I used to volunteer as a manager at Oxfam. One day a customer was arguing the toss on getting a discount on the set price. This was normal practice in the shop as everyone who tried to haggle had the same argument "But you got it for free - so what does it matter what … Continue reading The Customer is always right
On confidence
Over the last several years I have been on a mission to increase my confidence. I am better than I used to be but still have some bad habits. Until recently I was blissfully unaware until I got some feedback from my last job interview "you know your stuff but you need to show more … Continue reading On confidence
Cogs
In the corporate world there seems to be a big hard-on to aspire towards top level leadership. Answering e-mails on your holiday or at your son's football game doesn't really sell it to me. As a by-product of this thinking many organisations almost shove this level of career development down it's workers throats. But what if … Continue reading Cogs
Managing someone with more experience: The Baby Manager
My mum always said you knew you were getting older when you started to see policemen that were younger than you; so I don't know what Tracey thought when I walked in and said: "Hi, I'm James, your new manager." Tracey must have been around 15 years older, at first this wasn't intimidating as I figured being … Continue reading Managing someone with more experience: The Baby Manager
Office Etiquette – It’s ok to…
Saw this kicking about. Thought it was nice reassurance for working in an office to show that doing these things are ok...
Dealing with the negative
I bumped into someone from my old team the other day. With her was my replacement who had begun the role a month ago. I am not rude and didn't want to blank her, so I began talking to her so that she wasn't just sat back observing our conversation. I introduced myself and asked … Continue reading Dealing with the negative
Everyone could potentially be a leader
I was reading a book on leadership, when someone remarked "Aspiring to be a manager are we..." There still seems to be a wide confusion between being a leader and being in charge. So to put it clearer - you may call yourself a manager or the boss - but that doesn't mean you are … Continue reading Everyone could potentially be a leader
Perfect Manifesto 