Cocktails and Coaching

Sometimes you know what you want but you're not too sure how to achieve it... We all struggle with this at times so hopefully this model, or way of thinking will help you. The trick is to break it down into your  Vision ,  Goals  and  Strategy. When I was first told about this concept, it was explained to me as, the Vision is to win the war, the Goal is to win 3 battles and the Strategy is to attack first and don't surrender!! Although work can sometimes feel like a battle! I thought I'd bring it to life with an example of wanting to appear more like a leader to help with your next promotion - a real example that a friend recently came to me with... So let's start with  Vision ,  what is it that you want to achieve?  ie demonstrate that you're a leader . Next are your  Goals , try not to have too many but think about  what it is you need to do to achieve your ambition?  ie,1. Make decisions objectively 2. Give clear direction 3. Shape other people's ideas. And t

#QuoteOfTheDay: people would rather talk about their entire sexual history than how much they earn….! Tonight I went to an event in London on ‘Negotiating The Gender Pay Gap’ there were some really interesting facts about men earning 14.2% more than women doing the same jobs, and that male graduates tend to ask for a better starting salary than female graduates but the key for me is that 31% of people leave their jobs due to their salary. However, for a lot of companies, the cost of losing someone and having to recruit and train someone new – can often outweigh the cost of just rewarding the original person fairly to start with. A lot of people, regardless of gender, aren’t happy with their pay but don’t have the confidence to ask for a payrise. So here are the top tips I took away on negotiation: Be confident – Don’t apologise before you’ve even started talking ie ‘sorry to bother you’…. ‘I know you’re busy’….. instead start the conversation with ‘I’d like to have a meet

Why is it that who you work for and how they treat you can impact you so massively? I've had a number of managers over my 16 years experience of full time work. I know, I don't look old enough surely!!! I've had some managers that haven't been the best, but I'm fortunate enough to have had a handful that have been great. What I do know when I reflect, is that I have been happiest at work during the times I've worked for the great managers. So what is it that makes a person great to work for? I know everyone is different and we are all motivated in different ways, but these are some of the things that are key to me; They believe in you They give you direction They coach you when things could have gone better But also say well done when things go well They are someone you look up to and admire They help you recognise, and bring out your strengths I try really hard to make sure I'm the best manager I can be, I want to motivate people and have people come to wor