The Bright Young Things Blog

When the results exceed all expectations...

2011-08-29T07:10:00.011+10:00

The White Orchid Ball, which I mentioned in my last post, was held last weekend.

Originally planning on hosting 250 people, the size of the function was extended on at least 2 occasions that I know of, with a final head count on the night of 390!

This extraordinary result can be put down to the extraordinary effort of Emma and her organising committee.

What was fascinating to observe was the interaction between the various generations - X, Y, boomers - the lot - and the volunteers who worked with the employed officials of Cancer Council Queensland. These people all worked tirelessly to make this event the success that it was. Originally, it was hoped that the function would raise $20,000-$30,000 for breast cancer support, but a rough tally at the end of the night came in at around $35,000!

Your humble correspondent can also report to that the audience - those wonderful people who bought tickets to the ball (not cheap!), raffle tickets, bid on the Grand Auction (run by Grand Auctioneer Cr Eddie Sarroff, shown above right), took part in the silent auction, as well as having a great time - came from every representative generational group!

They were very responsive, recognised a good cause, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

We can hardly wait until next year.

Harry

A little more on passion and commitment

2011-07-07T07:54:00.007+10:00

I've had the opportunity in recent times to work with a Bright Young Thing named Emma in the organisation of a charity ball to raise funds for breast cancer research. A bonus for me in this activity is that I have been asked to act as Master of Ceremonies for the function.

Emma is an articulate, intelligent and energetic 21-year-old who took on this task, a task that had been her mother's for over a decade until her mum succumbed to the disease.

The experience has been an absolute delight; the passion and commitment to this cause is so great, the energy being shown to overcome any obstacles or prejudices ("but how do you know that you are going to get enough people to cover costs?" - An actual venue manager) and the unbridled enthusiasm with which each and every facet of this huge undertaking is approached is a valuable lesson to all.

The lesson is this: even if you don't have the experience or the knowledge to undertake a project, with attitudes like those described above and a willingness to ask questions (and therefore learn) you can make a success of any activity.

You can find more information on the White Orchid Ball at http://thewhiteorchidball.org/

Harry

Watching commitment and passion at work...

2011-05-27T16:30:00.007+10:00

The 20th century writer and anthropologist Margaret Mead said, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has".

This quotation came to mind while I was in front of a workshop of Bright Young Things in Sydney this week.

Entitled "A Career, not just a Job", the workshop is an annual event at which I have presented since it was first run in 1999. Organised by the Australasian Mutuals Institute, the professional development body of the credit union and building society industry, the workshop is for those individuals with only a short time in the industry, but whose managers have recognised their talent and ability and see a bright future for them - people who can and will make a real contribution.

What a joy it was to participate with these talented and articulate people. Listening to their opinions, discussing their jobs, their employers and the issues surrounding their career development exposed us all to passion, commitment that augurs well for this "5th pillar" in the financial services market in Australia.

Their attentiveness and respect for those industry representatives who accepted invitations to share their inspiring work histories demonstrated the calbre of people who will be the next generation of leaders: worthy successors to the generation that they had just been listening to.

They finished the day not only fired up (as happens at most workshops), but with a commitment to a personal action plan for the next 30/60/90 days.

Did they have a great day? You bet. But these are people of substance. They came away with things to do, and I have no doubt that they will get done.

Harry

A Tale of Three Bright Young Things (and a man in a tux!)

2011-05-02T11:26:00.003+10:00

It was a flat tyre. I couldn't believe my luck. A perfect storm of events...

I was coming home from a formal function in the city last week. It was late, had been raining, and I was all gussied up - white mess jacket, bow tie - you get the picture. As I drove down Edward St I heard the familiar thunk thunk of a flat, so I pulled over, turned on my hazard lights and started to open the boot and extract the (now) familiar equipment.

Just as reached the boot, three BYTs, two guys and a girl, stopped and asked me if they could help. I initially said "no, thanks" but they insisted. The young lady (Grace by name, grace by nature) said that she had always wanted to learn how to change a tyre, and this was her chance. Given the way I was dressed (like a penguin) and the memory that the last time this happened (again at 11.30pm and dressed in tails!) I decided to take them up on their generous offer.

I just hoped they weren't helping because they considered me an old fella (when did my hair go from brown curls to salt & pepper grizzled? :))

In the twenty minutes that it took to change the flat I discovered that their names were Andrew, Grace and Kyle (hope I got that right) and that they were on their way to a 21st celebration at the casino. I offered to buy them a drink when they had finished but they wouldn't have a bar of it. The least I can do is tell their story - and mine. I mentioned in the latest edition of The Boss's Guide to Bright Young Things that 30%+ of volunteers in the philanthropy sector are Gen Y. It's the same attitude that saw these 3 BYTs stop and offer assistance to a stranger. So, the next time you need an illustrator (Andrew), a photographer (Grace) or a nurse studying to be an economist (Kyle, what???) drop me an email and I'll put you on to them!

To you guys, thanks again. I have little doubt that people like you will run the world and do a better job than the people who came before you.

Incidentally, just as we were packing up another group of 3 BYTs came up (also two guys & a girl ????) and asked if we needed any help. They were quite distraught that they weren't needed.

There's no fluke in that!

An open letter to Frank Lowy

2011-04-14T10:48:00.010+10:00

Dear Frank

I have always been a great admirer of you and the way you have conducted your life. Your story is one of inspiration, success and philanthropy. However, I have been taking notice of some disturbing trends in your shopping centres and malls and would like to bring some points to your attention.

Firstly, when I go in to a shopping centre, I do not expect to be pounced upon by traders from kiosks who "just want to ask me a question" (as if that's all they want!). Now, when I go in to a marketplace full of traders I expect that kind of behaviour and often look forward to some bartering and banter. In the more genteel surroundings of your centre I expect to be left alone until I go in to a retailer. This idea of trying to extract every dollar for every square metre of floor space, including the corridors is ludicrous and results in people wanting to spend less time in your centres than more, which I imagine would be your objective.

Secondly, following the same theme of RoI on floor space, do you have a ratio of access to goods in the leases of your tenants? If not, why not? Your leases cover all sorts of things like opening hours, regular refurbishments etc to maximise the shoppers' experience, but many retailers are so cluttered there's little room for the customers to move around the store. This seems to be the SOP for many if not most of your tenants - and that includes the big grocery stores! When was the last time you went in to a newsagent?

Finally, I would like to suggest that your shopping centres should value-add rather than look for some extra way to raise some minor revenue. I'm talking about your WiFi initiative. For $2.00 an hour a customer can connect up to Westfield's wireless network. Big deal. Don't you think you'd receive more kudos (and ultimately more and happy customers) by providing WiFi for free? Many retailers and retail chains as well as hotels - particularly in the US - already do so. Given the buying power of the Westfield Group I would imagine that your costs in the area would be negligible. Yes, I know that some people, like poor students, would attempt to abuse it but you're clever... do what they do in the US... kick them off after an hour or two and don't let them back on again for an hour. The sign says that they're doing that so that people can enjoy the sunshine & fresh air, but we know better ~wink~

In short, here are three examples of short term thinking that if ditched would lead to long term gain. The reason that people go to shopping centres is for convenience. The reason that you want them to say as long as they can is so that they will continue driving the wheels of commerce. The reason they don't is because the environment isn't as convenient and welcoming as it should be!

Regards

Harry

Good manners? Good business!

2011-04-04T08:41:00.013+10:00

Busy people (like yourselves) may not get an opportunity too often to observe and analyse the retail transaction. I also suffer from a dearth of time and tend to "zip in and out" of shops and malls (more on that for a later post).

However, I have noticed a distinct lack of common courtesy amongst retail staff, and have developed an instinctive almost Pavlovian response to the absence of "please" & "thank you".

Case Number 1: On a number of occasions I have been asked by a member of the family to "pick up a muffin" on the way out of the shopping centre. The locale in question is a franchise operation (which I shall not name, giving them a "break" :)) and each time I have been there I have been served by a spotty teenager (escapee from The Simpsons?) who simply replies "Four dollars" to my request for a choc chip muffin. When he hands me the bag I hand him a fiver with the retort "Four dollars please". He says sheepily "four dollars please" and then hands me my change and says "thank you".

This has been going on (off and on) for weeks. I'll not give up hope (yet).

Case Number 2: I walked in to a newsagent on Saturday and picked up a magazine (a rarity in these times of lotto and scratch-its, I know). The young lady behind the counter said "Eight ninety-five", which sounded like "Eight nahnty-fahve" - in her best plummy private school tones.

I replied, "you mean eight ninety-five please, don't you?" and she just looked at me like I'd grown a second head! It was a very My Fair Lady moment: it doesn't matter what you say, as long as you say it correctly! Pretending she hadn't heard me. she asked me if I wanted a bag.

"Yes please," I replied, smiled sweetly and left. There is much work to be done. Obviously common courtesy is no longer common practice!

Retailers (especially franchisees) please note: Every interaction between the customer and your staff should leave the customer delighted. Anything else is a wasted opportunity.

Harry

iPad2 review - is it worth it?

2011-03-28T08:59:00.013+10:00

When the iPad was released in April 2010, I had pre-ordered a top of the line device. Apple, being the corporate control freaks they are, had arranged that the tablet would be available in it's stores, resellers' outlets and delivered all on the same day.

Now, that made for a great media spectacle, with plenty of lines outside shops playing on the TV news, but in my case the delivery was made at around 5.50pm that day - and I had to leave at 6pm for a meeting. Still, the device was so easy to set up that I left it plugged in to my PC with the iTunes sync function uploading some 3000+ songs, 5000+ pictures, series of Rumpole, The Sopranos, The West Wing and a few stray movies. I knew that would take a couple of hours.

Did Apple learn anything from that exercise? Apparently not. This time with the release of the iPad 2 they didn't even bother taking pre-orders, so that whatever stock was shipped on the day was all that there was. Fortunately, I was in the city for the day at a strategic planning workshop, so that when I wandered down to a retailer that I knew would be receiving stock, and was tucked away such that they would be ignored by most people. A leisurely coffee later, I entered the shop, browsed for a while and then had a queue form behind me to pick up a new iPad 2.

While the TV showed that night 500+ people queuing outside the Apple shop at Chersmide, there were probably 25-30 people where I was. The iPad was released at 5pm. I was out of there, iPad in hand at 5.10pm!

So, is it worth having?

After two days of on-and-off testing, playing, configuring and comparing to the first generation I'd have to say yes. Why? Well, it's faster - maybe not the twice as fast as Apple touts, but enough to be noticeable. The dual core processor also means that there are less interrupts as you multi task. It's certainly thinner and that's a plus. I don't think that 15% lighter is that noteworthy, but if the iPad 3 does have the carbon fibre shell that's been rumoured that will make a huge difference.

Nonetheless, it is useful as a business tool. I keep all my papers - board, committee, agendas, constitutions, rulings & decisions etc - on the device. I can add or modify any contact, appointment, note or file on any of my devices. It automatically syncs those entries and backs up every time I connect it to my PC. I have the iPad password protected, and more sensitive documents protected by two factor authentication.

By using Apple's "MobileMe" facility, appointments made on my PC, iPhone or iPad are all automatically synced. However, the most important feature of this service (to my peace of mind) is the "find me" feature. If any of my portable devices are stolen or lost I can locate them via GPS or I can wipe all the data remotely if need be.

I'm not a big fan of the "Cult of Jobs". I think devices that run the iOS operating system (iPhone, iPod, iPad) are the state of the art - the best of breed - and that's why I use them. In my opinion a PC running Windows 7 is a better business tool for many applications. Using a combination of the different technologies is a lethal combination!

Harry

I know it's been a while but...

2011-03-09T08:44:00.005+10:00

I received a call from a BYT recently castigating me for not having updated my blog for some time. I explained to him that I had intended over the Christmas break to change to a different blogging tool, but that time and circumstances had gotten away from me.

My work in the Flood and Cyclone Appeal for my fraternal organisation had been taking up a great deal of my time, and updating both my personal and business blogs were "on the list" but there were higher priorities.

Expecting him to accept what I considered to be a very reasonable proposition, you can imagine my surprise at his reaction.

He told me that while I was doing important work that was assisting people whose lives had been devastated by these awful natural disasters, I could have taken a few minutes to pen an entry or two; that I had an obligation to those people who visited my website and read my blog to demonstrate that I cared. To not do so sent a message that I had lost interest.

Well, I was stunned. It also illustrated to me just how values driven and caring this generation is.

But he's right and I apologise. I'll stay on top it from now on. The funny thing is that I saw, heard and experienced many things over the summer that I thought at the time would make good blog entries. I have notes from these incidents and will happily share with you over the coming weeks.

Harry

Show some self respect and respect for time!

2010-10-26T11:35:00.001+10:00

I recently had a colleague tell me a tale that was so tall it had to be true, but worth recounting for what I believe to be the moral lesson and study in common sense (or the lack thereof).

Two business acquaintances of my friend were attending the same four-day conference as he. He was delighted to find that they were staying in the same hotel as he ran into them at reception where they were all checking in.

When he conveyed as such to his "friends", they advised him that they would look forward to some after conference socialising that night, but only that night as they plan to check out the next day and check-in to another hotel.

Quite puzzled, he asked them why they were taking such action and was advised that over the next four days they would be checking in and out of hotels all in the same chain to maintain their status as a "VIP" customer as part of the chain's loyalty program. These people earn annual incomes in at least six figures!

When relating the story to me my colleague asked the first of several obvious questions, "how little must these people value their time and effort?"

The question I have for you is how much do you value your time and your efforts?

Harry

The best people are already employed...

2010-10-09T09:39:00.007+10:00

I have heard of some stupid, narrow-minded, sort-sighted inanities come out of purported management types in my time, but the article I have just read in The Huffington Post wins the prize.

Some employers advertising to fill vacancies are including criteria such as "Must be currently employed," "No unemployed candidates will be considered," or "must have been employed within the last 6 months."

How do the stupid stay concealed?

Have a read at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/08/employers-continue-to-dis_n_756136.html

Harry

The next generation?

2010-08-05T11:29:00.007+10:00

It's been a while since I've posted to this blog, and I must apologise to my regular readers who have contacted me to see that everything is OK. It has been a very busy few months for me with my sessional lecturing and tutorials at QUT.

That's no real excuse of course - I preach and present on time management, so if I had wanted to I could have allocated the time to do so. I'll not leave it so long between postings again!

What I can report is that the next generation of employees, due to hit the labour market in the next 5-7 years will present even bigger challenges than the so-called Gen Y crop currently under the microscope. Bear in mind that the earliest Gen Yers are soon to hit 30!

I have had the privilege of presenting to and speaking with groups as young as 15 and 17 over the past few months as part of a special outreach program at the University to encourage high school students to study business and accounting and while they were bright, engaging and curious they will certainly need well positioned management to get the most out of them.

This crowd was a group of 350+ Year 10 students from various high schools - both state & private - that I recently presented to. Suffice it to say we had a great time and the feedback I received was that they enjoyed my presentation as much as I enjoyed giving it. They particularly liked the idea of being serious about what you do but not so serious about how you do it. Too many employers forget that given the amount of time spent at work, a pleasant & happy working environment will increase productivity and help with staff loyalty and retention.

If you think your currently employed Bright Young Things are easily bored, just wait!

It takes visionary people to nurture Bright Young Things!

2010-04-14T10:15:00.007+10:00

I had the opportunity yesterday of speaking at a "Young Professionals & CEOs" breakfast, which is an annual event organised by IPAA Queensland - the Institute Of Public Administration Australia. A truly inspirational event which belies the common perception that people employed within the public sector lack vision and capabilities.

What makes this event so unique is that chief executives and senior managers are asked to attend and host a table of their best and brightest young professionals, giving those BYTs a singular opportunity to have one on one discussions with the most senior echelon in their field.

So popular was this event that it was sold out - twice! Given the level of interest when it was first sold out the organisers decided to upsize the venue. 49 tables with 400 people present were able to listen to a range of speakers on career development and being successful. What was interesting was that although none of the speakers had conferred prior to the event, a number of remarkably common threads were evident in the presentations.

I believe that many professional bodies, organisations and associations would benefit from running similar exercises and both IPAA, as the professional body for people in the public sector, and the participants who see the obvious value in such an event, should be congratulated for their visionary and innovative thinking.

The organisers tell me that next year they'll be shooting for more than 600! And I thought that 400 was a big breakfast...

Harry

You can't strip ALL the costs out, ALL the time...

2010-03-05T08:59:00.004+10:00

I had occasion recently to hear another "call centre" horror story. A lady had to contact her cable company to advise that her device was malfunctioning. Now, this lady is in her 70s and is articulate and intelligent - unfortunately the person on the other end was neither. In fact, English was not their first language and their training was woefully inadequate

After following the "script" robot-like, wherein the customer was instructed to do a number of obviously useless activities, she was advised that a technician would be dispatched.

It may save time and money to have customer service knowledge concentrated in a call centre, but these savings (and customers) will be lost forever if the training is inadequate or the operators are inarticulate.

Customer service should be seen as an investment, not just as a cost centre! Yes, it is true that it should be as a cost, but it's the cost of doing business - and the best business is repeat business. Repeat business will only occur if a customer knows that every transaction with you will be pleasant and fulfil their needs.

Harry

The cause for optimism...

2010-02-22T11:18:00.002+10:00

Last Friday I had the opportunity to present to 750+ accounting students from over 50 high schools throughout Queensland. These grade 12 students, on the cusp of adulthood, most of whom look like heading for university studies, were delightful to work with.

Their enthusiasm was infectious; their energy was palpable; their sense of humour and wit were often on display. They were curious and inventive. They showed a great amount of respect and common courtesy.

At the beginning of the presentation I invited them to turn their mobile phones to "silent" rather than to turn them off and encourage them to tweet a message including my ID (@harryz) if they had something to say or wish to provide feedback. I also gave him my e-mail address on the first slide.

A number of students took me up on my offer and provide me with the feedback I sought.

From the comments I received I have little doubt or concern about the future of our society passing into the hands of these Bright Young Things.

Harry

Reflections on the past year

2009-12-31T09:56:00.007+10:00

It seems to me that ever since the first blog took off a decade ago this medium has been used to push every point of view, religion, political agenda, personal problems, rant, rave, conspiracy theory and the like.

Blogs have also been used to share ideas, market the writer's skills and abilities and in general sell something to someone, somewhere.

Some have been dull, some funny, some serious - some that shouldn't be taken seriously ;-0 and some that should be just laughed off your PC screen.

I have tried to get a point of view across based on some observation, with the express purpose of eliciting your own thoughts on the subject.

This year, like most if not all others, has been one of highs and lows. For myself, I will always remember the thrill of watching the historical inauguration of President Obama, live and in real time; the speech he made, the people who attended, the passing of power in such a peaceful, orderly fashion. It was the highlight of the just commenced new year.

During the year there were many tragedies - some global, some local, some personal - but they touch us all as civilised human beings and we should be ever mindful of those who are affected and what we can do to assist.

For myself, I've had a blinder of a year and want to thank all those wonderful people I have met during my travels with Australia and the USA - the other speakers with whom I shared a platform, the conference organisers who are so professional and helpful, the attendees who were so attentive, friendly and happy to give feedback (and still keep in touch!), the academics and staff at the university where I am a visiting Fellow for their generosity and assistance, the staff and management of organisations I am associated with and finally you, dear reader and all those who visit my website.

The head of the fraternal organisation to which I belong has as the theme of his three year term to "Be Happy and Communicate Happiness"

Sounds like good advice me! Happy New Year and may 2010 bring you peace, happiness and success.

Harry

The secret is to bang the rocks together guys

2009-10-14T07:11:00.007+10:00

"We'll be saying a big hello to all intelligent lifeforms everywhere and to everyone else out there, the secret is to bang the rocks together guys . . ." (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy)

I ran into a GenX friend of mine yesterday and she was lamenting the time wasted by her staff on social network sites like Facebook, Twitter etc. and how they had locked out access to these sites.

She's kidding right?

When I asked her if they were getting their work done (prior to this futile and draconian measure being implemented) she did admit that they seemed to be "getting the job done". Demonstrating on my iPhone, I pointed out to her that all smartphones allow access to the Net and many have applications specifically designed to facilitate social networking. As counterintuitive as it might feel, let them have access; in fact encourage it, but have set guidelines on usage - time, content etc. Most importantly and as always communicate the expectation of work outputs.

Many people, especially BYTs, believe that the lines between work life and social life have been blurred and the progressive manager should see that if such blurring results in a happier and more productive employee it's a good thing!

The advent of the Internet in the workplace from the mid-90s (web 1.0) was pretty mismanaged in terms of staff usage. Let's not mismanage Web 2.0 - user generated content such as social networking - in the same way. Hopefully by the time Web 3.0 has been established the issue of mismanagement will be a thing of the past... just like the "rock bangers"

Harry

The misuse of the 'Net as a communicator

2009-09-02T07:29:00.004+10:00

Any tool, no matter how sophisticated, will produce rubbish in the hands of a less expert craftsman. In the case of the Internet, not only is this trusim proved on a daily basis, but the exponential growth in blogs and Web 2.0 interactivity has resulted in the inceasing speed of the proliferation of said rubbish.

Take the opinion poll as an example. Many websites, particlularly news outlets, love to have a "minipoll" on their home pages to engage their readership. Unfortunately, the polls are of little or no value due to the inherent falaciousness of either the question or the yes/no nature of the allowable response.

Here are a couple of examples:

Q: Does Australia have enough troops in Oruzgan Province? (Y/N)

Q: Should (name footballer) be allowed to play even if he is a drunk? (Y/N)

OK, the 2nd question has been slightly altered :), but you get the idea! In the case of the first question, how would anyone give a considered or useful answer? In the second, it would be more insightful if they included a "D" option (for "don't care") to get a real gauge of public opinion.

I wouldn't mind if the publishers stopped taking themselves so seriously, and recognised that such "polls" were actually meaningless in gauging opinion and were just entertainment (like horoscopes). But many publish their "results" as newsworthy stories, considering them vox populi.

Oh, please!

Harry

Saddle up for the recovery... NOW!

2009-08-26T07:06:00.005+10:00

There's an old Irish toast that goes, 'May you have food and raiment, a soft pillow for your head; may you be 40 years in heaven, before the devil knows you're dead.' Even if there is another bump along the way with the Global Economic Crisis; another downturn, a drop in share prices etc, the trend indicates that the recovery is on the way if not already started.

Smart business will gear up now for a return to prosperity. Talented individuals who would not normally be available are currently on the market and will be snapped up by those employers who have the foresight to plan their response to the recovery. Economists have a term for where one action speeds up a result that may have occurred naturally: the accelerator effect (not surprisingly!)

A business or organisation prepared to take a short term hit in costs will build much faster than one who just 'let's it happen', in the same way as I suggested previously to hang on to your talented, energetic staff through the recession.

Now is the time to cherry pick those Bright Young Things previously "shed" by your competitors!

Harry

Reflections on a Global Community

2009-07-23T05:47:00.006+10:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to present to the Phoenix Chapter of the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) and was give a tour of the new US$700 million Convention Centre. The feedback received from Chapter members has been wonderful and I would like to take a moment to thank the group as a whole for being so attentive, and those members who contacted me afterward for their kind words.

What the experience has confirmed for me (once again) is that we are all more alike than not on this funny little blue-green planet, with similar issues facing us as business people - no matter what the business is! I was gratified to receive feedback that my presentation made it easier for the managers and supervisors of BYTs to understand, relate and ultimately get more out of these talented people.

While some industries have been harder hit than others in this global recession there is little doubt that all have been effected and that "business as usual" will be a thing of the past. The result of this type of "correction" is always permanent change - and hopefully for the better.

Harry

You won't have to work until you're 67!!!

2009-05-13T11:44:00.003+10:00

I had had the opportunity today to be interviewed on a couple of occasions for radio. There appears to be a standard theme in being asked questions about last night's Federal budget. "How will Generation Y feel about having to work longer and work harder?"

This question is based on a nonsense premise. What was announced last night was that the age for pension eligibility will be raised over the next two decades from 65 to 67. The truth is that you can retire at whatever age you wish (and can afford). For some time demographers have been telling us that the old age pension would become unsustainable at some time in the future.

What the budget measure is designed to do is to ensure that the pension is viable for the future. Bear in mind that when the so-called "retirement age" was set at 65 in the 1910 the average male life expectancy was 55.2 years and female 55.8. Incidentally, the pension was set at 26 pounds per annum, which represented just under one quarter of the "basic" (subsistence) wage.

Superannuation will be the most common retirement savings plan in the medium to long term in Australia, with equivalent schemes in the rest of the Western world.

Harry

Creative Thinking? I love it!

2009-04-14T05:46:00.003+10:00

I had occasion recently to hear of a Bright Young Thing who came up with a creative solution to a "problem". Pressed by his friends to see a movie that he didn't want to see - and turned out to be as bad as he had heard - he offered to attend the movie if they were each prepared to make a donation to a childrens' charity he was collecting for - and raised minimum of $100 in the transaction.

They raised over $200, got their wish (wished they hadn't :)) and had a great time pulling the movie apart!

Now, that's lateral thinking... and very creative. This guy and people like him need to be watched.

Harry

Now that the minds have met, it's time to get on with the job!

2009-04-03T16:15:00.004+10:00

I took a great deal of comfort after seeing and reading the reports of the G20 Leaders' Summit in London this week. There is little doubt that a great deal of work and resolve is needed to attempt to minimise the misery that has already been created as a reult of seeing the world's major economies crash over the past 6 months.

The fact the leaders from nations with disparate cultures and differing political philosophies can come together and agree on a range of actions and initiatives gives one heart.

Of course talk is cheap (and it's the only commodity that is nowadays), but there appears to be a genuine willingness to undertake the sort of radical reforms that are required in the business and financial sectors around the world. The expansion of the G8 to the G20, encompassing the rest of the major economies in the world was an initiative of our Prime Minister - and it seems to have done the trick, turning it from a talkfest in to an action plan.

We can do our part. While they clean up the mess that greed wrought we will refuse to participate in a recession and will lead business out of the doldrums by confident and innovative ideas.

Harry

How about some commonsense on both sides?

2009-03-02T13:43:00.006+10:00

I recently had the good fortune to present at a workshop for young professionals in the Aged Care Industry. During that workshop the issue of social networking sites was raised. Recently, a story had been reported where a 16-year-old girl, in her first job, made comments about how boring the job was.

Despite the that she had not identified her employer or the organisation in any way when her boss saw the entry he called her in and sacked on the spot.

When I was asked about this issue I raised two points which I would like to share with you: firstly, do not write anything in an e-mail or a blog that you would not like either your mother or your boss to see. THE WEB IS A PUBLIC SPACE!

Secondly, you really have to wonder about the sensitivity (or hypersensitivity) of the boss in question. Surely common sense would dictate that you would call the staff member in, explain to her that although she hadn't mentioned the organisation anyone who knew her would know who she was talking about.

It seems to me that there was a failure on both sides to manage expectations - what the job would be like, what the staff member had to do to improve her prospects, and finally what the best method of communication would be.

If you think that her behaviour was juvenile, you'd be right! She was, after all, only 16 and this was her first job.

Harry

Toughing it out during tough times

2009-02-27T10:14:00.004+10:00

It never ceases to amaze me how people, particularly businesspeople can make such "textbook" mistakes in responding to difficult times such as the current economic downturn.

You often hear management telling their staff that they, the staff, other most important asset that the business has but many managers and directors reach for their "shedding knives" at the first sign of trouble. This is very short-term thinking and demonstrates a continuation of poor management practices and a lack of understanding of the cyclic nature of business.

Invariably it is a front-line staff (who are usually the most inexpensive anyway) who are "shed". What is really shed is corporate knowledge, experience and customer relationships. Companies which practice this style of human resource management will be the last to recover from the downturn (if indeed they recover at all) as they have to spend excessive amounts of time, effort and money rebuilding and/or retraining their workforce while their competitors get on with rebuilding their business and their bottomline.

Think carefully whether a temporary reduction in profit is a better long-term strategy than a temporary reduction in your talented, trained and loyal staff.

Harry

Feeling F.R.E.S.H. at work every day!

2008-12-01T08:53:00.008+10:00

Hi

I have just finished reading a book recently published by Karen Schmidt. This book has been well written, well researched and is full of practical ideas about making the workplace a more enjoyable place to be. One of the things that Bright Young Things look for in an employer is a capacity and willingness to make the work environment a fun place to be.

Despite the obvious link between happy staff and productivity you'd be surprised at the number of bosses who just don't get it! If you get a chance go to Karen's website, http://www.letsgrow.com.au/products.htm and order the book. I'm not sure whether it will be in bookstores or not but it is well worth a read. If you found this review useful please let Karen know.

Harry

The Financial Crisis - What does it mean for your BYTs?

2008-11-18T16:04:00.005+10:00

With the stories of gloom and doom being regularly reported in every media outlet over the past couple of months, it is fair to ask "What do our Bright Young Things think about all this in relation to themselves and our organisation?" Well, the first thing you do is assure them of your viability! Feel free to tell them what it means for the organisation, what plans will haveb to be modified, delayed or scrapped. no amount of "spin" will cushion the diasappointment that comes from unpleasant surprises.

There is little doubt that the financial crisis has resulted in a tightening of capital availability and the subsequent slowdown of any business expansion. If questions have not been directly asked of you as the boss then it is in your best interests and those of your organisation and employees to get on the front foot and address them directly.

If you find yourself in a situation where projected or promised salary reviews will be smaller than originally thought tell them now.

Suggest to them that an opportunity exists, especially for those who will be unable to access superannuation for 30 or 40 years that the current slump in share prices presents a chance to purchase extra units at a suppressed price. Offer to work through a salary sacrifice package for them.

With all the negative publicity surrounding this "crisis" how much will your attitude toward "opportunity" stand out? LOTS!!!

My book has been launched!

2008-10-10T15:35:00.010+10:00

Well, after 7 months of writing and researching, 4 months of production - editing, proofing, graphics design, printing, shipping and headaches my book was launched last night at a function at the Greek Club in South Brisbane. The book, "The Boss's Guide to Bright Young Things", has been out since April and has been received (and sold!) very well. You can have a look at the function here: View Pictures

Welcome to the blog

2008-09-22T10:54:00.001+10:00

Hi there. This is the first entry. There are many issues and challenges facing us in business as well as in our social lives, particularly in those community and service organisations, nonprofits and charities that are so important to the life and fabric of our society.

I hope that we can explore these issues and challenges together.

Harry