SUMMARY OF TOPICS

RECENT DISCOVERIES
1. ESSENTIAL SECURITY ON THE WEB
2. PEOPLE AT WORK 2020
3. STRETCHING THE MOST LEARNING OUT OF PROJECTS
4. MYTHS OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER
5. TIPS ON WORKPLACE MEDIATION

LATEST NEWS ON ALASTAIR RYLATT
6. RECENT CONSULTING PROJECTS
7. PHD MAKING STEADY PROGRESS
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RECENT DISCOVERIES

1. ESSENTIAL SECURITY ON THE WEB

How can you protect yourself from online scams? Here are some
practical ideas:
* Start by use security software and back up your data in a different
locations to your computer
* Never ask or share passwards or financial information by email
* Regularly scan your computer for spyware
* Keep your software up to date and remove unused programs
* Create separate user accounts for low and high security needs
* Use passwords and encrypt sensitive files
* Dispose of sensitive information property
* Sign up for a free security alert service at
http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au

Article: 'Wireless world means security is vital' by
Conrad Walters, Sydney Morning Herald dated 8 June 2010.
Icon supplement page 9.

2. PEOPLE AT WORK 2020

Exploring the future of work was a subject of a recent report by
the Australian Human Resource Institute. A variety of challenges
were highlighted. To be successful in the workplace of the future,
people will need to learn how to work with others in a wide range
of locations and time zones. Individuals will require skills in
managing work life balance and need to adapt to new values
and beliefs. They will need to take responsibility for their learning.
Finally, Corporate and social resposibility, governance and
performance management was also seen as central to future success.

Full Report: White Paper:people@work/2020' by Australian
Human Resource Institute published in May 2010.

3. STRETCHING THE MOST LEARNING OUT OF PROJECTS

One of the key learnings in my career has been to
think cleverly about how project work can enhance my skills.
In a recent article four types of learning
were explored. They include: taking a lead in creating change,
taking on higher levels of responsibilty, working across boundaries
to gain the support of others and finally managing diversity.
Reference: 'Making the most of stretch assignments'
William Macaux in T+D, pp. 48-53, June 2010.

4. MYTHS OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER

A number of academics have critically reviewed some floored
assumptions on staff turnover. They assert that:
* Not all turnover is the same and is not all bad
* Pay and salary is a weak predictor of turnover
* There are multiple reasons why people quit a job. Job satisification
was a driving force with fewer than 50% of people.
* Managers can influence the work environment and turnover decisions
through training, rewards and leadership practices.
* There is no simple-fits-all retention solution. Organisational
context and analysis of turnover data matters.

Journal article: Retraining talent: Replacing misconceptions with
evidence-based strategies' by David Allen, Phillip Bryant and
James Vardaman, The Academy of Management Perspectives,
Vol.24, No.2. pp. 48-64.

5. TIPS ON WORKPLACE MEDIATION

Creating a safe and supportive workplace culture requires
a practical and transparent mediation policy. According to
Siobhan Flores-Walsh a partner in Australian Business Lawyers,
five key strategies need implementation. They are:
* Ensure regular awareness training in bullying, harassment and
discrimination
* Develop and communicate a strong complaints handling process
* A complainant should not be asked to participate in confronting
the perpetrator to "negotiate" the outcome.
* A complainant should not be asked to participate in any form
of dispute resolution process if their complaint was serious.
* If alternative dispute resolution processes are considered
appropriate only credible and qualified facilitators of such
processes should be engaged.

Reference: 'Extending the workplace olive branch' by
Anna Booth, HR Leader, pp. 20-21, dated 20 July 2010.
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LATEST NEWS ON ALASTAIR RYLATT

6. RECENT CONSULTING PROJECTS

Here is a selection of my latest projects:
* Facilitated a number of team development programs and
planning days for Pfizer
* Executive coaching for a number of senior executives
* Facilitated an off site for the senior managers at Manly Council
* Presented to the Centre for Management and Organisational Studies
at the University of Technology - Sydney. My topic was on how
personal identity influences commitment to sustainability.

7. PHD MAKING STEADY PROGRESS

As you may be aware much of my free time in 2010 has been spent writing
my phd. The good news is that I am making steady progress. I am now
starting to put words together on my fifth chapter. I anticipate
writing seven chapters in total. Feedback on the first three chapters
has been excellent and I am on track to submit in 2011. Thank you
everyone who continue to provide me the morale support on what
has been a long and stimulating journey.


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Alastair Rylatt Consulting
SMARTER BETTER BUSINESS
www.alastairrylatt.com

Phone: 61 2 95651681 Fax 612 95651682
Mobile: 041 925 2319
PO Box 164, Newtown 2042,
NSW, Australia