Grant & Graham Projects Ltd

Telecom network event the Hague

Andrew Collins — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:34:43 +0000

Grant & Graham Projects will be attending the Telecom network event in the Hague on the 23-2-2012. The event start at 17:00.

If you would like to meet one of our consultants please contact us to setup a meeting, email: Info@grant-graham.co.uk

More information on the event : http://www.tndh.nl/agenda

Don’t Make These Mistakes at Your New Job

Andrew Collins — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:50:48 +0000

Don’t on a new assignment is exciting. But it’s not easy. Here are three common mistakes people make when moving to a new job and how to avoid them:

Forgetting about the people.
Most people start a new job with a plan for success. But you can’t forget the people. Know who you will need to rely on to get your work done and focus on building productive relationships with them.

Failing to listen.
You may be eager to introduce yourself and your plan, but don’t dominate conversations. Listen to others so their input can guide you.

Relying on old power dynamics.
Every organization has a way of operating. Don’t assume what worked in your last company will work in the new one. Understand the new dynamics and how to establish your authority.

Compete To Be Unique, Not the Best

Andrew Collins — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:25:45 +0000

Most companies want to be the best at what they do. But in the vast majority of business, there is no such thing as “the best.” Trying to imitate rivals will get you nowhere: It’s impossible to do exactly what your competitors are doing and end up with superior results. Customers choose different products and services for different reasons, and it’s unlikely you’ll win them all. Instead, focus on creating superior value for the customers that choose your company. Doing this profitably means accepting limits and making tradeoffs—you can’t meet every need of every customer. Don’t set out to win a war. Instead find your audience and capture their attention and loyalty.

Embrace Distraction

Andrew Collins — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:59:09 +0000

Recent studies have revealed the productivity cost of interruptions. But as the world gets more distracting, can we truly uphold the ideal of undivided attention? Not all disruptions are negative. Gazing out the window allows your brain to come up with new ideas or process information. Logging on to Facebook for a few minutes can give you a much-needed break so you return to work in a better, more productive mood. Instead of barring things that take your attention away from work, try creating and embracing positive interruptions.

When Job Hunting, Get HR on Your Side

Andrew Collins — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:36:55 +0000

When applying for a job, it’s easy to cast HR as your mortal enemy, or at least as an annoying hurdle to overcome. But partnering with HR will benefit you in the hiring process. Next time you are up for a job, consider doing these three things:

Embrace the HR screen.
Hiring managers rely on HR to weed out unqualified applicants and save them time. Accept that this is a necessary step.

Explain why you’re the one.
Focus on demonstrating how you are qualified rather than worrying about being eliminated.

Be respectful.
Think about the future. Treat recruiters with respect regardless of the outcome—they may consider you for future positions.

Identify Your Distinctive Strengths

Andrew Collins — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:13:59 +0000

To get a job or a promotion, you need to know your strengths. If you can’t articulate them, you can’t expect your boss or potential employer to either. Here’s a four-step process to identifying what makes you great:

List your strengths.
Include skills and knowledge you’ve acquired through experience and education as well as softer intrinsic strengths, such as insightfulness or empathy.

Ask for input.
Ask colleagues for honest feedback.

Revisit past feedback.
Reread old performance reviews or think back on coaching from previous bosses.

Modify your list.
Adjust your original list to reflect what you’ve learned. Make sure the strengths are specific so that they are credible and useful.

Define How Your Team Will Work

Andrew Collins — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:45:59 +0000

Most team leaders know to help their team define goals, but the conversation shouldn’t stop there. You also need to agree on the mechanics of how the team will get the work done. Here are four things that need to be clear on every team:

Roles and responsibilities.
Every member needs to know their tasks and how their work will contribute to the overall goals.
Work processes. You don’t need a notebook full of procedures, but agree on how to carry out the basics—such as decision-making or communicating.

Rules of engagement.
Establish a constructive team culture. Discuss the shared values, norms, and beliefs that will shape the daily give-and-take between team members.

Performance metrics.
How will you measure progress? Define the measures for meeting the goals, and the consequences for not meeting them.

Flexible working is a vital recruitment tool for UK firms

Andrew Collins — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:17:09 +0000

Flexible working has a bigger impact on job satisfaction for UK workers than benefits such as a financial stake in the business, bonus schemes and pensions, according to research released by Vodafone UK. The research shows that more than 75 percent of workers believe that flexible working boosts their job satisfaction and improves work-life balance, and that 1 in 5 employees would seriously consider moving employer over the next 12 months. As employers compete for the best talent, flexible working has become an expectation for employees, not a perk. Half of all managers surveyed feel that offering flexible working options makes them a more attractive prospect as a potential employer. Eighty-five per cent of managers believe that employees now expect greater flexibility from the companies they work for. Three fifths of organisations surveyed now equip the majority of employees with the technology to work from wherever they need to. This figure is slightly lower for SMEs (46%) and slightly higher for larger organisations (63%).

In Tough Situations, Unplug and Wait

Andrew Collins — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:26:57 +0000

When a project or meeting gets difficult, it can be tempting to power through to try to get it over with. But it’s better to do the same you might do for a slow-moving computer: shut it off and wait a minute. Give yourself the opportunity to regain your composure. In a meeting that’s going nowhere? Take a break. Not making headway on that proposal you need to write? Take a walk. During the break, don’t think of new strategies or arguments. By taking yourself out of the situation, you allow your brain to rest so that when you return—with a fresh perspective and a calm mind—you are more likely to find a new solution.

Leverage Your Digital Network

Andrew Collins — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:52:44 +0000

Most managers understand how to use online tools, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, to build their networks. But few use these networks to gather information and wield influence. Here are three things you can do with a strong digital network:

Test ideas.
Test proposals and strategies both inside and outside your organization. Float an idea to see how many “likes” it gets or to direct people to a survey.

Broker connections.
Increase your influence by positioning yourself as a bridge between unconnected groups. Identify potential collaborations and make introductions.

Get feedback.
Good networkers rely on their contacts to give feedback on challenges. Post a message about your struggle and solicit input.