The issue of mental health is one that comes up multiple times a day.
Over the last few years, I have noticed the increase in the number of my clients who have employees experiencing mental health issues.
I don’t do work with corporates or resource companies with FIFO – an industry where perhaps they have been dealing with these challenges for longer than my average client.
We are talking about a wide range of professional industries that are having to review their whole approach to managing the well-being and mental health of their team.
While the employer is usually the first stop for “workplace stress” issues, in my experience, many of the challenges faced by their team members have their roots outside of work. Mental health can often be a build up from a number of factors, work being one of them, but it is the workplace where the action will often have to occur.
There are multiple reasons why we may debate as to the reasons that mental health is on the climb – I am not wanting to explore that but rather look at the role of business owners and managers in this.
After all, we are key players in each of our communities.
What my clients have found is that they have been responsible for cost of treatment with team members going on stress leave and requiring counselling services. In many cases, the employee will go to a counsellor for work-related stress and find out that the underlying causes run far deeper – and this is a good thing, as too many people fail to seek help when they need it most.
Did you know that free counselling services are available through seeing your GP for a referral?
The cost to everyone is too high – not only in leave and productivity, but most importantly, emotionally for everyone in the team.
So what can we do about it?
I think the first step is acknowledging that mental health issues are currently a normal part of life and that most of us could use some help at different times of our lives to navigate the tricky bits.
There is a stigma that needs to be removed.
The second step is to accept that “prevention is better than cure”.
Let us stop and take notice of our team a lot more. Get to know them, their families and areas that could be making an impact. This is good practice that any business should have as part of caring and knowing your team, but there is added importance when you also want to ensure that your team are truly OK.
Increasing the awareness of how important mental health is in our lives and that “toughing it out” isn’t always the best option. Letting your team know that help is available and what your policy is regarding this, is also important.
I’m not a psychologist but I would suggest that when there are serious issues in the lives of our team members like: deaths and illnesses of family, marital issues, divorce and challenges with their children (especially teens), that we should be proactive and ask if they need help and point them in the right direction. Give them time off without question. If you show your support along the way with little things like giving time off freely without it being tallied and watched the message will be clear to your staff about how important this is to you and the values you want to demonstrate.
Of course, these same principles apply to you as a leader. What example are you setting in managing your stress, looking after your health, not working ridiculous hours, having regular holidays? Your example in this space speaks volumes and you have to remember that everyone has different tolerances and life experiences that can build to an outcome. But you are responsible for setting the tone for the office with how you want your employees to look after themselves – like it or not, you are the example.
This is a real issue for all of us to manage and support so I welcome your input below.
I think the answer to my question I first posed in the title is – everyone. But taking that time and effort with your team, as well as being aware of your example will only end up in good outcomes for all regardless of whether there are any mental health issues to deal with or not. These steps are ones you should be doing in any case.
If you are experiencing more stress than you feel comfortable with then please get help and ask for support – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites
In our first article on this topic, we highlighted the process for defining the apps and tools you will require in your eco-system of apps for your business. If you missed that article, you will find it here http://www.sbdbusiness.com.au/business-tips/ecosystem-of-apps-and-tools/
When I followed the process and started defining my ecosystem, I thought about the key functions that I wanted to get right and ended up mapping out 7 areas that are really important for me and my business. Below are those areas and the key apps that I use to be productive and efficient.
1. Client Information
Where do you store your client information? Unfortunately, lots of people are storing their valuable client and sales information in their accounting system and end up not being able to use it for marketing and sales because they are using the wrong software for the job.
Client information is important because it’s linked to how we market and sell our business in a modern, electronic world. The challenge is to collect, store and manage client information using the appropriate tools – a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
I have found Insightly (https://www.insightly.com/) to be an excellent Entry level product to store and organise your client/customer information in a simple, intuitive useable format. It links to a wide variety of other apps in my software ecosystem and enables me to share data across these platforms. It’s also cost effective at $15 per User per month (Aug 2016).
There are CRMs such as Salesforce (http://www.salesforce.com/au/), Base (https://getbase.com/), Capsule CRM (https://capsulecrm.com/) and Zoho (https://www.zoho.com/crm/), and they are all good programs. The challenge is that you need to find a CRM system that is intuitive for you and has the features and linkage benefits that you will actually use to help grow your business.
2. Data Storage
For me and my business, data refers to my Office 365 files, image files, etc. so I need to have an accessible and integrated way of storing all of these. I found OneDrive to be a very useful tool for this area of my ecosystem.
OneDrive (https://onedrive.live.com) integrates really well with just about everything I do so it makes perfect sense to use it. Other data storage apps to consider are Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/) and Box.net (https://www.box.com/).
3. Information Storage
I find that most business have a requirement to store information and resources that won’t necessarily fit in to a traditional data storage system and where we require different mechanisms or modes for retrieval. I’m talking about information like websites, videos, PDF documents, workshop manuals, etc.
For resources and general information, I’ve found Evernote (https://www.evernote.com/) to be the tool for me. It is a series of digital notebooks. The beauty about Evernote is that you can put information in in a variety of ways – i.e. voice recording, video clip, and then share a note or a notebook with people. It is available in desktop, Mac, Windows, IOS and Android formats – very flexible. It also works seamlessly with my Livescribe Pen (http://www.livescribe.com/en-au/)
An alternative tool for Windows users is One Note (https://www.onenote.com/) which integrates with the Office 365 suite. I found the Mac version of OneNote to be lacking when compared to Evernote, but the Windows version is excellent.
4. Task Management
We need to manage tasks – we need to manage projects and stay on top of all this stuff. In fact, many businesses have a really strong need for effective task management.
One app that I find great for task management is Trello (https://trello.com/). It’s a powerful tool that enables me and my team in the Philippines to collaborate, work together and do planning. It’s got an easy drag and drop navigation and I can add in files from OneDrive or Dropbox. It also integrates with Cloudmagic (now Newton) on my IOS devices and the Mac.
Other options are Kanban Flow (https://kanbanflow.com/), BaseCamp HQ (https://basecamp.com/) and Bitrix24 (https://www.bitrix24.com/).
5. Communication
If I look at my ecosystem, my email and calendar systems are quite central to it and really important. I use Cloudmagic (now Newton) (https://cloudmagic.com/), Airmail (http://airmailapp.com/) as email programs on my Mac and IOS devices, respectively. Why two systems? To take full advantage of Insightly CRM (see above). I need an email program that can auto-bcc to a specific email address and Airmail and CloudMagic both do this whereas others do not. The Mac version of CloudMagic is a new release that doesn’t have some of the great features (Trello and Evernote integration) available on the IOS version and doesn’t support “Rules” for email management. Airmail is the “stand in” until the Newton people upgrade the system.
I have tried a range of calendar systems but Google Calendar (https://www.google.com/calendar) is the one that works across all platforms and integrates easily with my other apps. It just works.
Alternatives will include Outlook (https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/outlook-com/), Apple Mail and Apple Calendar.
Other communication tools that I use are Skype (https://www.skype.com/en/), GoToWebinar (http://www.gotomeeting.com/webinar). They are really important communication tools for me as they enable me to communicate with my team but also with external parties to my business.They are available across all my platforms.
We are also using Active Campaign (http://www.activecampaign.com/) for our Outbound Marketing. Until recently, we were using Mailchimp (http://www.mailchimp.com).
6. Finances
I’ve swapped my whole business over to Xero (https://www.xero.com/au/) because it’s cloud-based and it gives me leverage to log in to other apps. Xero also links to my CRM (Insightly.com) which enables me to have a complete view of my clients from a contact and a financial perspective.
Another app I use is Receipt Bank (http://www.receipt-bank.com/). When I travel, instead of coming back with a wallet full of receipts, that I then don’t have enough time to sit down and actually do anything with, Receipt Bank allows me to take a photo of the receipt with my Phone and upload it to their server where details such as Vendor Name, ABN, sale amount, tax amount and date is inputed to the system. My bookkeeper then comes in and codes it against the relevant code for my Xero chart of accounts and uploads it. It pays for itself by simplifying the process of claiming my allowable business deductions.
Other finance tools to consider are: MYOB (http://myob.com.au/), Entryless (https://www.entryless.com/) and Shoeboxed (https://www.shoeboxed.com/).
7. Operations
I don’t have lots of operational software in my business but my Mindshop Online system (http://www.web.mindshop.com/) is where I give my clients access to a wide range of business tools and online training programs, and where I coach over 100 people. It is available on my desktop and IOS devices.
Other businesses may have some specific operational software that is important to the running and maintenance of their business.
Office365 for Windows and Mac (https://products.office.com/en-au/business/explore-office-365-for-business#ZBALHsKeuqAqAp7o.97) is also a great product. It’s cheap, it’s about $10 per month for about 5 users on a Home package – the Business Package is pretty good value as well. It keeps you up-to-date with new software releases – you get the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Note, Publisher and you get 1 terabyte of free storage using OneDrive per user.
What apps will be important to you and how will you ensure that they work together to leverage your time and resources? Take the time to follow the process in the first article – http://www.sbdbusiness.com.au/business-tips/ecosystem-of-apps-and-tools/ and don’t just have a random collection of apps. Make sure they integrate.
If you would like to have a more detailed discussion of the process and apps, you will find our recorded webinar on this topic at http://www.sbdbusiness.com.au/productivity-apps-tools/
I’d be interested to know what apps are you using that are critical to your “ecosystem” – comment below.
I find that many people have apps and tools that they use that don’t work with each other, don’t work across platforms and are actually a “pain in the neck” as they increase complexity and reduce productivity.
Therefore, it’s really important that you find an ecosystem of tools that will work together to give you increased productivity and better leverage. The term “ecosystem” is really important because I envisage a system of software apps and tools that is interconnected and supportive of the others, and all works in harmony to create the desired outcome.
And when I say “will work,” I’m really talking about a couple of powerful words: synergistic – tools that build on each other and leverage off each other, and integration – working across multiple platforms in multiple ways.
It’s important to know how to pick the right software and tools to drive Personal and Team productivity and to find a simple way to select the apps that will work.
This is why I’ll take you through a 6-step process that I’ve been using to really pare back the number of apps and things that I’ve been using and to focus on the ones that really add value to me and my business. You will need to modify my list for your particular situation.
Our 6-Step Ecosystem Process
Define your core technology – get your desktop and mobile technology right. What tools are you using and why?
Make sure the technology works together – it is absolutely critical to leverage this up and get your core technology working and sorted (Windows v Apple v Android).
Define the key elements of your ecosystem – What are the key areas that you must focus on in your business? e.g.. sales, finance, data storage, client information, etc.
Select core apps that are “Fit for Purpose” & productive – what are the best apps for you? Are they intuitive? Do they give you leverage?
Do these apps work across all platforms? – Review your preferred apps…do they work across all your platforms and sync your data seamlessly?
Do they integrate with other apps? – How well do your preferred apps “play with others”? If there are not high levels of interoperability then find another option.
When I followed the process and started defining my ecosystem, I really thought about the key functions that I wanted to get right and ended up mapping out 7 areas that are really important for me and my business.
Selecting your own ecosystem of apps and tools to improve your productivity doesn’t have to be a complex task. You don’t have to have lots and lots of systems – I maybe only have 5 or 6 core programs that I use and that are really important to success in my business.
You just need to take the time to understand your needs and evaluate on the basis of its functionality and interoperability to give you the real leverage you need in your business.
The next article in this series explores the apps and tools that I use in each of my key areas to lift productivity and efficiency. You will find this article at http://www.sbdbusiness.com.au/business-tips/apps-in-your-eco-system/
Change is a fundamental and common element to our business environment and this will continue to impact on the whole Australian economy for the next few years. As we have discussed previously, both the volume and rate of change are growing exponentially. Very few businesses proactively plan to overcome or respond to the opportunities that change creates.
A business’s ability to manage and implement change effectively is critically important, now more so than ever. To remain competitive and sustain vibrant businesses, quick and effective action is required to maintain long term financial viability. Major changes include:
the impact of globalisation
the adoption of innovation and technology
the change in the demographics of our target markets
the change in labor dynamics
the personalised marketing demands of customers
the ecological issues and changing government regulations
These changes have had wide reaching implications on how businesses must develop to remain competitive and effective in the future.
Why is change so hard?
Have you ever wondered why some companies seem to thrive despite economic uncertainty, while many of their competitors seem to struggle for survival? Is it that one company’s products are so much superior to that of another? Possibly, but not likely.
The fundamental problem in many companies is an inability to adapt to current changes in competitive forces and buying behavior. As humans we have a natural instinct to resist change.
Change can be uncertain and uncertainty breeds insecurity. Therefore, the instinct to resist change is the result of our basic need for security. We will change only when our dissatisfaction (or discomfort) with the status quo becomes so great that we can no longer tolerate the results (and missed opportunities) that come from practicing our old and established ways. Then and only then can we implement and sustain a process of change.
How do we embrace change?
What drives humans to change is also what drives companies to change. Companies that have embraced their dissatisfaction and developed a process of continuous improvement (i.e., change) that has resulted in streamlined business processes, greater competitive advantage and improved decision-making are the growing and successful companies we observe today.
Take their example and take note that the future is not a random event. Act now to influence your own future because if you don’t then someone else will. Planning is all about creating your future. Your vision is your future. If you believe it, you can see it and if you can see it, you can influence it.
To assist your business in adapting to change, we have developed a Change Success Diagnostic based on Chris Mason’s PhD research. Chris’ model is a simple and elegant approach to managing change that highlights 10 key elements in successful change projects. Use it to lift your potential success rate above the standard 30%.
Discover your potential for change success in under 5 minutes with our free Change Success Diagnostic Tool – http://www.sbdbusiness.com.au/change-success-diagnostic/
“Traditional ways of managing a business are coming to an end.” – Gary Hamel, The Future of Management
It has been a recurring theme in our blogs and webinars that we are in a fast-changing business environment and that we need to update our processes and systems within our organisations for us to cope.
The quote above is taken from the best-selling book “The Future of Management” by World strategy guru and author, Gary Hamel where he adds, in direct quote,
“New problems demand new principles. Put bluntly, there’s simply no way to build tomorrow’s essential organisational capabilities—resilience, innovation and employee engagement—atop the scaffolding of 20th century management principles.”
Another business thought-leader, Alex Osterwalder talks about the urgent need for ‘business model innovation’ in his publications where he states that:
“Companies that aren’t able to systematically rejuvenate their business model will struggle to survive and thrive in the future.”
When you combine the innovative, clever thinking from these gurus with other new management thinking over the past 10 years, the big question is this:
“What is a Business Leader of the future supposed to do next?”
While it is inspiring to hear stories of Steve Jobs from Apple or how Google drive their operations, how does the leader of a successful small to medium-sized business decide what latest thinking to take on board? How do they decide what is right for their business?How do they make it stick?
Adopting all of the new management thinking available from books, the internet and other resources would have any Business Leader twisted into knots attempting to be the world’s best motivator, creative thinker, leader, strategist, team player, coach or lean specialist. So to assist Business Leaders determine what first steps to take for future success, we have compiled the 10 key traits of a future business leader.
1. I act as a ‘coach’ rather than a ‘manager.’
What is the difference between coaching and managing? Managing requires a Command and Control Culture while Coaching requires a Success Culture.
The Command & Control Culture is where ideas, policies, directives, and initiatives flow from the “top” of the organizational pyramid downwards.
The Success Culture, on the other hand, adopts a mutual relationship and is where ideas, policies and initiatives are mutually generated and considered.
2. The business can function effectively without me.
Do you give members a chance to be their own bosses by letting them work with autonomy and self-control so they can develop new skills and increase job satisfaction?
3. I have a simple, clear approach to developing strategies.
Understanding that a clear business strategy is critical for the success of your company, you are providing focus to your business and aligning resources to achieve expected results.
4. I have a high level of ‘self-awareness’ or Emotional Intelligence.
You develop tools for leveraging strengths and confronting weaknesses by fostering self-awareness. Leaders with self-awareness earn credibility and cultivate relationships based on trust and respect, and they remain open to new ideas, inquiry, and constructive criticism.
5. I have strong financial management skills.
Financial managers oversee and direct the financial activities of their organisation.
6. I am a good communicator.
One of the most important aspects of leadership is communication. Without good communication, you can fail to gain commitment from your employees, fail to achieve business goals and fail to develop rapport with the people on your team.
7. I am good listener.
Understanding that listening is also crucial from a business perspective. When emotions are high, it can interfere with clear thinking so you allow employees to address their emotions and help them move beyond the situation at hand in an effective way, so they can get back to business.
8. I have a strong network of peers to use as a strategic sounding board.
Leveraging the elements of networking—seeking out personal contacts who can be objective and be strategic counselors, or be able to transform colleagues in adjacent functions into a constituency.
9. I am a good implementer, things get done when I’m involved.
You encourage your team to be creative and allow out-of-the-box thinking to find solutions to problems.
10. I have strong life-balance.
You live by example and promote a balance between work, family and outside interests in your staff. By doing so, you develop stronger loyalty and achieve higher retention rates.
Now, analyse WHERE you want to be as a business in 5 years’ time. This will provide a peg in the ground for the amount of evolution required for you as a Business Leader. Use this to help in the gap analysis exercise below.
Top 10 traits of a Future Business Leader – GAP ANALYSIS
Rate on a scale of -5 to +5 with -5 being ‘Very Low’ and +5 being ‘Very High’ how much you agree with each statement below? First complete it for where you are NOW and then WHERE you want to be:
Once you have completed the gap analysis, identify your top three largest gaps. These should now become your three strategies to work on to become a more effective ‘Business Leader of the Future’. Implementing these strategies effectively with robust actions is your next challenge.
While it is inspiring to read the latest management books and new management thinking articles, it is critical to remember that it is a journey and there are clear steps that need to be achieved first before you can reach your end goals. And, attempting to race straight to the perceived finish line will have a negative impact on yourself, your team and your business.
