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Explore motivational assessments designed to unlock your full potential. Discover insights into your strengths, motivations, and areas for growth, empowering you to achieve personal and professional success. Motivation Assessments Evaluation of Motivational Styles A better understanding of how we are motivated leads to a greater sense of self-awareness and improves our relationships with others. This understanding helps us see what is important to us and others. When combined with a knowledge of personality types, this understanding leads to improved decision making, conflict management and alignment of our work and personal lives. We can understand the actions and behaviours of others too when we know more about what motivates them. Knowledge of motivators when combined with personality styles and emotional insights, provides a powerful tool for improving our own understanding of why we do what we do, and why we think what we think. A practical understanding of our motivations helps us to avoid thinking we’re less good than we are and lacking motivation. It helps us to understand better what we value and how that affects our feelings in any given situation. Our motivations influence our behaviours, decisions and actions. To create a high-performance work system driving increased business productivity and profitability, we need to align our core motivations with our work. When you understand these motivators, you become more effective, you do things for the right reasons, you're less stressed and achieve significantly better results. You can think of motivators as the “why” of what we do, where personality assessments provides the “how” someone will behave. They help people to better understand their values and belief systems. Our motivations reveal our mindset, our viewpoint and way of thinking. Our motivators are essentially the reasons we do anything – they drive our behaviours, decisions, and actions, they define our passions, pleasures and satisfaction. They are the reasons we do anything; driving our behaviours, the decisions we take, and actions. The Seven Motivators Aesthetic, the need for balance, harmony and form Altruism, the need to help others Individualism, a drive to be independent and unique Economic, related to money and time Power, the need to be in control and have influence Regulatory, the need to establish order, routine and structure Theoretical, a thirst for knowledge, learning and understanding The Motivations assessment provides an in-depth identification and review of these seven dimensions and how they combine to influence behaviours, decisions and actions. It reveals how each of the seven motivators impacts our choices. We have to combine them to see how they affect one another and work as a whole. Create Triple Bottom Line Growth Discover strategies to enhance profitability, cultivate a greener and more sustainable business model, and elevate overall well-being. WATCH VIDEO

Struggling with inefficiency, low margins, or burnout? Our coaching helps installation companies streamline operations, boost profits, and build a scalable, sellable business. Book a free strategy call today! Business Coaching for Installation Companies Transform Your Installation Business with Smarter Systems, Higher Profits, and Less Stress – Stop struggling with inefficiency, tight margins, and scheduling chaos. Our expert coaching helps installation companies optimise workflows, improve profitability, and build a scalable business that runs smoothly—without burning you out. Take control and grow with confidence today! Increase Profits, Streamline Operations, and Build a Business That Runs Without You Running an installation company comes with constant challenges—tight margins, scheduling headaches, and the pressure of managing teams, suppliers, and clients. Without the right systems in place, growth can feel impossible, and burnout becomes inevitable. But the good news? With the right strategy, you can optimise your operations, increase profitability, and create a scalable business that thrives—even without you handling everything. What You’ll Gain from Business Coaching ✅ Higher Profits Without More Work – Implement smart pricing strategies, reduce overhead costs, and improve cash flow. ✅ Efficient Scheduling & Project Management – Eliminate delays, improve team productivity, and optimise workflows. ✅ Sustainable Growth & Customer Retention – Attract higher-value clients and generate more repeat business. ✅ Avoid Burnout & Reclaim Your Time – Step out of daily operations and create a self-sustaining, high-value business. ✅ Build a Sellable Business – Structure your company so it runs efficiently and can operate without you. If your business can’t function without you, it’s just a job. We help you turn it into an asset that creates long-term value. Our Proven 4-Step Coaching Process for Installation Companies 1️⃣ Business Audit & Strategy Session – We assess your business like a buyer would, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities. 2️⃣ Workflow Optimisation & Efficiency – Improve scheduling, team management, and time tracking to reduce delays and boost productivity. 3️⃣ Profitable Pricing & Growth – Optimise pricing strategies, reduce waste, and attract higher-paying customers. 4️⃣ Leadership & Scalability – Build a structure that allows your business to scale and thrive—without you being the bottleneck. Our coaching is tailored for installation businesses , providing real-world strategies that deliver measurable results. Ready to Scale Your Installation Business? An installation company that relies on you for everything isn’t a business—it’s a job. The key to success is creating systems that drive efficiency, profit, and long-term value—without burning out. 🚀 Book a Free Strategy Call Today and take the first step toward a profitable, scalable, and sellable installation business. Get in Touch Tell us about a challenge or question you have. First name* Last name* Company name Email* Submit

Privacy Policy This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. Personal data is any information that can identify an individual; it does not include anonymised data. The Data We Collect We may collect, use, and store the following types of personal data about you: Communication Data: This includes any communication you send us (website forms, email, text, or social media). We use this data to respond to your enquiries, for record-keeping, and to pursue or defend legal claims. Customer Data: This includes your name, contact information, billing details, and purchase history. We process this data to provide the products and/or services you've purchased and to keep a record of these transactions. User Data: This includes data you post for publication on our website or other online services. We use this data to operate and secure our website, ensure relevant content is delivered, and to manage our business. Technical Data: This includes your IP address, browser details, login information, and how you interact with our website. We use this data to analyse website usage, administer our site, and understand the effectiveness of our marketing strategies. Marketing Data: This includes your preferences for receiving marketing communications from us and our third parties. We use this data to inform you about promotions and deliver relevant content and advertisements. Timesheet Application Data: This data is directly related to your use of the Timesheet Refresh application. This application accesses and processes data within the Google Sheet it's installed in and the timesheet data from a connected third-party service. The application does not collect, store, or transmit any of this data to its own servers. Note: We do not collect any Sensitive Data about you, such as details about your race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or health information. We also do not collect any information about criminal convictions or offences. How We Collect Your Data We collect your personal data in a few ways: Directly from you: You provide this data when you fill out forms on our website or send us emails. Automatically: As you use our website, we may automatically collect certain technical data using cookies and similar technologies. From third parties: We may also receive data from publicly available sources, such as Companies House and the Electoral Register in the UK. Via the Timesheet Application: The application accesses timesheet data from your connected third-party service account solely for the purpose of updating your Google Sheet. Purpose of Data Use The data we access is used to perform our stated functions, including: Providing the products and services you have purchased. Operating and securing our website and business. Delivering relevant content and advertisements. Synchronising timesheet data from the connected third-party service to your Google Sheet by clearing outdated data and writing new, updated information. Third-Party Services and Disclosures We may send you marketing communications based on your consent or our legitimate business interests. We may share your personal data with certain third parties, including: Service providers for IT and system administration. Professional advisers like lawyers, bankers, and auditors. Government bodies that require us to report processing activities. Third parties to whom we sell or transfer parts of our business. Timesheet Workflow Service: The Timesheet Refresh application uses a script scope to communicate with an external workflow service to trigger the data synchronisation between the third-party timesheet service and your Google Sheet. Data processed by this external service is subject to its own privacy policy. We ensure that all third parties respect the security of your data and only process it for specified purposes according to our instructions. International Transfers We are subject to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). If we transfer your data to parties outside of the UK, we ensure a similar level of security is in place. This may involve transferring data to countries approved by UK regulatory authorities or using specific contracts and safeguards to protect your data. Data Security and Retention We have security measures in place to prevent your personal data from being lost, used, or accessed without authorisation. We only allow employees and partners with a business need to access your data, and they are required to keep it confidential. We also have procedures to handle any suspected data breaches. We will only keep your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. 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< Back This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

Discover why shifting away from transactional business relationships is key to creating genuine connections and unlocking success in our insightful guide. Explore 10 compelling reasons to embrace authenticity and build meaningful professional relationships. FREE DOWNLOAD 10 Reasons to Shift Away from Transactional Business Relationships - Your Guide to Building Genuine Connections. Relational businesses thrive on a foundation of impassioned employees, steadfast clientele, and robust brands, all fueling sales. Unlike companies fixated solely on short-term gains, these establishments perpetually innovate, exuding an outward focus that fosters engagement. Explore this guide to uncover: How relational strategies enhance business performance The transformative impact on organizational culture Amplified productivity benefits for your business" First name* Last name* Company name* Email* Dropdown* Select your Download Tell us what you need help with... By submitting this form, you consent to having read and understood the privacy statement and are happy to sign up to our mailing list. Submit

Whatever the size of your small business, we can help with our affordable small business coaching services. Small Business Coaching Services Grow and scale your business with the help of an experienced small business coach. Our small business coaching services are targeted at businesses with between 5 to 50 employees. We can help grow your business through our expert productivity coaching and small business coaching tools. Why Small Business Coaching? Growing a small business is incredibly rewarding, but it's no easy feat. Which is where we come in. We love helping small businesses grow through increasing their productivity and profitability. Whatever your industry, we can help. We focus on creating tailored small business operating systems. Our bespoke small business operating systems allow your unique character and way of working to shine through to your staff and customers, giving you a greater market share. It also develops your small business culture. We focus on making work more enjoyable and rewarding for your staff, giving you happier and more engaged employees who love coming to work. With a continuous focus on business productivity improvement, you get the edge over your competitors. You're focused on long-term goals allowing your company to thrive, instead of the bottom-line where you only survive. Sales and Service Skills Training for Small Businesses Sales and service training for small businesses improves phone communication , creating professionalism and customer satisfaction. Polite and efficient interactions build trust and enhance the business's reputation. Clear information dissemination about products/services and addressing inquiries promptly boosts customer retention and referrals, driving growth and success in competitive markets. Small Business Coaching Tools We use our unique toolset to help your small business achieve operational excellence. This includes a variety of tools dependent on what you outline your business challenges as. This could include using disc personality tests to allow you to build better teams and recruit more efficiently, it could include using customer surveys or employee engagement surveys to help you find areas for improvement or it could include a customised integrated digital marketing strategy to help you expand your reach. All of this is dependent on what your small business needs. We pride ourselves on getting to know the unique strengths, challenges and long-term visions of your business before we implement our small business strategy. This means every small business strategy we create is unique to your industry and business needs. Though we shouldn't pick favourites, our revenue intelligence service just might be our favourite small business coaching tool. It allows us unique insights into the frontline of your business, helping us identify areas for improvement immediately. This tool allows you to focus on operational excellence long-term through outstanding customer experience. Overall, we use our small business coaching tools to help bring your business clear goals and greater consistency so you can achieve continuous growth for your business. What Our Small Business Coaching Service Delivers: Business culture perfect for your sector Enhanced customer relationships More effective use of all resources including time, money and staff Better streamlined processes and workflow A cost structure that supports your growth and expansion. Create goals that you can work towards. Increased engagement with all staff to build better teams We improve your business revenues one behaviour at a time. This is the only way to create sustainable and continuous business performance improvement. Get in Touch Tell us about a challenge or question you have. First name* Last name* Company name Email* Submit

Grow your HVAC business with sustainable business coaching for HVAC Businesses, boiler and heating services companies. Business Coaching for HVAC, Boiler and Heating Services Companies Improve your HVAC, boiler and heating services business with expert business coaching for boiler and heating services companies sustainable business coaching for HVAC Businesses Drive your business growth with improved HVAC, boiler and heating services business productivity and profitability by using our unique business improvement programme for HVAC, boiler and heating services companies. HVAC, Boiler and Heating Services Business Improvement Programme Our business improvement programme can help your HVAC , heating service company grow and scale up. We give you the edge over your competitors by perfecting what you do. Running a trustworthy and professional business is vital in running a successful heating services business. You deliver high-quality boiler installations, servicing and repairs and you're experts in recommending the right products for your customers. All these interactions with your customers are the key to your success, so you can maintain a great reputation for new customers, as well as a great customer retention rate. This is why our boiler and heating services business improvement programme puts a strong focus on strengthening your customer interactions through operational excellence. This ensures that every one of your customers has an outstanding experience with your business, every time. Why Sustainability Matters in HVAC HVAC systems are a significant contributor to energy use in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. With increasing environmental regulations and rising customer demand for eco-friendly solutions, sustainable practices are no longer optional—they're essential for staying competitive. By implementing energy-efficient technologies and reducing waste, HVAC businesses can differentiate themselves, attract eco-conscious customers, and contribute to a greener planet. What is Sustainable HVAC Business Coaching? Sustainable business coaching provides HVAC companies with strategies to achieve environmental, social, and financial goals. It focuses on: Streamlining Operations: Identifying inefficiencies in workflows and energy use to reduce waste and costs. Adopting Green Technologies: Guiding businesses to integrate energy-efficient products and services, such as smart thermostats, geothermal systems, and high-efficiency HVAC units. Compliance and Innovation: Helping businesses navigate environmental regulations and leverage them as opportunities for innovation. Building Resilience: Establishing processes that ensure long-term profitability and adaptability to market changes. Sales and Service Training for HVAC, Boiler and Heating Service Businesses Sales and service training for HVAC, boiler, and heating service businesses ensures professional phone interactions , improving customer satisfaction. It increases appointment bookings, builds trust, enhances reputation, and fosters long-term client relationships, driving business success. Operational Excellence for HVAC, Boiler and Heating Services Companies Whatever the size of your business, you need skill, great customer service and operational excellence to achieve long-term business growth and profitability. If you're missing any of these key ingredients, your business will struggle to thrive long-term. Our focus is in helping you to create a growing, highly profitable HVAC, boiler and heating services business. Our heating services companies business productivity plan helps you set clear goals. We’ll bring consistency to your brand and business so you deliver outstanding service, every time. What Our HVAC, Boiler and Heating Services Business Coaching Delivers Increased market share Increased profitability Better working culture Improved employee engagement Improved efficiency Enhanced customer relationships Get in Touch Tell us about a challenge or question you have. First name* Last name* Company name Email* Submit

< Back This is a Title 03 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

Explore practical tips to improve your social skills effortlessly in our guide. Discover 10 effective techniques to enhance your interactions and relationships at your own pace. FREE DOWNLOAD Contrary to common perception, success in the workplace isn't solely contingent on proficiency in a particular domain; rather, it hinges on the adept navigation of intricate social dynamics. While some individuals possess an innate talent for interpersonal interactions, for others, cultivating these skills is a deliberate and ongoing pursuit. In today's professional arena, social skills take precedence, with a striking 42% of the workforce occupying roles where interpersonal abilities outweigh technical expertise. This statistic underscores the paramount importance of refining one's social finesse, yet remarkably, many learning and development initiatives overlook this pivotal aspect of personal growth. In this guide you will learn about the benefits of enhanced social skills, including: Enhanced Communication : Good social skills facilitate effective communication, allowing you to express yourself clearly and understand others better. Improved Relationships : Strong social skills enable you to build and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of people. Increased Influence and Leadership : People with strong social skills often have a greater influence on others and are perceived as natural leaders. Career Advancement : In many professions, success is closely tied to interpersonal relationships. Better Mental Health and Well-being : Positive social interactions contribute to overall well-being and mental health. First name* Last name* Company name* Email* Dropdown* Select your Download Tell us what you need help with... By submitting this form, you consent to having read and understood the privacy statement and are happy to sign up to our mailing list. Submit

Struggling with low margins, inefficiency, or burnout? Our expert coaching helps electrical service businesses streamline operations, increase profits, and build a scalable, sellable business. Book a free strategy call today! Business Coaching for Electrical Service Companies Transform Your Electrical Service Contractor Business with Smarter Systems, Higher Profits, and Less Stress – Stop working long hours for low margins. Our expert coaching helps electrical service contractors optimise workflows, increase profitability, and build a scalable, sellable business that runs efficiently—without burning out. Take control and grow with confidence today! Increase Profits, Streamline Operations, and Build a Business That Runs Without You Running an electrical service business isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about building a company that works efficiently, grows sustainably, and creates real long-term value. Too many electricians struggle with: ⚡ Low margins and unpredictable cash flow 🔧 Inefficient job scheduling and wasted time 💼 Struggling to attract high-value customers 🔥 Burnout from being stuck in daily operations But the good news? With the right strategy, you can grow a more profitable electrical business—without working longer hours. Our coaching helps you optimise pricing, streamline workflows, and create a business that works for you, not the other way around. What You’ll Gain from Business Coaching ✅ Higher Profits Without More Work – Price jobs correctly, improve cash flow, and increase margins without overworking yourself. ✅ Time-Saving Workflows – Get more done with smarter job management, scheduling, and automation. ✅ Sustainable Business Growth – Learn how to attract better clients, retain repeat customers, and scale your business. ✅ Avoid Burnout & Reclaim Your Time – Stop being the bottleneck and create a self-sustaining, high-value business. ✅ Build a Business That’s Sellable – Structure your company so it operates efficiently—even without you. If your business can’t run without you, it’s just a job. We help you turn it into an asset that creates real long-term value. Our Proven 4-Step Coaching Process 1️⃣ Business Audit & Strategy Session – We assess your business like a buyer would, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities. 2️⃣ Workflow Optimisation & Efficiency – Improve job scheduling, team productivity, and time management. 3️⃣ Profitable Pricing & Growth – Optimise pricing, reduce overhead, and attract higher-paying customers. 4️⃣ Leadership & Scalability – Build a structure that allows your business to thrive—even without you in the day-to-day. Our approach is practical, results-driven, and built specifically for electrical contractors and service businesses. Ready to Build a More Profitable, Sustainable Electrical Business? A business that depends on you 24/7 isn’t a business—it’s a job. The key to success is creating systems that increase efficiency, profit, and value—without burning out. 🚀 Book a Free Strategy Call Today and take the first step toward a profitable, scalable, and sellable electrical service business. Get in Touch Tell us about a challenge or question you have. First name* Last name* Company name Email* Submit

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Construction Operations: Construction Project Estimating and Scheduling, a guide for residential and commercial developers, as well as lead contractors. Introduction The Estimating Process The Scheduling Process Common Challenges Advanced Strategies Conclusion In This Article Construction Project Estimating and Scheduling Introduction The Estimating Process The Scheduling Process Introduction In the world of construction operations, whether you're a residential or commercial developer, or a lead contractor, accurate project estimating and efficient scheduling are crucial for success, no matter the project's scale. Whether you're handling a home renovation, new office space, or a small build, the precision of your estimates and the effectiveness of your scheduling can make or break the project. However, these tasks often require careful coordination of resources, time, cost, and quality, making them more complex than they might initially seem. The Importance of Accurate Estimating and Scheduling Before we delve into the technicalities, it's crucial to understand why estimating and scheduling are so vital to construction projects. The Role of Estimating in Construction Estimating is the process of predicting the cost, time, and resources required for a construction project. It lays the foundation for project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. Without an accurate estimate, you risk underfunding or overfunding the project, leading to delays, cost overruns, or even project failure. Key Benefits of Accurate Estimating • Cost Control: Helps in setting realistic budgets and avoiding unforeseen expenses. • Resource Management: Ensures that materials, labour, and equipment are allocated efficiently. • Risk Mitigation: Identifies potential financial risks and allows for contingency planning. • Client Satisfaction: Builds trust with clients by providing transparent and realistic cost projections. The Role of Scheduling in Construction Scheduling, on the other hand, involves planning the sequence of activities, allocating resources, and setting timelines to ensure the project is completed on time. A well-crafted schedule helps to synchronise the work of different teams, avoid conflicts, and ensure that each phase of the project is completed in a timely manner. Key Benefits of Effective Scheduling: • Time Management: Helps to avoid delays and ensure that the project is completed on time. • Coordination: Ensures that different teams and tasks are aligned, preventing bottlenecks and resource conflicts. • Quality Assurance: Allows for proper time allocation to each task, ensuring that quality is not compromised. • Client Communication: Provides a clear timeline for clients, managing their expectations and fostering trust. The Estimating Process: Steps, Tools, and Techniques Estimating is both an art and a science, requiring a blend of historical data, industry knowledge, and analytical tools . Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the estimating process. 1. Understanding the Scope of Work The first step in any estimation process is to fully understand the project’s scope. This involves a detailed review of the project plans, specifications, and any other documentation provided. The scope defines what is included in the project and, just as importantly, what is not. Key Questions to Ask: • What are the key deliverables? • What materials and labour are required? • Are there any special conditions or unique requirements? • What are the potential challenges or risks? 2. Quantifying the Work Once the scope is clearly understood, the next step is to quantify the work involved. This involves creating a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) , which lists all the materials, labour, and equipment needed, along with their respective quantities. Common Methods for Quantification: • Manual Takeoffs: Counting and measuring from drawings manually. • Digital Takeoffs: Using software tools like Bluebeam or PlanSwift to digitise the takeoff process. • Model-Based Estimation: Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to extract quantities directly from 3D models. 3. Applying Unit Costs With the quantities in hand, the next step is to apply unit costs to each item in the BoQ. These costs should be based on current market rates and include material costs, labour rates, equipment usage, and any other direct costs. Tips for Accurate Unit Costing: • Use Historical Data: Refer to past projects for similar work to get an idea of realistic costs. • Consult Suppliers: Get quotes from suppliers for up-to-date pricing on materials and equipment. • Factor in Labour Rates: Labour rates can vary significantly depending on location, skill level, and union regulations. 4. Considering Overheads and Profit Margins In addition to direct costs, you also need to account for indirect costs (overheads) and profit margins. Overheads include expenses like office rent, utilities, insurance, and salaries for non-field staff. Profit margins should reflect the level of risk involved in the project and the company’s financial objectives. Typical Overheads in Construction: • Project Management Costs: Salaries for project managers, engineers, and administrative staff. • Site Costs: Temporary facilities, site security, utilities, and site maintenance. • Insurance: Liability, workers’ compensation, and equipment insurance. • Permits and Fees: Costs associated with obtaining necessary permits and licenses. 5. Adding Contingencies Even the most meticulous estimates can’t account for every possible variable. That’s where contingencies come in. Contingencies are a percentage of the total estimated cost set aside to cover unforeseen expenses, changes in scope, or other unexpected issues. Common Contingency Percentages: • Low-Risk Projects: 5% to 10% of the total estimated cost. • Medium-Risk Projects: 10% to 15% of the total estimated cost. • High-Risk Projects: 15% to 20% of the total estimated cost. 6. Reviewing and Adjusting the Estimate Once the initial estimate is prepared, it’s essential to review it thoroughly. This includes cross-checking quantities, verifying unit costs, and ensuring that all aspects of the project are covered. It's also important to involve other stakeholders, such as project managers, engineers, and procurement teams, in the review process. Review Checklist: • Have all quantities been accurately measured? • Are the unit costs current and reflective of market conditions? • Have all overheads and profit margins been appropriately calculated? • Is the contingency sufficient given the project’s risk profile? 7. Presenting the Estimate Finally, the estimate needs to be presented to the client or decision-makers in a clear and transparent manner. This should include a detailed breakdown of costs, along with explanations for any assumptions made or contingencies included. Presentation Tips: • Use Clear Language: Avoid jargon and present the estimate in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. • Provide Supporting Documentation: Include copies of takeoffs, supplier quotes, and other documents that support the estimate. • Highlight Key Assumptions: Make it clear where assumptions have been made and what impact they could have on the final cost. 8. The Role of Estimators: Skills and Competencies While tools and techniques are crucial in estimating, the skills and competencies of the estimator are equally important. An effective estimator needs more than just technical knowledge; they must also possess a range of soft skills that enable them to communicate effectively, think critically, and make informed decisions. Essential Skills for Estimators: • Attention to Detail: Ensures that no aspect of the project is overlooked. • Analytical Thinking: Helps in evaluating different scenarios and making informed decisions. • Communication Skills: Vital for explaining estimates to stakeholders and negotiating with suppliers. • Problem-Solving: Required for dealing with unexpected challenges during the estimation process. • Time Management: Critical for meeting deadlines and managing multiple estimates simultaneously. 9. Advanced Estimating Techniques For complex projects, basic estimating techniques might not be sufficient. Advanced methods like probabilistic estimating, cost modeling, and risk analysis can provide more accurate predictions, especially when dealing with uncertainties. Advanced Techniques: • Monte Carlo Simulation: A probabilistic method that uses random sampling to estimate the likelihood of different outcomes. • Cost Modelling: Creating a detailed model of the project costs, including variables that can affect pricing. • Sensitivity Analysis: Evaluating how changes in one aspect of the project (like material costs) can impact the overall estimate. The Scheduling Process: Steps, Tools, and Techniques Like estimating, scheduling is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and execution. A well-structured schedule not only ensures that a project stays on track but also allows for efficient resource allocation and risk management. 1. Defining the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) The first step in scheduling is to create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The WBS is a hierarchical breakdown of the project into smaller, more manageable components. Each level of the WBS represents a finer level of detail, from the overall project down to individual tasks. Benefits of a WBS: • Clarity: Provides a clear understanding of the project’s scope and deliverables. • Organisation: Helps to organise the work into manageable sections. • Responsibility Assignment: Facilitates the assignment of responsibilities to different teams or individuals. 2. Sequencing Activities Once the WBS is in place, the next step is to sequence the activities in the order they need to be completed. This involves identifying dependencies between tasks, which can be broadly classified into four types: • Finish-to-Start (FS): Task B cannot start until Task A is finished (e.g., painting cannot start until the walls are plastered). • Start-to-Start (SS): Task B cannot start until Task A starts (e.g., excavation and foundation pouring might start simultaneously). • Finish-to-Finish (FF): Task B cannot finish until Task A finishes (e.g., quality inspections cannot finish until all construction work is completed). • Start-to-Finish (SF): Task B cannot finish until Task A starts (less common in construction). Tools for Sequencing: Gantt Charts: Visualise the project timeline and task dependencies. Network Diagrams: Show the logical relationships between tasks and help identify the critical path. Critical Path Method (CPM): Identifies the longest sequence of tasks that determines the project duration. 3. Estimating Activity Durations The next step is to estimate the duration of each activity. This involves considering the scope of work, the resources available, and any potential risks or challenges. Durations can be estimated using various methods, including expert judgment, historical data, and three-point estimation. Three-Point Estimation: • Optimistic Duration (O): The best-case scenario where everything goes smoothly. • Pessimistic Duration (P): The worst-case scenario where everything that could go wrong does. • Most Likely Duration (M): The most realistic estimate, considering normal challenges. The formula for the expected duration (E) is: E=(O+4M+P)/6 4. Developing the Schedule With activities sequenced and durations estimated, you can now develop the project schedule. This involves assigning start and finish dates to each task, considering constraints such as resource availability, deadlines, and external factors like weather conditions. Key Scheduling Techniques: • Gantt Charts: Ideal for visualising the project timeline and tracking progress. • Network Diagrams: Useful for identifying the critical path and understanding task dependencies. • Critical Path Method (CPM): Identifies the sequence of critical tasks that determine the project’s overall duration. • Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): A statistical tool used to estimate project duration by analysing the time required to complete each task, often used when there is uncertainty in activity duration. 5. Allocating Resources Once the schedule is developed, the next step is to allocate resources to each activity. This includes assigning labour, equipment, and materials, as well as ensuring that these resources are available when needed. Resource allocation must be done carefully to avoid overallocation or conflicts between tasks. Common Resource Allocation Challenges: • Resource Shortages: Limited availability of key resources, such as skilled labour or specialised equipment. • Resource Conflicts: Multiple tasks requiring the same resources at the same time. • Resource Levelling: Adjusting the schedule to ensure that resources are used efficiently without causing delays. Resource Allocation Tools: • Resource Histograms: Visual representation of resource usage over time. • Resource Levelling: Adjusting the start and end dates of activities to resolve resource conflicts. • Software Tools: Platforms like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 offer features for resource allocation and management. 6. Monitoring and Controlling the Schedule Once the project is underway, it's essential to monitor the schedule regularly and make adjustments as needed. This involves tracking progress, identifying deviations from the plan, and taking corrective actions to get the project back on track. Techniques for Schedule Monitoring: • Progress Tracking: Regularly updating the schedule to reflect actual progress on the ground. • Earned Value Management (EVM): A method that integrates cost, schedule, and scope to assess project performance. • Variance Analysis: Comparing the planned schedule to the actual schedule to identify any variances. • Critical Path Analysis: Regularly reviewing the critical path to ensure that key tasks are on track. 7. Updating and Revising the Schedule No project schedule is set in stone. As the project progresses, you may need to update the schedule to reflect changes in scope, unexpected delays, or other unforeseen events. It’s important to communicate these changes to all stakeholders and ensure that the updated schedule is realistic and achievable. Common Reasons for Schedule Revisions: • Scope Changes: Additions or modifications to the project scope that impact the schedule. • Resource Constraints: Changes in resource availability that require adjustments to the timeline. • External Factors: Weather conditions, regulatory changes, or other external factors that impact the schedule. • Risk Management: As new risks are identified, the schedule may need to be adjusted to incorporate mitigation strategies. 8. The Role of Schedulers: Skills and Competencies Schedulers play a critical role in the successful execution of construction projects. They need to possess a mix of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and communication skills to create and manage effective schedules. Essential Skills for Schedulers: • Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of scheduling tools and techniques like CPM, PERT, and Gantt charts. • Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess risks, evaluate dependencies, and foresee potential bottlenecks. • Problem-Solving: Skill in resolving scheduling conflicts and addressing delays. • Communication: Clear communication with stakeholders to keep everyone informed about schedule changes or issues. • Attention to Detail: Ensures that all tasks, dependencies, and resources are accurately accounted for. 9. Advanced Scheduling Techniques For complex projects, basic scheduling techniques might not suffice. Advanced techniques like agile scheduling, rolling wave planning , and last planner system (LPS) can provide more flexibility and accuracy, especially in dynamic environments. Advanced Techniques: • Agile Scheduling: Allows for flexibility and adjustments throughout the project, ideal for projects with evolving requirements. • Rolling Wave Planning: Focuses on detailed planning for the near term while keeping the long-term plan more flexible. • Last Planner System (LPS): A lean construction technique that involves collaborative planning and commitment from all parties to meet the schedule. Common Challenges in Estimating and Scheduling Even with the best tools and techniques, estimating and scheduling can be fraught with challenges. Understanding these challenges and knowing how to address them is key to mastering these critical processes. 1. Inaccurate Data One of the most common challenges in estimating is the reliance on inaccurate or outdated data. Whether it’s outdated unit costs, incorrect quantities, or unrealistic labour rates, inaccurate data can lead to flawed estimates and, ultimately, project failure. Solution: Use up-to-date data sources, consult with industry experts, and verify all information before including it in the estimate. Regularly update your cost databases to reflect current market conditions and ensure that you have the latest information on material prices, labour rates, and other key inputs. 2. Scope Creep Scope creep occurs when the project scope expands beyond the original plan without corresponding adjustments to the budget or schedule. This can lead to cost overruns, delays, and resource shortages. Solution: Implement a strict change management process that requires all scope changes to be approved and documented, along with their impact on the budget and schedule. Establish clear procedures for scope changes, and communicate them to all stakeholders at the outset of the project. 3. Resource Constraints Limited availability of resources, such as skilled labour or specialised equipment, can pose significant challenges to both estimating and scheduling. Resource constraints can lead to delays, increased costs, and lower quality. Solution: Plan resource allocation carefully, consider alternative resources, and build flexibility into the schedule to accommodate potential constraints. Conduct a thorough resource analysis during the planning phase to identify potential bottlenecks and explore options for resource sharing or outsourcing if needed. 4. Unforeseen Events Construction projects are often subject to unforeseen events, such as weather delays, regulatory changes, or supply chain disruptions. These events can disrupt the schedule and increase costs. Solution: Include contingencies in both the estimate and schedule to account for potential unforeseen events, and regularly monitor the project for emerging risks. Develop a risk management plan that identifies potential risks and outlines mitigation strategies, including contingency plans and alternative resources. 5. Communication Breakdown Poor communication between project stakeholders can lead to misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, and errors in estimating and scheduling. This is particularly common in large projects with multiple teams and subcontractors . Solution: Establish clear communication channels, hold regular meetings, and ensure that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date project information. Use collaborative tools like project management software to centralise information and facilitate real-time communication between teams. 6. Over-Optimism in Planning It’s not uncommon for project managers and estimators to be overly optimistic in their planning, underestimating the time and resources required to complete tasks. This can lead to unrealistic schedules and budgets, resulting in delays and cost overruns. Solution: Adopt a more conservative approach to estimating and scheduling, incorporating buffer times and contingencies to account for uncertainties. Use historical data and expert judgment to set realistic expectations and avoid the pitfalls of over-optimism. 7. Complexity in Large Projects Large construction projects involve multiple stakeholders, numerous tasks, and significant coordination challenges. Managing the complexity of these projects can be daunting, and even minor errors in estimating or scheduling can have a ripple effect on the entire project. Solution: Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable phases or milestones, each with its own estimate and schedule. Use advanced construction project management techniques like phased delivery or rolling wave planning to manage complexity and maintain control over the project’s progress. Advanced Strategies for Mastering Estimating and Scheduling For those looking to take their estimating and scheduling skills to the next level, here are some advanced strategies to consider. 1. Leveraging Technology In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in construction estimating and scheduling. From software tools to automation and artificial intelligence (AI), there are numerous ways to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Key Technologies: • Building Information Modelling (BIM): Allows for model-based estimation and scheduling, improving accuracy and collaboration. BIM can also facilitate clash detection and provide visual representations of the project, helping stakeholders better understand the scope and requirements. • Estimating Software : Tools like Sage Estimating , ProEst , and HCSS HeavyBid can streamline the estimating process, reduce errors, and integrate with other project management tools. These platforms often come with built-in cost databases, templates, and integration with accounting systems, making the entire process more efficient and accurate. • Scheduling Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, and Asta Powerproject offer advanced scheduling features like resource leveling, critical path analysis, and scenario planning. These tools allow for real-time updates, enabling project managers to respond quickly to changes and keep the project on track. • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven tools can predict costs, optimise schedules, and identify potential risks before they become issues. By analysing large datasets and historical project information, AI can provide insights and recommendations that improve decision-making and reduce the likelihood of errors. 2. Continuous Learning and Improvement The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new techniques, materials, and technologies emerging regularly. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to commit to continuous learning and improvement. Ways to Stay Updated: • Industry Conferences and Workshops: Attend events to learn about the latest trends and network with other professionals. These gatherings often feature presentations from industry leaders, case studies, and hands-on workshops that provide practical insights and skills. • Certifications: Pursue certifications like the Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) to enhance your skills and credentials. These certifications often require ongoing education, ensuring that you stay current with industry best practices. • Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer courses on estimating, scheduling, and project management. Many of these courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience and focus on areas where you need the most improvement. • Mentorship: Seek out mentors who have extensive experience in estimating and scheduling to guide you in your career. A mentor can provide valuable insights, share lessons learned from their experiences, and offer advice on how to navigate challenges in the field. 3. Integrating Estimating and Scheduling While estimating and scheduling are often treated as separate processes, integrating them can lead to better project outcomes. By aligning cost estimates with the project schedule, you can ensure that the budget reflects the realities of the timeline and vice versa. Integration Strategies: • Cost-Loaded Schedules: Incorporate cost estimates directly into the project schedule, allowing for real-time tracking of budget and schedule performance. This approach helps identify cost overruns and delays early, enabling corrective actions before they escalate. • Collaborative Planning: Involve estimators and schedulers in joint planning sessions to ensure alignment between the budget and the schedule. Collaborative planning fosters a shared understanding of project goals, risks, and constraints, leading to more accurate and achievable plans. • Software Integration: Use project management software that integrates estimating and scheduling functions, enabling seamless communication and data sharing between teams. This integration allows for more efficient updates, reduces the likelihood of errors, and ensures that everyone is working from the same information. 4. Fostering a Culture of Transparency Transparency in estimating and scheduling is crucial for building trust with clients, stakeholders, and team members. By being open about the assumptions, risks, and uncertainties involved, you can manage expectations and avoid potential conflicts. Ways to Promote Transparency: • Open Communication: Encourage regular communication between all project stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and suppliers. Open communication helps identify potential issues early and allows for collaborative problem-solving. • Detailed Documentation: Provide detailed documentation of estimates, schedules, and any changes made throughout the project. This documentation serves as a record of decisions and can be useful for resolving disputes or providing explanations to stakeholders. • Client Involvement: Involve clients in the estimating and scheduling process to give them a clear understanding of the project timeline and budget. By involving clients in key decisions, you can ensure that their expectations are aligned with the project plan and reduce the likelihood of scope creep or disagreements. 5. Embracing Flexibility While it’s important to have a plan, construction projects are dynamic, and changes are inevitable. Embracing flexibility in your estimating and scheduling processes can help you adapt to changes without compromising the project’s success. Strategies for Flexibility: • Scenario Planning: Develop multiple scenarios for the project schedule and estimate, considering potential risks and uncertainties. Scenario planning allows you to explore different outcomes and prepare for contingencies, ensuring that you can respond quickly to changes in the project environment. • Rolling Wave Planning: Focus on detailed planning for the near term while keeping the long-term plan more flexible. This approach allows you to make adjustments as more information becomes available or as project conditions change. • Buffer Times: Include buffer times in the schedule to account for potential delays or unexpected events. Buffers provide a cushion that can absorb minor disruptions without affecting the overall project timeline, ensuring that deadlines are met. Conclusion Mastering construction project estimating and scheduling is no easy feat, but it’s a crucial skill set for anyone involved in the construction industry. By understanding the processes, tools, and techniques involved, and by continually striving to improve, you can ensure that your projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Remember, estimating and scheduling are not just technical tasks—they are strategic processes that require a blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, the key to success lies in your ability to adapt, learn, and innovate. By embracing the strategies outlined in this guide—leveraging technology, fostering transparency, integrating processes, and maintaining flexibility—you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of construction project estimating and scheduling. Key Takeaways: Accuracy and Communication: Precise estimating and effective scheduling are the backbone of successful construction projects. Advanced Tools and Techniques: Use modern technology and sophisticated methods like BIM, PERT, and CPM to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Continuous Learning: The industry evolves, and so should you. Keep learning, adapting, and improving. Flexibility and Transparency: Be prepared for changes and maintain open communication with all stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution. By following these principles, you can not only meet the challenges of estimating and scheduling head-on but also set the stage for successful project outcomes that exceed client expectations. Common Challenges Advanced Strategies Conclusion

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What is Business Performance Management? Business performance management can help companies of every size, from giant corporations to SMEs, better execute their strategy. Learn how. Executing business strategy remains a challenge for businesses, in fact, an estimated 67% of corporate strategies fail due to poor business execution. For many businesses, this comes down to the fact that strategy and operations simply don’t align. This disconnect means the strategy is often forgotten about, operations are not monitored to see how successfully they’re delivering the strategy targets and overall, business performance is poor. Business performance management can help companies of every size, from giant corporations to SMEs , better execute their strategy. BPM Definition: What is Business Performance Management? So you have a business strategy, with clear goals in it. But how are you executing that strategy? How are you reaching those goals and is there a better way to do so? Business performance management ( BPM ) is a process that allows businesses to monitor the methods used to reach strategy goals, so that they can continuously develop those methods to become more efficient and effective and ultimately increase business performance. There are many aspects of business performance to manage, from people to processes to financial performance . However, for all business performance management processes, they all involve three main activities: Goal selection Information monitoring and consolidation Managerial adjustments These three activities work together to improve efficiency and performance, but it begins with goal selection. You can’t improve performance if you don’t have a clear goal in mind. Setting your goals helps businesses determine the exact methods and processes that will help achieve those goals. Once the methods and processes are determined, data is used to monitor them. This information should be monitored both in real-time to allow for any adjustments necessary and consolidated for regular review. The consolidated metrics let businesses analyse the methods and processes to identify strengths and weaknesses, so they can figure out better methods and processes and continuously improve. After the data has been consolidated, teams led by management can figure out which measures to take that could improve efficiency. These changes are charted and analysed again to ensure success and in turn, inform the new goals set as the last goals are achieved. As you can see, these three activities create a process of continuous improvement for business performance, allowing companies to increase their efficiency, productivity and profitability to create more competitive and resilient companies. Different Categories of Business Performance Management As we mentioned above, there are many different aspects of performance businesses can manage. The simplest way to break this down is to categorise business performance management according to its objective. For example: Team performance management Department performance management Organisation performance management Individual performance management Business unit performance management Product performance management The Business Performance Management Cycle The three activities we mentioned above create a clear BPM framework for businesses to follow, known as a business performance management cycle. They’re as follows: Evaluate and plan Monitor performance metrics Review and analyse Improve and repeat 1. Evaluate Current Strategy and Goals and Plan Accordingly Your business performance management process needs to align with your business strategy and the goals within it. This all starts with evaluating your current goals to ensure they’re realistic and attainable. For a continuous process, setting SMART goals are a great way to achieve this: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Timebound Goals without specifics are impossible to track and measure. If your goal is growth, but no specific amount of growth, you’ll struggle to create a process in which you create sustainable growth long-term. Your goals should be specific, but also align with different departments to ensure business performance is being measured across the entire business and that all performance targets are relevant to the larger business strategy. Once you’ve got specific goals, you need to figure out how they’ll be measured. What performance metrics will you use to measure each method and process? Goals also need to be realistic and attainable. Setting goals far out of reach means you’ll not give enough thought to the processes and methods to achieve them. For example, if you want to increase year-on-year revenue by a substantial amount, you’ll likely need to invest heavily in marketing and sales to do so. Without a realistic foundation for these goals, you’ll struggle to figure out where resources can be best placed to actually reach these goals. You also need to set a date for when you will achieve said performance targets. This can be monthly, quarterly and annually. The best bet is a mix of all three to ensure performance is being continuously monitored and reviewed. 2. Utilise Business Intelligence to Continuously Monitor Performance With your performance goals set, your business performance management process is underway. The next step is to monitor business performance metrics continuously. This means you need to have dedicated leaders of performance management within each department. They should be regularly reviewing real-time metrics using business intelligence solutions. This regular review allows businesses to better react and adapt. Goals can be adjusted to changing market conditions and internal challenges can be addressed quickly, as opposed to after the fact. 3. Review and Analyse Performance Methods and Processes As well as continuous monitoring, a business performance management process needs a set interval where the methods and processes are reviewed and analysed. This allows leaders to spot opportunities for improvement. Utilise a larger collection of performance metrics to gain insight into where improvements can be made. Any planned changes should be recorded so businesses can identify the impact specific changes made. 4. Improve and Repeat for a Continuous Business Performance Management Process Changes shouldn’t be made ad hoc with no planning. What are the specific changes and what do you expect to see from them? How will you make the changes to the specific process? Who will lead these changes? This final step actually takes you back to the first step, evaluating and planning. It is this step that makes the business performance management process one that is continuous and creates long-term improvement. Why is Business Performance Management Important? Businesses are facing an increasingly difficult landscape which has real impacts on viability, resilience and market share. Markets are more competitive. There is always a competitor doing what you do for the same price or even less. Battling it out over who can offer a product or service the cheapest only results in slimmer and slimmer margins for the industry. It’s bad news for everyone involved. Businesses instead need to compete on the customer experience. Research shows that the customer experience has overtaken price and product as the key brand differentiator for consumers and consumers are willing to pay more for a great customer experience. This means businesses need to improve their efficiency and productivity across all departments to compete. As if this wasn’t enough of a challenge, globalisation has brought its own challenges. Not only are there more competitors, but operations have become more complex to manage due to outsourcing, remote working and more. Globalisation also means businesses are contending with a variety of economic challenges. We’ve all learned just how interconnected the global population is over the course of the last couple of years. But for businesses, this means markets are increasingly volatile and there is increased uncertainty. Consumers also demand more from businesses, not only in terms of the customer experience, but in terms of social and environmental responsibility . Brands that cannot keep up with the changing demands of consumers struggle to remain competitive and create sustainable long-term growth. These challenges are creating yet another challenge in that they’re stifling innovation. Many businesses are so swept up in the current vast and complex issues that they struggle to manage their future. There is a constant need for innovation to remain competitive in today’s market. So what businesses need then is to rethink business and implement more agile and innovative management processes to navigate this challenging landscape. Business performance management is an effective response to these obstacles. It ensures companies are actively working towards current and future goals by continuously improving the unique methods and processes involved. From Strategy to Effective Business Execution: The Benefits of BPM Business performance management brings many benefits to businesses when it’s implemented successfully. By far the largest benefit is creating a sustainable framework for business execution. Instead of a static strategy document unaligned with the operations of the business, there is an active process in place to ensure the execution of strategy to reach larger business goals. Increasing efficiency in processes can also help lower costs for businesses. This in turn, can help businesses increase their margins and profitability. A huge amount of business performance management is linked to the performance of people. After all, it is people behind the methods used to achieve business goals. Improving the performance of teams and individuals helps create a more productive workplace with a stronger company culture and ultimately, a more resilient and profitable business. The Role of Business Intelligence in Business Performance Management The role of business intelligence in business performance management cannot be understated. There are a huge wealth of metrics to track to ensure performance is successfully monitored and tracked. Leveraging business intelligence solutions can help leaders and management better manage, consolidate and analyse data. It takes away a huge amount of the administrative data tasks involved in collating performance metrics. This time can instead be better spent on analysing the data available to gain better insights and come up with more innovative and creative ideas for improvement. Additionally, business intelligence technologies have come a long way over the last decade. Previously, performance tracking was based on existing data to predict future performance. Now, solutions can provide real-time data. The best solutions are even able to contextualise this data against external sources so it can be better understood. These technologies mean businesses have better adaptability to whatever unexpected changes or challenges they face. They’re able to use the data to react in real-time, as opposed to after the fact. Overall, utilising business intelligence in performance management helps improve decision making for companies through data-led insights. Characteristics of a Successful Business Performance Management Process Organisations that get business performance management right are competitive machines. Microsoft, Deloitte and Adobe have all adopted continuous business performance management processes and have enjoyed a wealth of success in part because of this. While the exact process will come down to the unique needs of your business, many of these BPM processes share some key characteristics that contribute to their success besides a robust business intelligence solution. The importance effective goal setting cannot be overstated. Clear goals that are meaningful and understood are vital to a successful business performance management process. It allows everyone across the business to align and understand how their tasks and responsibilities contribute to wider business goals. This alignment is important, because a great business performance management process is collaborative. While leadership may turn the initial cogs to implement a BPM process, the best performance goals are strategised between teams, departments and leadership. To achieve this collaboration, there needs to be transparency about the business strategy and performance. Conversations held behind closed doors between leadership will not help staff understand their responsibilities, nor will it empower them to hit performance targets. Common Issues in Business Performance Management Just as successful business performance management processes share key characteristics, unsuccessful business performance management processes also share some common traits. First, bad performance metrics. The performance metrics you choose to monitor need to promote the desired performance. This is why so many businesses opt to use a balanced scorecard to ensure performance goals align and create the desired results. Similarly, poor targets are a surefire way to create chaos in a business performance management process. Set them too high and you’ll demotivate the entire business when they can’t reach them. Set them too low and there is little motivation for improvement as the status quo suffices. A lack of transparency around performance targets can create similar issues. Departments, teams and individuals need to know targets have meaning. They’re not a random number pulled from a hat. Performance targets should be based on data and this should be transparently communicated with teams. Even with transparency, if teams feel there is a lack of relevance to performance targets. This often happens when performance metrics are dictated from the top-down. Increased collaboration around setting performance targets and metrics can help avoid this issue, as well as encourage departments and individuals to take ownership over their performance. Business Performance Management Consulting Implementing a business performance management process has great benefits for businesses, increasing their competitiveness and resilience. As it is a process of continuous improvement, BPM can help create sustainable long-term growth for businesses of many sizes. However, if you’ve never implemented a business performance management process previously, it’s a daunting task. This is why many companies opt to use business performance management consultants to help implement the necessary changes successfully and guide them through the resulting business transformation. Previous Next Unlock Triple Bottom Line Growth Discover strategies to enhance profitability, cultivate a greener and more sustainable business model, and elevate overall well-being. 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How to overcome limiting beliefs holding back your success Limiting beliefs hold you back from setting your goals and achieving your full potential. "Your beliefs become your thoughts; your thoughts become your words; your words become your actions; your actions become your habits; your habits become your values; your values become your destiny." Gandhi Like the brakes on a car, limiting beliefs hold you back from setting your goals and achieving your full potential. We will take a closer look at what limiting beliefs are and how you can identify and remove them. What are beliefs? Beliefs shape us like the clay in the hands of a potter. They determine how we think, how we feel, what we say and the actions we undertake. Our beliefs are based on past experiences which are now shaping our future. If we become what we think about most, then we become a reflection of our beliefs, both good and bad. Our thoughts come from our beliefs which then become our reality. When you have a belief about something, you’re more likely to see evidence around you that reinforces that belief and miss or discount anything that contradicts it. 5 examples of limiting beliefs and thoughts. Beliefs are assumptions and convictions we hold to be true about ourselves and the world around us. Beliefs become self-fulling prophecies that can hold you back or encourage you. You will have beliefs about success, education, money and morality and many other things, too. When combined with your core values, deeply held assumptions about ourselves and the world, you have a toolbox of attitudes and behaviours that you’ll be using in any given situation. People naturally recognise that someone who is determined and tenacious, who never gives up, is more likely to succeed than someone who procrastinates. Someone who believes they will succeed is generally more likely to than someone who doesn’t, irrespective of their talents. Health professionals recognise that the attitude, that is the way people act based on their beliefs, of a patient is a major factor in their recovery. In medical research, placebos have been seen to be as effective as many drugs. So, if you can think your way to health, then you can also think your way into being less healthy and less successful or more successful, too. The beliefs that others have of us can also play an important part in our beliefs about ourselves. What is a limiting belief? Have you tried to do something and failed, then not tried again? Why did you not try again? Why did you fail, and what defined failure? Did you take the failure as, ultimately, a positive experience or a negative one? While all failure is initially negative, it’s also a great mentor saying: “Don’t do it that way again”. And sometimes, experiencing why something doesn’t work is the only way to know why and how to do it better. Limiting beliefs are a state of mind that undermine your confidence and restrict you from pursuing a task you’d otherwise like to take on. They are assumptions about yourself, the world or other people that are holding you back from starting or completing a task. Limiting beliefs start in childhood, they are rooted in experiences and a way of thinking. Limiting beliefs can affect everything in your life; at work, at home and in many other areas. They place boundaries on what we think we can achieve. How is a belief formed? Beliefs are formed from experiences and from what we inherit from our parents much like we inherit many visible attributes from our parents, but unlike having blue or brown eyes, they are not fixed. As the report from the Baby Lab suggests, we’re born with a set of morals inherited from our parents, and some they teach us, which then evolve into our belief system over time and with experience. These beliefs can change over time as our experience of life evolves or if we deliberately challenge our own beliefs What is a core belief? A core belief is a deeply held assumption about ourselves, others, and the world around us. It forms the very essence of who we think we are and our opinions. Core beliefs can become self-fulfilling. If we think somebody or a certain type of person is a bad or good person, we are likely to treat them in a way that reflects that. This may encourage that behaviour in them and reinforce our belief in what they are like. The role of beliefs in our lives "Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” Lao Tzu We prefer people who we identify with most, be that their values, their beliefs, their attitude towards life or their behaviours. So, beliefs form a large part of our relationships and how we communicate with each other. This relates to all aspects of our life: work, professional and home. Knowing and being able to identify our own core beliefs and values will go a long toward helping us to succeed at whatever we are trying to accomplish. We may value honesty and believe that being honest is essential to success in life, or that other people are inherently dishonest and so make everybody sign a contract rather than rely on a handshake and a gentleman’s agreement. Identifying a limiting belief and removing it can help to increase motivation and engagement with a task. Limiting beliefs can be a healthy thing, too. Nobody should overcome the self-limiting belief that they can fly. Some self-limiting beliefs are good, sensible and help keep us safe and spend our time wisely. You may wish to become a best-selling singer, but if you’re tone-deaf, can't sing or keep time, that’s not going to be possible. Perhaps you settle for being an okay singer singing locally or pursue another interest. The challenge is in knowing what is actually physically impossible vs what you only believe to be impossible. With limiting beliefs comes victim mentality and imposter syndrome. Our beliefs can affect our health, from the healthy to the not-so-healthy food we eat, to the positive and negative thoughts we have. What is the relationship between attitudes, values and behaviours? What we think about controls how feel and the emotions we experience. What we feel controls how we act and how we behave. Having a positive attitude comes from having positive beliefs and positive values. If we believe on the whole that people are good and that one of our core values is that telling the truth is important, then we will have a positive attitude towards others, we are more likely to be truthful ourselves and trusted by others in return. What is an attitude? Attitudes are judgements on anything, whether somebody likes or dislikes something, finds it good or bad. Attitudes come from our values and beliefs. Carl Jung, in his essay on psychological types, defines attitude as “the readiness of the psyche to act or react in a certain way”. As such, attitudes will drive how we think, feel and act about things in our lives and about ourselves. Also known as the ABC model : affective, behavioural and cognitive. The affective component relates to emotions and feelings (the emotional part), behavioural relates to how we act or behave given the attitudes we have and cognitive relates to what we believe to be true (the logical part). Attitudes are based on our core beliefs and the behaviours that they motivate. For example, having a ‘positive attitude’ helps an individual to be motivated to start and engage with a task that needs to be completed. What are values? Values are core ideas and standards you believe to be true for you and how you should act on a day-to-day to basis. They help you prioritise and make ethical decisions. When you act and work in alignment with your values you generally feel good about yourself and life. Recognising they exist and what your core values are will help you make better decisions in life. The New Zealand Government places a lot of importance on happiness and wellbeing. It explains that on personal beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviour, values are: “stable long-lasting beliefs about what is important to a person”. Can values change over time? Values can change over time going from childhood to old age. The things that are important to us change. Experience and varying needs will change the values you find important. For example, security may be more important later in life and relationships earlier. As we said earlier, values are the ideas and concepts we were born with and formed as part of our childhood, those values become attitudes based on underlying beliefs. What is a behaviour? Behaviours are the final action based on our core beliefs and values. So we have values working with beliefs creating our belief system. Our thoughts, emotions and feelings are expressed as our attitudes with behaviours being the final visible action. These behaviours also determine how well we will be able to learn, acquire new knowledge and develop new skills. For example, with poor beliefs about school and little value in education, unhelpful attitudes are formed resulting in visibly poor behaviours towards learning. What are the causes of limiting beliefs? Limiting beliefs are usually rooted in experiences that have come to define how you see yourself, others and your capabilities. Some people are more predisposed to them than others. Those with a negative disposition may be more likely to have them than those with a positive disposition, but anybody can have them. Comments made to you, bad experiences, or just a lack of confidence can all hold you back. Understanding the source of your limiting thoughts or beliefs can help you to overcome them. ‍ Are your beliefs holding you back? Generally, positive thinking people with few limiting beliefs are healthier, live longer and are more successful, as reported in Can you think yourself young? Guardian article. Your limiting beliefs can stop you from trying something new. Moreover, they cause stress and unhealthy habits that can lead to depression and lower personal and professional performance. Limiting beliefs can stop us from leaving our comfort zone where life is relatively easy and risk-free but lacks growth and the opportunities to learn new things and take on new challenges. This might limit the extent to which you can achieve your personal and professional goals. Limiting beliefs can be subconscious or conscious thoughts about how you see the world, yourself and others. With limiting beliefs comes victim mentality and imposter syndrome. Not feeling that you are good enough can be a self-limiting belief that results in the imposter syndrome. Even though you’ve achieved a lot and you receive a lot of praise, you just don’t believe it’s real, and that you’re about to be ‘found out’. Believing that all our issues and problems are the result of other people’s actions, not our own, is self-limiting behaviour resulting in the victim mentality. What are examples of limiting beliefs? Typical examples of limiting beliefs or thoughts include: I’m not good enough; I can’t ...; I’m too old, too young; I don’t have enough ...; I’ll never be …; I’m not … enough; I don’t have the … They fall into these categories: Either you don’t feel you’re capable of starting the task due to a lack of skills, experience, money or time, for example. You can’t complete the task because it will never be good enough. That should you achieve your goal, you fear you won’t be able to sustain it, that you’ll be rejected by family and friends You’ve achieved your goal, but now you feel like an imposter, that you don’t deserve your success. Revered guitarist Eric Clapton had these thoughts. How to identify your limiting beliefs Is there something you’d like to do, to be or achieve but you are not currently working on it? That’s a good place to start. Become more aware of how you express yourself. Are many of your statements about yourself very negative? Speak with friends, family, and colleagues about something you might like to pursue. The only obstacle to doing this is that they may have been influenced by your own negative view of yourself or have their own issues stopping them helping you. So keep an open mind. We are all familiar with that little voice, the inner critic, inside our heads feeding us either negative or positive thoughts and emotions depending on what we’re doing, who we’re doing it with and what we’re seeing as a result. Become more aware of your inner voice and manage it in a constructive, positive way. Your business beliefs will shape your business like they do your life A positive attitude in business is essential for creating high-performance teams as there are just so many challenges to get through. Whatever plan you put together will likely fall at the first fence, and so you’ll need to constantly adapt to new challenges and lessons learnt. Positive beliefs then will help you become more resilient, develop essential business skills and create a business culture that will foster innovation, agility and motivation. Ray Dalio , founder of the investment firm Bridgewater Associates and one of the wealthiest people on the planet, identified his beliefs in his book Principles . 6 ways to overcome limiting beliefs So, to address limiting beliefs we need to identify their root causes and associated behaviours. You’ll have to start thinking in a new and better way. Perhaps the first thing to do is to act. There is no better motivation to getting started than actually getting started. The act of starting will spur you on, rather than waiting for the right time. Is this negative belief based on any facts, is there anything to suggest it is a limiting fact, rather than a limiting belief? Is the limiting belief only that it will make you slower or less good? If so, get started and find out, you’ll be surprised how much better you’ll get with practice. Ask yourself what would be the worst that can happen if you either start or complete the task. Persistence and tenacity are the hallmarks of success. Did you start something in the past, fail and then believe you couldn’t do it and didn’t try again? Well, go try again. If you improve even a little bit, you’re on your way. What we tell ourselves is important. Tell yourself you can, and there’s a good chance you’ll start to see you can. Look at those around you. Are they positive people? Are they successful people? How do you feel when you’re around them? Do you feel uplifted, inspired and motivated? Does a conversation with them make you feel good about yourself? Unfortunately, there are many people in life, even family and friends, who will resent your ambition and success if they haven’t experienced that for themselves. Movies and songs are full of that sentiment by successful artists. Adele and Lil Peep come to mind, among others. Perhaps the first step is to become more aware of our own thought patterns, how we react emotionally to certain situations and people. Once you become more aware of these thoughts you can challenge the perceptions that lead to those thoughts. Negative thoughts release chemicals in the brain that create feelings of stress and unhappiness. Positive thoughts elevate your mood and make feel more engaged, your actions, countenance and behaviours become more positive too. It comes down to the perspective you have as it relates to events and people in your life. Previous Next Unlock Triple Bottom Line Growth Discover strategies to enhance profitability, cultivate a greener and more sustainable business model, and elevate overall well-being. GET STARTED

Why we need Stakeholder Capitalism 53 heads of state, the president of the world bank and 100 billionaires have agreed shareholder capitalism needs to be replaced by stakeholder capitalism. Stakeholder capitalism champions a business model prioritising not only shareholders but also employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment. It acknowledges their interconnectedness and the necessity of sustainable practices for long-term success. This approach fosters trust, innovation, and resilience, aligning profit with broader societal well-being. Increasing pollution of the air, seas and rivers, increasing inequality, the exponential extraction of the natural world and increasing mental health issues indicates that western capitalism is broken and it's time to make it better. ‍ What is capitalism? One definition of capitalism is: “an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.” So, the key is that it’s controlled by private individuals, as opposed to communism, often considered to be the alternative to capitalism, where everything is controlled by the state. But even communism has morphed into ‘state-controlled capitalism’. Here, the state controls large parts of the economic system, not just private owners. Capitalism’s great strength is its capacity to engage people in innovation and to enable new and creative ways of creating new value. Different flavours of capitalism have spread across the world since the end of World War Two in 1945. Nearly every country now runs some form of capitalism, be that western capitalism, state-controlled capitalism, Nordic capitalism and the capitalism of Germany with varying degrees of public/private partnership and state control. It doesn’t matter which flavour of capitalism we’re talking about, all capitalism is based on consumption ; the making of products and services that create value which are then consumed and used by customers. The issue is that the impact on the environment and people of the production of those products and service hasn’t been factored into their price and has largely been ignored by almost all businesses until now, For nearly 250 years, since ‘father of capitalism’ Adam Smith published the Wealth of Nations , we’ve been underpaying for the goods and services we’ve been buying. We’ve been using up the resources of the planet and many people’s wellbeing for free, paying only for time and materials, not the repair, regeneration and restoration needed to make good what was there in the first place. Markets create private goods not public goods. The market assigns a zero price to depleting natural resources. To rethink capitalism is to rethink not only the public/private partnership but also how businesses are run and the role the customer has in addressing the ills of capitalism. This is now hurting us twice: once in that those natural resources will soon be running out and secondly through the negative impact it’s having on the planet and people by causing global warming and increasing mental health issues. Discussions at recent global talking shops indicate that attitudes are changing, albeit at a glacial pace. Here’s what happened at COP26 and the World Economic Forum event in DAVOS: COP26 In November 2021, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow brought together 120 world leaders for two weeks to discuss climate change. Debates covered the science, the required solutions and the actions needed to address climate change. Although progress was made and actions were agreed, cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions are still far from where they need to be to preserve a livable climate. Net Zero is not enough. We need to be regenerative, not sustainable Being sustainable, as defined by COP26, means not exceeding 1.5°C of climate warming above pre-industrial levels. Climate warming is already 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels and, as we know, that’s already too warm. So, setting a goal of 1.5°C is simply too hot and too late. The only way to address this is to be regenerative. Being regenerative means creating extra value for all stakeholders, especially the planet, and with a goal of NET10, regenerating the planet at a rate of 10X. For example, if two trees are consumed in the production of products and services, then 20 new trees must be planted. Another reason to be regenerative is that removing two trees from the planet also removes the associated biodiversity that accompanied those trees, be that other trees, plants and flowers or insects and animals and on the soil too. So, removing two trees has a far bigger impact than just the trees themselves. Additionally, in a world with a still rapidly growing population and increasing wealth the future impact of growth will be multiplied and happen more quickly, and so the damage will be far greater to the planet than it is today, so some future capacity needs to be built back in the natural environment. Davos 2020 In January 2020, 3,000 delegates from more than 100 countries, 53 heads of state, the president of the world bank and 100 billionaires met as they do every year in the Swiss Alps at Davos. They agreed that, within the next 50 years, shareholder capitalism needs to have been replaced by stakeholder capitalism. So, rather than a singular focus on profit maximisation, businesses must also consider the planet, people, staff, customers, suppliers; that’s everybody and everything affected by business, to address the key issues facing humanity and the planet this decade. In the words of Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum: “They have to actively contribute to a more cohesive and sustainable world.” The problem with GDP as a measure of capitalism One of the challenges in measuring the success of capitalism is how we measure it. The usual way is by looking at annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total value of all goods and services produced by a county in a year and is used to measure its economic health. It is expected that GDP increases every year, and when it doesn’t, when it goes into a sustained decline, it becomes a recession resulting in job losses and a reduction in investment in business growth. When GDP is increasing, more jobs are likely to be created and wages will rise. GDP is used by governments to guide policymakers, define taxation, expenditure on public services and to set interest rates. Companies use it to guide investing in their businesses. But alone it is insufficient to use as a measure of how well capitalism is performing. It doesn’t show increasing levels of inequality, nor the impact on the environment or welfare. As inequality increases, resentment increases, trust decreases and societies, on the whole, become less happy. In our personal lives, we all understand that a focus purely on money isn’t healthy. There’s more to life than money. Some countries recognise this more than others. Some countries are starting to use the Happiness Index as an indicator of the well-being of their citizens. Bhutan, a south-central Asian country on the eastern ridges of the Himalayas, is the only country in the world that has a ‘GNH’, or ‘Gross National Happiness’ measure. This is used to ensure that material and spiritual improvements grow together. Unsurprisingly, Bhutan has been ranked as one the happiest countries in Asia. In 2019, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern adopted the Happiness Index metric, creating new budgets that focus on the prosperity of local communities and paving the way for a national wellbeing budget. The UK, too, is adopting the happiness index to measure societal and personal wellbeing The variables used in the Global Happiness Index include: GDP per capita Healthy life expectancy Social support Freedom of choice Generosity Perceptions of corruption The benefits of capitalism Among the main benefits of capitalism are: New technologies and possibilities Capitalism has enabled new technologies, ideas and concepts to flourish for the benefit of humankind, to significantly improve the well-being of billions. It has enabled us to reach the lowest parts of the world, the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, the top of the world on Mount Everest, journey to Moon and back, contemplate going to Mars (and back) and create life-saving and life-enhancing medical procedures. Increased life expectancy So, the benefits of capitalism far outweigh the downsides many times over. As reported in The Guardian: "Lifespans have increased with remarkable consistency since 1800," says Professor Tom Kirkwood, Director of the Institute for Ageing and Health at Newcastle University. "There was no change in longevity between Roman times and 1800. But after that, we see considerable alteration. Every century the lifespan of British people increased by 20 years. Nor is this rise an exclusively British phenomenon. It is observed in most countries today. Only those with particular health problems, like South Africa's HIV infections, have failed to see rises." During the 1990s, 500 million people were lifted out of poverty, mostly across China, India and parts of Africa. Reduced poverty Since Adam Smith 250 years ago described a better way of organising the production of goods and services in what is now called capitalism, massive benefits have been realised across the world with nearly everybody taken out of poverty and the opportunity for many millions of people to lead much better lives, to achieve their dreams and significantly lift the living standards for themselves and their families. Capitalism is broken Today, western capitalism is only running by the rules, norms, and values we have defined for it, rules that evolve. For example, there is no more child labour, working hours are considerably shorter and safer than 100 years ago, and you can no longer be put in prison if you don’t show up to work. Capitalism has also been adjusted over the decades by anti-capitalistic movements, such as socialism. In this respect, it has proved to be very flexible and isn’t a single idea, but an amalgamation of many ideas. For this reason, it will endure, unlike previous political and economic structures, such as the Roman, Ottoman and Greek empires, and many more. Like the rules of a game, then, we need only decide how best to update those rules so there are more winners, fewer losers and fewer people out on the margins, both rich and poor. Autocratic monarchies and ecclesiastical hierarchies dominated western society for hundreds of years before Smith’s Wealth of Nations. As people started to rebel against these systems, capitalism offered a way that allowed people to express themselves and have control over their own destiny, and property, and to create opportunities for themselves. Democracy went well with this as it, too, allowed for individual freedoms. People gave up being looked after by landowners, the nobility, Kings and Queens, in favour of making their own way in life. Smith saw this trend in creating The Wealth of Nations. But economic growth since 1980, when markets were deregulated and supply-side economics took hold, hasn’t been fed into improved public infrastructure. The benefits have gone disproportionally to the private sector. In other words, capitalism can both transform and demonise us. Karl Marx, co-author of The Communist Manifesto in 1848 , said capitalism “ .has greatly increased the urban population as compared with the rural, and has thus rescued a considerable part of the population from the idiocy of rural life.” . He viewed rural life as inferior to urban life. In this way, he was pro-capitalism, at least at the outset, before predicting it would destroy itself, which is the very thing we are trying to avoid now. The issues created by the current version of western capitalism Set against the benefits that capitalism has brought are numerous problems, including: Poor social mobility A lack of social mobility of the poor half of the world needs to be addressed. Being born in the wrong place at the wrong time doesn’t help your prospects. When the richest 1% make all the rules for the other 99% to follow, it doesn’t help. Rampant inequality Opportunity inequality is a concern. The minimum wage for a UK worker is about £13,000 per year and the average salary of the FTSE 100 company director is £5,000,000. The rising tide has lifted all boats, but now the bigger boats are sailing away leaving all the smaller boats stranded or sinking. The world has become more polarised in recent decades. People are blaming the very system that has given them all the benefits they now enjoy. Inequality leads it mistrust and a sense of injustice and resentment. Deaths from suicide, drug overdose and alcoholism have increased significantly, claiming 100,000 lives every year. That’s not to say these are all related to capitalism, but it’s a concerning statistic if many others are becoming better off at the same time. The economic crash of 2008 made matters worse as it was caused by the people with the money and it was the ordinary people who played no part in the slump who paid the price with broken livelihoods and the taxes to bail out the banks who were partially responsible for the catastrophe. Declining prospects It used to be the case that we could safely assume we would be better off than our parents, but that isn’t necessarily so anymore. Pollution Some might say that capitalism is poisoning the planet for profit. Ten key impacts we’re having on the planet today: 1) Pollution 2) Soil degradation 3) Global warming 4) Natural resource depletion 5) Generating unsustainable waste 6) Deforestation 7) Polar ice caps melting 8) Loss of biodiversity 9) Ocean acidification 10) Water pollution Increased mental health issues Those that are making the mega-money often work 80-100 hours per week and don’t see their families or kids without being stressed and irritable, just as though in lower incomes suffer too. What’s happening today to fix capitalism? Finally, if you want to find out what’s already being done to fix capitalism, here are some organisations that are changing the way we define business and economic success: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria Most of us want to do the right thing. In business, many companies are adopting ESG criteria. However, they are perhaps doing it more to comply with market trends than a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Many leaders want to move away from the relentless pursuit of short-term profits demanded by their shareholders, but doing the ‘right thing’ is difficult. When they do act, it is to protect their businesses against bad publicity or to help save the planet? US Business Roundtable In August 2019, 181 chief executives of leading US companies who belong to the non-profit group US Business Roundtable redefined the purpose of a corporation to ‘promote an economy that serves all Americans’. In other words, a move away from shareholder primacy to include commitments to all stakeholders. Council for Inclusive Capitalism In December 2020, the Council for Inclusive Capitalism was created by the Vatican to promote a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The Council believes the strongest and most valuable businesses are those that profitably create value for all stakeholders. Its steering committee has offices across 163 countries representing 200 million workers and $2.1 trillion in market capitalisation. B Corporation B Corporation provides a private certification of social and environmental performance. Companies need to pass an assessment and update their governing company documents to reflect the commitments to all stakeholders. As of March 2022, there were 4,856 certified B Corporations across 153 industries in 79 countries. Conscious Capitalism A movement that aims to raise the standards of business. Forum for the future The non-profit organisation is “reinventing the way the world works”. It recommends the Five Capitals framework for sustainability, as described by environmentalist Jonathan Porritt, that integrates natural, human, social, manufactured and financial capital into existing models. Implementing Stakeholder Capitalism Nobel Laureate economist Milton Friedman said: “The business of business is business.” But this focus on short-term profit-making is now seen to be responsible for everything that’s wrong with capitalism – from the various financial crises we have endured to increasing inequalities and climate change. But capitalism is constantly transforming itself and it will continue to do so. And it can do that best within a free, fair and democratic system, so people are free to innovate, take risks and receive rewards for doing so, once all stakeholders are accounted for. Most people agree the principle of capitalism is a good one, the debate only comes down to how best to implement it. Capitalism is based on creating prosperity and freedom for everybody. Markets need to be free and fair, we need only consider how free and fair they are today. Many companies are now starting to see that their responsibilities are beyond just making a profit. The external cost of doing business needs to be factored in, the externalities in economic-speak. For example, there are social costs to burning fossil fuels that need to be accounted for. We just need to update the rules of the game to make capitalism better and the private sector can lead the way. After all, business can’t work underwater, with failing climate, food shortages, people moving from hotter climes to cooler ones and countries going to war over rapidly reducing habitats and infertile land. The private sector must lead the way because governments can only do so much. They can’t innovate or create the products and services needed to make capitalism work better. Big, public-listed companies must manage the short-term expectations of their shareholders, but private sector businesses are free of all these constraints. They are agile, quick thinking and innovative, just what is needed to show the way out of this crisis. Companies can make millions and billions of pounds out of solving the climate challenges of our time. You only have to look at electric car manufacturer Tesla, one of the most valuable car companies in the world, so there is a business opportunity in making capitalism better. People often think business is the problem, but it’s not. We just need to update the rules by which the game of business is played. If we don’t do that in a timely way, they’ll be no more game to play. So, we need to transform business and our daily lives to regenerate the planet, extract the excessive amounts of carbon with a carbon management system being created from the atmosphere, create better infrastructure, reduce inequality, increase productivity, and repair and restore the planet’s biodiversity. A Gallup poll found people today associate socialism with equality, not state control, and ownership of the means of production. So, discussions around the merits of socialism need to be tempered with this mind, people are starting to forget that it is far from a utopian ideal. Any consideration of how to fix, improve or upgrade capitalism has to start with considering human nature. McGregor defined two types of people: Theory X and Theory Y people. Theory X people are lazy and don’t like to work; Theory Y people are self-motivated. Whichever camp you’re in, everybody needs self-esteem, self-respect and recognition for the work they have completed and the contributions made. In improving capitalism, it is necessary to include the moral, ethical and spiritual considerations of people as part of business philosophy, especially among the leaders of business, the 1% who control the other 99%. This can be achieved by agreeing a set of values that everybody can sign-up to. Capitalism managed with morals, vision and ethics would be the correction we need. So far, we have seen the debate as two sided. We have free enterprise (capitalism) where people and markets are left to their own devices and on the other side state-controlled socialism, where the state is responsible for everybody and everything. Neither extreme is a good idea. A third route is required. We need a mixed economy that contains the freedom of western capitalism that allows for innovation and risk-taking and the rewards that come with that along with the controls of state regulation. This ensures the game is played fairly and equitably, with the spoils spread in a fair way. But perhaps the answer today isn’t capitalism, state control or a mixed economy. Rather, it is in providing consumers with more transparency of the costs and impact of producing the things they are buying. They can then choose to buy from companies not just because of their products and services, but because of the regenerative good they do for the planet and all stakeholders. 13 steps towards Stakeholder Capitalism It falls to small businesses, the private sector, to fix our problem with capitalism. The only way to address that is to ensure the consumer can see the impact they are having with the purchases they make. How do we organise economic and social life in a way that regenerates for all stakeholders? Society reflects business. Stressed workers go home to stressed families, and stressed kids, creating stressed communities. People who are stressed make poor decisions and are less motivated. 13 steps business leaders can take to make capitalism work better from within their own businesses: 1) Workers share more of the company’s success 2) Address inequality within the business by raising the wages at the bottom end and lowing the top 3) Provide professional development, education, training, and health care within the business 4) Provide more autonomy for staff within their roles 5) Break down the divisions between leaders, managers, directors and staff 6) Increase the transparency of important information 7) Be more inclusive in decision making so people feel valued 8) Go for long term growth, not short-term profits 9) Increase diversity, more diverse companies make better decisions and are more profitable 10) Ensure women are in senior roles. Companies with women in the Executive outperform those without. Men tend to want to win now, women tend to want to build long-term partnerships (there’s a reason Angela Merkel was called ‘Auntie’) 11) Make sure there is a collective shared vision that’s focused on the common good of all stakeholders 12) Increase trust with open, honest, timely and candid dialogue 13) Lead with awareness, alignment and values. Consider all decisions in the light of shared values and a common vision across all stakeholders. One thing many people experienced during the Covid-19 lockdown was that it slowed everybody and everything down. For a short period (not so short for some), the rat race was on hold. Everybody was equalised, everybody had to stay at home, go to the park for exercise and queue up for things. It didn’t matter where you came from, how much you earned or where you worked, everybody became equal during this period. For many of us, this was a great thing. We became more relaxed, more conversational with people we didn’t know or perhaps ordinarily would never talk to. This evidence shows how inequality and constant rush increase stress levels. Previous Next Unlock Triple Bottom Line Growth Discover strategies to enhance profitability, cultivate a greener and more sustainable business model, and elevate overall well-being. GET STARTED

Embracing Agile: A Transformational Approach to Modern Business Embracing Agile is a paradigm shift towards flexibility and collaboration. It empowers organisations to adapt rapidly, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster continuous improvement. Agile is not just a methodology; it's a transformative mindset essential for thriving in today's ever-evolving business landscape. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of today's business world, agility has become more than just a buzzword; it's a fundamental necessity. Embracing Agile methodologies has emerged as a transformative approach that empowers organisations to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an environment characterised by uncertainty and rapid change. In this 1000-word exploration, we delve into the core principles of Agile, its benefits, and practical steps for implementation. Understanding Agile At its core, Agile is a mindset and a set of principles that prioritise flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity. Originally developed for software development, Agile has now found applications across various industries, including project management, marketing, and even HR. The Agile Manifesto, created in 2001 by a group of software developers, serves as the foundation for Agile principles. The Agile Manifesto The Agile Manifesto outlines four key values and twelve principles that guide Agile practices. The four core values are: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: Agile emphasises the importance of people and their collaboration in achieving project success. It values face-to-face communication and teamwork. Working software (or product) over comprehensive documentation: Instead of focusing excessively on documentation, Agile encourages the delivery of a functional product or software that meets the customer's needs. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: Agile promotes customer involvement throughout the development process to ensure the product aligns with their evolving requirements. Responding to change over following a plan: Agile recognises that change is inevitable and values the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, even late in the project. The Agile Principles The twelve principles derived from the Agile Manifesto further elucidate its values and provide a practical framework for Agile implementation. These principles include fostering customer satisfaction, welcoming changing requirements, delivering products frequently, and maintaining a sustainable pace for the team, among others. Benefits of Embracing Agile Embracing Agile methodologies can yield numerous benefits for organisations, both large and small. These advantages extend beyond software development to encompass all facets of business operations. 1. Enhanced Flexibility Agile allows organisations to quickly respond to market changes, customer feedback, and emerging opportunities. Teams can adjust their priorities and work on the most valuable tasks, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. 2. Improved Collaboration Agile promotes a culture of collaboration and cross-functional teamwork. Teams work closely with stakeholders, share knowledge, and continuously improve their processes. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and drives better results. 3. Faster Time-to-Market Agile's iterative and incremental approach to development enables organisations to deliver products and features more rapidly. This agility is especially valuable in industries where time-to-market is a critical success factor. 4. Increased Customer Satisfaction By involving customers throughout the development process and responding to their feedback, Agile ensures that products and services better align with customer needs and expectations. This leads to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. 5. Better Risk Management Agile encourages early and frequent testing, which helps identify issues and risks sooner in the development process. This proactive approach to risk management reduces the likelihood of costly late-stage changes. 6. Continuous Improvement Agile promotes a culture of continuous improvement through regular retrospectives. Teams reflect on their processes and outcomes, identify areas for enhancement, and implement changes iteratively. Embracing Agile: Practical Steps Transitioning to Agile requires more than just adopting a new set of practices; it necessitates a cultural shift within the organisation. Here are practical steps to embrace Agile successfully: 1. Leadership Buy-In For Agile to thrive, leadership must endorse and actively support the transformation. Leaders should understand Agile principles and communicate their commitment to the organisation. 2. Training and Education Invest in Agile training and education for your teams. Equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to implement Agile practices effectively. 3. Form Cross-Functional Teams Assemble cross-functional teams that include members with diverse skills and perspectives. This diversity fosters innovation and ensures that all aspects of a project are considered. 4. Define Clear Objectives Clearly define project objectives and the desired outcomes. This provides teams with a shared vision and a sense of purpose. 5. Implement Agile Frameworks Choose an Agile framework that aligns with your organisation's needs, such as Scrum, Kanban, or Lean. Tailor the framework to fit your specific context. 6. Iterative Development Break down projects into smaller, manageable iterations. Focus on delivering a minimum viable product (MVP) early and then build upon it based on feedback. 7. Frequent Communication Facilitate regular communication among team members, stakeholders, and customers. This ensures everyone is informed and can provide input throughout the project. 8. Embrace Change Embrace change as an opportunity for improvement rather than a disruption. Agile teams are flexible and adapt to evolving requirements. 9. Measure and Learn Implement metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess progress and outcomes. Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement. 10. Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement Encourage teams to regularly reflect on their processes and outcomes. Celebrate successes and address areas for improvement in a blame-free environment. Conclusion In today's dynamic business environment, embracing Agile is not a choice but a necessity. Its principles and practices offer organisations a way to thrive amid uncertainty, adapt to change, and deliver value to customers more effectively. By cultivating a culture of flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement, businesses can position themselves for success in an ever-evolving landscape. Embracing Agile is not just a transformation of processes; it's a transformation of mindset that empowers organisations to innovate, excel, and lead in their respective industries. Previous Next Unlock Triple Bottom Line Growth Discover strategies to enhance profitability, cultivate a greener and more sustainable business model, and elevate overall well-being. GET STARTED

What is Organisational Development? Organisational development (OD) refers to a planned and systematic approach to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of an organisation. Organisational development (OD) involves applying behavioural science principles and practices to analyse the current state of the organisation, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance its overall performance. OD encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at improving various aspects of an organisation, including its structure, processes, systems, culture, and people. It focuses on promoting positive organisational change, fostering employee engagement, and aligning the organisation's objectives with its strategies and resources. Organisational development aims to guide an organisation through the process of change and help build capacity for ongoing improvement and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. Organisation development (OD) and organisational design are closely related and complementary concepts that work together to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of an organisation. While OD focuses on the human and behavioural aspects of organisational change, organisational design focuses on the structural and strategic elements. Both disciplines collaborate to create an organisation that is adaptable, efficient, and aligned with its goals and values. Organisation development involves assessing and improving various aspects of an organisation, such as its culture, processes, systems, and people. It aims to enhance the organisation's capacity to adapt to change, foster employee engagement, and align its objectives with its strategies and resources. OD interventions may include leadership development, team-building activities, change management, and culture transformation. On the other hand, organisational design is concerned with the formal structure, roles, and relationships within the organisation. It involves defining the reporting lines, job roles, responsibilities, and overall organisational structure. Organisation design aims to create a structure that facilitates efficient operations, effective decision-making, and clear communication within the organisation. How can Organisational Development support an effective Business Operating System? Organisational development (OD) significantly bolsters the effectiveness of a business operating system by nurturing continuous improvement, refining organisational culture, and aligning systems with strategic objectives. Primarily, OD initiatives, including employee training, skill enhancement, and leadership programmes, ensure that staff possess the requisite competencies to navigate the business operating system adeptly. By investing in human capital, organisations optimise performance and adapt to evolving market dynamics. Furthermore, OD interventions cultivate collaboration, communication, and teamwork, critical for the seamless operation of a business operating system. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, OD initiatives facilitate the implementation of standard operating procedures and best practices across the organisation. Moreover, OD aids in identifying areas for improvement within the business operating system through techniques such as process mapping, feedback mechanisms, and performance evaluations. By diagnosing and rectifying inefficiencies, organisations can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and spur innovation, thereby maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. Overall, organisational development complements and fortifies the effectiveness of a business operating system by nurturing talent, promoting collaboration, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Organisation Development and Organisational Design Work Together in the Following Ways Alignment: Organisation development initiatives can help identify the need for organisational structure and design changes. For example, if an OD intervention reveals that the existing structure hinders collaboration and communication, organisational design can be used to reconfigure the structure to better support these aspects. Support for Change: Organisation design plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of organisational development interventions. When changes are introduced as part of an OD initiative, the organisational design needs to be adjusted accordingly to ensure the changes are supported by the structure, roles, and processes within the organisation. Integration of People and Structure: Organisation development focuses on improving employee engagement, teamwork, and communication. Organisation design helps facilitate these goals by creating a structure that promotes collaboration, establishes clear reporting lines, and defines roles and responsibilities. The design of the organisation should align with the desired cultural and behavioural changes identified through OD efforts. Feedback Loop: Organisation development and organisational design are iterative processes that inform and influence each other. The data and insights gathered through OD initiatives can provide valuable input for designing or modifying the organisation's structure, roles, and processes. Likewise, the outcomes of organisational design efforts can inform future OD interventions by identifying areas for improvement. Key principles and practices of organisational development include: Diagnosis: Assessing the organisation's current state through data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and observations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Intervention: Implementing strategies and interventions based on the diagnosis to address identified issues. This may involve changes to organisational structure, processes, communication systems, leadership development, training programs, and team-building activities. Change Management: Managing the process of change within the organisation, including overcoming resistance, fostering buy-in from stakeholders, and ensuring successful implementation of new initiatives. Team Development: Enhancing the effectiveness of teams within the organisation through activities such as team building, conflict resolution, and improving communication and collaboration among team members. Leadership Development: Developing the skills, capabilities, and behaviors of leaders within the organisation to drive change, inspire employees, and create a positive work environment. Culture Transformation: Shaping and aligning the organisation's culture with its strategic goals, fostering values such as collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Continuous Learning: Encouraging a culture of learning and growth within the organisation, promoting ongoing development and improvement of individuals and teams. Previous Next Unlock Triple Bottom Line Growth Discover strategies to enhance profitability, cultivate a greener and more sustainable business model, and elevate overall well-being. GET STARTED