A Handful of Tips 90 –                            Reaching Agreements The five best tips to reach an agreement between conflicting groups When you cannot make progress adjourn. 1. Plan your strategy Write down what you want to achieve and your final position. 2. Look at things from the other side’s point of view Write down what…

A Handful of Tips 88 – Relationships The five best tips to improve your relationships with your staff 1. Never forget the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As a leader or a manager this rule is the key to your success. Treat people the way you would…

A Handful of Tips 89 – Strategic Planning   The five best tips to help upgrade an organisation   When you have a clear understanding of the situation and a good rapport with your staff, you will be ready to draft your strategic plan. These steps apply to improving any type of organisation whether it…

A Handful of Tips 87 – Instructions The five best tips for giving instructions Your directives can be in the form of commands, demands, requests or suggestions. If you are giving orders make sure they are clear, concise and complete. 1. Be precise and definite about what has to be done Explain reasons for the…

A Handful of Tips 86 – Bad Debts The five best tips to help collect bad debts  Collecting bad debts can be difficult and often messy. The collection process goes through distinct stages. Always put your requests in formal letters and keep copies of the letters you send. The first two letters you send should…

A Handful of Tips 85 – Audience Rapport The five best tips to establish a rapport with an audience   Try to establish a bond with your audience right from the start. Focus on a simple, clear, interesting message. 1. At the start Compose yourself, pause, smile and tell a story or an anecdote. 2.…

A Handful of Tips 84 – Job Interviews   The five best tips when applying for a job You get only one chance to make a first impression so do your homework and look smart. 1. Before you apply for a job Find out about the organisation you hope to join. Read their annual reports…

A Handful of Tips 83 – Media Problems   The five best tips when dealing with the media when things go wrong   You can alienate journalists or influence them in your favour so always handle a crisis promptly. It’s like a leak in a boat – the sooner the hole can be patched the…

A Handful of Tips 82 –                            Technical Poster Papers The five best tips for someone presenting a poster paper at a scientific conference Poster papers are as important as oral presentations. Your poster must be of a high standard if it is to compete with all other posters to attract people to your exhibit.…

A Handful of Tips 81 – Leader-manager                                         Attributes   The five best tips for a leader-manager to achieve success   Leader-managers should be globally and culturally aware of trends in their workplace and any changes…