Change Management – How to bring social networking technology into business without it feeling like a pill
January 31, 2009 by Di
Filed under Social networking, Web 2.0, change leadership, change management, communicating change
Where do you stand when it comes to Web 2.0 and the new tools of social networking like blogging, Facebook, Linked In, My Space and Plaxo? As far as you’re concerned, is it still a fad to be ignored – the domain of the Gen Ys and the Techno Geeks from Gen X? Have you fully embraced the power of the networking, collaboration and business development opportunities these tools have to offer you and your business? Or are you still dabbling – sitting the fence somewhere.
I confess that I am a dabbler when faced with the practical application of new technologies. It’s not that I don’t appreciate what these new technologies can do. I do – it comes with the territory of being an ideas person. In fact, It’s a big part of my new book which is all about Change and what works in the 21st century. It’s just that the practical application of these things is not really my strong suit. Frankly, I find it a time-consuming, boring hassle to learn. But heh, I have my own blog now which only took a year or so from the idea to finally get my act together - so that’s saying something.
Beware the pitfalls of downsizing, restructuring and employee redundancy
January 31, 2009 by Di
Filed under Downsizing, Redundancies, change, change leadership, change management, leadership, organisational restructuring, recession-proof
The last economic downturn to affect Australia saw a widespread cut back in apprentice training. While the effects weren’t experienced immediately, the absence of new talent entering the workforce on such a large scale meant that it was nearly 10 years before Australia returned to the same level of technical skill it enjoyed prior to the downturn. Arguably, the detrimental impact of the “solution” turned out to be far more serious to the country than the initial problem. This is just one example of the potentially harmful downstream consequences of downsizing and cutbacks that business is pursuing in the current economic climate.
Being mindful of the pitfalls of large scale downsizing and employee redundancy was the clear message that Heather Ridout, Chairman of the Australian Industry Group gave to business in a recent 7.30 Report Interview. Heather is not a lone voice in the wilderness on this topic. In the wake of weekly announcements that big business is shedding staff in mammoth proportions, other business and political leaders are joining a growing voice around the world warning of the consequences of these knee-jerk reactions to sustain short-term business viability.
Goal-setting: Love thy neighbour in 2009
January 2, 2009 by Di
Filed under goal setting, goals, leadership, opportunity, personal responsibility, responsibility
One of the things about Christmas and New Year I always enjoy is the sense of friendliness, generosity and respect for one another that seems to permeate the air. Neighbours who rarely speak wish good things for one another, we dig deep into our pockets so the less fortunate can have a more pleasant Christmas season, and kiss perfect strangers as midnight falls on new years eve. In 2008, several significant events also brought out our more loving side – Barack Obama’s election win and the influx of young people onto the shores of Sydney, Australia for World Youth Day. It seemed that the heaviest of days was made a little lighter by the mood in Sydney carried by 1000s of relaxed, carefree, happy young people from around the world.
There are exceptions of course to the mood – Christmas car parking rage and the recent spate of thefts of money from banks and automatic tellers, of presents from under Christmas trees, and of Christmas lighting from our homes.
My name is Di Worrall, and I'm an author, corporate change specialist and executive coach. I wrote the new release book - A Climate for Change - How to ride the wave of change into the 21st Century and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for you and your business. You might be a business leader or you might be in the business of coaching, consulting or training business leaders. I created this blog as a companion to the book and to help you and your clients navigate the current climate of change and uncertainty, and lay the foundations for a more sustainable future.
