Is it a good idea? What are the implications? For those of us who live with a dog (note not ‘Own’), this is the easiest conundrum to solve; it is an unequivocal ‘Yes’, bring in the pooch. But it isn’t that simple. What are the pros and cons? Generally, when advocating action the negative aspects are left to last or suppressed all together. On this occasion, let’s consider … [Read more...] about Dogs in the Workplace
The World of Work
Prepare to Impress – Introduction
There can have been few times as difficult for some people to find employment as now. More redundancies, less business growth, overseas markets absorbing traditional work and the accelerating need for new skills are all combining to spread concern amongst those without a job or feel the threat of imminent unemployment. There are no jobs-for-life. So, given the levels of … [Read more...] about Prepare to Impress – Introduction
Prepare to Impress
In 2011 we published a book to help people with their job hunt. Within the Framing our Future website it has been updated and will now be available for free. The chapters will be progressively published and, through Work Horizons, there is much greater support available online. Membership of Work Horizons is only £10 + VAT per month or for students £5 + VAT. … [Read more...] about Prepare to Impress
HR as the Conscience of the Business – Part Two
Relationships affect everyone in business and every aspect of the operation. We have relationships with customers. We want them to keep coming back to us, to tell their friends about us for the correct reasons, to be advocates of our business, We have relationships with suppliers. We want them to want to help us through cost effective pricing, high quality parts or … [Read more...] about HR as the Conscience of the Business – Part Two
HR as the Conscience of the Business – Part One
In the The Harvard Business Review (a very worthwhile subscription, by the way), the Editor-in-Chief Adi Ignatius wrote, “HR is always a popular target, as it handles many of the least-loved aspects of corporate life. Everyone seems to think that he or she knows a better way”. People in HR are incredibly busy mopping up other people’s messes, whilst simultaneously being … [Read more...] about HR as the Conscience of the Business – Part One
Big Boss: Undercover
Maybe I am a sad individual, and not just because I watched an episode of Big Boss Undercover. However, I did and it had a few interesting perspectives. The Big Boss featured was the Chairman of Wyldecrest Parks, Alfie Best. He is an interesting character but, as we all know, any programme of this type is edited for greatest impact. Only three relationships were shown: a … [Read more...] about Big Boss: Undercover
The Bi-Moral Brain
Why do basically decent people behave badly? What is behaving badly? Who decides what is good or bad? How does this show-up in the workplace? Is the issue really one of consequences? At one extreme the individual has no sense of consequence. This is not immorality but amorality. The person does not know why actions are seen as wrong; that there is recognition of error is … [Read more...] about The Bi-Moral Brain
Railway Pensioners 2
It is, perhaps, unsurprising that a lesson in customer service was spotted on the Nene Valley Railway. It is also the case that there was little thought from me that there would be anything other than great service. The weather was wonderful, the number of passengers was manageable, and the trains were on time. The general humour was excellent, and everyone was relaxed. … [Read more...] about Railway Pensioners 2