This post was originally posted on the HR Store blog page. (www.thehrstore.blogspot.com/2009/09/guest-post-be-creative-about-staff)
Recently I have been thinking about how we develop our staff and ourselves. This subject seems to weave it's way into almost every aspect of my work at the moment: I've been delivering appraisal training to several different organisations: a staff's Personal Development Plan is discussed as part of the course; I recently delivered a break-out session at a Coaching conference on Continued Professional Development; and I'm going to be delivering a practical developmental seminar for coaches next month.
In the course of this work, through discussions and feedback from participants, I've begun to realise that there's a real need to change the way that managers approach the development of their staff.
Traditionally, when a manager writes a Personal Development Plan (PDP) as part of their staff's performance appraisal, external training is identified: some kind of taught course, a conference, further education resulting in a recognised qualification.
But at the moment, with the recession still biting at our heels, the organisational development budgets are not as large as they were a few years ago. Managers now need to start considering how to develop their staff in a cost-efficient way. So I'll give you an example:
A junior manager pulled me aside on a training session. He wanted a piece of advice on what course he could send a member of staff on who needed training in how to manage difficult conversations - there were no more places left on the in-house conflict resolution training, and all external courses cost more than his departmental training budget would allow.
So I asked a question: "Who do you know, more senior to you in this organisation, who is able to manage difficult conversations?" The junior manager was quickly able to identify someone.
So I said: "How about you approach this person to ask them if they could support you in developing your member of staff? Let's develop a plan."
1) Your member of staff and the manager will need an initial meeting - to make sure they can work together for this specific development need.
2) Your member of staff will then attend a couple of meetings to observe the manager managing a difficult conversation.
3) The member of staff will meet with the manager again and talk through his observations. The manager will in turn talk through some of the techniques they use to manage difficult conversations.
4) The member of staff will return to the workplace & apply their learning.
5) The member of staff and manager will meet again, perhaps one or two times to consolidate learning: identify any challenges, reflect on application to date, and measure the progress made.
It's quite simple really - and all it will take is the resource of time and commitment from the manager and the member of staff . Some might say that this is a form of mentorship - and I suppose that they would be right. However, this mentor relationship is defined for a specific need, and is time limited. The key benefit is that this form of development opportunity has high impact and is sustainable. The added benefit is the networking opportunities that it creates for the member of staff, and the exposure to a wider range of issues beyond their current sphere of work.
In essence, this idea is based on one of my key principles that development and growth is natural, given the right conditions. Choosing the right role model and having the opportunity to observe, then reflect and discuss with them their approach can happen in any organisation, anywhere. The example I give is just one way that a manager can demonstrate creative thinking when identifying the appropriate learning method to meet a development need.
When you're next completing a Personal Development Plan for a member of your staff - try and think creatively. If you need inspiration - please feel free to ask.
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Tuesday 22 September 2009
The hidden benefits of free-lancing
Earlier this year I took the plunge and went free-lance. I felt that it was a solid decision to take despite the recession, as I had done my homework and believed that I would be able to attract enough work for this to be a viable work option for me.
I had been encouraged to go free-lance by my mentor. He believed that setting up my own business and working across a range of new organisations would re-energise me. He also suggested that, as it had been some years since I last undertook any formal education, I should consider undertaking further study.
And he was right. Although I'm working harder than I can remember, my work is stimulating, at my convenience and I do feel re-energised.
But the best part about going free-lance? The hidden benefits - the incredible amount of development and learning opportunities I have had. Let me describe these to you:
1) In the last six months, I have worked on key projects with four different HR professionals or coaches that I didn't know a year ago.
In the course of our work, we have had the opportunity to discuss and implement a wide range of ideas, thoughts, and concepts: I have been introduced to new models of behaviour, discovered different ways of approaching certain subjects, experimented (with success) my delivery style when giving training or presentations and delved into the world of social networking. I now co-host an on-line forum called Minerva's Mind (www.facebook.com/minervasmind).
2) I've also been engaged in a range of diverse projects. As par for the course, I've undertaken research on each subject matter in order to develop a greater understanding. On more than one occaision, I have been able to cross-reference my learning across different organisations. In this way, both the client and myself have been the beneficiaries of my learning.
3) At the end of each project, I have disciplined myself to capture the learning opportunities. This is encapsulated either in an "End of Engagement" report or a reflective diary. It is rare "in-service" to define the end-point of a project. They merely fizzle out - or one becomes frustrated with the snagging problems that arise post-implementation. Reflecting back on the decisions that were made (right and wrong), on how successful particular interventions were, and the long-term impact on the client have been fundamental to my learning.
4) I've also developed relationships with a whole range of other individuals who indirectly support my work. This has either been through formal networks such as the CIPD, the University of Hertfordshire's Coaching & Mentoring Forum, or on-line social networking sites such as Twitter.
I had been encouraged to go free-lance by my mentor. He believed that setting up my own business and working across a range of new organisations would re-energise me. He also suggested that, as it had been some years since I last undertook any formal education, I should consider undertaking further study.
And he was right. Although I'm working harder than I can remember, my work is stimulating, at my convenience and I do feel re-energised.
But the best part about going free-lance? The hidden benefits - the incredible amount of development and learning opportunities I have had. Let me describe these to you:
1) In the last six months, I have worked on key projects with four different HR professionals or coaches that I didn't know a year ago.
In the course of our work, we have had the opportunity to discuss and implement a wide range of ideas, thoughts, and concepts: I have been introduced to new models of behaviour, discovered different ways of approaching certain subjects, experimented (with success) my delivery style when giving training or presentations and delved into the world of social networking. I now co-host an on-line forum called Minerva's Mind (www.facebook.com/minervasmind).
2) I've also been engaged in a range of diverse projects. As par for the course, I've undertaken research on each subject matter in order to develop a greater understanding. On more than one occaision, I have been able to cross-reference my learning across different organisations. In this way, both the client and myself have been the beneficiaries of my learning.
3) At the end of each project, I have disciplined myself to capture the learning opportunities. This is encapsulated either in an "End of Engagement" report or a reflective diary. It is rare "in-service" to define the end-point of a project. They merely fizzle out - or one becomes frustrated with the snagging problems that arise post-implementation. Reflecting back on the decisions that were made (right and wrong), on how successful particular interventions were, and the long-term impact on the client have been fundamental to my learning.
4) I've also developed relationships with a whole range of other individuals who indirectly support my work. This has either been through formal networks such as the CIPD, the University of Hertfordshire's Coaching & Mentoring Forum, or on-line social networking sites such as Twitter.
When I was working "in-service", I did not have the time to network either on-line or off-line. I have learnt an incredible amount from reading other professional's blogs or just chatting to them about how to make the most out of my on-line presence. This part of my development I couldn't have learnt from reading a book; I could only learn about it from interacting with people who share the same challenges, inspirations and goals as I do.
For those who might be wondering - yes - I did go back to University & I'm in the middle of studying for Masters Degree in Coaching Pyschology. This course has been stimulating, and I have learnt an incredible amount. It's also had a tangible and positive impact in my work. But over the last year - the most valuable learning for me has been the informal kind that I've described above.
So, when someone next asks me about my business, and how life is like working for myself, I'm going to tell them about how much I've grown as an individual and a professional over the last few months. This is without doubt, one of the greatest (yet hidden) benefits of going free-lance.
And the most exciting part? This is only the start of the journey.Tuesday 15 September 2009
My Little Bit of English Heaven
As we come to realise that it's the end of Summer, it's the time to reflect back on the last few months. I like to recall those perfect, fantastic moments I had that will always reminds me of Summer 2009.
This year, I will always remember one Wednesday in August. The weather was fantastic and so I seized the opportunity to go to the place I call "My Little Bit of English Heaven".
My old next door neighbour originally told me about this place. When she described it, it sounded idyllic and I was immediately drawn to what it could potentially offer. She doesn't drive and isn't great at directions....but I was determined to find it. I did my research with a map and used some common sense. And on a sunny day in Summer 2008, I bravely set off with my two kids, unsure as to whether or not I was heading to the right place.
After I'd managed to get everyone out of the car, I set off down a country lane. I was relieved to find that the path was robust enough for a buggy. I had prepared for all eventualities, and on my first visit I was carrying my 4 month old baby boy in a sling. But this visit, I enthusiastically pushed the buggy along the lane.
After passing a couple of houses, we walked into a field. You could feel the hush, as the noise fro the traffic from the nearby roads faded into the distance. We walked along, accompanied by the click-clicking of insects and the incessant chatter of my 2 year old. The field then turned into a clearing surrounded by trees. There were hundreds of bunnies, who as soon as they heard us they scurried into the undergrowth.
We reached the river bank a few yards ahead. There was no-one around. We set up a picnic and my daughter spent the next few hours playing in the river, catching tiddlers and generally running around. This was heaven. What more could I ask for? Sun, cold running water to cool down in, tranquillity all within a beautiful setting.
I've been back numerous times. This summer, when the temperature promised to reach 30 degrees, and the Veralanium (St Alban's main park) was full of day-trippers, my Little Bit of English Heaven remained idyllic. This year, I had two children running around, splashing in the river and enjoying a traditionally picnic. It has such a natural appeal that I can see our family visiting this spot for many years.
I would love to tell you where this beautiful place is, but it's best kept as a secret.
This year, I will always remember one Wednesday in August. The weather was fantastic and so I seized the opportunity to go to the place I call "My Little Bit of English Heaven".
My old next door neighbour originally told me about this place. When she described it, it sounded idyllic and I was immediately drawn to what it could potentially offer. She doesn't drive and isn't great at directions....but I was determined to find it. I did my research with a map and used some common sense. And on a sunny day in Summer 2008, I bravely set off with my two kids, unsure as to whether or not I was heading to the right place.
After I'd managed to get everyone out of the car, I set off down a country lane. I was relieved to find that the path was robust enough for a buggy. I had prepared for all eventualities, and on my first visit I was carrying my 4 month old baby boy in a sling. But this visit, I enthusiastically pushed the buggy along the lane.
After passing a couple of houses, we walked into a field. You could feel the hush, as the noise fro the traffic from the nearby roads faded into the distance. We walked along, accompanied by the click-clicking of insects and the incessant chatter of my 2 year old. The field then turned into a clearing surrounded by trees. There were hundreds of bunnies, who as soon as they heard us they scurried into the undergrowth.
We reached the river bank a few yards ahead. There was no-one around. We set up a picnic and my daughter spent the next few hours playing in the river, catching tiddlers and generally running around. This was heaven. What more could I ask for? Sun, cold running water to cool down in, tranquillity all within a beautiful setting.
I've been back numerous times. This summer, when the temperature promised to reach 30 degrees, and the Veralanium (St Alban's main park) was full of day-trippers, my Little Bit of English Heaven remained idyllic. This year, I had two children running around, splashing in the river and enjoying a traditionally picnic. It has such a natural appeal that I can see our family visiting this spot for many years.
I would love to tell you where this beautiful place is, but it's best kept as a secret.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Lessons from my vegetable patch
This year, for fun, my daughter and I had a vegetable patch in the corner of our garden. We have grown tomatoes, pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, and one vegetable tbc (yes, I’m not quite sure what we’re growing yet!)
As the vegetable season comes to an end, I have been reflecting on the success of this year's project. And it has been a success. When we commenced on this venture, I did not expect any vegetables to grow. In fact, my garden has been full of life, and I have learnt lessons along the way to improve for next year. As I reflected, I realised that there were a lot of parallels with growing vegetables to friendships. If you indulge me, I will expand below:
Tomatoes:
Without doubt, they should have been crowned my greatest success. 5 out of the 8 tomato plants were grown from seed (I bought three when I had little hope of success earlier in the season). At the high-point, there were about 200 tomatoes growing; some tomatoes were as wide as 5 -6 cms in diameter. But then, almost overnight, the plants died. They caught some kind of fungus.
For me this represents a one facet of friendship - one that is flourishing, but relies heavily upon the environment in which it is growing. Suddenly something comes along (eg the friend moves away, changes jobs) and the friendship finds itself withering away.
Lettuces:
I had three successful lettuce plants that I grew from seed. I had no idea what I was doing, and I just let the plant grow through-out the summer. I never ate any of the leaves, but the lettuce did flower.
My lettuces were like a friendship that develops a life of it's own: it has quietly flourished in my garden for six months and I haven’t spent time nourishing it. But there is potential for further growth through the harvesting of the seeds and another patch of lettuces will grow in my garden next year.
Some friendship grow steadily and quietly. And when they flower, you suddenly realise how much you value them.
Carrots:
I was concerned when I was planting the carrot saplings that they were underdeveloped and had the potential to wither away. So I planted 10 saplings together. All the saplings flourished, but the result was that I had 10 carrots that were growing together in the same small space.
Sometimes you fall in with a group of friends. You develop relationships with all the members of the group - but don't realise the long-term impact of this. The end result is that whist you have a series of superficial relationships, and there isn’t one particular person that you’re close to, or least close enough to call upon in time of need.
Pumpkins:
Who knew how dramatic a pumpkin plant is? I had three plants that I grew from seed. They have large leaves, beautiful yellow flowers and take up most of the vegetable patch (and overflow into next door's garden). The pumpkins are only just beginning to grow.
Is this the flamboyant friend? Is it style over substance? Or will this friend come good by Halloween so that we can make pumpkin lanterns for my daughter, son and their friends?
Vegetable tbc:
I honestly don't know what I'm growing - I lost the label early on in this project. I believe that it's either leeks or courgettes. And it appears to be growing well.
This is the friendship that seems to take a back seat, yet the relationship develops at a steady pace. And it could result in a fantastic friendship - if only it could be defined.
I will try again next year with my vegetable garden and hope to harvest a greater number of veggies. I realise that the friendship types described above don’t cover the many different types of relationships we have in our lives…..I will need a bigger array of vegetables for that!
My main lesson from my vegetable patch? Don't leave friendships to chance.
As the vegetable season comes to an end, I have been reflecting on the success of this year's project. And it has been a success. When we commenced on this venture, I did not expect any vegetables to grow. In fact, my garden has been full of life, and I have learnt lessons along the way to improve for next year. As I reflected, I realised that there were a lot of parallels with growing vegetables to friendships. If you indulge me, I will expand below:
Tomatoes:
Without doubt, they should have been crowned my greatest success. 5 out of the 8 tomato plants were grown from seed (I bought three when I had little hope of success earlier in the season). At the high-point, there were about 200 tomatoes growing; some tomatoes were as wide as 5 -6 cms in diameter. But then, almost overnight, the plants died. They caught some kind of fungus.
For me this represents a one facet of friendship - one that is flourishing, but relies heavily upon the environment in which it is growing. Suddenly something comes along (eg the friend moves away, changes jobs) and the friendship finds itself withering away.
Lettuces:
I had three successful lettuce plants that I grew from seed. I had no idea what I was doing, and I just let the plant grow through-out the summer. I never ate any of the leaves, but the lettuce did flower.
My lettuces were like a friendship that develops a life of it's own: it has quietly flourished in my garden for six months and I haven’t spent time nourishing it. But there is potential for further growth through the harvesting of the seeds and another patch of lettuces will grow in my garden next year.
Some friendship grow steadily and quietly. And when they flower, you suddenly realise how much you value them.
Carrots:
I was concerned when I was planting the carrot saplings that they were underdeveloped and had the potential to wither away. So I planted 10 saplings together. All the saplings flourished, but the result was that I had 10 carrots that were growing together in the same small space.
Sometimes you fall in with a group of friends. You develop relationships with all the members of the group - but don't realise the long-term impact of this. The end result is that whist you have a series of superficial relationships, and there isn’t one particular person that you’re close to, or least close enough to call upon in time of need.
Pumpkins:
Who knew how dramatic a pumpkin plant is? I had three plants that I grew from seed. They have large leaves, beautiful yellow flowers and take up most of the vegetable patch (and overflow into next door's garden). The pumpkins are only just beginning to grow.
Is this the flamboyant friend? Is it style over substance? Or will this friend come good by Halloween so that we can make pumpkin lanterns for my daughter, son and their friends?
Vegetable tbc:
I honestly don't know what I'm growing - I lost the label early on in this project. I believe that it's either leeks or courgettes. And it appears to be growing well.
This is the friendship that seems to take a back seat, yet the relationship develops at a steady pace. And it could result in a fantastic friendship - if only it could be defined.
I will try again next year with my vegetable garden and hope to harvest a greater number of veggies. I realise that the friendship types described above don’t cover the many different types of relationships we have in our lives…..I will need a bigger array of vegetables for that!
My main lesson from my vegetable patch? Don't leave friendships to chance.
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Introduction to Minerva's Mind
I recently co-founded Minerva's Mind. This is the first blog posted on for our on-line community: www.facebook.com/minervasmind.
May 2006: I had worked hard over the last 10 years to build my career. One month back from my first maternity leave I was appointed to my dream job: Director of HR. Admittedly this was only in an acting capacity - but it carried all the same duties, responsibilities and accountability as a permanent appointment. It just didn't carry the salary and it was temporary in contractual terms. But that didn't matter, this was my "dream job".
And that's when I discovered the glass ceiling. And I struggled with this for some time. I was the first of my close friends to have a child, and so I was trailblazing in a way. But I didn't have anyone to share my emotional and intellectual struggles with. Let me give you a flavour:
1) I was unable to work the long hours that I was accustomed to working before I had my daughter.
Therefore, I felt I wasn't delivering (in terms of work) as much as I was before (pre-children). I was still 110% committed, but had to demonstrate this in a mere 30 hours a week - not the 50+ that I previously worked. I felt I was letting the organisation down as I wasn't able to contribute in terms of my time as much as I had before.
2) I wanted one work-day a week (at least) when I could be with my daughter uninterrupted.
Being in such a responsible position at a time when the organisation was going through a crisis meant that I was needed on a operational basis every day. Although I worked flexibly, and I worked my contractual hours, this did not fit the needs of the organisation (which is incredibly family-friendly). I had a role that required me to be available at all times during the working day to respond to issues. I found this un-workable, as I did not want to sacrifice my time with my daughter.
3) Frustration - 1
Frustration because I knew that I could do the job that I been appointed to - if only I had the time. But I didn't have the time, as I had a beautiful daughter. I felt that the responsibility I had for her was greater than my commitment to my job.
5) Frustration - 2
Frustrated as no-one really seemed to understand what I was going through - including my husband. It was tough at work, due the organisational climate at that time, and I was still adjusting to corporate life with a small child. My husband wanted to spend time with me each evening, but I found myself negotiating with him - putting him last in this triad of conflicting priorities: daughter, work, hubbie.
6) Guilt
Guilty because I was putting my husband last.
7) Anger
I went to an all girls' school, with a philosophy that women can achieve as much as men. No-one ever told me about the glass ceiling. No-one ever told me about the adjustments that I would have to make to my career once I had children. Or maybe I just didn't want to believe that having a child would be that restrictive to my professional career. I thought that having a child would enhance my life as a whole - but in reality, this was at the cost of my career. And that's when I felt anger.
And the end result?
I stood down from the role. Not because of any of the above, but for another reason (professionally related), and this was the best career move I have ever made for a number of reasons. To name a few: it made me take stock of life and I was able to slow-down. I was able to invest time in myself and to come to terms with the glass ceiling.
Since then I have spoken to a range of women that have had similar situations. The factors are not necessarily the same. Often women find they can't go back to work after their second child as the child-care costs are too expensive. Or the commute to work was too far. It is for this reason that I became interested in Maternity Coaching and in particular working with women to become leaders in whatever they choose.
I met my business partner, Kate, because we had similar experiences and had similar interests in coaching. Together we have set up Minerva's Mind - working with women who are facing similar dilemas.
Commencing in October is our Minerva's Mind Coaching Club. The club meets for six group sessions over twelve weeks, where a range of different topics are explored. The groups are small so individual attention can be given to each woman. If a group of women want to know more before committing to our coaching club, we also offer taster evenings.
Please continue to look around our fan page if you want to know more information about Minerva's Mind. Alternatively, please don't hesitate to contact either Kate or myself,
Karen
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