It has been a while since we sent out one of our occasional newsletters. But as ever we would like to offer some tips, guidance and case studies which may help you improve the effectiveness of your work. In this edition, there’s a reminder of who we are and what we do, an example of something we’ve done recently for a client, an introduction to our new effectiveness assessment system and a tip of the day.

John Faulkes and Ralph White - June 2008

But when we talked to the project managers, they were worried that such a job would be impossible. This was despite positive changes that were planned at senior levels to facilitate new ways of working. In the following months, we met with them as a team and in individual coaching sessions – and effectively turned their attitude around to one of enthusiasm and increasing confidence in the new role!

Each project manager is now running regular, effective project meetings and is acting dynamically and with confidence with teams of senior function managers and with customers!

Measure your effectiveness!

How effective is your project management? Do you and your colleagues work together across functions? Most importantly, what are the barriers (and these are sometimes obvious, but they are often hidden) that might stop you achieving your targets?

You can get fast, simple and inexpensive answers to these questions using our new online assessments – the ‘Collaborate’ questionnaires.

Find out more information and see demos here.

Key tip – reducing international disconnects

Even when we speak the same language, we often feel that our colleagues in other places don’t understand us. This is frequently true between the US and the UK. For example, when a decision is needed, the Brits will see the Americans as too emotional, too keen to bypass colleagues and bring direct influence to bear on top management. The US guys will see the Brits as non-committal, hesitant and indecisive! Yet – we must achieve quality, cross-national decisions! So how can we reconcile the different ways in which we work?

Well, there is no substitute for talking, especially when and if we have chances to get together face to face. Why not, instead of jumping straight into the business agenda items, spend some time reviewing how we work together. In a light-hearted way, ask each of the US guys to say what they think of the Brits, and vice-versa. A great practical way of doing this is to get people to talk to three headings: “What I like, what I find difficult, what I don’t understand…”.

It’s fun, it’s quick and it really uncovers the hidden misunderstandings that may compromise your operation. You can manage it yourself but if you have any concerns, talk to us about it – we can advise you or help to facilitate it!