Category Archives: Teams
Hiring and Acquiring – Two Sides of the Same Coin?
It is hard to imagine two organisational activities that result in more high profile, costly failures and reputational damage than corporate acquisitions and senior level recruitment (although culture change probably comes close). Situations where high hopes and strong rationale underpinning an acquisition or senior level hire can quickly give way to the realisation that a big mistake has been made are all too common. At first glance they may not seem to be too similar; yet both activities share some of the same fundamental problems and issues. Given that failure in these activities is hugely damaging to businesses, isn’t it time businesses changed their approach to hiring and acquiring? Continue reading
Rethinking the War for Talent
Despite advances in technology, selection methods and years of cumulative experience; organisations continue to struggle squaring the recruitment and talent puzzle. Arguably, with all the tools currently available to them, businesses are no better at recruiting than they were 20 years ago. Whilst new technologies and social media have widened the net, there is little evidence to suggest that decision making is improving or that organisations are better at understanding what makes a successful hire. Maybe it is time that we re-frame the talent question and look at recruitment decisions through a different set of filters? Continue reading
The Complex Drivers of Performance
A recent post by Om Malik (here) sets about dissecting the recent departure of JC Penney CEO Ron Johnson after only two years in the job. Formerly the head of retail for Apple; clearly it was expected that he would … Continue reading
Actionable and Predictive Team Analytics
The significance of actionable and predictive team analytics cannot be understated. Tools that offer decision makers simple, actionable, valuable and consistent advice is key. Additionally, these capabilities have arguably been missing from the practice of anyone wanting to improve the engagement, well-being and performance of their staff or team members. Continue reading
Peopleware and Social Business – A Missing Piece?
Despite the fact that the term ‘peopleware’ was first coined in 1977 and a book by the same name was published in 1987, there is little contemporary mention of peopleware today in social business circles. It’s going to be interesting to watch the changing role of peopleware in social business, not least the idea of what peopleware is and how it can help social business realise it’s full, transformative potential. Continue reading
Team Deficiency Accounts for Startup Failure 33% of the Time
Team deficiency accounts for startup failure almost 33% of the time. Whilst is it commonplace to speak in terms of mechanical, manufacturing, medical or construction related deficiency, there are precious few online articles dealing with team deficiency. If teams are said to be deficient in something, then this raises a whole series of other interesting questions, not least of which is ‘what is a team’? Continue reading
The Hidden Cost of Collaboration
If we assume that the hidden cost of collaboration amounts to 10% of people’s working week, then this suggests significant improvements in performance and engagement can be realised through better collaboration. Equally, the 10% figure isn’t too far out of line given that other research suggests that 10 – 40% of people’s performance is based on the quality of their relationships. Continue reading
Culture and Fit
A great post by Fred Wilson (here) looks at the role culture and fit play in growing companies. Rather than the quality of the products or services a company provides being the arbiter of performance, Wilson argues that it is … Continue reading
Management Courses that Change Behaviour – Yeah right!
Keith McGregor from Personnel Psychology NZ calls out some of the myths and mysteries around training and development and the prospect of realising change, or not… Over the years we have run many management training courses and get wonderful feedback … Continue reading
Greatest Assets?
A provocatively titled blog over at HBR (here) by Anthony J. Bradley and Mark P. McDonald questions the much used adage, “people are our greatest asset” (PAOGA from now on). The article raises some interesting points, bringing together ideas around … Continue reading
