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Issue 16
Focus on Strategy and Personal Development Spotlight on Liz Murphy
PLUS The journey to being a strong leader What can you do about your “old age” aches and pains? Five bad habits you must avoid if you want a thriving business
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A magazine that works for everyone Paul Green Founder & Chief Editor
Welcome to the sixteenth edition of The Business Bulletin. Hopefully you will enjoy this edition which focuses on strategy and personal development. Published every four weeks, it will cycle through the following themes: ■ Finance ■ Sales & Marketing ■ Operations & Resources ■ Strategy & Personal Development It will bring together a collection of articles aimed at any small business owner who doesn’t have all the answers and is open to some thoughts and advice from some of the leading experts in their fields. So what makes this different to any other publication? I’m glad you asked! For the reader – no more advertorials. All the featured articles have been chosen for their valuable content, not because the author has paid to be published or taken out an advert to get their slot! For the contributor – you can submit articles for inclusion without having to pay for the privilege or having to advertise. If your article is deemed suitable based on its merits – that it is relevant,
All the articles featured in this magazine have been chosen because of their valuable content
good and engaging content and not promotional of your business, then it will be published. For the advertiser – if a publication is more engaging due to the content, then it is more likely your adverts with be noticed. The number of full-page and half-page ads is limited for each edition and there will be a limit on the number of advertisers from a given industry sector. This means your advertisement is more likely to stand out from the crowd and not be lost in a sea of competitors. Your feedback and thoughts on this magazine are welcome – let
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Contents This edition focuses on strategy and personal development and brings together a wide range of topics with a selection of quality articles from leading experts in their field.
The journey to being a strong leader Charlotte Green
6
Streaking to success! Lee Jackson
8
How important is the trust factor to business success? Mark Billage
10
Do you ever feel like you don’t belong? 12 Duncan Price
Five bad habits you must avoid if you want a thriving business Cassie Footman
Spotlight on Liz Murphy
24
28
How to create a diverse and inclusive working environment Tina Rahman
32
How do you manage overwhelm? Judith Hanson
34
Nature’s problem solvers should be on your hire list Garry Connor
14
What the hell is Equine Facilitated Learning? Claire Burgess
16
What’s your personal development journey? Rachel Mallows MBE
38
How does food fuel leadership? Louise Mercieca
18
How can you use nutrition as personal development? Shannon Howe
40
Is team coaching right for your business? Mhairi Richardson
20 Ask the experts
42
What can you do about your “old age” aches and pains? Bob Allen
22
SME survey
46
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 5
The Business Bulletin
The journey to being a strong leader Does great leadership mean being kind, having empathy, being consistent, persistent, deliberate, natural, upbeat, driven and focused? Yes, it’s all of those things and more… A great leader’s vision statement should define:
Our values are determined
your vision statement often, ask
unconsciously from a very young
around at how others perceive things,
age and made more robust from life
define it further and continuously
experiences. Values are often linked
check in to benchmark your progress
you would like to achieve for
to emotional states or feelings for
against your vision.
yourself, your team, and the
example, trust & enjoyment, and
business.
behaviours like respect & honesty,
■ Your personal vision…What
■ How your personal vision aligns to the business objectives and the needs of your team and customers
A leadership vision statement should include ■ Clear aspirations and intentions for you and your team. This is not a business vision, it’s yours ■ Your personal values and your commitments to staying true to these
and courage. A leadership vision statement should be impactful, create excitement and be easy to interpret – and could include objectives – here is an example: My intention – to strive to continuously improve myself and my teams potential and performance My aspiration – to develop myself and my team to our fullest potential and share our talent to achieve the business goals My values – to act in a supportive and loyal way, to be open to learning
What are values? Values are the things that matter to you – the things that drive our behaviour and responses. They hold great importance for us, and they are the unconscious ‘permissions’ that allow us to take action. They drive
and to look to the future My commitment – to actively collaborate with passion and positivity, building trusted working relationships with my customers, my teams, and our senior leaders Capturing your intentions,
our motivations and they also stop
aspirations, values and commitments
us from doing things or supporting
and creating draft sentences will get
actions that go against how we feel.
you to a good starting point. Revisit
6 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
Charlotte Green Specific Learning & Coaching Charlotte is a leadership and management specialist, offering coaching, training, mentoring, employee and customer insight, along with associated business consultancy. She is driven by a firm belief that harnessing the input of clients, customers and employees, is a super valuable resource for every business. Charlotte is passionate about personal development, leadership resilience and customer experience and believes her clients already have great people, services and products -and it’s often small adjustments or adaptations, rather than massive changes that help to realise your targets. 07954 179010 charlotte@specificlc.com specificlc.com
The Business Bulletin
When you are clear your leadership
■ A great Leader can also be a
The leader will recognise the preferred
vision represents how you want to
coach and positively impact
communication preferences of their
communicate your approach and
people development
employees and be able to adapt their
working style, that’s the time to communicate with your team, set up feedback channels and continue the circle of benchmarking and review. Strong leaders practise selfdevelopment and master relationships building through coaching and learning, are you clear about your people skills? The skills you have developed so far in your leadership journey are often made up of mistakes, things that went well and equally things that didn’t exactly go to plan. Being able to reflect and welcome opportunities to improve will serve you well… The best piece of advice I ever received was “there is no such thing as criticism, only feedback” and Hillary Clinton said “always take criticism seriously but never personally.” Would you agree?
A great leader can discover their strengths through ■ Brainstorming the challenges and changes over time in your career and taking positive lessons from overcoming previous obstacles; reviewing how can these now serve you well? ■ SWOT – carry out a personal
approach to get the best out of the
■ Research by Olivero, Bane & Kopelman 1997 published by the International Personnel Management Association
assessment and development of the
suggests that productivity can be increased by 22% with training, and an impressive 88% with coaching
trusted working relationships with
too, as well as mentors and
teams and employee engagement.
inspirational guides
Capturing your people engagement promise is a great start
What is coaching? Coaching is a conversation between 2 people, the role of the coach is to support the other person in achieving goals, and support them to towards a desired outcome There are various coaching models and questioning techniques to use and one of our
shifted from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset and are they moving forward? When you are comfortable with your techniques that develop
personal benchmarking and review.
■ G – your goals, what do you want and when? ■ R – your reality, what is happening right now, consider resources & lessons? ■ O – your options, what are all the possible things that you could you do? ■ W – your will, what will you commit to doing, and when? A leader that coaches will
individually and with teams.
confidential environment
hidden talents.
coaching techniques; have your teams
up feedback cycles and continue your
non-critical, non-judgemental and
discover the gaps and utilise
Revisit your communication and
with your teams, make sure you set
which represents:
their teams through developing a
and capability exercise to
to building on your leadership skills.
trusted forward-thinking relationships
favourites is The G.R.O.W. Model
exercise. These work well
objectives; conduct a needs
Consistency – to actively adherence to promises, building
■ Leaders can be coaches
opportunities and threats
that will support the business
leader’s own learning. collaborate with positivity and
master relationship building with
responsible will have strengths
The art of listening – to enhance active listening skills through personal
strengths, weaknesses,
■ The team for which you are
engagement for both parties.
Empowering questions – to unlock a fixed mindset and help people to feel good about themselves; this enables a forward-thinking approach to setting goals. Rapport building – establishing rapport is critical to the relationship.
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 7
The Business Bulletin
Streaking to success! How to create good habits and break bad habits using streaks to gamify your success.
We all have dreams we wish to
would send a message each day to
achieve, personal goals we want to
each other, and it would increment
mean, or unhealthy habits we want
our streak once each day accordingly.
to break. Be it writing that book you have inside of you, or quitting smoking we so often fail. From personal experience, I’ve
What started as fun, quickly became a rather compelling game we didn’t want to break! We have been messaging each other for over 200
lost and gained weight, failed to
days and now wanted to make it to at
complete multiple projects, and
least a year! Because why not?
experienced the frustration of never quite reaching my full potential. How do we get things done and beat this negative spiral? For me, the answer was “streaks”!
What is a streak?
Needless to say, we hit 1500 days in a row before we finally called it quits as we outgrew the platform, BUT therein is the power of the streak. By gamifying the process of communication, and by carrying out a seemingly small and simple task
How I first utilised the “streak” During this process, I wondered if I could take advantage of the streak to complete a book I had been meaning to read. I decided to read one chapter a day for say 25 days. (Let’s say there were 25 chapters, it’s been a long time I can’t remember exactly). I would get up each morning, read the next chapter (which would take approximately 10-15 mins) then I would log it on a spreadsheet, watching the “streak” number go up each increment. We all know how quickly 25 days
Several years ago I discovered the
each day, our friendship blossomed
can go. Within 25 days, I had read
term “streak” whilst using a social
and we as sure as heck didn’t want to
a book I’d been trying to read for 2
media application. My friend and I
see that streak hit zero.
years! I tried the same with the Bible
8 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
extreme satisfaction in seeing that number go up. The moment I miss a day I know it. If I try and increment that streak number knowing I missed the mark, the feeling of joy and
Celebrate milestones As you build up your streaks, celebrate your success. Set some milestones that you’d like to reach and rewards that you’d enjoy. For example a meal
satisfaction is missing. I can’t fool myself and I have to start over with the mission to beat my last score.
out when you complete that book. A day off work when you reach that streak goal and so on. Celebrating our successes helps us
What do you want to achieve?
to feel good about ourselves, which
Consider yourself. What would you like
to maintain our momentum.
then means we are then more likely
to achieve over the next few weeks? Would it be to write a blog once a week? Go for a short walk every day? Quit smoking? Adhere to a daily
Mantra As you develop new habits, break old ones and achieve great things,
exercise plan? Whatever your dreams, write them down and consider how achieving
remember this: small achievable actions lead to big change.
each one would make you feel, and its impact on your life. Now you have your list of dreams, choose one of them. It’s best to select something that: ■ will positively affect your life. ■ you are truly excited about ■ you should be able to achieve with your current skills ■ there would be observable changes within a reasonable that I’ve spent over 20 years not
Lee Jackson
timeframe
Agency Trailblazer
completing! To date, I have read it from cover to cover twice since using streaks! (And yes it is still wild and boring in all sorts of places).
Why do streaks work at a personal level?
Lee Jackson is an entrepreneur and owner of Agency Trailblazer - a
Track your progress Streaks are powerful in their simplicity. From a simple number, you can see your progress which in itself is the reward you need to keep pushing on. You can start simply with a
community for web design agency owners looking to grow their business and achieve a better work-life balance. Their content and support is delivered through multiple media channels, courses, events and an online community. He’s an experienced businessman who doesn’t conform to corporate stereotypes and
The one person you can’t lie to is
notepad using a tally system, or if
you! Whilst we might be able to
you’d prefer to use an app you can
fool others that we are supposed to
use something like the Dailyo app
be accountable to, we cannot fool
and set up a “goal” that will allow you
ourselves. Over the years I’ve entered
to track your streaks. Check in on your
into many accountability relationships,
progress regularly in order to remind
only to find new and inventive ways
yourself how you are doing, and to
to satisfy my colleagues that I was
encourage yourself to keep going.
making progress whilst I was still
Remember too to remind yourself
struggling. When it comes to tracking
why you are doing this, and what you
streaks on a personal level, there is
expect those outcomes to be.
known for his ability to make complex ideas easy to understand. Never without his baseball cap and an accompanying Dad joke, he loves a white wine and a good chinwag. He’s the mentor who will challenge you, call it how it is and tell you to get things done. 07722 591777 lee@agencytrailblazer.com agencytrailblazer.com
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 9
The Business Bulletin
How important is the trust factor to business success? One of my earliest childhood memories is of standing at the top of the stairs at home, my dad at the bottom encouraging me to jump. To this day I am not sure what was going through my mind; it was probably the simple thought that my dad is telling me to jump and I trust him, so I did. Years later he did tell me of his surprise that I did, good that he caught me!
We know trust is important. However,
Paul J. Zak reported his findings on
“Trust is choosing to make
how much difference does it make?
trust in Harvard Business Review in the
something important to you
This question has led me to look
Jan/Feb 2017 issue. Compared with
vulnerable to the actions of
in depth at how important trust
people at low-trust companies, people
is to business success. To help you
at high-trust companies report: 74%
navigate the topic I will take you
less stress, 106% more energy at work,
through a series of questions at the
50% higher productivity, 13% fewer sick
context of building teams, Patrick
end of which, you can make your own
days, 76% more engagement, 29%
Lencioni gives this specific definition:
mind up about the importance of
more satisfaction with their lives, 40%
“… trust is the confidence among
trust to business success.
less burnout. The research indicates
team members that their
that high trust environments do have
peers’ intentions are good, and
an impact on the key factors that feed
that there is no reason to be
into productivity and profitability. Do
protective or careful around
we pay enough attention to trust in
the group.”
Why build trust? There is good research available on the impact trust has on the workplace. EY conducted their third annual Global Generations study on trust in 2016. What they found was striking, less than half of global professionals trust their employer, boss, or colleagues! ■ Only 46% place “a great deal of trust” in their employers ■ 15% indicate “very little” or “no trust at all” ■ 39% say they have “some trust”
the workplace? When you are trusted people will
someone else.” When thinking about trust in the
Both these definitions point to the fact that risk is involved
engage with you more readily and
in placing your trust in another
more importantly will buy products
individual. Someone else in effect
and services from you. As business
is being given power over you
owners, the smart thing to do is to
because you choose to involve them
invest in building an environment of
in something that is significant and
trust around you.
important to you.
Trust what is it? It is difficult to define trust. It is almost easier to know when it is absent. I
which isn’t negative but hardly
came across this definition of trust by
a ringing endorsement
Brené Brown:…
10 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
Trust formula
manager what is the cost to you of
This formula from Stephen M R Covey’s book The Speed of Trust is a simple way to remember the impact of trust in teams and business relationships. High Trust = high speed + low cost Low Trust = low speed + high cost
losing clients through lack of trust? I like to think of trust as being like a bank account, you need to make deposits of trust in those around you so that in times of challenge there is something to draw on. What will you
Mark Billage
do to build trust in those around you?
Smart Culture
When trust is low in a team then people become cautious which means things take longer. This pushes the cost of tasks and projects up. When clients don’t trust us then we lose business and reputation things that are hard won can be easily lost if we don’t pay attention to the
How can you build trust? Stephen M R Covey said: “It (trust)
worked in different sectors, from
is a learnable and measurable skill profitable, people more promotable and relationships more energizing.” The important fact to pick up from
What undermines trust?
is something you can learn to do. Here
the value of trust is to make it clear what happens when there is a lack of trust in relationships on the team. If trust is low, then you will question whether your colleagues or the team leader have your back. You will be second guessing what they are saying and whether they will deliver on their promises. All of this slows down the
what he is saying is that building trust are a few things you can do to make trust in you and around you more likely:
leadership. This transforms team culture, and relationships around them, so all can bring their best contribution in a safe
07791 755990 mark@smartculture.uk
others. In any kind of leadership role
smartculture.uk
that means you go first. Trust is a twoway street placing trust in someone else creates the environment for the same in the other direction.
be the return on that investment. It leads to relationship rather than a transactional approach. For the small
you have each other’s back, that you
a leader when you make a mistake it can have an impact on the people you lead. Here’s the thing: if you have
humiliate you. The slower the
banked trust in your team then your
team moves, the more
mistake will still have an impact, but, because you have deposited trust, people are more willing to forgive you and move on. Often, we think mistakes have not been noticed, in reality they will be. People you lead will be watching what you do. Better to own it, and take responsibility, make it a learning experience.
much time do you think is wasted in
leaders and their teams. Mark wants to help leaders to be more effective in their
to be trusted then you need to trust
Have you ever made a mistake? As
Have a think for a moment: How
provides quality training and coaching to
environment.
are free to collaborate knowing that
costly it becomes.
a medium-sized charity as their CEO. As the founder of Smart Culture Ltd, he
It is counterintuitive however if you are
2. Own your mistakes
people will not cut across you or
served on Boards of Trustees, and led
1. Leader/Owner Goes First
process. When trust is high people
can trust what is being said, and that
financial services to charity and people development. He has set up businesses,
that makes organizations more
things that maintain trust.
The best way I can think to illustrate
Over the past 25 plus years, in different leadership roles, Mark has
business far better to build a longterm relationship with your clients, it may take longer but the revenue reward is much greater. 4. Listen It is often hard to be present and genuinely listen. You might be thinking of the next thing you have got to do. When you are present the person you are speaking to will pick that up. Being heard is a basic human need and can often take the heat out of challenging situations. Use communication to understand better the person you are talking to rather than to get your point
3. Have the highest good of
of view across.
others in mind
teams and organisations because of a
When you are looking to serve others
lack of trust? If you are business owner/
or act to their good then trust will
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 11
The Business Bulletin
Do you ever feel like you don’t belong? Ever felt like you don’t belong? Like you don’t really deserve to be where you are? Maybe you feel like people overestimate your abilities or as though you only got where you are due to chance and you could be exposed at any moment? Whether you feel that way most of
environment where some people may
the time or just now and again in
not be concerned as much by how
moments of doubt following a bad
people view them as other situations.
day, the good news is…You are not
The key thing is, no matter what study
alone. This is commonly described as
you look at it is extremely common.
imposter syndrome and it’s entirely normal to feel that way and entirely possible to overcome those feelings.
The first step to beating it is understanding it
It is natural to have doubts about our own abilities. Imposter syndrome has been shown to affect all varieties of industry including those getting onto exclusive courses at respected universities and call centre employees.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is easier when you understanding it. Imposter syndrome may not be the best name for it as calling it a syndrome implies that it’s far rarer than it actually is. Impostor
Where does it come from? A subconscious desire for survival encourages us to hold ourselves back and keep within our comfort zone where we feel safe and secure. Historically, keeping in line with our role within a tribe is much safer than trying to break free and achieve bigger and better things. So we are programmed for our survival to desire to stay consistent even when that consistency is holding us back from greatness. The problem with staying within our comfort zone means that we are not growing and if we’re not growing much like water that doesn’t flow we stagnate.
syndrome is a very common
Imposter syndrome is partly
experience. Different studies
influenced by that desire to hold
vary on the number of people
ourselves back and tendency to
affected. One study showed
avoid inconsistency.
that it impacts two thirds of women in the UK, but that was just focused on the working
12 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
Why is it a good thing? If you are experiencing imposter syndrome. If you feel like you’re not deserving of your position or achievements, the chances are this is an indicator that you’re actually doing something right. Yes, you read that right, it’s good to feel this way, because it often means you are challenging yourself, developing new skills and achieving something more than you would achieve if you stayed within your comfort zone. When you’re good at what you do it’s easy to undervalue it. When you’re experienced or knowledgeable enough that your work feels relatively easy, it’s easy for that to impact your perception of the value such work holds. It’s easy to assume that everyone can do it and reinforce beliefs that you aren’t as good as others say you are. If something feels so easy that anyone can do it that’s probably because you’re on your way to mastering it! If things feel particularly difficult it likely means that you are doing something new, stretching yourself and achieving more than you are used to.
How does this help? Now that you know that feeling that way is a sign that you’re doing something right, you are able to take a step back when you feel that way. Realise that it’s just one ‘part of your mind’ which is trying to protect you, creating that doubt. By recognising that, it then becomes easier to accept those feelings and embrace the excitement you are no doubt feeling at the same time (which may have been hidden by the fear and doubt).
A different perspective There are different levels to our psyche which inform how we experience life. On a fairly surface level we have our capabilities, what we are able
to do from our experience and skill
doing exactly what you should be
set. The deepest level is that of our
doing. Each time you feel that way
identity (There are levels between but
and choose to embrace it, it becomes
that’s a whole other article). When we
easier to react positively and achieve
feel inadequate it’s often a result of
even more next time.
confusion between these levels. Here’s why:
If you find yourself thinking “I’m not good enough” ask yourself to clarify that. Not good enough AT WHAT
You are not good enough When you think about where you want yourself and your business to be in a year’s time, do you want to be exactly where you are now or
and FOR WHAT? When you see it as I’m not good enough at X to achieve Y then you can see what action you need to take to get there, what you need to work on or what help you can find from others to achieve the
do you want to have progressed and moved forward? In order to see yourself moving forward and growing you need to be taking on tasks and challenges that are not yet within your capabilities. This is the very
desired outcome. Remember that it’s a capability thing – it’s not about YOU it’s about your current skill level. Well done for pushing yourself and finding a chance to learn and grow.
essence of growth. When it comes to your capabilities there is a very good chance that you will regularly find yourself in situations where your skill levels are being pushed and you are stretching yourself. In these situations you are not good enough YET to achieve the results you desire. This is a good thing. The problem comes when we realise that we are not good enough (yet) on the level of capability and mistakenly equate that to not being good enough on the core identity level. This is an error as we are far more than just our capabilities. Every single human is born worthy. And as babies, we don’t even doubt that. If we want something; food, attention, a clean nappy – we yell out until we get it. We don’t wait and question if we are deserving of it. It’s only as we grow older that many of us somehow ‘learn’ to believe that we are not so deserving and learn to hide away that very real sense of self-worth.
Duncan Price Mind Affinity The mind is an amazing thing and as humans we can be really creative in finding new ways to use it to hold ourselves back. Through Mind Affinity, Duncan helps people to empower themselves by accepting and understanding their own mind better and using that very same power to achieve more and feel better. Duncan has spent over fifteen years working with people to turn their challenges into the very thing that moves them forward without the need to fight constantly against themselves to get there. Specialising in confidence, anxiety and sleep, Duncan isn’t here to help you, he’s
What to do about it
here to empower you to help yourself.
Next time you experience a situation where you feel like you aren’t good enough, stop. Breathe. And smile,
07840 829758 duncan@mindaffinity.co.uk mindaffinity.co.uk
knowing that it’s a sign that you are Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 13
The Business Bulletin
Nature’s problem solvers should be on your hire list
Garry Connor Diversiti UK Garry is an internationally recognised trainer and public speaker. He’s been helping businesses to recognise their potential and grow their businesses for over 25 years, enabling them to recognise good equality practice. This in turn ensures they can uncover the potential within their employees. He specialises in creating and delivering tailor-made learning and development programmes
Recently, training in diversity, inclusion and equality issues has gained a lot of attention, with organisations realising just how important it is to have an inclusive workforce.
to improve workforce efficiency, creativity, productivity and workplace inclusiveness. He has the unique ability to demystify equality law and explain it in a way that is accessible to everyone. 0777 9855724 garryconnor@diversiti.uk diversiti.uk
14 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
Discrimination within the workplace
disabled person may have faced and
understand and communicate with
can lead to missed opportunities
how they have overcome them with
their staff members. Candidates no
when people ignore potential or
support. A disabled person can be
longer want to feel like a number
talent due to a person’s specific
a role model within a workforce for
on the payroll, they want to be
characteristic. This can also result in
others to look up to.
celebrated for their individuality
legal costs, a negative public image and having to pay compensation
regardless of ability or disability and to feel appreciated and heard.
discrimination can make people
Would you tell your potential new employer everything?
feel undervalued, impacting on job
But what if the deciding factor to
them in mind. The world never gave
getting the job was your perceived
them the option not to be, they
to the person who has suffered the discrimination. Workplace
satisfaction and job performance As humans we are a diverse
Those with a disability are often natural problem solvers. They live in a world that was designed without
difference? Candidates do not have
are under-recognised and woefully
collection of differences, and there
to disclose to employers the nature
underutilised. The barriers they
is no one typical person. We need
of their disability but avoiding doing
have had to overcome, the skills and
to change a mindset where we
so can cause issues long term,
knowledge they have developed
begin to normalise differences and
such as lack of adjustments being
along with their perspective are
celebrate them.
made for your needs. We do need
invaluable. They do more than tick a
to remove the worry and concern
diversity box.
“Over 1 billion people are estimated to live with some form of disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the world’s population, with up to 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 years and older having significant difficulties in functioning, often requiring healthcare services.” -The World Health Organisation Disabled people are mothers, fathers, friends and loved ones. So why do we see them so differently when it comes to the workplace? There are still stigmas around employing someone with a disability, and a lot of companies can be less than welcoming. Why are non-abled bodied people within the workplace still rare in 2021? People with disabilities need to be recognised, celebrated, and seen. They need to be within a welcoming community and workforce just as able-bodied people are. If we don’t see people with a disability in the workforce how can we visualise an inclusive future? Those with a disability can have new and fresh
about disclosing the nature of a person’s disability, so that employers get the opportunity to provide support in the correct manner. As a society we need to be making these changes so everyone has a fair chance and the right access to pursue their career of choice.
As an employer, many reasonable adjustments involve little or no cost. They could start by making adaptations to a disabled person’s working pattern – part-time hours may better suit the candidate, providing support through a mentor or training, writing all communication in plain English, making alterations
As humans we all have our limitations. There are vital safeguards
to premises or allowing them to work
for us all when it comes to the
on the ground floor for accessibility or
interview process. Not every job can
the modifying of some equipment,
be tailored to suit an individual’s
such as office chairs and keyboards.
needs. There are risk assessments that need to be put in place to keep everyone safe, therefore it is important that disabled people
The population is ageing, and the number of disabled people is increasing. Smart companies will realise that a lot of people with
communicate their needs to an
disabilities are their consumer
employer. There are reasons why people don’t tell their possible future boss of a barrier/disability. Mainly due to the thought that it could possibly put their application at risk. However, without having an open honest conversation about a candidate’s circumstances, an employer can not fully understand how to assist the potential employee.
base and should reflect this in their workplace. Becoming a disability confident employer makes business sense. Disabled people are hugely diverse, have different ideas, thought processes and experiences. Companies who realise the talent that disabled people have, who recognise the qualities their companies need and how disabled people can
When candidates come to look for
ideas, motivation, and inspiration to
a new job everyone looks for different
carry others along when they need
things in potential employers.
it. By acknowledging the barriers, a
High up on that list are those who
contribute gives them a competitive edge that is key for all businesses.
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 15
The Business Bulletin
What the hell is Equine Facilitated Learning?
My guess is that you haven’t heard of a different approach to personal and professional development: Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL). So let’s change that!
What is EFL? EFL involves working alongside horses, as an individual or as part of a group, to learn more about yourself and develop yourself on both a personal and professional level. Horses are amazing animals who live in the moment and give us instant feedback on our behaviour, allowing us to observe the impact of our actions and explore different ways of approaching situations. No experience or knowledge of horses is involved as all work is done
can be transferred back into the
more aligned with coaching, helping
workplace or individual situation.
individuals explore how to address
The language within EFL is focused
goals, or challenges, and the horses
around ‘working with’ rather than
give a depth of understanding in
‘using’ horses, the horses are seen
these areas.
as partners in this work, they are the instrumental part of helping
others, and the facilitators are there to
How does it differ for more traditional forms of learning?
explore these things that are felt with
EFL is classed as experiential learning,
people get to a deeper level of understanding about themselves and
the horses, and what the participants can learn from it. EFL however is not therapy,
as you experience it and feel the learning in the moment, and is very different to more classroom-
on the ground, no riding is involved.
though often mistaken for Equine
based training (though they can
EFL facilitators work alongside the
Therapy which many people have a
complement each other). For
horses to help reflect on the learning
greater awareness about – instead of
example, you can learn in a classroom
that is taking place, and how this
a therapeutic focus there is a focus
about different ways to be a leader,
16 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
and you will get some insight into
whether a primary or secondary focus
your preference, but with the horses
of the session, is hugely important
you get immediate feedback on the
within EFL.
way you lead, and how successful (or not!) it is. This means you can try different approaches in the moment and reflect on these, which are then useful to take back to the workplace. Attendees often feel a greater depth of learning as well as longevity when an activity is experiential, as it resonates with them because what they are doing is real.
In what areas can it help people?
Lastly, EFL brings fun and enjoyment! People love being around horses and working together on different activities can be a fun way to bring a team together, especially if people are working remotely. Connecting over an activity and
Claire runs a business training and
having fun together is hugely
coaching organisation based in North
beneficial for team cohesion and development, as well as morale.
for supporting women to reach their
There are many applications for EFL, and no two sessions would be the
Working alongside horses has been
on what comes out through the interactions. However, there are some key areas that often draw people to want to attend an EFL session. Elements such as communication, leadership, confidence, teamwork and empowerment have very powerful outcomes through EFL – for example working together as a team to guide a horse successfully round obstacles to explore communication and teamwork; leading a horse gives you insights into leadership and also is incredible for confidence; exploring your goals and how to work towards them through the interactions with the horses is amazingly empowering. Groups with a specific focus, for example
horses has been seen throughout the centuries. More recently, the area of Equine Therapy has greatly grown in
to offer development days in EFL for groups of women wanting to reach their potential, and for teams who want to reconnect and work more effectively 07921 383502 claire@soar-development.co.uk soar-development.co.uk
popularity, and most people recognise this as an area of benefit to different groups, for example children with
qualifications/areas of expertise,
additional needs or disabilities. Equine
is the focus on practice or theory,
Facilitated Learning is lesser-known
is the qualification recognised by
but is a growing area itself, as many
an accrediting body, what support
EFL facilitators and centres develop
do they give post-qualification.
their work and have broadened the
As in any other area of personal
reach of horse-led interventions
and professional development,
to include working with groups of
working with an EFL trainer whose
adults in different settings, including
qualification fits your requirements is
businesses and community groups.
an important question to ask.
EFL is currently an unregulated
The environment itself is also a
Learning, partnering with a local stables
riding, and the healing power of
leadership development, confidence, assertiveness and self-belief.
achieved a Diploma in Equine Facilitated
Greeks, who mention therapeutic
beneficial, working on areas such as
also find the experience of EFL greatly
their leadership skills. She has a Masters in Occupational Psychology and recently
documented back with the Ancient
What is the training to be qualified as an EFL trainer?
women’s development groups, can
Northamptonshire. She specialises in working with women and has a passion potential in their careers and develop
How did EFL evolve? What’s the history behind it?
same as they often evolve based
Claire Burgess Soar Development
area, and as such there is an array of different qualifications available,
huge benefit within EFL, working
from one-day courses to longer
outdoors has been proven to have a
programmes of qualification. Anyone
positive impact on wellbeing, coupled
looking for a qualification should
with the cortisol-lowering effect of
spend some time exploring the
connecting with horses through a
options and considering what works
simple activity such as grooming.
best for their needs – for example how
Therefore the reduction of stress,
does this fit alongside any existing
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 17
The Business Bulletin
How does food fuel leadership? When we think of business performance, strategy and leadership it’s highly unlikely that many people are thinking of nutrition. We may all have certain characteristics which we associate with strong leadership skills, personality traits such as openness or decisiveness. Our interpretation of strong a strong leader will be individual but there are some common denominators to successful people.
According to Forbes the number 1
able to regulate your time, attention
professional lives.“ However, someone
trait of a powerful leader is the ability
and emotions, while remaining aware
who is driven in their work-life may
to self-manage. This quote is taken
of your strengths, weaknesses and
not always be supporting their
from an article in Forbes on the ‘11
potential sources of bias. Exceptional
personal health and this will have an
Powerful Traits of Successful Leaders’.
leaders are adept at handling stress
impact on their ability to be the leader
“As an effective leader, you must be
and balancing their personal and
they wish to be.
18 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
with those external stresses before
the evening but the key to getting
they become internal issues.
the most out of our bodies and
We can see some of the statistics around nutrition and workplace performance in the following quote
therefore the most out of our work performance is to put in the right fuel. The balance to a healthy life isn’t to
as according to a report from
avoid everything and eat kale but it
‘Healthy Performance’.
is being able to recognise what your body needs and respond to that. A
“Research has shown that inadequate nourishment can reduce employee’s efficiency by 20% and that poor nutrition is directly linked to absenteeism, sickness, low morale and higher rates of workplace accidents” This all makes perfect sense when we remember that; the foods we eat literally impact on every cell in your body, putting in poor fuel will impact negatively on every movement, every emotion and every decision. Making you more clumsy and forgetful hence, (workplace accidents). More likely to fall ill and need time away from
diet of caffeine, processed foods and an inability to relax is not going to lead to optimal performance, taking a step back, going for a lunchtime walk, moving away from the desk and actually chewing the food not gulping it makes you more productive and gives you a much clearer head to get through the rest of the day. Nutrition is more important than you think and remember that each bite impacts on every decision, every movement and every emotion so choose wisely!
work as poor nutrition has a negative impact on the immune system and a Nutrition is intrinsically linked to each and every element of our lives. Whether we choose to place importance on our food intake or see it simply as a ‘means to an end’ the impact is there. The foods we eat literally impact on every cell in your body. That means; every movement, every emotion and every decision. The foods you eat can support
low mood will lead to lower morale. There’s the bigger issue of longerterm stress too. Initially we can all cope with excessive stress fairly well, our bodies are designed that way to get us through situations. We produce hormones to keep us on ‘high alert’ (triggering the fight or flight response) and function with increased energy, decreased pain, heightened
you mentally and enable you to
awareness and improved strength.
have cognitive clarity, both are pretty
But all of these reactions are designed
important for an effective leader or
to be temporary and in response to
indeed a successful and productive
a situation we can change (such as
day at work! But on the flipside, the
running away or fighting a bear, highly
foods you eat can create unstable
unlikely I know, but our biology dates
emotions and leave you feeling
back to a time when that may have
confused, unable to focus and
been more necessary!).
dithering on decisions, not to mention, potentially being a little bit irritable.
Louise Mercieca The Health Kick Louise is an award-winning Nutritional Therapist, award-winning author and presenter on her own Food Channel for Early Years Nutrition. Whilst she is passionate about formative nutrition, she mainly works with adults on preventative nutrition. How can we
The issue with workplace stress is this heightened response is continual
That touches on the day-to-day
and that can lead to health issues
elements but the nutritional link goes
resulting from oxidative stress. We
much, much deeper. Being a leader,
may all think we can cope with not
running your own business, working
getting much sleep, eating at our
in a team, working alone, working
desk, grabbing more coffee to get
under a leader; all of this brings
us through the afternoon and then
stresses and nutrition helps us to deal
having some wine to relax us in
use food instead of eventually needing medicine!? There are lots of confusing, contradictory and often, misplaced advice in the world of nutrition. Louise aims to make the message clear - food and health are intrinsically linked! 07557 343 896 louise@thehealthkick.co.uk thehealthkick.co.uk
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 19
The Business Bulletin
Is team coaching right for your business? Do you want to get good “bench strength” in your business? Do you want to help the people in your business to achieve? Do you want to get better results for your business? Do you want to start planning for a time when you are not part of your business 24/7? If you answered yes to any of the above and you have a leadership team or are thinking of creating one then read on.
The world of coaching can be a bit
you back, and then come up with
confusing and still has an element
strategies for overcoming each
of stigma attached to it so I have
obstacle.
tried to identify the main types of coaching to help clarify things and hopefully help to show clearly why team coaching is one of the best
Mhairi Richardson Tomrom Team Coaching Mhairi specialises in coaching
solutions for businesses that are scaling up.
program to the needs of your business.
The business coach – works with business owners and MDs, and may work with their teams.
She enjoys working with newly formed
The role is to give a clear view of
teams to help them achieve more and improve their wellbeing. Her focus is on building trust within the team and a combination of coaching, mentoring and facilitation and she can tailor the
teams, established team or teams who just feel they should be achieving more. Mhairi is also a coach with a strong SME background, a focus on the detail, a high level of emotional intelligence and a strong desire to develop talent and grow high performing teams. 07970 002129 mhairi.richardson@tomrom.co.uk
The group coach – works with groups of individuals. This is a process whereby a group of people all have similar development needs and the coach facilitates a process whereby they use the knowledge and expertise within the group to work on their individual goals. This is often seen as a cost-effective way to develop by larger businesses.
to assist the organization to focus
The executive coach – works with high potential individuals or executives.
the available resources in the most
Works to help individuals to gain self-
efficient way. Tends to be fact-based
awareness, clarify goals, achieve their
analysis, open communication,
development objectives, unlock their
decisive decision making, and
potential, and act as a sounding board.
what is important and what is not, to drive change in an organization, and
focused action.
tomrom.co.uk
The life coach – works with individuals.
THE TEAM COACH – Works with leading teams within the business.
A life coach can help you clarify your
Deliver similar outcomes to an
goals, identify the obstacles holding
Executive coach but for an entire
20 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
team and the expectations and
All lovely words which sound very
potential of that team who have
impressive but what actually happens
much to gain from working well
when you have a team coach?
together. Working to gain selfawareness, clarify goals, achieve their development objectives, hold each
opportunity to continue to grow and
1. We get to know each
learn as a team. As the coach can
member of the team How each team member feels the
business goals as a team.
team is performing and what they
not new but it is on the up and up as leaders realise that teaming skills and team leadership are becoming increasingly more important. We need to embrace a teaming style of leadership and embrace more cognitive diversity to be able to cope as business becomes more and more complex. What a Team coach brings to you and your team is an independent voice, a facilitator to help challenge you to maximize performance and the enjoyment
do and don’t like about the team. We get to understand the direction the business is wanting to go and the challenges it is facing. If necessary we can help them to define their vision and mission and the values that
avoid being distracted by the day to day they can keep the team focussed on the goals and objectives and keep them moving towards the goal or help them revise the goals to adjust for the unforeseen. For a team coach the team is the client, so focus will be on making the team more than the sum of its parts,
represent the company.
gaining a laser focus on the results they each need to deliver to achieve
2. We all come together to; ■ define what they need or want to achieve.
for the team. The leader is part of that team and also has a role to play but having a team coach there to
■ identify what works well.
facilitate allows them to take their
■ highlight what doesn’t work well.
insight into the team dynamics.
of working towards clear and meaningful goals.
We review every month, maintaining the momentum and taking the
other accountable, and deliver the Team coaching for business is
4. We stick with it!
place in the team and gain a better I work with leadership teams of all
3. The magic happens
sizes and at many levels in business
Together we create a set of actions
and I specialise in working with
people element of the business to
and accountabilities to take the
businesses who are scaling up, and
open up channels of communication,
business to where it wants to be. This
looking to embed a strong leadership
to create clear goals that everyone is
is one of the most powerful elements
culture for the future.
committed to and develops the inner
of team coaching and often results in
accountability within the team.
real breakthroughs.
A team coach works with the
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 21
The Business Bulletin
What can you do about your “old age” aches and pains? Are you old? I have no idea when we are officially classed as old but in 1932, the American psychologist Walter Pitkin published the self-help book Life Begins at Forty. Since then the number has been revised upwards and in 1991, the New York Times printed ‘Life begins at 40? More like 60’ and as life expectancy increases, I am sure this figure will be revised yet again.
Bob Allen Sollus Healthcare Bob graduated as an osteopath in 2011 and is an experienced workstation assessor as well as a qualified functional strength & conditioning coach, Otago team leader and mental health first aider. All of this experience means he can provide you with comprehensive support and a jargon-free explanation of your problems whatever their cause. It also means that he can identify where osteopathy is not appropriate and refer you to a GP, consultant or another practitioner if required. 07515 014308 info@sollushealthcare.co.uk sollusosteopathy.co.uk
22 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
One dictionary definition states that “old” means “having lived for a long time; no longer young” followed by the example “the old man lay propped up on cushions” Unfortunately, this definition sums up the general view of older adults portrayed by the media and how they are often seen by many working in the health services. It is also the reason I struggle to find positive images of people over 50 that aren’t propped up on cushions, generally having everything done for them because they can’t do it themselves. If this fits your idea of being old, it is not my experience as an osteopath when treating people in their 70s, 80’s and 90’s. Unfortunately, they generally come to see osteopaths as a last resort after being told by their GP or other health professional that they must live with stiffness, aching muscles, and painful joints or keep taking the pills (there are always pills!) because nothing else can be done. This is a shame as a significant number of muscle and joint problems can be improved with the right treatment and exercise regardless of age. This neatly brings me to the main point of this article. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends:
■ Have no time
move better without going to the
■ Don’t know where to start or what to do ■ Can’t afford to join a gym or
as a medicine that will help you feel
exercise class.
better with no side effects and the more you take the better you will feel.
■ Worried about what other people will think of them
Walking is an excellent and very underrated exercise that most of us
■ Lack motivation
do every day. If you can’t walk there
If you are old you can probably
equally effective and there are other
to the list but exercise becomes even
things that you can do to increase
more important as we age as it can
your activity whether you are able-
seriously improve your quality of life by:
bodied or have a disability. Here are some great examples of
■ Increasing release of
people where age has not stopped
endorphins (feel good
them from achieving their goals:
hormones)
■ Fauja Singh, is the world’s
■ Improving your balance and
oldest marathon runner and
co-ordination ■ Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and ■ Boosting your confidence and improving your social life! The good news is that you don’t have to train for 75-150 minutes a week to improve your health. A little advice on your lifestyle including nutrition, sleep, and a simple exercise program can make a significant improvement to how you feel. The can be even more dramatic if you and muscles like to be moved and a
75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity
lack of movement can contribute to
aerobic physical activity. Adults 65
the amount of pain you feel.
greater intensity, on 3 or more days a week” You can find out more here: https:// www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/ detail/physical-activity
Mumbai Marathon at age 104. the oldest astronaut when he went to space as part of Space Shuttle mission STS-95
intensity aerobic physical activity or
strength training at moderate or
in January 2016 ran in the ■ In 1998, John Glenn became
cancer by 50%
haven’t exercised for a while as joints
activity focusing on balance and
are chair-based exercises that can be
think of a few more reasons to add
out 150–300 minutes of moderate-
or over should also include physical
If you are ‘allergic’ to the thought of exercise, try thinking of movement
better news is that the improvement “adults aged 18–64 years carry
gym or taking up jogging.
Otago is an exercise program that was developed specifically for older
at age 77. ■ Johanna Quaas from Germany is the world’s oldest gymnast at age 86 practicing gymnastics twice per week, together with an hour of exercise every day. As long as you have the drive and determination you are never too old to do anything you set your mind to, whether that is to get fitter and healthier, learn a new skill, read more, or travel. So what are you going to do next?
adults with the aim of increasing strength and balance to reduce the risk of falls and injury and you can find out more here https://www. physio-pedia.com/Otago_Exercise_ Programme. While it was primarily aimed at older adults it is suitable
Many people never try to reach
for anyone that hasn’t exercised for
those WHO targets because they:
a while and wants to get fitter and
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 23
The Business Bulletin
Five bad habits you must avoid if you want a thriving business
If you feel your business is more
as right or wrong is narrow-minded.
masses and not taking the time to
stagnant than progressive, you could
It highlights a fixed mindset, which
fully understand the context, niche or
have fallen victim to these bad habits:
is one that prevents you from
minority.
■ Having a fixed mindset ■ Making assumptions
exploring alternative ways to achieve an outcome. It lacks creativity and uses past experiences or future
■ Never finishing what you start
uncertainties as an excuse not to do
■ Failing to communicate
didn’t work out.
effectively ■ Not taking responsibility The above habits regularly crop up during my client sessions. It’s easy to spot these traits simply by listening to the language spoken, watching body language and being aware of the actions being taken. Being late for appointments and running over on deadlines is a clear sign of someone not taking responsibility and letting life happen to them. Even though these habits are negative, restrict business progress and are unhelpful to you, they are easy to turn around if you’re willing to acknowledge them.
Turn a fixed mindset into one of growth Having a fixed mindset is limiting. Seeing things in black and white, or
something or explain why things A fixed mindset gets you into
Try this exercise: take your right hand and make a fist shape. Loosen your grip slightly, allowing a very small hole to be visible where your fingers are curled over. Next, cover your left eye with your left hand and lift your right fist up to meet your right eye,
problematic situations whereas a growth mindset gets you out of them. A growth mindset is open, curious, relentless and resilient. Obstacles are never debilitating, and mistakes are accepted as part of a learning experience. Everything is achievable with a growth mindset because it focuses on creativity and adaptability, solutions and not problems.
Making assumptions When assumptions are made you are only seeing what you want to see. As the saying goes, ‘you make an ass out of you and me’. Think about what you could have missed if you assume something or if you jump to a conclusion too quickly? Assumptions are made from ignorance or from following the
24 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
Cassie Footman Onion Academy Over the past 25 years Cassie has worked with thousands of leaders based in over 26 countries worldwide, guiding them through the journey of unravelling personal obstacles enabling them to create magic in their lives and enjoy a better life, better relationships and a better business. 07918 022387 cassie@cassiefootman.com cassiefootman.com
The Business Bulletin
Have you ever wondered why some businesses continually flourish whereas others become stagnant? It often comes down to the person in the driving seat. The driving force of the business.
as if you were looking through a lens.
why things don’t get finished, you
you don’t want to upset someone
What do you see?
will find a deeper underlying belief.
will often lead to you being the one
These deeper beliefs are not obvious
who fails or feels let down. It will lead
and can take a bit of digging to find
to an unhelpful outcome where it’s a
and acknowledge. Common beliefs
struggle to get what you want, or you
include feeling unworthy, not being
don’t get it at all.
Your vision is restricted by the small gap of your tightened fist, so the whole picture in front of you is limited. The focus is too narrow. This is how making assumptions causes you to see things in the world. It limits your perspective by showing only a small part of what is available to you. Being curious and asking questions, listening, connecting, and communicating with others will help you to ditch assumptions. Seeing the bigger picture will enable you to make better decisions. Expanding your thinking and progressing in life and business is possible because of a much richer awareness of the world.
Finally finish what you have started There are many reasons why people don’t finish what they start. On the surface, the reasons might seem obvious, such as having no time, not having the right skills available, coming up against an obstacle or
good enough or capable enough, the need to be perfect or feeling powerless. There are many more but once you understand what your limiting beliefs are (and we all have them) you have a point at which you can grow from. Infinitely.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you communicate clearly, effectively and that the receiver fully comprehends. With full transparency everyone benefits.
and working through them removes
Take responsibility for your actions
blocks from your mind about what
You are 100 percent responsible
you can and cannot achieve. This is
for your actions. Blaming others,
the first step to finally finishing what
justifying, rationalising and denying
you started!
situations or actions are attributes of
Acknowledging limiting beliefs
diverting your responsibility.
Become open, honest and direct in your communication
in any given situation. It’s true that
Effective communication is necessary
the choice in how you react to it.
You can choose how to respond something out of your control may
in your personal and professional life. Are you being assertive? Are you asking for help when you need it? Avoiding issues and conflict with
happen, but you will always have If you are at ‘cause’ in life, you are creating the outcome that you want by taking responsibility. If you are at ‘effect’ in life, then you will become a
not having enough money. If you
other people because you think they
victim of circumstance and/or place
look more closely at the reasons
will eventually go away or because
the outcome firmly in the hands of
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 25
The Business Bulletin
others. This latter option is giving
you be fearful? It’s either because
away your power to others and letting
you are drawing from an experience
them determine what happens to
that didn’t go so well, or because
you. Why would you want someone
you are assuming the worst. Neither
else to rule your decisions?
of these thoughts are real for what is happening now. Remember
Do not fear the future
what you read about assumptions?
Feeling doubtful or fearful will prevent
identify potential risks and create
you from taking positive action. It’s a bit like shutting off the valve to stop the free flow of water. Eventually, things will dry up because the flow isn’t progressing forward. What happens to a plant, terrain or creature starved of water? Not acting can be through the
The best way to mitigate fear is to
Eliminate bad habits in your business today This article has hopefully sparked a few home truths and encouraged you to think of the big picture and question the entrenched beliefs that might be stumping your progress. If you relate to any of the notions
a contingency plan. You may be
discussed and think you could benefit
aware of potential setbacks from
from working on removing some
experience, but that doesn’t mean
of the bad habits in your business,
the same will happen this time, so
why not consider working with
get creative. By outlining all possible
an experienced guide to help you
scenarios you can be confident in
overcome them?
taking action, knowing that you are well-equipped to handle challenges
fear of what might happen. But if
and uncertainty. Remember, with
nothing has happened yet, how can
action comes learning.
Securing your business
C4 Secure
With , administrators can set which authentication methods will be offered to users based on the sensitivity of the application. For example, administrators may decide that SMS authentication is suitable for low assurance applications, but not for those that require a medium or high level of identity assurance. Also, with RSA SecurID Access, users have the flexibility to choose from the allowed authenticators at runtime, which makes a convenient experience for users.
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The Business Bulletin
Spotllight on… 28 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
Spotllight on…
Spotlight on Liz Murphy Liz runs I Cook You Serve, a family catering business, providing healthy pre-prepared meals for those who don’t want to cook or can’t cook! They also provide buffets as well as being trained in nutritional therapy.
How did you get to be where you
daughter Shannon, to prepare the
myself as a single parent with two
are today?
evening meal for the rest of the family.
further children at that point, and
The idea for the business dates back
Having picked her up from nursery
the time was right to get this idea
at the end of the working day, time
off the ground. I needed something
with her was precious and having
that would work with the family not
to sacrifice that time to cook was a
at the expense of the family, I was
step too far. So that’s how the idea
not prepared to sacrifice my time
of the business came about, creating
spent with them. They were my non
nutritious and often time consuming
negotiables, I needed something
preprepared meals that were ready
that would fit, and I Cook You Serve
to reheat and eat. However, it took
fitted perfectly. So, I picked up a knife
another ten years before I got it
and I picked up an onion, and then
started! Life got busier and one learns
I picked up a recipe. Looking back, I
to live with what’s available. I found
struggled with nerves and was terribly,
20 years. At that time, I needed meals that would ordinarily take an hour to prepare to be ready to get on the table in less than 20mins. I realised a business like I Cook You Serve that supplied what I needed at that time simply didn’t exist. My options were a ping meal or takeaway or something deep fried, none of these offered good, nutritious food. I wasn’t prepared to compromise on quality. My history is in hospitality, I didn’t go to university, I had an absolute blast working up and down the country in pubs, restaurants, and casinos. It was brilliant, really good fun! Those years taught me the fundamentals of running pubs and restaurants. From hiring, firing, training, ordering, stock control, budgeting not to mention customer service and of course a bit of cooking. I Cook You Serve is based on that expertise gained all those years ago. I had a busy young family and was working full time in an office. I found
At the time the business started all that was available were “ping” meals, takeaways and deep fried food.
myself frustrated and compromised, having to balance time with my
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 29
The Business Bulletin
Spotllight on… Shannon, Nutritional Therapist - I Cook You Serve
terribly shy - I apologetically handed out menus to my friends locally, and in the school playground, shop windows and notice boards. Everybody jumped on it. Everybody supported me. I greatly admire those who take that great leap of faith, leaving a big corporate job, risking it all - I think that’s amazing. But that wasn’t my story, I just knew deep down that I Cook You Serve was a great concept. I knew I just had to get started and keep going until somebody told me I couldn’t do it anymore. Over ten years later nobody’s told me that, and so I’ve continued, the business has grown and developed to what it is today. I am proud of I Cook You Serve and often refer to it as my fourth child. And I challenge anyone to tell me that I can’t do it now! How have things changed over the last 10 years? Has food provision got better?
to help people to eat well. I don’t see
I get creative in the kitchen. Shannon
it as competition, in the end everyone
is at the keyboard, and at the end of
deserves to eat well and that’s what
an email, phone, and all social media.
we celebrate most. Labelling is much
She is first contact with everything that
better now; we are better informed
is business related. She made it her
can see the ingredients were used
business to find out what she didn’t
to make the slurry that used to be
know about running a business. That
packaged up with a wholesome
is all Shannon’s department! Because
picture on the front. It’s now a legal
our areas of expertise don’t overlap, we
requirement to list ingredients, as
bounce off each other well and are
a result we can make informed
hugely supportive and celebrate each
decisions on what we’re putting
other. Our business meetings are good,
into our bodies. I’m happy to see
fun, short and to the point - sometimes
this development, people are more
we only require an eyebrow or
empowered, better educated, which
sideways glance to answer a question!
means we can make better choices.
Decisions are made quickly, it’s brilliant,
So, your daughter is now part of the business? Yes! I’m so happy Shannon chose to join I Cook You Serve three years ago. Because I have predominantly worked from home, Shannon had grown up with the business for several years already. She understood how it all worked and upon finishing her University degree she walked straight in and transformed it. She has been an incredible addition to the I Cook You Serve family. We are both trained in Nutritional Therapy, I took the course for my own personal development. I had a LOT of knowledge, but I didn’t have anything to back it up. I wanted to understand why eating colourful food was a good thing to do, and what exactly these foods did to our bodies. Shannon was home on a reading week from Uni, and like she didn’t have enough to do, she looked over my shoulder and said, “that looks quite
she’s transformed the business and I respect her enormously. What’s your “why”? At the risk of sounding like an angry middle-aged woman, it’s the same frustration I felt twenty years ago at what was available to eat. It was just not good enough to have to compromise time and energy to eat well. It’s the passion and uncompromising attitude that nutritional education and good food should be available to all. I Cook You Serve has been going for over ten years now, we have found that the more we know and understands where food comes from; the less accepting we are. It’s just not good enough, for example, we have fruit and vegetables imported from across the globe. All the air miles and packaging that goes with it, none of which benefits us as the consumer. If we just ate seasonally, locally, and
Yes, so much better. I’m happy to
good, I might do that too”. Nutritional
see that information has significantly
Therapy had absolutely nothing to do
improved and generally people
with her degree, but she was hooked
are better educated in terms of
in no time! We recognised this was
traceability, environmental impacts
a service that would not only benefit
the flexibility of our menu changing
of food and ingredients. Twenty years
our existing clients but was an offering
weekly and I celebrate being able to
ago, there were no food delivery
we could market. Shannon joined the
offer that to our clients. It offers me
services delivered to your door, there
business to head Nutritional Therapy
freedom in the kitchen to experiment
were no recipe cards with ingredients
service. The reality is she does that
and research new ingredients and
all measured out. We’ve come a long
and soo much more in addition! I’m
food trends. While I’m in the kitchen
way and I think these are great tools
the one with the business ideas and
and Shannon’s doing everything else
30 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
more simply we would inevitably be healthier not to mention the planet. My other “why” is being flexible. I like
The Business Bulletin
following her passion of Nutritional Therapy, I couldn’t be happier. What distinguishes you from your competitors? There are four things really. 1. We serve fresh, not frozen. There’s nothing wrong with frozen, but ours is fresh. That gives the client the flexibility to choose what to do with their food. Whether serve it there and then or just pop it in the freezer to eat later. It’s ready to eat and reheat. 2. The menu changes weekly, that is quite fundamental. It’s exciting,
… the more you know, the more you come to understand how food comes about, and where it comes from; the less accepting you are.
we can capture national days or other celebrations and we are not stuck to a menu that may only change every 3 or 4 months. 3. The third thing is that it’s a family
by all sorts of talented people with
people who want you to succeed. The
that exact same amount of time.
most supportive people around us
First and foremost, without a doubt,
business, that is pretty special
is prioritising and balancing time as a
and unique. We couldn’t be more
single parent. Having a young family,
invested in each other which can
the changes that happened within
only benefit our clients.
a family as they get older, such as
4. Everything around the business is Northampton based. Everyone that touches or has anything to do with our business is generally Northampton based, we all do a little happy dance when an order comes in. From our suppliers to our accountant, from our graphic designer to our VA we are all of and from Northampton. As a side, we have noted we are predominately female.
in our business, want our success as much as we do. Likewise, we want to see our colleagues succeed and are ready and willing to help. Beyond that, I would say maintain
different schools. Managing a house,
an element of personal development,
being a daughter to ageing parents,
identify something that you can tap
along with running a business, it
into, that will get you through the
often felt like one step forward two
tough days. For me, that’s Taekwondo.
steps back because it can, and did,
It just gets me through hard days, I
all stop on a heartbeat with a single
tap back into that energy, I tap back
phone call. That has been a massive
into that philosophy and that way of
challenge, just managing time. Having
thinking. Find something that isn’t
gone through that, we understand
related to your business, something
what it’s like for our clients that live
that is completely separate, so you can
with those same pressures. I’ve done
leave your “stuff” at the door. It could
the working full-time bit, I’ve done
be swimming, it could be ballroom
the stay-at-home bit, I’ve done the
dancing, anything that works for you.
hospital calls, and I know it can be What has been your biggest challenge that you have faced as a business owner? Time, or lack thereof. My philosophy used to be “there are 24 hours in a
hard. Because of this we are here to help with actionable steps to help and support our clients.
Watch the interview
What would be your one top tip for
This is an extract of a video
day and there are seven days in a
small businesses?
week. Unless you’re using all of them,
Ask for help. Just recognise that you
session, visit: https://www.
then you do not have the excuse of
don’t have to do everything yourself.
youtube.com/watch?v=Ou_
not having enough time.” Brutal, eh?
As I’ve got older, I now see the
ZKJeWSgY
Amazing things have been achieved
value in a surrounding yourself with
interview – to watch the full
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 31
Spotllight on…
that makes a business a business while
The Business Bulletin
How to create a diverse and inclusive working environment It’s safe to say this is at the forefront of all of our minds. The world is ever changing, technology continues to evolve but people also evolve with it.
We all know we SHOULD be inclusive, but perhaps we are not, and maybe
1. What is diversity an inclusion?
really means nothing with the concept of inclusion. Inclusion allows all types
that’s down to lack of awareness of
Diversity refers to differences in people
of people to be celebrated, recognised
our responsibilities. So, today, I want
including the differences in race,
and INCLUDED. So, inclusion in the
ethnicity, marital status, gender, etc.,
workplace means to actively and
and goes even further to considering
consciously go out and attract all types
the different life experiences and
of people to be part of your workforce.
to share my top tips on creating an inclusive working environment.
circumstances of people. But diversity
2. Recruitment What specifics do you look for when hiring candidates? Do you state
32 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
The Business Bulletin
‘preferred degree holder’ or ‘preferred
such as Eid (Islam) and Hannaka
law experience’ for say, an admin
(Jewish). But don’t stop there – there
assistant? The laws around HR and
are national and international events
employment say that this both
to raise awareness on such as World
unlawful and unethical because is a
Diabetes Day and Black History
law degree essential for this role? This
Month. Talk about what these mean
flamboyant and unjustified desire of
and allow for people to share stories (if
law experience and a degree mean
they feel comfortable in doing so).
that you lose the talent of those who have comprehensive experience and skills in the administration field (with no law experience or degree), and this really does an injustice to your organisation. Assess the role you are hiring for and create an appropriate advert considering the role responsibilities. Another element to think about is where you are recruiting. Use methods that allow all relevant candidates to apply. For example, if you are recruiting via a local agency, then be mindful that the potential
5. Education Bring in the HR and Diversity and Inclusion Specialists to talk about unconscious bias – it is a concept not all of us are aware of and refers to a behaviour that groups people in categories which is done outside of their conscious awareness. It is something almost all of us are guilty of but it takes an expert to open our minds on when we might be guilty of this. This allows your team members to consciously be aware of their language and behaviour around each other.
candidates you receive will be only
6. Social events
from the surrounding locality. It
Team building exercises are not
completely dismisses the talent
just there for fun – they create
sitting just outside of the agency’s
opportunities for staff to get to
catchment area- that’s a huge loss of
know the backgrounds of each
possible talent.
other. People of all races and
Last, but certainly not least, think about adverting roles in charity organisation to access a hard-toreach community.
Inclusion) and 1 of 500 FIR Ambassadors in the UK (Fairness, Inclusion & Respect). With over 10 years’ experience, naturally I have come across many horrific stories of what goes on in businesses. Stories that make you lose sleep at night, stories around inequality towards women, or discrimination towards people of all backgrounds, races & unfair treatment, etc. Sadly, these are all very much still a taboo. So, I knew I needed to do more by adding the ‘human’ back into Human Resources. Tina shares a lot of valuable
07572 027639 hrhabitat.co.uk
religions can really get to know each other’s personalities which directly
by ethnic minorities and those who
contributes to teamwork on projects.
share a similar mission to you.
Different experiences of life mean that all of us have different ways of dealing matters. These different approaches
language that speaks to all. Does
to life mean that each staff member
your policy allow room for mums,
will have a different to work, such as
or does it speak to people of all
problem-solving techniques. This
religions? Use words like ‘equal
is your key to success – your key to
opportunities’ and avoid using social
delivering targets by allowing all staff
stereotypes such as ‘women should
to contribute.
you’d be correct.
recognised) Human Resources & EDI Consultant (Equality, Diversity &
info@hrhabitat.co.uk
Use language that is inclusive, i.e.
sounds like prejudice to you then
A CIPD accredited (internationally
@hr.habitat
with work, family and personal
ask a male colleague to help’- if this
HR Habitat
information via her Instagram channel:
3. Policies and procedures
not lift heavy equipment and should
Tina Rahman
8. Stakeholder management With all, it is vital to understand that all stakeholders should play a leading part in your mission of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Company culture comes from the top down – make arrangements for awareness programmes around these global issues on discrimination. We must all collectively contribute
7. Supply chain analysis
to an equal and safe working
Who are your partners and suppliers?
environment.
Do they range in geographics, or do you stick to your local area only?
4. Highlighting key dates
While it’s great to support local
Despite the demographics of your
businesses we should also endeavour
workforce, you should get into the
to contribute to our economy.
habit of celebrating key dates. Openly
Develop relationships with businesses
talk about religious celebrations
outside of your local area, those run
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 33
The Business Bulletin
How do you manage overwhelm? What is overwhelm? Here’s an official definition: “If something overwhelms someone, it is too much, or almost too much, for them to manage”
If you are running a one person or
The obvious solution is to
about to share it with you but…the
small business then this may sound
outsource some of the other stuff to
fact that I am writing this on a Sunday
very familiar. Most of us start our
experts but we need to be earning
morning is evidence that I haven’t!
business because we love what we are
enough money to be able to do that!
However, I have learned some ways
doing…and then we discover that we
Lack of time to focus on sales and
of managing so that I can generally
have to do lots of other things as well –
marketing may inhibit our ability to
stay below the “too much to manage”
marketing, sales, admin, accounts, etc.
grow our business sufficiently to have
ceiling and other ways of minimising
the money we need and so we can
the effects on my mental and
end up in a vicious circle, which often
emotional health.
It’s so easy to find ourselves working 7 days a week and still not seeming to make any real impression on that to-do list, often finding that it’s getting longer rather than shorter!
leads to…overwhelm. I wish that I could say that I have found the perfect solution and am
34 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
So let’s start with some practical ideas. I am a great believer in lists, though they can make things seem
The Business Bulletin
I include personal activities
Judith Hanson Therapies For The Mind Judith is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist (DipCHyp, HPD, MNCH), and NLP Master Practitioner and Coach. As a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Complementary and the Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) she is bound by their Codes of Conduct. She also undertakes regular training, as well as frequent supervision, to update her knowledge and skills, in order to provide a professional and effective service. She treats everyone as an individual and by
“real job”. When those tasks get done
because they can add to overwhelm
then you have achieved that day’s
(I need to paint the decking!) and
goal. If you have more time, you can
also may be important for your
do other things on your list and, if an
wellbeing (re-organise that holiday
emergency arises, accept the fact that
I planned and paid for 2 years ago!).
something more urgent took priority
I also find it’s so easy to focus on
over you chosen items. I find this helps
the urgent and just worry about the
me to stop feeling that I’m climbing
important (getting my accounts ready
up a hill that is just getting taller and
for tax deadlines!). You may, or may
steeper!
not, know this quadrant:
That last point moves us on to how to manage your mental and
Known as the “Eisenhower Decision Matrix” (see Figure 1), with thanks to Steph Covey (“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”) for this version. Planning MUST include diary space to do what you have planned. For Delegate, you may not be able to afford an expert yet but I find granddaughters can come at an
developing a good relationship, based
affordable price (to update my CRM
on mutual respect and trust and always
database, for instance) and partners
does the best for her clients. 07881 620586 judith@judithhanson.co.uk judithhanson.co.uk
may help so that you can be free for some family time. Eliminate are the ones that, if you don’t get rid of them, just sit at the end of the to-do list and never get done but continue to haunt you!
worse when you get to page 3 of your A4 notebook and still haven’t finished writing all your tasks down! Firstly, it’s better for you mentally to have it on paper rather than trying to manage it in your head and worrying that you might have lost that “mental note”. Talking about notes…lots of Post It notes cause me to feel overwhelmed! So you’ve made your list (probably electronically these days!) what do you do next? Here are some options, not necessarily mutually exclusive: 1. Prioritise – when you’ve done the brain dump, sort it into some kind of order. I start by just numbering each item to begin with and then perhaps reordering it. 2. Categorise – maybe into
Tools like this can help (and there are other methods that can be found online and Apps to help – I would recommend asking an expert about these) but I believe in keeping things as simple as possible. Managing your to-do list can become an “art form” and an excellent reason for procrastination. We’re looking for efficiency here, so
emotional state when you are busy trying to build and run a successful business, so here are a few tips 1. Find ways to remind yourself why you are doing this, particularly in the early days when you may start to question your decision! 20% of businesses “fail” in their first year and 60% in the first 3 years and, I believe, many give up just as they are about to be successful. Assuming you have quality, marketable products or services then maintaining a positive mindset is important. Keep your “why” visible on the wall or on your screen saver; accept that you will work a lot harder and earn a lot less in the early years and get support. I found that, through networking, I got a lot of practical help and mindset support in the beginning and those of us that have been around for a while are
don’t have an App/Method that takes longer to manage than doing some of the items on your list! Finally, one of the factors that can contribute significantly to overwhelm is that feeling you can get at the end of each day that you haven’t actually achieved anything because there is so much left on the list. A good trick I learned years ago was to take a moment at the end of the day to pick
different business activities
the 3 items that you MUST do on the
and then (or maybe just) into
following day. Be realistic about what
urgent and important.
you can fit in on that day around the
Figure 1 Eisenhower Decision Matrix
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 35
The Business Bulletin
very happy to “pay back” for the
my particular “hobby horse” – it’s
and eating healthy protein, fresh fruit
help we received.
as important to take care of your
and vegetables can have the opposite
mental health as your physical
effect. Sugar can become addictive;
aspects of running a business
health, maybe even more so!
caffeine can as well and tends to
that are new to you. There are
There is probably less advice out
2. Spend money on learning the
very reasonable (and free!) offerings around and knowing what you are meant to be doing (and how to do it!) can take off some of the mental pressure, stop you procrastinating and make you more efficient. 3. Don’t forget that you need to
there for looking after your mental health, we probably all know what we should be eating and how much we should be exercising but what should we be doing to maintain our mental health. For a start, there is some overlap – exercise has mental as well as physical benefits. How often do
take care of yourself. In the early
you take time out of your day to go for
years, you are your business! If you
a 15/20 minute walk to give yourself
are unable to work, your business
a mental as well as a physical break?
will disappear. Take time off (and
Are you aware of the affect that food
relax and enjoy it!), look after
has on your mood. It can be worth
yourself physically (diet, exercise,
keep a food/mood diary for a couple
etc.) and look after yourself
of days to find out. Generally eating
mentally. Not surprisingly, this is
junk food can act as a depressant
increase anxiety. How quickly can you form a new healthier habit? There are various numbers out there but a simple answer is you can “make” a new habit in 3/4 weeks but it takes 90 days for it to become a permanent lifestyle change. So how about taking an hour off in the middle of the day for a walk (or a run or cycle) and a healthy lunch. The break, the activity and the food will make you more efficient in the afternoon as well as mentally and physically healthier.
Is Your Business Ready? We live in changing times New business practices Ever changing technologies New and changing markets
Is your business ready to face these and other challenges? At QRB we offer a range of training and coaching services for you and your teams to adapt and adopt to your changing environment We help your people plan, monitor and adapt changes to your business to help you achieve better, smarter and more structured ways of working
PRINCE2 PRINCE2 Agile AgilePM
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Put your teams through a real working simulation so they can practice their new skills in safe environments and embed their new knowledge and learning. All our consultants are experienced practitioners in their field. Bringing real life examples to embellish the core material and facilitate the learning of the group.
Contact us today for your free consultation 36 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development www.qrbmc.com 01327 630355 enquiries@qrbmc.com
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The Business Bulletin
We hear the phrase ‘personal
occurs through a process called self-
with a date becomes a goal. A goal
development’ in many areas of our
actualisation. As a manager, if you can
broken down into steps becomes a
lives nowadays and it is such a useful
see the potential of your own team,
plan. A plan backed by action makes
phrase that it can be adapted to
it’s a great way to help them see their
your dreams come true.” Be realistic
many scenarios. My own personal
own potential too – or, in Maslow’s
with your timeline and review on a
development might now be an on-
terms, their self-actualisation. This
regular basis to ensure you’re on track
line podcast or live or interactive
isn’t always easy, on either side of
and progressing at the right pace.
webinar about bee-keeping or from
course and takes time, dedication
a well-loved author; but it could easily
and strategy to establish the correct
be an aspect of something that
results. The best way to ascertain
relates to improving my interpersonal
reaching self-actualisation is to create
skills or being a little bit more mindful.
a personal development plan – a kind
Thankfully personal development is a lifelong process. It is a way for
of business plan for yourself. To begin, define the goals that
us to review our skills and qualities,
are really important to you. Whether
consider our aims in life and set goals
the goals are career-related or focus
in order to realise and maximise our
on something that will enrich or
potential at one end of the scale and
improve your personal life (starting
perhaps to just experience joy and fun
a new hobby/activity or learning a
at the other!
new language perhaps), it is vital
A popular model for describing and discovering personal development is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need which suggests that all individuals have an in-built need for personal development which
to understand that only you can determine what your goals are – it’s a personal plan so don’t let anyone else plan for you! Secondly, just like a business plan, set deadlines. “A dream written down
38 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
As managers and leaders, we know there can be skills gaps in many of our roles – but which skills or knowledge will help you to achieve your goals? Until you know where the gaps are (in skills and knowledge), you can’t fill the gap. Once you’re confident that you’ve planned, it’s time to take action. The chances are every goal you have identified will require several actions to achieve it, which can be a bit daunting. It’s helpful to list the 3 most important actions to help keep you focused. Just make sure you read and pay attention to the list to make it all happen! We all know that completing a task isn’t the end of it. We have to monitor, progress and improve as we go. There will be
The Business Bulletin
What’s your personal development journey? Working with a senior leader recently we started to think about personal impact. Was she completing her role to the best of her ability? How could she measure her impact? How did she know she was making a difference? This led to a cursory discussion about the usual metrics – 360 degree review, appraisal, etc., but she was particularly interested in having a way to look differently at her own personal development. That got me thinking….
times when things seem to be going
can provide support for specific
well and your progress is clear to see.
goals. Be brave – ask someone you
It’s important to recognise this to help
admire in a particular area to mentor
you stay motivated.
you or to be there for the odd email
On the flip side, there will be times when progress appears to be slow or worse still non-existent. An important part of the measurement stage in your plan is to make lists of both things that are working well and can be seen as accomplishments as well as areas for improvement and things you need to change and do differently. Finally, the thing lots of us aren’t so good at is the realization that we can’t do this alone – we need to get support. Identify who can help you with specific goals. If one of your goals is to undertake work
now and then providing support and encouragement in a particular direction. Fortune favours the brave they say, and fortune can so easily refer to the richness of our lives, not just the bank balance! Indeed, I would say that the former is more rewarding and leads to greater happiness.
Rachel Mallows MBE The Mallows Company Rachel Mallows MBE is a Northamptonshire businesswoman with over 30 years’ experience in delivering
So, some simple steps to create and recreate your own personal development plan that can be used at work or at home. Just remember though, there is very little point
training, coaching, mentoring and business support. The Mallows Company provides careers guidance to adults and in schools; training, mentoring, project management and consultancy to SMEs and larger businesses of
putting a personal development plan in place if you are not going to use it!
experience in a new industry, take
Try dedicating 5 to 10 quiet
a look at your network of contacts:
minutes at the end of every day to
you may already know somebody
look at your plan and we have no
working in that industry who can
doubt it will serve you well. Why not
help you. As part of your personal
share that plan with someone else
development plan, make a list of
and enable them to help keep you to
organisations and individuals who
account. Happy planning!
all sectors. Rachel was awarded the MBE for her services to Business and Entrepreneurship in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours List in 2016 and was made a Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire in the same year. 01933 664437 rachel@themallowscompany.com themallowscompany.com
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 39
The Business Bulletin
How can you use nutrition as personal development? When we hear or think about personal development, we often consider the realms of meditation, further education, counselling, and exercise. Nutrition is often an afterthought or is considered as a supporting role in a goal set in the aforementioned areas.
We’d like to make nutrition the star
We have reams of information
of the show, the Oscar nomination
about the basic steps that will help
not always be at the forefront of your
rather than the supporting role. We
you to improve your eating habits. So
mind. Here are a few steps that will
are fortunate to have access to food
why is nutrition so far down our list
both help you to bring your eating
such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and
of tools to bring us health benefits?
habits to the forefront of your mind
seeds that will improve our nutrition.
With the constant adventures of life,
and to help you improve.
40 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
I think it is fair to say nutrition may
The Business Bulletin
sensations don’t appear
you actually eat so that
always the first step when working
Completing a food diary. This is
until we are already 1-2%
you can make informed
with a Nutritional Therapy client. A
dehydrated. This means that
decisions when it comes to
food diary is where you write down:
when you feel dehydrated,
what you put on your plate
your body is already being
and your health.
■ What you’ve had – to eat or drink ■ When – time of day
impacted. When you are dehydrated it affects your
■ Quantity – rough portion size
body in a wide variety of
■ How you are feeling
focus and energy levels to
A food diary can be handwritten or digital or a hybrid of both. It is a tool in recording data, this data offers valuable insight into not only what and how you eat but why.
When you eat well, it ripples out to those around you.
ways, from impacting your impacting your body at
When we shine a light on an area we
a cellular level. If you are
are looking to improve on, that light
looking to improve your nutrition, drinking water is a great place to start.
is shared with those around us. This happens through the conversations we have, others seeing the changes we
Using a food diary will give you a full
■ Do you have 10 fruit and veg
make and through the physical results.
picture of what you eat, rather than
a day, with 7/8 of these ten
When we improve our nutrition others,
what you think you eat. Many of us
being vegetables? When you
it encourages others to become more
eat so mindlessly that we don’t pay
aim for 5 and hit 3 fruit and
aware of their own nutrition.
attention to the extra snacks we have
veg portions, you think you’re
or what our portion sizes are. A food
doing well. When you aim
diary is more than noting the number
for 10 and hit 8 fruit and veg
of veg portions we have in a day, the
portions, you know and will
act of recording this information
feel that you’re doing very well.
makes us mindful. When you take a small amount of
■ What are your food goals? For some people going to 10
time to write a food diary, you aren’t
fruit and veg, per day, maybe
just tracking what you have eaten
difficult, so start at your level.
but are reflecting on whether you’re
This could be having one
eating for convenience, boredom,
extra veg portion per week or
or emotion. We would recommend
replacing tea and coffee with
recording your eating habits as they
water after lunchtime. Whilst
are for a fortnight, before making
it is important to push yourself
any changes. This will offer enough
to make positive changes,
information for you to reflect upon,
it is also important to turn
identify patterns and reconsider your
any positive changes into
food goals
lasting habits. Working with a
I Cook You Serve
Nutritional Therapist can help.
Some areas to consider when reflecting on your food diary. ■ Do you drink eight glasses
Shannon Howe
■ Are you being honest with
Shannon works alongside her Mum, Liz, at I Cook You Serve. Having taken a nutritional therapy course, she realised how food can have such a huge impact on our body and state of mind. As clients
your food diary? This is
are presented with so many diverse
extremely important. It can
requirements, she studies the very latest scientific research in order to pass on the
be easy to not write down
best and most up to date information.
the sweet treat or savoury
of water a day? Not coffee
snack you enjoyed. Or to add
or tea, water. Drinking
a few veg portions that didn’t
water and staying hydrated.
make it to your lunch and
When we are dehydrated
dinner plate. A food diary and
the impact begins to take
working on your nutrition
place when there is a 1.5%
and eating habits isn’t about
loss in our normal water
only eating ‘good’ food, it is
volume. However, our thirst
about understanding what
Shannon takes huge satisfaction from identifying potential nutritional deficiencies in otherwise perfectly healthy individuals and those who want help with symptoms of a pre-diagnosed condition 07504 558 994 hello@icookyouserve.co.uk icookyouserve.co.uk
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 41
The Business Bulletin
Ask the experts Do you have a burning question that you would like the answer to? Or maybe you’re looking for some advice to help your business? In each edition some questions will be shared and answered by some of The Business Bulletin experts.
Q. What mindset do you need to be successful in business? A. When you look at why businesses are successful, it’s normally because they have disrupted the market, e.g. Dyson, Easy Jet, etc. So having that disruptive mindset is one of the keys to unlocking success. You may think this is difficult to have but in reality it’s not. Simply…:
1. Move away from negative business relationships that are sapping your time and energy 2. Shake up some of your own
Finally it’s ok to fail, be rejected, but keep focused and you will win. Roger Eddowes Essendon Accounts & Tax
practices and routines that may have become habitual and lead to unproductive time; and 3. Focus that valuable energy on important goals.
42 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
A. I think you need resilience. Not everything will go as planned, and the flipside of being in total control is that everything also falls on your shoulders. An ability to view every
The Business Bulletin
Contributing experts
‘mistake’ or issue as a opportunity
not have. Yet they all seem out of the
for learning and improvement is very
copywriter’s remit.
useful I’ve found.
Roger Eddowes Essendon Accounts & Tax
One of the restrictions of CPD is
Additionally I think your desire
that it is hard to justify spending CPD
for a challenge, to improve yourself
points outside your own professional
and to do something new needs
sphere. Yet there have been many
to utterly outweigh your need for
examples (chaos theory for instance)
security and certainty. If it doesn’t the
where if practitioners of different
draw to return to employment will
disciplines had conversed they would
be too great. I suspect most people
have found common ground.
leave employment with the aim of earning more, working fewer hours and having a better work-life balance, but the reality is often quite (or very) different. Especially in the beginning. Over the years you’ll often be faced with challenges that may question your choice to ‘go it alone’, but a
Pixooma
‘prove yourself right’ (no matter what it takes) will help you deal with this
number one question that would stem off of the back of this would be, how without firstly improving yourself? Many look at CPD as having to
and face it head on. Mark Coster Pixooma
reading a book on a business element
to be that way. It can be as simple as that you aren’t quite certain on. Perhaps finding an influencer from your sector. Follow them on social
is continuous professional development (CPD) important?
Your-Copywriter.com
when running a small business. The
take courses however it doesn’t have
Q. As a small business owner,
Kevin Robinson
A. CPD is most certainly important
do you expect to improve your offering
resilient mindset and a desire to Mark Coster
Kevin Robinson Your-Copywriter.com
A. Development is vital. In fact, not only is development important I think you should look outside of your main business interest to expand your experiences. The professional
media, subscribe to their YouTube channel, absorb the content learn from their experiences. Simply don’t have the time to do it… RUBBISH! Take a look at your day and the things you can do without
demands of CPD sometimes do not allow for this. Within your profession, there is a ceiling of competence and
Got a question?
then expertise beyond which you are just adding minor additions to Charles Jones JPAD UK
your skillset. If you look outside that you may find that you experience things that you can build into your professional practice that produce hybridity and unexpected results. I learned a huge amount about how to message effectively in copywriting from semiotics and from my training as a television scriptwriter and just as much from studying the basic
James Tarry Scottsdale Moneywise
principles of psychology. Combined, they make a different approach and
If you have a question – then email us and these experts will set about answering it for you. It can be on any business topic you like, be it finance, sales, marketing, operations, resources, strategy or personal development. If you would like a more immediate response, then raise your question on the “Ask The Experts” forum.
offer options that I would otherwise
Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development | 43
The Business Bulletin
timewise. Replace an episode of your
add value to our service by coming
A. In my job, CPD is obligatory.
favourite series a night with a bit of
up with areas that our clients
Without recording structured CPD
valuable content and your sorted.
should also educate themselves on.
of the right quality and spectrum of
Intelligence can have a huge added
learning, I wouldn’t be able to obtain
benefit. For example passing on
the certification to trade. However,
the fact from our wine merchant
what I have noticed is that when I do
client to our restaurant client that
CPD there’s evidence of knowledge
Sauvignon Blanc is an upward trend
decay, which I probably wouldn’t have
with the millennial generation is a
noticed had I not taken the tests. So in
simple thing to do, but adds such
summary, CPD is worth doing to keep
people as well.
a lot of added value to our service.
on top of your subject, even if it’s not
Charles Jones JPAD UK
The restaurant can go away and
formalised and structured, to keep up
refine its wine menu and we can
with changes and developments as
show the benefits of an uplift in say
well as to keep your knowledge fresh.
As well as the above I would add the following which I have heard floating around many of times. We each become the average of the 5 people we spend most time with. If you surround yourself with the right people you will learn from these
A. Absolutely CPD is important in our business to keep up-to-date with the latest changes in legislation and general practice. We need the knowledge and expertise to pass
a 10% increase in wine sales purely by getting an attractive bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on the menu!
James Tarry Scottsdale Moneywise
Roger Eddowes Essendon Accounts & Tax
onto our clients, but we can also
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The Business Bulletin
SME Survey Are vision, mission and values statements important/ relevant for small business? It might be worth just clarifying
As can be seen in figure 1, less than
business that could help with focus,
the difference between a vision and
half had the “full set” of statements
direction and strategy. Having such
mission statement before diving into
and 17 respondents had nothing at all.
statements in place also helps attract
the survey; as there is sometimes confusion. A vision should outline where you want your organisation to be or how you want to be perceived in the domain in which you operate - this could be an idealised view of the world from your perspective. It’s a long-term view and concentrates on the future. It could be the basis of why you’re in business.
employees and stakeholders in the
Interestingly though, 80.9% deemed these statements to be
business that can align behind them.
important (see figure 2). So the
If you don’t have any of these
final aspect of the survey was to
statements for your business, they
understand why those surveyed
can help you make choices within
responded as they did. Of those
your business because your choices
that indicated that such statements
should be in line with the statements
weren’t important, the consensus
you have made. Why not give it a try?
was that such things are more for corporate businesses, that a small
Mission statements define the
business’s focus should be on more
fundamental purpose of a business;
practical things and that if a business
briefly describing why it’s in existence
plan is in place, arbitrary statements
and what it does to achieve the vision.
make little difference.
It’s more practical than a vision as it could contain how the vision is going to be implemented.
The “don’t knows/unsure” emulated some of what was said above, but for some the importance had not been
The intention of this survey of 47
considered or it was on the “things
respondents was to establish what
to do pile”! The majority of those
small business owners’ opinion was
that deemed having statements as
with regard to vision, mission and
important, broadly speaking, thought
values statements.
they provided a foundation for the
Figure 1
46 | Issue 16 – Strategy and Personal Development
Figure2
Get involved To take part in the next survey about your turnover – visit here: https://forms.gle/ DzwsuorcQzoJSMdq7. The results will be shared in the next edition of this magazine.
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