Teamworking - Lessons from Geese

I was introduced to 'Lessons from Geese' some years ago, and do not know the original source, though it is liberally scattered around the internet under various sources. The spirit of it has stayed with me, and I find myself coming back to it regularly when helping people to reflect that 'going it alone' may not always be the best strategy, particularly when times are tough. The job of a leader can be very lonely if the team is not firmly aligned, heading in the same direction, and behaving like a team.

The lessons below need no further comment, just a bit of reflection time:

Fact 1
As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone
LESSON:: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are travelling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
LESSON: If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangement of talents,skills or resources.

Fact 4
The geese flying in formation, honk to encourage those up front to keep going.
LESSON: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater.

Fact 5
When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation of geese and try to catch up with the flock
LESSON: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.


V formation makes it easier to keep track of every bird in the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.

Impact Positive on Positive Thinking

Thanks to Karen and Carrie for their feedback on my recent half hour workshop on 'The Power of Positive Thinking.

Karen Rainford http://dressingyourrooms.co.uk/index.htm

Says: October 5, 2009 at 3:54 pm

"Just wanted to say what a great event this was! Have tried to take it all on board and have tested out most of Angie's tips! Seem to be working! One thing I did do on way to a client last week when feeling tired and crabby, was to force myself to grin like a Cheshire cat whilst driving along. Looked a bit silly no doubt but felt much better very quickly!!!"

Carrie Phillips Independent Financial Adviser at Wish Financial Ltd http://www.alphafinancial.com/index.asp Says:

“I attended a Women In Business meeting where Angie was presenting on the topic of positive thinking. With expert insight into the topic, easy to digest sections and an energetic delivery, it was impossible to leave the room without feeling more positive! Angie is clearly passionate about what she does and her enthusiasm and knowledge shine through. Her session was well thought out and well tailored to the audience; a true professional.” October 12, 2009

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

The Power of Positive Thinking

Thanks to all who attended Women in Business Sussex last week and joined in the fun of positive thinking - especially Julie Maxted of Holbrook Pages www.holbrookpages.com/ for letting me demonstrate with her how negative thoughts can drain your energy, whilst positive ones can give you strength.
Photo by Andrea Sarlo www.andreasarlo.com/

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Positive Thoughts Give Us Energy
So what are the benefits of thinking positively? A whole range of benefits can be achieved including:

Increased Confidence ..........................................Less Stress
More Skills ..........................................................Greater Achievement
Improved Networking.........................................Improved Relationships
Less Time Worrying............................................ Quicker to take action
More Perspective .................................................More Rational Thoughts
Personal Satisfaction ............................................Emotional Wellbeing

So why not talk to us today about how we can help you to think more positively and reap the benefits both personally and for those around you, whether at work or in life in general.

Call Angie on 07779 639569 or 01403 888044 or e-mail angie.martin@amhr.co.uk

Playing to our strengths

Delighted that my Strengthscope Report confirms that DEVELOPING OTHERS is one of my Significant 7 Strengths:

©Strengths Partnership Ltd
Developing others
You promote other people’s learning and development to help them achieve their goals and fulfil their potential

· You believe that people should continue to seek our opportunities to learn and grow throughout their lives

· You recognise others' strengths and potential and help them optimise these
· You are able to effectively mentor and coach others
· You look for ways to challenge others, finding new experiences for them to help them grow

Extract from Angie Martin's Strengthscope Report

We are accredited in the use of ©Strengthscope. To find out more, please ring us on 07779 639569 or 01403 888044

Update - twittering more than blogging

Apologies to my readers if you have missed my blogs, but Twitter has taken over as I have been travelling around over the last few months. For those of you who know, or have been following me, you will know that I am a novice and pretty unskilled at all things virtual! So, having discovered Twitter and put it into my blog, I have found it a much easier way of keeping you up to date as I have had little time at the computer. So, if the blog appears to be old news, please keep an eye on the right hand side of this page where the Twitter feed will give regular reflections and updates.

Having taken 3 weeks h0liday in June, much work has been planned into July August and September, and as many freelancers and small business owners will appreciate, more time spent 'in the business' leaves little for working 'on the business'. A balance that is vital but often hard to achieve.

Iceland Super Jeep June 09

KEEPING LIFE IN BALANCE

is good for mind and body. Give us a call if you would like to discuss ways of taking stock of where you are now, and finding simple ways to change that balance if it is not where you want it to be.

Laughing on the Indian Ocean

Just a note to let you know that Guy and Andy are still safe and rowing courageously on the Indian Ocean having shaken off a Bronze Whaler Shark, tossed out a few flying fish who came to call, and learned to surf the boat down massive waves.

Yes, they are still laughing despite it all! You can hear Guy's amusing 'lavatorial' podcast on their blog at http://blog.indianoceanrace.com/

Laugh and your world will laugh with you

Photo by Andrea Sarlo www.andreasarlo.com

Some of my strategies for staying positive:

• Smile when I wake up in the morning. Think of something I am looking forward to. For those of you who are night owls, I am one of those irritating morning larks who sings in the bathroom!



• Smile at the shop assistant who has me as the 1.00000.....th customer to smile at that day.



• Smile and greet all my neighbours I see, even the ones who don't do it to me - it's my choice - they are not going to change that!



• Make contact with all the people who are important to me. Family, friends, clients, colleagues..... Meeting up, phoning, e-mailing, twittering, writing, texting... there are now so many ways to keep in touch.



• Laugh and smile with the kids. Children feed positively on encouragement and recognition for their efforts. Have you ever wondered why laughter and tears can be both the product of something you find happy or sad?



• Organise an Easter Egg Hunt.



• Spot the comedy programmes on the TV or share a DVD – on a wet morning yesterday I sang and danced with Mama Mia. Can’t believe I didn’t go to see it when it came out at the cinema.



• Look forward to the next networking or company social event – or organise one myself(if it isn't getting much enthusiasm or interest, take positive action to make it something people want to be part of) and laugh with others whilst there. What amazing opportunities could open up through meeting new people.



• Listen to a great audio book on the way to work, (takes away the stress and boredom) or stick with the liveliest of the music on my IPOD.



• Say thank you and mean it.

.......... the list could go on. Thinking about the things that make you happy or laugh and just doing them could make a difference to both yourself and those around you. Don't wait for others, take positive action, it's a choice you can make.

Do you need courage?

This week Horsham men Guy Watts and Andrew Delaney set off for Australia as the days count down to their record breaking attempt to row the Indian Ocean:


Commencing: 19th April 2009 at 11:00am
From: Geraldton, Western Australia
Finishing: Mauritius, Indian Ocean
Distance: 3,780 nautical miles
http://www.indianoceanrace.com/Photo by Andrea Sarlo




Having followed their preparation over the last 12 months, I have been awestruck by their energy and determination. It takes courage to face mountainous waves, whales, sharks, swarms of jellyfish and temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Good luck Guy and Andy.



Very detailed research that produced the Lominger leadership competencies, identified courage as one of the 8 key leadership success factors. This is broken down into 2 clusters and 7 different competencies:

Dealing with Trouble
Command Skills
Conflict Management
Confronting Direct Reports
Managerial Courage
Standing Alone
Making Tough People Calls
Hiring and Staffing
Sizing up People

Do you need courage to be demonstrated in your organisation? If so, where and how does it need to be demonstrated? If it is not being demonstrated, what is the root of the problem? One client identified that some of the major disruptions in her company arose because one of her managers was not skilled in, and in fact afraid of, confronting his direct reports who were not performing to the required standard. Another manager was regularly stressed and therefore not performing to their full capability as they avoided conflict – to the detriment of outstanding customer service when dealing with complaints.

Once you have identified where courage is needed, and established where the gaps are in your team, steps can be put in place to help develop more courage. Often it can be the result of inadequate training, or lack of confidence.

Do you tune people in, or turn them off?

Mehrabian's model on the effectiveness of spoken communication is often misquoted but gives food for thought:
- 7% of meaning is in the words that are spoken
- 38% of meaning is the way that the words are said
- 55% of meaning is in body language

So, if you are not really sure what someone means, then trusting their body language may be more effective than the words that they use.

- How can you interpret what a person is really thinking when they are speaking to you?
- How can you build strong interpersonal relationships through body language?

When we first see people, our gaze goes to the eyes and then the mouth. I was listening recently to a debate about the trial on iris scanning in airports, and one participant said that if the eyes were the window to the soul, then she did not want her eyes to be her barcode. Interesting. I have been unable to find the source of the saying 'eyes are the window to the soul' some attribute it to Da Vinci, but we know for example that using only the lower half of the face generates a 'crocodile' smile, suggesting insincerity. If you observe a sincere smile, you will usually see creases in the eyes aswell as the mouth, both sides of the face are usually symmetrical, and it is often shorter than a 'crocodile' smile. Remember however that there may be cultural differences. People around the world have different ways of communicating eg some cultures avoid eye contact or find too much of it intimidating.

This huge topic is covered in our interpersonal skills workshops and coaching sessions. However, watch out for some top tips in subsequent blog entries labelled 'Body Language'.

The Power of Positive Language

Through the power of our words we can give energy or take it away. On a beautiful sunny day, and after an hour's journey in the car singing to my latest CD I arrived at the office of a client and approached 2 different employees with my usual smile and cheery greeting. 'Good morning, what a beautiful sunny day today. How are you?' The responses I got?:
'Could be worse'
'Great thanks, how about you?'

Research suggests that we have up to 50,000 thoughts a day processed through ongoing 'self-talk'; the average child under 6 is told 'no don't' many times each day; if asked to describe ourselves in detail, the average person will often use up to 8 times more negative adjectives than positive ones. No wonder it is hard to think and talk positively! The good news is that we can choose to take a positive stance if we so wish. Here are a few examples to get us thinking about how we can give energy or take it away with the words we use - which do you choose?:

What we say to ourselves

+ve or -ve?
I need more energy or I'm tired
I must remember or I mustn't forget
I'll find out or I don't know

What we say when talking with others

+ve or -ve?
Feel free to contact me or Don't hesitate to contact me
Have you considered ? or Why didn't you ?

Can you think of a way we can implement a better mail system to save time and effort? or

Stop duplicating effort by handling the mail twice

When those 2 people responded to me, it wasn't just the words that had an impact on my energy level, it was also the way they said it. Positive words can be undermined by the way we say them. Mehrabian's model on the effectiveness of spoken communication is often misquoted but gives food for thought:
7% of meaning is in the words that are spoken
38% of meaning is the way that the words are said (tone of voice)
55% of meaning is in body language (facial expression)

Survival - SWOT or get SWATTED?

Have you done a S.W.O.T. analysis recently?
Giving focus to where you expend your energies becomes even more vital when times are tough.
Involve all of the team in reviewing where you are putting your focus at the moment, so that you are all working on the things that are going to make a real difference. SWOT to review your business plan before the competition SWATS you.

SWOT Analysis


Woops - next issue for a novice blogger - I cannot paste my table into the post. It was all jazzy orange colours too! I have even tried converting it to Jpg but cannot seem to get the size right! So, unfortunately you will have to see it in a list rather than a table. If you want a copy of the table to fill in then just request one from me at: angie.martin@amhr.co.uk.



So, imagine this is in 4 boxes (typical consultant style!):

STRENGTHS

• What do you do well?
• What unique resources can you draw on?
• What do others see as your strengths?

WEAKNESSES

• What could you improve?
• Where do you have fewer resources than others?
• What are others likely to see as your weaknesses?

OPPORTUNITIES

• What good opportunities are open to you?
• What trends could you take advantage of?
• How can you turn your strengths into opportunities?

THREATS

• What trends could harm you?
• What is your competition doing?
• What threats do your weaknesses expose you to?

SMART objectives become SMARTER

Last night, at a meeting of the local branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, I had a timely reminder that SMART objectives could actually be SMARTER. The talk was on Employee Engagement and given by http://www.digitalopinion.co.uk/.

We are probably more familiar with the acronym SMART, and though we may use different terms, the output is similar. However, we may want to think SMARTER in this tough economic climate.

Specific

Measurable

Appropriate

Realistic

Timebound

Engaging

Rewarding

Now TWITTERING too!

Have just set up a TWITTER. Find me on http://twitter.com/AngieMartinAMHR

£1000+ funding available for Leadership and Management Development

Train to Gain are promoting the following:
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
One grant per organisation (Usually for the most senior people)
• A £1000 grant that supports Leadership & Management development
• For businesses employing 2-250 staff
• £500 for the CEO / MD / owner manager
• A further £500 for senior management team
(Must be matched by the business i.e. £1000 total spend)
• Cannot be claimed retrospective

Does not cover:
o training that is the legal or statutory responsibility of the organisation
o Investors in People diagnostics, advice or assessment/review costs

Will cover:
o Training
o coaching & mentoring
o peer learning
o Purchasing resource / materials

Talk to us today to discuss how you can make the most of the funding available.
07779 639569 or 01403 888044

Read Powerful Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Actually that is not correct. I have not READ this book, I have BROWSED this book, as you do not need to read it right through.

Having known Dee and heard her speak at meetings and conferences for about 3 years now, I was delighted that she has put her useful tips for small businesses into print. The front cover says "Over 250 Proven, Simple and Effective Marketing Tips, Tools and Strategies That Can Transform Your Small Business In As Little As 28 Days". Massive claim you may say, but a great marketing tool, and proven by some of her clients. This book is a handy reference book to keep close to your desk and dip in and out of, when, as a small business owner, you are: looking for the next tip to get more business from existing clients; considering how to get into new markets or to new clients; or to at last getting round to marketing in an efficient and effective way.

Great timing for the book launch as we are feeling the chill winds of recession, and could all do with some new perspective on how to do things for our businesses on a 'Shoestring Budget'.

Thanks Dee for a practical reference guide which takes the 'rocket science' out of marketing.

Dig deep and keep learning in times of recession

In tough times, we often need to dig deep to keep our motivation going. A few things I do to manage my fears and anxieties better:

THINK POSITIVE Ask yourself what is the worst that can happen? Then plan to avoid it. If you think it will fail, it probably will!

TAKE OPPORTUNITIES Things rarely fall in our lap—get out there, find them. There is always someone who will help, and if at first you don't succeed, then try, try and try again.
But don't bang your head against a brick wall - change your style or approach.
Effort and resilience usually pay off.

KEEP LEARNING From other people, from reading, from the internet, from courses, from all situations and people you face and deal with in life

Small world on the wide web

As I have now got the basics of blogging, (thought not walking before I can run) I am working out how I get my blog out there. Having put the news on Linkedin, I have had 3 e-mails of encouragement so far, so I'd better get posting! The world becomes so much smaller with the internet. I have over the last few days made contact with friends and colleagues in places as far apart as UK, Hong Kong, Geneva, and Perth and Sydney in Australia. I think back over the number of friends and colleagues I have lost contact with over the years as I relocated every 18 months, and look forward to meeting again in the virtual world, whether through business or social networking.

This week I will focus on format and content of blogs, so that this becomes a more useful site than the random musings of a new follower of the virtual world.

One note of warning - blogging and typing away at my kepboard will never replace the spoken word for me (Oh, forgot I can also put a video on here). I am a social animal, and love conversation, so this medium is just adding to my repertoire!

Novice Blogger learns a tough lesson

Oh no! After a gruelling day yesterday finalising the details of the BLOG, I proudly showed it to Martin when he came home last night, and felt pleased as punch with myself at almost getting there. Tough lesson for a novice - don't get too confident too quickly! This morning I did my next post, and then decided to delete previous attempts on a separate blog - disaster, I deleted all of the work I had done yesterday, leaving me with a blank template and no posts! Despite numerous attempts to find a way of retrieving it, I have now given up and am starting all over again.

Well, at least I will test out whether I really did LEARN, or whether I was just going through the motions without really understanding. Today's schedule now bombed out as I delete my hour of Wii Fit!

I am now going to try and paste below the previous posts from the other site which I thought I had deleted - if it will allow.

Monday, 9 February 2009

First breakthrough
Having published and viewed the photo I clicked on text and it appeared. Guess what........ I had not applied a colour to the text so it was there but not visible. I must have a settings option somewhere to make the default black but can't seem to find it. Afternoon call to teenage coach and mentor required.
Posted by Angie Martin at 08:53 0 comments

Positive Impact? Can't see it.......
HiAttempt number 2 and failing dismally. I can only see the headings on my blog, and the content is not publishing! My 16 year old nephew who is my guide and mentor in all things techy, unfortunately does not seem to access his e-mail. Oh well, will try and call him this afternoon to get me visible. Not much impact in this media without visibility.
Maybe I will try a photo: At least I can see it and it helps to calm my techy frustrations - also reminds me that the sun does shine, though not often in Horsham in February.
Posted by Angie Martin at 08:39 0 comments
Thursday, 5 February 2009

Getting started - panic!!!!!
Today I am at last getting around to setting up this blog. My nephew has started me off and left me to now make it my own (though I know he will be on the end of the phone and e-mail to help me along the way). Quite daunting really for someone who knows very little about how these things work. SO...... I'm going to start blogging by sharing my experience of trying to get it working for me over the next week or so. Trial and error, so if you end up reading this, apologies, as the interesting stuff is unlikely to appear for a week or so!!!!At least I have been able to get my picture onto the blog!Am already having to amend my first post as only the title appeared - trail and error and I am sure I will get this content posted at some stage tonight!!!!.....?
Posted by Angie Martin at 17:22 0 comments
Wednesday, 31 December 2008

A Test Post
Angie Martin.
Posted by Angie Martin at 14:30 0 comments