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Autism Awareness Month 2023: How to Foster An Inclusive and Effective Working Environment

Posted on April 5, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

By Dan Kentley, Practice Manager at Onebright

Around 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, a condition which affects around 700,000 adults and children in the UK. Autism Awareness Month is recognised throughout the month of April and aims to raise awareness about autism, which can also be referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism Spectrum Condition. This year, we look at how organisations and workplaces can support their neurodiverse workforce and attract new talent.

Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects different people in different ways in different environments. The challenges that one autistic individual may face could be the strengths of another, and vice versa. Because of this variety, the ‘standard’ practices we see in the workplace may need reviewing to ensure they are as inclusive as possible for all employees.

Autistic individuals bring a wealth of unique knowledge, skills, and expertise to the workplace. However, those with autism often report feeling that they are perceived by others to struggle in all areas of work, just because they may have difficulties in one or two specific fields.

Skills and attributes such as focus, attention to detail, retention of information, creativity, and analytical skills are all prime examples of how autistic individuals can bring new and different perspectives to organisations and teams. But in order to harness these skills, organisations need to adapt working practices and environments to suit the needs of their neurodiverse employees.

A 2020 study identified the three key areas which need to be considered in order to ensure an autism-friendly environment. These include knowledge and understanding of autism across an organisation, optimal work environment, and appropriate job match.

Social challenges can be particularly impactful for individuals with autism, whether associated with ‘extra-curricular’ social events or work-related interactions, such as communicating expectations or interpreting workplace culture. Sharing knowledge and encouraging reflection across the wider workforce can help to break down these barriers and foster a culture of understanding, enquiry, and support.

Simple adaptations such as minimising distractions, reducing noise, and ensuring job duties are clear can all be helpful for autistic individuals. Line manager supervision, clear communication and feedback mechanisms, cultural support for social situations or meetings, and clear development opportunities and career path progression all need particular care and attention to foster an environment where neurodiverse individuals can thrive.

Of course, there is no ‘one size fits all’ support strategy. The following factors are a great place to start to establish a healthy and effective working environment for all employees.

Assess the accessibility of your hiring process

Start by evaluating how job positions are advertised and whether your organisation encourages applications from individuals with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Are job descriptions regularly reviewed to ensure they include clear and specific expectations of a role and avoid any generic non-essential requirements? How might the interview process be more inclusive? Are clear details of the process set out in advance? A ‘traditional’ interview or application process may not be inclusive for all applicants, so it may be necessary to tailor your hiring programme to present an equal opportunity for everyone.

Think about your physical work environment

Creating options for low stimulus environments will ensure autistic or neurodiverse individuals have access to an environment in which they are able to do their best work. Providing noise-cancelling headphones or a quiet space to unwind after a busy meeting can be highly beneficial for those who may not work well in loud or crowded environments. It’s also important to ensure you are using technology to the advantage of neurodiverse individuals, rather than creating an unnecessary stimulus.

Establish a clear and effective mental health policy

Constructing and regularly updating a mental health policy is important to ensure working environments are benefitting all of your employees. As a start, your policy should include considerations of the factors that allow autistic and neurodiverse individuals to work most effectively. These practices should then be communicated clearly across the organisation. An emphasis on open and consistent dialogue between managers, supervisors, and all other employees will create an inclusive and supportive working environment that allows all employees to thrive.

9 Things Employers Can Do to Look After Their Staff During the Cost of Living Crisis

Posted on April 5, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

As the cost of living crisis continues, employers must recognise the importance of supporting their employees during these challenging times. From both a business and human perspective. Financial stress can significantly impact employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, and productivity. As a result, many organisations are taking steps to provide support and alleviate some of the financial concerns faced by their staff. Beyond being morally right to support employees during times of economic hardship, there are also business benefits.

Employee performance experts at Weekly10 summated their 9 tips so that businesses can support their employees during tough economic times:

Focus on employee engagement
Prioritise employee wellbeing
Be transparent with employees
Look to build resilience
Foster a future focus
Develop healthy relationships
Support physical wellbeing
Provide personal and professional development
Learn and strategise afterwards

Focus on employee engagement

Why employee engagement matters

Employee engagement is the foundation for any successful business – whether there’s a cost of living crisis or not. When employees feel connected to their work, peers, and company mission, they’re more likely to find meaning in their work. They feel like they are contributing to a bigger purpose, which can boost their sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. Engaged employees are also more likely to be motivated and productive, leading to a sense of achievement and personal growth.

High levels of engagement can lead to greater job security. Engaged employees are more committed to their work and company, which can make them more likely to stay with the organisation. This, in turn, can provide greater stability and a sense of security.

How to build employee engagement

To build an engagement-focused culture, it’s crucial that we understand more about the specific elements of engagement. There’s a simple 10 step model for management based on what HR best practice and behavioural science tells us are the key elements underpinning employee engagement. Let’s assume you’re already getting the basics right like fair pay, and competent managers. Others things you can do are:

Be open and honest about the ups and downs. Transparency is critical to having engaged staff.
Set clear goals so everyone knows what’s expected, and check progress regularly.
Recognise when people go above and beyond. Everyone likes a pat on the back every now and then.

Prioritise employee wellbeing

Why employee wellbeing needs attention during a cost of living crisis

Managers, leaders, and HR have a moral responsibility to look out for their employees. This is especially true during the cost-of-living crisis because they’re likely to be facing higher levels of stress at work and at home.

Unsurprisingly, job losses, financial uncertainty, falling engagement, and increased productivity are a bad recipe for employee wellbeing. But wellbeing is more than just how happy someone seems. It’s about finding a good balance because healthy employees = healthy business.

How to offer wellbeing support to employees in cost of living crisis

Managers can help their staff feel supported and valued by offering support, being flexible, providing fair compensation, fostering a positive work environment, and providing opportunities for development. A simple “how are you?” goes a long way.

Jim Hartner, Chief Scientist of Workplace and Wellbeing, Gallup summarised the link between wellbeing and bottom line: “When your employees’ wellbeing is thriving, your organisation directly benefits — they take fewer sick days, deliver higher performance, and have lower rates of burnout and turnover. But when your employees’ wellbeing suffers, so does your organisation’s bottom line.”

Be transparent with employees

Why transparency matters during a cost of living crisis

Honesty and openness create a sense of psychological safety that is essential during times of crisis. That’s why, during the cost of living crisis, it’s important for leaders and managers to be transparent at work. When leaders admit to negative situations or acknowledge uncertainty, employees feel safer and more secure. If you can’t afford to give the usual bonus or annual pay rise, be honest. Tell employees how you do plan to support them in cost of living crisis.

Frequent communication is key to building trust and transparency between managers and employees. 86% of employees feel a lack of effective and open communication is the main cause of workplace issues.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, emphasies the importance of being visible, authentic, and transparent in communication during difficult times. By acknowledging what is known and what is unknown, employees are more likely to trust and respect their managers.

How to be more transparent with your staff

Holding regular one-on-one meetings, town halls, and sending weekly email updates from the CEO are all effective ways to ensure that employees have ample opportunity to communicate and share their thoughts and concerns. It’s important to avoid talking at employees and instead actively listen and engage with them.

A culture of honesty and openness can positively impact employee engagement, morale, and productivity. Especially when you include clear goal-setting as part of being transparent. It may seem odd but setting clear goals will keep your entire organisation on track. Everyone is focused on the same destination, just via different routes.

Setting goals during a crisis helps to motivate and align individual, team, and department work. In uncertain times, collaborating to set goals can help to ease stress and provide much-needed support and clarity.

But beware. During tough times, goals need frequent reviews as priorities and objectives adapt to the situation. An outdated goal can have a negative impact on engagement, performance, and wellbeing.

Build employee resilience to help them adapt during hard times

Why resilience is critical to supporting employees during a cost of living crisis

Your people are a business’ secret weapon to thriving in tough times. Support your people and they will support you. But bosses must do the groundwork to help their employees learn healthy mechanisms to develop their own resilience.

Resilience is how you handle difficult situations. Often described as the ability to bounce back and carry-on during adversity. Resilience measures how effectively you regulate your thoughts and emotions, as well as perceiving challenging situations as an opportunity, not a personal threat.

Having a resilient workforce has huge benefits. Your people can deal with change and are less susceptible to burnout. It drives motivation and improves employees’ overall health. That’s because resilience and workplace wellbeing are linked.

How to build employee resilience

Building resilience is very much a personal journey that takes self-reflection, time, and practice. However, team leaders and managers can support an individual’s development by providing the right tools and training.

Employees and managers need to understand the basic elements that create resilience at work. A workplace culture with opportunities for social interactions, good wellbeing, and personal development will instinctively create the right environment to build resilience.

Foster a future focus

Why looking forward will help support your employees after the cost of living crisis

A growth mindset helps employees to future-gaze constructively. This promotes openness to change and adaptation and enables healthy responses to challenges and problems. This is linked closely to being resilient.

Critical thinking and accountability are important here. It requires stopping and thinking logically, rather than being swayed by emotions. It also means being human: admit you don’t know everything and ask questions to learn more.

How to foster a future focus

Employers can help their employees develop a growth mindset by providing opportunities for learning and development. Encouraging employees to take on new challenges and providing them with the necessary training and resources can help them build resilience and adapt to changing circumstances.

Leaders should foster a culture of continuous learning, emphasising the importance of taking risks, learning from failures, and celebrating successes. They can also provide regular feedback and recognition to help employees see their progress and feel motivated to continue their growth.

Another way to support employees in developing a growth mindset is to encourage them to seek out mentors or coaches who can provide guidance and support. Mentors can offer insights and advice based on their own experiences, while coaches can help employees identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies for improvement.

Employers can also promote a growth mindset by setting challenging but achievable goals and providing employees with opportunities to collaborate and share their knowledge and skills with others. By creating an environment that values learning and growth, employers can help employees build resilience and adaptability, which can be particularly important during a cost of living crisis.

Develop healthy relationships for moral support

Why having a good support network at work matters during the cost of living crisis

During the cost of living crisis, employees may feel stressed and isolated, which can negatively impact their mental health and overall wellbeing. By developing healthy work relationships, employers can create a supportive and collaborative environment that helps employees feel more connected and engaged in their work.

When employees have positive relationships with their colleagues, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work, which can lead to increased productivity and better job satisfaction. Additionally, having people to talk to and offer support can help employees manage stress and navigate difficult situations, such as financial uncertainty, during a cost of living crisis.

How to build healthy employee relationships in cost of living crisis

Relationships take time and can’t be forced. Developing healthy relationships at work is essential for both your personal and professional growth. And Leadership can support employees to foster healthy workplace relationships by encouraging them to focus on things like:

– Building genuine connections by expressing real interest in others, including their differences, and being mindful of their views and values. Being open to other’s viewpoints can expand your own perceptions and expectations.
Confiding in a mentor. They provide a safe space outside your immediate team to express and challenge yourself. Encourage your employees to learn from those around them. This could be as simple as observing from a distance or having more formal arrangements.
– Calling out negative behaviours. If there are people who bring you and others down at work, think about what can be done. Often, people don’t realise what they’re doing and how it affects others until someone else challenges it. Honest, empathetic feedback can help with this.
– Respecting your colleagues’ boundaries. Being mindful of their time and workload, as well as out-of-work responsibilities.
Practice gratitude: Show appreciation for your colleagues’ contributions, celebrate their achievements, and thank them for their support.
– Communicate to be understood, not heard. Communication is key to building healthy relationships at work. Be clear and concise when you communicate, listen actively, and be open to feedback.

– Build trust: Trust is crucial for any relationship, especially in the workplace. Keep your promises, be reliable and consistent, and show that you are trustworthy.

Support your employees physical wellbeing

Why physical wellbeing matters during a cost of living crisis

Physical health is closely linked to mental and emotional health. Although physical fitness is personal, companies can take steps to support their employees’ physical health and wellbeing.

In the UK, an estimated 141.4 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury. In the US, an estimated 1.5 billion workdays are lost each year due to absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick or unwell) caused by poor physical health.

How to support your people to be physically healthier

This isn’t about gym memberships and away days. This is about creating a workplace culture that enables your people to work in a way that works for their health. Here are four ways companies can support their employees’ physical health:

Offer ergonomic workstations. Sitting for long periods can be harmful to employees’ physical health, so companies can provide ergonomic workstations with adjustable chairs, desks, and computer monitors to help reduce the risk of injuries or chronic pain.

Suggest walking or standing meetings, or limiting meetings altogether so that people can choose to work how and where they need to, to best support their physical health.

Encourage employees to take breaks rather than work through lunch, or for excessively long periods. Offer flexible work arrangements that allow employees to balance their work and personal lives more effectively.

Check-in on people’s workloads to make sure they’re fair and manageable. This is achieved by setting clear goals and realistic deadlines. Knowing what’s expected and how you’re tracking against those expectations plays a big part in managing ambiguity and stress.

Provide personal and professional development opportunities

Why personal development is the ultimate way to support employees in cost of living crisis

Personal and professional development is crucial for employees during a cost of living crisis as it helps them to adapt to changes, remain productive, and advance their careers while also building resilience.

Investing in an employee’s personal and professional development is a way of recognising an employee’s value. Empoyers can use development as an alternative to increasing basic salary or offering a bonus, which lose their effectiveness quickly anyway.

Setting clear and actionable steps will make building resilience feel more tangible, and prevent it from feeling overwhelming.

How to encourage employees to learn new skills

New skills help employees to adapt to changes in the workplace. In a cost of living crisis, companies may need to make changes to stay afloat, and employees who can adapt to these changes will be more valuable. This can open up new career opportunities for staff. This is particularly important when job opportunities may be limited.

Emphasise how new skills support future job security. Employees who are constantly developing their skills are more likely to be retained. Companies may prioritise retaining employees who have the skills and knowledge needed to navigate challenging times.

Developing resilience is important during difficult times. Employees who have a growth mindset and are constantly learning and developing new skills are better equipped to handle the challenges that come with a cost of living crisis.

Learn and strategise afterwards

Why you need to use the cost of living crisis to learn how to support employees moving forward

Not to get all Nostradamus on you, but you never know when the next tough episode is coming. But be sure, it is coming. Whether it’s a pandemic, recession, or natural disaster, or something else entirely. Being prepared means your people and business will be in a better position to face it. So now’s the time to take stock, learn the lessons, and introduce new processes and strategies.

How to take what you’ve learnt and adapt

Review how you supported your employee through the cost of living crisis

The first step is to look at what you, your people, and your business has just gone through. Collect the thoughts and experiences from your people. Find out how they felt, what they went through, and poll for ideas on futureproofing.

Continue to focus on supporting employees to build their resilience

Resilience is like any other skill. It needs honing. Yes, your people may have just gone through a crisis and come out stronger, but don’t lose focus. Put plans into motion to build and strengthen resilience further.

Build better communication processes

You’ll have seen the impact good communication has on your people and business during your recent tough time. Again, resting on your laurels is not a sensible move here. Continue to talk to your people open and honestly. Run frequent employee check-ins, have your managers run 1:1s more often, and open up lines of communication across your business. Make sure your people can talk and be heard when they need to be.

Shake up your hiring and retention strategies

It’s likely you’ll have learnt a lot about your people during the last period of change and uncertainty. Some hidden gems may have emerged and some previous stars may have faded. You’ll have a better feel for strengths, loyalty, and weaknesses. Take that information and reform how (and who) you hire and how you keep people long-term.

A morally and economically sound strategy

Supporting your people during hard times, or times of uncertainty, is morally and economically sound. Both the business and your employees will benefit. Build a team capable of pitching in when times are tough, not just when it’s easy. Reward great work and innovation fairly, celebrate the great things your people achieve, and build employee engagement organically.

A spokesperson from Weekly10 commented: “The cost of living is being felt by employers and employees alike and looking after staff has never been more pertinent for businesses, individuals, communities.

These areas of focus are extremely important and those employers who pay them due diligence are sure to benefit from doing so.

With the fluid state of the economy and no particular letup in sight in terms of the cost of living, looking after staff is going to be of increased importance in every business for the foreseeable future.”

Unleashing the Power of User-Centered Innovation for Startups

Posted on April 5, 2023 | by root

Many startups fall into the trap of developing products or services that may be technically advanced but fail to meet the needs of their target customers.

This is where user-centered innovation comes in – a process that puts the needs and wants of users at the center of the innovation process. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of user-centered innovation and how startups can leverage it to create products that meet their customers’ needs.

What is User-Centered Innovation?

User-centered innovation is an approach to innovation that prioritizes end-users needs and wants throughout the entire product development process. This means involving users in product development’s ideation, design, prototyping, and testing phases to ensure that the final product meets their needs.

The goal of user-centered innovation is to create products that are not only technically advanced but also meet users’ needs in terms of functionality, usability, and overall user experience. By involving users in the development process, startups can ensure that their products are relevant, helpful, and desirable to their target customers.

How to Implement User-Centered Innovation in Your Startup

Implementing user-centered innovation in your startup involves several key steps, including:

Identifying User Needs

The first step in user-centered innovation is to identify the needs and wants of your target customers.

Ideation

Once you clearly understand user needs, you can begin ideating potential solutions that meet those needs. This can involve brainstorming, sketching, and other creative processes.

Testing

This can involve usability testing, user interviews, and other feedback-gathering methods.

Iteration

Based on the feedback gathered during testing, you can make iterations to your output until it meets the needs and wants of your desired audience.

User-centered innovation is not a one-time process but an ongoing one that should be integrated into the overall culture of the startup. By continuously gathering feedback and making iterations, startups can ensure that their products remain relevant and valuable to their customers.

Perks For Companies That Employ User-Centered Innovation

In addition to involving users in product development, startups can leverage user-centered innovation to improve other aspects of their business, such as customer service and marketing. User-centered innovation is also essential in today’s increasingly competitive startup landscape.

Moreover, The code that powers the Bitcoin network is open source, which means that it can be viewed and modified by anyone with the technical knowledge to do so. This code is known as the Bitcoin protocol, and it specifies the rules that govern the creation and transfer of bitcoins. The BitSoft 360 is constantly evolving as developers work to improve the network’s security, scalability, and functionality.

Finally, it’s worth noting that user-centered innovation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different startups may require other methods of gathering user feedback and may need to prioritize other aspects of the user experience.

Real-World Startup Examples Leveraging User-Centered Innovation

To further emphasize the importance of user-centered innovation, let’s look at some real-world examples of startups that have successfully leveraged this approach to create products that meet the needs of their target customers.

One example is Dropbox, a cloud storage company with over 500 million users worldwide. When Dropbox first launched in 2007, it was a simple file storage and sharing platform aimed primarily at tech-savvy users. However, the company soon realized a much larger market for its product among non-technical users looking for an easy-to-use and reliable way to store and share files. Dropbox discovered that many users were frustrated with the complexity and unreliability of existing file storage solutions and were looking for a simple and intuitive platform that worked. In response, Dropbox simplified its interface and added features that made it easier for non-technical users to get started with the platform.

Another example of a startup that has successfully leveraged user-centered innovation is Airbnb, a platform that allows users to rent out their homes or apartments to travelers. When Airbnb first launched in 2008, it was primarily aimed at budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable alternatives to traditional hotels.

Final Words

User-centered innovation is a powerful approach to innovation that can help startups create products that genuinely meet the needs and wants of their target customers. By involving users in product development, startups can reduce risk, improve product-market fit, and enhance the overall user experience. Furthermore, by following the critical steps of user-centered innovation, startups can unleash the power of user-centered innovation and create products that are technically advanced and highly desirable to their target customers.

Unlocking the Prospect of the Metaverse: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

Posted on April 5, 2023 | by root

Entrepreneurs are starting to take notice of the metaverse because it presents a unique opportunity to create entirely new businesses and revenue streams. However, entrepreneurs must be innovative, adaptable, and willing to take risks to succeed in the metaverse.

Advantages Of Metaverse For Entrepreneurs

In the real world, starting a business can be difficult because of the high cost of entry, intense competition, and regulatory hurdles. In contrast, the metaverse offers entrepreneurs a relatively low barrier to entry, with plenty of room for experimentation and growth. Most calls are saturated in the real world, but entrepreneurs can develop new products and services. For example, they can create virtual fashion brands, digital art galleries, or real estate.

One way entrepreneurs in the metaverse can leverage blockchain technology is by using the Bitcoin loophole. The Bitcoin loophole is the software that underlies the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, and it is open-source, meaning that anyone can use and modify it. Entrepreneurs familiar with the Bitcoin code can use it to create cryptocurrencies, such as in-game tokens or digital currencies that can be used in virtual marketplaces.

Additionally, entrepreneurs can use the Bitcoin code to create secure and transparent transactions, which is essential in the digital environment of the metaverse. Using the Bitcoin code, entrepreneurs can create new revenue streams and monetization models that are secure, transparent, and accessible to a global audience. To succeed in the metaverse, entrepreneurs need to understand the unique challenges of this new environment.

Challenges And Opportunities For Entrepreneurs In The Metaverse

One of the most significant challenges facing entrepreneurs in the metaverse is the issue of copyright and intellectual property. As the metaverse grows, it is becoming increasingly difficult to protect intellectual property rights, and entrepreneurs need to be vigilant to avoid plagiarism and copyright infringement.

As the industry continues to grow, entrepreneurs willing to take risks and experiment will have the chance to shape the future of this exciting new industry.

Traditional advertising can be expensive and ineffective in the real world. In addition, businesses are limited by geographic location and language barriers. Entrepreneurs can reach an audience in the metaverse and connect with people worldwide. This presents unique opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Entrepreneurs in the metaverse also have the opportunity to leverage blockchain technology. In addition, by using blockchain, entrepreneurs can also create new revenue streams and monetization models, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized marketplaces.

For example, it needs to be clarified how the metaverse will be regulated, how intellectual property will be protected, and how users will interact in this new environment. Therefore, entrepreneurs who want to succeed in the metaverse must stay informed and adapt quickly to changes in the industry.

Emerging Trends In The Metaverse For Entrepreneurs

As the metaverse industry continues to grow, there are several emerging trends that entrepreneurs should pay attention to. VR and AR technologies allow for even more immersive experiences in the metaverse, and entrepreneurs who can leverage these technologies to create unique experiences for their users will be at an advantage.

In addition, there is a growing interest in creating metaverse experiences that are accessible to all users. This includes creating experiences compatible with different devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and experiences accessible to users with disabilities. Entrepreneurs who prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in their metaverse experiences will be able to reach a wider audience and create more meaningful connections with their users.

Finally, there is a growing interest in using the metaverse to address real-world problems, such as climate change, social inequality, and mental health. As a result, entrepreneurs using the metaverse to create positive social impact will be well-positioned to succeed in this new industry.

Final Words

In conclusion, the metaverse presents an exciting new frontier for entrepreneurs, offering unique opportunities to create innovative businesses and revenue streams. However, success in the metaverse requires adaptability, risk-taking, and understanding the challenges and opportunities unique to this new environment.

Entrepreneurs who can leverage emerging technologies, prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, foster social interaction, and create positive social impact will be well-positioned to succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving industry. As the metaverse continues to grow and develop, entrepreneurs must stay informed, adaptable, and willing to experiment to unlock its full potential.

How to Ensure Your Brand Identity Stays Relevant

Posted on April 3, 2023 | by Magdalena Lew

Modern brands are often referred to as living brands. They need to evolve with the core brand itself while also representing different aspects, such as various products, services, or specific campaigns. During all these morphs they must continue to do the work they are primarily designed for, to hold the integrity of the brand by consistently expressing its agreed values.

All this requires monitoring and management while the world outside is a mass of change, some predictable but much of it apparently random, or provoked by some outside force out of our control, such as environmental concerns or disasters.

We can spend a small fortune researching the shifts happening in the world, how people’s mindsets change, what the latest appeal or fashion is, and so on. While I am sure research is invaluable in large organisations, politics and institutions dealing with a big agenda, there is another source of research that is in us all. Intuition. And there are many cases where CEOs have rejected costly conventional research in favour of gut feeling and been rewarded accordingly. I rather like Anita Roddick’s assessment of research as ‘looking in the rear vision mirror’ while driving.

Some businesses employ psychics such as Laura Day and, allegedly, don’t regret it. Laura states that we all have this ability, and she trains prospective psychics to do the same. I think, in our left-brained world, that we have unfortunately learned not to trust our inner guidance and to look outside for ‘proven’, ‘tried and tested’ methods of assessment. Essentially this keeps us where we are.

Lynne McTaggart, author of ‘The Field’, describes how our left logical brain keeps us where we are (apparently safe) in the familiar whereas the right brain is connected to the quantum field, where all human memory is stored without time and space constraints. Imagine the information we can tap into through our intuition, our psychic abilities and our gut feelings. Many, many successful entrepreneurs publicly admit to owning and acting on these. Even governments and businesses use it.

I attended a course run by Russel Targ who was responsible for training remote viewers for the CIA. Remote viewers state that it is possible to remotely access anything regardless of space and time. It is relatively simple, like imagining ourselves in a specific place and time and describing what is there. The challenge is to keep it authentic as the logical mind starts to try and make sense of it whereas the information may be delivered in a more creative way. This can easily take us down the wrong rabbit hole. But, like anything, with practice comes ease.

None of this is about ignoring logic and proven results but we need both if we are to grow relevance.

When we learn to trust the information we receive, beyond that which is presented logically and based on historical and past experience, then we can constantly check in on our brand easily and without cost and simply listen to our intuition. I use my logo as an intermediary; it gives my left brain something to focus on, while my right brain looks for clues and eventually they come fast. The logo is the obvious choice as it is the most powerful interface between brand and customer, identifying everything the brand does and stands for.

So how can we apply this to ensure our brand identity remains relevant?

It is a simple process. While one route is to enter a sort of meditative state, in whatever way suits us individually, and imagine ‘meeting with the logo’, we can simply imagine our logo in our minds, anywhere and anytime, and describe what stands out. When we become more familiar with the process it gets easier to start this with a focused intention such as simply checking on the status of the design, how effective it is in a particular area of exposure, or whether any of the elements within need refreshing. I am a visual person and may see part of the design looking lazy and I know I need to ramp up the energy, maybe more social media, time investment, or a brand clean up. If I need clarity, again I ask. A particular letter may stand out, if it is a low descender, I may look at what is happening at ground level, an ascender, and I might focus more on my aspirations and how they are being nourished. Whatever decision I take in my business I ensure that I always check in on my intuition for clarity. It would be foolish not to.

There is of course, as mentioned, the conventional, tried and tested research upon which global brands rely on heavily. It helps ensure success in our fluctuating, volatile world where our preferences and tastes can change on a whim. While my personal preference is to look inside to our internal place where we are all connected, we cannot work in isolation and monitoring shifts at ground level makes absolute sense. Typefaces, colours and applications change constantly, albeit sometimes subtly; we must keep with the current fashion while retaining the goodwill and familiarity we have built. If we want to stand out from the crowd, but appear in tune with the latest style, we must negotiate this edge.

Brands may choose to refresh their colour; we may not notice but we will register it. Google changed its logo alignment in probably the most subtle way possible by moving the ‘g’ right one pixel and the ‘l’ down and right one pixel. Soon after this they changed the typeface, from a classic serif to a more friendly sans serif, but the colour of each letter remained. Without doubt the latter amendment was more noticeable but the first mattered too. We are hardwired to note these minute variations.

Of course, the logo may not need to change at all. By creating change in the applications, we make the shift we need for success. We may reduce or increase the size or position of the logo on advertising and marketing and review the content of those applications, such as the illustrations and photographs, their content and treatment, black and white, colour or hand drawn sketches to mention a few.

If we are working unconventionally, then we can use our intuition to guide us to the final result. Where do you want to see your image do its best work? Then imagine that. Make the colours, or the size, or any other detail brighter in your imagination. This is how NLP works successfully.

Whatever way we choose to ensure that our brand identity stays relevant, the most important thing to remember is that we do check up on it consistently. Depending on our brand and the results we want to see, this can be daily, weekly, monthly or annually but, in the words of Nike ‘Just do it.’

Lora Starling

Founder & Logo Designer

https://lorastarling.com/

Lora Starling is a trailblazer and experienced designer with over 30 years of experience having run her own corporate graphic design business in London. Merging conventional design excellence with spiritual wisdom she now creates logos that enable her clients to envision and attract the future they want using the same tools as global brands.

Having worked for clients including Lloyds Banking Group, AMEC, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Boots Company, Lora has revisited and reshaped the principles of logo design since leaving her corporate role in London.

Now, Lora is passionate about working with brands, and entrepreneurs in the UK, Australia and USA to make a difference and deliver brand impact through successful visual logos. She believes that logos hold the imprint of the business spirit and conveniently and effectively build the world of imagination and our solid world of manifestation. These are imperatives for a successful business and also for everyday life which Lora achieves through helping her clients draw on everyday intuition within their lives.

Lora is also the author of three books (The Logo Decoded, Identify Yourself and Future You), with a fourth in the publishing process.

Maintaining an Ethical Business Through Expansion

Posted on March 31, 2023 | by root

In recent years, more attention has been given to the less than ideal effects that can come as a result of business expanding — especially internationally. The spotlight that’s been put on situations in which businesses seem to take advantage of local populations has left many with a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to businesses expanding into different countries.

While the scrutiny that has come as a result of certain expansions has been beneficial in holding organizations accountable, it has, in some ways, made many feel as if ethical expansion is not possible for businesses.

This is far from the case, and it’s more than possible to expand a business, even internationally, ethically, and respectfully. Gaining insight into how this is possible can give one a more nuanced perspective of the process of business expansions.

The Three Categories of Ethics in Business

When it comes to ethics in business, there are three main types. Being aware of the various types of ethics is important when expanding one’s business into a new country. The three main categories of ethics in business are:

Compliance-based codes: These are typically government regulations that businesses must follow. Failing to follow compliance-based ethics can often result in punishments and legal repercussions.

Value-based codes: This type of ethics revolves around self-imposed rules which reflect the morals of a certain business. It typically promotes putting the public good above a business’s self-interest.

Professional codes: This category of ethics typically refers to trust between various business partners when it comes to fiduciary matters. As such, its function is to make sure that businesses are upholding the interest of their clients rather than themselves.

Establishing Ethics Prior to Expansion

For businesses interested in expanding their business internationally, it’s important to establish a code of ethics before making the expansion. This code can then be made to be a moral compass for those in leadership positions, ensuring that everyone with a position of power involved in the operation is aware of the guidelines for how they should be acting.

While it can be helpful to look to laws around labour and ethics in other countries, this should only act as a starting point. Businesses intent on making a smooth expansion into international countries should strive to go beyond the bare minimum and attempt to make their business a force of good in the country to which they are relocating.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion

Businesses planning on expanding internationally should aim to implement strategies to create a culture of inclusion in the workplace. When this is done, businesses can be sure that they are not alienating anyone in their operations. It is especially important to be inclusive and understanding of the locals in the country to which one is expanding.

When businesses fail to do this, it can result in situations that take on a flavour of ethnocentrism, which is bad for everyone. When businesses make a concerted effort to be inclusive of everyone working in their business, it is far easier to maintain high ethical standards with integrity.

Being Mindful of Cultural Differences

When expanding internationally, businesses should make a concerted effort to be mindful of cultural differences. This is an important part of ethics in international business, and disregarding this practice can result in a number of negative consequences. When businesses disregard cultural differences during expansions, they can create a number of problems for both themselves and the people who inhabit the country they’re expanding into.

This form of expansion makes it clear that a business has no intention of expanding ethically and can bring bad publicity and gain one’s organization a bad reputation. As such, it’s important to act in ways that are sensitive to local customs and attitudes rather than ignoring or disregarding them.

A way to be mindful of cultural differences is to have employees whose role it is to ensure that cultural cohesion happens during an expansion. This individual, or individuals, should speak the native language and be aware of the differences in culture between the expanding business and the locals of a country. Having someone in this role can help businesses expand internationally while maintaining a high ethical standard and integrity.

Vetting International Business Partners

When businesses are considering going into partnerships with international entities, it can be a good idea to vet these partners before moving forward. While companies will typically have reasonable labour laws, they are not always strictly enforced.

As a result, organizations sometimes take advantage of this lack of enforcement and engage in unethical business practices. These practices can range from child labour to employee abuse to having unsafe work conditions.

As such, businesses that don’t vet their potential business partners may be turning a blind eye to unethical conduct. For this reason, vetting partners is an important part of maintaining ethical practices when teaming up with international entities.

Ethical Expansion is Possible

While there have been innumerable examples of organizations expanding internationally in an unethical fashion, this does not have to be the way things are done. Businesses willing to put in the effort have the ability to expand their business internationally ethically and admirably. While it may take more effort, expanding ethically is more than possible when the right steps are taken.

Debt’s Impact on the Workplace

Posted on March 30, 2023 | by root

With millions of people in debt and many of them digging their hole deeper each day, the problem is bound to spill over into other aspects of their lives. We are already familiar with how debt can negatively affect relationships and how it can prevent people from pursuing their dreams, but one impact that isn’t discussed as much is how debt impacts the workplace. Debt expert Leslie Tayne takes a look at how employees’ debt affects their employers.

Burnout

When people are in debt, they have to find a way to pay at least the minimum amounts due and if their current job doesn’t pay them enough to do that, these employees have to either work more at that job or find a second job. Either solution can lead to employee burnout, which can then lead to poor performance, lack of production, and other issues that directly impact the employer.

Employees who are burning the candle at both ends just to stay afloat financially are not able to be their best selves at their job. Even if their performance is satisfactory, imagine what it would be like if they were able to put all their energy into one job for a reasonable amount of time each day? Plus, burnout can trigger all sorts of health issues that can require employees to miss days at work. This doesn’t help either the employee or the employer.

Increased Employee Turnover

Workers who are drowning in debt are always on the lookout for a higher paying job. They are ready to jump ship at a moment’s notice if another opportunity comes up that can help them get out of debt more quickly. Hiring and training new employees costs employers significantly more than retaining employees who are already trained, so losing employees to higher paying jobs is a real threat, especially to companies that operate on razor-thin margins.

Distraction and Lower Productivity

People who are in debt are constantly worried about their financial situation, which means they’re still thinking about it while they’re working. When their minds are on whether or not they’ll be able to make this month’s mortgage or rent payment, they aren’t on the job at hand. This is not only lowering their productivity, but also causing a potentially dangerous situation, particularly if they’re operating equipment that requires their full attention.

What Can Employers Do?

Fortunately, employers can help their employees deal with debt, which in turn has a positive impact on the employers themselves. For example, offering debt management education classes, giving them options to work overtime, providing raises for deserving employees, and investing in benefits like a 401(k) are all ways to ease employees’ concerns about their debt.

The key for employers is to realize that their employees’ financial situations have a direct impact on their job performance. Helping them manage their debt and get out of it more quickly leads to more loyal employees who will show their appreciation by working harder for you.

Conclusion

It’s easy to pretend that an employee’s debt doesn’t carry over into their work life, but the reality is that their debt is always with them. By giving them tools to help them manage their finances and dig out of their debt, you’re not only helping them live a debt-free life, but you’re ensuring you get the best from your employees as well.

Should Entrepreneurs Create Exit Plans?

Posted on March 29, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

Starting a business requires plenty of thought, planning, and of course, money – without thinking of the bigger picture, you’re likely to run into problems that will limit your potential.

But when you consider the future of your venture, are you considering an exit plan?

It may not cross your mind, particularly if you’re a small business, and you may wonder whether you need one at all.

Here, we explore the exit plan and whether it’s right for your entrepreneur adventure.

What exactly is an exit plan?

An exit plan is a preparation plan for when you leave your business. Perhaps you’re selling it to an alternative company or leaving it in the hands of a relative. It’s sensible to have one in place, as any financial loss is limited, and you could even be making money.

Any business can benefit from an exit plan. There are many different routes to go down when leaving your business, whether you anticipate more success or decide to retire. There are several exit plans that you can choose from, including:

Merger and acquisitions refer to when a business is acquired by another company, or they choose to merge together.
Selling your control involves selling the stake of the business to a partner.
Initial public offering is when a private business opens up to the public, allowing people to buy shares.
Acquihire is when a business is bought based on the talent of the employees.
Management buyout consists of employees within management buying the business from the owner.
Family succession occurs when you pass down the business to a relative to keep it in the family.
Liquidation is the route when a business can no longer make a profit and assets are sold to pay debts.
Bankruptcy is used typically when no other plan is an option and assets are taken away to compensate for debt.

How can I prepare for an exit plan?

It’s important to know what your business is worth before you decide to call it quits. To prepare for your exit, get an up-to-date business valuation to ensure accuracy. This is particularly important if you’re selling your company to someone else, as you want to be sure that you receive every penny it’s worth, and it can also assist the buyer with any plans once they take over.

Think of your ideal outcome after leaving the business. This can ultimately help you to determine which plan is right for you, but if you have already decided, it can help you begin your next venture. If your company isn’t succeeding as well as you’d have hoped, is there a different route that you could take to showcase your expertise? Alternatively, your business might be making more profit than expected, and this could be used as an investment opportunity.

What are the benefits of an exit plan?

There are many benefits of an exit plan, as you can never be too prepared. It’s better to be ahead of the game than behind it, and an exit plan is a perfect example of this. It allows you to set goals for the company and the employees in a timely fashion so that you can assess anything hindering your success.

There are many entrepreneurs across the globe that sell businesses to other companies, but an exit plan is a strategy that will be attractive to buyers. Not only does it reflect that you have aspirations in place for the business, but it showcases your commitment, which is an appealing factor to buyers.

You can have peace of mind knowing there’s a smooth ownership transition with an exit plan, regardless of who is taking over the business. Employees, buyers, and even stakeholders can prepare for the transition knowing what’s to come, and you can implement any necessary arrangements, such as training.

With an exit strategy, you’ve got much more control over your business. While this is an advantage for all business leaders, it’s especially beneficial for small business owners. If the business is unexpectedly taking off, you may consider selling due to its increase in value – and with an exit plan, you can do so much quicker.

There are a variety of exit plans to choose from, but it’s wise for your strategy to consider implementing one. Doing so offers you that bit of protection and preparation for any unpredicted success or, in the worst-case scenario, failure.

Why Automation is Your Ally When a Big Deal Comes Along

Posted on March 29, 2023 | by Akeela Zahair

Winning a big deal or a dream client is a huge boom for any business owner but if you’re not prepared for the influx of new work that follows, that celebrated new wave of work can quickly become a wave of panic.

As AI (artificial intelligence) performs some of the tasks that are usually carried out by humans, automating tasks can offer quick and effective solutions that enable businesses to be better prepared for the times when internal resources and staff are stretched.

This article will explore how business owners can use automation in their marketing campaigns to develop their brand, grow their online reach and optimise digital marketing across social media channels.

The actual tasks here can be quite varied and might revolve around anything from customer relationship management through to the deployment of email marketing. In addition to automating key campaigns such as marketing, you can tackle repetitive jobs far quicker and therefore avoid the stress of taking on a new and exciting client or contract.

What is marketing automation?

Functionally, when we talk about automation from a marketing perspective, it means using software to perform some of the tasks that are usually carried out by humans. AI can develop their brand and grow their online reach as well as optimise digital marketing campaigns across channels. The actual tasks here can be quite varied and might revolve around anything from customer relationship management through to the deployment of email marketing.

Although there are pitfalls from relying too much on automation over human input, when used effectively, marketing automation allows companies to be more proactive, productive and responsive to customers and potential customers. As well as using automation to help you cope with the big client wins, think ahead to how you can strategise to seal the next big deal, lucrative contract tender or client pitch you’re after!

Knowing how to automate business strategies like marketing or streamline operations allows your business to relieve pressure and reduce down heavier than usual workloads. Here are four reasons why automating your marketing campaign can add value to your business as a whole.

1. Add a personal touch

It is very effective in marketing campaigns to make the recipient of any marketing materials feel valued and that the communications targeted at them have been personalised. For engaging customers and building mutual trust, it pays dividends to personalise a site and your marketing comms. With the Internet likely to become saturated with AI-generated content, search engines will trust content created by someone they know about.

On the flip side, however, individually personalising marketing communications can be an enormous challenge that would almost certainly not be a good use of anyone’s time. Personalization is something that is made simple and instantaneous by automation. There are many different ways that this could work – but take the time of software that can look at a customer’s purchase history, and send out an email with suggestions for other products that customers with a similar buying history also bought.

Once again, this is something that marketing staff would be wasted on, but when it is carried out via software it can be very effective.

2. Boost your brand reach and conversion rates

It is important to point out that one of the major reasons to invest in marketing automation is that it can have such a positive effect on your brand’s reach and your business from a financial perspective. If automation can make your marketing team more effective, it can make it very possible to grow leads and make more sales.

For example, you can use automated software that allows you to track leads more effectively – this can be used to up the conversion rate. The software can track those leads that don’t end up converting and then re-target them with adverts in order to get a second chance at making the sale.

3. Customised customer and client services

There can be no doubt that ChatGPT has opened the world’s eyes to the possibilities of personalised customer service provided by AI chatbots. AI chatbots that remember the conversion, as well as learning and adapting their answers to suit the specifics of the query have the power to provide transformative customer service experience without human interaction. AI chatbots can now more accurately and intelligently mimic human speech and are able to adapt their response depending on the context of the conversation. In fact, according to one report, 74% of customers actually prefer to use chatbots when they are looking to get an answer to a simple query.

Automating your website to communicate and signpost directly to customers can support customers through necessary but time-consuming procedures. If urgent forms need processing in industries that are regulated or require formal licences, such as construction firms, driving centres or healthcare agencies, automated signposting to online forms on site pages will speed up the process, lead to quicker conversions and alleviate your employees having to physically process online applications or requests.

4. Predictive analytics

Predictive analytics is a form of AI that can help marketers make decisions by analysing large sets of data and identifying patterns and trends. By leveraging predictive analytics, marketers can better understand customer behaviour and predict their future actions. This can help in creating targeted marketing campaigns that are more likely to result in higher engagement and conversions.

For instance, it can be used to create customer personas by analysing datasets to identify the common characteristics of customers who have made a purchase or interacted with the brand in some way. These personas can then be used to create targeted campaigns that are more likely to resonate with specific customer segments.

In addition, predictive analytics can help in identifying potential churners or customers who are likely to stop using a product or service.

AI tech can elevate your current campaign’s performance, improve your business operations and help to safeguard your customer’s data. Functionally, automation can be extremely effective for your marketing campaigns and there are multiple advantages for businesses to consider business marketing automation, including: greater efficiency, increased productivity, and financial savings. The initial cost of putting effective software in place will generally be recouped quickly by the fact that your marketing team is able to make more sales. New tech can boost businesses and promote online reputation with different examples of how to use AI/automation tech most effectively.

Meanwhile, the arrival of ChatGPT as a powerhouse marketing tool might welcome a new generation of AI chatbots and tools in the future and is sparking a lot of interest. Marketing professionals already recognize their value AI and new automation tools for driving forward website search results, speeding up repetitive processes and for boosting leads or conversions. However, the future potential of AI and automation tools to add value to marketing is exciting. And, remember, marketing automation can be carried out in virtually every industry.

Why Your Digital Business Needs a Residential Proxy

Posted on March 29, 2023 | by root

As the proprietor of a contemporary business, it is paramount that you utilize technology as much as possible if you are to achieve success in your endeavour. Of course, in the age of e-commerce, this means utilizing digital channels for sales and marketing to boost the growth of your business.

However, while the potential gains of digital business are considerable, they are counterpointed to some extent by the innate challenges of operating online. With so many companies trying to achieve success through e-commerce and digital marketing, competition is fierce. Leveraging data is a must, but this is often easier said than done, as IP blocking can stymy attempts at data gathering. At the same time, cybersecurity is of greater concern than it has ever been.

With such a variety of challenges to overcome, you will require a solution that can help you maximize your business’s online potential while minimizing the risks. This is something that residential proxies do exceptionally well.

What is a residential proxy?

A residential proxy is a proxy server that functions as a middleman between an internet user and the websites they visit. Residential proxy servers reroute the internet traffic of the user, allowing them to maintain anonymity online.

When a user goes online without a proxy, their IP address is typically visible. This means websites and internet service providers can see it and identify their browsing devices. Moreover, they can use that IP addresses to work out the location of the user to apply restrictions or blocks. Residential proxies prevent this.

Residential proxies are often confused with datacentre proxies. While they both serve to redirect traffic and conceal user IPs, datacentre IPs are not provided by an ISP. Residential IPs, in contrast, are designated by ISPs for linked to specific user devices.

These characteristics make residential IPs seem more genuine to organizations that might monitor your activity. For this reason, they are less likely to be flagged or blocked than datacentre IPs.

Why is a residential proxy valuable to your business?

The following are some ways that a residential proxy can bring value to your operation:

It gives your business extra protection online

When you run a digital business that relies heavily on online interactions, cybersecurity will naturally be one of your main concerns. A residential proxy goes some way towards protecting you due to the nature of how this technology works.

Since your proxy enables you to browse the internet under an assumed IP address rather than your own, hackers and other cybercriminals will be unable to track your personal IP. This gives you an added layer of protection, helping to insulate you against the risk of a security breach.

It helps ensure a return on marketing investment

Generating momentum for an online business requires considerable effort, and you may feel it worthwhile to invest in digital advertising. In this case, it is pivotal that you remain vigilant against potential ad fraud. To verify that your ads are being displayed as intended, you need to be able to view them, but this can be tricky due to geographical factors or your IP being blocked to prevent verification.

A residential proxy helps you to circumvent such issues so that you can see how your ads are displayed to users in the target region. As such, you can easily verify them and ensure that your business gets the exposure you paid for.

It enables effective research

Thorough market research is a cornerstone of any successful business. However, this can be difficult to achieve when browsing normally. Web scraping requires a substantial number of requests to be sent to a site, and this will often trigger a block, as companies don’t want their rivals gaining insights from their product pages.

Residential proxy networks often offer rotating IPs, meaning you can perform scraping without being blocked. Consequently, you can collect the data you require to devise a strong market strategy that will help you to make your enterprise a dominant force.

Concluding

The digital marketplace provides modern businesses with vast possibilities for growth, but it can also be tricky to navigate at times. As such, you need the right technological tools to generate momentum for your digital business. By utilizing a residential proxy, you can mask your IP and browse anonymously, thereby maximizing the gains of online operations while limiting the risks.

Leadership Expert Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa Delivers Keynote at CBRE Capital Markets Investor Symposium 2023

Posted on March 24, 2023 | by Magdalena Lew

Mentora Institute, a New York-headquartered global leadership development and organizational transformation group, is pleased to announce that Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, the Institute’s Founder and President, delivered the opening keynote address at the CBRE Capital Markets Investor Symposium 2023.

During the keynote titled ‘Cultivating Resilience’, Dr. Wadhwa reframed what it means to be resilient and shared six principles – using adversity; anticipating or mitigating risks; knowing when to fight; knowing when to move on; reframing adversity; and learning and turning – and three practices – re[1]center yourself, untwist your thinking, and adopt a fast-fail mindset – that organizations in the real estate capital markets can implement to build resilient teams.

The symposium which took place last week from March 14 th to the 17th in Scottsdale, Arizona, was attended by CBRE’s Capital Market executives and clients. It included some of the industry’s most influential leaders, such as Miriam Wheeler, Partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, and Andrea Drasites, Senior Managing Director in the Real Estate Group at Blackstone.

Additionally, Dr. Wadhwa delivered a training session titled ‘The Anatomy of Great Leadership’, during which he talked about how leadership can be re-architected from the ‘inside out’ and provided insights into the ‘Inner Mastery, Outer Impact’ principles that underlie his unique approach to leadership development and performance acceleration. This unique, ‘inside out’ approach to leadership acceleration focuses on implementing simple actions in an authentic and agile way to achieve inner shifts in the individual which then naturally catalyze outer shifts in their behavior.

The symposium, which focused on the key trends shaping commercial real estate amid the market’s present challenges and dramatic evolution, benefited from the inclusion of Dr. Wadhwa’s high-level and practical insights on the pressing topic of how to build inspiring leaders and resilient teams in the real estate industry today.

In his opening keynote, Dr. Wadhwa highlighted that good leadership in the real estate capital markets is more important than ever as the number of challenges of increasing complexity, including an uncertain economic environment and the need to balance seemingly competing objectives such as ESG and growth, are creating new demands for sector leaders. Moreover, drawing from the latest scientific findings in neuroscience, psychology, behavioral economics, and studies of great changemakers and movements in history, Dr. Wadhwa explained how real estate leaders can achieve inner shifts in their behavior and reach a high-performance state to improve decision-making, collaboration and innovation.

Similarly, in the ‘Cultivating Resilience’ keynote, Dr. Wadhwa provided in-depth insights into the importance of developing resilient teams in real estate capital markets, explored the key attributes of resilient teams, and reframed resilience as the cultivation of the behaviors and mindsets that allow teams to thrive even though they may be facing uncertainty, as opposed to simply rebounding from setbacks.

Kevin Aussef, Chief Operating Officer at CBRE Global Capital Markets, said: “We are delighted to have had Dr. Wadhwa speak at this year’s Investor Symposium. Dr. Wadhwa shared very powerful insights and inspiration on the importance of leadership and resilience at a time in which the real estate capital markets are undergoing a period of uncertainty and the office is evolving to support organizations as new ways of working are established. He gave our audience many valuable practices they can use to strengthen performance among themselves and their team. The discussions he catalyzed at the symposium were of great value for all our guests.”

Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, Founder and President of Mentora Institute, said: “It was a privilege to have spoken to a very distinguished audience at the CBRE Investor Symposium 2023 at such an important time for the real estate capital markets. From economic uncertainty to changing working and purchasing patterns, the sector is facing an unprecedented number of challenges that are affecting demand and investment in commercial real estate and making having resilient teams and exemplary leaders more important than ever. Against this backdrop, I was delighted to have spoken about how leadership can be developed, and resilience can be cultivated to help teams unleash their problem-solving potential and navigate adverse conditions.”

Planning & Scheduling That Will Prevent Your Business From Failure

Posted on March 24, 2023 | by root

What is Maintenance Planning & Scheduling?

If you’re a maintenance practitioner, then at some point you’ve probably looked for ways to improve your maintenance reliability. There may be various solutions listed online, but the first step should always be implementing an effective maintenance planning and scheduling process.

It’s not something you can go without. Especially when you’re working in a highly reactive maintenance environment. Because chances are, you’re always running around fighting fires or chasing missing parts. And if that’s the case, it can be difficult to be productive enough to implement other improvement initiatives like optimizing your preventive maintenance program or implementing defect elimination.

That’s why in this article, we’ll explore maintenance planning and scheduling, why it’s crucial for the success of your maintenance program, and the steps you need to take to implement an effective maintenance planning & scheduling process.

Benefits of Maintenance Planning & Scheduling

Typically, the average industry wrench time is around 30%. Now that’s pretty low. That means that for your average 10-hour workday, your maintenance crew is only working productively for 3 hours. While the rest of the hours are lost as “waste” doing unproductive work.

But by implementing maintenance planning & scheduling, you can reduce downtime and increase your wrench time to 45%. Now, you might not think that increasing your maintenance productivity from 30% to 45% is a big deal. But to some organisations, that can translate to around hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars a year.

In practical terms, it means you can get 35% more work done every day, week, and month without hiring new people. Essentially, you just added an extra 35% to your workforce. And for a plant with 50 maintenance workers, this could mean an extra $1,500,000 in value per year. So, even though it might not sound like a significant improvement, it’s definitely worth celebrating.

Eliminate Waste with Maintenance Planning & Scheduling

Waste happens frequently in any business, but it is particularly common in maintenance. They may come in the form of delays, erroneous material identification, a lack of effective staff collaboration, and improper equipment isolation and shutdown time.

Planning and scheduling can significantly increase work productivity by getting rid of these inefficiencies. It can raise the quality of work, the uptime and integrity of crucial equipment, safety, and team member ownership by decreasing waste.

This resulting increase in job satisfaction and ownership are essential for fostering a culture of reliability and promoting ongoing development. Making better use of people’s time through planning and scheduling reduces frustration and makes the CMMS work for them rather than the other way around. Additionally, it reduces the need for firefighting and chasing “someone else’s emergencies,” allowing for more productive and proactive work.

Planning & Scheduling are not the same

Most organisation often confuses Planning with Scheduling, which is a common mistake. Essentially, Planning entails preparing for a job, enabling it to be done without any unnecessary delays. This requires identifying and preparing the scope of work, the procedures, materials, specialist services, and any special tools. Typically, a Maintenance Planner, who has a trade background, extensive experience, and sound technical knowledge, is responsible for planning maintenance.

In contrast, Scheduling determines who will perform which tasks and when, as well as how to group work to minimize waste like equipment downtime and travel time, balancing workload against available resources.

Simply put, maintenance Planning concerns the “WHAT” and “HOW” of a job, whereas Scheduling involves the “WHO” and “WHEN”. Another way to view this is that Planning minimizes delays during jobs, while Scheduling minimizes delays between jobs.

6 Steps to Maintenance Planning & Scheduling

The basic steps of a typical maintenance planning & scheduling process are detailed as follows:

Create high-quality work requests by identifying and prioritizing tasks with a standard for good work.
Plan maintenance by identifying all required resources, materials, and services to create a work pack with job scope, safety considerations, and access requirements.
Schedule work by grouping tasks in an optimized, coordinated sequence in a weekly schedule with available hours and prioritized, “Ready for Execution” work.
Execute work by providing resources and materials, performing maintenance, and updating progress and work status.
Monitor progress and performance by tracking schedule compliance, safety, and equipment condition, and adjust the schedule as needed.
Improve the process by conducting regular reviews, implementing improvements, and communicating successes and failures to stakeholders.
If you want to learn how to implement this process in greater detail, then you can read this article: How to implement Maintenance Planning & Scheduling.

Final Thoughts

Maintenance planning and scheduling is essential for the success of a maintenance program. It can reduce downtime, increase wrench time by at least 35%, eliminate waste, and increase work productivity.

It is especially important to implement it in highly reactive organisations. Because without it, it can be extremely difficult to implement other improvement initiatives like optimizing your preventive maintenance program or implementing defect elimination.

Planning and Scheduling are essential for fostering a culture of reliability and promoting continuous development. They involve preparing for a job, identifying and preparing the scope of work, the procedures, materials, specialist services, and any special tools. A Maintenance Planner is responsible for planning maintenance, while Scheduling determines who will perform which tasks and when.

The basic steps of a maintenance planning & scheduling process are detailed as follows: create high-quality work requests, plan maintenance, schedule work, execute work, monitor progress and performance, improve the process, and communicate successes and failures to stakeholders.