My trip to Dubai, last month, has been an interesting time of meeting new business people, catching up with some ‘oldies' and delivering boardroom briefings to companies who want to know how to better manage, or minimize, stress in the workplace.
From these meetings, there is one that really caught my imagination. My meeting with Prasanth Edassari, Associate Director and Head of Panasonic's L&D in Dubai and his colleague Milburn Andrade, at their offices in Jebel Ali Free Zone, really opened my eyes to what should, in my opinion, be considered an excellent corporate model for business team bonding.
At the end of our very enjoyable meeting, Edassari said that they were leaving for their eco-lunch, and I asked him exactly what that meant.
Well in simple terms, this is a time when everyone apparently gets together and eats food from different countries which is cooked completely organically.
In addition to this, all employees receive an e-mail on how to cook organic food as part of the company's awareness program. Edassari told me that usually, a member of each team prepares the food for their entire department, and others take turns every month.
I asked him if the whole organization gets involved and he told me that they do and everyone closes down their work areas and gathers in the garden [weather permitting] to have lunch together.
Community atmosphere
I asked, "Does this succeed in making a community atmosphere where everyone participates in the social activity?" Edassari assured me that it creates a feeling of ‘oneness' where people sit together and enjoy each other's cuisines.
On hearing this, I was completely ‘hooked'. "Was there good conversation around the table?" I asked. "Of course," he confirmed. "During these social sessions, we forget business and ideally talk about green initiatives and the like. It is a good opportunity to converse and make time for each other... A wonderful way of inducting new staff and workers into a business but in an informal manner. People talk about life outside of the business: their families, their children, where they live, who cooks at home, etc." In fact, just old-fashioned conversation (When, dear reader, was the last time you indulged in relaxed, social conversation with your colleagues?).
One for nature
Edassari then continued to tell me that apart from their monthly eco-lunch, they have get-togethers for anyone celebrating an occasion, which includes the cutting of a cake and the planting of saplings by each celebrant, in their garden, as a contribution to nature.
And every December, they have a one-week event where snacks, tea and coffee are served to all staff from 3-4pm, which is followed by mini-soccer leagues which includes the senior management members too.
At Panasonic's local operation in Dubai, I am told there are many different ethnic nationalities who all learn to respect each other's values, beliefs, rituals and festivals.
This helps everyone bridge cultural gaps and work collectively for the common goal of creating ‘Better Ideas for Life' — Panasonic's brand slogan.
The lesson? Within the frenetic pace of life in which we all live, here are a group of business people who are encouraged to:
• Make time for each other.
• Respect and value each other's cultural differences.
• Think and act positively regarding the environment.
• Help everyone to feel valued and recognized.
And, by the way, I don't have any shares in Panasonic, but I would rather like to have a job there in order to get invited to an eco-lunch — and even have a piece of cake on my birthday!
Key points: How will it help?
An understanding of cultural differences is essential.
Team building is helped by social intercourse.
Care for the environment and it will care for you.
- The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact carolespiersgroup.co.uk for proven stress strategies.
Managing pressure at work: Managing stress good for heart
By Carole Spiers
Stress is actually the physical and mental response we experience to prolonged pressure that develops over a period of time.
This week, I was interested to read that scientists responsible for research conducted in Sweden have said that they believe that "stress management programs can help decrease the risk of recurrent heart attacks and other cardiovascular illnesses".
As we know, the word ‘stress' is often used incorrectly and out of context in order to describe our reaction to everyday problems. In fact, stress is actually the physical and mental response we experience to prolonged pressure that develops over a period of time.
Most of us have the coping skills that enable us to manage excessive pressure for short periods. We may feel stressed-out temporarily, but like a bungee jumper, we can and do bounce back. And this is what we all need to do as to manage the problems of our everyday lives.
A healthy person can respond to pressure and enjoy the stimulus. However a person who has been under intense pressure over a long period is unlikely to have sufficient coping reserves to manage cumulative stress.
The first signs that they are not coping will inevitably show up in their work performance, in their behaviour and, ultimately, also in their appearance and persona. It is rather like a car trying to run on an empty tank.
Poor communication, unreliable time-keeping, unnecessary outbursts of anger, sleep problems, over or under- eating, high-blood pressure, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem are all signs that excessive stress may be damaging your health and, in particular, your heart.
Prolonged pressure
When the body finally gives up trying to respond to prolonged pressure, the individual concerned can suffer ‘stress burnout' which manifests as an almost complete collapse in confidence and an inability to take even minor decisions. It has been described as a ‘black hole' and it can take years, if ever, for such an affected individual to return to a life of normality.
Most of us do not appreciate the dramatic effect that prolonged pressure can have on our life and the lives of our families. When we no longer have the ability or motivation to work, then it can be catastrophic for personal relationships.
That is why stress must not be left unchecked or unmanaged over a long period. So what can you do about it?
There is no doubt in my mind that stress management awareness training can make us much more aware of the signs and symptoms of stress and provides basic coping strategies.
However, when stress escalates out of control, then the individual affected will need professional counselling and/or coaching support to help them take back control of their lives.
In the UK, it is often a company's HR department that makes contact with me to provide stress counselling for one of their employees, but in the Gulf region, this type of intervention has yet to become part of the corporate culture.
Of course, stress gives us timely warnings but we often just ignore the signs. Instead, we may become dependent on alcohol or drugs in an attempt to blot out negative feelings and, because adrenaline can run high when stressed, we may take unnecessary or unusual risks both at work and at home.
We may experience migraine type headaches and problems with our digestive system, and mood swings and temper outbursts can indicate the damaging effects upon our health and outlook.
Over the years, I have counselled many managers in my consultancy room, suffering from mental exhaustion. Did they see it coming? Of course they did, but they ignored the signs because they thought they could beat the system but of course, they couldn't! Such symptoms are a hard wake-up call of which we must take note, and implement remedial action.
Stress: Key points
- If you start to feel out of control, seek help immediately.
- Ensure you maintain a proper work / life balance
- Take plenty of exercise as it will reduce the effects of stress.
- Eat a healthy diet and do not skip meals.
- The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and motivational speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee well-being consultancy based in London. Contact the consultancy for proven stress strategies: www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
A talking king or a silent mouse – Managing Pressure at Work
By Carole Spiers, Special to Gulf News
Last week, I went to see the widely acclaimed movie, the King's Speech, and as a professional speaker from England, it was particularly poignant for me.
The film portrays the problems of Prince Albert, the future King George VI, who suffered from a serious stutter since early childhood, and his efforts to cure this speech impediment after he became king upon the abdication of his elder brother, Edward VIII, who gave up his throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee.
Prince Albert, as the younger brother, had never expected to become king, and it was not a position that he ever desired. Because of his impediment, he did not wish to become a high profile figure and thought he could keep out of the public eye. However, due to exceptional circumstances, this was not to be his future.
His inability to properly communicate could have damaged his position as king but instead he developed a close relationship with an Australian-born, speech therapist that eventually allowed him to speak adequately to his people, particularly over the radio during the Second World War. This changed both his life and inspired the lives, and raised the hopes, of many Britons.
The film outlined that very special relationship that changed the face of the British monarchy.
As I watched the story unfold, it reminded me of many of my clients who book to see me because they need to be able to deliver a speech that has an impact and is also memorable, but they lack self-confidence and the ability to stand up in public.
Some of these clients are Members of Parliament or CEO's, and there are times when it is necessary for them to deliver messages, on platform, that are both inspiring and motivating.
Fear of speaking
To speak in public can be a daunting prospect whether one is a king or a commoner, and stress and panic are, unfortunately, all too usual in these instances — and that is why I receive so many urgent calls for support and presentation skills coaching.
Not everyone needs to necessarily make public speeches or to speak at a seminar, but managers need to motivate and inspire their teams. That requires engagement and good communication skills, and good communication is not only about talking but also knowing how to listen. Just as King George VI had to inspire and motivate the British people during the dark days of the Second World War when the German Luftwaffe were bombing London, so also do the Boards of Directors of companies need to inspire and motivate their workforces in order to increase productivity, achieve realistic targets and increase competitive advantage.
The board needs to get its teams to buy-in to the corporate vision.
So what can you do?
First of all, recognise when you have a challenge that needs to be overcome and decide to take action. Never assume that you need only wait and the problem might resolve itself. It won't! However, it is very likely to get worse if it is not addressed.
Secondly, as did George Vl of England, find an expert who can guide you in the direction you wish to go. This needs to be someone who not only has the skills to take you forward and unlock your hidden potential but also someone you can trust.
Finally, ensure that you are a good communicator — whether you are making a speech or talking at a board meeting.
Remember, whilst your words are important, so is your body language and the way you deliver your presentation. You need to exude confidence without being arrogant and you need to be able to sell your message. All of this needs practice. And my suggestion is that you should start now. Not wait until you are asked by the CEO to give ‘that presentation' and then start to panic.
Start now to find the right person who will take you outside of your comfort zone and help you achieve far more than you ever thought you could do — because we are all amazing creatures and we are all capable of doing amazing things. It just needs the will and the determination to succeed.
Learning points
Good communication can help win wars and contracts!
To be able to inspire and motivate are essential skills.
The power of the human mind is extraordinary.
The author is a BBC guest broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies — www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
Managing Pressure at Work: Lessons from South Africa
Although I have been coming out here for the past seven years to visit these communities along the beautiful Garden Route, the scenery and the people never cease to impress me
Sitting at Cape Town international airport, I think back to the past three weeks that I have been traveling around Africa's southern Cape, teaching entrepreneurship, business and marketing skills to budding entrepreneurs in the townships.
Although I have been coming out here for the past seven years to visit these communities along the beautiful Garden Route, the scenery and the people never cease to impress me. However, as with every other family in any other country, behind the beauty there are the stresses and strains of one kind or another.
Particularly with township life, the media often seems to portray this as one only of violence, drug culture and crime. However, I have often stayed with families in different townships and have experienced community life at first hand — and it is predominantly one of caring and supporting others within the community. There is, of course, crime, as there is in London or New York or anywhere else — but the difference is that on a South African township there is the spirit of what they call ‘ubuntu', humanity to others — an idea that seems to have been lost in modern societies in the Western hemisphere.
Township life
Esme is a well-dressed, attractive 65-year-old African lady, who lives amongst the beautiful wine-growing areas of Stellenbosch in the township of Kayamandi, in the Western Cape. The views from her modest, yet spotlessly clean home that lies in the foothills of the local mountain range are truly magnificent. She operates her home as a Bed & Breakfast Guest House, which is known locally as a Homestay, and her guests include many holiday students from overseas who need a place to sleep for a few nights or more. Sometimes, they will come as volunteers to experience township life at first hand and to work on a community project for a month or so. However, last year the number of visitors declined owing to both the world recession and also to the adverse publicity given to crime in the townships. Despite this, the Fifa World Cup was hosted by South Africa, in mid-2010, and was a great success with millions of visitors coming to the brand new stadiums, with very little reported problems.
Unfortunately, despite having vast mineral resources, state education in the Republic of South Africa is still poor, for notwithstanding government efforts, too many children still attain adulthood with little or no marketable skills. Self-sufficiency appears to be the key to life on the townships, and Esme is a perfect example of this, which demonstrates that in order to succeed, one has to keep motivated, find and take opportunities, be part of the community and, believe in God. It seems to work!
Government funding for education is increasing, but slow. In the meantime, maybe we can learn a good deal from Esme and the spirit of ‘ubuntu'.
Key points
·
Motivation and commitment are key factors for self sufficiency
·
‘Ubuntu' and community support help everyone
·
Entrepreneurship and marketing skills are essential business tools
The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an
international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies – www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
Unfortunately, there is also evidence that unhealthy eating can increase stress levels, and, therefore, the obvious action required to remain healthy is to modify our eating habits.
It is now generally accepted that ‘we are what we eat'.
When I am in the Emirates, I am always surprised at how much sugar is added to drinks like tea and coffee, and to food in general, particularly when the incidence of diabetes in the UAE is one of the highest in the world.
Unfortunately, there is also evidence that unhealthy eating can increase stress levels, and, therefore, the obvious action required to remain healthy is to modify our eating habits. Both diabetes and stress can kill and if the bad news is that certain foods can make you ill, then the good news is that you can easily change your eating habits to optimize your life expectancy and your physical and mental well-being.
There are certain foods which can damage your health.
Sugar is a highly refined, carbohydrate that immediately raises your blood glucose levels and has no nutritional value, and people who consistently consume a sugar-loaded diet become progressively deficient in the vitamins and minerals required to efficiently metabolize their food. Our body converts the excess sugar into fat, which make us overweight and, eventually, if sugar is eaten to excess over many years, can make us diabetic. Once this happens, and the pancreatic cells become damaged, then the inability of the body to produce insulin becomes irreversible.
Caffeine is another unhealthy chemical in some of our food or drink. It is usually present in coffee, tea and colas and in some forms of chocolate, and should be avoided where possible.
Life style can help lower stress levels, therefore it is important to eat sensibly — whether you are seven, 17 or 70 years old. Good food includes whole grain food items, such as wheat or grain, oats, brown rice etc., all which have a low GI index and enables our blood sugar levels to be reasonably constant over the day, thereby getting rid of unwanted highs and lows that cause us to go out and grab a bar of chocolate!
Toxins
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be eaten as near to their organic, unprocessed form as possible, in order to guarantee that as much of the vitamins and minerals are retained. Fresh fruits and vegetables, which should be washed before eating, aid the elimination of toxins from the body.
Oily fish, for example mackerel, tuna and salmon, are good cholesterol busters, as also are pulses, such as beans, peas and lentils. So choose what you eat carefully when you go shopping or when you eat out at a restaurant. Avoid ordering a sugar-laden lassi, and opt for a sugar-free drink instead.
We have but one body and it is up to us to look after it!
PS: My favourite drink is a pint of hot water and half a lemon, first thing in the morning — with NO sugar!
Diet: Key points
- You can increase your health by modifying your eating habits
- Excess sugar consumption with little exercise can lead to diabetes
- Fresh fruits and vegetables aid elimination of toxins from the body.
- The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies - www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
Being bullied tends not to be openly discussed in case this increases the risk of further ill-treatment
According to the memoirs of former British prime minister, Tony Blair, A Journey, he writes that he felt bullied by his chancellor, Gordon Brown.
Being bullied tends not to be openly discussed in case this increases the risk of further ill-treatment, and because the victim often feels ashamed to discuss it with colleagues in case his/her professional credibility is called into question. Even the mildest form of intimidation may be very disturbing, and, if prolonged, the effect on the victim can be severe.
A bully will typically shout and verbally abuse victims publicly, in order to confirm his/her control and will often allocate tasks which they know the person is incapable of doing.
How can victimization be avoided? Individuals who are being bullied have a number of options including confronting the bully; contacting the HR department [if available] or complaining to the bully's immediate superior.
Effects
In reality, however, the victim will often stay and keep silent or, alternatively, if they are so unhappy, they will end up leaving their job. If possible, talking to a colleague can help, but in the end it is up to the victim to take action.
My advice would be to confront the bully immediately, and in a direct but quiet way that does not escalate the situation, that is, so that the bully does not become further incensed to a point whereby he/she will want to exact revenge.
My clients often tell me that informal complaints are usually met with little or no response. While a complaint of bullying or intimidation is very often difficult for managers to resolve, an indication that the complaint is being taken seriously is welcomed by staff who have expressed concern over a bullying situation.
As people are often reluctant to discuss being bullied, managers need to be sensitive to the telltale signs, and know how to act when they see them.
Undoubtedly the most effective intervention is the training of managers to help them ensure the quick resolution of such disputes between their staff. Quite often, managers do nothing simply because they do not know what to do.
It is also clearly important that employers recognise the impact that bullying can have indirectly on the morale of the entire department concerned, as well as on the individual employee.
In particular, a formal document detailing policy and procedures should be in place to deal with issues of workplace bullying and/or harassment — as this indicates unambiguously that the organization takes the issue of intimidation seriously, and provides a mechanism for dealing with complaints, both informally and formally.
Bullying is unacceptable in the modern workplace and no responsible company or organization should be seen as condoning it. The health of employees is important, and that includes both physical and mental wellbeing.
The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies - www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
Points to ponder
Bullying destroys the morale of staff
A demoralized workforce is less productive
Bullying and intimidation must be reported
The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies – www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
Managing pressure at work: Emirati women fit into new roles
By Carole Spiers
We heard from many Emirati career women on how they had achieved success and overcome inherent challenges.
I was delighted to be participating in Naseba's 2nd annual ‘Women in Leadership' forum in Abu Dhabi recently.
During the two-day event, we heard from many Emirati career women on how they had achieved success and overcome inherent challenges. For a majority, this had not been easy, but with commitment and self-belief, they had managed to overcome the usual resistance to women in public life. One speaker spoke of her strict dress code in wearing an abaya, and said that others had to get beyond this external, physical appearance in order to get to know her and to understand the focus of her work.
But, do Emirati woman face different challenges than other women? Certainly, it is true that traditionally it had not always been their role to undertake activities outside the home and it was agreed that they needed the support and encouragement from their families along the way.
I sat next to an Emirati lady who had been promoted to a senior position in a bank in the Gulf, but it had not always been easy for her. She told me that she wasn't taken seriously for many years and people would expect her to make mistakes. In many ways, she felt she needed to be "better" than a man but now, 18 years later; she is now in a position of responsibility and trust.
Facing reality
Does that mean that if you are an Emirati woman you need always be one step ahead and more dedicated than any man? In some ways, as is the same for every minority group, this may well be the case and realistically, there may be someone there waiting for you to fail.
And what of the jealousy of others when you are successful and rise to a senior position? We heard from another member of the audience, an Emirati lady who had to move jobs twice because she was subjected to bullying in both organizations in which she worked.
Emirati women are needed in the Gulf region and have much to offer but they need to have the confidence and self-belief to take them on their journey. Of course, when that woman becomes successful, she has a responsibility to empower others; become a role model for those starting out in business or commerce and be a mentor for them.
High expectations
There are high expectations of Emirati women — both from themselves and from others around them. But they have to move beyond their own self-limiting beliefs; to unlock the passion that is inside of them and be focused on their vision.
The Gulf region in particular, needs to have a strong, female voice in its boardrooms, in its public services, in its charitable services and in government. Being female is to be a member of one half of the human race — some may say, the stronger half!
Achievers: Mental make-up
- Many Emirati women have achieved success in business.
- Women, particularly in the Gulf, need self-confidence.
- Emirati women need to empower others to follow in their footsteps.
- The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee well-being consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies - www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
Managing pressure at work: Optimizing staff performance
By Carole Spiers
Performance management is a critical part of the day-to-day administration of any business. As companies compete for survival on reduced budgets, they are increasingly aware of the need to drive performance, increase efficiency and develop new ways to inspire and motivate their work force.
To be totally effective, a performance management system needs to be well structured, properly monitored, coordinated with HR, and offer a fair and consistent approach that does not prejudice individual creativity. It will need to work in conjunction with the strategic objectives of the organization and managers will need adequate training to effectively implement the process.
The essence of effective performance management is based on good communication at all levels and specific training needs to be given to those that are fulfilling this role within the organization. It is no good saying that every manager can implement this role because just because they are a manager — it doesn't work like that.
The scope of performance management must be clearly outlined so that employees do not regard performance management as a threat but rather as an opportunity for them to develop their skills within the organization — to the benefit of both.
Constructive process
Managers should be careful not use the process as a tool by which to intimidate employees, but as a constructive process to offer constructive support for improvement and to develop latent talent. It is a win-win process for both management and employees, when implemented correctly.
However, dealing with poor performance can fill some managers with anxiety and they may feel inclined to ignore it due to lack of confidence and/or training, and, in some cases, a fear that their own performance may also be challenged.
An underperforming individual may blame his/her manager and their lack of planning and dissemination of critical information. Handling situations such as this often requires the intervention of a third party and hence the need for HR to coordinate and efficiently monitor the process.
Here's what to do to achieve results:
• Identify areas for improvement and set achievable targets
• Agree on time frames and review dates
• Offer adequate support and training with open communication
• Keep accurate documentation
• Be clear, open and honest in regard to the agenda
Help and support from the organization for underperforming employees is as critical as the review process itself. Where there are skills issues, training is essential. Where there is interpersonal conflict, then counselling, coaching and mediation will be needed.
However, "doing nothing" is certainly not an option.
Appraisals: Ensuring clarity
About performance management:
Ensure that your performance management system is well structured.
Train your managers to conduct performance reviews.
Ensure adequate resources to manage the overall process.
- The author is a BBC guest broadcaster and motivational speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies - www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
There will be enormous stresses to overcome when Kate Middleton marries Prince William
Photo by Associated Press
Britain's Prince William and his fiancée Kate Middleton pose for the media at St. James's Palace in London after announcing their marriage. The couple is to wed in 2011.
It has been announced, in Britain that the next heir to the throne, Prince William, is to marry Kate Middleton next year.
Marriage is a major decision for any of us to make but Kate will be joining the British royal family, and will become the wife of a future King of England.
That means that she will also be starting a new job and there will be enormous stresses to overcome, at least in the beginning.
When she takes on her new position as the future Queen consort, there will be the expectations she has of herself, together with the expectations that others have of her and that means a careful balancing act.
Already the media have been comparing her with Prince William's late mother, Princess Diana, but she will have to make her own mark as an individual.
That will be easier said than done as she will be expected to conform to British tradition and the expectation of the public.
Will she fit in with the rest of the team, which in this case is the Royal family? The customs, traditions and royal protocol will be a learning process, and without doubt, she will make some mistakes along the way.
Adjustments
But the same goes for any of us when we take on a new job and have to make adjustments. Kate will need to learn to communicate and negotiate her way within a new, royal environment upon which the spotlight is never switched off.
She will have to prove herself to be adaptable and flexible, as obviously she was not brought up to be Queen the same way as William was brought up to be King.
However, she will bring with her a new perspective and new ideas that will assist in making the royal family one that is at ease both with itself and with the British public. But she will have to watch out carefully for the conservative ‘old guard' who may attempt to oppose any change and who guard their rights and privileges jealously.
High-profile stress
And, of course, Kate' s new, high-profile role is one in which the whole world will be watching her actions, her body language, her every move and every word that she says, because the simple response of ‘I do' at her wedding ceremony will ensure that she will never be a private person again, ever.
She will become ‘public property' and she will need to quickly learn how to manage the stress of high levels of security and the attention of the paparazzi.
Having said that, she will have as her mentor her future mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, who has been such a wonderful role model over the past half a century that she will be learning from a true expert.
I certainly wish her, and her Prince, the very best of luck, joy and happiness in the future.
The author is a BBC guest-broadcaster and Motivational Speaker. She is CEO of an international stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy based in London. Contact them for proven stress strategies - www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk
Tips: Learning the ropes
There are stresses for everyone both in marriage and in a new job.
The future Queen consort will need to learn ‘the ropes' quickly.
Kate Middleton will never be a private person again.
In times of a recession, we need to utilize our latent abilities.
In times of recession, summon up all of your reserves and dip into your individual "creativity box."
Image Credit: Seyyed De Llata, Gulf news
With Ramadan now behind us and businesses ‘back to normal', it is a good time to think about using the right hand side of our brain and to start being creative.
In times of a recession, we need to utilize our latent abilities. Now, it is of even greater importance to fully utilize the skills that we have.
You might have decided to cut back on staff benefits that may be seen as not being directly related to sales — but that would be a mistake. This is the time to motivate and inspire everyone within the organization to ensure that all are working as a team.
Many feel disillusioned when there are staff cuts backs and fewer contracts. As a manager, you may experience pressure, yourself, and may also be feeling demoralized. If so, this is the moment to summon up all of your reserves and dip into your individual ‘creativity box.'
So where can this be found? The answer is that we all have reserves of mental strength that are often unused although some will have to work harder than others in order to counteract feelings of stress and anxiety.
For some, every day is a new opportunity. For others, it is just another 24 hours of trying to resolve our personal problems. We are all different. However, it is usually not that our inner reserves are finished but because for a short time, they become inaccessible and it is then that we may need an external coach or counselor to help us regain our confidence; to think clearly and to be able to focus on the challenges that face us. Like a digital camera, when we are able to focus correctly, the picture suddenly becomes clear.
So what can industry do at this challenging time when recessionary pressures need to be managed effectively? We need imaginative strategies to create a ‘creative culture', although I fully appreciate that human resource budgets are under pressure and the supply of resources is limited.
But, in times of adversity, those who can access and use their hidden strengths will survive whilst those who fail will fall at the first hurdle. That means that YOU need to be a survivor!
Here are three of my top tips for personal creativity.
1. Look at situations with a fresh perspective
Don't accept the old way of doing things. Sometimes you have to ‘let go' of the past in order to bring in the future. But ‘letting-go' of the past is not necessarily easy and you may need some help along the way to recognise and agree to new ideas.
2. Question assumptions
We are often too lazy when it comes to challenging assumptions. We need to challenge them and not to accept them without query. Ask the question! At one time, it was thought that no-one would pay more than Dh5 for a cup of coffee. However, thanks to Howard Schutz and his Starbucks chain, customers will pay over Dh15 for a latte. Always query that which is held out to be fact!
3. Nurture new ideas
Ask your team to be creative and make sure they are integral to the process. A new idea needs to be nurtured and supported if it is going to survive and we need to invite and encourage new ways that can improve productivity and/or morale.
