Thursday 31 March 2011

A Smart Observer.....

It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste. ~ Henry Ford

Monday 28 March 2011

Mr Optimistic...I can accept that!

Like me I am sure many of you will feel uncertain about Psychometric testing.
I had a result today that amused me. I was graded 10/10 for being optimistic. Many would say "No surprise there" but theres a twist!
I could only get a full mark because I was off the scale compared to the general population and its not possible to measure or grade 12/10!
Others that pleased me were:
Conceptual 10/10
Detail Concious 10/10
Achieving 10/10
Modest 9/10
Caring 9/10
Evaluative 9/10
Variety seeking 9/10
Concientious 9/10
Trusting 9/10
Vigorous 8/10
Persuasive 8/10
Outgoing 8/10
Outspoken 7/10
Innovative 7/10
Forward thinking 7/10
Relaxed 7/10
In real life I am an ordinary person who likes to see a job get done well for everyone.
Maybe the Sun being out when I took the tests helped!
Whatever I am...you can be sure its never been a secret.

Friday 25 March 2011

Stay positive in spite of those around you who may be Negative

It requires less character to discover the faults of others than is does to tolerate them.J. Petit Senn

Saturday 19 March 2011

Springboard to the Week Ahead....

Determination, patience and courage are the only things needed to improve any situation.

Big Brother with a Small Mind

News reached me this week of a colleague who ordered a Black Coffee in London, only to be challenged that His request was Improper.
Apparently someone has decided that the correct term is Coffee without Milk.
Makes me glad I generally drink Tea.
I accept totally that racism is ugly and I never doubted that the Race Relations Act responded to a growing Issue in the UK.
Can you believe that was back in 1976!
I am no great fan of London but everyone tells me one of its big strengths is its multi cultural make up and tolerance.
Each culture naturally wants to protect its heritage and respect for the dignity of others goes a long way to providing for good relations.
When I look at the time since 1976 I can see a lot of problems were eradicated as Society was encouraged to seek more harmony with their neighbour.
I am not convinced though that Incidents like this weeks does any more than stir resentment.
In professing to protect peoples Human Rights, Society still struggles to Interpret what is balanced.
People are people and that should be enough to act with goodwill.
Dwelling on someones origins is no way to judge a person.
In all of human society there is good and bad.
Beware though - next time you pull the leg of your Scottish Friend when you suggest he has "small arms and long pockets".
Someone may be listening.

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Daily Reminder...

You will not get a second chance to make a first Impression.
Fail to prepare...Prepare to fail!

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Membership of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce

Companies in Barnsley continue to recognise the need to benefit from the strengths they gain from Membership of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.
Find out more by contacting:

Gill Nuttall
Sales Executive
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce
0844 414 5100 Main office
0844 2253 227 Direct line
07501 254 025 Mobile

BlackandWhiteLogo

Deal with pressure to reveal value

"A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure."

Wanderers....Wanderers

Thanks to everyone for their Congratulations and leg pulls about Bolton Wanderers getting to the Semi-Final of the FA Cup.
I suspect our Semi will Include some thrills as Stoke have a similar philosophy.
As for the Manchester Semi Its tough to call, though United are more consistent.
Whatever the outcomes there will be one Winner....the Final.
We should at least see a game of football this Year!

What a difference One Man can make....

Its been very refreshing of late to see the new commitment of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce to Member needs.
I have worked with the Institute of Directors and the Chartered Institute of Directors, as well as the Chemical Business Association.
I feel sure that all will admit that at such an austere time, people consider closely whether to renew Memberships.
Chamber is no different and recognise the need for a clear strategy that fulfils Member aspiration.
I met with the Membership and Marketing Group yesterday, who were tasked with ensuring the next year reaffirms to Members the benefits they gain and the Intention of Chamber to be a strong voice on their behalf.
I have been Impressed with the "New Improved" approach and It can be traced back some five Months or so.
Andrew Denniff is the new Executive Director and his Impact has been quick, though he would argue the task has only just begun.
He seeks to be Inclusive and draw on the talents of others.
This is always a productive style.
I congratulate Him, but not just Him, the others who have also adopted a positive stance too.
Our local Chamber is making great strides and you can expect to hear a great deal more about their activity in the year ahead.
If you are not a Member you should consider it.
Together we are stronger.
http://www.brchamber.co.uk/

Chamber of Commerce - Barnsley & Rotherham

Sunday 13 March 2011

Thought for the Week.....

Now is the time. Needs are great, but your possibilities are greater.       - Bill Blackman

Thursday 10 March 2011

Award of the Week....

Toni Hall of Tribal Resourcing gets my thanks.
If I could bottle her enthusiasm and commitment and pass it on to others - positivity levels would soar.
She is a highly regarded talent finder for Companies needing special skills and I feel like she has adopted me.
She is given to thinking I wear a "Superman" T Shirt and has been shouting my praises.
Ego forbids me from correcting Her.(for now at least)
When someone believes in your value as she does I suspect the real thing might disappoint some.
Humility stops me seeing myself as she does....but she certainly makes me sound Interesting!
Be a shame to stop her...dont you think?

Be Dependable....when it matters

I was thanked this week for being calm in a crisis and it was Interpreted as good Leadership.
I was grateful for the compliment but on reflection, Its possible I am calm in someone elses crisis!
No amount of training can prepare you for a health crisis when It happens to someone close to you.
On such occasions you rely on automatic pilot to talk you through whats needed by priority.
The truth is you never know how you will respond until the reality turns up.
Strong character is reassuring to others but it adds expectation too which at times makes you realise everyone depends on..YOU.
Its not something to worry about though because when something matters your best surfaces.
We just need to be...Dependable.
I am going to call this week a draw...as In other areas I might have done better.
Always tomorrow though......

Wednesday 9 March 2011

To Raise You Up...

Who of us can say that from time we do not need our Spirit raised.
Music is relaxing and when you add a Celtic Woman it adds harmony too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faKFcfytlxU

Thought I reflected on Today...

"A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better."
Jim Rohn

Monday 7 March 2011

Indecision is a Curse!

Human though I am there are times when it is necessary to admit to myself something that I hate......Indecision!
Procrastination has the power to frustrate me and I am reminded that "Indecision is the graveyard of good intentions
Having travelled the World on Business it has always disappointed me that at times we Brits over estimate both our skills and our success.
People often expect their "Titles" to Impress the Idea that they are successful.
For some of course this is entirely true.
Sadly, over the years I have asked Sales Managers to persuade me of the accuracy of their title.
Bet this sounds harsh to you but the reality is all too common.
I have met plenty who never sold anything and whose Indecision proved they could not Manage either.
Imagine how frustrating this is to those they Manage!
Too many Managers take the view that "Staff serve them" when In fact a mature Manager understands "They serve Staff".
The Manager must lead, support, encourage and develop the Individual.He also needs to take the flack from above him and protect the morale of His team.
At times he needs to be a "Critical Friend", being honest enough to show where Improvement is needed.Not just to Staff but to those above Him when it is best for overall success.
I do not mean "Lording" it over someone but rather,proving you are also part of the Team and earning respect.
A good Leader is found in front where others see the value of following and who are ready to listen and trust what he might recommend.
Good Leaders will not need to tell you they have this skill....Others will say it for them and it will be on view through actions and results.

Thought for the Future....

Be who you truly are and allow others to flourish too.
Take a lesson from Perry the Peacock.
http://www.perrythepeacock.com/

Friday 4 March 2011

Words for Week End....

The positive thinker sees the invisible,
feels the intangible,
and achieves the impossible.

Celebrate the Women in our Lives

I watched my Daughter grow to be a beautiful Human being. Not simply on the outside but Importantly, on the Inside too.
I have been blessed with a special relationship with her and watched her develop real strengths.
Her fairness,loyalty and concern for others brings her credit and me pride.
I now watch my Grandaughter grow as her Mum did, with the same laughter,energy and Love.
Its good to know that in them,something of me will live on.
I have always admired the strengths of Women and never doubted their true value.
In fortitude they find a special Courage and often become the stabilising Influence in a crisis.
Lets celebrate the Women in our Lives for all they do and all they are.
http://www.movieofcourage.com/

Thursday 3 March 2011

Others Invested in us.....We should Invest in Others

Building a good reputation takes time, effort and discipline. When life throws up its challenges its seldom the case that we succeed alone.
Often when we look at our life we find ups and downs but always at the Centre there is an Image of a Soulmate.
We appreciate them more at the end of life than we seem to during it.
Their Influence helped mould who we are.
We often remember them through Music,especially if they are now lost.
We should never forget to remember though.
They may not be able to be with us now but they live in our memories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CkKuA86Mis

My Friend George....Never forgotten

Deeply sad that a dear Friend has died this Morning.
A second Friend to die from a Heart Attack in two weeks.
He was a caring and loving Man and the most genuine of people.
Life throws up sudden tragedy and with it a deep sense of loss.
It has been my privilege to know him and be viewed by him as part of his life.
At times like this I feel comforted by the knowledge that "We will meet again" one day.
I say it often and none more so than today.
Never take those you Love for granted and use Life to reinforce all thats good.