to get what you want at work...and in life <span style="color: red;">Women-only session</span> (Saturday 16 March at 9.00)</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u>Workshop #3</u></b>: The Art of Negotiation (Saturday 16 March at 13.00)</span></i></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></a><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" target="_blank">Click to order your tickets on Eventbrite</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Todd Montgomery, M.A. CMC</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Your Workshop Leader: Todd Montgomery</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Author, Consultant & Executive Coach</span></b><br /><br />Todd
has over 15 years of experience working with people in the areas of
human behaviour and interaction. <br /><br />His
workshops and coaching feature a practical and positive approach to
personal and professional development. It helps you get very clear
on what you want, gain focus in your actions, build on your
strengths, draw out your unique know-how and resources, and then apply
them directly to your current situation to actually execute your
plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />His consulting and coaching work takes him across
Austral-Asia, UK/Europe and North America. A frequent keynote speaker and chair for organisations and
conferences, Todd has delivered workshops and participated in panel
discussions on a host of leadership and organisational topics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What previous attendees have said about Todd's workshops:</span><br />
<ul style="font-style: italic;">
<li>Relaxed and warm approach. Love your humour!</li>
<li>Clear structure and explanations.</li>
<li>Good simulation, easy to apply technique, good structure.</li>
<li>The
group [demonstration] worked exceptionally well, balancing between
structured, to-do advice and empathy about difficulties faced.</li>
<li>You are friendly and nice to listen to - very good!</li>
<li>There was a clear flow of information advice between parties, which I am very keen on.</li>
<li>The role play brought home how the dynamics of the group can work.</li>
<li>Well done! Great tools, way of sharing, and good humour!</li>
<li>Good mix of theory and participation...it flowed - thank you!</li>
<li>High engagement...excellent explanation and use of The Affirm technique.</li>
<li>Energized and engaged - good experience.</li>
<li>Very informative and easy to follow.</li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>EVENT DETAILS </b></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Words that hurt, words that help – express yourself for best effect</i></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In many key areas of
day-to-day life - negotiations, giving and receiving feedback, handling
conflict, backing yourself in an assertive way we fail to achieve what
we want and experience unnecessary stress and drama. </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So much of our ability to
connect with and influence others depends on the words we use...and yet
we’re often sloppy with our language, putting others on the defensive
and being unclear about what we want.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At
the Constructive Conversations workshop series in Melbourne, you'll
learn an effective model to make yourself clear, increase mutual
understanding and make it much more likely that you'll get what you want
out of your interactions with others.</span> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Workshop #1</u>: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Feedback (Tue 12 Mar at 18.00)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Let me give you some feedback…”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is
there any phrase that sets people on edge as quickly as that one?! Done
well, feedback provides an invaluable, irreplaceable source of useful
information and insight. So why is it so often done so badly…? And how
come so many people turn themselves inside out rather than offer their
views on a matter that really matters to them?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6tXwGC-1CC-Wb-vkbjW1y3vnlnekH676ZxA-hUAJ4J-N9n7yqimOL-SvbcOdeWQ3VdheZv3RwI3k79T4_vRzg3MjtrVli-mojnnzaGMiVX71Nizugp_SdTJPNQhEzZrVuqa9NDchBwE/s1600/conversation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6tXwGC-1CC-Wb-vkbjW1y3vnlnekH676ZxA-hUAJ4J-N9n7yqimOL-SvbcOdeWQ3VdheZv3RwI3k79T4_vRzg3MjtrVli-mojnnzaGMiVX71Nizugp_SdTJPNQhEzZrVuqa9NDchBwE/s200/conversation.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Giving and receiving feedback – communication, not criticism </i><br />Instead
of so-called “constructive criticism” you’ll learn how to have a
Constructive Conversation where useful information is exchanged and both
parties end up the better for having spoken. Never walk away from
another touchy, controversial or complex issue again!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanjrzGedCumw-FlF1R5b71EK9VFttBRDNbC2bm9A0uul6tDi_1QejiiMPxagAcgmV4SMrZg9e7czT2RLbaVc8elc7PnrkGjt5T81vgMUaXvUCROP6d_IT0FcgAHU9j8eKwR30iOSPeVQ/s320/eventbrite_1Billion-e1340036105845.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" target="_blank">Click to order your tickets on Eventbrite</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Workshop #2</u>: How to get what you want at work...and in life <i><span style="color: red;">Women-only session</span></i> (Sat 16 Mar at 9.00)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><i>Doing what works - choose your thoughts, choose your happiness </i><br />The
way you choose to view the world has a tremendous impact on your own
happiness and your ability to interact effectively with others. Learn a
simple, lightweight and highly effective means to improve your life
today!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi65_zSK26XWlK6mUfZAivGbdLu0izRudCB8r7ctNIVk3Cw4oYv-uLwhaO6j-NtZzqwg9e4sIw9US6DJfh0euIZXYsWwwtHiMMYzqEpgiOvgjTCZzRpQWGB_slQ0m0A44dx-CwBaSn6-I/s1600/sandplay1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi65_zSK26XWlK6mUfZAivGbdLu0izRudCB8r7ctNIVk3Cw4oYv-uLwhaO6j-NtZzqwg9e4sIw9US6DJfh0euIZXYsWwwtHiMMYzqEpgiOvgjTCZzRpQWGB_slQ0m0A44dx-CwBaSn6-I/s320/sandplay1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Assertiveness Tips for Women</i><br />Learn
ways to deal with broken promises, violated expectations and bad
behaviour. Learn how to handle life’s situations with appropriate
assertiveness (not excessive aggression). Keep your cool with
Constructive Conversations for greater success in both negotiations and
other life situations that call for savvy influencing skills...and a
dash of assertive female persuasion.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cQOChFaajnv9bqH-4yUZOwHz2RgpHjdyQ8XvPCSlwyd1R90L-vPqTuNc0m7lIOSsW4FspkLKw35xJw_fxou87ApIFNfkGSQeh98hwjryhyphenhyphenH6DT7xKEHL9TIkxTZAXUAa2FP5oAA7j1w/s400/iwd_long.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-UqQDn7-cDwlFecvMPd7aVHg6W24orAT60YrvVSPOUe-pEiv-bhYuVtNI1zEu5NkRU0ov8WLttPbYB1snGMnl3NxhGWPTgPl53ivLCjdMrK-8XK5X-IT8kdxCCgRa2gCejnE6ZIXQk8/s1600/the-secret-diaries-of-inspirational-women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-UqQDn7-cDwlFecvMPd7aVHg6W24orAT60YrvVSPOUe-pEiv-bhYuVtNI1zEu5NkRU0ov8WLttPbYB1snGMnl3NxhGWPTgPl53ivLCjdMrK-8XK5X-IT8kdxCCgRa2gCejnE6ZIXQk8/s200/the-secret-diaries-of-inspirational-women.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u>ADDED BONUS</u></b>: Be inspired! During this week of </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank">International Women's Day</a></span>, participants will have the chance to purchase a <b>signed copy</b> of Beatrice Imbert's latest book <a href="http://beatriceimbert.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Secret Diaries of Inspirational Women - How Everyday Women Achieved Extraordinary Lives and How You Can Too</i></a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u>Workshop #3</u>: The Art of Negotiation (Sat 16 Mar at 13.00)</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K14US0e6WAeioIAUMw8OT1ao03Nm5YMm4lcLcgRs53JiTKRxHRtCHv6sayxU0Q2sbroKNTV-vGeWKkURA_O1yQNnORrS4kAnK0D7W1r5ha_UZoH35GvofKw3Q_ubS0QtVXKN3yIvRLE/s1600/agreement2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K14US0e6WAeioIAUMw8OT1ao03Nm5YMm4lcLcgRs53JiTKRxHRtCHv6sayxU0Q2sbroKNTV-vGeWKkURA_O1yQNnORrS4kAnK0D7W1r5ha_UZoH35GvofKw3Q_ubS0QtVXKN3yIvRLE/s320/agreement2.jpg" width="289" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's
been said that all of life is a negotiation. Done badly, negotiation
can waste huge amounts of time to reach an unsatisfying outcome that
pleases no one. What's more, a failed negotiation can do lasting damage
to your relationship with the other party. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This workshop offers you a
better way: An approach that is remarkably effective and remarkably
quick to learn: a way to step beyond stuck positions and seek solutions
that are better for both sides – better than current positions, better
than mere compromise.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Why not use a little MAGIC</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
best result from a negotiation is an agreement both sides want to keep,
while building good relations and not wasting any time. Even in the face
of hard-nosed bargaining, entrenched positions or dirty tricks, you’ll
learn ways of holding Constructive Conversations and respectfully
acknowledging the other – without in any way giving in. Instead you’ll
have the confidence to hold your ground and the clarity to avoid being
taken for a ride. That includes the confidence to know when to say yes –
and when to walk away.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanjrzGedCumw-FlF1R5b71EK9VFttBRDNbC2bm9A0uul6tDi_1QejiiMPxagAcgmV4SMrZg9e7czT2RLbaVc8elc7PnrkGjt5T81vgMUaXvUCROP6d_IT0FcgAHU9j8eKwR30iOSPeVQ/s320/eventbrite_1Billion-e1340036105845.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" target="_blank">Click to order your tickets on Eventbrite</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Putting your skills to work - follow-on coaching</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each
of these three highly interactive workshops will give you the chance to
work on a real-life issue that you currently face (and possibly dread),
giving you concrete action steps to follow in the days and weeks to
come. Together they offer a powerful toolkit of practical skills that
you can start using right away!<br /><br />To help you get the most from your new learning, I'm also offering these extensive added resources and support...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz1OS_ZW4IUAd_CX93PwB3AIof2AVq53nOolkKWqgr_1mqNxNVPho-bn_cRr3mNfFSPgzFpZidUyvObR_tt2czdevl2xjDesgNczGN6tDgUK_c6cndfFrFisp1cb3zRZoufnZolQuObo/s1600/WTG.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz1OS_ZW4IUAd_CX93PwB3AIof2AVq53nOolkKWqgr_1mqNxNVPho-bn_cRr3mNfFSPgzFpZidUyvObR_tt2czdevl2xjDesgNczGN6tDgUK_c6cndfFrFisp1cb3zRZoufnZolQuObo/s200/WTG.tiff" width="129" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>**Exclusive to these Melbourne dates </b>- along with the workshop content, you'll receive the following bonuses:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">your own copy of the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wheres-Feedback-Smarter-Faster-Disaster/dp/0974140937" target="_blank"><i>Where's the Gift - Using Feedback to Work Smarter, Learn Faster and Avoid Disaster</i></a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">a one-on-one coaching session to fine-tune the application of your new skills to your real-life challenges</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ol>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>The full price of the each workshop is <u>normally</u> $495.00 per person.</i></span></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this exclusive time-limited offer, <b><i>attend a single workshop for only </i>$149</b>.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8FWgJlccXWKEdZo_OZw0XCnNuviOQ7pqLJWFBMAh7ArudkiHNS9Orq_rlzxq4VdJlZvUwTzoGWjMUserVXnPgl9qt0LmfYSlLfLj0gekaM8qUdkwQrUkMuUtsReIGIPv0PgNmdASBxI/s200/iwd_square.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Sign up for two workshops </b></i>and the cost of each workshop drops to just <b>$129</b> - that's $258 for a full day's worth of valuable workshop content AND a coaching sessions for <i>each</i> workshop topic.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And in celebration of <b><a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank">International Women's Day</a></b>, I'm offering the <i><b><span style="color: red;">complete set of three workshops</span> </b></i>to any ladies who wish to attend at a rate of <b>$99</b>/workshop - that's just $297 for a day and a half of skills-building knowledge AND a </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">coaching session for <i>each</i> workshop topic.</span></span></blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanjrzGedCumw-FlF1R5b71EK9VFttBRDNbC2bm9A0uul6tDi_1QejiiMPxagAcgmV4SMrZg9e7czT2RLbaVc8elc7PnrkGjt5T81vgMUaXvUCROP6d_IT0FcgAHU9j8eKwR30iOSPeVQ/s320/eventbrite_1Billion-e1340036105845.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/5715842238" target="_blank">Click to order your tickets on Eventbrite</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Venue:</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thepowerofplay.com.au/thepowerofplay.com.au/Hire_Temenos.html" target="_blank">Temenos</a></span></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajB9bCAUCJqeN88jR9PltGC1bXue2Y9VD-g4F4v9jv_4mA7WVoE-uyI4QjEOsm1qeob69tpS2Twtpf56yJteHuOoRZj26c_gTfVmL2Q7zJ7ST3jg9nO_eBAfxJUF8B-QvUtNPT_aZQIg/s1600/IMG_4282_2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajB9bCAUCJqeN88jR9PltGC1bXue2Y9VD-g4F4v9jv_4mA7WVoE-uyI4QjEOsm1qeob69tpS2Twtpf56yJteHuOoRZj26c_gTfVmL2Q7zJ7ST3jg9nO_eBAfxJUF8B-QvUtNPT_aZQIg/s1600/IMG_4282_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Temenos - Our "Playspace" for each workshop</b></span><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">108 Gardenvale Road<br />Gardenvale, VIC 3185<br /><a href="http://goo.gl/maps/Yz9UG" target="_blank">Map</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gardenvale is a village inside the triangle of Brighton, Elwood and Elsternwick. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's
an easy DRIVE 15-20 minutes south along St Kilda Road/Nepean Hwy to
Gardenvale Road, then turn left. Street parking is available. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By TRAIN take the Sandringham line to Gardenvale station then walk 5 minutes along Gardenvale Road, just past the award-winning <a href="http://www.omars.com.au/about-cafe" target="_blank">Omar and the Marvellous Coffee Bird Roastery</a> and cafe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-49500620472829912062012-01-29T10:28:00.001+11:002012-01-29T11:59:59.093+11:00Sponsor charity swim, get a complimentary coaching session<i><b>Need some help sticking to and achieving your New Year's resolutions? Want to set yourself up for success in 2012? Read on to find out how you can support a deserving charity and get a <u>complimentary coaching session</u> at the same time with this limited-time offer!</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrNUOrxvdesK4g22T0ORxYvX0sIm0n-SjAxg_10l1V1rz3CTY_SFEWwL146QqRyipajLzhV9JHAj0GMZLqo0qTSDKC4qrJ5OKaYSSOAh0MTU9G43Dkcv6j3yyLbSohSlgY7lk9NZQXEM/s1600/cole-classic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrNUOrxvdesK4g22T0ORxYvX0sIm0n-SjAxg_10l1V1rz3CTY_SFEWwL146QqRyipajLzhV9JHAj0GMZLqo0qTSDKC4qrJ5OKaYSSOAh0MTU9G43Dkcv6j3yyLbSohSlgY7lk9NZQXEM/s320/cole-classic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99Htg6dHmQdbtW-PkO3Mc-TTNOPJ0Ar-iOhhIiYBV7JvAt_13xWmr2zR38BNjs6OoFQVyUfXIat9CotAoFPBK0SQHMJbMqRN9zA6GWKirnD-OgwmVCld1ASop62la15zd-KfXrLA_eI0/s1600/swimmer.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99Htg6dHmQdbtW-PkO3Mc-TTNOPJ0Ar-iOhhIiYBV7JvAt_13xWmr2zR38BNjs6OoFQVyUfXIat9CotAoFPBK0SQHMJbMqRN9zA6GWKirnD-OgwmVCld1ASop62la15zd-KfXrLA_eI0/s1600/swimmer.jpg" /></a>One week from today on February 5th I'll have another go at the <a href="http://www.coleclassic.com/" target="_blank">Cole Classic</a>, Australia's largest ocean swim event. In what's become an annual charity fundraising event for my company, I'll once again tackle the 1km course from Shelly Beach to Manly Beach. <br />
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I'm doing the swim to raise money for the <span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">World Society for the Protection of Animals </span>(<a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/" style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">WSPA</a>), in support of their efforts to help protect animals around the world from cruelty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsCNpB97Kk5F0H8JmMngSQ-CBs1CHUZhwWQl8uPpJ6fGmHB2Hcg1nlr7KD94TXHNi9mpzs52SAQNFJhjD14wK3AQGDU8vbEJ_8Fv8DRBI1hNHVo_kAZr0CI7lUPpatzN4FDtuFRSwGFA/s1600/WSPAlogo.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsCNpB97Kk5F0H8JmMngSQ-CBs1CHUZhwWQl8uPpJ6fGmHB2Hcg1nlr7KD94TXHNi9mpzs52SAQNFJhjD14wK3AQGDU8vbEJ_8Fv8DRBI1hNHVo_kAZr0CI7lUPpatzN4FDtuFRSwGFA/s200/WSPAlogo.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">THE ASK: </span>I'm seeking sponsorships of my race-for-charity. Any amount is gratefully accepted - even $10 donations add up - and you can donate from wherever you are in the world at my <b><a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/todd_montgomery_4" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">everyday hero fundraising page</a></b>.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">THE OFFER</span>: if you choose to donate AUD$50* or more, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #000066;">m</span>c</span> will offer you a <span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">complimentary 1-hour coaching session</span><span style="color: black;">.</span> No further obligation is required - just make a donation and we'll book you a coaching session (live or by telephone) at your convenience. That's it!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*that's about £33 / €40 / SEK360 / HK$410 / SIN$65 / CAD$53 / US$53</span></span></div><span style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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So...with just one donation, you get four things at once:</span><br />
<ol><li>A chance to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> try out coaching</span>, if you've not done so before, at a knock-down rate</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Feel-goods</span> as you help a deserving global charity to improve animal welfare</li>
<li>The one-on-one attention of an experienced coach to <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">address an issue that's real for you today</span> - and walk away with <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">practical actions to do right away</span></li>
<li>And as a charitable contribution, it's <span style="font-weight: bold;">tax deductable</span>.</li>
</ol><span style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Why coaching?</span><br />
Coaching will benefit anyone who wants something and has not yet been able to get it. It is a structured way to renew your focus, better tackle your challenges and identify how you can make the best use of your efforts and resources to get sustained results over a period of time.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><br />
<blockquote style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Todd asks great questions - pertinent and provocative. Then makes sure you work through to a good answer.</span> ~ Paul Z. Jackson, Owner, The Solutions Focus</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ffhW4IKXI9J3hdQWJmZ1emlIHF8mZzrwtujSN_iCvJL_3E47Ga92ZH8dogjeofNqgpqp12qbqG1pBe8d75y5pGOkT_vDFiucXMP7RJZB8KpDEV8YrB6tZ-zNZfhwvqgu-iB8cFMInYA/s1600/conversation.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ffhW4IKXI9J3hdQWJmZ1emlIHF8mZzrwtujSN_iCvJL_3E47Ga92ZH8dogjeofNqgpqp12qbqG1pBe8d75y5pGOkT_vDFiucXMP7RJZB8KpDEV8YrB6tZ-zNZfhwvqgu-iB8cFMInYA/s320/conversation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the same way that top athletes have coaches to help them realize their full potential and improve their performance, coaching helps you to be your best. Far from being a remedial step or an admission of weakness, having a coach is a useful way to head off potential issues before they impede your performance, and draw on your existing strengths to get results.<br />
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At the outset of a new project, coaching is also invaluable in setting the right course so that when storms blow up along the way, you will already have the means in place to handle them and not get blown off course or overwhelmed.<br />
<blockquote style="color: #000099;">GET THINGS DONE<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Coaching...gave me real clarity and focus, which was just what I was needing at the time. After just one coaching conversation, I found that I was better organised, and managing my time much more effectively. Over time, I have found that the tools I gained have stayed with me, even if my method has changed. </span>~ Linnet Good, writer and entrepreneur, Goodscribble</blockquote><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">How does coaching work?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyW8E8DiddtnXUFf0CsiJi1fRcHe70LnrJ0nT9w9ACOCoZCUC-xHFsjEk36CjEbia87aTUIp2QZb_qMA-b4S2o85tzxiHIOupXL2-iUPORvNeyvQd3p53wiXOBIXyTta4BQ_ofdt2qA4/s1600/blonde_GenY_thumbs_up.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyW8E8DiddtnXUFf0CsiJi1fRcHe70LnrJ0nT9w9ACOCoZCUC-xHFsjEk36CjEbia87aTUIp2QZb_qMA-b4S2o85tzxiHIOupXL2-iUPORvNeyvQd3p53wiXOBIXyTta4BQ_ofdt2qA4/s200/blonde_GenY_thumbs_up.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>You will draw on your own experiences as you “think out loud,” with the added benefit of an impartial outside point of view for fresh perspective. Through skilled work as both a sounding board and source of positive support, a coach can help uncover your own hidden insights and ideas. An ongoing coaching dialogue also makes it more likely that you will follow through on your commitment to do the actions you know need to be done.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #000099;">BUILD ON EXISTING STRENGTHS</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099; font-style: italic;">Being involved in many other coaching training sessions, the one with Todd has given me the most improvement and value. That’s because it’s not often that I can put theory into practice and have a seasoned expert sitting on the side-line who can objectively provide valuable pointers and guidance to improve my coaching style and technique. </span><span style="color: #000099;">~ Eric Wong, Manager, NRMA</span><span style="color: #000099;"> </span></blockquote><br />
A coaching session gives you that all-important pause to get clarity on a course of action, identify useful and practical ways forward, and follow up on those actions to get the maximum possible learning benefit from them.<br />
<blockquote><span style="color: #000099;">ACHIEVE BREAKTHROUGH INSIGHTS</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099; font-style: italic;">I've found Todd's coaching consistently excellent, in one session helping me reach a goal I'd been striving towards for 15 years...in a field with which he had no previous experience! He is very creative, and generous with his time, energy and ideas. He is both very professional and excellent company. Time spent with Todd is time very well spent. </span><span style="color: #000099;">~ Shakya Kumara, Training Manager and Coach, windhorse:evolution </span></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">Some practical examples</span><br />
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Coaching can help if you’d like to develop your skills in any of these areas:<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">assertiveness</span> in business and personal situations</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">negotiation</span> to get the outcomes you want</li>
<li>having <span style="font-weight: bold;">difficult conversations</span> with co-workers or partners</li>
<li>using effective <span style="font-weight: bold;">persuasion and influencing </span>skills</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">leadership</span> development</li>
<li>becoming a better <span style="font-weight: bold;">manager</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">coaching others</span> to help their performance/business focus</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">time management </span>and priority-setting to get things done</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">business planning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">strategy execution</span> to turn your plans into reality</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">decisiveness</span> in knowing what you want and how to get it</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">cross-cultural </span>(or other) communication challenges</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">presentation skills</span> to deliver your message with maximum effect</li>
</ul>And if you want to:<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">get “unstuck”</span> from current dramas </li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">achieve breakthrough insights</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">handle conflict</span> in a no-dramas way</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">interact more effectively </span>with other people</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">set a course</span> that’s right for you and stick to it</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">get your business in shape</span> to achieve its full potential</li>
</ul><br />
<blockquote style="color: #000099;">FIND YOUR OWN WAY FORWARD<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Todd has helped to build my awareness of my own behaviour and provided valuable models, frameworks, techniques and practical examples for how I can work through challenges. Overall I have really noticed the difference in how I approach my career in general and my day-to-day work interactions. ~ Manager, Aon-Hewitt</span></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;">What to do next</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wLIZAl6DT4vtZD9qI3JbDZh8McEH2-ORUGiTAk4gXxvNvbVl12PBHQG5GQK_AHLKOezC9iJCC4CQwUZBZxfNOCBm2HLhI6aUD0_rpSvWjJ4CnjNvpnJLM0m0QoC-ysXtgRPpJAkfJtQ/s1600/WSPA_do_animals_matter.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wLIZAl6DT4vtZD9qI3JbDZh8McEH2-ORUGiTAk4gXxvNvbVl12PBHQG5GQK_AHLKOezC9iJCC4CQwUZBZxfNOCBm2HLhI6aUD0_rpSvWjJ4CnjNvpnJLM0m0QoC-ysXtgRPpJAkfJtQ/s1600/WSPA_do_animals_matter.jpg" /></a></div>Please <span style="font-weight: bold;">make your donation</span> at the <a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/todd_montgomery_4" target="_blank">fundraising page</a> and then to <a href="mailto:toddm@toddmontgomery.com.au?subject=I%27ve%20made%20a%20City2Surf%20donation%20and%20I%27m%20ready%20for%20some%20coaching%21">contact me</a> directly to schedule your coaching conversation. Also: <span style="font-weight: bold;">encourage your friends</span>, colleagues and anyone else you can think of who could put this offer to good use to make a donation as well.<br />
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<i><b>**Remember, the donations support a worthy global charity, with a tax receipt issued directly to the donor.</b></i><br />
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Thanks - I hope I can count on your support of my efforts and look forward to speaking to donors very soon.<br />
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<i>The fine print: one coaching session per donor, session to be booked within 1 month of donation</i> <i>date and delivered within 6 months' time. Coaching sessions are for the donor only and cannot be reassigned to others.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-43034109600151078702011-11-08T16:23:00.000+11:002011-11-08T16:23:58.730+11:00Employee engagement forum (Sydney, Wed 16 Nov)<i><b>Want to learn more about how to use employee engagement research to inform and promote organizational change? Read on to discover how to secure your <span style="color: red;">complimentary </span>seat at this <u>discussion forum on Employee Engagement</u>.</b></i><i><b></b></i><br />
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Next week in Sydney I'm attending the latest in a series of discussion forums on Employee Engagement hosted by my associate partners at <a href="http://orcinternational.com.au/" target="_blank">ORC International</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://orcinternational.com.au/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="35" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSijU3JHv4Quj2kWuglaVETbu4i6-ITFpaigxIzMABunppA7fJYFWFztPmRYPGxiiaNW52w2-CKh4W6J2BIVtEUQyhRyvQtwv4Vgbe3xLc6TN8cXvUP1iMc6VtiMa9Wcu35fldmoWYKI8/s320/ORC-Intl_RGB-255px-website.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These discussion forums are designed to offer guidance on how to increase employee engagement in your organization by creating ownership amongst key stakeholders. Drawing on recent case studies and contemporary thinking, forum participants will consider the latest techniques for generating buy-in to employee engagement research and ensuring the business, your managers and your employees are ready and willing to drive internal improvements.<br />
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<a href="http://www.genosinternational.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNwOMPSWrwJuOFOy7Gad3EP02pzIvX3KD2Yd-2wrb94KJ4dFctqf_PNNNiOcXJXP03XFqwR0MwoGDhB-T3RY8PrS-zEUCXlH47MoWfBqntIefOR_PJD7TaHlQZB9khrUboY-8HWL1LQI/s200/NEW_genos+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a>In addition, ORC International will be joined by<b> special guest speaker Ben Palmer from GENOS</b>, who will be offering insights from his research in the field of emotional intelligence. He will describe how the traditional engagement approach does not always drive engagement, and discuss the need to create a shared ownership model. Organizations need to ask individuals what motivates them, and individuals need to take responsibility for themselves, whilst being supported by managers. Ben will outline the GENOS approach to individualizing engagement and how this can complement your employee engagement survey. <br />
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The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to:<br />
<ul><li>Understand how to harness the potential of your employee research</li>
<li>Learn different tactics to raise the profile of employee engagement in your organisation </li>
<li>Understand how to increase employee engagement at an individual level </li>
<li>Share best practice with your industry colleagues</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>If you are going to be in Sydney next week, I look forward to seeing you at this event!</b><br />
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<u>Date</u>: Wednesday 16 November 2011<br />
<u>Time</u>: 09h00 - 12h00 followed by luncheon<br />
<u>Cost</u>: complimentary<br />
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<b>Robinson William Room</b><br />
<b>The Bayview Boulevard Sydney<br />
90 William St, Sydney NSW<br />
<a href="http://www.bayviewhotels.com/boulevard/index.cfm?id=0046D89B-BFC6-6A04-870FA052432F03DE" target="_blank">View location map</a></b><br />
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<b>Register for this no-cost event online <a href="http://www.orcinternational.co.uk/enquiry/?eventid=328&referer=/news-and-events/events/detail/111116-employee-engagement-ownership-and-change.asp" target="_blank">here</a> or contact Phil Pringle at (03) 9935 5729</b> <b> </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-38654357655843712792011-11-01T14:04:00.008+11:002011-11-02T22:23:06.774+11:00Hello Movember, meet "Grovember" - How expressing Gratitude can change your life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><i>As a useful complement to <span style="color: #20124d;">Movember</span>, I suggest the practice of "<u style="color: #20124d;">Grovember</u>" - using November to establish your daily habit of expressing Gratitude. By introducing a bias towards the positive and focusing on what you DO want (rather than lamenting what you don't want), you can break the downward spiral of depression and positively influence your thinking in ways that can dramatically improve the enjoyment of life and increase your levels of happiness.</i></b><br />
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We're now in <b>Movember</b> <i>(the month formerly known as November)</i> when many men grow a moustache to raise funds and awareness on two biggest health issues men face: prostate cancer and depression.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnGjrlIeCvPknhVBaRJZm0hCmJ5UkVE64ACRLD_-Bk6SX2ZnYxdnqqfn0vmoVTpGFfdwwPF74F4nz9jVv375Mjz42Q5_z3OEtMU2-XedZdLL1ZlbwsEE_aXEE51WE_7yc47q2fp7II9Q/s1600/popMO_PastParticipant_1%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnGjrlIeCvPknhVBaRJZm0hCmJ5UkVE64ACRLD_-Bk6SX2ZnYxdnqqfn0vmoVTpGFfdwwPF74F4nz9jVv375Mjz42Q5_z3OEtMU2-XedZdLL1ZlbwsEE_aXEE51WE_7yc47q2fp7II9Q/s1600/popMO_PastParticipant_1%25281%2529.png" /></a> The overall intent is to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, get them to act on that knowledge and increase the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment. <br />
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This year for the first time I'm <a href="http://au.movember.com/mospace/1576840/" target="_blank">having a go and raising money for charity</a> in <span id="edit-motivation-data-wq">memory of my brother Jim, </span>who died this year and who often suffered from bouts of deep depression. <br />
<br />
Raising awareness of organizations (like <b><a href="http://www.beyondblue.org/" target="_blank">Beyond Blue</a> </b>and <a href="http://www.mensline.org.au/" target="_blank"><b>Mensline</b></a> in Australia) that exist to help men combat depression is important work. I think it's also important to offer men the tools for a bit of self-help DIY. That's what this post is about.<br />
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<u><b style="color: #20124d;">How you can combat depression - and live the best life you can!</b></u><br />
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A really effective way to combat depression, and to shift your state of mind in general for the better, is to cultivate an <b>"attitude of gratitude"</b><br />
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One specific practice is to intentionally and regularly record positive appreciation in a <b>Gratitude Journal</b>. Here's how it works:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>You write down five (or more) things every day that you are grateful for</b></i></div><br />
That's it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDt2mtuMiBeHDNZWt67GwTbnDDDKNGeBupAa-ZZFEkFYSaRYgapQI0PR_vwpJIYvNraUnOrqilLXJSdI7iZu7CfVisontCeXNiYDscwwFF9Xj_X0TjTGlUMsC43_jfv44leZo7OPvJD0/s1600/journal-writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDt2mtuMiBeHDNZWt67GwTbnDDDKNGeBupAa-ZZFEkFYSaRYgapQI0PR_vwpJIYvNraUnOrqilLXJSdI7iZu7CfVisontCeXNiYDscwwFF9Xj_X0TjTGlUMsC43_jfv44leZo7OPvJD0/s320/journal-writing.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even Don kept a journal!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Don't be fooled! Though simple, the practice it is a surprisingly powerful way both to get out of negative/depressed states of mind and to positively influence your thinking in ways that improve your enjoyment of life.<br />
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Depression is often the result of a pervasive, circular pattern of negative thoughts. Keeping a gratitude journal breaks that pattern and re-programs your mind to think more positively.<br />
<br />
By regularly noticing and recording things for which you're grateful, you train your brain to focus on things you like about your life (and want to have in it) rather than the things you don’t. This simple practice, done consistently, can improve your whole perspective on life. <br />
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In her book <a href="http://www.chass.ucr.edu/faculty_book/lyubomirsky/" target="_blank"><i>The How of Happiness: </i><i>A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want</i>,</a> University of California professor <a href="http://www.faculty.ucr.edu/%7Esonja/" target="_blank">Sonja Lyubomirsky</a> praises the practice of writing a Gratitude Journal as a good way to increase your level of happiness. In a nutshell, her research has found that "truly happy individuals construe life events and daily situations in ways that seem to maintain their happiness, while unhappy individuals construe experiences in ways that seem to reinforce unhappiness."<br />
<br />
In other words, as Lincoln said:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." </b></i></div><br />
<br />
<b style="color: #20124d;">Have a Go!</b><br />
And so as well as taking part in Movember, I've started keeping a regular Gratitude Journal this month. What you write down doesn't have to be huge or mind-blowing. It might not matter to anyone but you. For example, my entries for today included:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">1) taking time this morning to tend to the plants on the balcony and in the flat - gives me a sense of nurturance and feeling "grounded"<br />
2) hearing about <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank"><b>NaNoWriMo</b></a> - feel inspired about doing more writing and like the idea as a way to increase connection with others while pursuing an inherently solitary activity<br />
3) I like that I can get Dutch goodies like <i>speculaas</i>, <i>hagelslag</i> and <i>honingkoek</i> in Oz - yum! (feeding belly & soul, "ethnic" food)<br />
4) liked reading the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PositiveInspirationalQuotes%20" target="_blank">positive inspirational quotes</a> that come through daily on my facebook page <br />
5) enjoyed sitting on balcony this AM eating breakfast with the springtime Sydney sunshine on my face, a full day of coaching, meeting people and writing ahead of me, and an early surf session with some mates set up for tomorrow morning</blockquote><br />
You can write things in the AM - including things you're looking forward to with the clarity of mind that comes after a good sleep, or in the PM - recording what you've appreciated about the day and to symbolically end your day, heading off to sleep with a positive frame of mind. For my part, I'm doing both as I like the idea of having a <a href="http://artofmanliness.com/2011/09/05/bookend-your-day-the-power-of-morning-and-evening-routines/" target="_blank">morning-and-evening ritual</a>. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Start your journal writing today, whether it's at the start or end of the day, or both!</b></i><br />
Continue the daily habit of expressing Gratitude consistently through November and I bet you'll notice a difference in your life. Think of it as your own personal <b>"Grovember"</b>. It's a practical habit that, as you have learned, can profoundly change your life. Who knows, maybe it'd be better to call it <b>GROW-vember</b>!<br />
<br />
Finally, if you've found this post at all helpful then I'd love you to <a href="http://au.movember.com/mospace/1576840/" target="_blank">support my Movember fundraising efforts</a>. All amounts are appreciated as every little bit helps. Remember, anything over $2 is tax-deductible.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-31634865655847138152011-10-27T12:57:00.046+11:002011-11-01T12:56:02.619+11:00The view from 4 years on - tmc blog's birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzqXGTZRbR0zhzxeL5o_yd90RHKGhVodBjdvQBkX8QPuXEUAL_2HYcvT451VXiA0o3Bwdx5azvE1G9Dj7fJaoOqTqfu7Amry7wACHUrDA6mo6mbEqJrK7vALEoHeR8hvJQASvruB-M9o/s1600/4years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzqXGTZRbR0zhzxeL5o_yd90RHKGhVodBjdvQBkX8QPuXEUAL_2HYcvT451VXiA0o3Bwdx5azvE1G9Dj7fJaoOqTqfu7Amry7wACHUrDA6mo6mbEqJrK7vALEoHeR8hvJQASvruB-M9o/s320/4years.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Four years ago I penned my <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2007/10/tm-helps-you-get-what-you-want.html" target="_blank">first post</a> to launch both this blog and my journey here in Australia, re-establishing the consulting business I'd successfully run in London and before that in Montreal.<br />
<br />
I'm very grateful that during the past four years I've had the chance to work with some great companies, make so many connections with terrific people, learn a lot and spread the word about how <b>bringing out the best in your people produces better results, faster, with longer-lasting impact</b>.<br />
<br />
Who knows what the next four years will have in store... for the moment, to mark this anniversary I'll be diving into the archives over the next few weeks to find some of the best and well-discussed posts, which I'll repost with updated content and insights.<br />
<br />
I'll also begin sharing details of the project that I'll launch in 2012 to increasingly be the vehicle for my work, building a community and a movement around the concept of <b>promoting Positive Change</b>. <br />
<br />
So as usual, watch this space - to make that a little easier, <b>subscribe to this blog!</b> Just enter your email address in the "Get blog updates sent to your email" box in the top-right side of this page, Or, you can click on the "Get blog updates by RSS feed" button (Wondering how RSS works? Watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klgLsSxGsU">this video</a>.) That way you can be sure to hear about upcoming posts as they're published. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-48241189638537093622011-05-18T10:18:00.000+10:002011-05-18T10:18:26.012+10:00Employee Engagement research - Executive Briefing (next Thu in Sydney)<i><b>Want to learn more about how to use employee engagement research to inform and promote organizational change? Read on to discover how to secure your <span style="color: red;">complimentary </span>seat at this <u>Executive Briefing on Employee Engagement</u>. You'll gain valuable insight on how to create a culture that invites maximum staff engagement and also hear</b></i><i><b> the latest thinking on how to develop and implement a strategic engagement program.</b></i><br />
<br />
Next week in Sydney I'll be co-presenting a session entitled <i>Using employee engagement research to drive organizational improvement</i>. It's happening on <b>Thursday 26 May 2011</b> from 09h00 to 12h00, finishing with lunch.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Sign up today at no cost for this Executive Briefing</b></u>, part of a series of discussion forums put on by my Associate partners at <a href="http://orcinternational.com.au/">ORC International</a>. These sessions are designed to offer guidance and useful insights into how to use employee engagement research to inform and promote organizational change. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpmb5JDCs61S1m6o44dFuPX5DkrX-EAHU7krwNKQPvjkWhG6z2Gn4HoS1OvN8gHhF2HQ81huv9JbtlnWIR_ZxR9JDWnsHRV5OFvuM-EI_CXFmIKIKEDCdXOv57Fo-Zgm-yFEOMOAbCF0/s1600/ORC-Intl+Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpmb5JDCs61S1m6o44dFuPX5DkrX-EAHU7krwNKQPvjkWhG6z2Gn4HoS1OvN8gHhF2HQ81huv9JbtlnWIR_ZxR9JDWnsHRV5OFvuM-EI_CXFmIKIKEDCdXOv57Fo-Zgm-yFEOMOAbCF0/s320/ORC-Intl+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Drawing on recent case studies and contemporary thinking, we will offer a strategic framework and valuable insight on how to initiate change and maximize staff engagement.<br />
<br />
The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to:<br />
<ul><li> <strong>Understand</strong> engagement in your workforce </li>
<li><strong>Learn</strong> the processes for effective action planning </li>
<li><strong>Share</strong> best practice with your industry colleagues<strong></strong></li>
</ul>The most challenging aspect of employee engagement research is delivering sustainable action. In this session we will use case studies and recent client experiences to isolate the obstacles for taking action, and outline how these challenges can be overcome.<br />
<br />
<b>Making Business Personal - People Engagement that Works</b> <br />
Effective people engagement is a hard thing to get right but the benefits are tremendous. Engagement describes a relationship, and like any relationship it takes time and ongoing attention to nurture its development. Making business personal means having a people-positive culture. This interactive discussion will give you some of the practical tools you need to build and sustain engagement. A few topics we'll cover include: <br />
<ul><li>The key role of <b>people managers</b> when implementing engagement strategies </li>
<li><b>New ways of thinking </b>about the emotional component of engagement</li>
<li>Key components of a "<b>culture of engagement</b>"</li>
</ul><br />
<b>If you are going to be in Sydney next week it'd be great to see you there!</b><br />
<br />
<u>Date</u>: Tuesday 26 May 2011<br />
<u>Time</u>: 09h00 - 12h00 followed by luncheon<br />
<u>Cost</u>: complimentary<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sydney.frasershospitality.com/">Fraser Suites</a><br />
488 Kent Street<br />
Sydney NSW 2000<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=488+Kent+Street+Sydney&aq=&sll=-33.794529,151.283027&sspn=0.010913,0.022724&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=488+Kent+St,+Sydney+New+South+Wales+2000,+Australia&ll=-33.874442,151.20522&spn=0.010903,0.022724&z=16">map</a><br />
<br />
<b>Register for this no-cost event online <a href="http://www.orcinternational.co.uk/enquiry/?eventid=315&referer=/news-and-events/events/detail/110526-driving-organisational-change-%28AU%29.asp">here</a> or contact Phil Pringle at (03) 9935 5729</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-26721487601772296382011-05-11T16:00:00.000+10:002011-05-11T16:00:35.544+10:00Change management - the what and the how<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><i>Intranet projects address the whole organization and their holistic focus can offer a unique window into an organization's inner workings. Addressing the organizational issues that can emerge during this process involves both the "what" and the "how" of change management - to implement the intranet project itself and to ensure the organization's long-term success in achieving its strategic objectives. Read on to find out more... </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aQMFuEQ6xc1v9ScaNeDlASlj1xG49twduIw48vhkzi3m3yVifoCyO9Dhxc_S_oWtubeLgIwN_1fFP8GDQmAH7z8G8kC_j41cimNqt4z7ONJePl1ccbVUS2a1lSJOj0KS12VItVIvU6Y/s1600/20101213intranets2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aQMFuEQ6xc1v9ScaNeDlASlj1xG49twduIw48vhkzi3m3yVifoCyO9Dhxc_S_oWtubeLgIwN_1fFP8GDQmAH7z8G8kC_j41cimNqt4z7ONJePl1ccbVUS2a1lSJOj0KS12VItVIvU6Y/s400/20101213intranets2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
During conversations this morning at <a href="http://www.steptwo.com.au/">Step Two Designs</a>' inaugural <a href="http://www.steptwo.com.au/conference">Intranets 2011 conference</a> in Sydney some interesting views on change management have emerged that I'd like to share. <br />
<br />
<b>The link between intranets and organizational change</b><br />
A good intranet encompasses the whole of an organization, cutting across departments and functional areas as a tool for internal communication, social interaction and even community-building.<br />
<br />
Intranet projects (whether new or renewed) are therefore about much more than "just" the intranet itself. These projects offer a unique window into an organization's inner workings. During intranet projects many organizational issues and internal tensions can swiftly rise to the surface, presenting an opportunity to identify and address key stumbling blocks that impede overall organizational success. <br />
<br />
Intranet champions beware! It pays to be aware of these potential added elements and have the means and expertise ready-to-hand to address these issues when they arise. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the client's context and offering value that goes beyond the intranet itself is a sure way to develop the coveted "trusted advisor" status.<br />
<br />
What's more, it reinforces the value of a holistic view and positions the intranet itself as a key tool for change management and organizational success.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Effective change management - the power lies in the "doing"</b><br />
<br />
When it comes to projects (intranet or otherwise), it's worth teasing out the steps involved between the stages of planning/strategy development and actual project implementation.<br />
<ol><li>Develop the <u>project plan/strategy</u> (e.g. new intranet, org restructure, product launch, merger, new CEO/leadership team, etc.)</li>
<li>Understand <u>what</u> needs doing to make the project plan/strategy happen (change management plan)</li>
<li>Identify <u>how</u> to implement of the project plan/strategy (at the level of people's day-to-day behaviours, promoting interactions that get the outcomes needed to ensure project success)</li>
</ol>The third bit is really handy. It helps to build change competence in the organization, with people who are able to handle all of the changes involved in this particular project as well as changes in other future contexts. That's value that goes well beyond a single project and makes a meaningful difference in the long term.<br />
<br />
Look forward to discussing these and other points during the balance of today and at tonight's social networking event on Sydney Harbour. See you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-75241887376837614552011-03-22T12:43:00.000+11:002011-03-22T12:43:22.061+11:00Employee Engagement research - Executive Briefing (next Tue in Melbourne)<i><b>Want to learn more about how to use employee engagement research to inform and promote organizational change? Read on to discover how to secure your <span style="color: red;">complimentary </span>seat at this <u>Executive Briefing on Employee Engagement</u>. You'll gain valuable insight on how to create a culture that invites maximum staff engagement and also hear</b></i><i><b> the latest thinking on how to develop and implement a strategic engagement program.</b></i><br />
<br />
Next week in Melbourne I'll be co-presenting a session entitled <i>Using employee engagement research to drive organizational improvement</i>. It's happening on <b>Tuesday 29 March 2011</b> from 09h00 to 12h00 finishing with lunch.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Sign up today at no cost for this Executive Briefing</b></u>, part of a series of discussion forums put on by my Associate partners at <a href="http://orcinternational.com.au/">ORC International</a>. These sessions are designed to offer guidance and useful insights into how to use employee engagement research to inform and promote organizational change. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpmb5JDCs61S1m6o44dFuPX5DkrX-EAHU7krwNKQPvjkWhG6z2Gn4HoS1OvN8gHhF2HQ81huv9JbtlnWIR_ZxR9JDWnsHRV5OFvuM-EI_CXFmIKIKEDCdXOv57Fo-Zgm-yFEOMOAbCF0/s1600/ORC-Intl+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpmb5JDCs61S1m6o44dFuPX5DkrX-EAHU7krwNKQPvjkWhG6z2Gn4HoS1OvN8gHhF2HQ81huv9JbtlnWIR_ZxR9JDWnsHRV5OFvuM-EI_CXFmIKIKEDCdXOv57Fo-Zgm-yFEOMOAbCF0/s320/ORC-Intl+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Drawing on recent case studies and contemporary thinking, we will offer a strategic framework and valuable insight on how to initiate change and maximize staff engagement.<br />
<br />
The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to:<br />
<ul><li> <strong>Understand</strong> engagement in your workforce </li>
<li><strong>Learn</strong> the processes for effective action planning </li>
<li><strong>Share</strong> best practice with your industry colleagues<strong></strong></li>
</ul>The most challenging aspect of employee engagement research is delivering sustainable action. In this session we will use case studies and recent client experiences to isolate the obstacles for taking action, and outline how these challenges can be overcome.<br />
<br />
<b>Making Business Personal - People Engagement that Works</b> <br />
Effective people engagement is a hard thing to get right but the benefits are tremendous. Engagement describes a relationship, and like any relationship it takes time and ongoing attention to nurture its development. Making business personal means having a people-positive culture. This interactive discussion will give you some of the practical tools you need to build and sustain engagement. A few topics we'll cover include: <br />
<ul><li>The key role of <b>people managers</b> when implementing engagement strategies </li>
<li><b>New ways of thinking </b>about the emotional component of engagement</li>
<li>Key components of a "<b>culture of engagement</b>"</li>
</ul><br />
<b>If you are going to be in Melbourne it'd be great to see you there!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Date</u>: Tuesday 29 March 2011<br />
<u>Time</u>: 09h00 - 12h00 followed by luncheon<br />
<u>Cost</u>: complimentary<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Resorts/RACV+Resorts/Conference+and+Events/City+Club/contact+us/RACV+City+Club+Interactive+Map">RACV City Club </a><br />
501 Bourke Street<br />
Melbourne VIC 3000<br />
<br />
<b>Register for this no-cost event online <a href="http://www.orcinternational.co.uk/news-and-events/events/detail/110329-driving-organisational-change.asp">here</a> or contact Phil Pringle at (03) 9935 5729</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-85590491169781321302011-03-18T16:56:00.001+11:002011-03-18T22:25:48.214+11:00tmc's facebook page: Make Shift Happen (you like...?)Today I've launched the facebook page for <b><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #20124d;">m</span>c</b>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-Shift-Happen/141195882615035">Make Shift Happen</a>. Check it out and be sure to give it a <b>like</b> to be a part of this young yet growing community. While it's early days, I'm excited about the chance to reach out to more people and develop great new ways to <b><i>Get people working better together.</i></b><br />
<br />
And yep, twitter too: <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/MakeShiftHappen">@MakeShiftHappen</a><br />
<br />
Though still a work-in-progress, I wanted it live in time for tomorrow's <a href="http://www.the-entourage.com.au/what-we-do/events/159">Young Entrepreneurs' UnConvention</a> here in Sydney, to be a part of the discussion already happening on their facebook page now and in the days to come.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjjyazblEb8k6sRrwxsZ-pYTj0965FA9qqpQwZwNv7TvhNTPVr6YKNe7ou51OrjNSpbXk-9Y7HZPdnIOZzMl7J6D9fLaYBtYS2aymtXoYbG7OP51IrhX0fzcVBqw8hwXzXvIhiKRWwpM/s1600/UnConventionSYD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjjyazblEb8k6sRrwxsZ-pYTj0965FA9qqpQwZwNv7TvhNTPVr6YKNe7ou51OrjNSpbXk-9Y7HZPdnIOZzMl7J6D9fLaYBtYS2aymtXoYbG7OP51IrhX0fzcVBqw8hwXzXvIhiKRWwpM/s400/UnConventionSYD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Watch this space, look forward to many more conversations to come!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-35858287354300167652011-03-06T18:13:00.000+11:002011-03-07T18:23:55.532+11:00Chair for Communications Conference in Canberra<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-UDvuwE0wbyTOfnN0NbP4M38bY4ex6dFCYNBdd_ZkrC9h_-BLWpGZOHilJ5maTqoTSJ3i_0_PKQtN9UDexYJCKLh0pkzTgsYHftiKw7lJ8lD3QD4GV_u4MBzDdBdidt3y2vwA2We1eA/s1600/NPSCO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-UDvuwE0wbyTOfnN0NbP4M38bY4ex6dFCYNBdd_ZkrC9h_-BLWpGZOHilJ5maTqoTSJ3i_0_PKQtN9UDexYJCKLh0pkzTgsYHftiKw7lJ8lD3QD4GV_u4MBzDdBdidt3y2vwA2We1eA/s320/NPSCO.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b>How do you negotiate today's complex communications landscape, where new merchants of public opinion can spring up overnight and influence the masses? </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>Have the basic ingredients that constitute a workable, effective and ethical media strategy changed or do they merely need to be adjusted?</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
I'm delighted to be Chairing this year's <a href="http://liquidlearning.com.au/documents/NCO0311/NCO0311_I.pdf">3rd Annual National Public Sector Communication Officers Conference</a> on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in Canberra.<br />
<br />
Issues of the new, the tried and tested, as well as the unexpected will be discussed, explored and debated by experts and peers to help communication professional navigate the changing road ahead. Billed as "the premier event for communication professionals to exchange and acquire knowledge, tools and skills" the focus this year is on the <b><i>how</i></b> – as leading practitioners engage their audience in how to apply leading edge strategies and solutions to contemporary problems and challenges.<br />
<br />
Look forward to seeing familiar faces and making new friends at this week's event. See you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-78187975926112787932011-02-20T22:10:00.000+11:002011-02-20T22:10:00.472+11:00Cole Classic result: coaching offer still on!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_598277960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHHpoizVtfvANVQK8R-bOk7iDF-03kTOUgCr5sK697PtDxEIQ3ZPkrM8QflUdGmgYYhbQ2_zZa8uDZT0OyKHRTBbbXZ__DxH1I-tFPj4yA6pC9l1CmINfMhniYMSZgcYNN6DmWiPbhpg/s320/sharks-eye-view.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.danielbos.com.au/">Shark's-eye view</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wow I can hardly believe it's been two weeks since I swam the Cole Classic ocean swim. There's so much great stuff going on that time's got away from me!<br />
<br />
Tell ya more about that later, for now: I'm happy to say that it's <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7d_SbtzzfN9MzU0YzlhMzMtZmQ4NS00ODdkLWI4MjYtOWViODA4ZWQ4MTk1&hl=en">official</a> - I braved the crowds on land and in the water, dodged the jellyfish (sharks?) and completed the 1km in under half an hour. Pretty happy with that result for my first-ever swim! Check out pictures of the event <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/sport/swimming/sydneys-cole-classic/20110206-1aice.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nnLYOfNjkPjfo5UrMR3gEZzusdW8zop6o0VrRYGyPL6SAJmJzAJG5i6wWri_LYQYZYohv3FWkMzyfqo2zRUn99dZvrcK5fePYuwgMzF7gim4H7pUdmLdkupXF60iw_Kk_ZtO5s9Cn3Q/s1600/dog-goggles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nnLYOfNjkPjfo5UrMR3gEZzusdW8zop6o0VrRYGyPL6SAJmJzAJG5i6wWri_LYQYZYohv3FWkMzyfqo2zRUn99dZvrcK5fePYuwgMzF7gim4H7pUdmLdkupXF60iw_Kk_ZtO5s9Cn3Q/s1600/dog-goggles.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good show, old chap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What I'm even happier about is the generosity of more than 20 donors, whose support of my chosen charity the <a href="http://www.wspa-international.org/">WSPA</a> raised over $1,100. Over half of those donors can now take advantage of the coaching offer.<br />
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And - <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2011/01/support-worthwhile-charity-get.html">the offer</a> still stands! The <a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/todd_montgomery_9">fundraising page </a>is still live and if you choose to donate AUD$50.00 or more, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #000066;">m</span>c</span> will offer you a <span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">complimentary 1-hour coaching session</span><span style="color: black;">.</span> No further obligation is required - just make a donation and we'll book you a coaching session (live or by telephone) at your convenience. That's it!<br />
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Thanks to all the donors so far and I hope anyone who wanted to <a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/todd_montgomery_9">donate</a> before the event will take advantage of this chance!<br />
<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/sport/swimming/sydneys-cole-classic/20110206-1aice.html%20"></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-83681192570999002192011-01-02T17:07:00.005+11:002011-01-10T12:53:02.054+11:00Save-the-world in 2011<i><b>In this inaugural<span style="color: #20124d;"> <span style="color: red;">Save-the-world-Sunday (STWS) </span></span>post I expand on the resolution I made for 2011 to help charities through fundraisers, by volunteering time and of course by increasing people's awareness of what they can <u>do</u> about the issues that matter to them.</b></i> <br />
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As mentioned in my <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-new-beginnings.html">previous post</a>, I've decided to restart my <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/search/label/Save-the-world%20Sundays"><span style="font-style: italic;">Save-the-world Sunday</span> (STWS)</a> </span>series. Regular blog readers are aware of my own support (and that of my company, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #000066;">m</span>c</span>) for environmental causes, particularly those devoted to animal welfare and habitat preservation. While this is a "corporate" blog, I began the STWS series on the principle that weekends are for spending time pursuing hobbies and interests, and so I designated Sundays as the day to highlight some important causes and provide information on how readers can act for change. I hope this will continue to be of interest and aim to publish series posts roughly fortnightly.<br />
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For now, here are a few things I have in mind for this year to give charities a helping hand:<br />
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<div style="color: #20124d;"><b>Charity athletic events</b> </div><ul><li>I've registered to swim the annual <a href="http://www.coleclassic.com/">Cole Classic</a>, Australia's largest ocean swim which takes place here in Manly on 06 February (and <a href="http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/video/Sharks-Hammerhead-Underneath-Swimmers-In-Surf-Lifesaving-Race-In-Sydney-Australia/Video/200903315242175?lpos=video_Article_Related_Content_Region_6&lid=VIDEO_15242175_Sharks%3A_Hammerhead_Underneath_Swimmers_In_Surf_Lifesaving_Race_In_Sydney%2C_Australia">sharks be damned</a>!) - will post further details later this week on which charity I'll fundraise for and how you can get involved </li>
<li>With luck, I'll (survive?) enjoy that one so much that I'll be keyed up to do the 10th annual <a href="http://www.sydneyharbourswim.com/">Sydney Harbour Swim Classic</a> 2km circuit that takes place next to Sydney Opera House on 13 March - if I decide to go ahead with it I'll figure out which cause to support with the event</li>
<li>Another <i>maybe</i> event is the <a href="http://www.bridgetobeach.com.au/">Bridge to Beach</a> 11km ocean paddle happening on 17 April - again, I'll look into it and provide an update closer to the date</li>
<li>And of course later this year there's the <a href="http://www.city2surf.com.au/">City2Surf</a> 14km race from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach on 14 August. At this point I've got it in the back of my mind and I think it'd be a bit of fun, maybe even get a team to enter...for now I'll see how things develop over the year.</li>
</ul><div style="color: #20124d;"><b>Volunteering:</b></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAWiqLX2opEm804YebH6NeSSQsncNVOZDe79Jq3cBGwwhbBrNKjI_4Z-zsuW0Ppx-BStTNxVjz-Xu0B33jtNeD3hCCqYAGZci-FtD2MEnOr8mFL6sF2N8tDNvi0ZCeQyKcDQkf_ZoeAY/s1600/CIMG1792.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAWiqLX2opEm804YebH6NeSSQsncNVOZDe79Jq3cBGwwhbBrNKjI_4Z-zsuW0Ppx-BStTNxVjz-Xu0B33jtNeD3hCCqYAGZci-FtD2MEnOr8mFL6sF2N8tDNvi0ZCeQyKcDQkf_ZoeAY/s200/CIMG1792.JPG" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Pure, total surf-stoke!</b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody> </table><b>DSA (Disabled Surfer's Association</b>) I volunteered at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/album.php?aid=394214&id=788150577">last year's</a> "Let's Go Surfing Day" at Collaroy Beach and I'm looking forward to doing so again on <a href="http://www.surfershelpingsurfers.com/cal_sydney.html">26 February</a> this year. You just need to look at the face of first-time surfer James in this picture to understand why - you just can't find a more authentic expression of raw surf-stoke!<br />
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Have a look at the <a href="http://www.surfershelpingsurfers.com/calendar.html">DSA website</a> for info on when and where other events are happening near you - you don't need any experience as a surfer whatsoever, just a willingness to bring an amazing experience into the lives of people who might otherwise never get the chance.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">[</span><i style="color: red;">UPDATE: if you'd like to come along and are nervous about showing up on your own, come look for me & my mates from the <a href="http://www.sydneysurfgroup.com/calendar/15951741/">Sydney Surf Group</a> - there's over a dozen of us who'll be volunteering on the day and we're always happy to welcome new faces!</i><span style="color: red;">] </span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.doggierescue.com/lifesavers.htm" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6NqZI7bQbRZD6rHQ6sLPvAhHh3Kpxxx5awZc2c8ZUy0BDNjLhKJ-jnQpN2DuYnNbhqz33wZp483yrz7WMSw9BYhxVDsLY1SY40qQ2bWUSSKupXe0q1CRvt8GY5PqXGYS6iDJsWsT5ww/s1600/lifesaverbanner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Click image to find out more)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><a href="http://www.doggierescue.com/index.html">Doggie Rescue</a></b> is a registered charity with a strict <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-kill_shelter">No Kill </a>philosophy and relies heavily on volunteers for all operational aspects. DoggieRescue has saved almost 9,500 dogs from death row in council pounds around Sydney and has some 200 dogs looking for homes. DoggieRescue runs a shelter at Ingleside and has many dogs in foster care throughout Sydney. Its Life Saver program enables dog lovers to support a doggie on an on-going basis.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nt8x9qE5lESr6gWhbLF31Bc81_O2G3mJPVbTXW6KJK2ooXeIJIiIM1ZCmA2DOIZZNCWnfFd56I3TAfXUZKWajp8Ub4tqqs4r7SplRUJgUs7cgm3k4g_ENnt_nRngF-3RNtQ7a87XZyU/s1600/WSPA_caged_dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nt8x9qE5lESr6gWhbLF31Bc81_O2G3mJPVbTXW6KJK2ooXeIJIiIM1ZCmA2DOIZZNCWnfFd56I3TAfXUZKWajp8Ub4tqqs4r7SplRUJgUs7cgm3k4g_ENnt_nRngF-3RNtQ7a87XZyU/s200/WSPA_caged_dog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>If you have read Seth Godin's excellent book<i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tribes-We-Need-You-Lead/dp/1591842336/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294303815&sr=8-1">Tribes</a></i> you will have heard of the work of <a href="http://www.nathanwinograd.com/">Nathan Winograd</a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/nwinograd">@nwinograd</a>) in opposing the killing of healthy dogs and cats in animal pounds and "shelters". It's estimated that anywhere between 5 and 6 million healthy animals are killed each year in the US; in Australia <a href="http://www.animalsaustralia.org/issues/companion_animals.php">at least 200,000</a> healthy cats and dogs are killed each year. Starting this week I'll be volunteering at Doggie Rescue in support of its continuing good work. <b style="color: red;">[<i>UPDATE: check out pix <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/album.php?aid=601019&id=788150577">here</a></i>]</b> If you'd like to offer financial support click on the "Life Savers" logo above to find out more.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxaZNAx6AiXdpwYAtIMShL-7yrCD4iiAsTdgh0SR_mN-ocFAw_-EwO8esyk3kFxiKVIJzwEhxCu889b2Fibs7KQ3MVvjWh0_-wLCzhIATbJ0-iTkFKYEV9hpp3EB_JEQr2vCZWZ_OSWE/s1600/Penguin_Chicks_Montague_Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxaZNAx6AiXdpwYAtIMShL-7yrCD4iiAsTdgh0SR_mN-ocFAw_-EwO8esyk3kFxiKVIJzwEhxCu889b2Fibs7KQ3MVvjWh0_-wLCzhIATbJ0-iTkFKYEV9hpp3EB_JEQr2vCZWZ_OSWE/s200/Penguin_Chicks_Montague_Island.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll wear a cooler hat though... ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><a href="http://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/volunteer/montague.htm">Penguin Monitoring</a></b> - Something else I'd like to have a go at this year is to participate in the penguin monitoring program at Montague Island Nature Reserve in South Coast, NSW. The project supports ongoing wildlife conservation, including monitoring the difference in breeding success of penguins (which is more scientific and less lewd/voyeuristic than it may sound). It's a great way to learn a more about them in a beautiful natural setting and to contribute to the long term protection of the Australia's third largest Little Penguin colony. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmq1LuMOUxwSnlcuHuPNJ_si5fWdhx8O4H87oZId-dASZtMXV4_eGTSGvJF6bKdOjSDZlakSlEjFnXN7CiLtQlrAldw7s6GoyHAq8RwAkk5FIL24lkf66s0_U4IALCE5B6xD20bJqykU/s1600/SamTheKoala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmq1LuMOUxwSnlcuHuPNJ_si5fWdhx8O4H87oZId-dASZtMXV4_eGTSGvJF6bKdOjSDZlakSlEjFnXN7CiLtQlrAldw7s6GoyHAq8RwAkk5FIL24lkf66s0_U4IALCE5B6xD20bJqykU/s200/SamTheKoala.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that's a look that says, "Thanks mate..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Koala volunteering</b> - A few years back during the Victorian bushfires an unlikely hero emerged from the ashes: Sam the Koala. I wrote about this iconic Australian critter <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2009/02/australia-burns-australians-unite.html">previously</a> and have had an ongoing interest in helping to protect these unique and endangered animals. So far, however, my research has yet to provide any tips on where/how to get involved as a volunteer in a koala-related activity - so I'd be grateful of any tips or info that readers can provide in the comments section below.<br />
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If there's one thing that my research into how I can support charities has shown, it's that there is no shortage of need. I hope that this year brings more people into contact with these worthwhile organizations and that you'll get to experience the feel-good that comes from doing good.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-46331165113503550512011-01-01T18:59:00.001+11:002011-01-08T07:19:36.618+11:00New Year, New Beginnings...<i><b>How was your 2010? In what ways did you <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-working-well-how-to-finish-strong.html">finish strong</a>, and what are you looking forward to in the New Year...? Here is a quick update and a preview of what's in store at <span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #20124d;">m</span>c for 2011 - enjoy!</b></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwfbHq1Xaq8LO1zfYsehMJNEprfntzgd7rzlaR03yRA1kqJ16RZeTZ0Bhb1PrZq72m8jmeP6fWjsIQN94C3vAFxYNJh6C1Z6SusdnfHGWDFz9Lb0uDZeWMQvTjx3opNmWotuBc69t2NU/s1600/SandyNewYear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwfbHq1Xaq8LO1zfYsehMJNEprfntzgd7rzlaR03yRA1kqJ16RZeTZ0Bhb1PrZq72m8jmeP6fWjsIQN94C3vAFxYNJh6C1Z6SusdnfHGWDFz9Lb0uDZeWMQvTjx3opNmWotuBc69t2NU/s400/SandyNewYear.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sands of time - Aussie style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My first tweet of the year (expanded here for readability):<br />
<blockquote><i>"In 2011 I'll: build a community, ask for help, surf!!, write my book, start a company, care for family (&myself), help charities, travel, have more fun!"</i></blockquote>As with most of us, I could easily expand that list to include many more New Year's resolutions...writing more regular blog posts being one that comes readily to mind. So I thought I'd knock that one over right away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03wJmDZHfoF9kKd2lGIjuYZCxBHf6NVPmbbNbYDSVRY6wVvSY4oiZ0TDbdpQFMHwRkQIlLwTLEH1nSFtCM11aL-rBGmGcbyGr3UpvfueuPuVyLKVYft7Ccq34cMIy0ov-eiDoNb0H9uw/s1600/newgrowth.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03wJmDZHfoF9kKd2lGIjuYZCxBHf6NVPmbbNbYDSVRY6wVvSY4oiZ0TDbdpQFMHwRkQIlLwTLEH1nSFtCM11aL-rBGmGcbyGr3UpvfueuPuVyLKVYft7Ccq34cMIy0ov-eiDoNb0H9uw/s320/newgrowth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planting the seeds for <i><b>Positive Change</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><i style="color: #20124d;"><b><u><span style="color: #20124d;">Build a community</span></u> </b></i>- this one's been a while in coming, largely because I've been too chicken to commit and get the ball rolling. Thing is...it's not about me, so I should get the hell outta the way. I reckon the world needs - and people want - more chances to bring good things into their lives. So while I've been talking about it for a while now and even <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-promote-positive-change.html">blogging about the idea</a>, watch for the <b>Positive Change movement</b> to become reality this year. All are welcome in what I hope will become a community much bigger than the sum of its parts and last a lot longer than any of us imagine, which leads to...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhygjKiRgVYKgC1VsfkDj4Mpesy4-WuAgTaukgw4c-MzIkJ2m87V6YIHwf4gxO7hud9nvZATivOBNPVVLBzUI7rJZ0vjyX2AaK0Hp3msM0IhHiigddpA4Xo5vLE7X_RVoVwof_NkQ7xM/s1600/faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhygjKiRgVYKgC1VsfkDj4Mpesy4-WuAgTaukgw4c-MzIkJ2m87V6YIHwf4gxO7hud9nvZATivOBNPVVLBzUI7rJZ0vjyX2AaK0Hp3msM0IhHiigddpA4Xo5vLE7X_RVoVwof_NkQ7xM/s200/faces.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><u><i style="color: #20124d;"><b>Ask for help</b></i></u> - a hard-won insight gained this year is that I'm notoriously, <i>shockingly</i> bad at asking people to help me. There's no explanation or good reason for it. The net result is that I think I need to do it all myself; the harsh reality is...I can't. <b>I've got so many terrific people in my world, it'd be stupid not to ask for their help, involvement, ideas and creativity. </b>After all, if they asked and I was in the position to do so I'd happily help them out; this year it's time that I extend to them that same assumption of good intentions and be willing to accept the help of others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oa_iaEJybV_pJr3PS57OM0QAyQ3L4KHqA0T96ukBU5LL3_O2IZpLxYl2ak8rMepw_AtYGeXFIRnWfhx_szRaor4FMlt3ZLz19YzwxFavtEwuqqQZhiLlupHP6djHpVvZ0uIF8RD9-V4/s1600/CIMG1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oa_iaEJybV_pJr3PS57OM0QAyQ3L4KHqA0T96ukBU5LL3_O2IZpLxYl2ak8rMepw_AtYGeXFIRnWfhx_szRaor4FMlt3ZLz19YzwxFavtEwuqqQZhiLlupHP6djHpVvZ0uIF8RD9-V4/s320/CIMG1690.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manly Beach surf break on a glorious January morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><i style="color: #20124d;"><b>Surf!!</b></i><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></u>- Having grown up in landlocked dairy-farming country in Canada, I got a really late start on surfing. I only bought my first board on my birthday in March 2008. Since then I've done my best to make up for lost time and during this Xmas/New Year's break I've spent nearly every day surfing at my local break on Manly Beach. <b>I always feel great after a surf, even if the swell is tiny or I've had a couple truly epic wipe-outs. </b><br />
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Making a serious go of it this year means not just getting wet, but paying attention to my fitness, diet and managing the general aches and pains associated with being a 40-year-old surfer-dude. Beyond the purely physical component, as I <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2008/03/how-to-go-with-flow-and-reboot-your.html">wrote back in 2008</a>, there's more to surfing than the sea, the sun and the stoke. Reading Shaun Tomson's excellent book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Surfers-Code-Simple-Lessons-Through/dp/1423600762">The Surfer's Code</a> on the beach this holiday reinforced that insight...and I will keep it alive this year by honouring the Code (see here for a <a href="http://www.solitudeclothing.com/surfcode/index.html">summary</a>) and getting more involved in my local surf community, especially the <a href="http://www.sydneysurfgroup.com/">Sydney Surf Group</a> (take note, Mark, Miki & co...see you in the lineup!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BKGg9GBKDmyhbSBJcOiDldmvEeuSCg7QrGU-g7hUZSFMHnQ-HNIFXEfIkQDP0LgbA0dyfS3YVmgP-G-4BQuvaaLNfcEFvBuan3ammQG82yjlI51D5Wymd9oclIcfeTDJAsvnZOh6XZ0/s1600/laptop-beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BKGg9GBKDmyhbSBJcOiDldmvEeuSCg7QrGU-g7hUZSFMHnQ-HNIFXEfIkQDP0LgbA0dyfS3YVmgP-G-4BQuvaaLNfcEFvBuan3ammQG82yjlI51D5Wymd9oclIcfeTDJAsvnZOh6XZ0/s320/laptop-beach1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaining inspiration...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><i style="color: #20124d;"><b>Write my book</b></i><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></u>- what this really means is do more writing in general. Business and personal matters took my focus away from this blog over the past two months and I've felt the absence. When I don't write my head fills up with an excess of unprocessed stuff. I don't know if this will make sense but in some ways I think it gums up the gears...and may even make me dumber!<br />
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When I write, I think things through, make connections and sharpen my perspective. I also love the act of crafting words to express ideas in ways that are both meaningful and memorable - and hopefully that are useful to my readers as well as giving needed focus to my work efforts (as I did with last year's white paper <b><i><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7d_SbtzzfN9ZTQ5ZDczYzctZThkMS00N2QwLTk5ZDMtOGI2MDRkM2E0NzY4&sort=name&layout=list&num=50">"It's not Business. It's Personal" - People Engagment that works</a></i></b>). I want my book to be a longer version of that kind of work, to string together my thoughts, connections and ideas with a central theme and a practical focus. Rather than a book-as-vanity-project, an object to flog at work and speaking events, I want my book to <b>make a difference in the world and to people's lives, helping them to realize their longstanding goals and dreams</b>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYgq9q8fDMxOCAe8zRahmA0H7oQzyAhDQKB29AUkhBHb_YHvMc6u3mf7LTx9AOwIlO_NxM2xaQJJ7lMO3d8dDyPPRpS8_WJqisP3e97qlyAgZsvwhhPgNfkF-NfQp0_x1YrQZdXuw6rM/s1600/global_venture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYgq9q8fDMxOCAe8zRahmA0H7oQzyAhDQKB29AUkhBHb_YHvMc6u3mf7LTx9AOwIlO_NxM2xaQJJ7lMO3d8dDyPPRpS8_WJqisP3e97qlyAgZsvwhhPgNfkF-NfQp0_x1YrQZdXuw6rM/s200/global_venture.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today Austral-Asia...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><i style="color: #20124d;"><b>Start a company</b></i></u> - I've learned a lot over the past two years about what works and what doesn't in creating viable partnerships and joint-ventures. The greatest lesson from this informal MBA at the "school of hard knocks" has been two-fold:<b> trust my gut</b> and combine positive expectation with eyes-wide-open realism about what a given situation can and cannot offer. This year I'll apply that learning to launch a new international venture. I hope it affords new opportunities to collaborate with some of the talented people I've met over the past few years, and opens doors to work with new people in 2011 as well. More details to come, so watch this space...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lisdf0nfFafDWeUMhnv_wXX0U8AWDQmc1tbnuCQgwhJb1XUd6hmVYXmOrwJkpIDNW_zQkJWsVTyx_lG2L4m0MFfV7MHEebs-2f4AEUdb3XaJV9QH3jo5yCl-QxZSPIKQCmGIE5r-iBM/s1600/DSC00293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lisdf0nfFafDWeUMhnv_wXX0U8AWDQmc1tbnuCQgwhJb1XUd6hmVYXmOrwJkpIDNW_zQkJWsVTyx_lG2L4m0MFfV7MHEebs-2f4AEUdb3XaJV9QH3jo5yCl-QxZSPIKQCmGIE5r-iBM/s320/DSC00293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday dinner with my brother Trent</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><i style="color: #20124d;"><b>Care for family (& myself)</b></i></u> - speaking of partnerships and good relationships, I was particularly fortunate during 2010 in (re)connecting with family. My brother Trent made the trek from Canada to Oz and I had a great time celebrating my milestone birthday together with him. I'm proud of the progress my brother Jim has made in successfully rebuilding lots of broken bridges and we've had many long and enjoyable conversations as a result. Other family connections have been more challenging and I continue to learn lessons from the work that goes into making them a success. Here I've discovered a paradox: <b>it's never too late to reconcile, but it pays to take action sooner rather than later because life is too short to waste valuable time doing what you know doesn't work.</b> I will extend more care both to family members and to myself this year, as I've been guilty of taking many things for granted that are in fact very fragile and require care and attention.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdQHLxpOXwSkXmGdpCBKTH3WzgTHGwi4cAyYsl1ohw3CrdaLRrkSs71bedxVu7UiOUApaEUuEvyxxW5txpbcifGRfl70nEgUXi-fhhq13eezdmJ003MXxR-Wivkz6LTb-Hh9QL5Ooy6g/s1600/koala_mom_joey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdQHLxpOXwSkXmGdpCBKTH3WzgTHGwi4cAyYsl1ohw3CrdaLRrkSs71bedxVu7UiOUApaEUuEvyxxW5txpbcifGRfl70nEgUXi-fhhq13eezdmJ003MXxR-Wivkz6LTb-Hh9QL5Ooy6g/s200/koala_mom_joey.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They need our help!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><i style="color: #20124d;"><b>Help charities</b></i></u><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span>- In 2009 my company <b><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #20124d;">m</span>c</b> made donations to <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2009/01/charities-list-for-2008-9-update-1-for.html">several charities</a> as part of a 1% for the planet commitment and I <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2009/07/support-worthwhile-charity-get.html">personally raised over $1,300</a> in support of the <a href="http://www.wspa.org.au/helping/donate/Default.aspx">WSPA</a> by participating in Sydney's annual <a href="http://www.city2surf.com.au/">City2Surf</a> 14km race. In 2010 my activities were more modest in scale (primarily <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2010/09/september-is-save-koala-month.html">raising funds and awareness</a> in support of the <a href="https://www.savethekoala.com/save-the-koala-month.html">Save the Koala </a>campaign). <b>For 2011 I want to exceed 2009's contributions</b>; besides my own efforts I want to kick things up a notch by reinstating my <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/search/label/Save-the-world%20Sundays">Save-the-world Sunday (STWS)</a> series of posts to help raise awareness of what others can do to help out as well. Look for <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2011/01/save-world-in-2011.html">tomorrow's inaugural STWS post</a> for more details of what I have in mind for 2011.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU_y5NZmsq-QNFlHAbCq5DlBfpuSKHxmFVr1JexS1_K3cZV6b5CCNE0wnEPwL07f0eaeqLKEwEEqHmabc5Hl43ONYlj2pan9cPeJy5xgzCjfgwxKAvAsQ3g3sBSqyT4B9SxlerMbsoFs/s1600/departure_lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU_y5NZmsq-QNFlHAbCq5DlBfpuSKHxmFVr1JexS1_K3cZV6b5CCNE0wnEPwL07f0eaeqLKEwEEqHmabc5Hl43ONYlj2pan9cPeJy5xgzCjfgwxKAvAsQ3g3sBSqyT4B9SxlerMbsoFs/s320/departure_lounge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Should I stay or should I go now...?"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><i style="color: #20124d;"><b>Travel</b></i></u> -This has been the easiest one to say and the hardest one to write about. Without doubt I'll travel a lot this year, as I <a href="http://www.tripit.com/people/ktoddmontgomery?us=bb&um=bb&un=bb">have done </a>in recent years. I love to travel and relish the variety and novelty of experience that each new journey offers; at the same time I long for constancy and the security that comes from a sense of belonging in a particular place. <b>This tension of variety/constancy is common to many people and we must each find the balance that works for us.</b> For my part this year I want to be intentional, not only about where my choices place me on the variety/constancy spectrum, but about fully enjoying what each experience has to offer. In the words of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley: <i>"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise man grows it under his feet."</i> Which brings me to my final resolution...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63wdzFqPJ0p2prHNHq-WnERnY6j3HiygoLk1WClJJ7GQf8p2nnF5ZOV2y3y0WHyjZ-JYPCXWmaTmpELTOTtmWNQzSHGBozBIS3o7OybQ_isgTV5qQ3lIrZOk81l4xqZEa3tamxOElqAU/s1600/CIMG2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63wdzFqPJ0p2prHNHq-WnERnY6j3HiygoLk1WClJJ7GQf8p2nnF5ZOV2y3y0WHyjZ-JYPCXWmaTmpELTOTtmWNQzSHGBozBIS3o7OybQ_isgTV5qQ3lIrZOk81l4xqZEa3tamxOElqAU/s200/CIMG2191.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying on a new look... :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u style="color: #20124d;"><i><b>Have more fun!</b></i></u> - OK so, who doesn't want more fun, right? Well, for me this one means a couple of things: being present and enjoying the moment (rather than dwelling on what's coming up or regretting what's passed); being playful rather than serious; most of all, daring to be myself. I once heard (can't recall where) the saying, <b>"If you want to be happy in life, learn to care a lot less what other people think."</b> This is a tough one for me, but like a coach of mine said, <b>"To succeed in life, do what you're most afraid of doing." </b><br />
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So to sum up this year's biggest resolution <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbXQ-Dh1EyA&feature=related">in the words</a> of the immortal entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., <i><b>"I gotta be me...I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me."</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03wJmDZHfoF9kKd2lGIjuYZCxBHf6NVPmbbNbYDSVRY6wVvSY4oiZ0TDbdpQFMHwRkQIlLwTLEH1nSFtCM11aL-rBGmGcbyGr3UpvfueuPuVyLKVYft7Ccq34cMIy0ov-eiDoNb0H9uw/s1600/newgrowth.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
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<span id="goog_637900532"></span><span id="goog_637900533"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-83735646322482232212010-11-01T08:00:00.001+11:002010-11-01T09:27:09.264+11:00Facilitation workshop comes to Sydney this week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSMy5abNyGrT8o2BTw-VWSNF2b43bo-5j71Jjuf0Pz9YKgn8JYCdFgK8ji_btYiuDSHKw0YA8YcYcaVPowm4CQw13bbKGDWnciFQntU3JJO8jDnTRyJxIetvhZqjKbgU60yGtsrDBVCs/s1600/Melcrum+logo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSMy5abNyGrT8o2BTw-VWSNF2b43bo-5j71Jjuf0Pz9YKgn8JYCdFgK8ji_btYiuDSHKw0YA8YcYcaVPowm4CQw13bbKGDWnciFQntU3JJO8jDnTRyJxIetvhZqjKbgU60yGtsrDBVCs/s200/Melcrum+logo2.JPG" width="200" /></a>Due to the success of the first-ever Fantastic Facilitation workshop held recently in Melbourne, this week in Sydney there's another workshop on offer.<br />
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Where: Sydney, <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=+UNSW+CBD+Campus&sll=-33.794531,151.283244&sspn=0.009647,0.009849&ie=UTF8&hq=UNSW+CBD+Campus&hnear=&ll=-33.862095,151.210284&spn=0.00964,0.009849&z=16&iwloc=A&cid=13524591626767234356">UNSW CBD Campus</a><br />
When: Wednesday 03 November 2010<br />
<b><a href="http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/ct/c/804/r/66413/l/191291">Download the flyer</a></b><br />
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Major workshop topics include:<br />
• What is facilitation?<br />
• Your role as facilitator<br />
• Encouraging feedback and dialogue<br />
• Motivational factors and keeping the end in mind<br />
• Relating to the people while sticking to the process<br />
• Shifting focus: big picture and next actions steps<br />
• Putting it all together: Fantastic Facilitation!<br />
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Gain some great takeaway tips such as: dealing with problem participants, improv techniques, how to get things moving and successful facilitation language.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;">Feedback from last month's Melbourne session </span></b><br />
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"Thought-provoking day packed with useful insights and practical know-how"<br />
<b>Linda Johnson, Communications Manager - Nestle</b><br />
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"Great. Loved it and will let my team know how much it will benefit them"<br />
<b>Jay Shaw, Project Officer (Change) - Department of Human Services</b><br />
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"Great to hear that others are facing the same issues. Some of the experiences and ideas shared will be really useful in providing options and solutions for issues I am currently facing at work"<br />
<b>David Kavanagh, Senior Officer Internal Communications - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry </b><br />
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"Very much enjoyed Todd’s ‘style’ – the type of ‘natural’ facilitation style I aspire to"<br />
<b>Julie Tassone, Communications & Alliance Health Manager - JHG</b><br />
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<b style="color: #351c75;">Interested? Here's how to register</b><br />
1. Register <a href="http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/ct/c/804/r/119/l/187130/t/1">online</a><br />
2. <a href="mailto:infoaustralia@melcrum.com?subject=Fantastic%20Facilitation%20Sydney">E-mail</a> <br />
3. Ring Melcrum directly: +61 2 9222 2810Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-74453932201552208292010-10-15T12:15:00.078+11:002010-11-01T08:58:22.784+11:00Change Management - Executive Workshop for Hong Kong McGill University AlumniThis week I had a great time with an intimate group of my fellow <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/">McGill University</a> Alumni at an after-work networking drinks session in Hong Kong.<br />
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I gave a short talk on the subject of Change Management at the invitation of <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/pub/alvin-c-w-chung/8/161/bab">Alvin Chung</a>, Director of the <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=2921999&trk=anet_ug_grppro">McGill University Hong Kong & China office</a> and the venue was the boardroom of <a href="http://www.ascent-partners.com/index.htm">Ascent Partners</a> generously made available for our use by Ascent CEO <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Simon Mak</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD1K_jEWLLjLduXxDRoZcnXvi4tcRY19cocSPk1PyBPEzaH4YBtBT-XfzpKelbJ_A8x6vv2n12BBxFi67b3zKuFydbw0KtCYsed3K6ZOb8sy2iCViq1OIJsuYaSW_Qn314_gnSHo-Fe0/s1600/CIMG2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD1K_jEWLLjLduXxDRoZcnXvi4tcRY19cocSPk1PyBPEzaH4YBtBT-XfzpKelbJ_A8x6vv2n12BBxFi67b3zKuFydbw0KtCYsed3K6ZOb8sy2iCViq1OIJsuYaSW_Qn314_gnSHo-Fe0/s320/CIMG2553.JPG" width="320" /></a>The talk was well-received, with a lively discussion about the What, Why and especially the How of making change happen in organizations. I was particularly impressed by the willingness of the people in the room to share their stories, experiences and insights with each other. Many of the attendees took away practical actions and next steps from the conversation to try out in the coming days, which is always a gratifying outcome.<br />
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Equally gratifying was the chance to enjoy a fabulous tapas dinner with Alvin, Simon and <a href="http://hk.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-work/0/7/4b">Andrew Work</a>, Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.cancham.org/asp/home.asp">Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong</a> - which I learned is the largest Canadian business association outside Canada. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-3863275344047785832010-09-29T00:02:00.001+10:002010-09-29T18:17:05.863+10:00Facilitation workshops in Melbourne & SydneyIn association with <b><a href="http://www.melcrum.com/products/training_courses/skills/subjects/fantastic_facilitation.shtml">Melcrum Australia</a></b>, I'll be presenting two workshops on facilitation skills for professionals in all fields. The first will take place in <a href="http://www.melcrum.com/products/training_courses/skills/subjects/fantastic_facilitation.shtml"><b>Melbourne</b></a> (Tue 19 Oct) and the second in <a href="http://www.melcrum.com/products/training_courses/skills/subjects/fantastic_facilitation_nov2010.shtml"><b>Sydney</b></a> (Wed 03 Nov).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhcQKUBeFW_hFoW4hjRBgyQEuSf7Q3tlrcr-NvouO0i_YwR4IgiHGHl1NplX7sbW4R2cIe7WM-Y_f0eECfK4ZkIpoiL8hCXrjyft1H3Bt8uaMNMGb4IyUxlFuO3X3bYhtaRpRS4lMQw8/s1600/melcrum+logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhcQKUBeFW_hFoW4hjRBgyQEuSf7Q3tlrcr-NvouO0i_YwR4IgiHGHl1NplX7sbW4R2cIe7WM-Y_f0eECfK4ZkIpoiL8hCXrjyft1H3Bt8uaMNMGb4IyUxlFuO3X3bYhtaRpRS4lMQw8/s320/melcrum+logo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b><a href="http://www.melcrum.com/pdf/FantasticFaciliation.pdf">Fantastic Facilitation</a></b> is a one-day workshop that gives you practical "how-to" techniques to facilitate meetings, conferences, workshops and other group sessions.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Facilitation comes from the Latin <i>facile</i> or <i>facere</i> meaning "to make easy." </b></div><br />
Good facilitation involves making interventions and applying processes that help the group move towards its goal more directly, enjoyably and quickly. A great facilitator is one who can bring the best out in people and promote positive group engagement with the task and each other - and who does so in a way that is largely invisible and seemingly effortless.<br />
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As a result of the training you will: <br />
<ul><li>Discover how to set yourself up for facilitation success in every situation</li>
<li>Know what questions you should ask before you even enter the room</li>
<li>Identify when and how to make skillful interventions</li>
<li>Understand how to engage effectively with different groups</li>
<li>Have a better understanding of group dynamics and how to affect them</li>
<li>Gain confidence to handle "problem participants"</li>
<li>Learn how to channel powerful emotions into productive outcomes</li>
<li>Create your own toolbox of practical facilitation tools and techniques</li>
<li>Produce a personal list of next three steps to further your facilitation</li>
</ul><b>Register</b> here for the <b><a href="http://www.melcrum.com/products/training_courses/skills/subjects/fantastic_facilitation.shtml">Melbourne</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.melcrum.com/products/training_courses/skills/subjects/fantastic_facilitation_nov2010.shtml">Sydney</a></b> events.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-76962497119303744062010-09-07T11:03:00.002+10:002010-09-07T13:59:22.022+10:00Tips from the Undercover Boss: What does "they" tell you?<i><b>If you're up for a bit of Reality TV (the kind that won't rot your brain or leave you feeling unclean and in need of a bathe), I'd suggest the series </b></i><b>Undercover Boss</b><i><b>. In the next few posts, I'll explain why. For today, let's look at the sinister use of "they" in organizations. </b></i><br />
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I've lately become a fan of the American TV series, <i><b>Undercover Boss</b></i>*. Yes, it's "reality" TV but its redeeming quality is that it highlights the major and continuing disconnect in organizations between the folks who make strategy and the people who actually make it all happen every day.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR6Bv3-Ps1atGRVYC3WVMhziL90lH99F9uyqCI4ULWxe_VFJgy6mVLdzjWp_bpUUmTwv-IUbV2veimTWqZxfk0vzXdZQBMB-Tz7YLI49xHf9Dty9RtDBsQt3vMbkUzgNkGyoYOWEx0vo/s1600/7-eleven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR6Bv3-Ps1atGRVYC3WVMhziL90lH99F9uyqCI4ULWxe_VFJgy6mVLdzjWp_bpUUmTwv-IUbV2veimTWqZxfk0vzXdZQBMB-Tz7YLI49xHf9Dty9RtDBsQt3vMbkUzgNkGyoYOWEx0vo/s200/7-eleven.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see your CEO mopping toilets?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In each episode, a TV crew follows the CEO of a major company while he poses as an entry-level worker to see what life's really like on the front lines of his own organization.<br />
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Leaving behind not only the C-suite but also their (usually large) homes, families and pampered lifestyles, the human side of each CEO is revealed. Each struggles to deal in his own way with his new transient reality of temporary, insecure jobs and moving around from one motel to another.<br />
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The situations are predictably hilarious, as these high-powered execs push mops, clean out horse (and human!) shit, try to keep up with the inhuman pace of modern assembly lines and, in more than a few cases are actually told: <i>you're fired!</i><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIRP5IRgMXwrxXcIP1keC6Ub5IIZn_eQJ2Yht19FkJA77oNjao6gWNk-ywzBfvcnt8Y2f7SihdtdA2QVX3ldVGEPu1FvUiOLmKgByL2oU2VBGnabhtYpyouYVu4PWziRvs54p8wjqi_Q/s1600/KC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIRP5IRgMXwrxXcIP1keC6Ub5IIZn_eQJ2Yht19FkJA77oNjao6gWNk-ywzBfvcnt8Y2f7SihdtdA2QVX3ldVGEPu1FvUiOLmKgByL2oU2VBGnabhtYpyouYVu4PWziRvs54p8wjqi_Q/s200/KC.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole new take on "bottom line"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What makes it good TV are of course the human interest stories that emerge as the Undercover Bosses learn first-hand what effect their decisions (often driven by cost-cutting and "efficiency") have on the daily lives of their staff.<br />
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The bosses also hear staff using phrases like "Head Office" and "Corporate" and "it's policy" as they do things that clearly don't work and often actually make their job a lot harder.<br />
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These employees (even if unwittingly) have the chance to "speak truth to power" and let the Big Boss know, in no uncertain terms, that there is a very real "Us versus Them" divide in the organization.<br />
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And in case you think that doesn't matter, read on... <br />
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<b style="color: #073763;">What "they" tells you, and why you should listen</b><br />
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In <a href="https://www247.americanexpress.com/MoblOpenWeb/articles.do?TargetID=they-have-a-lot-to-answer-for-richard-branson&showOnOne=true">"They" have a lot to answer for</a> Richard Branson writes:<br />
<blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm04vxzCBV5ot3_dEoBGzIo8-AJaVFogmsaDYHun19bekmUN0ViuiKsZGYsrVILUo2NeNF-8u5HtER7ECpcQfLU3jZnyCFlqWnnFNzcPErCy33ANfX1jkZ1XyV9ekGphxOc7IUON_c-vQ/s1600/Branson+thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm04vxzCBV5ot3_dEoBGzIo8-AJaVFogmsaDYHun19bekmUN0ViuiKsZGYsrVILUo2NeNF-8u5HtER7ECpcQfLU3jZnyCFlqWnnFNzcPErCy33ANfX1jkZ1XyV9ekGphxOc7IUON_c-vQ/s320/Branson+thumbnail.jpg" /></a>A company's employees are its greatest asset, particularly in service-based operations where your people are your product. When a company fails to grasp this simple business tenet, the result is invariably an oppositional "us and them" divide between management and front-line staff.<br />
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Managers and business leaders should watch for this tendency. <b>A company where the staff consistently overuses the word "they" is a company with problems.</b> </blockquote><blockquote>If employees aren't associating themselves with their company by using "we," it is a sign that <b>people up and down the chain of command aren't communicating</b> – and if that turns out to be the case, you'll usually find secondary problems throughout the company, affecting everything from development to customer service.<br />
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Repairing an "us and them" environment is a cultural challenge that usually calls for greater employee involvement and improved internal communications from the executive suite to the shop floor. In my experience, <b>middle management is a good place to look for the source of the problem.</b> Feedback from up and down the chain often hits a wall in the person of a midlevel manager who has fallen victim to the "knowledge is power" syndrome.<br />
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<i><b> Identifying such blockages and unclogging corporate arteries will bring huge payoffs. </b></i></blockquote><br />
Watch for my next post, which will include tips and practical ideas for handling these stubborn and unhelpful middle-management communication blockages!<br />
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<div style="color: #073763;"><b>Where you can find <i>Undercover Boss</i></b> </div><br />
In Australia, full episodes are available to replay on Ten's <a href="http://ten.com.au/watch-tv-episodes-online.htm">website</a>: scroll down in the right-hand window until you find Undercover Boss, then select from recent episodes.<br />
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Outside Australia, you can try YouTube or your local network's website. (In fact, if you're a reader and you find a link to episodes of the show, please be sure to share the URL in the <b>comments</b> below - thanks!)<br />
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<i>* - big hat-tip to <a href="http://www.babelfishgroup.com/page.php?pid=5">Andrew & Sascha Rixon</a> in Melbourne for letting me know about the series</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-85403430595886336442010-09-03T12:40:00.004+10:002010-09-06T13:14:55.120+10:00Chair of Change Comms & Dialogue Conference in Sydney<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><i><b>What does it take to create employee engagement, promote dialogue, enhance communication, and achieve sustainable change? Find out at next week's Change Communication and Dialogue Development conference in Sydney.</b></i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKaUnIkzVezZ52Wtrdgm2g6AQNVZvuO1qgMpLXDmwGsdbmxTC12mTK-1tSEDoTCvF_wr_nsKfVvaiiDPA_p1OWcpHQ5SUbdQq6RKzRQgStkQnzwOwA0HJJNAJeTmIDpmyEaYRZC3qKo0/s1600/CCDConfLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKaUnIkzVezZ52Wtrdgm2g6AQNVZvuO1qgMpLXDmwGsdbmxTC12mTK-1tSEDoTCvF_wr_nsKfVvaiiDPA_p1OWcpHQ5SUbdQq6RKzRQgStkQnzwOwA0HJJNAJeTmIDpmyEaYRZC3qKo0/s400/CCDConfLogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Next Wednesday and Thursday (08-09 September) speakers from organizations as diverse as Sanofi-Aventis, Energy Australia, Bankwest, Australia Post, ANZ, Microsoft Australia, Kraft Foods ANZ, NAB, Sydney Water, and Suncorp will share their stories and practical tips at the <a href="http://liquidlearning.com.au/documents/CCD0910/CCD0910_I.pdf">Change Communication and Dialogue Development conference</a>, being held this year at the <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=citigate+hotel+sydney+NSW&ie=UTF8&hq=citigate+hotel&hnear=Sydney+New+South+Wales&z=14&iwloc=A&cid=12155218245855010473">Citigate Central Hotel</a>.</span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I'll attend both days and will be Chair for Day Two of the event. Be sure to ask about the special promotion that <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">m</span>c </b>is offering to conference participants!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-59721674799977102832010-09-02T08:56:00.002+10:002010-09-02T09:45:33.177+10:00September is "Save the Koala" month<i><b>September is <a href="https://www.savethekoala.com/save-the-koala-month.html"><span style="color: #073763;">Save the Koala</span> month</a> - please pitch in and help out these endangered little battlers. Buy a sticker (like the one below</b><b>) and for only a buck, you'll help make a difference. Or <a href="https://www.savethekoala.com/donate.html">make a donation</a> at the Australian Koala Foundation website.</b><b> Thanks in advance for helping out.</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWomv-UsAXf_ts6wuem-L9LHsy0LVKivlmrENOX0_dC_QBWTP-fCOd6B2KOBQAMuQBQx8Rw1OjVoGW2hzxo2f9hI4ZpKrNBhPuB03D9ekxKjlOuU7UdU2GIG4-_YyVqzjvY28EVLTK0h0/s1600/AKFNoTreeNoMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWomv-UsAXf_ts6wuem-L9LHsy0LVKivlmrENOX0_dC_QBWTP-fCOd6B2KOBQAMuQBQx8Rw1OjVoGW2hzxo2f9hI4ZpKrNBhPuB03D9ekxKjlOuU7UdU2GIG4-_YyVqzjvY28EVLTK0h0/s400/AKFNoTreeNoMe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6szbUH6IjDWgTwkHzH_GcaRasfgphlHwBD10tN7wky_6klQhcaB015n-T0CJ5Hsk44r4M6I0YOYMJvlRsUlBZSa1MjdbH7YocCxw-YJucqXx6vysLmjS0dz_aNw0vPTWTgqCogrjCNU/s1600/koalapic8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6szbUH6IjDWgTwkHzH_GcaRasfgphlHwBD10tN7wky_6klQhcaB015n-T0CJ5Hsk44r4M6I0YOYMJvlRsUlBZSa1MjdbH7YocCxw-YJucqXx6vysLmjS0dz_aNw0vPTWTgqCogrjCNU/s200/koalapic8.jpg" width="200" /></a>Regular readers are aware of my ongoing <a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2009/01/charities-list-for-2008-9-update-1-for.html">support</a> (and that of my company, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #000066;">m</span>c</span>) for environmental causes, particularly those devoted to animal welfare and habitat preservation. One of the best things about living in Australia is having the chance to enjoy her natural beauty and native wild animals...which makes it all the more alarming that <b>an inconic Aussie animal is under grave threat - and nobody's talking about it</b>.<br />
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<b style="color: #073763;">September is Save the Koala month</b><b style="color: #073763;"></b><br />
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On the cute-and-cuddly-scale, koalas do pretty well: easily a 12 out of 10 in most people's estimation, as this video reminds us.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>They are not, however, known for their ninja-like speed and ability to fend off threats to their native environment. That's why the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) started the <a href="https://www.savethekoala.com/kc/kc.html"><b>No Tree, No Me campaign</b></a> to protect koala habitat by promoting public awareness and sustainable development.<br />
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According to AKF estimates, in 1788 there were around 10 million koalas ambling around Oz; <b>today less than 1% of that population remains </b>(that's fewer than 100,000 koalas left in Australia). The main reason for the decline is lost of habitat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-1MN910_5_PZh1w-8gHN3Rvlwnh6Cf9yJBWnBRkRkx0aqv4fijmLqO8NeaTRBtpKZbQOIvxUtTAoeAOvW9z2W_trKojiNLgXciCYLNN-at-siVXWG4IsI9xa_qML2dT5dDcTlKdTir4/s1600/landclear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-1MN910_5_PZh1w-8gHN3Rvlwnh6Cf9yJBWnBRkRkx0aqv4fijmLqO8NeaTRBtpKZbQOIvxUtTAoeAOvW9z2W_trKojiNLgXciCYLNN-at-siVXWG4IsI9xa_qML2dT5dDcTlKdTir4/s400/landclear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Australia has one of the highest land-clearing rates in the world. Since European settlement in Australia, <b>80% of koala habitat has disappeared</b>. Of the remaining habitat, 80% is on privately owned land. The AKF estimates that as a result of habitat loss around <b>4,000 koalas are killed each year </b>by dogs and cars alone.<br />
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<b style="color: #073763;"> What you can do - buy a sticker/make a donation</b><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #000066;">m</span>c</span> supports the ongoing work of the AKF to promote habitat preservation, sustainable development, and the long slow process of getting legislation in place (see below) to protect these beautiful animals.<br />
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You can help too - this month if you see a display for the <b>No Tree No Me stickers</b>, buy one - for just a buck you'll help make a difference. Find out more about <a href="https://www.savethekoala.com/koalahelp.html">how to help koalas</a> at the AKF website.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nTXHgeZAoA0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nTXHgeZAoA0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
<div style="color: #073763;"><b>UPDATE: Hung Parliament means koalas left hanging in the balance</b></div><br />
While the political squabbles in Canberra continue, the AKF reports:<br />
<blockquote>Last week the Government’s Threatened Species Scientific Committee met and presumably discussed koalas. Because the process is so secretive, we really don’t know this, but the former Government’s Minister Garrett has said that the decision will be made by September 30th. The incoming Government, irrespective of which side wins, should also meet that deadline. There are two options – “<b>vulnerable</b>” which is what the AKF wants, and “conservation dependant”, which appeared out of the blue in Government documents earlier this year. If the latter is chosen then nothing will change and koalas will continue to decline because of State Governments and their inability to protect the koala, which is well documented.</blockquote><br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-70188441919240071772010-08-31T14:59:00.004+10:002010-09-02T09:21:42.403+10:00What's working well? How to finish strong in 2010!<i><b>September is upon us - a good time of year to pause and reflect. Below are some ideas on how you can build on the best of what you've done so far this year and finish strong in 2010.</b></i><br />
<blockquote>Let me start by extending a special warm welcome to recent email subscribers to the blog feed (if you're not yet a subscriber, you can <span style="font-family: inherit;">get posts from the <b><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #351c75;">m</span>c</b> blog sent to you automatically, just go to the top-right side of this page and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">enter your email address under <i><b>Get blog updates sent to your email </b></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">or, if you prefer, click on the <b><i>Get blog updates by RSS feed</i></b> button). </span></blockquote>Wow, how time passes! It's been weeks since my last post. I found myself getting agitated, about to give myself a bit of a kicking for not writing as often as I wanted to. Then I thought, <i>"Well, that's pretty pointless now, isn't it? What would work better?"</i> ...and so I gained the inspiration for today's post.<br />
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<div style="color: #073763;"><b>How's your 2010 shaping up? </b></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_tlAiJcEgwO1V2WhPzTZNXe2h_PBGlZQxv6xyRCLpxbfXUgouxfsr6zgzL5WirhSxvDInWS0MrHWd5sG-aEXsqiBlbiCe3vy6J4BTaKLaD-VQUBjjHhNDrTa9ldDmNtN_CI5BiR-o2U/s1600/pensive-beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_tlAiJcEgwO1V2WhPzTZNXe2h_PBGlZQxv6xyRCLpxbfXUgouxfsr6zgzL5WirhSxvDInWS0MrHWd5sG-aEXsqiBlbiCe3vy6J4BTaKLaD-VQUBjjHhNDrTa9ldDmNtN_CI5BiR-o2U/s320/pensive-beach.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here we are entering the final third of the year...<br />
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Yes, September: in the northern half of the world it's back-to-school time, meanwhile for those of us in the south it's spring and our thoughts are turning to how much work needs to get done before we can spend a few well-deserved summer days down at the beach!<br />
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Either way, it's a good time to take a moment and think about what you want from the rest of this year, and how you will make it happen... <i><b><br />
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<i><b>Here's a three-step activity that in just 15 minutes will help you recharge your batteries and be ready to tear into 2011...</b></i><br />
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<div style="color: #073763;"><b>Try the <i>September Summary</i> - A 15-min thought-game...</b></div><br />
Take a piece of paper and pen and have a go with this thought-game:<br />
<ol><li>Looking back over 2010 so far, <b>list three things that went really well</b> - accomplishments or actions that you're particularly happy about, proud of, or that bring a smile to your face. (If you find yourself focusing exclusively on work-related things, remember to include non-work stuff too!)<br />
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<li>Now for each of these,<b> list the <i>skills</i>, <i>talents</i>, <i>resources</i> and <i>abilities</i> that helped you to make these things happen</b>. Write down as many of these as you can think of, as you reflect on what you did that worked really well to make your three things happen. (You can also write down the names of other people who played a part in these achievements, just make sure that you clearly identify the things that <i>you </i>did in particular to make it happen.)<br />
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<li>Finally, think of as many ways as you can of <b>how you will apply these <i>skills</i>, <i>talents</i>, <i>resources</i> and <i>abilities </i>to accomplish the things you want to do over the next 4 months</b> (and on into 2011). This must include a few small, concrete actions that you want to take - but don't stop there! Other ideas might be: conversations with some of the people you identified in the previous step (for example, to say thanks for their help and point out what you appreciated about the part they played), new challenges that you'd like to undertake with "year end 2010" as a deadline, or anything else that comes into your head. </li>
</ol>List, sketch, doodle, mindmap, write poems, whatever you like. For the final step, set yourself the goal of a minimum 10 ideas/actions and see how many more you can do than that (20+ is not unusual...remember that when each one is a manageable size they're MUCH more likely to actually happen).<br />
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Finally, be sure to share <b>your</b> <b>comments</b> below about what you enjoyed, discovered, were surprised by, or found useful in this little thought-game.<br />
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Happy September and enjoy the rest of the ride in 2010!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-85964316414774018502010-07-25T17:13:00.002+10:002010-07-25T18:57:58.433+10:00Story conference in Melbourne, 7-8 October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: left;"><b>Celebrating Story: Bringing People and Work to Life</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friends at Babelfish Group have once again organized a <a href="http://www.babelfishgroup.com/CelebratingStoryConference">two-day conference</a> this <span style="font-weight: bold;">7th-8th October</span> in <b>Melbourne</b> to explore the use of <span style="font-weight: bold;">story and narrative approaches to change</span> across the areas of business, government and community. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqudYhX7Wi-o13b41rtgxRTw1ZNnM4L3sgZVYSeCvOTvBxpdMkdoX9Rt62IMnCMpEg8RlvTk4UgiWppRe21aBtzNlxfJ-kwY1UV_vo04AJ6-hcQpRD9skJCQQAitnsmjpmQwdlU_Oj5RE/s1600/Celebrating_Story_2010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqudYhX7Wi-o13b41rtgxRTw1ZNnM4L3sgZVYSeCvOTvBxpdMkdoX9Rt62IMnCMpEg8RlvTk4UgiWppRe21aBtzNlxfJ-kwY1UV_vo04AJ6-hcQpRD9skJCQQAitnsmjpmQwdlU_Oj5RE/s400/Celebrating_Story_2010.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happening in Melbourne, 07-08 October 2010 </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At last year's inaugural conference I ran an interactive session called<b><i><span style="color: black;">"Shifting the narrative in organizations - why change is NOT like riding a bike"</span></i></b><i><span style="color: black;"></span></i><span style="color: black;"> that covered some</span> the brain-based aspects of story, narrative and meaning-making - particularly the neuroscientific reasons why it's so challenging to shift people's narrative in organizations and why change programs often fall apart or fail to take hold as a result <span style="color: black;">(see the full workshop write-up <b><a href="http://tmconsultancy.blogspot.com/2009/10/story-conference.html">here</a></b>)</span><span style="color: #000066;">.</span><span style="color: #000066;"> </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000066;">I</span><span style="color: #000066; font-weight: bold;"></span> really enjoyed people's active participation and discussion, the other workshops I attended were interesting and engaging and of course it was great to meet - and talk! - with other participants.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>The program for 2010 looks to be equally diverse and rich with potential insights, so I encourage you to <a href="http://www.babelfishgroup.com/CelebratingStoryConference">check it out</a>! In addition, this year's conference will once again feature the work of <a href="http://www.melbourneplayback.com.au/">Melbourne Playback Theatre</a> and you can get to know your fellow participants in advance join the <a href="http://celebratingstory.ning.com/">Ning community</a>.<br />
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For full details and to register, check out the <a href="http://www.babelfishgroup.com/CelebratingStoryConference">Celebrating Story</a> conference brochure and contact conference organizer Andrew Rixon directly at +61 400 352 809.<br />
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And tell him Todd sent ya to enjoy a special discount of about <i><b><span style="color: red;">15% off the going rate!</span></b></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-85431215426531111672010-07-14T06:45:00.015+10:002010-07-15T09:51:19.834+10:00"Soft" skills & behaviour change: important lessons for leaders<div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>A conversation this week reminded me that developing effective people managers takes more than soft skills, it requires consistent behaviours in the workplace. To that theme, below is an excerpt from my recent paper on employee engagement, "</i>It's not Business. It's Personal: People Engagement that works<i>." </i></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Over dinner last night I had a conversation with a couple of senior leaders from a European multinational. Among various topics, what got us most animated was the question of how to develop great people managers while also keep the technical experts that are the backbone of the business. There was agreement on the need to strike a good balance between coaching and mentoring. The overall theme: soft skills are important, but not enough - <b>organizations need to create lasting and positive behaviour change </b>if strategy is going to get executed on a daily basis. </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; margin-top: 8pt;"><b>Skills-building & Behaviour development<o:p></o:p></b></div><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 8pt 0cm 0.0001pt 30pt;"><i>Many respondents to the [McLeod employee engagement] review stressed the need for better training for managers in so-called soft or people skills […] Many felt that current skills training concentrated too heavily on qualifications and too little on <b>how people skills were implemented within the workforce</b></i><i>.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;">It’s worth making a distinction at this point: <i>skills</i> differ from <i>behaviour</i>. <b>Skill</b> is the ability to do something well and describes the knowledge gained when you learn a tool, process or concept on a course. <b>Behaviour</b> is the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others; it’s about <i>applying</i> your skills in real business contexts, on an ongoing basis.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;">Developing people managers to better engage with people requires more than one-off skills-building workshops. It’s about helping them develop consistent, positive, productive behaviours<b>. The addition of more and more technical “soft skills” doesn’t get you there.</b> Rather it’s a matter of helping managers to develop the behaviours that are adaptive to the situation, so they know when and how to deploy their skills to best effect. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;">The challenge is that many managers who got promoted because of their technical expertise still relish and covet the role of technical expert. You can send them to one training course after another. But do those skills get applied in their work, or is it just another course binder that joins the others on the shelf, unused and swiftly forgotten? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;">It takes time to help people managers turn the corner and learn step back from <i>doing </i>the work in order to <i>manage</i> <i>others</i> to get the work done takes time. <b>Developing adaptive people management behaviour also requires mentoring and coaching.</b> So how’s your organization’s bench strength of mentors and coaches?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;"><b style="color: #351c75;">Dead fish in the room<o:p></o:p></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 8pt 0cm 0.0001pt 30pt;"><i>[M]iddle managers who become convinced of the need for change can themselves run up against barriers […] the most formidable blocks to success were the behaviours and attitudes of the most senior managers. The […] top managers believed that their status in the organization was evidence enough that they ‘had what it took’ to be regarded as a leader, and regarded their development as therefore unnecessary. Nonetheless, they believed that the managers below them needed it. However, when the managers returned to the workplace with a clearer idea of what leadership should look like, they became much more aware of the poor quality of leadership role-modelled by their senior managers, and their frustrations increased. This was deepened by another major problem, which was that when the managers attempted to implement their learning, their suggestions for improvement were rejected or ignored by their somewhat defensive and/or reactionary bosses. The result was disenchantment, greater cynicism and lower morale among the manager group, who eventually stopped making any suggestions or trying new ways of leading.</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;">Getting senior management sponsorship of people engagement and development programs is always listed as a must-have success factor. When you look at the dismal example provided by the “top managers” described above it’s clear why. (The old saying “a fish rots from the head down” comes to mind…) These chaps are certainly NOT mentors or role-models and you can imagine the frustration of the people managers test-driving their new leadership skills in those organizations!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;">While this situation is extreme in its dysfunction, it’s still true that mentoring of people managers by more senior managers can be complicated by reporting relationships. After all, it’s hard to admit to your boss that you sometimes feel like you don’t know what you’re doing! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAZmm1-54VgYJWHxy6wrSq5JuCOKjfbIVyet3ChRZsso1sXA5uSbDWIVH38qRX9F78bqyCxj25lzCwCbV0QRh-JDTWSZ4oJeWLe82RJq10Xih8HbAJrjsLN709oLPjmVYqTh_4yCJcH8/s1600/execcoaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAZmm1-54VgYJWHxy6wrSq5JuCOKjfbIVyet3ChRZsso1sXA5uSbDWIVH38qRX9F78bqyCxj25lzCwCbV0QRh-JDTWSZ4oJeWLe82RJq10Xih8HbAJrjsLN709oLPjmVYqTh_4yCJcH8/s200/execcoaching.jpg" width="200" /></a>Mentoring should be complemented by coaching, whether by internal people, an external coaching professional, or both in combination. An external coach offers an objective sounding board and helps people think through their challenges without being hampered by reporting lines and competing organizational priorities. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB">Most of all, coaching enables “double-loop learning” (learn a skill, then go try it out, then talk to the coach about how it went, adjust course, go try it again) which helps your people turn otherwise mechanical skills into enduring, lived behaviours. And that, in turn, means <b>you’re getting the full ROI out of those skills-building courses, along with practical business results</b>.</span><br />
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</span> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Keep reading in the weeks to come for further excerpts on people managers, skills building and behaviour change from<b><i> It's not Business. It's Personal: People Engagement that works</i></b>.<br />
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And for more ideas on how to develop great people managers with the behaviour needed for success in your organization, remember you can get<span style="font-family: inherit;"> posts from the <b><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: #351c75;">m</span>c</b> blog sent to you automatically. Just go to the top-right side of this page and either click on the <b><i>Get blog updates by RSS feed</i></b> button or enter your email address under <i><b>Get blog updates sent to your email</b></i>. </span></div><div></div><br />
<div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258801148835387199.post-42506604830808550312010-07-12T11:36:00.000+10:002010-07-12T11:36:37.186+10:00Positive People Engagement - Australian workshop series<em><strong>I'm happy to announce a series of practical 2-day workshops that will cover the "how-to" of <span style="color: orange;">Employee Engagement</span>. If Positive People Engagement is a focus for you and your organization, this is the workshop to attend in 2010. Read on to find out how to claim your 10% discount off the registration cost!</strong></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ-cpeBMmkP9NVRFyDIBg-3zs1WHXeRwPmRbeWi0PVw_VhQ7ovOAPmFmYgJwE025EdcyoUCQzDu2rMnVj1Zkw4JQ2rLQneXMqknYjxnWg5V-OxUsQBoMTObgROHc5qfnof63y4JIDRWc/s1600/Employee+Engagement+-+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ-cpeBMmkP9NVRFyDIBg-3zs1WHXeRwPmRbeWi0PVw_VhQ7ovOAPmFmYgJwE025EdcyoUCQzDu2rMnVj1Zkw4JQ2rLQneXMqknYjxnWg5V-OxUsQBoMTObgROHc5qfnof63y4JIDRWc/s320/Employee+Engagement+-+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The workshops are happening across Australia in the second half of August on the following dates and locations: <a href="http://www.aventedge.com/engagement2010syd/">Sydney</a> on 16-17, <a href="http://www.aventedge.com/engagement2010mel/">Melbourne</a> on 19-20, <a href="http://www.aventedge.com/engagement2010per/">Perth</a> on 23-24 and <a href="http://www.aventedge.com/engagement2010bne/">Brisbane</a> on 26-27.<br />
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With the help of these informative and hands-on sessions you'll:<br />
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1. Understand how to <strong>transform</strong> <strong>strategy into action and results </strong><br />
2. Learn how to engage people before, during, after <strong>major change initiative </strong><br />
3. Bring onboard and integrate <strong>new hires</strong> for faster and high productivity<br />
4. Gain the elusive <strong>"discretionary input"</strong> secret<br />
5. Outline what is "most critical" to engage and <strong>retain employees</strong><br />
6. Link your <strong>brand</strong> with specific engagement objectives<br />
7. Use <strong>storytelling</strong> to engage your staff<br />
8. Energise and involve <strong>senior management</strong> in your engagement efforts<br />
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Check out the full <a href="http://aventedge.com/index.php/seminar-course-agenda">course program.</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Call 02 9085 7456 to register or click on the links for the city nearest you provided above.</span> </div><br />
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And remember: to claim your 10% discount mention this blog post when you register.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0