By: Alastair Rylatt
RECENT DISCOVERIES
1. LEADING BUSINESS ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
In recent years many organisations have developed
programs to be more sustainable and socially responsible. I
recently came across a great initiative by Marks and Spencer
in the UK. They launched Plan A in January 2007.
They aim to work with their customers and suppliers
to combat climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable
raw materials, trade ethically, and help customers to lead
healthier lifestyles. The plan includes 100 commitments.
For the record they say there is no Plan B.
To discover more visit: http://plana.marksandspencer.com/about
2. RESOLVING YOUR INNER AGGRESSION
In late January I attended a two day program by Yaacov Naor a
world leader in helping people to resolve anxiety caused by the
aggressor and victim roles within us. Here are my five insights
gained from the program:
* Aggression is much more than physical and verbal abuse, it
includes neglect, emotional detachment, ignoring others and
silence.
* Many people think they are 'more' or 'less' than another.
Everyone has their own truth
* One of the great failings of education is that we do not
teach people how to talk to others.
* Peace is the ability to live with conflict
* Relationships are a story of 'two' and not 'one'
3. HOW TO BE A SAVVY PROTEGE
There are many articles on how to be a greater mentor. What is
rarer is what it takes to be a fantastic protege. Some useful
suggestions include the following.
The best proteges do not wait to be discovered by or be assigned
to a mentor, but rather seek out mentors that match their own
careers and needs. Successful proteges find a mentor that
does not think of their proteges as proteges. Thriving in the
workplace often requires asking more experienced people for
technical assistance, a definition, or an explanation on how
another part of the organisation or industry works. Savvy proteges
use these experiences to look for opportunities to work with
people again, and understand that the best potential mentors
are people who are open to hearing and learning from others.
Reference: An article by Steven Katz in the Federal Times dated the
12th of March 2009
4. DEVELOPING A PERSONAL VISION STATEMENT
Recently I came across an article by Susan Heathfield on
how to develop a personal vision statement. I know in my career
having such focus is very helpful. Her article contains a list of
great questions and tips to help guide your thoughts.
Here are five of my favourites from the article:
* What are the ten things you most enjoy doing?
* Write one important goal for each of them: physical, spiritual,
work or career, family, social relationships, financial security,
mental improvement and attention and fun.
* When your life is ending, what will you regret not doing,
seeing, or achieving?
* What strengths have other people commented on about you and
your accomplishments?
* What weaknesses have other people commented on about you and what
do you believe are your weaknesses?
To read the full article visit:
http://humanresources.about.com/od/success/a/personal_vision.htm
5. TURNING DIFFICULT CUSTOMERS INTO BUSINESS SUCCESS
John Faisandier a New Zealand based consultant has launched
his new book called ' Thriving under Fire' on how to handle upset
and angry customers. This is one of the best reads on this important
topic. It goes well past the normal clich s and includes many
great tips on how to be open to problem solving, being a better
listener and finally getting your needs met without punishing
others.
To discover more about this book visit:
http://www.tuf.co.nz/book
LATEST NEWS ON ALASTAIR RYLATT
6. RECENT CONSULTING ASSIGNMENTS
Here is a selection of my latest projects:
* Team development and leadership coaching for Pfizer
* Facilitated a panel discussion for PhD students at the
Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Annual
Conference in Melbourne
* Conducted a community connect workshop for Pfizer
* Completed half of the first draft of my PhD.
