Do you think AFL teams just happen?  Do you think other world class sporting teams just happen?  Do you think successful business teams just happen? I hope you answered “no” – because they don’t just happen, every team must work hard to be their best!

The trainings behind creating a High Performing Team (HPT) are the same, no matter what business you are in, no matter how large or small your team is and no matter where in the world you live.

A team is a collective of two or more people and your particular work (or sport?) team may at worst be dysfunctional and not in sync (if this is you then we definitely need to do some work together!), and at best be great (and can be greater…more great? – this always confuses me!)

During the HPT training I proudly facilitate, I work closely with teams of all sizes to help raise the bar.  Many teams and team members fall in middle ground and operate at a safe 66% effort – this is enough to get by and make do, but wouldn’t you rather be the best version of yourself and help your team be the best they can be?

With HPT training we introduce the Principles of Success, define the culture and values of the team and then create (and commit to) a plan to close the gap between where we are now and where we want to be.

One of the beautiful  benefits of HPT training is to see teams take ownership of the outcomes they wish to achieve, there’s a sense of collective motivation allowing the team to unite and individual leaders to shine.

If this sounds like something you are interested in – I currently have a very special offer for you, simply contact me for more details!

Regards

Oh goodness, this may come across as a whinge or even be a little controversial, but it is something I feel strongly about.  So much so that I actually had something else scheduled for this morning but I’ve risen early to write this piece.

Yesterday I received a private message through Facebook from a person I don’t know, it began with “hey are you running business in heels warrnambool?”

Let’s take a look at that – no Hello Bronwen, no introduction, no “a friend told me I should contact you” and no capital letters other than the first one that I know would have happened automatically!

Despite my initial reservations, I proceeded with the conversation because Business in Heels is in fact a business, and one that has not been performing as well as I would have hoped and I am still devoted to making it the best it can be (and this includes engaging in conversations with someone who at first glance did not actually respect the person they were contacting).

Throughout the 15 messages sent, I provided 11 individual pieces of advice (including one early on that suggested if they were to contact the people I recommended they should include a greeting and a short introduction which was really my way of telling this person they should have done the same with me!)

One of the answers I received was a lone “k”, I was asked for more specific information (which I gave) but which was freely available in the links I had taken the time to provide and the conversation ended with “ok”.

At no point did this person address me by name and they certainly didn’t thank me for taking time out of my public holiday to speak with them – have we really become this rude?

People say “it’s not personal. it’s just business”, but when you are running your own business, then business is as personal as it gets!

Please, no matter who you are speaking with, make an effort to be kind and courteous.  That is all.

Regards

We’re well into Winter and colds and flu are already running rampant.

Here at The Tax Chic I urge you to take care of yourself, and if you are unwell then you certainly should avail yourself of your personal leave – I only ask that you be respectful to your employer by informing them as early as possible that you will be absent, adhere to your employer’s policy and use the time you take to genuinely rest and recuperate so you are refreshed and rearing to go on your return.  If you are concerned that your need for time off is being caused by deeper issues (such as stress), now is the time to speak up.

Australia (and New Zealand) are among the most generous in the world when it comes to leave entitlements, but it doesn’t take much of a staff absence to really impact on the performance of a small business.

It’s one thing to state that businesses should be prepared for all contingencies, but contingencies cost money, money many small businesses simply don’t have.

So please be fair (this is a message for both employees and employers).

Regards

The June instalment of the Business in Heels – South West Victoria 2017 Inspiration Series is coming up next Wednesday 14th June.

You too can join in the fun and festivities at Proudfoot’s Boathouse from 6.30pm- 8.30pm.

You’ll receive a drink on arrival and canapes prepared from fresh local produce – plus you’ll have the chance to meet and connect with like-minded business and professional women from across our region.

Membership is FREE, and if you join as a member you can come along to all our events for just $40 each – here’s the booking link for next week.

Our inspiring special guest for June is Bess Slater – from events to fundraising, and boxing
to trekking and pretty much anything in between, Bess is as versatile as she is inspiring – and she has just arrived home from the Great Wall of China!  PLUS we’ll be supporting one of Bess’ favourite non-profit organisations, Lifeline South West Vic.

One of our April attendees sent this feedback “Thanks for an inspiring evening! There are wonderful women in Warrnambool. It was great to meet some of them last night.”  It’s lovely to hear nice things about our events and that our members feel so positive when they leave.

I do hope to see you there, and I would ask that you share the details with your network.

PS As always there is a prize for the best shoe (heel or flat, we don’t mind!)

Regards