When you’re at the top, there’s often no one to share the weight of tough decisions, the uncertainty behind confident fronts, or the pressure of being the one everyone relies on. In SMEs, where resources are lean and roles are personal, that sense of loneliness can be even more pronounced. Yet acknowledging this reality isContinue reading “It’s Lonely at the Top – But It Doesn’t Have To Be”
Author Archives: stevennaude
Building a mountain one grain of sand at a time
Huge achievements can come from small, consistent gains across your business. When working with clients, we always start with a long view of what they want to achieve. We focus on a five-year plan and then work backwards, breaking up the larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. These steps cover everything from business operations toContinue reading “Building a mountain one grain of sand at a time”
Making time – how I get more out of a finite resource
Self-discipline and a good memory – are these the keys to great time management and efficiency? I have neither, so I used tools to help me manage my time – you might find them useful too. My memory is poor and has always been – it has nothing to do with age (in my case).Continue reading “Making time – how I get more out of a finite resource”
How to tell good apples from bad apples – assessing the quality of a business consultant
“Consulting” is is a broad term which covers many possible services delivered by people with a wide range of skills. Unfortunately, it is also sometimes used by people who have few skills and ill intent. How can you tell the difference? In a previous blog (Snake oil salesman or saviour? What does a business consultantContinue reading “How to tell good apples from bad apples – assessing the quality of a business consultant”
Snake oil salesman or saviour? What does a business consultant do?
Everyone knows what a dentist does. There’s no doubt about the role of a butcher, pharmacist, plumber or librarian. But mention “business consultant”, and there’s inevitably a frown emerging on the face of the person you’re talking to. That’s because “business consultant” is a hold-all term that is not clearly defined and which is usedContinue reading “Snake oil salesman or saviour? What does a business consultant do?”
The winning formula for outstanding performance
What influences workplace performance? How can we make sure that we motivate people to do great work without becoming a dictator? Becoming a dictator is guaranteed to bring out the worst in your employees. If they feel that they are working under duress, they will probably show resistance or “work to rule” – in otherContinue reading “The winning formula for outstanding performance”
Why “Do your best” is the worst advice
You probably heard the phrase as a child or, if you are a parent, have used it to encourage a reluctant youngster to do something they dread. Science has shown that it is terrible advice to give anyone at home or at work. Picture the scene: young Amy has been told she has to runContinue reading “Why “Do your best” is the worst advice”
Change: moving from victim to agent
Change is difficult, uncomfortable and risky. By definition, change involves doing something different. If you are sitting still, change means moving. If you are running, change means walking or running slower. It is doing what you are not currently doing – that seems simple enough. The problem is that most often it requires using moreContinue reading “Change: moving from victim to agent”
Resolutions that come true
Here are five requirements to ensure that anyone can successfully achieve resolutions.
Small Business Recovery 