Improve Your QUESTIONING SKILLS –           If you are ambitious you must learn to ask hard questions. A good questioner and a skillful listener will go far. Rolling On 34 and 35 go together if you seek a top job.         A skillful questioner learns much.         Ask basic searching questions. They are easier to…

Become a better LISTENER – A good listener is not only popular but can learn a lot.         Don’t talk so much.  Make an effort to concentrate on what other people want to say.         Good listeners are popular people.         You cannot listen if you are doing all the talking – and if you…

International COMMUNICATION –         Having worked in over 16 countries, mainly running training programs, I have only worked in the English language. It’s widely known as the ‘link language’.         To get your ideas accepted, and understood keep to basic communication skills. These skills are simple but are often forgotten.         Here are some reminders.…

Reducing Your STRESS – These are stressful times. Many people have no work and little money, many are working from home, and many are under stress.                What can you do to reduce your stress and worry levels?         Before you start taking steps you must understand the problems you are facing.         Go…

Improving MORALE  –           The morale of many workers, in many countries is low at present, especially in my home city, Wellington, New Zealand.         High morale is so important. It has been claimed to be the lifeblood of successful organizations.         Most people are under stress as they have a limited amount of time…

Seeking NEW IDEAS –         A business has three main functions, innovation, marketing, and profit. Innovation is a gamble – but so is standing still.         Aim to go where you have never been before to collect new ideas to stimulate productivity or to solve problems.         Try workshop exercises to generate new ideas.        …

Set up Your Own Business –          Most big businesses started small. They met a need and gave a better service than others.          To set up your own  business you need a competitive advantage – you need a product or a service that is different, cheaper or better quality than your competitors.  “What’s in…

Improve Your BUSINESS – A strategic plan should start by asking “What is the real purpose of this organization. What are we trying to achieve?”         When you have a clear understanding of the situation and a good rapport with your staff, you will be ready to draft a workable plan. (These steps apply to…

Training great TEAMS –         To build strong teams every effort should be made to constantly improve all activities – all the time.         Sound training is the catalyst to a successful business.         Managers and people leaders must have a strong coaching role to develop stronger teams and to help people reach their full…

Getting a LOAN –         Many new businesses fail because they are under-capitalized. It’s usually easier to borrow money when you start up a new business than when things start going wrong.         Before you start to make your presentation to a bank, or a lending institution, think about the needs of the lender.        …